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The capital of and largest city in Germany, Berlin, is a study in contrasts. Its turbulent past gives way to a modern metropolis that is an artist's haven brimming with galleries and cultural institutions. This complex city houses many iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, its only surviving historical city gate, and the Reichstag Parliament Building. You'll have opportunities to explore Berlin's many notable sights and aesthetic sensibilities throughout your 3-night stay.
Your Price Includes:
Fly to Berlin
Fly overnight to Berlin, Germany, arriving on Day 2.
Uncover the best of Berlin
Welcome to Berlin! If you purchased your airfare through Vantage, upon arrival at the airport you will be met by a representative who will assist you with the transfer to your centrally-located hotel. After checking in, enjoy a Welcome Drink and Dinner.
Included meals:
See the sights of Berlin
Following breakfast this morning you’ll head out on a sightseeing tour of Berlin’s iconic landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. You’ll see the Reichstag, the lower house of Germany's national legislature; and the Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most beautiful public squares in Europe and site of Berlin’s famed wintertime Christmas Market. You’ll also have time to walk through the Topography of Terror, a museum that serves as a solemn memorial and place of remembrance honoring victims of the Holocaust. Your tour will also include a visit to Museum Island, a museum complex on the northern part of Spree Island in the historic heart of Berlin. This UNESCO-listed structure is one of the most visited in Berlin and is recognized as one of the most important museum sites in Europe.
After your tour, you’ll have leisure time to explore Berlin, with lunch and dinner on your own. Your knowledgeable City Host can provide recommendations for dining and other activities while you are here.
Potsdam walking tour and Sansoucci Palace
This morning you’ll enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a half-day excursion to Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg. Your short walking tour will bring you to the 18th-century Dutch Quarter, also known as “Little Amsterdam” because of the 134 Dutch-style, red brick buildings found in this neighborhood. Today, craft shops, art galleries, antique dealers, museums, and cozy cafés make up this well-preserved and popular area in Potsdam’s historic city center. Your tour includes admission to Sansoucci Palace, a large 18th-century villa and one time summer residence of Prussian king Frederick the Great. At the conclusion of your tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own before returning to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to spend as you wish.
Please note: Sanssouci Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays. If today's programs falls on a Monday, we will visit the New Palace instead.
Transfer to your ship in Mainz
You’ll start today with breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to the Berlin Airport to board your flight to Mainz. Upon arrival, embark your river ship and join Day 2 of the base tour.
YOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
Transfer to Berlin
Disembark your ship and head to the airport, where you board a flight to Berlin. Upon arrival, you will be met by a Vantage representative who will assist you with the transfer to your centrally-located hotel. After checking in, dinner is on your own tonight.
This morning you’ll enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a half-day excursion to Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg. Your short walking tour will bring you to the 18th-century Dutch Quarter, also known as “Little Amsterdam” because of the 134 Dutch-style, red brick buildings found in this neighborhood. Today, craft shops, art galleries, antique dealers, museums, and cozy cafés make up this well-preserved and popular area in Potsdam’s historic city center. Your tour includes admission to Sansoucci Palace, a large 18th-century villa and one time summer residence of Prussian king Frederick the Great. At the conclusion of your tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own before returning to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to do as you wish. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
Fly home
Today you’ll transfer to the Berlin airport for your return flight home.
Vantage invites you to Transylvania, where the lure of vampire legends awaits in Romania’s fabled central region, home to mountainous scenery, medieval villages, and Bran Castle — Dracula’s legendary manse. You’ll visit Prejmer Fortified Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and check another UNESCO Site off your list. Step inside bohemian Brasov, and a forested region of fairytales! *Please note that for pre- and post-trip extension travelers to enjoy the best pacing and airline routing, two days of base tour features will be listed in the itinerary below as noted (Days 3 and 7 for the pre-trip extension). For pre-trip extension travelers, your price includes:
Fly to Romania
Fly overnight to Bucharest, Romania.
Attend a Welcome Dinner and Briefing at your hotel
Arrive in Bucharest today. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers during a Welcome Dinner at the hotel, where you will also attend a Welcome Briefing.
Panoramic tour of Bucharest and exploring its historic buildings
Explore Bucharest’s grand monuments and leafy, old-world boulevards on a city tour that includes a choice of entrances. Unforgettable Moment: You can visit the infamous People’s Palace, the grandiose, sprawling, and never-completed administrative building initiated by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Alternatively, take a fascinating tour of Manuc’s Inn, Bucharest’s oldest hotel building, which was built as a way station for caravans and surrounds a large open courtyard. After lunch in Bucharest, we’ll travel into Transylvania, the mountainous, legend-haunted region in central Romania. Dinner is at a local restaurant in Brasov.
Please note: Today's activities are part of your base tour price.
Explore Brasov and Bran Castle
Following breakfast, explore more of Brasov, the compact baroque city that still retains the medieval walls and gates erected nine centuries ago by Saxon merchant princes. You’ll visit pretty Council Square, which is surrounded by tidy baroque buildings in pastel colors. The tall spire of the aptly named Black Church towers above. Then, embark on a tour to Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula. Return back to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Explore Brasov on your own
Enjoy a day at leisure in charming, walkable Brasov. In the evening, you're invited to join a pub crawl through Brasov.
Inside Prejmer Fortified Church
Today you’ll enjoy an included excursion to Prejmer Fortified Church, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site that was constructed in the 13th century by Teutonic knights and fortified by a circular wall in the 15th century by German colonists. Three hundred storage rooms on up to four levels held supplies for potential siege, and the fortress protected the church from 50 attacks over the course of history. You’ll learn about its victorious battles and those who protected it before returning to your hotel for a free evening.
Transylvanian delights: mountainous Sinaia and grand Peles Castle
Our tour of Transylvania continues as we travel through the scenic valleys and humble villages of the last medieval landscape in Europe. On the way, stop for lunch in Sinaia, a royal summer retreat, and visit the fairy-tale Peleș Castle. Afterward, we'll transfer to Giurgiu and embark ship.
Vantage invites you to Transylvania, where the lure of vampire legends awaits in Romania’s fabled central region, home to mountainous scenery, medieval villages, and Bran Castle — Dracula’s legendary manse. You’ll visit Prejmer Fortified Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and check another UNESCO Site off your list. Step inside bohemian Brasov, and a forested region of fairytales! *Please note that for pre- and post-trip extension travelers to enjoy the best pacing and airline routing, two days of base tour features will be listed in the itinerary below as noted (Days 25 and 29 for the post-trip extension). For post-trip extension travelers, your price includes:
Traveling through Transylvanian history
Today we’ll venture into Transylvania, the mountainous, legend-haunted region in central Romania. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch in Sinaia, a former royal summer retreat, and visit fairy-tale Peleș Castle. As we enter Transylvania proper, you’ll see why it’s known as the last medieval landscape in Europe. Our destination is charming Brasov, the compact baroque city that still retains the medieval walls and gates erected nine centuries ago by Saxon merchant princes. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. Please note: Today's activities are part of your base tour price.
Discover Brasov on a walking tour, then head to Bran Castle
Discover more of Brasov when you explore it by foot today. You’ll see the buzzing Piata Sfatului, Brasov’s main square, and more. You’ll have free time to get lunch on your own. Afterward, head to the imposing Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula. Return back to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, with dinner on your own.
Today we’ll make our way to Bucharest, Romania’s largest city and capital, where we’ll have lunch and embark on a panoramic tour. Afterwards, explore Bucharest’s grand monuments and leafy, old-world boulevards on a city tour that includes a choice of entrances. Unforgettable Moment: You can visit the infamous People’s Palace, the grandiose, sprawling, and never-completed administrative building initiated by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Alternatively, take a fascinating walking tour of Manuc’s Inn, Bucharest’s oldest hotel building, which was built as a way station for caravans and surrounds a large open courtyard. Dinner is included at your hotel.
Return home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.