Welcome to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands and an enchanting city, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. After you clear customs and claim your luggage, meet your Vantage Explorations Representative for your transfer to the port for embarkation. Explore the vessel and settle into your cabin, your home on the river for the next 15 days, before meeting the crew and fellow travelers.Â
Why walk along Amsterdam’s famous canals when you can experience them on a leisurely cruise. Step aboard our covered boats to discover the city’ canals. The leisurely 60-minute ride takes you through large and small canals, under low bridges and along magnificent Contour buildings and former warehouses from the 16th and 17th centuries.  Â
Effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, and encapsulates a timeline that spans more than 2,000 years. On our walking tour, you will experience the cathedral city up close, soaking in the city’s medieval charm including the world-famous cathedral, the love locks on the Hohenzollern Bridge and a fascinating stroll through the heart of Cologne’s Old Town.   Â
Koblenz impresses with its unique location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Since 2002, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site - "Upper Middle Rhine Valley". In Koblenz, embark on a city tour to discover the historical treasures Koblenz has to offer, including impressive monuments, well-preserved buildings and hidden gems. Stroll along the picturesque banks of the Rhine, past majestic landmarks and through lively neighborhoods that make up the vibrant heart of the city.  Â
On our way to Mainz, we sail past the Rock of Lorelei–a tall slate cliff that rises from the Rhine River. The rock is a natural wonder that is steeped in myth and legend, telling a story of a beautiful siren named Lorelei that once inhabited the rock, enchanting sailors with her mesmerizing song and causing them to lose their way in the treacherous currents below. Â
After a morning of scenic sailing, we arrive in Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Mainz is located directly on the Rhine, and we spend the afternoon exploring the city on a walking tour. Historic buildings bear witness to an eventful history, from Roman times 2,000 years ago to the present day. You will see St. Martin's Cathedral, the Electoral Palace and Haus zum Stein in the city center – the oldest preserved residential building in Main still standing from the Middle Ages. Learn about the most important figure in the city – Johannes Gutenberg, tracing his life's footsteps discovering the place of his birth, his baptismal church, the former printing houses, his retirement residence and his final resting place. Â
The small town of Wertheim is located where the river Tauber flows into the Main. Embark on an enchanting walking tour through its historic streets, traverse the picturesque alleys adorned with charming half-timbered houses nestled within and alongside the ancient city wall. Feel the allure of this captivating city come alive as you wander through the vibrant marketplace, beckoning visitors with its myriad of cozy cafes and inviting atmosphere. Behold the grandeur of Wertheim Castle as it stands proudly above the city, casting its majestic shadow. Explore other architectural marvels within the city, including the awe-inspiring collegiate church and the quaint St. Martin's Chapel, each poised to captivate your imagination and leave you spellbound.Â
Wurzburg is the heart of the Franconian wine region with its countless wineries, wine taverns, cellars and the world-famous Bocksbeutel. The town is also famous for its baroque and Rococo style buildings. Towering high above the Main River, the Marienberg Fortress hints at Wurzburg’s former power, where for centuries it was seat of the Würzburg prince-bishops. The fortress offers impressive panoramic views over the vineyards and the towers of some the town’s 60 churches. Enjoy a walk through Wurzburg followed by ‘Brückenschoppen’ (small wine tasting), a popular activity where you can enjoy a tipple by the iconic Old Main Bridge.Â
The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bamberg seduces visitors with its enchanting old town. The most famous street in the city, Sandstrasse, runs through the old town. Towering over Bamberg is the Romanesque cathedral of St. Peter and St. George. It is known as the ‘Kaiserdom’ because King Heinrich and Queen Kunigunde are buried here. Next to the cathedral is the Alte Hofhaltung, a renaissance building which now houses the city's historical museum. Directly opposite is the ‘Neue Residenz’, which served as the residence of the prince bishops from 1602, and is surrounded by a magnificent rose garden. An architectural gem of Bamberg is the Old Town Hall, suspended over the river by two bridges. Â
Nuremberg is an independent city in the Free State of Bavaria, and the city is brimming with medieval architecture that runs through the entire city. The old city walls and the imperial castle tell of days long gone. Nuremberg is famous for its Christmas market. Â
Departing from the comfort of your ship, a comfortable coach awaits to transport you through time, weaving past historic landmarks like the iconic Zeppelin Field and the charming suburbs that interlace with the city's rich history. Ascend to the lofty heights of Kaiserburg, where your adventure begins, winding your way down through the heart of the city. En route, see notable landmarks such as the Burgterrasse, the revered Albrecht Dürer House, the magnificent St. Sebald Church, and the stately old City Hall, each a testament to Nuremberg's illustrious past. Your journey culminates at the bustling market square, where a tantalizing gingerbread tastings or savory Nuremberg bratwurst await, all set against the backdrop of the city's iconic church. Immerse yourself in leisurely exploration before bidding adieu to Nuremberg and returning to your awaiting ship.Â
Regensburg is a very special city. With more than 1,000 listed buildings, it is the only remaining medieval large city in Germany, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The city’s landmark is the 300-metre, 12th-century Stone Bridge stretching across the Danube with its 16 arches. Another must-see piece of architecture in Regensburg is the Valhalla, commissioned by King Ludwig I, it is a neoclassical temple based on the Acropolis, and honors not gods but prominent Germans.  Â
 We also visit the glorious Thurn and Taxis Palace, ‘the White Palace’ belonging to Prince Albert II. With more than 500 rooms, it is the largest privately inhabited palace in Germany. The Palace, which has roots in German nobility, was built in the 18th century and is part of the extensive complex of one of Europe’s most important Benedictine abbeys, the Imperial Abbey of St. Emmeram. The oldest sections of the complex date back to the 12th century, and during the guided tour, you can admire the beautiful marble staircase in the south wing of the palace, which leads to the magnificent rooms of the princely residence. The entire neo-Renaissance style interior is modeled after Roman antiquity.Â
Due to its special geographical location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is one of the most unique cities in Germany. Towering above the city is the Veste Oberhaus, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century. The old town of Passau is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, especially the Cathedral of St. Stephen with its characteristic onion domes and the largest cathedral organ in the world, with almost 18,000 pipes. Take a guided stroll through the ‘Bavarian Venice’, along picturesque alleys, past St. Stephan's Cathedral, the prince-bishops' residences, and let yourself be enchanted by the baroque flair of this episcopal city.Â
Melk has acquired a beautiful name - ‘the gateway to the Wachau’. Anyone approaching the historic town on the Danube will gaze upon Melk Abbey perched high above the river. The abbey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth a visit at any time of the year. The impressive Baroque ensemble has been cared for by the monks of the Benedictine order since the year 1089. Culture, faith and science are united in the magnificent rooms of the monastery.Â
On a guided tour of the abbey, you will visit the Prelate's Court, the museum rooms in the former imperial chambers, the Marble Hall, the Altane and the world-famous library with over 80,000 volumes and a stunning ceiling painting by Paul Troger. Out on the terrace, you can soak in the impressive view of the Danube valley.Â
Vienna, the capital of Austria is a must-see city on every traveler’s list in Europe. Few cities in the world offers such an enchanting combination of magnificent architecture, world-famous museums, theaters and beautiful green spaces. It is no wonder that the entire city center of Vienna is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known worldwide for its palaces of emperors, kings and nobles like Schönbrunn, Belvedere and Hofburg palaces. Today’s city tour will include some of the city’s famous palaces, St Stephen’s Cathedral, government buildings and the Burgtheater. Enjoy a break at a typical Viennese coffee house or stroll along the famous Kärntner Strasse to enjoy some shopping.
"Pearl of the Danube" or "Paris of the East"? One thing is certain, Budapest has a lot to offer! From afar, the Parliament building on the banks of the river greets you and the Hungarian capital shines in its old splendor. Â
On our panoramic sightseeing excursion of this grand capital, we travel by bus and cross the old chain bridge, passing the imposing 19th century St. Stephens Church, through the wide boulevards to Heroes' Square built 1896 for Hungary’s Thousand Years Celebrations. On our way back to the ship, we pass the neo-gothic Parliament Building, one of the city's major landmarks. Â
Farewell the crew, fellow passengers and disembark the vessel for a transfer to the airport or to continue your onward journey.Â
Note: While we make every effort to offer you the excursions mentioned in the itinerary, please note that changes may occur with little or without notice that are outside of our control, and we thank you in advance for your understanding.Â
