Odessa – "Pearl of the Black Sea"

Dnieper River Cruise - Odessa, Ukraine DAY 2 - Odessa. (Thur.) Included City Tour. After breakfast, begin your tour of Odessa known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea.” It is one of the region’s most beautiful cities with wonderful beaches, shady parks and tree-lined boulevards. Travel by coach through the old part of town and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre with its many splendid classical buildings. You will see the Uspenski Cathedral and the Potemkin Steps, with its 192 … [Read more...]

Arriving in Odessa and Airport Transfer

Dnieper River Cruise - Odessa, Ukraine DAY 1 - Odessa (Wed.) Arrival in Odessa.  If Viking River Cruises arranged your transfer, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your river cruise ship. Because the crew will be preparing cabins for arriving passengers, you can relax in the ship’s lounge or explore Odessa on your own. You will be given access to your cabin as soon as it becomes available, usually by 3 p.m. If you arrive during lunchtime (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), some light … [Read more...]

Douro River Cruise | Oporto Holidays

A Pleasurable Cruise on the Douro: With the sun setting in the horizon, we board our Porto Cruz river boat at the Cais da Ribera, one of the quays where river boats are moored. The ramp from the quay to the boat looks steep, but I make it okay, even on high heels and carrying Tony's 20-tonne camera bag -  he was helping another passenger with a walking frame down the ramp. Douro River Cruise The Douro river tour is a very pleasurable trip to do in the early evening. What could be nicer than … [Read more...]

Lorelei Rock and the Lorelei Siren

Die Lorelei

Of legends, forklores and the Rhine Siren: The Rhine river is steeped in myths, sagas, legends, forklore and fairytales and the many castles along the Rhine hold tales of historical and political events, medieval battles, military conflicts and knights brandishing swords. The Lorelei Legend One legend that you'll hear most about on a Rhine river cruise is that of the Lorelei Rock.  The legend is as old as time itself and tells of Lorelei, a beautiful young maiden who committed suicide … [Read more...]

Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise + Gallipoli Dawn Service

Gallipoli Dawn Service River Cruise: The ANZAC Day dawn service at Gallipoli has become a very popular event and each year the crowds at Gallipoli get bigger and bigger. Whereas in the past, it was the older generation who were interested in participating in this special remembrance ceremony, these days more and more younger people are  interested to be part of it as well. Younger travellers from Australia especially are timing their Europe trip to coincide with attendance at the Gallipoli … [Read more...]

River cruise and Oberammergau Passion Play

Combine your river cruise with a visit to Oberammergau: If you're planning a river cruise in 2010 and would like to attend the Oberammergau Passion Play, there are cruises that will allow you to do this.  The following cruises by General Tours combine your river cruise with a visit to Oberammergau for the Passion Play. Holland at Tulip Time and the Passion Play 2010 (10 days) Day 1 - Arrive Amsterdam / Embarkation Day 2 - Rotterdam & Delft Day 3 - Cruising / Middelburg Day 4 - Ghent / … [Read more...]