Your cruise begins with an overnight flight to Germany’s Bavarian hub, Munich. You can also begin your journey earlier with an optional pre-extension to Prague.

Upon arrival in Munich, a Vantage representative will assist you with transferring to your ship in Regensburg. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of this city's remarkable architecture, some of which dates back as far as the 11th century. Enjoy your first dinner and entertainment onboard this evening.

Vantage Onboard Enrichment:

• Morning yoga and stretching, offered throughout the duration of your cruise
• Optional early risers’ breakfast in the Captain’s Club, offered throughout the duration of your cruise
• Chess, shuffleboard, track, spa, and other amenities

Cultural Connection:

• Local entertainment onboard

Delve into Bavarian custom and culture with a day in medieval Regensburg.

Largely spared from World War II bombing, Regensburg is remarkably well-preserved, with an Old Town doubling as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the city on a walking tour of its medieval highlights. You’ll also meet Martin, Regensburg’s city guard, who will regale you with a special presentation. Later, you'll have leisure time to explore on your own or continue shopping the Christmas market for handmade items including marionettes, dolls, pottery, candles, and more.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town

• Meet Martin the city guard of Regensburg

• Ride through Regensburg and learn about its history on a moderate 14-mile route. Click here for details

More baroque splendor awaits you in picturesque Passau, located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. On a walking tour, we’ll admire the UNESCO-listed Old Town and pass by St. Stephan's Cathedral. Don’t forget to try the gingerbread here in Passau — it’s spiced, warm, delectable, and you’ll even learn how to make it later this afternoon.

This afternoon, a local painter comes on board for a colorful painting lesson. Then, learn the secrets of making Germany’s treasured lebkuchen — also known as gingerbread — in the ship’s lounge. Tonight, join the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Included Feature:

• Passau walking tour

• Onboard painting lesson by a local
• Learn to make lebkuchen, also known as gingerbread

You'll have a choice of tours in Austria today. Set off today for storybook Salzburg, nestled in the Austrian Alps. This city — Mozart’s hometown, in fact — also boasts a few locales featured in the beloved classic, "The Sound of Music." Or, choose to explore lovely Linz, a cutting-edge city at the forefront of the arts and technology that UNESCO dubbed a City of Media Arts. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll have time to soak up the charm of these Austrian cultural gems.

Included Feature:

• Your choice of tours: Full-day Salzburg excursion with lunch in a local restaurant, or Linz walking tour with lunch onboard and afternoon at leisure

• Discover the landmarks along the Danube, including Bruckner Concert Hall and the Lentos Art Museum, on this easy route to Linz Click here for details

After breakfast, learn how to make delicious apple strudel during a cooking demo as your ship arrives. Then, venture to Vienna and enjoy a panoramic city drive along the UNESCO-listed Ringstrasse that will give you a better view of this imperial and artsy capital.

Later, feel the grandeur of Palais Liechtenstein on a special tour of this dazzling estate. Later, spend some time exploring Vienna on your own via a convenient shuttle to and from the ship. Tonight, warm-up dancers join us on board for a lively show

On selected departures, Liechtenstein Palace is not available due to private events. Our group will visit Imperial Treasury Vienna or The Opera House on those occasions.

Vantage Exclusive:

• Panoramic city tour of Vienna with a special tour of the Palais Liechtenstein

• Onboard entertainment: Warm-up dancers
• Apple strudel making demo

A lecture on the Habsburg monarchy kicks off your second day of discoveries in Vienna. Afterward, attend a rehearsal of the famed Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. After lunch on the ship, catch the Vantage shuttle back to the center of Vienna for more independent discoveries.

This evening, attend an exclusive Waltz Dance course, where you'll learn the timeless, elegant movements of this incredible art form.

Vantage Exclusive:

• Attend an exclusive private classical music concert at the Kursalon music hall

• Morning rehearsal of the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School, or a guided tour to the Winter Riding School and to the Stables

• Join a lecture on the Habsburg monarchy
• Evening onboard entertainment

• Ride a moderate 8-mile route past Vienna’s stunning architecture. Click here for details

Get to know Bratislava on a walking tour of the city’s historical sites including the Main Square, National Theater, and an inside visit to the Bishop’s Palace before attending a classical organ recital at a local Franciscan church.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the streets of Bratislava. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers at the Captain’s Farewell Reception.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Bratislava’s historic sites

• Classical organ recital at a local Franciscan church

Wake up in Budapest, which you’ll see this morning on a city tour.

Almost the entirety of Budapest’s historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll see the best of it as you visit City Park; Heroes' Square with its statues of Magyar chieftains; elegant Andrassy Avenue; the iconic Parliament building; and Castle Hill, where you’ll have free time and entrance to Fisherman's Bastion.

Your afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps you’ll head to visit a famous confectioner like Gerbeaud, or Hauer Confectionery and Café. Maybe you’ll do some window shopping on Váci Utca, the pedestrian shopping zone. Or ask your Concierge to help arrange a visit to one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért.

Included Feature:

• City tour of Budapest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Biking Opportunity:

• Enjoy the most magnificent sites of Budapest, including Freedom Bridge, Chain Bridge, and the Hungarian Parliament Building during a medium-paced 9-mile route. Click here for details

Disembark your river cruise ship in Budapest and transfer to the airport to return home, or check into your Budapest hotel and begin your post-trip extension here.