Arrive in Dusseldorf, where you will be met by a representative from Vantage Explorations and transferred to the ship. After embarkation and completing mandatory safety procedures, we throw the lines and depart at approximately at 5:00 pm. Please arrange your flight to arrive no later than 2:00 PM. Explore the vessel and settle into your cabin, your home for the next eight days, before meeting the crew and fellow travelers. Â
After Breakfast, step into the storybook charm of Amsterdam on a well-rounded tour that showcases the city’s historic beauty and modern flair. Begin with a panoramic bus tour, offering a sweeping introduction to the Dutch capital’s most iconic sights. Along the way, pass notable landmarks such as Central Station, the renowned Heineken Brewery, the evocative Jewish Quarter, and the striking Maritime Museum. Gaze across the water to see contemporary gems like the bold Eye Film Museum and the A'DAM Lookout tower, both symbols of Amsterdam’s vibrant creative energy.
Then, transition from land to water for a truly immersive experience: a scenic canal cruise through the city’s enchanting network of waterways, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settle into a comfortable boat and glide past historic townhouses, storybook bridges, and quiet neighborhoods, each with its own tale to tell. As you drift beneath arching trees and alongside centuries-old facades, enjoy a peaceful journey that captures the essence of Amsterdam’s enduring charm.
Following the tour, return to the ship where the afternoon and evening are yours to explore at your leisure. With the ship overnighting in port, you may wish to take a post-dinner stroll along the softly lit canals, visit a cozy café, or simply unwind on board as the city sparkles into the night.
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast as the ship glides through the serene waters of the Rhine, offering a peaceful morning of Scenic Cruising. Gaze out at the ever-changing landscapes of charming villages, green pastures, and windmill-dotted shores as you drift closer to the heart of the Netherlands.
By midday, your ship arrives in the picturesque harbor town of Enkhuizen, where a truly special Cultural Connection awaits. Step into the heart of local life as you visit the private homes of welcoming Dutch families. Over a warm cup of coffee, engage in relaxed, meaningful conversation and experience the hospitality the Netherlands is known for.
This rare and intimate encounter invites you to learn firsthand about local customs, family life, and cherished traditions passed down through generations. Listen to stories of everyday life, share your own, and discover the joys and values that connect people across cultures. It’s a heartwarming experience that turns strangers into friends and offers deep insight into the Dutch way of life.
As your visit concludes, return to the ship feeling inspired and uplifted. While you prepare for dinner onboard, the ship sets sail once more, this time toward Rotterdam, as your journey through the Low Countries continues.
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast on board as the ship glides into Rotterdam, a city celebrated for its bold innovation and rich heritage. This morning, set out on a guided exploration that reveals the fascinating blend of futuristic architecture and historic character that defines this dynamic Dutch port.
Your tour begins with some of Rotterdam’s most notable landmarks. Admire the graceful Erasmus Bridge, a striking feat of engineering that stretches elegantly across the Nieuwe Maas River. Then, marvel at the city’s iconic Cube Houses, a daring architectural concept that captures Rotterdam’s inventive energy and resilient spirit.
Next, step into the vibrant Market Hall, a lively hub of global flavors and local delights. Housed within a monumental horseshoe-shaped building crowned with a vivid, soaring mural, the market is a feast for the senses. Inside, you’ll find a colorful array of produce, artisanal specialties, international street foods, and beloved Dutch treats. As you wander at your own pace, some local vendors may offer complimentary samples. Each one is a small taste of the city’s multicultural soul.
Following your guided tour, return to the ship in time for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps you’ll visit a local museum, stroll along the scenic waterfront, or simply unwind aboard your floating home.
Later this evening, as you prepare for dinner, the ship sets sail once again, leaving behind the gleaming skyline of Rotterdam and charting a course toward your next captivating destination.
Awaken to the charm of Antwerp, as your ship docks in the early morning hours and the vibrant metropolis of Flanders comes to life just beyond the gangway. After breakfast, set off on a captivating, guided tour through a city where historic elegance meets modern energy.
Begin with a visit to the striking MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), a contemporary architectural landmark that celebrates the stories of Antwerp and the world beyond. From its panoramic rooftop terrace, take in breathtaking views of the city skyline and the winding Scheldt River, as your guide shares insights into the dynamic transformation of Antwerp North, now one of the city's most creative and fast-evolving districts.
Next, experience the grandeur of Antwerp’s Central Station, often called the ‘Cathedral of Art’ for its stunning design and elaborate detailing. With its soaring dome, gilded accents, and architectural harmony, this station is more than a transportation hub, it’s a monument to the city’s artistic soul.
The journey continues into the historic center, where cobbled streets lead you to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Our Lady. Step inside to admire the magnificent works of Peter Paul Rubens, one of the Flemish masters whose paintings helped define the Golden Age of Antwerp. These masterpieces, vivid, emotional, and timeless, offer a powerful glimpse into the city’s illustrious cultural legacy.
After a day rich in inspiration and discovery, return to your ship and unwind as the sun sets. Later this evening, your vessel sets sail once more, carrying you toward the next chapter of your unforgettable journey.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard as your ship docks in the quaint harbor town of Willemstad, nestled in the Dutch province of Brabant. From here, embark on a scenic journey through peaceful countryside to the historic town of Oudenbosch, where a remarkable cultural treasure awaits.
Your visit to the Oudenbosch Basilica is sure to inspire awe. This 19th-century masterpiece was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and though smaller in scale, it mirrors the grandeur and elegance of its Roman counterpart. Step inside to discover ornate frescoes, beautifully detailed columns, and a majestic dome that rises above a richly adorned interior. With its serene atmosphere and intricate artistry, the basilica is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the region’s religious devotion and architectural ambition.
Return to the ship in time for a delightful lunch as your voyage continues toward Dordrecht. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, the adventure continues with an unforgettable excursion to one of the Netherlands’ most iconic landmarks: Kinderdijk.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinderdijk is home to an extraordinary network of 19 historic windmills, dating back to the 18th century. Set amidst a landscape of tranquil canals and wide-open meadows, these windmills are much more than picturesque, they are enduring symbols of Dutch innovation and resilience, built to master the ever-present challenge of water management in this low-lying land.
Wander along the footpaths, explore inside a working windmill, and learn how generations of Dutch engineers developed ingenious techniques to reclaim and protect their homeland from the sea. The visit to Kinderdijk is both visually stunning and deeply enriching, offering insight into a nation defined by its relationship with water.
After this memorable experience, return to the ship in time for dinner. As evening falls, your vessel sets sail once more, charting a course along the mighty Rhine River as your journey continues.
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive (approx. 45 minutes) through the heart of the Netherlands to one of the country’s most exceptional cultural landmarks: The Kröller-Müller Museum. Nestled within the vast Hoge Veluwe National Park, this world-renowned museum is a treasure trove of 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces, brought together by visionary collector Helene Kröller-Müller.
The museum boasts the second-largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh anywhere in the world, along with iconic pieces by modern masters such as Picasso, Mondrian, and Seurat. Wander through galleries where emotion and color leap from the canvas, and don’t miss the museum’s expansive sculpture garden, one of the largest in Europe, where monumental works of art are thoughtfully placed among the trees and open landscapes.
Following your museum visit, enjoy approximately one hour of free time to explore the Hoge Veluwe National Park at your own pace. Spanning 5,500 hectares, this protected reserve is a patchwork of forests, heathlands, sand dunes, and grassy plains, home to wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and mouflons. Whether you choose to walk, bike, or simply take in the peaceful scenery, the park offers a quiet and rejuvenating escape into nature.
After this enriching cultural and natural immersion, return to the ship in time for a mid-day departure. As your final afternoon and evening of scenic cruising unfolds, relax on deck and savor the views along the Rhine as your journey draws to a graceful close on the approach to Düsseldorf.
After one final breakfast onboard, bid Auf Wiedersehen to the crew of the Viva One as we disembark the ship and transfer to the airport with wonderful memories of our Rhine River adventure!
Please Note: Disembarkation begins at 930AM. We recommend scheduling your flight to depart on or after 1:30PM.
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 and flexibility.Â
