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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 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This evening, you’ll fly overnight to Amsterdam.
Arrive in Amsterdam
Arrive in the Dutch capital. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a Vantage representative will meet you and arrange transfer to your European river cruise ship. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and Briefing in the lounge. Vantage Onboard Enrichment:
Included meals:
A cruise along Amsterdam’s canal ring and a visit to the esteemed Rijksmuseum
Today, embark on a lovely cruise along Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then visit the recently renovated Rijksmuseum, home of Amsterdam’s premier art collection, including works by such Dutch masters as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Later, gather with your fellow travelers for the Captain’s Welcome Dinner and Reception. Included Feature:
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, when it was occupied by Nazi forces and eventually liberated by Allied troops (though not before Allies mistakenly dropped bombs here). You'll then have some time at leisure in Nijmegen. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy some scenic sailing.
Explore Cologne on a walking tour and taste some distinctive Kölsch beer
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Cologne, getting a chance to learn about this city’s rich history. 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." After the tour, you'll also have free time to explore on your own. Some evening entertainment on board the ship offers the perfect coda to your day. Included Feature:
Meet the “count” of Reichsburg Castle, sip some wine, soak up the scenery
Spend the morning taking in the scenery in Cochem. Later, enjoy a guided visit to fairy-tale Reichsburg Castle, perched atop a steep hill in the quaint town of Cochem on the Moselle River. Meet the “count” in the castle and enjoy a glass of the fine riesling produced in the area. Enjoy scenic cruising with commentary in the afternoon. This evening, Movie Night features Patton. Included 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, you’ll 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.
Included Feature:
Cultural Connection:
Culinary Features:
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, followed by a cooking lesson to learn how Germany’s beloved potato dumplings and bread dumplings are prepared. Later, enjoy the lovely sounds of some of opera’s great arias during onboard entertainment.
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. This evening, see how another German specialty is prepared during a cooking lesson with the chef. Culinary Feature:
Discover Koblenz and the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley
This morning, embark on a walking tour of Koblenz, which is renowned as the place where two rivers — the Rhine and the Moselle — meet. You'll have time on your own to explore. In the afternoon you'll enjoy scenic cruising through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with commentary from the ship's bridge on the legend of Lorelei. Dinner is on board this evening. Included Feature:
See the Gutenberg Bible in Mainz and learn how to paint
Located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine Rivers, Mainz was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Here, you’ll visit the Johannes Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of moveable type and home to one of the original Gutenberg Bibles. This evening, enjoy some delightful entertainment. Included Feature:
Marvel at the Speyer Cathedral and savor the warmth of home-hosted coffee and cake
Your morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on 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. Later, you will enjoy a coffee, cake, and conversation during an insightful home-hosted event. This evening, enjoy entertainment on board. Vantage Exclusive:
Embark on a walking and canal tour in Strasbourg
Today in Strasbourg, an included walking and canal boat tour take you to the UNESCO-listed Grande-Île, including elegant Palais Rohan, Cathedral Notre Dame, the ultramodern European Union Parliament, the quaint shops and parks of “La Petite France," and the Tanners’ Quarter. Vantage Exclusive:
Immerse yourself in the Alsatian Wine Route on a full-day tour
Today you’ll enjoy a full-day Alsatian Wine Route tour, with a visit to Colmar and the famous Unterlinden Museum. In Riquewihr, known for its riesling wines, enjoy a walking tour and money to enjoy lunch during your free time exploring the city. Later, enjoy an informative lecture on the European Union. Included Feature:
Set off on a half-day tour of Basel
Located on the Rhine River, Basel traces its history as far back as the early Celts and Roman Empire. You’ll take a half-day city tour, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. We will have shuttles to the city center available for those who are interested. Included Feature:
Depart Basel for Oberammergau or your flight home
Depart for home today or embark on an optional, once-in-a-lifetime extension to see the Oberammergau Passion Play.
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.
