Grand European and Best of Europe Viking River Cruises..next

On September 25th, a group of eight RENegades (this is what I lovingly call past Renaissance cruisers who are seeking cruise alternatives to replace the Renaissance experience) is embarking on a 14-day Viking River Cruises vacation, Best of Europe, sailing from Amsterdam to Vienna. Six of them, who met on the internet as a result of having booked the cruise, are extending their stay with a hotel add-on in Vienna. And on the 28th, just one week from today, Marty and I are joining 28 RENegades for Viking River Cruises' Grand European 16-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest--an itinerary that has consistently gotten rave reviews! (Actually, both itineraries are the same, with the exception of a visit to Budapest on Grand European only.) We hope to rendezvous with the Best of Europe group in Vienna, too.

Some of the many highlights include...

Amsterdam: The Floriade (takes place only once every ten years;
Ann Frank House; Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt's famous
"Nightwatch"); Van Gogh Museum; Red-light district;
Floating Gardens; Flower Market

Rudesheim: Mini-train ride to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum

Frankfurt: Concert by Aschaffenburg Handbell Ensemble

Wurzburg and Rothenburg: Excursion along the "Romantic Road"

Main-Danube Canal: Excursion through the amazing Danube Gorge, with
its dramatic 400-foot ciffs

Regensburg: Dom St Peter, a magnificent twin-spired cathedral

Passau: Ancient fairy-taile Bavarian city; The Dome, home of
the world's largest organ

Melk: 900-year-old baroque Benedictine abbey

Durnstein: Magical city, set amidst vine-clad hills

Vienna: Hofburg Palace, St Stephen's Cathedral; sacher tortes!

Budapest: Gellert Hill, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion

Along the route: Picturesque medieval castles, magnificent scenery,
wine tastings, Bavarian beer parties, concerts and
folkloric entertainment, gourmet food, open dining, no
smoking, no kids, open seating in the dining room...
all's right with the world!

Should be glorious! I'll report in full upon our return.

Shirley B