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A remarkable Rhine and Moselle river cruise is made even more unforgettable with a once-in-a-lifetime addition: the Oberammergau Passion Play. This epic depiction of the life of Christ, which takes place only once every decade, has been staged for nearly 400 years. This experience (on select 2022 departures only) is available to you on deluxe small-group tours with Vantage when you add an exclusive extension to Oberammergau. Plus, with Vantage, you can be assured of the best seats and accommodations among American cruise lines today.
This incredible event is reason enough to travel on this European tour — and yet you’ll experience so much more. Storybook scenery, charming traditions, striking architecture, unique history . . . the list goes on. On this European cruise vacation, you’ll experience 27 included features and Cultural Connections and an eye-popping six UNESCO World Heritage Sites along some of the most gorgeous stretches of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Time may seem to have stood still as you step upon ancient stones in postcard-pretty German towns such as Cochem, Trier, and Bernkastel. You’ll experience half-timbered gems from Rüdesheim, Germany, to Basel, Switzerland, as well as France's Alsatian Wine Route, Amsterdam, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and more.
Add another European jewel before or after your river cruise explorations with this optional extension to historic Bruges. You'll get to know this well-preserved medieval city with an included canal boat cruise beneath its graceful bridges, as well as a walking tour along its cobbled streets. You'll admire the juxtaposition of historic Burg Square, City Hall, and more!
Nestled deep in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, Oberammergau is one of the postcard-perfect Germany villages filled with charming homes decorated with Lüftlmalerei wall paintings, intricate wood carvings, and a small tight-knit community of just 5,100. It’s always special indeed, but once every 10 years this village expands to an even larger community of the faithful or just about anyone interested in history for one of the most fascinating, long-running spectacles in the world: the Oberammergau Passion Play. Occurring every decade since 1634, with roles depicting the life of Jesus filled by just about every villager, this 380-year event in the making will be presented exclusively for Vantage travelers on special Switzerland, the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle trip extensions. You’ll enjoy some of the best show seats and the most enriching features as only Vantage can present them — but hurry, tickets sell out months in advance so you should reserve this experience today.
Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience on our May 15, 2022 departure.
Depart home for Basel, Switzerland
Today, you’ll board your flight to Basel.
Arrive in Basel
If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you and arrange transfer to the pier in Basel, where you will board your Deluxe river ship and officially begin your European river cruise. If you were already in Europe for our unforgettable Oberammergau pre-trip extension, you’ll transfer to Basel with some time for lunch and exploring in Lake Constance. Vantage Onboard Enrichment:
Included meals:
Set off on a half-day tour of Basel
Located on the Rhine, Basel traces its history as far back as the early Celts and Roman Empire. You’ll take a walking tour, and then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. We'll have shuttles available to take travelers to the city center. Celebrate this evening at the Captain's Welcome Party and Dinner.
Immerse yourself in the Alsatian Wine Route on a full-day tour
Enjoy a full-day Alsatian Wine Route tour today, with a visit to Colmar and the famous Unterlinden Museum. In Riquewihr, known for its Riesling wines, enjoy a walking tour and money for lunch as you spend time exploring on your own.
Embark on a walking and canal tour in Strasbourg
Bonjour and welcome to picturesque Strasbourg! Following a morning drive from Kehl over the border into France, take part in an included walking and canal boat tour that takes you to the elegant Palais Rohan, Cathedral Notre Dame, the ultra-modern European Union Parliament, the quaint shops and parks of “La Petite France,” and the Tanners’ Quarter. There will be afternoon shuttle buses to the city center. Tonight, enjoy evening entertainment aboard the ship. Included Feature:
Marvel at the Speyer Cathedral and savor the warmth of home-hosted coffee and cake
You'll have the morning free to enjoy Strasbourg, with a shuttle provided to the town center. Later, you’ll depart for a tour of Speyer and its eponymous 11th-century cathedral. Once one of the largest cathedrals in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains the final resting place for many former emperors and heads of state. You'll enjoy some delightful coffee and cake in the home of a local, giving you the opportunity to chat and learn more about this city and its culture. Vantage Exclusive:
See the Gutenberg Bible in Mainz and learn how to paint
Awaken in Mainz, once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire, where you'll enjoy breakfast on the ship. Then you’ll visit the Johannes Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of moveable type and home to one of the original Gutenberg Bibles. You'll have time this afternoon to explore Mainz on your own, and later, enjoy a cooking demonstration where our expert chef will share some tips and tricks on how to make local delicacies. Included Feature:
Sail the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley and discover Koblenz
This morning you set off from Mainz for a breathtaking scenic cruise through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its spectacular array of medieval castles and charming wine villages. As you approach the steep, slate Lorelei Rock, learn about its legends during shipboard commentary. Arrive in Koblenz this afternoon and enjoy a walking tour of this scenic baroque gem where the Rhine and Moselle meet. Its dramatic German Corner juts into the rivers’ meeting point like the prow of a proud ship, a giant equestrian statue of William I its figurehead. After seeing the main sights of the Old Town, there’ll be time on your own. This evening’s onboard cooking lesson highlights the pleasures of another German delicacy.
Enjoy a walking exploration of Bernkastel and sample some local wines
Set out on a walking tour of Bernkastel to admire the charming timber-framed houses of this “International Town of Vines and Wine.” The surrounding landscape boasts massive fortresses and fairy-tale castles sure to enchant. Then have some time on your own to take in all its charms. This afternoon, enjoy a tasting of regional wines aboard your ship as you depart Bernkastel. Tonight, learn to prepare another local favorite with your chef. Later, enjoy the lovely sounds of some of opera’s great arias during onboard entertainment.
Included Feature:
Cultural Connection:
Culinary Features:
Discover Bernkastel on your own
You’ll have the entire day at leisure to explore Bernkastel on your own. Your Concierge can help you with cycling plans if you’d like to set out on two wheels.
Depart Bernkastel this afternoon and settle in to watch lovely Moselle vistas drift by; shipboard commentary illuminates the river’s every twist and turn. Later, gather for a cooking lesson to learn how Germany’s beloved potato dumplings and bread dumplings are prepared. And after dinner, enjoy another Movie Night. Culinary Feature:
Explore Germany’s oldest city, including UNESCO-listed Roman ruins
Begin your day with a lecture on the ancient Roman presence in Germany after breakfast on board. After, head to Trier, said to be the oldest city in Germany, conquered by Romans in the first century. During a panoramic and walking tour, witness their epic legacy when you view the amphitheater, Porta Nigra stone gate, the Roman Bridge, Barbara Baths, and the Cathedral of St. Peter. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
This evening, see how another German specialty is prepared during a cooking lesson with the chef. During dinner, the restaurant maître d'hotel will present you with four different wine pairings.
Meet the “count” of Reichsburg Castle, sip some wine, soak up the scenery
Enjoy a morning guided visit to fairy-tale Reichsburg Castle, perched atop a steep hill in the quaint town of Cochem along the Moselle River. Meet the “count” in the castle and enjoy a glass of the fine Riesling produced in the area. Later, enjoy scenic cruising with some commentary from your crew. Included Features:
Explore Cologne on a walking tour and taste some distinctive Kölsch beer
Enjoy a morning walking tour of the wonderful city of Cologne. You'll also enjoy a special tasting of Kölsch beer, a distinctive style that the New York Times once stated was like "drinking an entire culture." Afterward, relax on the cruise and enjoy the scenic views as you cruise towards the Dutch border. Included Features:
Embark on a walking tour of Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands
Today, embark on a walking tour of Nijmegen. This is the oldest city in the Netherlands, and the entire region is teeming with stories from World War II. Enjoy time at leisure in Nijmegen after the tour. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy some scenic sailing.
A cruise along Amsterdam’s canal ring and a visit to the esteemed Rijksmuseum
This morning, visit Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum for a guided tour. Afterwards, you'll get the perfect view of Amsterdam’s historic center on a narrated canal cruise along the city’s 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, bring your tour to a close with the Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner. Included Feature:
Transfer to the Amsterdam airport for your flight home or join your optional extension
Depart for home today after an unforgettable journey.
Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience on our May 1, 2022 departure.
Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience on our August 31, 2022 departure.
Important Notice:The above day-by-day itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert. In addition, should there be an extreme change in water levels, Vantage will do everything possible to provide either the included excursion or an alternate excursion at Vantage’s discretion.
Please Note: Port times & itineraries are subject to change. Fluctuating water levels may affect itinerary.
