Discover, Plan & Go!

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Depart Home / Amsterdam, The Netherlands / Embark Ship

After our international flight to Amsterdam (included in Vantage’s price), we’ll find a friendly Vantage representative waiting to greet us outside of the customs area. He or she will arrange transfer to our Deluxe river cruise ship, the ms River Odyssey. Just settle into your delightful riverview cabin, unpack, and you’re set for duration of your trip. Hands down, it’s the best way to explore the heart of Europe!

We’re invited to a Welcome Briefing with our Vantage Program Managers in the ship’s spacious lounge. We’ll learn all about our upcoming voyage, have the opportunity to ask questions, and meet fellow American Bible Society supporters.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (D)

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Cologne, Germany

When we awake the next morning, we'll be cruising the storied Rhine, enroute to our first port-of-call, 2,000-year-old Cologne. After a buffet breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to join a fun “German for Travellers” lesson this morning. And, after lunch on board, hear a fascinating talk about Europe’s rivers, including their role as ancient “highways” and their continued importance today. Upon arriving in Cologne mid-afternoon, we’ll make the short walk from the ship to the impressive 13th-century Cologne Cathedral, where we’ll visit the stunning Shrine of the Three Magi and view radiant windows of exquisite stained glass.

This evening, we’ll receive a formal welcome to the ship at the Captain’s Welcome Party, following by a talk about the city of Koblenz, the next port-of-call. We’ll then sit down to dinner in the ship’s Compass Rose Restaurant. After dinner, enjoy a performance by a delightful Shanty Choir — you may find yourself singing along!

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Cologne / Koblenz, Germany

For the scenic cruising on the morning of Day 4, you may want to find a cozy seat in the lounge — the floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for viewing the scenery. We arrive in Koblenz — the town where the Moselle River meets the Rhine — around mid-morning. Enjoy a walking tour of the old town, then enjoy lunch onboard ship. Next we’ll tour the Maria Laach Abbey, a beautiful monastery built in 1093.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Koblenz / Rüdesheim, Germany

Departing Koblenz on Day 5, we’ll cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. past a parade of hilltop castles. As we pass the the imposing Lorelei cliff, we’ll hear the the Legend of the Lorelei, a lovely siren who lured sailors to doom at the foot of the cliff.

Rüdesheim is next, a perfect Rhine Valley wine town of winding lanes and half-timbered houses. During our visit, we’ll take an included tour of Eberbach Abbey, a former monastery founded by Bernard of Clairveaux in 1136 and the setting for the 1980s film starring Sean Connery, The Name of the Rose. We’ll also pay a quick visit to the Niederwald Monument with its impressive overlook of the scenic Rheingau.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Frankfurt (Heidelberg) /Aschaffenburg, Germany

On the morning of Day 6, we dock in Frankfurt for a fascinating full-day excursion to Heidelberg, birthplace of the Heidelberg Catechism, approved in 1563 to define the difference between the Reformation movement and Catholicism. The Heidelberg Catechism is widely regarded as the most important Reformist catechism. Martin Luther famously discussed his theses in Heidelberg also. Before rejoining the ship in Aschaffenberg, we’ll visit Worms, home to the Luther Monument, where Luther was asked to recant his views by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and, upon his refusal, was declared an outlaw.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,D)

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Aschaffenburg / Wertheim, Germany

This morning’s scenic cruising brings us to the small Franconian town of Wertheim, located where the Tauber River flows into the Main. The Wertheim region is celebrated for its fine glassware. As we cruise in the morning, a local glass blower will join us aboard ship to demonstrate this age-old art. We’ll also step back in time on a walking tour of Wertheim’s cobble-stoned streets and squares. Our visit to this small, somewhat out-of-the-way town provides a perfect opportunity to observe daily life in this part of Europe. Later, entertainers liven things up aboard ship by performing Franconian folk music.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Würzburg, Germany

On Day 8 we’ll be in the area known for the Romantic Road, Bavaria’s fairytale region of beam-and-stucco houses, turreted castles, and unspoiled countryside. Early this morning, we arrive in Würzburg a handsome city on the Main River that wielded enormous power in the days of prince-bishops.

Here, we’ll enjoy an included tour that features, the Würzburg Residenz, one of Europe’s grandest examples of baroque architecture. After our guided tour of this magnificent gilded palace, you’ll have time to wander in the lovely gardens or browse in the palace gift shop. We’ll also visit St. Kilian’s Cathedral, named for the 7th-century Irish missionary bishop who brought the Word of God to the region. The great basilica built in his honor features three sandstone sculptures of the saint.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Bamberg, Germany

You’ll soon discover why many consider our Day 9 destination to be Germany’s most beautiful city. Prosperous as early as the 12th century, Bamberg has an ancient town hall straddling the river, a great cathedral, and countless Renaissance palaces and baroque residences. On our walking tour of the lovely Old Town, we’ll see many example of the city’s fine architecture.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Nuremberg, Germany / Main-Danube Canal Transit

The next day we arrive in Nuremberg, the ancient capital of the Franconia region. After breakfast, we can gain insight about the city by joining a discussion with a German historian about Nuremberg’s role during the Nazi regime, then after the war as the sight of the War Crimes Tribunal.

We’ll then disembark to discover this important destination on a tour specially designed for the American Bible Society. You’ll visit many of the landmarks in the 900-year-old city center, including the Dürer House and the Frauenkirche. At lunchtime, we have a treat waiting for us at a nearby restaurant — we’ll dine on authentic German fare while listening to an informative presentation by our sister organization, the German Bible Society. This is an event that promises to nourish both body and spirit!

Transit the Waterway that United the Rivers of Europe

After our visit to Nuremberg, we’ll rejoin the ship in nearby Roth to set sail again. Just ahead lies a modern marvel that fulfills a vision first conceived of by Charlemagne — the Main-Danube Canal. The canal takes us from the Main and European rivers flowing north and west into the south-flowing Danube ... and creates a water route from the North Sea to the Black Sea. We’ll traverse two massive locks which raise and lower ships by 82 feet. This is a travel milestone!

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Regensburg, Germany

On the morning of Day 11, grab a cup of coffee or tea and a relax in a chair on the top deck as we continue through the canal, with a lecture on the Main-Danube canal as you enjoy the scenery. After lunch onboard, we’ll dock in Regensburg. This lovely town’s good fortune is also ours — for 2,000 years it has remained remarkably unscathed by the strife which periodically overran Europe.

On a guided walking tour of this “living museum,” we’ll touch Roman stones at Porta-Praetoria Arch, see the medieval Stone Bridge, and take in the gothic splendor of Regensburg's Cathedral. Then, enjoy time to explore the old town on your own. You may want to seek out the house of Oskar Schindler, the true-life hero of Schindler’s List.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Passau, Germany

Savor a spectacular view with your morning coffee on Day 12 as you glide into Passau ... a Bavarian city of spires watched over by a medieval fortress. As you’ll discover on this morning’s walking tour, the compact old city occupies a narrow strip of land at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers.

One highlight that you can view from almost anywhere in the city is enormous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Inside this beautifully frescoed edifice, we’ll hear an included concert on the world’s largest pipe organ, with its amazing 17,388 pipes and 231 registers! As you listen, take note of the magnificent golden pulpit.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D)

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Vienna, Austria

On Day 13, enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful riverscapes as we cruise the Danube southward through the Wachau Valley. Here, hilltop castles, walled monasteries, and towns and villages nestled among vineyards create a harmonious landscape that has changed little since medieval times.

Discover Vienna, the Birthplace of the Waltz

We’ll arrive in Vienna shortly after our lunch aboard ship. That afternoon, we’ll set off on a panoramic tour that will provide a fascinating overview of this imperial city, focusing on the historic center. Marvel at the city’s grandeur as you follow the Ringstrasse boulevard and the “Inner Ring,” lined with resplendent buildings built by Austria’s Habsburg monarchs.

Day 14 begins on a high note with a fascinating Cultural Connection — a lecture on “Vienna’s Musical Tradition.” Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, and Schubert are just a few of the musical luminaries who called this great city home. Even if you’re not a classical music buff, you’ll recognize the ecclesiastical music of the masters in hymns that many of us have sung since childhood.

After the lecture, we’ll disembark for a “Musical Vienna” tour that takes us to places associated with Vienna’s classical composers, such as the Mozarthaus, where the maestro composed some of his greatest works; and the monument to Johann Strauss, “the Waltz King.”

This afternoon, enjoy an exclusive tour to Vienna’s whimsical Clock Museum. During your visit to Vienna, you’ll also hear an inspiring presentation by a representative of another of our sister organizations, the Austrian Bible Society.

This evening, we have another special treat — a classical music concert at the Kursalon, one of Vienna’s most magnificent and exclusive concert halls. Built in 1867 in the Italian Renaissance style, the Kursalon sparkles anew after recent renovations.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (2B,2L,1D)

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Budapest, Hungary

We Conclude in Budapest, to the “Queen of the Danube”

The majestic Hungarian capital that’s aptly known as “the Queen of the Danube” is the perfect place to conclude our river cruise. Draped over several hills on a gentle curve in the Danube, the city created by the merger of the towns of Buda and Pest is an architectural gem of baroque buildings, delightful streets and squares, and lively shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants.

After lunch and cruising commentary as the ship enters the city, we’ll get to know the city on a panoramic city tour with your choice of included visits. We’ll see historic Matthias Church, storybook Fishermen’s Bastion, and your choice of a tour of the Parliament Building or a visit to Dohány Synagogue. Vantage’s exclusive headsets will enhance our sightseeing experience if you choose either tour option in Budapest.

This evening, we’ll gather for our Farewell Dinner — a time to bid good-bye to friends old and new, to our lovely ship, and to this extraordinary American Bible Society trip.

Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D)

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Return Home or Begin Optional Extension in Budapest

You’ll transfer to the airport today for your flight home. Or, why not round out your explorations of Europe ...