Activities & Entertainment
This trip is rated Moderate
Many of your included sightseeing tours involve walking — occasionally on cobbled or uneven streets, or along unpaved vineyard paths. If you wish to extend your walks, your Cruise Director or local guide can suggest scenic routes nearby. At the same time, there is plenty of time to relax aboard ship, and should you wish to forego any activity, you are always at liberty to do so. For the fullest enjoyment of your Danube river cruise, we recommend that you be in reasonably good health, and able to walk at least a mile unassisted.
Onboard Cooking & Cocktail Classes
Savor 5-star dining onboard Vantage river ships. Get ready to learn all the tricks of the trade — and enjoy face time with our world-class chefs — when you sign up for complimentary onboard cooking classes in our Captain’s Clubs. Depending on the season and region you’re sailing, you’ll be treated to hands-on presentations spotlighting local produce, as the chef whips up main dishes and savory soups, followed by a delightful tasting session. Held during lunch- or dinnertime depending on your sailing schedule, these meals will replace those served in the main dining room. Each cooking class meals comes with food for thought, too — the conversation of fellow passengers in an intimate group of just 25. Don’t miss out on your chance to raise a glass, either, in cocktail-making demonstrations and tasting in your ship’s bar. (Cocktails available for purchase.) Salut!
Cycling along the Danube
Biking is not only a wonderful way to get some exercise, it is also a great way to explore the best of Europe. Your Deluxe river ship has complimentary bicycles on board for use during your free time, so just speak to your Cruise Director or Concierge onboard to reserve one. Your Concierge will even lead some tours upon request! Click the links below for maps of suggested pathways. Your Cruise Director can point you in the right direction, which includes the routes below and those from www.bikemap.net. Vantage provides you maps, helmets, locks, and safety instructions.
Please note that cycling tours are on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to weather conditions. They will operate for your safety at the discretion of your Concierge or Cruise Director.
The Danube Bike Trail is perhaps the most famous cycling route in Europe, and with good reason. You can cycle from Germany all the way to the Black Sea, through majestic scenery along well-marked, well-maintained, and mostly traffic-free paths. In various ports along our route — such as Budapest, Kalocsa, Belgrade, and Rouse — you can rent bicycles at an additional cost (should those on board be unavailable).
Maps
View the Biking Route Map: Budapest: Picturesque round trip
Length: 9 miles
Difficulty level: Medium & flat
This route will show you the most magnificent sites of Budapest, including Freedom Bridge, Chain Bridge, and the Hungarian Parliament Building. From your ship, head to the Green Bridge (Freedom Bridge); make sure to take a look at the Market Hall on your way, an excellent example of late 19th century architecture. Then head toward the heart of the city for a glimpse of the largest synagogue in Europe before continuing on to Margaret Island, a favorite recreational area of the locals. After, cross the Danube to the Buda side, where you’ll enjoy photo opportunities of the Parliament Building. Then, continue toward the Freedom Bridge, where your ship is docked on the other side.
View the Biking Route Map: Cycle to Ada Island along the River Sava
Length: 11 miles
Difficulty level: Easy & flat
Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride through Belgrade and take in one of Europe’s oldest cities from street level. Your bike tour will include a ride along the River Sava to Ada Ciganlija, a recreation area with a lake commonly nicknamed "More Beograda" ("Belgrade's Sea”). On the way to Ada Island, you will see the Branko’s Bridge, Gazela Bridge, Railway Bridge, Belgrade Fair, and the famous Ada Bridge.
Let Us Entertain You
Throughout your European river cruise, you’ll be exposed to local arts and entertainment both on shore and aboard ship. For example, a church organ concert and a children’s orthodox choir performance will enliven your visits to Kalocsa, Hungary, and Ruse, Bulgaria. And for your listening and dancing pleasure while aboard your Deluxe European river ship, you’re invited to enjoy a range of hand-picked local entertainers. Among them, a Hungarian dance group will come aboard to show off their folksy footwork, the Serbian folk ensemble — Talija — will charm you with their native sounds, and a local dance band will keep your toes tapping with a repertoire of popular tunes. When no musician is scheduled, choose your own tunes from the well-stocked jukebox. And on Movie Night, you can leave your dancing shoes behind to take in some cinematic culture if you wish.
