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If this one is on your bucket list, do it in style and experience Africa the way it was meant to be experienced with a bit of luxury added in. Traveling in comfort and style with your very own executive class aircraft, SkySafari is the ultimate safari experience – a bespoke blend of incomparable game viewing opportunities, luxuriant accommodations, and tailor-made experiences, all combining to create a series of unsurpassable and lifelong memories. ​ For 10-days and 9-nights, staying at the very best camps and lodges that the renowned Elewana Collection has to offer, SkySafari guests will enjoy exceptional game viewing, intimate and bespoke dining, and an array of incomparable memories which will surely last a lifetime. We would love to help get you there. SPECIAL PROMOTION ON THIS TOUR UNTIL SEPT 30, 2021 Click here to see the flyer Click here to see the itinerary Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

Founded in 350 BC, Nice was originally a Greek settlement which eventually fell under Roman rule. Though today it is in France, Nice enjoys the cultural influences from its time as part of the Greek and Roman empires. While Nice is primarily considered a summer getaway, it is actually a year-round destination. Mild winters make Nice a perfect place to visit all year (the Nice Carnival is held in February), but the best beach time is definitely during the hot, summer months. Nice enjoys a beach that is over four miles long and is one of the largest cities in France. Can this city be done in just a day? You bet! Here’s our plan for seeing a bit of everything Nice has to offer in just one day. Cours Salaya Market Start the day here to avoid the crowds. Come hungry and sample some of their delicious regional food from the vendors who sell everything from fresh fruits and veggies to tourte de blettes (chard, raisin, and pine nut pie). Bonus: On Mondays, there is a flea market, where any number of things, including vintage clothing and secondhand trinkets, are available for purchase. Vieille Ville (Old Town) After breakfast, take a walking tour of the charming Old Town section of Nice. Don’t miss the Italian architectural influences as you see colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and 17th century squares. Sights in Old Town include the City Courthouse, the Cathedral of Saint Reparata, and the Place Rossetti Square. Rue Massena By this time, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite for lunch. Make your way over to Rue Massena, which is filled with restaurants, taverns, and pizzerias. Want something light? Try tapas at Flavio da Milano. What about seafood? Seek out Boccaccio. La Pizza Cresci has amazing pizza, and La Villa d’Este has a variety of dishes to choose from. Afternoon Options Once you have eaten your fill, you may want one of two options: Walking around and doing some shopping or a lazy afternoon at the beach. From Place Massena to the train station, Avenue Jean Medécin has several stores to peruse as well as Nice Etoile, a large shopping mall. While strolling down this street, though, don’t miss the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice, a twin-towered church with amazing stained glass. Maybe neither shopping nor the beach is your thing. If that’s the case, Nice has you covered with its museums and architecture. Artists like Chagall and Matisse each have museums housing their work, or you can take in the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which hosts works by several artists. Conversely, consider climbing the Castle Hill (or take the elevator), a former citadel now known for its stunning sunset views. Promenade des Anglais At night, this place comes alive. Find a spot for a drink and dinner with a background soundtrack of waves. Relax and people watch as you round out your bustling day in Nice. Rich history, gorgeous beaches, amazing food, and mild weather all make Nice the ideal place to visit most any time of the year. A day in Nice is exhilarating since there is so much to see and do; however, with the right plan in place ahead of time, you can do it! Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

Small Group Tour to Iceland This is a 6-day small-group tour with 2 pre-nights to allow more time in Reykjavik. We will have a maximum of 26 people on the tour in a regular-size coach. This will give us plenty of room. This tour hits all the must-see sights AND we search for the Northern Lights at night. The hotel will even call, if you ask, to wake you when the lights appear. You will see waterfalls like you never imagined, black sand beaches, the famous Blue Lagoon, a Geyser, and two national parks just perfect for aurora watching. Plus most of your meals are included in the tour portion of the trip. We have added a few optional excursions while in Reykjavik to make this trip even more exciting! Why not try an Active Volcano or Cave Exploration? Maybe a foodie and beer tour in Reykjavik? Or spend the day exploring on your own. ​ If you are interested in joining a group of like-minded travelers, come along, we would love to have you. Iceland is already selling fast for 2022 so we have secured space on this tour. Call if you would like more information or if you already know you are in! Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

Enjoy this video montage of Greece With more than 200 inhabited islands, each with its own spectacular dining and entertainment options and views for days, Greece has plenty of islands to choose from. How is a traveler new to the Greek Isles to know which to visit first? Stop by the blog to see our Top 3 Must-See Greek Islands, rated for their climate, activities, and traveler feedback. These islands represent a variety of things to do and different island vibes, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. In the meantime, enjoy these beautiful sights from Greece. Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

by Gary Murphy In this article co-owner of AmaWaterways, Gary Murphy, shares why Holiday Cruises are perfect for families. AmaWaterways’ Co-owner and Senior Vice President of Sales, Gary Murphy, shares his thoughts on family and why our Christmas Markets cruises in Europe are his top choice for families. I love traveling with my family and some of my most cherished memories have been on our Christmas Markets cruises. Whether you travel on Europe’s Rhine River or the Danube, there’s something BEYOND special about being in Europe during this season. The settings are unbelievable, including some located in front of amazing palaces, such as Vienna’s Schönbrunn and Belvedere, and Salzburg’s Hellbrunn. You’ll always find unique handcrafted ornaments, but for me, I love tasting the local specialties the most. My personal favorites are the crispy German pork rinds, sausages with different kinds of mustard and the hot spiced wines. There could be 15 different places selling spiced wines with three or four different choices, all home recipes, and each vendor has its own unique mug that you can keep. These cruises are great for families, especially if you have children in their early teens and up, because AmaWaterways often offers up to five different activities in each port. You can choose your own excursions and reunite at meals to share your experiences. The holiday spirit is brought to life onboard and ashore, and the stress that sometimes comes with planning multigenerational gatherings melts away. Experience the Markets as a Local I have a vision etched in my mind of the Christmas Market in Linz, Austria. My wife and I were just enjoying the moment with a hot spiced wine. It was snowing, and as the snowflakes fell, we watched an Austrian family leaving the market. Two of their children were sitting on a toboggan, holding onto a Christmas tree and dragging it behind them. That’s what’s so great about these markets. They’re really set up for the locals, so when you go, you don’t feel like a tourist at all. You feel like just another local coming on your annual holiday adventure. And it’s incredibly humbling to experience the season the way it has been experienced in Europe for so long. Create a New Collection of Treasures All the markets AmaWaterways visits are memorable. Like many of our guests, I particularly love the many markets of Vienna. But this past year, the Budapest market held at Vörösmarty Square holds a special place in my heart. My wife Daphne loves collecting Christmas ornaments and has been doing so over the course of our 27 years together. However, our entire collection of ornaments was destroyed in a fire in 2018. While I strolled through Budapest’s market stalls browsing the local handicrafts, I came across a young couple who had spent much of their year making porcelain ornaments. Each was a little bearded man with a red hat, no more than two inches tall. I bought as many as I could, walked back to an ATM, and bought even more. That Christmas, in 2018, Daphne and I didn’t buy a traditional Christmas tree. Instead, we got a simple illuminated one from Costco. We hung the red ornaments all over it and it was beautiful – the beginning of our new collection. Sharing Quality Time Together Our ships are always beautifully appointed, but during the Christmas season, they really sparkle with garlands, wreaths and a stunning Christmas tree, so you’re in the holiday spirit from the moment you step on board. You let bygones go and everyone just enjoys sharing time together. There are holiday menus with regional European specialties and traditional favorites, tree trimmings and games, but the very best activity on board is conversation with your family – or with your newfound AmaWaterways family. Gary’s Top 3 Christmas Markets Tips The glühwein (hot spiced wine) mugs have value! If you bring your mug to a stall for a refill, they’ll give you a discount. And if you turn in your mug, you can often get money back! Bring extra luggage for souvenirs. The glühwein mugs make fun souvenirs. And of course, handcrafted ornaments. Pack shoes with thick soles for walking around on the cobblestone, as well as a good scarf and gloves and dress comfortably – the markets themselves ARE the fashion statement! Whether you’re traveling solo or with every generation of your family, we hope to welcome you aboard as part of our AmaFamily on one of our magical Christmas Markets river cruises through Europe in 2021, 2022 or 2023! See a Christmas Market itinerary here Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable hassle-free trips. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

Enjoy this montage of photos of the Christmas Markets as seen from a river cruise. In Europe, as in the US, Christmas time is a wonderful time of year. We think of friends and family, great meals, holiday festivities, and of course shopping. In Europe, it is taken to a whole new level with wonderful fairy tale Christmas Markets full of holiday crafts, hand-made ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, food, and drink all with amazing backdrops. Let's take a look at those sights in this short video. Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

What is so special about Rothenburg and why should I visit? Great question! Keep reading to learn more about the history of this unique city and what it has to offer today. You’ll learn, as thousands do every year, that Rothenburg is worth the trip! Boasting a well-preserved medieval old town, Rothenburg, Germany is one of only three German cities to still be surrounded by completely intact city walls. Rothenburg overlooks the Tauber River, and its official name, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, means “red castle above the Tauber.” With a history dating back to the 1st century, Rothenburg has been part of Bavaria since 1803. About 70% of the city survived World War II, and the remaining 30% has since been reconstructed. Rothenburg was the inspiration for the village in Disney’s Pinocchio and was the location for the village scenes in the movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Fans of Harry Potter will be excited to learn that Harry Potter – Deathly Hallows, parts one and two were also partially filmed in Rothenburg. While the history of Rothenburg is fascinating, what is there to do there today? Just a simple walk through the town will have you taken back to a storybook time filled with kings and queens, valiant knights, and damsels in distress, but Rothenburg is so much more. In the morning or early evening, explore The Plönlein, a picture-perfect view of iconic Bavarian houses surrounded by cobblestone streets. It’s as adorable as it gets. Don’t miss the Marktplatz, the city’s hub and meeting place for all tours. Here is where you’ll find the Christmas Market, which is not to be missed. St. Jacob’s Church has an altar that is recognized as Germany’s most significant altar, along with many other artifacts to explore. The Medieval Crime and Justice Museum is a huge hit but be prepared for it to take a significant amount of time. Before you go, be sure to grab a schneeball, a ball of fried pastry covered in chocolate, or other delicious delights to fuel your body for the tour. If you want something more robust, seek out a Nürnberger sausage or white asparagus. The season you visit Rothenburg matters. While the off-season (winter) means fewer crowds, it also means fewer opening hours for museums and shops. Summer visits mean more open hours and visitor-friendly options, but also significantly larger crowds. Either way, Sunday is typically a day of rest in Rothenburg. Most shops are closed that day of the week, so plan accordingly. No matter the season or day, though, it’s always a good time to take a walking tour of the city walls and towers. In short, Rothenburg is definitely worth the visit! It has something for everyone. History buffs, shoppers, foodies, Christmas lovers, and sightseers will delight in all there is to see and do. Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable hassle-free trips. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

So, you’re ready to take the plunge and visit The Netherlands. Congratulations! You won’t regret visiting this beautiful place. From architectural wonders to iconic windmills, The Netherlands has so much to offer. See the art of Michelangelo, canals filled with colorful boats, and adorable gingerbread houses along the way. The Netherlands is beautiful anytime, but at no time is it more beautiful than in late April and early May when, after a long, cold winter, the country comes alive again with vibrant tulips! If you choose to visit in the spring, here is a list of gardens that are not to be missed: 1. Keukenhof Park – Called “The most beautiful spring garden in the world,” Keukenhof Park is a floral masterpiece. Over seven million tulip bulbs are planted here every year around Keukenhof Castle, and the English-style gardens will blow you away. Located in South Holland, Keukenhof Park encompasses more than 79 acres of manicured floral beauty. 2. Noordoostpolder– Unlike the organic garden design of Keukenhof Park, Noordoostpolder has row upon row of tulip fields. Until recently this land was under the sea but, having been recently recovered, it provides a fertile place for flower growing. Grab a bike and take a long ride, enjoying the sights along the way, or take one of many tulip farm tours available. 3. Lisse – Typically associated with Keukenhof Park, the town of Lisse is surrounded by tulip fields that produce flowers for the international market. In addition to these bike-accessible fields, Lisse has the Museum de Zwarte Tulp, an entire museum dedicated to the Dutch tulip industry. The museum tells the fascinating story of Dutch tulip production, combining the art and science of it all in a mesmerizing tale. 4. Noordwijkerhout – If the Dutch shoreline is what you’re after, seek out the small town of Noordwijkerhout. From gorgeous oceanfront to rugged dunes, Noordwijkerhout is known for having particularly beautiful bulbs. Take a bike tour to see all that this adorable town has to offer. 5. Amsterdam – Sure, Amsterdam is a larger city, but even there, tulip bulbs are never hard to find in the spring. Amsterdam hosts a massive tulip festival and many businesses post flowers throughout town. Pops of color abound in this city but, in case you need more, there is even a floating flower market! There’s no wrong choice when seeking out tulips in The Netherlands in the spring. Whether you prefer a city experience, a quaint garden, the seashore, or fields upon fields of colorful flowers, The Netherlands has something to offer. Feast your eyes on the color explosion, but don’t forget to take lots of pictures! That way, once you get home, you’ll be able to see the Dutch gorgeousness for years to come. Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable hassle-free trips. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

German food and drink are legendary throughout the world. From sausages and sauerkraut to wiener schnitzel and beer, Germany is a mecca for foodies. While few experiences top a meal in an authentic German restaurant, don’t be so quick to overlook what Germany has to offer in the way of sweets. Sure, German chocolate is on everyone’s radar, but Germany is so much more than just chocolate! Let’s explore Germany’s other sweet treats. Lebkuchen (German Christmas Cookies) Germany is well-known for its holiday celebrations, and no German Christmas would be complete without lebkuchen. Arguably the most popular Christmas cookie in Germany, lebkuchen, also known as pfefferkuchen, actually dates back to ancient Egypt, but modern versions come from the German city of Nuremberg. It is a German version of a gingerbread cookie made with molasses or honey and full of warm spices. Often, it is cut into a heart shape and dusted with powdered sugar or covered in a sweet glaze. This cookie is so popular in Germany that there is even a professional lebkuchen baking group known as The Lebkuchner Guild. Lebkuchen is a must-try German sweet treat! Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) I know you’ve probably had a piece of something called Black Forest Cake in the States but, believe me when I say, there is nothing like the real thing straight from the source. While both the American and German versions of the cakes are mechanically the same, layers of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream, the German version not only contains authentic, German chocolate, but also is soaked in Kirsch liqueur…and lots of it. If you like a boozy cake, seek out a piece of this German delight. Word of warning: Find a friend to share it with. It’s rich! Zwetchenkuchen (Plum Cake) Zwetchenkuchen, also called pflaumenkuchen, is a popular fresh plum cake served all over Germany, but especially during plum season. Even if you are not a plum-lover, give this one a try. You might be surprised by how much you like this German household staple. Plop on a dollop of whipped cream and dig in but be sure to order a coffee to go with it. Kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) go together like sausage and cabbage. For an extra, special treat, grab an eiskaffee, or German iced coffee. Coffee over ice cream is a decadent delight! Rote Grütze (Red Berry “Pudding”) If you love berries, you’ll adore this northern Germany traditional “pudding.” Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and red currants made into a pudding-like consistency, then topped with whipped cream, vanilla sauce, fresh cold cream, or ice cream. It’s a lighter option for sweet-treat lovers. No matter which German sweet treat you choose, you are sure to be amazed. From cakes to pastries, cookies to sweet drinks, the Germans have mastered the art of dessert. Pro Tip: When you find one you love, grab an extra to go for a before-bed indulgence. You won’t be sorry! Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable hassle-free trips. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

Watch this video for a glimpse at what awaits in Amsterdam Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable hassle-free trips. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

With more than 200 inhabited islands, each with its own spectacular dining and entertainment options and views for days, Greece has plenty of islands to choose from. How is a traveler new to the Greek Isles to know which to visit first? Below is a countdown of our Top 3 Must-See Greek Islands, rated for their climate, activities, and traveler feedback. These islands represent a variety of things to do and different island vibes, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. #3 Paros Coming in at #3 in our Top 3 Must-See Greek Islands list is Paros. Active travelers will love Paros for its amazing selection of water sports activities. Visitors can kitesurf, windsurf, scuba dive, go snorkeling, sailing, or waterskiing, among others. Paros is an absolute water-sports lover’s dream! However, even if water sports are not your thing, Paros still has a bounty of things to see and do. The town of Parikia has shopping options, as well as plenty of places to find amazing food and drinks. There’s even a 13th-century Venetian castle! ProTip: Schedule your visit during the Festival at the Park, which is held annually in the summer at Paros Park, an 800-acre setting. #2 Mykonos There are so many reasons why Mykonos is our #2 must-see Greek island. Its gleaming white, cube-shaped buildings beckon you from the sea. While there are many beautiful churches on this island, Mykonos is most well-known for its raucous nightlife. Featuring rowdy beach parties, on Mykonos, you’re really never very far from a party of some sort. If the party scene is not what you’re going for, there are still plenty of other things to see, explore, and eat on Mykonos. Grab a gyro from a street vendor, sample local cheeses, or enjoy fresh-caught seafood while on the island. #1 Santorini And the #1 absolute must-see Greek island is…Santorini! With beautiful beaches and iconic whitewashed, blue-dome-roofed houses, the island of Santorini is actually two inhabited islands. Most people spend the majority of their time on Thira, home to Fira and Oia, Santorini’s largest towns. If beaches are your thing, you will have your choice of black, red, or white sand options here. Consider a winery and vineyard tour or, if you’re a little more adventurous, explore the volcano. Restaurant 1800 in Oia will provide you with a Mediterranean fine dining experience. The crowds are the scarcest between September and October or April and May, but you can still take advantage of the warm weather during these months. For the best value, winter is your best bet, though it may be a bit too cold for a day at the beach. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by selecting a Greek island to visit. Have no fear, traveler! Every Greek island has its own vibe and subculture and is a joy to explore. Rest assured, no matter which island you choose, you’ll be well-fed and have the opportunity to learn about thousands of years of Greek history and culture, so strap on your walking shoes and get ready to discover Greece! Opa! Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable hassle-free trips. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation below and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Would you like to receive notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen? Subscribe below. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Request your PDF copy below.

Watch this video for a glimpse at what awaits in Istanbul Vibrant Travel researches and plans vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull all the details needed to create memorable hassle-free trips. Call today at 407-517-4744 or schedule a consultation here and end the frustration of doing it all yourself. Get on the list for notification of special values on this and other vacations as they happen by subscribing here.. If you are looking for authentic experiences, see our list of "20 Surprising Experiences You Never Imagined You Could Have on a River Cruise". Click here to request your PDF copy.