| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
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Depart Home / Amsterdam, The Netherlands / Embark Ship
When you arrive in The Netherlands after your overnight flight, a Vantage Representative will meet you and arrange your transfer. (Or, depart 3 days earlier when you add our optional 3-night extension in this beguiling city.)
Once you’re aboard, you can unpack and settle into your comfortable, well-designed stateroom. After a light lunch on board, attend a Welcome Briefing. Bon voyage!
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (L,D) |
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Cologne, Germany
Cultural Connection: As your ship sails to Cologne this morning, you’re invited to attend a fascinating talk about Europe’s rivers, their important role as ancient “highways,” and their continued prominence in daily life and commerce.
You’ll know you’re approaching 2,000-year-old Cologne when the spires of the splendid Cathedral rise up into view. On your included tour, you’ll stroll from the ship to this impressive 13th-century Cologne Cathedral — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be amazed by this masterpiece of flying buttresses and sneering gargoyles that rivals Notre Dame in Paris. Inside the Cathedral you’ll find the revered Shrine of the Three Magi.
Later, feast and celebrate setting sail at the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner with local entertainment.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Cologne / Rüdesheim, Germany
Today, take in the natural splendor as we cruise through the dramatic scenery of the Rhine Gorge. As we pass the imposing Lorelei cliff, which soars above a narrow bend in the river, you’ll hear the ancient Legend of the Lorelei. This German folktale stars the lovely Lorelei, a siren who would lure sailors to crash their boats against the rocks.
Cultural Connection: This evening, you’ll step ashore in Rüdesheim for dinner at a local restaurant. Savor hearty local fare accompanied by musical entertainment.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Rüdesheim, Germany
You’ll be enchanted by Rüdesheim, a Rhine Valley wine town of winding lanes and half-timbered houses, where you’ll choose one of two included tours today.
Ride a cable car to the Niederwald Monument, dedicated to the unification of Germany in 1871. You’ll glide above hillside vineyards and take in magnificent views of the Rhine Valley.
Or you can choose to tour Siegfried’s Musikkabinett, a delightful museum of antique self-playing music makers, from tiny music boxes to life-sized animated musicians.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Frankfurt (Heidelberg), Germany / Aschaffenburg, Germany
Set off from Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg (a destination many other tour companies do not include). Although the city is many centuries old, it remains young at heart thanks to the students of Heidelberg University, Germany’s oldest college.
When you arrive in Heidelberg, you’ll tour 15th-century Heidelberg Castle, an imposing Gothic-Renaissance ruin of red stone that illustrates the history of Germany. Then you’ll have free time to explore, with money provided for lunch at the restaurant of your choosing. Later, you’ll rejoin the ship in Aschaffenburg and enjoy live entertainment on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Wertheim
A morning of scenic cruising brings us to the small Franconian town of Wertheim, located where the Tauber River flows into the Main. Cultural Connection: The Wertheim region is celebrated for its fine glassware, and a local glass blower will join us aboard ship to demonstrate this age-old art.
Next, you’ll step back in time on a walking tour of Wertheim’s cobblestone streets and squares, viewing handsome half-timbered houses and a Gothic church.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Würzburg (Rothenburg)
Today you’ll discover the “Romantic Road,” Bavaria’s fairy tale region of beam-and-stucco houses, turreted castles, and unspoiled countryside. You’ll begin in Würzburg, a handsome city on the Main River that wielded enormous power in the days of prince-bishops.
Here you’ll choose one of two included tours. The first takes you to the wonderfully preserved medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s storybook “Romantic Road” towns. Step into the Middle Ages you enter the city’s gates for a walking tour featuring the Marktplatz and the remarkable Town Hall.
Or, choose a tour of the grand Würzburg Residenz, a gilded baroque palace built in 1720 that is now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight of your guided tour is the magnificent staircase. Imagine the dignitaries, including Napoleon, who once made their grand entrance here. Cultural Connection: You’ll also visit the Residenz’s own wine cellar for a tasting of Franconian wines. Vineyards from the Franconian region produce a surprising array of wines, from very dry to sweet. You’ll also have time to relax and wander in the lovely gardens. When you return to the ship, settle in for an afternoon of scenic cruising.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Bamberg
You’re sure to agree that Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Prosperous and influential as early as the 12th century, Bamberg has an ancient town hall that straddles the river, a great soaring cathedral, and countless Renaissance palaces and baroque residences.
On your walking tour of the lovely Old Town, you’ll see many examples of the city’s well-preserved medieval half-timbered architecture. Bamberg is also the center of a rich Bavarian beer-brewing tradition, with no less than nine breweries making their home in the city. An optional afternoon excursion gives you the chance to sample Bamberg’s famous “Rauchbier,” a smoky dark lager “Bambergers” have enjoyed for centuries.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Nuremberg / Main-Danube Canal
Cultural Connection: As your ship arrives into Nuremberg this morning, you’ll hear a lecture on “The Development of a Typical German Town,” using Nuremberg as the example.
On your city tour of Nuremberg, you’ll encounter an abundance of history. Although the city center was damaged by Allied bombing during World War II, it has been painstakingly rebuilt — using the original stones. You’ll visit the Hitler’s Rally Grounds and the Documentation Center, where you can examine the city’s World War II history. After your tour, your Program Manager will provide you with lunch money to use wherever you choose. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a visit either to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, the renowned German print maker and artist, or to the Toy Museum, celebrating the city’s history as a toy-making center — it’s your choice.
As you cruise on to Regensburg tonight, your ship will transit the Main-Danube Canal — a travel milestone!
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Regensburg
Cultural Connection: This morning you’ll hear a lecture about the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that joins Europe’s rivers and creates an uninterrupted pathway from the North Sea to the Black Sea.
Your next port, 2,000-year-old Regensburg, has remained remarkably unscathed by the strife that periodically overran Europe, making the city a virtual living museum of European architecture. For example, on today’s walking tour you’ll touch ancient Roman stones at Porta-Praetoria Arch and cross the medieval Stone Bridge. You’ll also enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
Cultural Connection: On your return to the ship, you’ll be delighted by local entertainment on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Passau
Cultural Connection: This morning you’ll hear a lecture on the European Union, followed by a walking tour of Passau. As you’ll discover, the compact old city occupies a narrow strip of land at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. As you stroll the winding streets, you’ll visit the City Hall, and see Residence Square, dominated by an impressive fountain.
One highlight you can view from almost anywhere in the city is enormous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, last rebuilt in its current baroque style in the 17th-century.
Cultural Connection: Inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral — which is beautifully decorated with frescoes — you’ll hear an included concert on the world's largest church organ. The organ has 17,388 pipes and 231 registers! As you listen, admire the cathedral’s magnificent golden pulpit.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Vienna, Austria
When you awake this morning we’ll be well underway, en route to Vienna. Relax as your ship waltzes through the incredibly scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley’s castles and walled villages, nestled among vineyard-covered hills, create a beautiful riverscape that has changed little since medieval times.
The beauty of river cruising is that you can take in the view while sitting in the lounge with a cup of tea or relaxing on the Solaris Deck with a good book.
Cultural Connection: You can also learn how to make delicious apple strudel during this morning’s special demonstration.
Today’s destination is Vienna, home to such musical luminaries as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, and Schubert, to name just a few. You can choose to join an included tour featuring sights associated with these great composers, such as the Mozarthaus, where the maestro composed some of his greatest works; the gilded monument to Johann Strauss, the “Waltz King;” and the celebrated Vienna State Opera (when available).
Or, you may instead join an included tour to majestic Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the palace and its gardens, the fascinating history of many Habsburg monarchs is on display.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Vienna
Cultural Connection: After a lecture on “Vienna’s Musical Tradition,” you’ll marvel at the city’s grandeur as you follow the Ringstrasse, lined with baroque buildings ordered by Austria’s Habsburg kings, on a panoramic city tour. Your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll browse the collections of the world-famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) or visit the impressive Hofburg Palace. A courtesy bus into the city center will be provided for your convenience. This evening enjoy the Captain's Farewell Reception and dinner.
Cultural Connection: This evening, you’re in for a very special treat, — a private classical music concert at the Kursalon, one of Vienna’s most magnificent buildings. Built in 1867 in the Italian renaissance style, the Kursalon held its first Johann Strauss concert on October 15, 1868. Today the Kursalon sparkles anew after recent renovations, inviting audiences to once again experience magical evenings. In fact it was here, over a century ago, that the brothers Strauss performed their famous Promenade Concerts as elegant couples waltzed along.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Budapest, Hungary
As your river cruise draws to a close, enjoy a final morning of relaxing and scenic sailing.
Your final port of call is Hungary’s charming capital, Budapest. Draped over several hills on a gentle curve in the Danube, the majestic city created by the merger of the towns of Buda and Pest is an architectural gem of baroque buildings, interesting streets and squares, and lively shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants.
The city center along the Danube has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you’ve spent some time here, you’ll be sure to understand why so many Vantage travellers have written to say what an unexpected treasure they found Budapest to be.
Today you’ll get to know the “Queen of the Danube” on an included panoramic tour. On the Buda side of the river, you’ll visit historic Matthias Church, and storybook Fishermen’s Bastion, which offers stunning views of Pest (including the imposing Parliament House).
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
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Budapest / Disembark Ship / Return Home
Or, stay in Budapest for our 3-night extension.
Note: On the reverse itinerary, dinner ashore is in Würzburg instead of Rüdesheim.
(B) |
Please note: Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Fluctuating water levels may affect itinerary.
On the Budapest-Amsterdam itinerary, the dinner ashore is in Würzburg, and on the Amsterdam-Budapest itinerary, the dinner ashore is in Rüdesheim.
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