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!
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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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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Awesome Biking Adventures for your family, or family reunion
Are you ready to adventure outside of the United States? Ready to experience history that has gone back hundreds and hundreds of years, astounding architecture, other traditions, foods, and cultures? Ready to pedal through the countryside rather than speed past by car? Then Europe is a perfect destination for an active vacation for your family or family reunion. Check out these 3 active family biking vacation tours in Europe!
Are you wondering if this would be a good trip for a family reunion? If quite a few members of your family would love to bike across Europe than one of these tours might be a great option. For the family members who would rather not ride there are other activites they can do while everyone else is out riding. Those hanging back can visit the towns, go hiking, shopping, or relax at the hotel. They can, of course, join the group on the non-riding activities during the trip. There is quite a bit of flexibility of what your family can do during the day. And then everyone can meet up for the afternoon or at dinner and have so much fun talking about what they did and saw that day.
Prague to Vienna Family Biking Tour
Český Krumlov
Klet Mountain
Lipno Lake
This active family biking vacation tour in Europe will take your family from one beautiful European capital city to another through some stunning countryside, small towns, and wandering rivers. The heart of Europe was a center of history ready to be explored. Visit castles and ruins, churches and architecture, rivers and roads. Plus, your family can discover a different lifestyle, culture, landscape, and food than they are used to. What a marvelous adventure! Let’s see what this adventure holds!
The terrain for this trip has gently rolling hills on smaller roads with less traffic for the first few days. The last few days are spend mostly riding on flat paths. This is a level 1/2 trip. There is always the option of boosts in the shuttle for tired riders and ebikes for those who want the extra help on the hills. And, there are activities available for those who don’t want to ride at all or transportation if they want to meet up with the group for the other (non-biking) activities.
Day 1–Holašovice to Český Krumlov–Welcome to the Czech Republic! Right off the bat you are whisked away on a shuttle from Prague to the charming village of Holašovice. After a traditional hearty lunch, your family will be fitted for bicycles and set out to ride to Český Krumlov. Want a challenge? Climb up Klet Mountain for stunning views of South Bohemia.
Day 2–Český Krumlov to Zlata Koruna–This morning you ride down the banks of the winding Vltava River to the small village of Zlata Koruna. Then you will trade your bicycle for some paddles as you raft down the calm Vltava River back to Český Krumlov. During the afternoon you can explore Český Krumlov and visit an art museum or the Marionette Museum. Klet Mountain is another option for you to ride, hike or take a chairlift to the top. In the evening you will enjoy a private guided tour of this medieval town and learn about its history and interesting facts.
Day 3–Lake Lipno to Austria–The shuttle will take your family to Lake Lipno for a thrilling morning of speed and heights. Pick from activities such as a bobsleigh track or treetop walk (with massive toboggan and lookout tower). Bike through the southern countryside of the Czech Republic and into northern Austria after lunch. Lastly, you will shuttle along the Danube River for a couple of hours to the delightful town of Dürnstein. In Dürnstein, you will enjoy a local Austrian evening meal and then you can take in the night sights.
Day 4–Dürnstein to Melk Loop–Dürnstein will be home base for the rest of the trip. The rides from here are some of the most picturesque of the trip. You will absolutely love exploring the Wachau valley and the delightful villages along the way. Today’s destination is Melk and the highlight will be visiting the breathtaking Melk Benedictine Abbey. It is absolutely stunning! Get more info about the abbey here. To head back to Dürnstein your family can choose to take the shuttle or bike. There will be some more time to explore Dürnstein when you get back.
Day 5–Dürnstein to Gottweig Loop–This morning your bike ride will bring you to the bottom of Gottweig Abbey Hill (for an extra challenge you can ride up also). After your ride, you will be hungry and glad for a stop at the World of Morwald to get to taste a sophisticated twist on Viennese classics. And even better, you will learn to make two traditional Austrian desserts in a private cooking class. Then it’s time for relaxation or exploration before the farewell dinner.
Day 6–Dürnstein to Spitz and back–This last morning will start with a hike to the castle ruins overlooking Dürnstein that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. Another option for the morning is a quick ride to Spitz. You will love the last look at the beautiful Danube countryside before getting on the shuttle to the Vienna train station or airport.
Biking through the Netherlands and Belgium is the perfect destination for your family’s first biking vacation adventure in Europe. Everyone will love the flat-as-a-pannekoek landscape! Plus, you all will love cycling past the fields and fields of flowers and flowing canals.
Due to the mostly flat riding this trip is suitable for most all riders. For those who want an extra challenge there are longer ride options available. If you have members in your family who don’t want to ride at all there is options for them too. A perfect trip for everyone!
Day 1–Amsterdam to The Hague–Start your vacation biking from Amsterdam to the coast past fields of green, flowers, and windmills. The landscape changes to sand dunes and seaside lanes as you get closer to The Hague. The kids will love some time playing organized games in the sand of the beach while adults have some time to themselves.
Day 2-3–Gouda to Utrecht–The biking will start from Gouda (don’t forget to tase the Gouda cheese) to the UNESCO site of Kinderdijk, the land of windmills. Then the kids get to spend the afternoon adventuring with a Leader while the adults ride to Utrecht, one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities. Today is a day to explore ancient castles, ride through traditional Dutch villages and past grand manors. Kids will also love learning to make cheese. Definitely bragging rights!
Day 4-6–Belgium–How fun to bike from one country to another. You will cross from the Netherlands to Belgium through the scenic countryside to Bruges. Your family will really enjoy riding in the mostly car-free city. This medieval city has so much to explore down the cobblestone streets flanked with gabled brick houses, lofty spires, and meandering canals. Most likely the favorite part of the trip will be the visit to the Chocolate Museum and chocolate-making workshop. What would a trip to Belgium be without a little chocolate! On the last days of your trip, you will visit the WWI monuments at Flanders Fields and take a relaxing ride through the charming Belgian neighborhoods.
Brittany and Normandy Family Biking Tour
Seaside in St-Malo
Dinan, France
Omaha Beach Monument
Mont-St-Michel
This tour of Brittany and Normandy combines stunning landscapes, European history, United States history, French culture, and delicious cuisine. There is so much to see and do in this small portion of France! Check out this last family biking itinerary for your vacation in Europe.
While this trip is slightly more challenging (biking wise) than the tour of the Netherlands and Belgium, guests will have choices about how much they want to exert themselves. Your guides are ready to help make the day just right for your family and their activity level.
Day 1–St-Malo–Your family journey starts in Brittany’s restful countryside. Your first stop will be the amazing fortified walled city of St-Malo. Once there, the kids will have an amazing adventure of land sailing on the beach.
Day 2–Dinan and St-Suliac–Today is a day full of exploration! First, in the lovely harbor town of Dinan, you will discover what’s behind those half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The kids will get to try their hand at learning to make crêpes. Yummy! Finally, you will bike to the captivating village of St-Suliac. At the end of the day, you might want to take the family for a stroll along the beach of St-Malo while watching the beautiful sunset.
Day 3–Mont-St-Michel–You will be amazed by the rugged coastline during your morning ride. After you arrive in Cancale, you will have a chance to taste the local specialty, oysters. The highlight of your day will be a private tour of the stunning island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel.
Day 4–Arromanches–The next couple of days will be spent remembering the events of D-Day and WWII. Today you will visit the famous sites of Mulberry Harbor and Juno Beach. Then the kids will saddle up for a scenic horseback ride while the adults bike through the Norman landscape. As you pass the apple orchards and grand manors you will want to stop and take pictures around every corner.
Day 5–Omaha Beach— You will visit WWII battle sites, memorials, and the landing beaches with a local historian. Some highlights of the day will be biking past the bunkers of Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Military Cemetery.
Day 6–Bayeux and Longues-sur-Mer–You will finish your trip with a relaxing ride to Longues-sur-Mer. This was once a section of Germany’s coastal fortifications. Now it is a fascinating site will stunning views across the channel. You will also have the chance to see the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry. This tapestry tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in embroidery.
These 3 amazing family biking vacation tours in Europe are a sampling of what is possible for your family in Europe. Do you have a destination in Europe that you would like to take your family to? Contact me and we can get started planning your next active family biking adventure vacation in Europe!
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.
Ocean cruising has been one of the most popular types of vacation experiences for decades. People who love cruising love the all-inclusive experience. Other benefits of ocean cruising are its affordability, convenience of departure ports all over the United States, excellent service, entertainment, and activities in one place, and that it’s a floating hotel taking you from country to country. Sounds like the perfect vacation, doesn’t it? What could possibly be better? Well, consider a river cruise!
You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, let me show you on a river cruise just how superbly well they go together. River cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.
Here are the top 10 reasons we know why you’ll love taking a river cruise!
1. Expand Your Options
While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through them. There simply is no way to reach river cruise destinations on mega cruise ships. Also, ocean cruises dock outside the destination where river cruise ships right in the middle of everything within walking distance. This gives you so much flexibility in touring the area.
A guided tour is included at each port to give you an overview of the area if you wish. This could be by bus, bicycle, or foot. Then the rest of the day is on your own to explore. Definitely a great benefit of going on a river cruise!
2. Intimate Experience
River cruising offers a more intimate setting and is another. Most ships range from 144 to 196 passengers. This means that you’ll never have to wait in line, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy all the amenities and have a more personal experience with other passengers and crew. From ordering a beverage to getting on and off the ship, you’ll enjoy the absence of long lines. This is one of the great reasons why ocean cruisers will love a river cruise.
3. Dive into the Local Culture
Get away from the touristy ports and explore hidden gems. Large ocean liner ports can receive up to 20,000 visitors on the same day but with a river cruise, you’ll arrive into port with only a few hundred visitors. Not only will you avoid long lines at your destination, but you’ll also enjoy leisurely excursions at each incredible port of call. You’ll be able to take in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit.
4. No Need to Rush Back
With many departures from the destinations being later in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the nightlife in select ports of call. Whether you choose an evening walk through cobblestone streets, a local show or performance, or one last glass of wine after dinner while listening to a local musician, immersing yourself in the evening culture together with the locals is a unique experience.
5. Castle Views
That’s right, castle views! From Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River, and in Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau on the Danube, you’ll see colorful architecture and castles that will blow you away. But don’t stop at just viewing the castles, why not hike or drive to them and then explore their fabulousness with a knowledgeable guide? You’ll literally be walking in the footsteps of world history.
6. 5-Star Reviews
5-star reviews are only earned through 5-star service. When you’re relaxing with a glass of wine on the Sun Deck, enjoying a night under the stars, or having an unexpected encounter with kind locals that your tour guide has arranged for you, you’ll know where their 5-star reviews come from. See what people are saying about one of my favorite cruise lines, AmaWaterways’ flawless service.
7. Entertainment for the Whole Family
With a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way, we’re sure everyone in the family will have an unforgettable experience. River cruising is perfect for multi-generational families. From grandparents to late-elementary grandchildren, the entire family will bond over a range of topics and activities from food to history to countryside excursions. There really is something to do for everyone on board at each destination. Some members of your group may choose to take advantage of spa services, or the sundeck pool, or cultural activities, while others may prefer to seek out a quiet space with a book. Mealtimes are the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together again as a family. It really is the perfect multi-generational vacation for your family or group of friends.
8. Taste the Difference
Whether you’re into wine tasting or local street food, a river cruise provides an exceptional culinary experience both on the ship and at every destination. The onboard culinary team focuses on utilizing fresh local ingredients. Dishes are paired with local wines. There’s absolutely no mass-produced and basic buffet food when you cruise with AmaWaterways!
9. Variety of Experience
Let’s not forget just how special every European country is! The towns and cities may be close in proximity along the river, but don’t be surprised by the unique feeling and experiences that each destination gives you. Choose from visiting local breweries, hiking to castles, biking through trendy neighborhoods or visiting museums that highlight the local culture.
10.World-Class Accommodations
One of the reasons we love river cruises so much (and we know you’ll agree) is the feeling of walking into a luxurious suite or twin-balcony stateroom that will be your home away from home for the next 7, 8, 10 days or more. Each of AmaWaterways staterooms is tastefully decorated and is river facing. Whether you choose to have a window view, a private balcony, or even a twin balcony (with both a French and outside balcony), you’ll always have a room with a view.
So, there you have it. 10 great reasons why you’ll love your first river cruise on AmaWaterways.
To all cruise-lovers, perhaps it’s time to shake up the ocean cruise vacation for an entirely new way to explore the world’s waterways. Let us book you on an AmaWaterways river cruise that will take you inland for a unique and relaxing tour of Europe.
Prague has a vast and varied history spanning 1000 years.
Along your travels, you might find people with different opinions about Prague, Czech Republic. Some might think it is too busy, touristy, and not worth the trip. Others see the history, architecture, and other qualities that make it a must-see European destination. As a part of a Danube river cruise you have the option to add on Prague as a pre- or post-cruise extension (learn more about the benefits of land extensions here). These land tours are such a wonderful way to see different cities. Let’s find out what amazing things to see and do await you in the gorgeous city of Prague!
Visit Prague Castle
Many of the included land extension tours and free walking tours will finish up near Prague Castle. You probably will not get to see the castle through the tours so after will be a great opportunity. Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world. It is almost like a village of its own with churches, towers, halls, and palaces. Don’t miss the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the Treasures, and the Bohemian crown jewels. The musems are very interesting to learn of the history of the palace for the last 1000 years.
Wander Old Town Square
This square is a hubbub of activity and for good reason. This is a great place to grab a seat, people watch, enjoy the street vendors, and musicians. The buildings around this area are a feast for your eyes with all the history and different types of architecture. The Tyn and St. Nicholas churches are beautiful inside and out. And, don’t forget to be outside on the hour to hear the chime of the absolutely stunning Astronomical Clock (you might find the chime overrated but the detail and artistry are amazing). So much to see and do!
Explore the Catacombs
While your in Old Town Square you might want to explore a little bit of the underground. The catacombs used to be the first level of the medieval houses around the square. These homes have been buried by time and progress. Now they are an exhibit showcase medieval life. You can get to the catacombs through the tourism office. This won’t take too much of your time but you might find it very interesting.
Meander through Petrin Park
After the busyness of Old Town Square and Prague Castle, Petrin Park will be a welcomed break. This park is on top of a big hill on the left bank of the Vlatava River. You could use this opportunity to really stretch your legs or you can take the funicular and save the energy for the park. At the top there are many paths to meander along through the trees. You also might want to climb the lookout tower that looks very similar to the Eiffel Tower for some of the best views of Prague. Other things of interest are the gardens, a maze, and the unusual Church of St. Michael.
Walk Across Charles Bridge
No trip to Prague is complete with out a trip to the Charles Bridge. This bridge is one of the most iconic things in Prague. Even though the bridge will be very busy with people it is well worth the trip. This charming bridge was built in the 14th Century ove the Vlatava River and connects Old Town with Mala Strana (another great place to walk through). The bridge is beautiful during the day and magical at night. Climbing the nearby Old Town Tower Bridge will give you wonderful views of the Mala Strana and surrounding area.
This article has only scratched the surface of the wonders of Prague, Czech Republic. This beautiful city has so much to see and do all year round. At Christmastime the Christmas markets make visiting this city even more exciting.
If you would like to find out more about adding Prague to your Danube river cruise, please contact me. I would love to help you create your dream vacation!
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