| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-4
[top] |
Depart Home / Vienna, Austria
Fly overnight to Vienna, Austria. A Vantage representative will greet you and assist you with your transfer. (If you like, begin your journey 3 days earlier with our extension to Prague!)
On day 3: Cultural Connection: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, and Strauss — you’ll learn about “Vienna’s Musical Tradition” at a morning lecture aboard ship. Then begin your acquaintance with elegant Vienna on a city tour featuring the Ringstrasse and opulent Schönbrunn Palace — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Crown the day by attending a classical concert at the famed Kursalon Music Hall.
Day 4 is free for you to explore Vienna at your own pace. If you like, join an exciting optional tour. That evening, you’re cordially invited to the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner.
ms River Explorer (2B,3L,3D) |
5
[top] |
Bratislava, Slovakia
The vibrant capital of newly independent Slovakia, Bratislava, isn’t
new at all — it was already a thriving city in the 12th century, and
served as the capital of Hungary in the 16th. You’ll glimpse the city’s
diverse history on a walking tour.
ms River Explorer (B,L,D) |
6-10
[top] |
Hungary
Cultural Connection: When you arrive in the village of Neszmély, the
mayor will greet you with palinka (homemade brandy) and fresh bread.
Next, help local ladies make rétes (Hungarian strudel). Then join the
villagers for a community al fresco meal, with rétes for dessert.
Continue along the Danube into the heart of majestic Budapest — a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Day 7, you’ll get to know the city on a
tour of both Buda and Pest, including visits to storybook Fisherman’s
Bastion and Matthias Church, named for a 15th-century king. Enjoy the
afternoon at leisure or join an optional tour of the Budapest Opera
House.
Day 8 is at leisure. Consider joining our optional tour to the celebrated Herend Porcelain Herend Factory. Or
take an optional tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
The following morning you’re off on a full-day tour into the
unspoiled Hungarian steppe, or Puszta, a UNESCO World Heritage
Landscape. At a working ranch you’ll enjoy lunch, a horse and carriage
ride, and a daring equestrian performance.
From your next stop, Mohacs, you’ll set out on an excursion to
Pecs. Your sightseeing tour in Pecs includes a wine tasting and features the magnificent Basilica
of St. Peter and the Roman Necropolis, together they are recognized as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ms River Explorer (5B,5L,5D) |
11
[top] |
Vukovar (Osijek), Croatia
From Vukovar, you’ll set out for the lively university city of Osijek.
Cultural Connection: Following a lecture about Croatia’s struggle for
independence, enjoy an unforgettable lunch at the home of a Croatian
family.
ms River Explorer (B,L,D) |
12
[top] |
Belgrade, Serbia
Cultural Connection: Attend a lecture on the changes taking place in modern Serbia, then discover the country’s capital, Belgrade, on a half-day tour featuring Kalemegdan fortress. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or join an optional tour of the Blue Train, the private train of former Yugoslavian President Joseph Broz Tito. This evening enjoy a traditional Serbian folk dance performance on board.
ms River Explorer (B,L,D) |
13
[top] |
Cruising the Danube
As you cruise today, listen to commentary about the Iron Gates dam.
This engineering marvel allows your ship access to the spectacular
cliffs of the Danube Gorges.
ms River Explorer (B,L,D) |
14
[top] |
Vidin, Bulgaria
Your sightseeing tour of Vidin features the impressive Baba Vida
fortress, which originated in the 10th century. Cultural Connection:
Vidin is also known for its fine vintages, which you’ll sample at a
wine tasting.
ms River Explorer (B,L,D) |
15
[top] |
Silistra, Bulgaria
From Silistra you’ll set off on a full-day excursion to Varna — a
major port trading with Constantinople, Venice, and Dubrovnik in
medieval times. Just outside the cosmopolitan city, beautiful beaches
beckon. You’ll explore this ancient gem, virtually undiscovered by
Americans, on a tour with lunch included.
ms River Explorer (B,L,D) |
16
[top] |
Ruse, Bulgaria / Giurgiu, Romania
Cultural Connection: As your ship arrives in Ruse this morning, join
us for an informative lecture on the expansion of the European Union.
Founded as a Roman stronghold in the 1st century ad, Ruse is at the
crossroads of Bulgarian history. Your tour includes a visit to the
Russian Orthodox Church of Sveta Troica, or Holy Trinity Church,
boasting impressive murals and icons. Back on board ship, you’ll be
delighted by children performing Bulgarian dances.
ms River Explorer (B,L,D) |
17
[top] |
Disembark Ship / Transfer to Bucharest
Disembark the ship and transfer to the hotel in Bucharest. En route, enjoy the included tour of Bucharest, capital of Romania. You’ll glimpse
the city’s past grandeur and see the enormous People’s Palace. Made
from Transylvanian marble, it is the heaviest building in the world.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll transfer to your hotel for a
one-night stay. Your Farewell Dinner is this evening.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel  (B,L,D) |
18
[top] |
Bucharest / Return Home
You can add three more days in fascinating Bucharest with our optional extension.
(B) |
Please note: Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Fluctuating water levels may affect itinerary.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above
day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change.
If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be
notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur
while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager.
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