Travel notes

Firsthand stories from the river.

A closer look at the moments, places, and little details that make a river cruise such a memorable way to see Europe.

Personal trip journal · Avalon Passion
Traveled December 2019 · By Rob Smith

Christmastime on the Danube

Christmas markets, Salzburg, the Wachau Valley and Budapest—our eastbound Avalon Passion journey, with extra days in Prague and Vienna.

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Personal trip journal · Viking Bragi & Skadi
Traveled July–August 2022 · By Rob Smith

Our Grand European Tour: Two Longships, One Journey

Amsterdam to Budapest, Rhine castles, Austrian scenery and a Prague extension—with a firsthand account of the low-water swap from Viking Bragi to Viking Skadi.

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Personal trip journal · Viking Einar
Traveled October 17–25, 2024 · By Rob Smith

Our Rhine Getaway & Italian Lakes Journey

Join Rob and Shannon from Amsterdam to Basel, with windmills, Rhine castles, Heidelberg and Alsace—then continue to Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta on a guided Italian Lakes extension.

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Personal trip journal · Viking Odin
Traveled December 6–18, 2025 · By Rob Smith

My Viking Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle Cruise

Lucerne, Zurich's singing Christmas tree, festive markets, Rhine castles and Paris: our journey aboard Viking Odin, told through my trip notes and personal photos.

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France · AmaWaterways
June 2026

A Week on the Rhône & Saône

From Roman Arles and Avignon’s food traditions to truffles, Burgundy wines, Lyon, and a memorable Chef’s Table dinner—our journey aboard AmaCello showed why this itinerary is such a beautiful way to experience France.

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Ship review · AmaWaterways
June 2026

What It’s Like Aboard AmaCello

Our firsthand look at the ship that carried us through Provence and Burgundy—from its relaxed public spaces and French-balcony staterooms to the Chef’s Table experience.

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Ship review · Viking
September 2026

What It’s Like Aboard a Viking Longship

A practical guide to Viking’s signature European river ships—from stateroom choices and Scandinavian design to the Aquavit Terrace, dining and relaxed evenings aboard.

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