The Rhine River, 4 Amazing Countries, and Perfect for Your First River Cruise If you have never been on a river cruise but want to give it a try, the Rhine River is a great place to start. You’ll have a chance to see 4 incredible countries, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Let’s take a closer look at a few destinations on the Rhine River and you’ll see why it is a favorite for first time river cruisers. The main reason travelers choose a river cruise is because of the authentic and enriching experiences and the amazing and often breathtaking, stops along the way. Smaller crowds, intimate excursions, and unique experiences in fairytale towns are to be had on a river cruise. With that in mind, the countries you’ll explore on the Rhine are historic, romantic, and truly awe-inspiring. Are they on your bucket list? Switzerland A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is beautiful any time of year. It’s known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. Whether you’re taking a scenic train ride through the Alps or traveling the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you wondering if you’ve walked straight into a fairytale. Basel Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it perfectly easy to tour. Basel is a fantastic representation of Switzerland as it’s situated right between France and Germany, two countries which have significantly influenced Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine. But why stop with Basel when there’s so much more of Switzerland to see. We’d recommend tacking on a trip to Lucerne or Zurich. Lucerne Lucerne is the ideal pitstop on your trek through Switzerland. Wandering through its majestic streets and medieval old town, you’ll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes and mouth-watering chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Let’s book a boat ride on Lake Lucerne while we’re at it! Zurich The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich combines pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment. In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sight-seeing to do. From the Hauptbahnhof—Switzerland’s largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a matter of minutes. You can also explore the city’s incredible rivers and magnificent lake. Whether its fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure is waiting for you in Zurich. France Wine and France go together, and if you haven’t had a bowl of freshly made French onion soup, you’re seriously missing out. Whether you’re stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a croque monsieur or a full 3-course French dinner, you will not be disappointed. Strasbourg Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region and a charming city for a day trip. We’d recommend the Cave des Hospices for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon. If wine tasting isn’t your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there is no shortage of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them any time of year. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, we recommend a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way. Germany Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich, and other metropolitan areas. On a river cruise, however, you’ll experience a whole new side of the country; one that is more traditional and inviting. Cruising down the Rhine, you’ll see cultural hubs as well as quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne both offer a variety of entertainment including local musicians and museums, providing for a well-rounded German experience. Rüdesheim Rüdesheim is a charming little city on the Rhine known for its production of Reisling wine. The first thing you’ll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rüdesheim. During the stop in Rüdesheim, try Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride, or a wine tasting hike through the vineyards. Our favorite way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship. Cologne A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area in Germany. Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city. Take a Holy City walking tour, cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting, or maybe take a bike tour. The Netherlands What better way to end the cruise than right in the heart of the Netherlands, Amsterdam? Amsterdam A city known for its carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. The people in the Netherlands are truly some of the kindest and friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct, and very prompt, don’t be surprised by how welcomed you feel in this city. Cruising one of the world’s most elaborate canal systems will show you much of the beauty this city has to offer. If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral where Rembrandt was buried in 1669. Take an extra day and visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum, or the Van Gogh museum. One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip to Amsterdam is the food. If you’re craving something with a pinch of salt, we would recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup). After dinner, enjoy a variety of different sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes) or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey). These are just a few of the amazing destinations on a Rhine River cruise and we haven’t even talked about the castles, 40 of them! Which country is calling your name? Sample Rhine Itineraries: Vineyards Along the Rhine and Moselle Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps Let us help get you there....Vibrant Travel Cities on the Rhine

Just the word Switzerland brings to mind snow-capped majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and beautiful green mountainsides. Switzerland can be enjoyed as a stop on river cruises, a wonderful tour opportunity, an amazing train trip, and just a great place to park yourself and admire the unforgettable scenery. Lucerne dates back to the 8th century and officially became the town of Lucerne in 1178. A gateway city, Lucerne is the perfect place to enjoy locally and add in day trips to other well-known places in Switzerland. This German-speaking city is not only renowned for its lovely lakeside location, but also its many historical treasures like the Chapel Bridge (the oldest covered bridge in Europe) and the Old Town (Altstadt). With an equally impressive dining and cultural scene, Lucerne makes an ideal starting point to a Switzerland vacation. You will want to try a few restaurants serving traditional dishes like rosti (a potato pancake) and of course fondue. The town center is relatively small and very walkable, great for a stroll after dinner. Lucerne is wonderful to visit year-round. June to September is peak season, with the city’s warmest weather, staying around 75 degrees. Given its proximity to the Alps ensures cool weather, particularly in the evenings. November to mid-April is ski season in Switzerland, and Lucerne doesn’t slow down even as the temperatures drop. Shoulder season, May and October, is always a great time to avoid the crowds. What to See Chapel Bridge Europe’s oldest covered bridge, Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), is 670 ft long. Built in the 14th century as part of the city fortifications, the wooden bridge was nearly destroyed during a fire in 1993. A stroll across the bridge is an absolute must, as is admiring the 17th-century roof panels containing scenes of Swiss history. The Water Tower Adjacent to the Chapel Bridge is the 111-ft water tower, the most photographed landmark in Switzerland. Built circa 1300, it was used for several purposes including a treasury, archives, and a prison. Lion Monument A sculpture of a dying lion is carved out of sandstone rock, and commemorates the fallen Swiss guardsmen who died in 1792 during the French Revolution. To see this touching memorial, head to Löwenplatz square and continue uphill following Denkmalstrasse another block to the monument. It is said that Mark Twain called it "the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world”. Old Town In old town you will stroll by quaint plazas, ornate statues, fountains, and a host of shops. Here you will find clothing, jewelry, watches, cameras, bakeries, and lots of Swiss chocolate. Stop by one of the cafes or restaurants for a local meal. The buildings in this section are decorated with frescos, a must do in Lucerne. Musegg Wall This famous wall was part of Lucerne’s ramparts from 1386. You may visit 3 of the towers currently open to the public and see an amazing view of Lucerne. Lake Lucerne The fourth largest lake in Switzerland, Lake Lucerne 24 miles long and is framed by dramatic mountains. The 33 villages on Lake Lucerne are best explored by boat. A popular excursion to the far eastern part of the lake, known as Lake Uri or Urnersee, is home to the Rütli Meadow, where Switzerland was legendarily born. If you are looking for breathtaking views, history, and some chocolate, take some time in Switzerland, you won’t be sorry you did. *Lucerne is an excursion on the Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps River Cruise. Cruise by 40 castles along the Rhine River and see 4 countries. Add the Lake Como extension and see Italy too! Click here to see the itinerary

So you are very excited because you have a wonderful trip planned to Europe the only problem, you lost 3 days or more recovering from jet lag on your last trip. Sound familiar? Here are my top secrets to get over jet lag faster when traveling to Europe from the states. Tip # 1 The week before you leave try to go to bed earlier each night, even if you can only manage 15 minutes at a time. This also means, and more importantly, you should wake up earlier too. Your key here is to get as close as possible to the time zone you will be traveling in during your vacation. Tip # 2 If at all possible, try to stick to your normal work schedule. I know this is hard because you will have so much work to do when you return you want to get ahead of it and stay late or work long hours. Do the best you can, you know your work situation best. This goes hand in hand with tip #1 because if you are exhausted when you begin your vacation, jet lag wins. Tip # 3 Purchase an eye mask if you don't already have one along with earplugs for your trip. As an alternative listen to soothing sounds or white noise with your earbuds. I'll explain more in Tip #5. For anyone that uses eye makeup, you can purchase masks that have indents in the eye area to avoid smearing your eye makeup. Although nothing prevents it fully. Bonus Tip: Pack cleansing face wipes for touching up. Tip # 4 Always fly overnight. If you have a travel advisor, they will schedule an evening flight for the leg over the ocean. If you are planning yourself, don't try to plan on our time, plan on theirs. Most flights to Europe are overnight so this task should not be hard. You want to arrive in the morning. Of course, where you go determines just what time you arrive. Tip # 5 Here you will combine the last two tips with this one. You MUST sleep on the flight over. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. I hear this all the time on the plane. "Stay awake." There is a reason they turn the lights off in the cabin. This is absolutely crucial to help you get on their schedule and reduce jet lag. Use your eye mask and ear plugs if necessary. I have had to use mine many times. The reading lights don't just illuminate the person trying to stay away or read a book. If need be, ask your doctor about something to help you sleep, herbal teas like chamomile, and the like. Whatever works best for you. Tip # 6 A tip I learned from the cabin crew is to stay hydrated both on the flight and of course while traveling. The preferable form on hydration is water. A drink on the plane sounds good but remember you are headed into your first day of vacation and my suggestions for Tip #7 so alcohol may not be the best idea. Tip # 7 Stay awake when you arrive. Yep, this is your first day in Europe. Choose something that does not have a defined schedule to do today. Don't plan heavy tours, instead use this day to sightsee on your own if you can. If you are cruising, come in a day early, not just for jet lag, but you never know when there will be delays and you don't want to miss your ship. So, for today walk around the city, take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to get acquainted with the city. The key today is to force yourself to stay awake as late as you can. If you go to bed at 11:00 at home, go to bed at 11:00 their time or earlier if you have plans early the next day. Stay hydrated today too. . This is what your trip my look like up to this point. I'll recount an example of what I do when in Paris. I've gone to bed early each night and tried my best to wake up early as well. Got on the plane and listened to a man tell his poor mother to stay awake all night while he read under the reading lamp directly behind me. I arrive early in the morning blurry-eyed because it is the middle of the night for me. Next, I go to the hotel and drop off the bags, quick shower and change and I'm off to the Seine to grab the Batobus and cruise around the Seine seeing the sights hopping on and off as I see something I want to explore. I walk around the Latin quarter, grab a bite to eat, go in Shakespeare & Company, make my way back to the Louvre grounds, grab a baguette and head to the hotel. I order the room service charcuterie to go with my baguette for an early dinner and in bed around 10:00 or 11:00. Yes, I'm tired but day one was fun, interesting, and because I took time to see the city, I didn't feel like I missed anything. If you have done what I suggested until now, you may be a little tired today but that jittery, exhausted, unable-to-get-out-of-bed feeling you get with jet lag should not be there. Stay hydrated and enjoy your vacation. Bonus Tip Going home will be hard, there is no way around it since you will be enjoying every minute of your vacation prepping like you did before is just not possible. My tip for going home is to plan to arrive at least one day before you must return to work. Because you will follow the sun on your way home, it is hard to sleep so you may be awake for a full 24 hours without even realizing it. Hopefully, you will not drive home after the flight but if you must, know you will be tired and get some coffee on the plane and in the airport. I hope you have enjoyed these tips and please use them on your next trip to Europe! They work for me and I would love to hear how they work for you. I have provided a link below to the eye masks that I use to help sleep on the plane. They come with ear plugs too. Eye Mask As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

January 7, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time Click here to register for the virtual presentation Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River cruise fantasy. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rudesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the river banks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true. January 7, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time Click here to register for the virtual presentation To see the itinerary, click here. Click the links below to sign up for upcoming virtual cruises: January 7, 2021, 7:00 pm Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps January 21, 2021, 7:00 pm Secrets of Egypt and The Nile February 11, 2021, 7:00 pm Best of Holland and Belgium

ANNOUNCEMENT: This location is an INCLUDED post cruise tour in the Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps River Cruise for a LIMITED TIME on select cruises in 2021 and 2022. To learn more, call or attend the presentation on Jan 7th. Must deposit by January 15, 2021. Sign up for presentation on January 7th at 7:00 pm here Lake Como is situated in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. Also know as Lario, Lake Como is the third largest of the Italian lakes. At 448 yards deep at maximum, it is considered one of the deepest lakes in Europe. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. The unique shape is a result of melting glaciers combined with the erosion from the Adda river. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate. An upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps sets the scene for breathtaking views. With the serenity of the inland lake surrounded by beautiful hills dotted with villas from the Renaissance period, Lake Como's charm lures almost a million and a half visitors each year. When there, make sure to pick up ceramics made by local artisans and talk to painters who are drawn to paint the beautiful water and mountain vistas The best time to visit is between March and November when temperatures are warm and the sun shines as much as 15.5 hours a day. The weather in July and August is the best. Things to do Take a Ferryboat Tour of the Lake. Relax and enjoy the splendor of touring the sites around the towns that sit on the Lake including Bellagio. The Italian Alps tower above as your backdrop. Enjoy a day trip sightseeing the incredible villas of the rich and famous. Be sure to ask your boat driver to sail past Villa Balbionello where James Bond "Casino Royale" was filmed, as well as George Clooney’s villa and Richard Branson's villa. Make a visit to the small towns around Lake Como with authentic Italian restaurants serving freshly made pasta and wines. A hydrofoil runs from Como to Bellagio, making stops at the other towns on Lake Como along the way. A relaxing way to soak in the magnificence of the beautiful Swiss and Italian Alps is to choose an outdoor table and enjoy some fine food and wine. A ferry also runs to Varenna, a quiet fishing village north of Bellagio. A perfect getaway from the more populated Italian cities, Varenna has ancient cobblestone streets and the 10th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista. Stop by the Botanical Garden at the Hotel Villa Cipressi in Verena It was built in the 1400s, the Botanical Garden is open to the public, but the rest of the building belongs to the hotel and its restaurant. The century-old garden, running down to the lake, features an abundance of plants and flowers that nature lovers will adore. It is spread over different levels that overlook the water so you get plenty of beautiful views. The Basilica of Sant’ Abbondio, in the town of Como, dates back to the 5th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the area; however, the current Romanesque structure was built in the 11th century. Here you will see frescoes dating back to the mid-14th century. The building was constructed over different periods, so you can see how it was shaped by the trends of each era to enhance your understanding of the history of Como. If you enjoy seeing ancient ruins, stop by Forte di Fuentes in the northern section of the lake near Colico. This historic fortress is significant in that it represents one of the few remains of the Spanish reign of the area. It dates back to the 17th century. If you want to know more about local history, this really is a must, as walking through what used to be a stronghold, including a square and a church, will unravel tales of war and culture to boot. Time for wine. Enoteca Principessa, a wine shop in Bellagio, is a great find. The proprietor is knowledgeable and friendly and will guide you through his wide selection of great local wines. They offer tastings and will arrange to ship wine purchased to your home. Como offers many options when it comes to hiking. One option is the Sentiero del Viandante hiking trail is 28 miles long, so it should be broken up into three or four stretches. It dates back to Roman times and takes you through the east coast of Lake Como, it is a great way to explore the beauty of nature and art in the area. There is quite a bit to do in Lake Como and the surrounding areas and I’ve only listed a few. Or just relax, take it easy, and enjoy the view. It is easy to see why so many make this a regular summer event with the beauty of the alps, the lake, the small villages, proximity to bigger cities, and the food. Is it time to put this one on your list? Click here to see Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps itinerary that includes Lake Como

While many in the US celebrate the holidays with Santa and Christmas Trees, and Menorahs, other countries have their own special and unique traditions. Keep in mind they may also celebrate with Santa but here are a few other fun traditions. Spain Spain has deep roots in the Christian faith so the celebration happens at the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, on December 8th and is a family celebration. In Catalonia and areas of Aragon, there is a tradition of the Tio de Nadal, a cute little Christmas Log! This log is decorated with legs, a face, and an adorable red hat. Children must feed the log and tuck it in at the end of the night with a blanket so that it does not get cold! If the children are good to the Tio and take care of it they will find presents wrapped in the blanket in the morning. Norway A unique tradition from Norway is to hide all their brooms on Christmas Eve. It stems from an ancient pagan concern that witches and mischievous spirits would come on Christmas eve and steal them. Another adorable legend is that gnomes, called Nisse would deliver presents. But don’t’ worry, Santa comes to Norway too but he is called Julenissen in Norwegian. Not completely Japanese but they celebrate with Kentucky Fried Chicken. While Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan, many celebrate by visiting a KFC and eating together with friends and family. As the story goes, the tradition started in the 1970s when KFC released a special Christmas dinner on their menu for homesick expats. Now, the lines get so long and KFCs, it’s suggested that those wishing to celebrate place their holiday order two months in advance, like we must do with Honey Baked Ham! It’s rare that a spider becomes the hero in a holiday tale. I can’t run fast enough when I see one. But as this legend goes, the children of a poor widow wanted to decorate their Christmas tree, but with no money to buy decorations, the tree went without them. The spiders in their house heard the children’s wish and spun intricate webs throughout the tree during the night. In the morning sun, the webs turned to strands of silver and gold. Now, people decorate their Christmas tree with webs to invite good luck in the coming year. Wales This sounds a bit morbid but ends on a high note so hang in. Nobody knows what day the bleached skull of a horse will show up at their door, cheerfully singing songs, but most people in Wales expect it sometime between Christmas and late January. This is called Mari Lwyd, the Grey Mare. The traditions varies a bit by region but here is the just of it. One person dresses up as a horse, using an actual horse skull, with streamers for a mane and a cloth to hide the wearer of the skull. They gather five or six of their friends together, and they go from house to house singing Welsh songs like carolers would during the holidays. Sometimes they quote rude rhymes but that’s another story. If the household invites them in, the household will have good luck for the year. Residents or pub owners often compensate the group by offering food or drink. Iceland As you are strolling through a residential Icelandic town leading up to Christmas, keep an eye out for shoes on the windowsill. Children leave their shoes there for the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads, who come down from the mountains at night and leave presents in the shoes. Each lad will come down on a different night leading up to Christmas. But only good children get presents. Bad children will only find potatoes filling their shoes Scotland Christmas is celebrated in Scotland however a fun tradition is that of “First Footing” on New Year’s. Like most, after a quiet family Christmas, the Scottish gear up for an explosive celebration to bring in the new year. The first visitor to the home, or the “first foot in the door” in the new year is said to predict the amount of good fortune the family will have! The luckiest person to cross your threshold is a dark-haired man. The tradition calls for the person to bring with him, real or symbolic, coal, shortbread, salt, black bun, and whisky. This is also practiced in Northern England. Italy Those spending the holidays in Italy should keep an eye out for the ugly witch named Befana. In spite of her appearance, Befana, or Giver of Gifts, is a kind witch who flies around the world on her broomstick delivering toys, clothing, and candy to good children, while enjoying a plate of broccoli and spiced sausage with a glass of wine at each house! She visits on the eve of Epiphany, January 5th, to the delight of children all throughout Italy. Tina Vestal is the agency owner of Vibrant Travel.

When traveling in small groups the options abound and most of us don’t even think about doing this. You take a painting class because you love to paint. Imagine visiting Monet’s Garden in Giverny with your class or with others who love art. Your wine group could join in on a private wine tasting in a wine cellar on the Rhine River or in Bordeaux. Maybe your garden club would love to see the tulips in the Netherlands or Keukenhof Gardens. Even if your group is small, a close circle of friends, an extended family trip, there are so many enriching pre-planned experiences to share. Larger groups have even more opportunities to customize an excursion to make it unforgettable. It is no secret that traveling in groups can be beneficial to your traveling experience. Traveling with people who share similar interests and enjoy the same hobbies is an excellent way to explore new destinations, especially if you didn’t know them before. The concept of traveling with a community of like-minded people has been around for years and is a proven way to ensure that you have a positive experience. Sharing personal traits, hobbies, values, and interests are all starting points to building a relationship and developing a connection. Different groups of people can discover and enjoy new experiences from the same destination. Food lovers will indulge in France's local cuisine, while history buffs and architecture enthusiasts will marvel at the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. Active or wellness travelers can group together to bike the countryside and seek out beautiful side streets, cafes, and shops. There is no right or wrong way to explore a new destination, just do what makes you happy. Being able to share your passion and excitement for a destination or the local culture with your fellow cruisers is what makes a river cruise so memorable. Onboard, you can continue building your relationships as you plot out your plans for the next port of call and explore the various suggested excursions. A variety of unique included experiences are available based on different interests to help cater to every type of traveler, ensuring that you never miss out on the fun. You'll be amazed by how quickly and effortlessly you connect with your fellow travelers as you cruise through Europe! Vibrant Travel wants to help you make the most of your river cruise. Even if you are traveling with your own group of friends, you can still mix it up during the day and explore a destination with a new group of guests who share similar interests. At the end of the day, it is fun to swap stories, see the different perspectives, and learn more about the things the people in your group enjoy doing. Are you ready to discover the world with your group and maybe meet some new people along the way? Give us a call to get started.

Have you ever wanted to visit Iceland? It is an awe-inspiring place for sure! Enjoy this short video on a sample of the amazing animals of Iceland. If you want to go, stop by our sample itinerary here or give us a call and let us know what you are looking for. We have many ways to visit Iceland by land or sea.

Iceland has so much to offer with over 10,000 waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanos, ice caves, glaciers, geothermal pools, and the northern lights. Stop by this virtual presentation and learn more about an Iceland Tour. Register at this link to receive the zoom invite: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsfuirpzgiG9SN7ZXKPWlQlrvcvWADOKQA

Take a Virtual River Cruise through the Iconic Christmas Markets of Europe If you would like more information on this cruise or others, give us a call at 407-517-4744.

See some amazing waterfalls in Iceland.

10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers Should Consider River Cruising Ocean cruises have been a popular way to vacation for decades, and for good reason. They’re affordable, convenient and offer travelers peace of mind knowing that everything they need for a fantastic getaway is all in one place. What could be better than that? Well, consider a river cruise. You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, let me show you how 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. To all cruise-lovers, perhaps it’s time to shake up the ocean liner experience for an entirely new way to explore the world’s waterways. Let us book you on a river cruise that will take you inland for a unique and relaxing tour of Europe. Here are 10 reasons to consider river cruising. 1. Expand Your Options While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you “through” countries. There simply is no way to reach river cruise destinations on the large cruise ships. So, if you like the to try a variety of countries away from the ocean but really don’t want to pack and unpack, try river cruising. 2. Intimate Experience River cruising offers a more intimate setting. And don’t think of intimate as small, there are plenty of spaces to get some privacy. Most ships are under 200 passengers. This means that you’ll never have to wait in line, so 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. 3. Authentic and Immersive Cultural Experiences 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 included at each incredible port of call. You’ll be able to immerse in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit. 4. No Need to Rush Back Many port departures are later in the afternoon or evening so you’ll have the chance to enjoy the nightlife. Whether you choose an evening walking 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. Castles 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 amazing history and wonderful stories with a knowledgeable guide? You’ll quite literally be walking in the footsteps of world history. 6. Themed Cruising Try a wine cruise through Bordeaux, with a foodie tour in Lyon. Did I mention the wine is included with lunch and dinner as well as the wine tastings? Visit castles and vineyards on a Rhine River cruise. If you love beautiful views and port wine, then Portugal’s Douro River is where you should be. Is there a golfer in the family? Then the concierge golf service down the Danube is a must. For anyone that just loves to get away around the holidays, try a Christmas Market cruise. Oh-so-many choices. 7. Entertainment for the Whole Family With a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way, everyone in the family will have an unforgettable experience. River cruising is perfect for multi-generational families. From grandparents to teenage 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, 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 back 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 are absolutely no mass-produced and basic buffet food on the river. 9. Variety of Experiences 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. 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. Ten great reasons why you should try river cruising. Leave us a comment on which you prefer and why, we'd love to hear it.