| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
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Depart Home / Overnight Flight to Munich, Germany (or depart 3 days earlier for Prague extension)
When you arrive in Munich after your included overnight international flight, a Vantage representative will greet you at the airport and arrange your motorcoach transfer to Nuremberg. (If you like, add another country to your vacation with our optional 3-night extension to Prague.)
ms River Odyssey (D) |
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Nuremberg
The day begins with a fascinating lecture, “The Development of a German Town,” illustrated throught the example of Nuremberg. This provides you with an excellent background for appreciating your city tour. You’ll see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the history-rich Old Town, the Imperial Castle. At Hitler’s parade grounds you'll visit the Documentation Center which illustrates the rise and fall of the Nazis. Your program manager will provide money for your lunch in Nuremberg. After lunch, the young at heart can choose an included visit to the Toy Museum, while art enthusiasts can choose the Albrecht Dürer House.This evening you’re invited to the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
4
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Kelheim (Welternberg), Germany
Today’s walking tour of Weltenburg includes a visit to the beautiful Danube Gorge, followed by a tour of Weltenburg Monastery, which sits right beneath the cliffs of the Gorge. Weltenburg Monastery is a gem of baroque architecture, and the monks here are famous for their dark ale brewing tradition. You’ll enjoy a stein or two of their award-winning beer at a tasting.
The best way to experience the wild, romantic Danube Gorge between Weltenburg and Kelheim is by boat — and that’s exactly what you’ll do. Our cruise allows you up-close views of the gorge’s densely wooded hillsides, castles, and stately homes.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
5
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Passau, Germany
On your walking tour of Passau, situated where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers meet, you’ll see gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In fact, we’ve arranged a exclusive concert at the Cathedral that allows you to experience the resonance of the largest church organ in Europe — with 17,388 pipes and 231 registers! As you listen, admire the Cathedral’s magnificent golden pulpit. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the town further on your own.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
6
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Linz (Salzburg), Austria
Today you’ll enjoy a full-day excursion from Linz to gorgeous Salzburg, a picturesque city filled with majestic peaks and peaceful lakes. You’ll be enchanted by the baroque Old Town, surrounded by alpine scenery, on your walking tour. You’ll also see Mozart’s birthplace, the Residenz, and Mozart Square, as well as sights featured in The Sound of Music. Enjoy some free time in Salzburg with money provided by your Program Manager for lunch on your own. This evening, immerse yourself in local entertainment on board.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
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Dürnstein, Austria
Dürnstein lies in the heart of the beautiful Wachau wine region, and boasts lovely terraced vineyards, medieval cobblestone streets, cozy wine taverns, and quaint townhouses. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a picture-postcard as you explore on a walking tour, followed by a visit to the Stiftskirche, the former Collegiate Church, instantly recognizable by its blue and white baroque facade. Here, you will enjoy a wine tasting. Above it all you’ll discover Kuenringer Castle, where Richard the Lionhearted was reputedly held prisoner.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
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Vienna, Austria
Waltz on to majestic Vienna, perhaps the most elegant city in all of Europe, where you’ll spend two full days. After a morning lecture on the Hapsburgs, experience the city’s grandeur for yourself on a tour featuring the elegant Ringstrasse and the Innenstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterwards, you’ll appreciate an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Back aboard ship, you’ll learn to dance like an Austrian at an included waltz lesson.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
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Vienna
Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, and Schubert are just a few of the musical luminaries who have called Vienna home. Today you can choose to join a “Musical Vienna” tour that takes you to places associated with these great composers. Or instead, you can choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, resplendent former home of the Habsburg monarchs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now one of the select UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your afternoon is at leisure, or join our Optional "Spies, Lies, and Allies" tour that explores Vienna after World War II.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
10
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Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated at the foothills of the Small Carpathian Mountains. Your walking tour of the history-rich Old Town includes historic Main Square, the Roland Fountain, Old Town Hall, the Michael Gate, the National Theater, and entrance into the Dom of St. Martin. Celebrate your journey this evening at a Captain’s Farewell Party and Farewell Dinner, followed by local entertainment on board ship.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
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Budapest, Hungary
Draped over several hills on a gentle curve in the Danube, the 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. Get to know this regal yet bohemian city on a city tour visiting Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Matthias Church. Joining the two sides across the Danube are the Liberty, Elisabeth, Chain, and Margaret bridges. This afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the picturesque artists' village of Szentendre.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
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Budapest / Disembark / Return Home
Or extend your stay in Budapest with our optional three-night extension. (B)
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