The wines of the fertile Moselle region are world-famous, and on this river cruise, you’ll see — and taste! — why. While riesling is without a doubt the most well-known, there are plenty of other varietals you’ll try both with enriching new on-the-ground features and added onboard tastings, besides:

• Embark on a wine walk as your choice of tours in Rüdesheim
• Wine pairing dinners on board give you context and enlightenment about the scenery and luscious vineyards you’ve seen from your river ship — with many different samples
• Tour the Residenz Palace in UNESCO-listed Würzburg, with an included wine tasting
• Add on more samples during an optional Viennese Heurigen Dinner, a lively affair with local music

There is nothing quite like seeing a destination by bicycle. Getting away from the crowds, navigating to places you can’t reach on four wheels, and the pure invigoration of traveling combined with exercise… cycling adds completely new dimensions to your journey. Enjoy complimentary use of the high-end bicycles and use one of our suggested route maps to explore. Click here for more Biking information.

• Regensburg: Cycle Regensburg’s monuments and history, including Walhalla Memorial Hall, during a medium-paced 14-mile route
• Passau: Follow the beautiful Ilz River along an extremely scenic medium-paced 10-mile route
• Vienna: Enjoy the architecture of Vienna, including panoramic sights of the city’s skyline, during a medium-paced eight-mile route
• Budapest: See the most magnificent sites of Budapest, including Freedom Bridge, Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament Building during an easy five-mile route

Some of the richest culinary traditions in the world can be found in central Europe, and you’ll experience these firsthand on this journey. In addition to savoring delectable meals, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in intimate cooking classes with our world-class chefs and learn how to prepare local delicacies — and then savor them! Here are just a few of the culinary treasures that await you on this journey:

• Heidelberg: Rub elbows with the locals over lunch at a traditional restaurant in the ancient town of Heidelberg, and enjoy an included drink
• Marktheidenfeld: Savor a delectable BBQ lunch after a tour of a local German village. The live traditional music here will add to the ambiance
• Vienna: You’ll enjoy several opportunities of culinary education while you’re in the Austrian capital. Learn how to make an authentic apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Styrian Pot Roast, and Tiroler Gröstl (an Austrian breakfast hash) in separate culinary demonstrations by the ship’s chef. Please note that the actual dishes in any of our culinary demonstrations may be different, at the discretion of the chef.
• Nuremberg: Enjoy yet another captivating culinary educational session, as you learn to make the German equivalent of macaroni and cheese, called kässpätzle
• Cologne: You’ll sample local beer with regional specialties throughout your trip, but perhaps the most special experience will be a special tasting of Kölsch beer. The New York Times once stated that drinking a Kölsch is “more than just drinking a beer: it's like drinking an entire culture”

Europe is the epicenter of Western music; some of the greatest musicians and composers have honed their craft in this part of the world. On this journey, you’ll experience a wealth of unforgettable musical moments — whether aboard your deluxe river ship or admiring the skill of master musicians at a venerable music venue.

• Vienna: Enjoy an exclusive private concert at the Kursalon Music Hall. Thanks to the royal patronage family the Habsburgs, luminaries of the classical music world once flocked to Vienna. Today, the city is still recognized throughout the world for excellent classical music performances like the one you’ll experience. You’ll also listen to a lecture on "Musical Vienna" from a local expert, who will provide some context for your time here in one of music’s greatest cities
• Passau: You’ll get a chance to visit the imposing Baroque Cathedral of St. Stephen’s — a visit that will include an organ concert. St. Stephen’s is home to the largest organ in Europe, and this is sure to be a powerful and moving experience

• Cruise through two UNESCO World Heritage landscapes — the Rhine Gorge and the Wachau Valley — enjoying views of hilltop castles, ancient monasteries, terraced vineyards, and charming villages
• Join a tour of Nuremberg on an excursion that reveals the city’s role during and after World War II
• On separate tours, explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vienna: the city’s historic center and Schönbrunn Palace
• Take in panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion on a city tour of Budapest — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Attend shipboard lectures on the “Main-Danube Canal” and “Germany in the 21st Century: Changes & Challenges”
• Enjoy the opportunity to visit 9 total UNESCO sites when you add on our optional extensions

You’ll want to have your camera ready at all times to capture the majesty of every castle, cathedral, and historic palace you’ll see on this cruisetour. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers different lighting and unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature!
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle and enjoy the adventure. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high or, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take a selfie! You’ll be glad to have a few portraits of yourself at the distinctive landmarks you’ll find on this journey
• Look beyond landmarks — sometimes everyday scenes are just as inspiring, and a lesson in embracing the unexpected and seizing the moment in front of you

Architecture is the buzzword on this cruisetour that takes you to the greatest icons in Austria, Germany, and Hungary. Along the way, you’ll get a real feel for the unique cultures of these countries, enhanced by musical performances, lectures, and more. Here are just a few highlights:

• Attend a private concert at the Kursalon in Vienna — you’ll already know all about this city’s musical heritage after a lively “Musical Vienna” lecture
• Visit the Museum of Art History in Vienna
• Peruse Siegfried’s Musikkabinett, Germany’s first museum collection of automated musical instruments
• Tour the German village of Marktheidenfeld and hear some traditional live music
• Delve deeper into Nuremberg’s WWII history and visit the Documentation Center on the “Nuremberg and World War II” tour
• Attend an organ concert at Passau’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Catholic monuments abound on this tour, but you’ll also confront Germany’s World War II history in the town of Nuremberg, once a center of the Nazi regime, and where a five-day battle between the U.S. and the Nazis once raged. Here are a few religious highlights on this cruise:

• Visit Regensburg Cathedral, a prime example of Gothic architecture in Bavaria and the city’s most important church and landmark
• Embark on the “Nuremberg and World War II” tour and visit the Documentation Center and delve deeper into the city’s WWII history
• Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau, home to the largest organ in the world

Stay active on your cruise along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers! In addition to morning onboard stretching and yoga offerings (features vary by departure), you’ll enjoy a bevy of active endeavors:

• Extend your walks! Your Cruise Director or local guide can suggest scenic routes by location
• Reserve a complimentary bicycle aboard ship and explore designated biking routes in select cities such as Cologne and Vienna
• Make use of your ship’s fitness room and Vantage Sanctuary Spa™ services, including massage

Your solo-friendly river cruise has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• Complimentary biking options — take a spin alongside your Concierge, who will lead small-group bike rides, or explore independently with our complimentary locks, helmets, and biking maps
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations

The Worldwide Concierge service will be available throughout your entire river cruise to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.