Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi
Visit Veliko Tarnovo, a 12th-century Bulgarian capital where colorful houses perch above the winding Yantra River. While in Veliko Tarnovo, you’ll have lunch with university students. You’ll continue to the 16th-century village of Arbanassi, where you’ll be treated to a heavenly Eastern Orthodox choir performance at the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Serbian Children’s Dance Performance
During your Vantage river cruise through eastern Europe, you'll enjoy a charming dance performance by Serbian children in Donji Milanovac.
Pass through the beautiful Iron Gates of the Danube River
During your Vantage River Cruise, relax on deck and enjoy the views as you travel through Serbia and Romania on one of the most dramatic and beautiful stretches of the Danube river, the series of gorges known as the Iron Gates of the Danube.
Belgrade, Serbia
During Vantage's
Passage to Eastern Europe river cruise from Budapest to Bucharest, you'll discover the country’s 2,500-year-old capital, Belgrade, on a half-day tour. Belgrade’s recent history has left the city somewhat disheveled — yet you’ll be impressed by bold redevelopment and the positive outlook of the residents. You’ll also visit Kalemegdan Fortress.
Home-hosted lunch in Croatia
On our
Passage to Eastern Europe river cruise you'll enjoy several Cultural Connections, which provide numerous opportunities to explore local traditions and meet local people.
Vienna: The Cultural Capital of Europe
The grande dame of Europe and the city that is the very picture of elegance, Vienna awaits you when you join on a river cruise through Austria.
A Musical Moment in Vienna's Kursalon
Vienna is recognized throughout the world for its excellent classical music performances. As part of your Vantage river cruise itinerary, feast your eyes and ears at a private classical music concert at the Kursalon.
Scenic Cruise of the Wachau Valley
Lined with ancient towns, castles, monasteries and vineyards, Austria’s magnificent Wachau Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape — is a highlight of your Vantage river cruise on the Danube River.
Learn How to Make Apple Strudel
Here is a preview of how you'll learn to make authentic Austrian apple strudel — and taste the delicious results — on board during your Deluxe Vantage European river cruise.
Passau: the Baroque City on Three Rivers
In Germany, the blue Danube, green Inn, and black Ilz rivers come together in a city that celebrates its connection to the water: Lovely Passau, the City on Three Rivers. Located in Bavaria, Passau is a showcase of wonderful baroque and Gothic architecture.
Regensburg: Germany's Medieval Gem
Two thousand years of history line the streets of Regensburg, a beautifully preserved Bavarian city on the Danube. Today, nearly 1,000 buildings built between the 11th and 13th centuries remain standing in their original glory, unscathed by World War II.
The Würzburg Residenz
Your Vantage river cruise through Germany includes a half-day tour of the Würzburg Residenz, a baroque European castle that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour includes a visit to the wine cellar for a tasting and lecture.
Romantic Heidelberg: Germany’s Ideal University Town
Heidelberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has everything going for it. A beautiful riverside setting in the Rhine-Neckar Valley . . . Germany’s oldest and most prestigious university . . . An imposing castle . . . Historic baroque architecture . . . And a lively a cultural scene, with great dining, shops, wine cellars, beer gardens, museums, and more. In fact, Heidelberg is consistently rated one of the best cities in Germany to visit and to live, and you’ll find out why on your included tour here.
Nuremberg: A City For All Seasons
With its rich history and strong arts and crafts traditions, Nuremberg is a fascinating and beautiful city to visit any time of year.
The Rhine Valley
Where else would you begin your fairytale-worthy cruise than in Germany, the land that inspired the Brothers Grimm? Cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known for its steep hills topped with castles and ruins that tower above the river.
Cologne: 2,000 Years of History
When you hear the name Cologne, you may first think of a famous fragrance or a popular style of German beer. As you tour the city that lends its name to both of these well-known products during your Vantage river cruise, you’ll learn why Cologne, Germany is one of the most interesting and historic cities you will see while cruising the Rhine River.
Biking Opportunities
On board our ships, complimentary bicycles are available for your use so you can pedal along the scenic paths that wind along the river, or cycle around town, during your free time.
Bogdan Curea, Cruise Director, Grand European Sojourn
As a child growing up in Bucharest, Bogy loved to tag along when his bus driver father drove travelers on tours all over Romania. “It was love at first sight, traveling and discovering new places and people.” Bogy went on to study history and finance, earning an MBA and working for international hotel chains such as Hilton and Crowne Plaza. Now he is back doing what he loves best.
Professor Edward Kudlak, Lecturer, Vienna: The City of Music
Welcome to the city of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Mahler, Bruckner, Schonberg, and so many others! More than any other city on Earth, Vienna boasts a vast classical music heritage, and Professor Edward Kudlak is the ideal host to enhance your appreciation of it. Born in Montreal, he studied at both McGill University and the Vienna Academy of Music before becoming concertmaster for the Academy Orchestra, Haydn Orchestra, and Vienna Baroque Ensemble.
Dr. Markus Urban, Lecturer, Modern Germany & Rhine-Main-Danube Canal
Dr. Markus Urban was born in 1976 in Würzburg, on the Main River. He became a Nuremberger at the age of five, and studied history at the University of Erlangen and also at Kalamazoo College in Michigan. His experience guiding travelers on tours of Nuremberg, including the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Palace of Justice (scene of the Nuremberg Trials), and the old medieval town, dovetailed perfectly with his doctoral studies.
The ms River Splendor
Unpack just once, relax, and discover the most luxurious and rewarding way to see Europe. The Deluxe ship, the
ms River Splendor, has been designed specifically for the discerning traveler, with spacious staterooms, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, gourmet international dining, themed lounges, complimentary Concierge service, and a crew-to-passenger ratio of better than 1:4.
Owner's Suite on the ms River Splendor
The 330 square-foot Owner's Suite has all the features of a Deluxe Suite, including floor to ceiling windows with remote control curtains; private airport transfers upon arrival and departure from your destination when you purchase Vantage air, laundry service, and more.
Deluxe Suites on the ms River Splendor
Make the most of your journey by upgrading to a 250-square-foot Deluxe Suite at a surprisingly reasonable price. Your Deluxe Suite includes all of the amenities of Deluxe Staterooms, plus a minibar, luxurious bathrobes and slippers, a bathroom with a shower and bathtub, and more.
Deluxe Staterooms on the ms River Splendor
Join us and unpack just once in your private stateroom. All staterooms face outside and feature a glorious view. Deluxe staterooms on the Navigator deck have French balconies, which offer the best of all worlds: grand, panoramic views and the ability to open your room to fresh river breezes — without reducing valuable interior space, the way a traditional balcony does.
Single Staterooms on the ms River Splendor
If you're traveling solo, you'll also have the choice of reserving a single cabin so you don't have to pay based on double-room rates. (Availability is limited, so reserve promptly if interested.)
Optional Extension to Transylvania, Romania
Even without the lure of vampire legends, Romania's central region of Transylvania is a superb travel destination, with its rugged mountain scenery, medieval villages, and well-preserved towns. Now you can experience it firsthand — at a great Vantage value! — as an extension of your European river cruise. Most intriguing of all, you'll uncover the mystery of Dracula himself!
European River Cruising
In Europe, civilization developed along the rivers, so there's no better route along which to explore. Voyages aboard our own private and privately chartered fleet span the entire continent. Our tantalizing array of itineraries reveals storybook castles, half-timbered villages, medieval town squares, and dramatic landscapes of rolling vineyards and lofty mountains. And because your river ship is your home throughout your voyage, you'll unpack just once and feel comfortable in no time.
The World of Vantage
Discover the world with — at the best values available today — for worldwide river cruises, small ship discoveries, and escorted land tours for small groups
