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I could hardly wait for my 7-night Danube River Cruise with AMAwaterways aboard the luxurious AMAviola! I heard rave reviews and really wanted to experience it for myself. From Budapest to Vilshofen, this trip was AMAZING , take a look . . .  DAY 1 After settling into my stateroom aboard the AMAviola, I explored the city's iconic Buda Castle. As I wandered through the castle grounds, I couldn't help but imagine the bustling life of the Hungarian kings and queens who once resided here, making it a truly enchanting experience. While in Budapest, I couldn't miss the opportunity to visit the Great Synagogue, a stunning architectural building rich in history and cultural significance. Inside, the intricate details and beautiful decorations painted a vivid picture of the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived here. Another impactful stop during my time in Budapest was the Shoes on the Danube memorial. This poignant tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. Rows of bronzed shoes line the bank of the Danube, representing the thousands of innocent lives lost to senseless acts of violence. As I stood there, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of solemnity and gratitude for those who had suffered. Visiting these significant sites added a deeper layer to my experience in Budapest, reminding me of the resilience and strength of the human spirit even in the face of adversity. As the sun began to set, I returned to the ship for a welcome cocktail and mingled with my fellow travelers. What a perfect start to an unforgettable journey! Budapest's rich history and stunning vistas set the stage for an incredible adventure on the Danube.  DAY 2 Bratislava had such charm with an abundance of stunning architecture. As I walked through the picturesque streets, I gazed up at the magnificent Michael's Tower - the oldest of the city gates that has stood the test of time for over 600 years! The architectural diversity reflects the city's complex past, where influences from neighboring countries and dynasties have shaped its unique character. I am not an architecture enthusiast but I certainly could appreciate the beauty of a well-preserved historic city.  DAY 3 From the stunning architecture of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the imperial grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, and the majestic performances at the Vienna Opera House, Vienna has left me in awe. Of course, I visited the Sacher House and enjoyed the infamous Sacher Torte. Yes, it was a bit touristy, and yes, it was DELICIOUS!  DAY 4 We were 2 of 3 people who choose to take the adventurous hike high above the town for a visit to the majestic ruins of Durnstein Castle. Having such a small group enabled us to go at our own pace and stop frequently for pictures. We were able to learn so much from the local guide. At the top, we enjoyed a beautiful view of the Abbey Church. The waitlist for a wedding at the church is over 1 year, but well worth the wait!  DAY 5 The medieval Hohensalzburg, set atop the bluffs overlooking the stunning city, offers a glimpse back in time with its impressive architecture and fascinating history. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the fortress provides expansive views of Salzburg and the surrounding area that will take your breath away.  DAY 6 We arrived in Passau, Germany, and I was excited to visit the impressive Veste Oberhaus. After an active hike we were rewarded with stunning views of the city below. Our knowledgeable guide shared fascinating history about the castle and pointed out the amazing architecture. Another group of travelers enjoyed a bike tour, while we continued on foot through the cobblestone streets to a local bar suggested by our tour guide! As my Danube River Cruise came to an end, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the amazing experiences and memories I had made on this trip. If you are interested in this river cruise, or another, please let me know, I would love to help!
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I learned to play pickleball in 2003 when I began working as a photographer at Camp Ramaquois. I have played and watched others play for years. I can't believe the game has become so popular recently, with pickleball courts popping up everywhere - even on river cruise ships! AMAwaterways and Amadeus River Cruises have taken the pickleball craze to new heights by offering two river cruises that cater specifically to pickleball lovers.
Onboard the luxurious AMAmagna with AMAwaterways or the Amadeus Silver III with Amadeus River Cruises, guests can practice their pickleball skills while cruising the Danube river. But the fun doesn't stop there. You'll also get the opportunity to visit local pickleball clubs and courts in each destination, where you can compete against and connect with the locals and other pickleball enthusiasts. These unique cruises offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines both the love of pickleball with the joy of traveling to incredible destinations. The itinerary includes stops in Austria, Germany, and Hungary. The two river cruise lines cater to pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, you're sure to have a blast playing and learning with fellow travelers. But the fun isn't just limited to the pickleball courts. AMAwaterways and Amadeus River Cruises also offer fantastic onboard amenities, including stunning views of the river, fine dining experiences, and luxurious accommodations. So, if you're looking for a unique way to combine your passion for pickleball and travel, book your spot today and get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Get ready to serve, volley, and travel in style – all in the same trip! As a travel advisor, who is constantly on the go, I learned that having the right travel items can make all the difference in having a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Clients ask for packing lists and recommendations all the time, whether they are headed on an Alaskan Cruise or a Multi-City European adventure! As I prepare for a weeklong River Cruise down the Danube with AMAwaterways, I am making my list! I am staying a night pre-cruise in Budapest, Hungary and post cruise in Nice, France. I am so excited to bring all my essentials with me as I stayed in 5 different countries in 10 days! Here are a few items that I consider must-haves for any trip:  Packable Backpack - Whether you're exploring a new city or going on a day hike, having a sturdy and lightweight backpack is essential. The Outlander Packable Backpack is my go-to because of its lightweight and compact size when not in use, yet it's big enough to carry my winter coat, a hat and my husbands vest along with snacks, and 2 water bottles! Its comfortable mesh straps made it easy to carry during long excursions, and it’s stylishly adaptable for any situation. Packing Cubes - Staying organized is crucial when packing for trip with multiple stops, and I find packing cubes the best way to sort and access my clothes. I brought the 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes in 4 Sizes that I have had forever! Rather than packing my things in one cube and my husbands in another, I prefer to pack a day or 2 for each of us in each cube so that if luggage is lost or stolen, we both still have clothes. I always suggest having at least 1 outfit per person packed in your carryon and the various sizes in this pack make that very easy. European Power Adapter - Power outlets in European countries differ from that in North America, so I knew I would need my European Travel Plug Adapter. This is a necessity to charge my electronics and keep me connected throughout my trip. I choose to get the 2 pack and I was so glad I did. My husband was able to have his phone charging on one side of the bed while I had my phone charging on the other. The USB plugs are handy for ipads and other devices that also need to be charged. Travel Bottles - Although cruise ships and hotels all provide soap, shampoo and conditioner, I prefer to bring my own toiletry products. The Gemice Travel Bottles for Toiletries are TSA approved and a great way to bring my usual products with me on any trip without compromising on quality. I fit the perfect amount for my 10-day trip, which made me so happy to have my own products. Luggage Scale - One of the most important things to remember when traveling by air is that airlines have strict weight limits for luggage. That's why I always use my Amazon Basics Portable Digital Luggage Weight Scale. This small but mighty device helps me avoid the stress and hassle of overweight baggage fees and ensures my luggage meets the airline's weight restrictions. It's small enough to pack if you want to, I generally weigh my luggage before I go and leave it behind (one less thing to carry!) By having these items, I was able to navigate my River Cruise with ease, and it allowed me to have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Before your next trip, consider packing these essential items - you can thank me later!
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AuthorI enjoy guiding clients through the planning process: from finding the right destination to organizing the logistics and finally hearing about the trip upon your return! I am a strong advocate for my clients when it comes to price, quality and service. Trust and building lasting relationships along with continuing education are all extremely important to my business. Categories |
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This site and staff may, on occasion, use systems and language partially generated with GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.