Danube Splendor: A Holiday Cruise - 2018

Today, fly overnight to Munich, Germany and transfer to Regensburg. You can also begin your journey earlier with an optional pre-trip extension to Prague.

Prepare to experience the joys of a festive river cruise, steeped in Old World splendor. Upon arrival in Regensburg, a Vantage representative will assist you with boarding the ship. You’ll catch glimpses of this city's remarkable architecture, some of which dates back as far as the 11th century, along the way. After a Welcome Drink with the Captain, you’ll enjoy dinner onboard.

Unforgettable Moment: On a walking tour in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire ancient Roman stones at Porta-Praetoria Arch and try a wonderful culinary surprise. Later, you'll have leisure time to explore the town on your own or try some Gluehwein with the Cruise Director as you visit the local Christmas market. 

Biking Opportunity: Explore Regensburg’s monuments and history, including Walhalla Memorial Hall, during a medium 14-mile route. Click here for details.

More baroque splendor awaits you in Passau, favorably located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. Admire the Old Town's beguiling combination of Italian baroque and medieval architecture on your walking tour. Cultural Connection: Learn the secrets of making one of Germany's most famous sweets — "Lebkuchen," also known as gingerbread — at a demonstration at a local bakery. You can then spend some time visiting Passau's Christmas Market located just outside St. Stephan's Cathedral. 

Biking Opportunity: Follow the beautiful Ilz River along an extremely scenic medium 10-mile route. Click here for details.

Today, you’ll have a choice of tours. Enjoy an exploration of lovely Linz, a former Roman settlement with a rich history as a trade hub along the Danube. Or set off for Salzburg, the baroque jewel of a city nestled in the Austrian Alps, where you’ll see many fine examples of notable architecture and some of the locales featured in The Sound of Music. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll have time to soak up the charm – and peruse the wares – of the local Christmas market. Cultural Connection: After dinner, enjoy some local entertainment in the lounge.

Today, venture to Vienna, where you’ll begin your day with a fascinating lecture on the Christmas traditions of Austria. Then set off on a panoramic city drive, giving you a comprehensive view of this storied city at the heart of central Europe. Unforgettable Moment: Then admire the aristocratic elegance of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a special tour of this elaborate palace complex. Your afternoon is free to explore Vienna, including the dazzling Christmas Market. Or, you can choose to join an optional tour full of food, music, and winetasting during a Viennese heurigen dinner.

Biking Opportunity: Enjoy the architecture of Vienna, including panoramic sights of the city’s skyscrapers, during a medium 8-mile route. Click here for details.

Start your day by taking in a majestic rehearsal of the famed Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. Return to the ship for lunch, then catch the Vantage shuttle back to the center of Vienna where you can visit the fabulous Christmas Market here. Cultural Connection  and Unforgettable Moment: This evening you'll attend an exclusive private classical music concert at the Kursalon Music Hall, where Johann Strauss often performed.

Get to know Bratislava today. On your walking tour, glimpse the city's diverse historical sites — including Bishop’s Palace, Main Square, and the National Theater – before taking in a classical organ recital at a local church. This afternoon, you'll have free time to visit the Christmas Market, where you can find fine crystal, handmade leather slippers, and honey wine in uniquely shaped bottles, and other treasures. In the evening, enjoy Christmas tree-decorating ceremony and onboard evening entertainment with your fellow travelers.

Disembark your river cruise ship and transfer to the Budapest airport to return home. Or stay in the Hungarian capital for your extension.

Biking Opportunity: Enjoy the most magnificent sites of Budapest, including Freedom Bridge, Chain Bridge, and the Hungarian Parliament Building during an easy 5-mile route. Click here for details.