by Ron Largent | Dec 13, 2017 | Austria, Northern Europe Cruise, Travel, Uncategorized, Vienna, Viking ATLA River Cruise Ship., Viking Cruises, Viking River, Viking River Cruises, Vikings, Zurich
We left Vienna during the night heading north and west up the Danube towards Krems….and Gottweig Abbey. Again, this is a spectacular setting with the Abbey right on top of the mountain. The Abbey is fully operational and has both Art and book collections that are world famous. The 2 hours at the Abbey was set up specifically for Viking, and we were told that Viking has donated considerable funds to keep the Abbey open, eventhough it is the home for 43 monks that work in the area.
Back on the ship and traveling up through the Wachau Valley…world famous for wines and picturesque towns and castles…and today was an absolutely gorgeous day with bright sun,….not much wind, but low 40’s…but a gorgeous day. Afternoon on the ship with regular updates and special events, etc….and now off to the Viking Explorer Reception…should be fun..
by Ron Largent | Dec 13, 2017 | Alaska, Alborg, alpine, Asian Travel, Austria, Bavaria, Bella Russe, Bergen, Bern, Budapest. Hungary, Bullet Train, Copenhagen, Cruise Line Deals, Danube River, Danube River and Viking River, Denmark, Eastern Europe, Eastern Germany, Eidfjord, European Travel, Finland, Fjords, Gdansk, Geneva, Germany, Gstaad, Hapsburg Dynasty, Helsinki, Holland America Cruise Lines, Hungary, Hungary food, International Travel, Latvia, Lausanne, Leipzig, Lenin Square, lucerne, Maria Theresa, Matthias Church, Munich, Northern Europe Cruise, Norway, Poland, Russia, Russian Market, Salzburg, Sitka, Ski The Alps, South Sawyer Glacier, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, St Stephens Basilica, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Sweden, Switzerland, Tallin, The Alps, The Fjords, Tracy Arn Fjord, Travel, Travel the World, Ultimate Sports Events., Uncategorized, US Open, Vienna, Viking ATLA River Cruise Ship., Viking Cruises, Viking River, Viking River Cruises, Vikings, Volcano Island, Warnemunde, Warsaw, Wimbledon, Zurich
Vienna, Austria……ship was delayed in the locks leading into Vienna on Monday night…and we first heard about it early Tuesday morning with the daily announcements. Apparently late Monday night the winds picked up on the Danube and by the time we got to the locks….too high to go through….so we were put on hold in the River for about 2 hours….there were then additional delays and finally cleared the locks at 5 AM…which made us about an hour late to get into Vienna. In that it was a full day, plans were changed and we proceeded to dock at another town about an hour drive away from Vienna. We then boarded Viking buses…and off we went into Vienna, through beautiful farm lands and small towns…arriving about 10 into Vienna.We then had the included panorama tour of Vienna, as well as the walking tour of the Old City….a magnificent old city with gorgeous buildings….just a beautiful place to see and walk through, etc.
Being late, Viking decided to give us a 25 Euro credit per person for lunch….and we ate behind St Stephens church at a great restaurant….finishing up by 2 when we met up again, and then went on the optional tour to the Schonbrunn Palace.
The Palace is a showplace for Emperoress Maria Theresa and the Hapsburg Dynasty….and I cannot say enough in this blog about her and her reign…and I bought a book at says it all, including her 16 children. A powerful woman like Queen Victoria in England……Maria Theresa being the daughter of Charles VI. The Hapsburg Dynasty in Central Europe in itself is a Masters Thesis…what a fascinating story of reign for 650 years. This is a MUST visit….
Back to the ship for dinner…then on to our Optional Concert of Mozart and Strauss by the Vienna Residence Orchestra. This is a small chamber orchestra obviously hand picked as they put on quite a show of music and humor to this private concert. Just a thrilling and fun performance with soloists, ballet dancers, and a great orchestra….a fun evening and well worth it…even for non-music lovers.
Back to the bus by 11…a great day in Vienna…one of the World’s Great Cities…and the 2nd one we have been part of on this trip…the other Budapest.
More to come……
by Ron Largent | Dec 12, 2017 | Alaska, Alborg, Asian Travel, Bergen, Budapest. Hungary, Danube River, Denmark, Eastern Europe, Eastern Germany, European Travel, Germany, Holland America Cruise Lines, Hungary, Hungary food, Iceland, Iceland Hiking, Iceland Tours, Icelandair, Inter City Express (ICE), International Travel, Juneau, Latvia, Lausanne, Leipzig, Lenin Square, Matthias Church, Mercedes, Montreaux, Munich, Northern Europe Cruise, Norway, Organist, Poland, Russia, Russian Market, Salzburg, Sitka, Ski The Alps, South Sawyer Glacier, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, St Stephens Basilica, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Sweden, Switzerland, Tallin, The Alps, The Fjords, Tracy Arn Fjord, Travel, Travel the World, Uncategorized, Viking Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Vikings, Vikinh Alta Cruise Ship., Warnemunde, Warsaw, Wimbledon, Zurich
We had decided early on to do some “catch up” on our last day so started off by going to the old Train Station that Audy had remembered. Still there and still old…but a new section built on as well as a huge underground West End Mall…that runs back under the entire busy traffic corner. Then went across the street to the Libri Department store…found a good cap for me and some clothes for Audy…great prices.
Back to the hotel to pack and get ready to board the ship…and left the room about 4 PM to taxi to the boat dock about 1/4 mile away. The greeting from Viking starts at the curb when they get your luggage and take it directly to your room (we had it all labeled in advance)….and immediately felt at home and very comfortable. The folks at the front desk were perfect…check in took maybe 2 minutes.
These Viking River Cruise boats, which are also called shipped, and referred to as a ship by the staff…..are specially made long boats made in Germany…and made for this specific purpose…to transport people up and down and around the Rivers of Europe and the world. Initially designed for the European Rivers…they now are used worldwide, and have become very popular. Viking River Cruises was one of the first to do this…and they are the largest fleet now, and voted #1 by a number of Travel rating services. Clearly #1 at this stage for us.
The first night was introductory…dinner at 7, etc…an outstanding briefing on what was planned for Monday….just a great professional opening experience to start the Viking River Cruise.
Monday started with an early sit down or buffet breakfast in the restaurant, and they only have one big restaurant, but there are options for sit down or buffet, and very well laid out. At 8 we exited the ship and boarded the Mercedes Benz busses for the 4 hour Budapest Panorama Included Tour. . Very well done, and saw areas, such as the Hero’s Square, that we had not seen before…and ended up on Castle Hill at the Matthias Church. This in itself is almost worth the trip to Budapest, but the guide gave us a complete tour of the magnificent church, which sits on the top of the Buda hill overlooking Budapest and Hungary, for that matter. Photos, of which I have many, will attest to both the indoor and outside grandeur. I know this will sound like a record, but one of the most outstanding churches we have ever seen, or been in.
So, in Budapest, 2 magnificent churches, St Stephens Basilica and Matthias Church….the overwhelming Parliament Building right on the river, and the Castle Hill area and Gellert Hill overlooking the Danube River….which is the center of the entire area as it goes under the 9 massive bridges, including the historic and famous Chain Bridge.
The 4 hour bus tour ended up about 30 miles to the north, where we caught up with the Ship and re-boarded….lunch was ready…and off we went up the River…and the days activities on the Ship began. A full schedule from lectures to a Champaign welcome party to the Captains briefing …all very well done.
Our room is more spacious than and on the Cruise Ship….and each room has a full glass window-wall to view the river and the villages and cities that we pass. The beds are comfortable; the rooms are so quiet….the bathroom is plenty big, and the storage areas are great.
At this point, for us…this is the nicest set up we have had on the Cruises…can’t wait for the rest of today.
And, Viking Cruises will be added to my list of Cultural Events and Activities that I will be emphasizing…as this is among the very best way to fully appreciate the culture and history of Europe and the world for that matter….this will sell, as it has over the years, and I am happy to be part of “this world”.
After the trip I will start listing the upcoming Viking Cruise Ship trips, programs, tours, etc…and having been on 3 of them within the past year…can give first hand experience thoughts…so stay tune…all for now…Tuesday morning, Dec 12th……
by Ron Largent | Dec 10, 2017 | Budapest. Hungary, Eastern Europe, Eastern Germany, European Travel, Germany, Hungary, International Travel, Matthias Church, Munich, Northern Europe Cruise, Organist, Special Events Travel Deals, St Stephens Basilica, St. Petersburg, Travel, Travel the World, Uncategorized, Viking Cruises, Vikings, Zurich
Saturday..Day 3 began as a cloudy and cold day…we had the usual delightful breakfast in the Club Lounge….then decided to Ride the Yellow Hop On and Hop Off bus….to see more of the city. About the Hop On Hop Off….there are actually 3 or 4 companies that call themselves Hop On Hop Off….and basically all of them are the same and three of the four wear the Red Coats….so it is a bit tricky to get the correct bus. And, a couple of the lines have a covered top, which is critical in this cold weather. In any case, you can pick and choose the bus…and we chose one that did not have the cover…so we sat inside the bus. You don’t see as much, but much, much warmer.
The ride was fine and when we concluded we decided to take the small streetcar that runs along the River up to the Parliament Building. This is a must see building and is the one featured on may many of the ;publications. Magnificent building. We went down into the Visitor Center…sold out for Saturday and Sunday….and the best way to get a ticket is on the internet. Probably well worth it, and more after the Viking Tour on Monday.
Upon returning to the Hotel, we decided to go straight on to the Restaurant that had the small museum that Carrie had told us about. We got there and it was full…but did go downstairs into the museum…very interesting and well worth it. The restaurant was full of Viking Pre Trip folks, and the food looked like full meals, etc,,..and pretty expensive…so sent down to Costa Coffee again….and again, pretty much sold out…so went back to Perfetto, where we were the night before. It was also jammed, but the manager saw us and got us a seat…big lunch of salad, sspaghetti, and lasagna…mine was great.
We then returned to the hotel and on our way heard the demonstration and saw the police cars…later found out it was a political demonstration to cross the Chain Bridge…which is the main bridge…. a big crowd of people walking with flags, etc….woman’s voice over the loud speaker in English…but not much more.
Had a nap and at 5:45 PM went down to catch the bus at 6:15 for the night light bus tour….as we were going to take it up to the Matthias Church, for the concert……and it was gorgeous going up and seeing the lights…definitely recommended.
The Solti Concert Orchestra and Choir and Soloists was the best of the best, and the setting in Matthias Church is unmatched in the world. Definitely another MUST SEE. Absolutely supurb musicians, with the concert master actually leading the orchestra on the first 3 numbers, which was a first for me. For me, the 90 minute program was perfect, as the quality of the musicians and the singers and soloists were the best that one could find anywhere. The magnificent church is probably perfect acoustically…..as you could hear every instrument and voice as is right next to you. The full house audience….probably 90% of them followers or the orchestra or patrons….would not quit at the end, with 3 “curtain” calls. Just a “once in a lifetime experience” for me.
We went next door to the Hilton for a “potty break” before heading back to the hotel using the taxi…10 minutes back and a good nights sleep.
Some observations…
- Budapest is a huge city that literally features its old and functional and beautiful buildings, and to see them lit up at night is a MUST.
- The River has allowed massive development on both sides, and both sides have these gorgeous buildings. Thinking of other cities in Europe, I cannot think of another one with this setting, with these magnificent buildings, palace, and parliament buildings being so prominent. London is a 2nd at this stage.
- The city just goes and goes, and the bus tour is a necessity….as traffic is very heavy and the road lanes run in all directions.
- The attitude of the people is very friendly….there is evidence of policemen around…but a very, very safe feeling all of the time. A lot of English is spoken, so it is easy to get around……
- Today we are going to change plans and go to the Central Train station…then back to the hotel by about noon…get ready for the River Boat…and will leave the room about 4…that is the plan.
Should be another great day….
by Ron Largent | Sep 21, 2017 | Alborg, Asian Travel, Bergen, Copenhagen, Cruise Line Deals, Denmark, Eidfjord, European Travel, Finland, Fjords, Gdansk, Germany, Helsinki, Iceland, Iceland Hiking, Iceland Tours, Icelandair, International Travel, Latvia, Northern Europe Cruise, Norway, Poland, Russia, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Sweden, Tallin, The Fjords, Travel, Travel the World, Uncategorized, Viking Cruises, Vikings, Volcano Island, Warnemunde
Located in the middle of these giant mountains, the fjords, which are bodies of sea water that flows in to the inner part of Norway (kind of like our bays)….Eidfjord is a little tiny place literally dwarfed by the soaring mountains around it. Breathtaking is an understatement…. We have never seen anything like it, including the glacier areas of Alaska. The mountains soar 4000 feet almost straight up ….. With sheer cliffs coming down to the water. We went to the museum….saw a video, and then got one, as it is the best way to show this incredible area. Not many of the cruise ships come in here as they can only handle one at a time..but well worth it if only for the natural beauty.
A bit cloudy and colder today as we are getting closer to the North Pole…..but a great day to just enjoy this incredible beauty.
By the day, becoming more impressed with Norway. Very clean, …..very, very progressive, and very industrious…..which is so key to surviving in these cold areas. By the way, leading country in the world for electric cars…all over the place..and all models…
Off to Bergen…the 2nd largest city in Norway and former capital….more later.
Located in the middle of these giant mountains, the fjords, which are bodies of sea water that flows in to the inner part of Norway (kind of like our bays)….Eidfjord is a little tiny place literally dwarfed by the soaring mountains around it. Breathtaking is an understatement…. We have never seen anything like it, including the glacier areas of Alaska. The mountains soar 4000 feet almost straight up ….. With sheer cliffs coming down to the water. We went to the museum….saw a video, and then got one, as it is the best way to show this incredible area. Not many of the cruise ships come in here as they can only handle one at a time..but well worth it if only for the natural beauty.
A bit cloudy and colder today as we are getting closer to the North Pole…..but a great day to just enjoy this incredible beauty.
By the day, becoming more impressed with Norway. Very clean, …..very, very progressive, and very industrious…..which is so key to surviving in these cold areas. By the way, leading country in the world for electric cars…all over the place..and all models…
Off to Bergen…the 2nd largest city in Norway and former capital….more later.
Day 14–Bergen
The day in Bergen started out cold and windy and continued though the day…..we got on the mid day included excursion….guide was ok but not up to the par of the others….too young and inexperienced. But this was the Panoramic Bergen excursion…so we did get to see this gorgeous city built around the fjords, with the wharf area being the world showplace. The wooden houses in various colors are on the postcards in the Bryggen area right along the harbor, Marina, etc….and it was busy, in spite of the wind and rain. Bergen has over 250 days of rain a year…so thus was a normal day for the locals…in fact they said it was pretty mild. Oil and gas and the related industries are driving this area, and even with the high taxation, is frequently voted the happiest city in the world. After the tour we told a short walk from the hotel, which was the Radisson Blu right downtown..and this was a perfect location so we walked a few doors and had a great snack in a locally owned place…..very nice. We walked for a few minutes more then decided too nasty so returned to the ship ….Audy had a good rest and I decided to explore more….and went back out to see what we had not seen in the downtown area such as the fish markets and other shopping areas. Rain and wind off and on but got to see their main shopping and tourist areas….very impressive. The plan was to stay on the ship this night and then disembark the next morning….and go on another city tour…which we did and this one covers additional parts of the city..well done…and then to the hotel, as we were then on the Bergen to Oslo extension. After lunch locally we walked through the fish market areas and saw the sights as today the weather turned sunny and the area is so beautiful. Got to the food area and, along with the other thousand tourists got to have our Local pancake and ate it standing along the stores and shops….just enjoying the locals, Etc…
After a rest went down the street to a Brew and Bar…and clearly one of the most delicious hamburgers we have ever had, Norwegian style. Back to the hotel and prepared for the early departure from the hotel to the train to Oslo. 68 folks on the extension so we got on the train early for a good seat..so the start of a good day.
In Summary, Bergen is a must, and is a must for many of the Cruise lines…due to the history connections with the Vikings and with the historic trade of the area. Due to its critical location, it was a key player in the Hanseatic League….which established traders the primary reason for being . Bergen was the capital of Norway with the King living here…and being the center of the fishing trade…started out being a wealthy city..and then with the oil discovery in 1969….one very wealthy and affluent place. Well worth the time. Off to Oslo…
by Ron Largent | Sep 20, 2017 | Alborg, Asian Travel, Copenhagen, Cruise Line Deals, Denmark, European Travel, Finland, Gdansk, Germany, Helsinki, Iceland, Iceland Hiking, Iceland Tours, Icelandair, International Travel, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Sweden, Tallin, Travel, Travel the World, Uncategorized, Volcano Island, Warnemunde
Copenhagen…..and Denmark……what a place. A very full all day….and it was so impressive. Almost ready to move there…kind of place. Bikes galore…..industrious, super clean….and a lot to see. This is another 2 day minimum place…as there is so much to do and see. The city with its port and huge river and being on the ocean….is oriented around water…..and from the Little Mermaid to the magnificent Cathedral….this place is a must. We came within a few minutes of seeing the Queen off on her yacht….but did get to see the cars and the stuff getting getting ready for her trip. It is a major city, but very easy to walk around so we took the tour bus back to the ship then caught the shuttle back downtown to see the churches. More churches than any other European city we have ever seen….and wonderful organs, etc. It became a very hot day…so we were “bushed” when we got back to the ship. A wonderful city……must come back and spend more time….and we have some great stories to tell about the tour leader on the bus, etc…just a very enjoyable day.
Audy can tell you about getting back on ship….but a great day in a great city…we saw a lot in a short time.
