Itinerary for our River Cruise. We board the ship on May 13, 2015
Vantage Travel - MS Splendor River Cruise
Bonn to Bucharest
DAYS 1-2:Depart Home / Overnight flight to Frankfurt, Germany (or depart earlier for optional extension)
DAY 3:
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This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Cologne. After the tour, you'll also have free time to explore on your own. Cultural Connection: This afternoon, you’ll attend a German for Travelers lesson on board. Tonight, celebrate at the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner, with local entertainment aboard ship. Then, set out on a fun pub crawl if you wish.
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Enjoy the views this morning as we cruise through the dramatic Rhine Valley, another UNESCO site. As we pass the imposing Lorelei cliff, you’ll hear the ancient legend of Lorelei. In enchanting Rüdesheim, you can choose a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument for the Rhine Valley views or a visit to the delightful Siegfried’s Musikkabinett. Enjoy local entertainment on board this evening.
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Today, set off from Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, a UNESCO site that is home to Germany’s oldest university. You’ll tour 15th-century Heidelberg Castle, an imposing Gothic-Renaissance ruin of red stone. Then, ride the funicular from the castle down to the town center, where you’ll have free time to explore, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
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Arriving in Würzburg, set out on a half-day tour of the Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a visit to the wine cellar for a tasting and lecture. Alternatively, you may join an optional tour of medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber that includes a visit to the town's Christmas Museum. Cultural Connection: Late this afternoon, attend a lecture on “Germany in the 21st Century: Changes & Challenges.”
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This morning you'll have your choice of two city tours of Nuremberg. Choose “Nuremberg and World War II” to explore the city’s World War II history and visit the Documentation Center, or take the “Highlights of Nuremberg” tour that includes a visit to the delightful Toy Museum. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace.
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After a morning at leisure aboard ship, you’ll arrive at the picturesque Regensburg today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the Roman era. A walking tour reveals what many call the most charming town on the Danube river. Then, join an optional tour to Weltenburg Monastery, which includes a photo stop at Befreiungshalle, a historical classical monument atop Mount Michelsberg. Tonight, enjoy local entertainment on board.
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Today, join a walking tour of baroque Passau, visit a beer garden, and enjoy an organ concert inside St. Stephan’s Cathedral. After the tour, partake in a fun pub crawl.
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Today, relax as your ship cruises the Danube River through the scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape and another good place to spot European castles. Listen to commentary from the bridge and look for Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart of England was imprisoned in the castle above the town. Cultural Connection: You’ll be treated to an apple strudel baking demonstration on board. This afternoon, you’ll set off on a tour of Vienna, which features included entrance to the National Library. If you like, you may join an optional wine tasting tour and dinner at Heurigen Wolff this evening.
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Today, visit the town of Kalocsa, where you’ll enjoy a tour that includes workshops on folk painting, folk embroidery, and traditional Hungarian paprika bread, as well as an organ concert. Sample Hungarian specialties during lunch on board. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion into the vast Hungarian puszta, or “great plain,” to visit a working horse ranch and watch a daring equestrian show by Hungarian csikós (cowboys). Cultural Connection: Enjoy a Hungarian folkloric show on board ship this evening.
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From Mohacs, you’ll set out on an excursion to Pécs, where a city tour will feature the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter and the Roman Necropolis — together recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who enjoy additional walking can also visit the Museum Quarter. Savor lunch in Pécs at a local restaurant.
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Cultural Connections: Following a lecture about Croatia’s struggle for independence, tour Vukovar and the vibrant university town of Osijek, where you’ll also have lunch with a local family. If you’re in Osijek when school is in session, visit an elementary school and meet the children. If school is not in session, enjoy a guitar concert in a church courtyard. Back aboard ship, enjoy a Captain’s Cocktail Party and Dinner followed by live music and dancing as we celebrate the second half of our grand voyage!
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Cultural Connection: Following an informative lecture on modern Serbia, 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. This afternooon, you may want to take advantage of the optional tour to Tito’s Memorial and Royal Palace. Ready to raise your glass? Then set off on a festive pub crawl this evening!
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On Day 22, relax on deck and enjoy the views as you cruise one of the most dramatic and beautiful stretches of the Danube River, the series of gorges known as the Iron Gates of the Danube. As your ship passes through two sets of locks, you’ll hear commentary from the bridge about the process. Cultural Connection: As you cruise on Day 23, take in a morning lecture on the “Bulgaria, Romania, and the Expansion of the European Union.” You’ll arrive in the Bulgarian river port of Ruse, nicknamed “Little Vienna” for its attractive baroque architecture. Cultural Connection: Enjoy a charming dance performance by Bulgarian children. Later, witness a fascinating icon painting demonstration on board.
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Today is a real high point of your journey, as you step ashore for a full-day tour to Veliko Turnôvo, a 12th-century Bulgarian capital with colorful houses perched above the winding Yantra River. Cultural Connection: While in Veliko Turnôvo, enjoy lunch with university students. Continue to the 16th-century village of Arbanassi for a heavenly Eastern Orthodox choir performance at the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. This evening, toast your grand voyage at the Captain’s Farewell Party.
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After disembarking, transfer to Bucharest, Romania’s capital. Take in the city’s mix of imposing monuments and leafy, old-world boulevards during a panoramic city tour, with a guided visit to the sprawling People’s Palace. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Tonight, a Farewell Dinner at the hotel celebrates the conclusion of your Grand European River Cruise.
DAY 27:
Bucharest / Return flight home
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