Chalon-sur-Saône, is in the region of southern Burgundy on the banks of the river Saône. This town is the embarkation/Debarkation port for Essence of Provence and Burgundy river cruises. If you are a wine connoisseur then you will love Chalon-sur-Saône as it is at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region. Let’s look into what are some other highlights of this lovely town of Chalon-sur-Saône, France!
Highlights of Chalon-sur-Saône, France
Musée Nicéphore-Niépce
This fascinating museum is Chalon-sur-Saône’s claim to fame. Nicéphore Niépce was born in Chalon-sur-Saône and is said to have taken the first-ever photograph. He took “View from the Window at Le Gras” around 1826. In the museum, you will learn about his work and his inventions. But, the main exhibit is photography. They have a collection of more than 1500 cameras and 3,000,000 (yes, three million) photographs from the 1800s and 1900s developed in quite a few different ways. For photographers, this is an absolute must-see but it is also very interesting for picture lovers in general.
Musée Vivant-Denon
The Denon Museum is an art and history museum with thousands of artifacts, sculptures, and art spanning almost 100,000 years. The museum honors Vivant Denon who was born in Chalon and was a trailblazer in archaeology, art history, Egyptology, and museology as director of the Louvre. There is a section devoted to Denon.
Église Saint-Pierre
This beautiful church was built as a Benedictine chapel around the beginning of the 1700’s. The inside has an Italian Baroque style. While visiting you will learn about very interesting people who were ordained here. There is also an organ crafted in 1812 that is worth seeing.
Place Saint-Vincent
The charming town square should be one of your must-see places. Bars and restaurants surround the square and are the perfect place to sit, relax, and people watch. The renaissance-style buildings around the square bring a lot of character and a cozy feeling. A modern sculpture brings a fun contrast to the history.
Quai des Messageries
This is a lovely spot on the right bank of the Saône. Walk along the banks or rest on benches shaded by trees. There is a nice view across the river of the tower, Tour du Doyenné, the old hospital as well as the grassy riverbank. The tourist office is nearby which is a great place to get self-guided tour information.
If you would like more information about river cruises that visit Chalon-sur-Saône please contact me. I would love to help you plan your next river cruise vacation in France!
Nassau, Bahamas is a very popular cruise port. It is often on the itinerary of shorter-length cruises. Nassau is popular because it is a Caribbean destination that is not too far from the US. It has beautiful beaches, great food and lots of different things to do. So, what are some good things to do if you have a port day in Nassau, Bahamas? Read on and find out!
Many people head to Paradise Island for the beaches (Cabbage Beach has been named one of the best in the world) and to the waterpark, pools, aquarium and so much more at the Atlantis Resort. This is a great option if you want a full day excursion of sand, surf, thrills and fun. But, this article is going to point out a few other things in this port town that might be fun to do instead.
Walk Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle
These 66 steps (carved from limestone by slaves in the 1790s) lead from downtown to Fort Fincastle. The stairs were the main route between the two areas. The stairs have been over grown with lush vegitation so this is a beautiful place for pictures and nice to get out of the sun.
Fort Fincastle was also built in the 1790s on top Bennett’s Hill, the hights point on the island. Much of the fort and its 126 foot high walls are intact and can be easily explored without pre-booking a tour.
Eat Your Way through Arawak Cay
On a waterfront street about 10 minutes from the cruise pier you will find a bunch of places to eat. These restaurants are famous for their “fish fry”. Fish fry is their main and absolutely delicious food served along with conch salads and fritters. The fish served is freshly caught as well as other seafood options that are on the menu. You know that here is where you will find great food at good prices because this is where the locals eat too.
Visit Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte was built in the 1780s during the British colonial era. It is the largest in the Bahamas with 100 acres. This fort has a moat, underground passages, tunnels, dungeons, and cannons ready to be explored. Guided tours are available to really delve into the history of the fort. You will even find staff in period costumes demonstrating life at the time. Don’t miss the cannon-firing ceremony at Noon each day.
Pirates of Nassau Museum
Discover the pirate life at this interesting museum in downtown Nassau. Inside you will enter a model of the famous pirate ship “Revenge” and get to experience the life of a pirate. Wander through this interactive pirate experience and see a shantytown, the lower decks, cannons, and models of pirates doing their daily stuff. You will also get to learn about dreaded pirates of the seas, both men and women.
Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Center
The Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Center was the Bahamas’ first zoo. Though still small, it is the home of more than 200 animals including monkeys, Caribbean flamingos (the national bird), snakes, lorikeets, and other tropical animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with many of the animals, even feeding some. In addition to the animals and birds, you will also enjoy the lush tropical gardens throughout.
So many great activities to choose from on a port day in Nassau!
Thinking about a cruise to Nassau, Bahamas? Click on Contact Me above and let’s get started planning your next family cruise vacation.
When you picture a river cruise vacation, what do you think of?
Going right from the boat to a bus to see the sights?
Walking with a large crowd once you get there?
Nothing to do on the boat but sit, sip wine, and watch the river go by?
Today’s river cruise vacation can be so much more!
Sure, you will need to choose the right river cruise line, but most offer fantastic opportunities to be more active and adventurous on your river cruise vacation.
So, let’s look into what is available for you if you want your river cruise experience to be more active and not just sitting on a boat or a bus.
Active Excursions
Most river cruise lines offer different levels of excrusions. You will want to examine each line carefully to see which one will fit your activity level best. Some offer one main excursion and then some optional ones at extra cost. Others will offer different complimentary options.
For example, let’s say you were visiting Rudesheim, Germany for the day as part of your AmaWaterways Rhine River cruise. In Rudesheim you could choose from one of these options:
Riding a gondola up the hill to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue (and gorgeous views of the Rhine Valley) and a wine tasting.
Hiking through the Rudesheim vineyard, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle.
Guided bike tour through Rudesheim and along the rhine River
As I said before, it’s important to look carefully at the different river cruise lines to find the one that has the most excursions that fit your activity level. Your travel advisor would be happy to help you with that.
Active On Board Activities
You certainly don’t have to just sit around on the boat while on a river cruise. Again, you need to look carefully at the different river cruise lines as they have different things to do while onboard. What are some possibilities to stay active on a river cruise? Here are some of the options:
Walking track on the sundeck.
Wellness activities on the deck such as yoga or excercise classes.
Fitness center with weights and excercise equipment (How about excercise bikes on the back deck?)
Putting green on the sundeck.
Giant chess or checkers.
A small pool to wade around.
Bicycles for Guests’ use
Riding along throught the small towns and beside the flowing rivers is a very popular thing to do while on a river cruise. But, what if you want to go on your own and not be part of a guided tour? That is totally possible because a few river cruises that carry bikes on board and can be reserved for your own personal exploration. Just picture leaving the beautiful abbey of Melk and riding to Durnstein to enjoy the cobblestone streets and quaint buildings. If you are traveling with children, you might want to pick a cruise line that has bikes available for children too (AmaWaterways does).
As you can see there are ways to be active on your river cruise vacation. You don’t just have to float along, sipping and sailing unless you want to. It’s your vacation, you can make it just as active as you want it to be!
If you are thinking that a river cruise vacation might be just for you I would love to help you find the best one for you. Just click on the contact me button and we can get started!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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Breisach, Germany is a small little town on the banks of the Rhine just a short distance from Basel, Switzerland and across the river from France. Surrounding this little town are rolling vineyards and the Black Forest. Inside the town you will find an old-world charm in the pastel-hued buildings and cobbled streets. You would never know that this town was almost totally destroyed in WWII. Even though it is small, Breisach, Germany will be a delightful stop on your river cruise if you decide to go out and explore or just stick around the town.
Your river cruise will have an included excursion that might take you out of Breisach to explore other fascinating nearby towns. You might have the opportunity to take a bus further into the Black Forest to Hofgut Sternen (a Black Forest resort village) for a chance to taste their famous Black Forest Cake, Ham or enjoy the Cuckoo clocks. Or, if you want to be a little more active you might opt for a bike ride or hike into the Black Forest. But, what if you want to stay and explore the town of Breisach. What is there to do?
In Breisach
Tourist Office
The tourist office is a wealth of information for touring the town. They will be able to provide you with walking tour maps to see the sights. Plus they will have great suggestions of where to eat and shop.
Breisach Cathedral–St. Stephen’s Church
This beautiful church (built in the 1200s) overlooking the town is one of the main attractions. It is a bit of an invigorating walk to get up to the church but the views will be well worth the effort. Along the path, boards are posted that will give you even more information about Breisach’s history, interesting facts, and historical places. Once at the top you will love the Romanesque-Gothic architecture outside and in as well as the impressive art.
Rheintor–Rhine Gate
The Rheintor was built in 1678 and is one of the most beautiful preserved fortress gates in Europe. Inside you will find the home of the Museum of City History. Exhibits start way back in the Stone Age in which Breisach was inhabited by the Romans. During your tour of the museum you will experience Breisach from the 1st century through all of history up until the destruction of the town in 1945. You will love seeing all the actual artifacts from the different time periods and how they have worked to bring the history of their town alive.
Wine Tasting and Celler Tours
Breisach is surrounded by vineyards which produce many delicious wines as well as the further areas of the Rhine Valley. You will fine upwards of 600 different wines in this area. So, time experiencing this part of German culture will be time well spent. While in Breisach, you might want to take a tour of the underground cellars of the Geldermann Private Winery (Geldermann Privatsektkelleri) or the Badonian Winery (Badischen Winzerkeller) and then taste some of their wonderful wines. (Make sure to check the website to verify tours have resumed.) Badischen Winzerkeller is right next to the Tourist office.
I hope that you are inspired by this little town of Breisach, Germany. It will be a fun place to spend a few hours exploring during your river cruise adventure.
If you would like to learn more about a river cruise that visits Breisach, Germany and the Black Forest, please contact me. I would love to help you get on the perfect river cruise!
Work, work, work! Day in, day out, just waiting until it’s Friday. Does this ring true for you?
On a river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining, and relaxation. The goal on a river cruise is to match you to a luxurious but affordable vacation experience that is both comforting and adventurous.
You will hear that river cruises are mostly about visiting some wonderful towns and cities along the river. But, what do you do when you’re not touring the destination? You’ll be enjoying the many amenities offered on the ship, as well as breathtaking views from the Sun Deck. One of the benefits of a river cruise is a smaller number of passengers on board. Fewer passengers mean you’ll have more time to enjoy the amenities in a more personal way.
Interested in what a typical day may look like on your river cruise? There are some similarities between all the river cruise lines but also some differences. This time the focus will be a bit more specific to the wonderful world of an AmaWaterways River Cruise ship! All cruises offer amenities for you to take advantage of throughout the day.
Fitness Center & Classes
Each ship offers a fitness center to help you stay active between excursions. And if the treadmill isn’t your preference, there is also a professionally trained Wellness Host offering daily classes. Start your day with a yoga session on the Sun Deck, a spin class on the back of the ship, or a light stretch class, and set the tone for a relaxing day.
Award-Winning Meals
Enjoy coffee and the breakfast buffet each morning, light lunches and refreshments throughout the day and exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients for dinner. AmaWaterways is especially known for its fantastic meals on board.
We recommend booking The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant for at least one evening and would be happy to take care of those details for you. John and Ken write:
“The Chef’s Table was an evening to remember! Watching the preparations throughout the evening, and then getting to enjoy them was great fun! We have actually re-created a dressing that he used on the Watermelon and Seared Goat Cheese salad!”
Need more convincing? Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are also offered with each meal.
Salon & Spa
No vacation is complete without a bit of pampering. The spa on board offers massages throughout the day so you can relax on your own schedule. With fewer guests on board you won’t have to fight for an appointment.
Feel like going out for the evening while we’re in port? Let the stylists at the salon give you a new look or simply help you look and feel your best before heading out.
Deck Pool
You may not choose a tropical cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the sun on the top deck! All ships have a heated pool (some with a swim-up bar for optimal enjoyment) or a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing any tired muscles while cruising past the graceful, castle-filled countryside of Europe.
Feel free to come back out when the sun goes down. As you cruise past larger cities, the views of bridges full of lights or cathedrals lit up under the stars are extraordinary.
This is the perfect atmosphere to socialize with your party and other guests. Many cruisers have truly built long-distance and lasting friendships and even return time and time again to cruise with people they met on previous sailings!
Excursions
Regardless of which cruise itinerary you choose, you’ll have a variety of excursions to choose from. Activity level varies to suit your preference for the day and bikes are available on the ship for you to take into town. There is even a tour option for “late risers” if you’d like to take advantage of your lush bed and catch a few extra zzzs.
During some stops, you may prefer a mild hike; on others, wine tasting or touring a Kölsch brew pub. Alternatively, you may wish to take on some free time with your group and explore the city. Some of our clients’ favorite days are strolling through the cobblestone streets of obscure cities, feeling out the local culture.
Best in Class Service
If there is anything that could make your time on board the ship better, let the AmaWaterways river cruise ship team know! The only thing better than their dining is their service. The team truly prides itself on building relationships with each guest and creating a family-like feel for your journey.
“Service was awesome. The crew was great. Truly for us, it was the “trip of a lifetime” kind of thing…”
So, what are you waiting for? At Alaska to Mickey Vacations, we are on standby to book your next European river cruise vacation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling through Europe by AmaWaterways river cruise ship and get your end-to-end travel confirmed. All you need to decide is when you want to go and who you’d like to travel with!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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So your family has decided to all get together for a fantastic cruise vacation. It has been so long since you have seen each other. All the family has decided that a cruise will be a perfect vacation. A cruise will give each family a chance to have fun together and then there will be time for the whole family to spend as a large group. But, before you book your cabins you are wondering if there is anything that you should consider. I am going to share with you what I think are 3 must-haves when you are going to go on a cruise with your extended family. So, here goes, my 3 must-haves for your family reunion cruise vacation!
#1 Book a Balcony Stateroom
I think that balcony staterooms are the Bomb! (Especially, if you have young children that need naptime or just time to get away from the hubbub.) Your balcony is the perfect place to get away and have a few minutes to yourself. Even if you love your family dearly it is nice to have a quiet, tranquil place to hang out where no one can find you. It is also perfect for when you want some interrupted time to connect away from the ship’s activities.
Now, if you have young children I think a balcony is a definite necessity. A balcony gives you the ability to have your child nap and you still get to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, fresh air, and sounds of the ocean. It can be a wonderful relaxation time for you as well as the kids. If you only have an interior or oceanview room you might feel cooped up or resentful of not being able to enjoy outside.
#2 Linked Dining Reservations
One of my most favorite things to do on a family reunion cruise is to eat dinner all together as a family. Sitting in the dining room all together taking the time to eat a meal is a wonderful experience. Everyone has the chance to talk about their day, all the fun they had, and what they want to do tomorrow. It’s a great place to catch up together and enjoy each other’s company. But, in order to get tables together, you will want to have your dining reservations linked together when you book.
#3 Spirit of Compromise
This must-have is actually true for the whole planning and traveling process. Each family in your larger family will have specific needs and wants. Since it is everyone’s vacation, everyone should feel like their feelings are being considered. But this also means that everyone will need to give on some things. For instance, your family just cannot handle a late dinner seating but there is another family that really wants to do some excursions that will return during the early dinner time. So, maybe on those days, you all agree to meet for breakfast or just let them skip those nights and catch up the next day. If everyone has the spirit of compromise instead of just wanting their vacation their way then it can be more fun for all.
So, what do you think? Do you have another must-have for a family reunion cruise? I would love to hear your suggestion. Just comment below!
A cruise is a fantastic vacation for a family reunion but working out all the details can be quite hair raising. That’s where I come in! Let me help you handle all the tricky parts so that you can just enjoy the planning process. If you are thinking about planning a family reunion please contact me!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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Shoving off from Budapest, Hungary, your river cruise ship is ready for a journey down the Lower Danube River. You are off into a land of mystery, intrigue, and enchantment. As you travel beyond the former Iron Curtain you have the opportunity to delve into the lives of people once hidden. This is the river less traveled and you are ready to discover its beauty! I can’t wait to show you a little of what is waiting for you as you river cruise through the countries of the Lower Danube River!
Hungary
Puszta
Mohacs
Széchenyi Square in Pécs
Parliament Building in Budapest
Your tour will begin in the phenomenal capital city of Budapest, Hungary. This is a popular beginning/ending point for Upper Danube River cruises as well as Lower Danube cruises. In fact, if you want to experience the best of the Danube then you might want to book an Upper Danube cruise and a Lower Danube cruise right after. But, I digress. If you want to learn a little more about Budapest then check out this post and the beginning of this Christmas Market itinerary.
Your trek continues south through Hungary. Depending on your river cruise line you might take a short stop in Puszta, on the Great Hungarian Plain, and watch an unforgettable horsemanship performance. Or you might stop in Mohacs and then take a trip to the 2000-year-old city of Pécs. Pécs is also filled with historic architecture including the Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic Cathedral (don’t miss the catacombs); and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. Wine lovers will thoroughly enjoy the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago.
Croatia
Overlooking Vukovar
Vukovar Memorial
Sunset over vinyards of Ilok
Vukovar is a beautiful Baroque Croatian city where you can tour important war landmarks from the 1990s war with Serbia such as Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance and known as the “hero town” because of the brave Croatian civilians and volunteers. This is a great place to understand and remember more modern history.
Another option is to go wine tasting in Ilok. Since Roman times wine has been produced in this reason making its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines.
Serbia
Novi Sad
Petrovaradin Fortress
Belgrade
Belgrade on the Danube
Golubac Fortress
Your first stop in Serbia could be Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens”. In Novi Sad, you can explore Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. During the evening you might visit the impenetrable Petrovaradin Fortress and the “haunted” underground corridors.
Next, on to the exploration of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. There is so much to see in this city. Your city tour includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Other places you will want to visit are the Royal Palace (home of the Serbian Royal Family); the House of Flowers, and the mausoleum of Marshal Tito (first President of Yugoslavia). After touring, take a rest and enjoy a taste of Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz.
The next part of your river cruise journey down the Lower Danube river will straddle two different countries. The Danube river is the border between the nations of Serbia and Romania. On the Serbia side, you will have the opportunity to explore the ruins of Golubac Fortress, a fortified medieval town that was built during the 14th century. From this highly fought-over strategic position, you can gaze across the Danube to Romania.
Romania
Iron Gates
Bucharest Arch of Triumph
Bucharest Village Museum
Bucharest Palace of Parliament
Enjoy an 83-mile scenic cruise as you pass through the Iron Gates, one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Through this stretch, the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. This region is also named the Iron Gates for the series of locks on the river. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.
The Danube River will leave Romania for a while and you will sail through Bulgaria for a day. After sailing through Bulgaria you will end your journey in Giurgiu. If you want to discover more of Romania after your cruise you can take an optional land extension to Bucharest.
Some river cruise itineraries include Bucharest, the Paris of Eastern Europe. If yours does, then you might want to see the Romanian Athenaeum, The Arch of Triumph, the Palace of Parliament (the 2nd largest administrative building in the world), or the Village Museum. Bucharest is quite a contrast of architecture from the historical churches and buildings not destroyed during Nazi occupation to the nearby communist-era cement block structures and more modern buildings.
But, let’s go back to Bulgaria.
Bulgaria
Vidin
Baba Vida Fortress
Belogradchik
The first stop in Bulgari is in Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities. Travel back to medieval times at Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Then on to Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, where you will be able to hike around the spectacular rock formations.
In Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient city, you will enjoy exploring its medieval fortress and many orthodox temples. Or, if you are interested in more modern Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries then you might want to see Rousse instead.
As you can see, the Lower Danube is very different from the rest of the Danube River. This is the perfect itinerary to travel back in time and encounter a land a little more untraveled.
If you are intrigued by the countries of the Lower Danube River and would like more information about visiting, just contact me.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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Melk, Austria is a tiny little town a the very edge of the Wachau Valley. Just sailing down the Danube River you will see such breathtaking scenery. But, then as you get closer to Melk you will be awestruck but the gorgeous and impressive structure of the Melk Benedictine Abbey perched atop of a hill overlooking the small town. Just the sight of the Abbey in Melk, Austria will have you hungering to see more.
Your river cruise will most likely have a tour option that will take you up the hill to the Abbey. If there isn’t a guided tour of the rooms then you can try and join one when you get up there. Once off the transportation up you will walk down some steps to get to the courtyard. Immediately you will be impressed with the grandure!
A little History
Originally Melk Abbey was built as a Roman fortress. In the 11th century, the fortress was converted into a monastery by the ruling Babenberg family. The family then donated the monastery to the Benedictine monks. The Abbey has been continuously a center of worship for over 900 years. The building you see now is not original. It has had to be reconstructed a few times and in the 1700s was rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Visiting Melk Abby
After you go through the beautiful courtyard into the abbey in Melk, Austria, you will want to visit four main areas–the monastery, the church, the library, and the gardens. Throughout the tour, you will be astounded but the architecture, frescoes, and ornate decor. While the whole experience is amazing, the library is one of the most astounding with over 100,000 books, some of which date back to the 9th century.
This description clearly cannot give you an idea what Melk Abbey looks like so here are a few pictures (as magnificent as the pictures are they don’t even compare to seeing the real thing).
Visiting Melk Abbey is most definitely one of the places you need to visit on your Danube River cruise!
Have you visited Melk Abbey? What was your favorite experience there?
If you would like some information about Danube River cruise itineraries that visit Melk please contact me. I would love to get you started planning your next Danube River cruise.
Regensburg, Germany is one of the wonderful ports you might visit while on a Danube River Cruise. This town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Bavaria. In fact, the entire medieval Old Town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regensburg, Germany is a fantastic town to visit on a river cruise and take a walk back into medieval times with your family!
Visit Regensburg, Germany on a river cruise with family of all ages–what is there to see and do?
So, what is there to do and see in Regensburg? And, if you are traveling with family of all ages what might be of interest to everyone? Read on and find out what your family might enjoy when visiting Regensburg, Germany on a river cruise!
Old Town
Just like most European port towns on the Danube taking a tour of the Old Town is top on the list of things to do. Walking through Old Town in Regensburg you will get a feel for its long history. You will enjoy the charming, tall residences, lovely Old Town Hall, and impressive Gothic clock tower. Some highlights are…
Steinerne Brucke (Old Stone Bridge)–This stone bridge with 15 arches was one of the few bridges across the Danube River in the middle ages.
Brucketurm (Bridge Watchtower)–Climb up the tower steps for an excellent view of the bridge and the Danube River. There is also a nice museum of dioramas of the bridge through the years and clock mechanism.
Ostentor (Eastern Gate), a 14th century stone gateway flanked by turreted towers
Porta Praetoria–Built in 179 AD, it’s one of the two remaining Roman gates in Germany
Regensburg Cathedral
Also called St. Peters Cathedral, the Regensburg Cathedral is considered the most impressive Gothic cathedral in Bavaria. You will feel dwarfed by the 105 meter Gothic spires and awed by the beautiful stained glass. Inside you will be impressed with the decorative arches, canopies, and sculptures.
Wurtskuchl (Regensburg Sausage Kitchen)
Back in the 1100’s the building was the construction office for the Old Stone Bridge. Once completed, workers vacated the building and it began its new life as a food stand. Today, it is still serving up grilled sausages and sauerkraut making it one of the oldest restaurants in the world. It’s so good even the locals eat there!
Walhalla (Hall of Fame)
About 10 kilometers east of Regensburg sits Walhalla. Built as a reproduction of the Parthenon in Athens, this Teutonic temple honors famous Germans in history. Inside the ornate, marble hall you will find busts of more than a hundred historic figures including King Ludwig I, Goethe, Luther, Gutenberg, and empress Katarina the Great. What a great place for a historical person scavenger hunt! Seeing all the famous statues is also a great starting point for an exploration into the life and times of a historical character.
This imposing structure is built on a foundation of 358 marble steps and while it provides a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and Danube River it might be a little too taxing for some members of your family. Kids often enjoy exploring the surrounding woods over looking at all the statues and plaques. But the impressive structure is definitely worth the visit. Some river cruise itineraries include Walhalla (along with a bike ride there) as one of the included excursion options.
Regensburg, Germany will be a memorable stop on your family river cruise adventure. There is so much history to explore and share together. Just another reason why a river cruise might be just the perfect vacation for your multi-generational family reunion!
Want to check out some Danube River Cruise itineraries, click here.
Are you wondering where in the world is Coco Cay? And then wondering why would I ever want to go there? Well, let’s get those questions answered for you today! Coco Cay is a private island (owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) in the Bahamas. As the title suggests it could be the perfect beach day for you and your family or friends to enjoy while you are cruising the Caribbean. There are so many things to do on the island it is truly a tropical island paradise for everyone. Want to know more? Read on! There is so much family fun to be had on Perfect Day at Coco Cay!
Beaches
What is a trip to a private island without a beach! Perfect Day at Coco Cay certainly will not disappoint. You will have a few beaches to choose from.
Chill Island
If you like to relax on the beach as well as explore what the ocean has to offer you might want to head to Chill Island. An abundance of lounge chairs await guests on one of the three ocean coves. Spend time soaking up the sun for a bit and then head out into the ocean with some rented snorkel gear, paddleboard, kayak, or maybe a jetski. When you get hungry, wander over to the Chill Grill for delicious Caribbean BBQ bites.
South Beach
Sports lovers will love South Beach. Yes, you will find beach chairs and plenty of ocean fun at South Beach. But, its real claim to fame is all the sports courts. Start up a game of volleyball or basketball for some extra fun. The nearby Snack Shack will satisfy your hunger with burgers, hot dogs, salads, and more.
Coco Beach Club
Coco Beach Club floating cabana
The Coco Beach Club is an exclusive part of the island. Day passes can be purchased by guests wanting a little bit more luxury on the island. With a day pass, guests enjoy the exclusive beach, clubhouse, infinity pool, towels, lounge chairs, and private Coco Beach Club restaurant. Guest also have the option of reserving cabanas on the beach or ultra-luxurious floating cabanas for an additional fee. The Coco Beach Club cannot be surpassed for peace, calm, and luxury.
Oasis Lagoon
Oasis Lagoon, blue and white beach umbrellas and cabanas around pool
This massive freshwater pool (the largest in the Caribbean) will be a destination your whole family will enjoy. On one cove there is a sloping entry perfect for young children and fun for older kids to swim about from island to island. Parents can watch from one of the pool loungers either in or out of the pool. The swim-up bar is also a favorite of the Oasis Lagoon.
For the Kids
Captain’s Jill’s℠ Galleon
Young ones will be clamoring to climb aboard this pirate ship of adventure and fun. With 3 slides, a splash pad, and hordes of water cannons, no one is coming out dry.
Splashaway Bay
Another splash pad parents will have to drag their kids away from. This area is sure to drench with two huge dumping buckets, sprayers, slides, and so much fun!
Where to Eat and Drink
Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill with Daredevil Tower in the background.
There are 3 complimentary places to eat while you are enjoying your Perfect Day at Coco Cay plus a few bars for getting something to drink. Drink plans can be used while on the island.
Chill Grill is near Chill Island
Skipper’s Grill can be found by Splashaway Bay
A few Snack Shacks can be found around the island
Captain Jack’s is near the entrance and is mostly a bar with a few snacky food items.
Coco Beach Club Restaurant for those with day passes
The restaurant areas have ample seating. This is a great place for your whole family or group of families to gather together and enjoy some time together.
Thrill Waterpark
Thrill Waterpark is one of the things to do on Perfect Day at Coco Cay that keeps guests booking cruises with this stop over and over again. The waterpark costs extra but it is a full day of fun and excitement. Devil’s Peak slide boasts being the tallest waterslide in North America at 135ft. Are you brave enough? You can also enjoy tube slides, racing slides, zero-gravity drops, and raft slides. Plus, they have a fantastic wave pool and you guessed it, it’s the biggest in the Caribbean. Kids of all ages won’t want to miss out on the obstacle course Adventure pool.
Other Excursions
Up Up and Away
Take a balloon ride 450 feet above the island for a birdseye view. This is taller than the Statue of Liberty and provides a gorgeous view of the ocean and the land below. This activity has an extra cost.
Zip Line
Soar along the 1600 foot long zip line across the island. You will even get a refreshing zip through the Harbor fountain just before you land. This activity has an extra cost.
How this is a good stop for your family or friend reunion vacation
As you can see there are things that will be enjoyable for everyone in the family. Above it talks about the different places for children. The waterpark is great for those of all ages loving a little thrill and excitement. The pool has a nice shallow area for kids as well as the two splash areas. So much for the kids in the family to do on their Perfect Day at Coco Cay and the parents get a little time to relax. What could be better than that!
How would Perfect Day at Coco Cay be for my family members who have less mobility? All of the beaches and pool areas have umbrellas available for those wanting to stay out of the sun a bit. There is a tram that provide transportation throughout the island for those who have difficluty walking long distances. The island is wheelchair accessible and pools also have lifts. The only stairs are to the tall waterslides and zip line.
For the families who want to make their day truly special consider renting a cabana on one of the beaches or a floating cabana at the Coco Beach Club. Multiple families can even pitch in and rent one together. There are cabanas that hold up to 8 people.
Your Perfect Day at Coco Cay will surely not disappoint your family! There is so much to do without whether you want to keep it simple or be a little more extravagant with the waterpark or a luxury cabana. There are multiple itineraries that make Perfect Day at Coco Cay one of their preferred stops. Talk with your travel advisor about which itinerary might be right for your family.
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