Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands where timeless history and contemporary energy come together in perfect harmony. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be greeted by your Vantage Explorations Representative and transferred to the pier. Step aboard the elegant Viva Enjoy and take a moment to explore the ship’s inviting amenities as you settle into your comfortable cabin, your home for the next 15 days of exploration and unforgettable experiences. This evening, enjoy the opportunity to meet the warm and attentive crew along with your fellow travelers as the ship overnights in port, offering you a first taste of Amsterdam’s enchanting ambiance.
After breakfast, begin your day with a classic Amsterdam experience as we set out to explore the city’s iconic canals. Rather than strolling along the water’s edge, step aboard a comfortable covered boat and enjoy a leisurely cruise through the heart of this enchanting city. Glide through both wide and narrow canals, pass beneath graceful arched bridges, and admire the striking architecture of historic gabled buildings and former warehouses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
This captivating 60-minute journey offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam’s timeless charm. After the cruise, return to the ship just in time for a relaxing lunch on board. This afternoon, the ship sets sail, treating you to an afternoon and evening of scenic cruising.
Enjoy a leisurely morning as the ship glides along the mighty Rhine River, offering ever-changing views of picturesque landscapes and riverside villages. After lunch on board, we arrive in Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest and most storied cities, where a guided walking tour awaits. Effortlessly blending history and charm, Cologne invites you to step back in time as you explore its captivating Old Town.
Stroll through narrow cobbled streets and lively squares as your guide shares tales from the city’s 2,000-year history. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and take in views of the famous love locks adorning the Hohenzollern Bridge. As you wander past medieval buildings and hidden courtyards, you’ll feel the spirit of this vibrant city come to life.
After the tour, return to the ship with time to unwind before enjoying a delightful dinner. Later this evening, the ship departs, and your journey continues toward the next captivating destination.
As you enjoy breakfast on board, the ship arrives in Koblenz, a city that captivates with its remarkable location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Part of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley since 2002, Koblenz is a treasure trove of history and charm waiting to be explored. This morning, embark on a guided walking tour that brings the city’s rich past to life.
Wander through quaint streets and lively squares as your expert guide shares stories and legends that have shaped Koblenz over the centuries. Discover well-preserved historic landmarks, impressive monuments, and tucked-away gems that reflect the city’s enduring character. Stroll along the scenic riverbanks and take in the majestic views and vibrant neighborhoods that define the soul of this enchanting destination.
After the tour, return to the ship in time for a delicious lunch as we set sail for Mainz. Along the way, marvel at the legendary Rock of Lorelei, a dramatic slate cliff rising from the river, wrapped in folklore about a siren whose haunting song once lured sailors into peril. After dinner, we arrive in Mainz, where the ship will remain docked overnight, offering an evening to unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this historic riverside city.
After breakfast onboard, set out on a delightful walking tour that begins right from the ship’s dock. Step into the heart of Mainz, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture. This capital of Rhineland-Palatinate traces its roots back to Roman times and invites you to wander its most picturesque corners.
Admire the grandeur of the Mainz Cathedral, an architectural marvel that commands the city skyline. Stroll through the enchanting old town where narrow lanes wind past charming half-timbered houses and colorful facades. Pause in the bustling marketplace to soak in the cheerful atmosphere and admire the blend of past and present that defines this city.
As you walk, uncover the legacy of Johannes Gutenberg and the innovations that changed the world. Feel the warmth of Rhineland hospitality and the energy that flows through Mainz’s streets. Upon your return to the ship, enjoy a leisurely lunch as the vessel gently sets sail once more. Spend your afternoon and evening indulging in the beauty of scenic cruising along the river.
Spend a relaxing morning on board as the ship glides along the river, offering scenic views on the way to the charming town of Wertheim. Nestled at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers, Wertheim welcomes you with its fairytale beauty and centuries of history. After a delicious lunch on board, the ship docks and your afternoon walking tour begins.
Step into a storybook setting as you wander through narrow lanes lined with delightful half-timbered houses and the remnants of the historic city wall. The heart of Wertheim is its inviting marketplace, where cozy cafés create the perfect setting to pause and soak in the town’s friendly atmosphere. Marvel at the impressive architecture of the collegiate church and St. Martin’s Chapel and gaze up at the imposing Wertheim Castle perched above the rooftops, offering a dramatic backdrop to your visit.
After the tour, return to the ship with time to unwind or continue your own adventure through the town’s welcoming streets. As evening falls and you savor dinner onboard, the ship sets sail once more, carrying you onward to your next destination.
After a tranquil morning of scenic cruising, the ship arrives mid-day in Würzburg, the heart of the Franconian wine region. This enchanting city is renowned for its elegant baroque and Rococo architecture, its deep-rooted wine culture, and its vibrant student population. Step ashore for a guided tour that showcases the soul of this historic city and its celebrated viticulture.
Würzburg’s skyline is graced by some sixty churches, with highlights including the grand St. Kilian’s Cathedral, the Gothic charm of St. Mary’s Church, and the Romanesque splendor of the Neumünster. Learn about the city’s influential role as a medieval ecclesiastical center while taking in the exquisite architecture that defines its character. A visit to the gardens of the Residenz, the former palace of the prince-bishops and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into one of Europe's most magnificent baroque masterpieces, complete with an ornate court church and beautifully landscaped grounds.
The tour concludes at the Old Main Bridge, where a local wine expert awaits to guide you through a tasting of two premium Franconian wines. Savor each sip as you take in sweeping views of Marienberg Fortress, the Käppele pilgrimage church, and the timeless beauty of the Main River. Return to the ship just in time for dinner as the vessel gently departs Würzburg and continues its journey toward the next captivating destination.
Delight in a full day of scenic cruising as the ship gently winds its way along the river, offering panoramic views of the tranquil landscape. In the early afternoon, the ship makes a brief operational stop in Hassfurt before continuing its journey downstream. By evening, we arrive in the captivating city of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fairytale charm and remarkably preserved old town.
Bamberg enchants with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, where every corner tells a story. The city's most iconic thoroughfare, Sandstrasse, weaves through the heart of the old town, leading you past historic façades and vibrant local life. Rising above the city is the Romanesque cathedral of St. Peter and St. George, known as the Kaiserdom. Here, the tombs of King Heinrich and Queen Kunigunde rest beneath soaring arches. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Alte Hofhaltung, a Renaissance masterpiece now home to the city’s historical museum. Just across the square stands the Neue Residenz, the opulent former home of Bamberg’s prince bishops, surrounded by an exquisite rose garden that bursts into color each season.
No visit to Bamberg is complete without admiring the Old Town Hall, a striking structure dramatically perched above the river, connected by two picturesque bridges. As night falls, the ship sets sail once again, leaving the glowing city lights of Bamberg behind as we cruise onward to the next destination.
As you savor breakfast onboard, the ship arrives in Nuremberg, an independent city in the Free State of Bavaria renowned for its captivating medieval charm. The ancient city walls, cobbled streets, and imposing imperial castle paint a vivid picture of the city's storied past. Nuremberg is also beloved for its festive spirit, most famously brought to life during its world-renowned Christmas market.
Step ashore and board a comfortable coach that takes you on a journey through history. Pass by notable sites such as the expansive Zeppelin Field and the picturesque outskirts of the city, where centuries of tradition blend seamlessly with everyday life. Your guided adventure begins at the Kaiserburg, the majestic imperial castle that crowns the city. From here, meander downhill through Nuremberg's enchanting old town, taking in landmarks such as the scenic Burgterrasse, the historic Albrecht Dürer House, the striking St. Sebald Church, and the grand old City Hall.
The tour concludes in the lively market square, where the aroma of spiced gingerbread and sizzling Nuremberg bratwurst fills the air. You may choose to pause and sample these local delights while admiring the impressive architecture that surrounds the square, including the city’s beloved churches and bustling market stalls. Afterwards, return to the ship. As you settle in for a leisurely lunch onboard, the ship quietly departs, continuing its voyage along the river to the next captivating destination.
As you enjoy breakfast onboard, the ship arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s most treasured historic cities. With over 1,000 listed buildings, Regensburg is the only remaining large medieval city in the country and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. The city’s iconic landmark, the 12th-century Stone Bridge, spans the Danube with 16 graceful arches and has stood the test of time for over 800 years. Another architectural marvel is the Valhalla, a striking neoclassical temple inspired by the Acropolis and commissioned by King Ludwig I to honor notable figures in German history.
Your journey through Regensburg visits the magnificent Thurn and Taxis Palace, known as the White Palace and home to Prince Albert II. With more than 500 rooms, it is the largest privately inhabited palace in Germany. Originally part of the prestigious Imperial Abbey of St. Emmeram, the palace blends regal elegance with monastic heritage. On your guided tour, marvel at the grand marble staircase in the south wing and explore the splendid neo-Renaissance interiors, richly inspired by Roman antiquity.
After the tour, return to the ship where you can relax and reflect on the day's discoveries. As evening sets in and you gather for dinner, the ship gracefully departs Regensburg, continuing its voyage to the next remarkable destination.
As you enjoy breakfast onboard, the ship arrives in the enchanting city of Passau. Nestled at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau is a city defined by water and shaped by centuries of history. Rising above the town is the imposing Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that offers a commanding view of the rivers below. The city’s old town is a baroque masterpiece, with elegant buildings, cobbled lanes, and the iconic Cathedral of St. Stephen, home to the world’s largest cathedral organ boasting nearly 18,000 pipes.
Begin your guided walking tour through the heart of this picturesque city, often called the Bavarian Venice. Stroll along narrow alleys framed by pastel-hued facades and admire the baroque elegance of the prince-bishops' residences. Marvel at the ornate exterior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and step into its rich past as you learn about its role in the city’s religious and cultural heritage. The architecture around every corner reflects the grandeur and harmony of the baroque era, offering a visual feast of sculpted details, gilded accents, and sweeping views.
As your tour concludes, take in the beauty of Passau at your own pace during the afternoon. Wander through its charming streets, explore hidden courtyards, or relax by the riverside. Later, as twilight falls and you prepare for dinner onboard, the ship gently departs, continuing its serene journey down the mighty Danube River.
After breakfast onboard, the ship arrives in Melk, known as the gateway to the Wachau Valley. As the vessel approaches this historic town on the Danube, your eyes are drawn to the majestic Melk Abbey perched high above the river. A jewel of Baroque architecture and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the abbey has been a spiritual and cultural beacon since 1089, cared for by the Benedictine monks for over nine centuries.
Your guided tour of Melk Abbey begins in the stately Prelate’s Court, where the refined elegance of Baroque design sets the tone for what lies ahead. Explore the former imperial chambers, now transformed into museum spaces that reveal the abbey’s rich history and the visits of royal guests. Step into the Marble Hall, resplendent with its dramatic ceiling fresco, and pause on the Altane terrace to take in sweeping views of the Danube Valley. The Abbey Library is a true treasure, housing over 80,000 volumes beneath an awe-inspiring ceiling painted by Paul Troger. Conclude your tour with a visit to the baroque collegiate church, a masterpiece of ornate beauty and spiritual grandeur.
Return to the ship in time for lunch as it sets sail once more. Spend a peaceful afternoon enjoying scenic cruising through the picturesque Wachau Valley. This evening, as you dine onboard, the ship arrives in the grand city of Vienna where it will remain docked overnight, inviting you to look forward to the discoveries yet to come.
This morning you wake up in Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria. Famed for its imperial palaces, music, and historic charm, Vienna’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin the day with a scenic drive past the State Opera, Musikverein, and Karlsplatz, then enjoy a guided walk from Hofburg Palace to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Pause to admire the cathedral, visit a classic Viennese café, or browse Kärntner Strasse. The tour continues along the grand Ringstrasse, passing landmarks like the Parliament and City Hall. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon of scenic cruising. This evening includes a brief stop in Bratislava before sailing onward.
As you enjoy breakfast onboard, the ship arrives in Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital. Begin your panoramic tour on the lively Pest side with a visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica, followed by a drive along Andrássy Avenue past the State Opera to Heroes’ Square. Glide through the city center and take in the grand architecture lining the bustling Grand Boulevard.
Cross the iconic Chain Bridge to the Buda side, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views from Gellért Hill and a scenic drive through the historic Castle District. From the riverside, capture stunning views of Buda Castle and the Parliament building, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
As the tour concludes, return to the ship with time to relax or explore more of the city at your leisure. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner onboard. After dinner, the ship repositions to the disembarkation pier as you enjoy your final night on the river.
After a final breakfast onboard, bid búcsú to your fellow travelers and the crew of the Viva Enjoy as you disembark and transfer to the Budapest Airport for your journey home with wonderful memories of your time along the Danube.
Please Note: Disembarkation begins at 930AM. We recommend you schedule your flight to depart on or after 1:30PM
Please Note: that while every effort is made to provide the excursions outlined in your itinerary, unforeseen changes may occasionally occur without prior notice. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
