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Istanbul, Turkey is an amazing city with over 3,000 years of history. Having been ruled by the Thracians, Greeks, Romans and Turks, Istanbul has a deep and varied past, in addition to a long one. There are more things to experience there than could ever be covered in one post, but here are our top five recommended things to do in Istanbul: 1. Istanbul Walking Tours: The Istanbul Old City Walk is a one-day tour that begins at 9:00 am. Along the way, you’ll see Topkapi Palace (featured below), The Blue Mosque, the second largest mosque in Istanbul, The Hagia Sophia, the church of the divine wisdom, and The Grand Bazaar (also featured below). The guides are knowledgeable and accomodating. 2. Topkapi Palace: Once the primary living and administrative quarters of the Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is now one of the largest museums in Istanbul’s Faith district. Built in 1459 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the palace grounds contain four main courtyards and many outbuildings. The four courtyards consist of the first courtyard, which comprises the former Imperial Mint, the second courtyard, which houses the palace kitchens, the third courtyard, home of the Library of Sultan Ahmed III, and the fourth courtyard, where medical care was given and received. At one time, over 6,000 people lived on-site. Be prepared to spend a few hours there, but you can save time by purchasing a skip-the-line guided tour. 3. Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is the world’s largest bazaar, boasting over 4,000 covered shops. Since the 15th century, visitors and locals alike have been here haggling over the best, possible prices and, using these tips, you can jump into the fray like an expert. First, never look too interested in a product. Second, don’t play your cards first…hold your best price close to your chest. Third, don’t rush the process. Fourth, know what time it is. The best deals often happen around 11:00am and 1:00pm. By following these guidelines, you can expect to get a discount off the retail price of 35% or more. Happy shopping and good luck! 4. Süleymaniye Mosque: One of the most grand and gorgeous mosques in all of Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque is not to be missed! Built by Süleyman I between 1550 and 1557, this mosque is simply breathtaking. The building features stunning calligraphy, mother-of-pearl inlays, and ornate stained-glass windows. The complex, which once had an active soup kitchen, seminary, hospital, primary school, and inn still has functioning parts in some areas. To the right of the main entrance are the tombs of Süleyman I and his wife, Haseki Hürrem Sultan. ProTip: Learn about the architecture and the architect before you go! 5. Street Food: Walking Istanbul makes a person hungry, and Istanbul certainly delivers in the food category. On the street, you can get vegan and vegetarian options, as well as those which contain meat. Some popular categories of street food include the following: Turkish scrambled eggs (menemen), Turkish tea (cay), Turkish coffee (kahvesi), Turkish bagels (simit), Turkish pizza (lahmucan), baklava, Turkish Delight, fresh-pressed juice, chestnuts and corn, and Turkish ice cream (dondurma). Turkish beer and wine are also available. Few places on earth have the depth and breadth of history that Istanbul has. As you walk along the city streets, remember that Istanbul, not Constantinople, is certainly a Turkish delight on a moonlit night. Pull up the song on your phone and hum along to the tune of that song as you stroll, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells that Istanbul has to offer. 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.

No one would argue the fact that wintertime in Norway can be cold and windy. With temperatures dipping to -2˚C and wind speeds reaching nearly 15 kph between mid-November and the end of March, Norwegian winter is definitely frigid, but don’t let that scare you away from a wintertime visit. In fact, many people argue that winter is the best time to go, since Norway’s climate is quite wet. While visiting during any, other season would involve pails of rain, in winter, you’ll get beautiful, fluffy snow. Get ready to bundle up and experience all that Bergen, Norway has to offer using our Top 5 things to do in Bergen, Norway in Winter list: 1.Walk Around Bryggen: Filled with boutiques and artisan workshops, Bryggen is a treasure trove of wooden houses dating back to the 1900s. A person could spend hours here discovering all of the handmade items to be seen. These indoor shops might be a welcome break from the cold in the wintertime. While there, don’t miss the Hanseatic Museum, a replica of the fishing trade houses of historic Bergen. 2. Rodne Fjord Tour: An electric boat takes passengers to Vagabond’s Cave, where they learn the mysterious story surrounding the opening in the side of the mountain. Later, passengers are taken near Hengjane Falls, where they can feel the spray of the water on their faces. The tour can be enjoyed from the sun deck of the boat or from the interior cabin. The boat offers refreshments and kids 3 and under are free. 3. The Kode/Art Walk: Simply taking a walk around Bergen to see the abundant art pieces is an experience in itself. Sculptures are everywhere you turn, each as beautiful as the last. However, if you want to take your art experience to the next level, visit The Kode. The Kode is not your typical art museum. In addition to tens of thousands of pieces of art, The Kode is also home to concerts, musical instruments and furniture. The Kode consists of seven museum buildings dating back to 1825. It’s an art-lover’s paradise! 4. Ulriken Cable Car: See Bergen from the sky! After taking in all of Bergen, including the fjords and mountains, enjoy a nice meal at the Panorama Restaurant, try Norway’s fastest zipline, browse the mountain shop or take off on one of many hiking adventures. Breathe in clean air, a hot cup of coffee, and a magnificent view. 5. Trekroneren: This sausage stand is a locals’ recommendation and does not disappoint. ProTip: Ask for the Voss sausage, which is not on the menu, but don’t forget to try the reindeer sausage, too. For a snack time alternative, opt for fresh fish at a local eatery. Norway is a fishing country, and fresh fish abounds. The downtown fish market is a great place to try all kinds of fish and, as a bonus, they provide heat lamps and blankets to keep you nice and warm. Pack up your snow pants, hiking boots, scarves, hats, warm jackets, and gloves and get ready to explore Bergen, Norway in the winter. Between the sporting activities, like hiking and sledding, all the sights to see, and all the wonderful food, you won’t even notice the cold! 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.

Watch this video for a glimpse at what awaits in Norway 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. 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.

Norway is a magical place. There is so much to see and do whether you arrive by plane or cruise ship you will savor every moment and the views are absolutely amazing. The train from Oslo to Bergen, or reverse, is said to be the most beautiful train ride but that is another article. Norway is a beautiful Scandinavian country known for its historical landmarks, Viking heritage, and abundance of natural beauty. There is so much to discover in Norway, from large metropolitan cities to charming fishing villages and picturesque fjords. Whether you are coming for the culture or to spend time outdoors, here are the five must-see cities in the country. OSLO As the capital city of Norway, Oslo is the most visited city in the country. However, unlike most capital cities, Oslo has a unique balance of natural beauty and modern innovations. The city itself overlooks the Oslo Fjords to one side with panoramic mountain views on the other. While you're in Oslo, be sure to check out the Norwegian Folk Museum and Viking Ship Museum for a glimpse into the country's past. Let’s not forget the Royal Palace, Olympic Ski Jump, Vigeland Park and of course the many sidewalk cafes. BERGEN As the second-largest city in Norway, Bergen has a lot to offer. Bergen is a quintessential Norwegian town with old wooden boathouses that date back to the 12th century. The old wharf is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and delights visitors with its old cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. No visit to Bergen is complete without sampling the local seafood! TRONDHEIM Perfectly positioned in the middle of Norway's coastline is the town of Trondheim. As the country's third-largest city and former capital, Trondheim features a vibrant cafe culture in the colorful old quarter. As you walk the city's street, you'll be surrounded by plenty of Norwegian history and culture. Be sure to visit the Nidaros Cathedral while in Trondheim, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world! HENNINGSVAER Located on the Lofoten Islands is the charming fishing village of Henningsvaer. Located just inside the Arctic Circle, the town is known for its brightly painted houses that rise out of the sea and stand out against the harsh elements. Throughout the year, the town can experience beautifully clear days with 24-hours of sunlight or be completely blanketed in fresh snow. One of the best ways to experience Henningsvaer is to charter a boat and take a cruise around the islands. TROMSO Despite its remote location deep within the Arctic Circle, Tromso is one of Norway's most beautiful cities. Not only is it known for being a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights, but visitors can also enjoy dog sledding, spot reindeer, and tour centuries-old houses in this arctic winter wonderland. No matter where you choose to travel in Norway, you’ll be treated to breathtaking natural beauty, amazing wildlife, and stunning architecture that will leave you in awe. If this small sample sounds amazing, watch for future articles on both Bergen and Oslo. A Fjords cruise or Northern Lights cruise are extremely popular and the perfect was to see the country and enter the arctic circle! Click here to see an ocean cruise itinerary in Norway. 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.

It's no secret that Amsterdam is an exciting place to visit. With its rich history, artistic legacy, intricate canal system, and abundance of museums, you will find that something for everyone. One of the great things about Amsterdam is that you choose how to get there. To help you on your journey, here are the top 5 things to do while you're in Amsterdam. 1. Take a historical canal ride. The water tours of Amsterdam are some of the most desired experiences. There are hundreds of canals throughout the nation that were created just for travel, maybe not leisure travel but give them a try. During your gentle water ride, you'll get to view the country's most detailed architecture and beautiful landscapes. 2. Take a walk through the wildflowers. Amsterdam takes great pride in its bulb flowers, especially tulips. Visit the amazingly vibrant bulb flower park in Lisse to see the tulips in all their glory. If you happen to miss the tulip season, don't worry. There are plenty of other bulbed flowers to see at the park. 3. Anne Frank House. Amsterdam’s most visited attraction, the Anne Frank Huis is located on the Prinsengracht canal. The structure that once hid Anne Frank and her family from the Nazi authorities during World War II has been viewed as a memorial to the Holocaust since 1947. It was that year that Anne’s father published the diary that Anne wrote while they lived hidden within the building. View the rooms where Anne lived as well as exhibits that chronicle life. 4. Rijksmuseum. No trip to Amsterdam is complete until you visit the Rijksmuseum. This museum is arguably the most important of the nation’s arts and history museums. With more than one million artifacts dating from the 13th century onward, it is not to be missed. The museum opened in 1885 and currently has approximately 8,000 objects on display, the most famous include paintings by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vemeer. Rembrandt’s masterpiece Night Watch is worth the price of admission alone. 5. Koninklijk Paleis One of three royal palaces in the Netherlands, the Koninklijk Paleis in Amsterdam is located on the western side of Dam Square in the center of the city. The 17th structure was converted into a palace during the Napoleonic Wars when Napoleon’s brother Louis was crowned King Louis I of Holland. The interior is a premier example of the elaborate Empire style of the early 1800s. The palace is still used by the Dutch Royal House for Royal events but is open to the public for most of the year. To see the Tulip Time River Cruise itinerary that includes Amsterdam click here. To see the Holland and Belgium River Cruise itinerary that includes Amsterdam click here. 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. Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us save you time searching the internet and plan your next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744

Things to do in Cologne. With history dating back to the 1st century, the city of Cologne, Germany has a unique vibe and plenty to see and do. Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, boasts everything from pre-war cathedrals to modern examples of architectural genius. But, if you only have a day to spend there, what’s most important? Here are a few must-do excursions to enjoy Cologne in a day. 1. Cologne Cathedral: Just a couple of blocks from the river is the Cologne Cathedral. With a 13th century foundation, the cathedral’s spires seem to reach all the way to heaven, dominating the city’s skyline. This Gothic building erected for the practice of German Catholicism is one of the most visited landmarks in all of Germany. From stunning stained glass to holy relics, the Cologne Cathedral has it all. For an extra challenge, climb the more than 500 steps to the top of the spire for a unique view of the city of Cologne. Souvenirs from the city of Cologne can be purchased from nearby Kolne Souvenirs Linke. 2. Café Reichard: After climbing all those stairs in the cathedral, you might be ready for a sweet treat. Just a short walk down the street from the cathedral is the gorgeous Café Reichard featuring some of the most delectable bakery products you’ll ever experience. With options like truffles, pralines, cakes, marzipan items, and other baked goods, you’ll no doubt want to have a few there and take some to-go. 3. The Elves of Cologne: Heinzelmannchen: As you traverse the city, be sure to be on the lookout for The Elves of Cologne. Sprinkled throughout the city, carved in small monuments and ornaments, are whimsical elves who are sure to bring a smile to your face. 4. Historic Old Town: Featuring cobblestone alleyways filled with hidden pubs and restaurants surrounded by colorful houses, the adorable allure of Old Town can’t be missed. Here you’ll find a selection of art museums and other important points-of-interest, including the Lindt Chocolate Factory. Who doesn’t love one of their amazing truffles? At the factory, you can see how they are made and even make your own. Be sure to check out the nearby Fragrance Museum, too. You can’t visit Cologne without learning about cologne! 5. Fruh: Fruh is home to one of Cologne’s best authentic brewery atmospheres. Here, you’ll connect with locals and tourists alike. Since 1904, they have not only been serving up some of the best German dishes, but have been offering unique beer tasting experiences, as well. Kolsch beer tastings are popular in Cologne, but at Fruh, they have a unique style for keeping up with how many you’ve had. The beer, served in small glasses on a coaster, is continually refilled until you place your coaster on top of your glass to indicate that you are done. In the meantime, servers mark your coaster to indicate how many glasses you’ve had. Be prepared to share a long table with other customers, as Fruh is a busy place! Put on your walking shoes and get ready to see one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Enjoy all of the sights, sounds and tastes Cologne has to offer! 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. Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us save you time searching the internet and plan your next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744

What makes Salzburg, Austria so special? Why should you choose to spend your vacation here instead of one of the many beautiful places in the world? One look at the breathtaking views of a city with the alps as a backdrop will tell you why visitors just fall in love with the city. Let’s see what else makes this destination worth a visit. If you are a fan of “The Sound of Music” then you will be in heaven here. See St Michaels Church in nearby Mondsee where Maria walked and Captain von Trapp married. Salzburg is spattered with sites where the Children’s singing lessons took place. Mirabell Palace and Gardens was built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress and their children. The Palace was called Altenau until after his death when his successor re-named it Mirabell. The massive Palace and Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the gardens with flowers all in bloom, the snow-capped alps in the distance, you can’t help but think of the Sound of Music. The site is so beautiful that it was used as a backdrop for many scenes in the film. Make sure you see the fountains, rose garden, orangery, and what is said to be the most beautiful place to be married, the Mirabell Palace Marble Hall. If you want to see Salzburg in all its grandeur, you can’t go wrong by visiting the iconic and popular sightseeing spot in Salzburg; The Fortress Hohensalzburg, the largest fully preserved castle in Europe. It sits majestically atop a hill overlooking Salzburg and offers the most magnificent 360-degree views of the city. It is something you’ll never forget! Whether you’re a Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s fan or not, you cannot help but think of him as you walk this beautiful city. Both his birthplace and his residence are now museums. This city so loves Mozart that you will find everything from chocolates to statues of him throughout the city. Take a tour and see the streets he ran through as a child, the walls he touched, and so many textual and visual presentations of his life and works. You are likely to hear a concert or two as well. Another iconic site making Salzburg worth visiting is the 17th century baroque Salzburg Cathedral. Originally built in 774, this cathedral was rebuilt multiple times before the final appearance you see today. You’ll want to stop by Mozartplatz square nearby to see a few more museums including the Christmas museum. There are many little town squares worth exploring to absorb the essence of this wonderful place. In summary, Salzburg is a perfect blend of modern structures and romantic buildings and fortresses. It's a charming city with a breathtaking landscape and fresh picture-worthy spots. If you’re a lover of culture, architecture, music, or aesthetically pleasing settings, Salzburg, Austria, is the perfect place for you to visit. To see an itinerary that includes Salzburg click here To see an itinerary that includes Salzburg Christmas Market click 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. Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us save you time searching the internet and plan your next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744

14 Countries, 7 Rivers, 45 Nights, and Countless Memories - Spring Version With the landscape in bloom, this journey will tickle all of your senses. Experience exquisite cuisine, cultures, architecture, castles, history, gardens, a concert in Vienna, and even a steam train ride! This trip is full of exclusive experiences and sure to be full of wonderful memories. River Cruise ships are smaller, have less people onboard, and offer a more intimate and immersive experiences. Imagine stepping off the ship and right into the town your are visiting. Explore on your own or take one of the many included tours. Take a look, I'm sure you will be dreaming. It's time! The summer version was so popular that this new Spring trip was added. See more here or call us with your questions. Save your cabin while they are still available. Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic journeys, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us declutter the internet and plan your next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744

Seven Rivers, 14 Countries, Countless Memories. This short video takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Europe on a 46-night dream trip. If you been waiting for something special, a Spring 2023 sailing has just been added. Call us for more information and to hold your space. Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us declutter the internet and plan your next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744

One of the many included excursions on the Colors of Provence sailing. Truffles have long been a treasure find in dishes from Michelin rated restaurants around the world. Of course, many of the best hail from France where, along with fine wines and chocolate, they are one of the country’s most highly prized epicurean delicacies and aphrodisiacs. And no, these aren’t the chocolate sold in Godiva. Earthy and robust and from the mushroom family, truffles are sometimes referred to as “the diamonds of the kitchen.” Indeed, they are often sprinkled over dishes to elevate a good meal into something much more extraordinary and have been highly sought after since Greek and Roman times. They are grown underground and are among the most expensive foods, selling with certain varieties selling upwards of several hundreds of dollars per pound (or between one hundred and two hundred an ounce)! Join AmaWaterways on a visit to one of France’s most distinguished truffle growing regions and visit a beautiful truffle farm to observe specially-trained dogs in action as they hunt for these treasures. Truffles are so elusive that neither man nor machine can locate them on their own, relying on canines’ keen sense of smell to find the fungus, which grows underground. A variety of dogs can sniff around and be truffle hunters, including Labrador Retrievers and Lagotto Romagnolos. However, they must first go through a special training process, teaching the dog to be alert for the particular aroma since the fungus is not something a dog would usually look for on its own. Farmers teach their dogs these new tricks in several different ways, often coating an item in truffle oil and having the dog fetch it in return for either a doggie treat, play toy or fun playtime. Truffles are predominately grown near oak trees (and sometimes fragrant fields of lavender) so a walk through a truffle farm is always a lovely, scenic route. Made more so by man’s best friend. In previous times, pigs were usually used to search for the tricky truffles but nowadays, the truffle hunter scours the farm with his truffle-hunting dogs in tow. When the dog smells the truffle’s aroma, he either marks it with his paw or begins digging it up himself. Either way, the hunter must hurry to scoop it up and then reward his (or her) buddy with a special doggie treat. It’s a charming ritual that has been taking place for years and yet still continues in this day where technology seems to have overtaken nearly everything else—and so is quite a delight to see! While harvest season runs in the winter, roughly from November to March, one can enjoy truffles all year round in the form of popular kitchen staples, such as truffle-flavored olive oil and truffle salt. Be inspired by your visit to add fresh truffles or truffle-flavored products into your own cooking at home for a special, decadent twist! After the tour, the group will head to the charming town of Grignan to visit a Renaissance Chateau perched on a hill surrounded by lavender fields. Along with the truffles unearthed in this region, this Provencal town is known for its picturesque red-tiled roofs, tree-lined, winding streets, open-air cafes and colorful markets. Go in search of Avignon's highly prized "Black Diamond" truffles during the Colors of Provence river cruise. To see the Colors of Provence river cruise click here Article and photos courtesy of AmaWaterways Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic journeys, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us declutter the internet and plan your next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744

Get those special touches and VIP treatment for your cruise when booking with Vibrant Travel and Distinctive Voyages Sail the seven seas, and rivers too, and let the world unfold around you. From world cruises to weekend getaways, we can help you find the Distinctive Voyages sailing that is best for you. Enjoy the services of a Distinctive Voyages Host, a Private Welcome Reception and an Exclusive Shore Event, all compliments of our Agency, when you book with us! Contact our travel agency today! See the brochure by clicking here Watch the Video Below Distinctive Voyages are available on select River and Ocean Cruises. Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic journeys, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us declutter the internet and plan your next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744

Amazing Journeys through France with AmaWaterways. This video discusses wonderful cruises through the heart of France that can be both standard cruises and wine cruises; These cruises offer wine tastings and exclusive festivals, wonderful gastronomic delights, amazing landscapes, and historic architecture. Enjoy the video. To see the Itinerary for Taste of Bordeaux click here *Promotional offers may have expired. Please contact Vibrant Travel for current offers. Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic journeys, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Let us declutter the internet and plan you next amazing vacation. Call or schedule a consultation for more information. 407-517-4744