​The Oberammergau Passion Play, one of Europe’s greatest pageants and tourism draws, is held every 10 years in the German town f Oberammergau. Describing Jesus Christ’s final days, the dramatic performance will be presented 103 times between mid-May and early October of 2020. The most celebrated religious drama in the world will entice the devoted to a charming Bavarian village that honors a commitment townspeople made centuries ago. The Passion Play is a local production, performed entirely by amateur actors who have been residents of the village for 20 years or more.

Have you seen the newly released Downton Abbey? I can verify that the movie was a brilliant extension of the much-loved PBS six-year series that ended in 2015. Viking River Cruises became a household name by sponsoring the Emmy Award-winning television series. Now, Viking is thrilled to announce that the partnership continues their long history with Downton Abbey and their expanded programs with Highclere Castle and the Carnarvon family.
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Watch the movie trailer.

First-time river cruisers usually ask us which itinerary should they choose. Well, it's hard to go wrong but, the two most popular are the Rhine River and the Danube River. The special characteristics of each journey may help travelers decide. Take a look at these short videos from three different cruise lines to get an idea of the things you'll see along the Rhine River.

​From AmaWaterways:

​Set sail through the castle-laden, legendary Rhine River and the vineyard-clad hills of the breathtaking Moselle River on an unforgettable AmaWaterways river cruise.

​Towns and villages throughout Europe take on a festive atmosphere strolling through old-fashioned Christmas markets, originally created in the middle ages to celebrate the beginning of Advent.  One of the best ways to experience some of the many markets is on a river cruise where you can relax and enjoy multiple stops in charming hamlets all decked out for the season.  Often established near the principal church, cruise passengers may also have the opportunity to attend services at an historic church or hear church and children's choirs singing from performance stages as part of their itinerary. Characterized by twinkle lights, regional foods, wooden vendor stalls and Christmas curios, the markets are filled with the festive spirit of the season. Make the most of the season by experiencing the best the markets have to offer.

​Multigenerational groups are a huge and rapidly growing travel segment.  One of the reasons is that our clients realize that they do not need to sacrifice the amenities and gourmet dining experiences they enjoy in order to accommodate the interests of younger family members. The definition of "family" has evolved to include aunts and uncles, close friends, and step-relatives. The reasons for the group's travel include milestone anniversaries or birthdays, as well as children going off to college. The challenges~individual schedules, finances, and family dynamics~are well-known.

​CHOOSE YOUR ESCAPE

​None of the Crowds. Bargain Prices. All the Inclusions.
Slashed prices. Shorter lines. None of the peak-season crowds. These are some of the benefits of off-season travel. But, you won't give up on tour inclusions. On our weekly "Deals and Steals" escorted tours, you get an easy, hassle-free, all-in-one vacation package that includes all of these elements to make your vacation complete: Sightseeing & VIP Access, Tour Directors & Local Guides, Meals, Superior Hotels, Favorite Must-See Sites, Transportation and Transfer. These special rate are for a limited time and go quickly. Don't hesitate. Interested? Let us know.

Just a couple of examples:
​$1,349 Per Person/Double Occupancy OR $1,399 Per Person/Double Occupancy
IRELAND & BRITAIN ESCAPE AIR-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE ON SELECT 2019 & 2020 DEPARTURES November 9, 2019 through January 26, 2020.
​BOOK BY May 24, 2019 Airfare from select gateways included.

IRELAND & BRITAIN
​Encounter the best of both worlds on your Ireland and Britain escorted vacation for an escape from the high-season crowds, without the high-season prices. Your guided tour of Ireland and Britain begins in the celebrated capital city of Dublin. See the statue-lined O’Connell Street, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cross the Boyne River to Belfast in Northern Ireland to learn about the enthralling Titanic Experience and then, via ferry across the North Channel, travel to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. See Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful views of the city. 

Travel to York to tour its maze of quaint streets. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford- upon-Avon, and a 2-night stay in exciting London. See the famous sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. You’ll visit iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, and enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. 

Travel solo and connect with new destinations, cultures, and friends. Deciding to travel unaccompanied can be daunting for some. But on a river cruise, there are no unexpected add-ons and there is a Cruise Manager to help with any problem that might arise. Single travelers are especially drawn to the social and casual on-board atmosphere, where it is easy to make friends and bond over the love of exploring new places.  All of this, plus the various choices of excursions will help you feel that you can travel solo.
Typically, river cruise pricing is based on two people traveling together in one cabin. When you book select 2019 or 2020 river cruises, the single supplement may be waived or reduced.
All-Inclusive Amenities
A choice of daily excursions, scrumptious dining, beverages, airport transfers, even pre-paid gratuities are included on many river cruise lines. When so much is included, you can leave travel stress and your wallet at home.

After a fabulous first-time river cruise in Europe on the Rhine-Main-Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest (the most popular for first-time river cruisers!) you are eager to plan another.  But, where to? We get asked that a lot.  River cruisers know the all-inclusive value, nonstop scenery, authentic cultural experiences, and personal service while unpacking once and sailing without sea sickness adds up to a memorable vacation.   Take a look at some of the other itinerary options available.

Portugal
Sprawling vineyards and captivating farmlands hug the steep sides of the Douro River Valley. Experience unspoiled, historic villages to explore and port country, the world's oldest demarcated wine region.

​River cruise  lines offer many packing suggestions for your river cruise vacation in Europe--pack light, bring casual, color coordinated clothes and comfortable shoes etc.  But, here are some packing suggestions you may not have thought of.

Outlet Adaptors and Power Strip
Most of the riverboats provide 110V and 220V outlets but the plug sockets require an adaptor.  This is especially critical if you bookend your river cruise with a hotel stay. We always recommend dual-voltage appliances and devices to prevent damage.

​“How’s the food?”  That’s the critical question our clients ask us when we recommend an all-inclusive resort.  When we show them the videos, they are convinced that Sandals or Beaches is the best choice.