Avalon Waterways has introduced its green Lighthouse Project to protect the rivers it sails on.

“Avalon is dedicated to protecting the planet with unprecedented, environmentally friendly cruises for guests now and in the future,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways.
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The Lighthouse Project focuses on three main categories, with the mission of nurturing a culture of care and sustainability that extends to its guests: Planet, People and Places.

​Throughout history, Europe’s rivers have inspired some of the most legendary musical compositions, from Strauss’s Blue Danube waltz to Mozart’s Linz Symphony. This rich musical past is echoed in many aspects of AmaWaterways’ history as well. many of our ships were named for musical elements, compositions and instruments, including AmaCello, AmaCerto, AmaDante, AmaDolce, AmaSonata and AmaViola. Our Melodies of the Danube and Blue Danube Discovery itineraries – popular among guests – were also named with the Danube’s musical history in mind.
 
In 2023, to further highlight a strong connection with Europe’s melodic past, AmaWaterways will debut a brand-new classical music-themed itinerary, Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube. There are unique and exclusive experiences included on this customized journey, as well as destinations visited on other itineraries that touch upon musical elements, such as live performances and visits to composers’ hometowns and workplaces.

​Since reports of sailing restrictions and lockdowns in 2020, Viking Cruises has been one of the foremost cruise lines in offering invigorating virtual experiences for their loyal and prospective guests. 
Viking.tv showcases experiential programming that passengers have access to onboard their respective cruises, on deck levels or their cabin TV. Its culturally-focused subject matter will highlight appearances by the Viking executives and crew and subjects relating to its at-sail and at port ventures, plus live video of happenings from around the world.
The food and wine episodes are especially intriguing for travelers who love to experience local cuisines. Below are some delightful examples.
French soufflés with Alexandra
In this episode of Foodie Fridays, we are joined in the kitchen by Alexandra Beucler, a valued member of the Viking family who resides and works in Los Angeles. Although she currently lives in California, Alexandra was born and raised in France. Alexandra draws on her extensive knowledge of French cuisine to share its history while showing us how to make a cheese soufflé and a chocolate soufflé. Bon appétit!

The most frequent question we've gotten from our clients in the last year is, "What are the entry protocols?" When you are traveling internationally, it's important to investigate the countries' entry requirements — and understand the local Covid-19 testing scene. The process of planning to comply with the rules is confusing and ever-changing at best
 
Regardless of your international destination or vaccination status , all travelers arriving in the U.S. must provide a negative test result before boarding. As of December 6, 2021, all passengers traveling to the U.S. must get tested and provide a negative result for COVID-19 no more than one calendar day before departure. Previously, the requirement was within three days from departure.
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But, how do you comply with the entry protocols, restrictions, quarantine rules and testing requirements?

​As 2021 comes to a close, from all of us at Tasteful Journeys, we wish you and your family a holiday season and new year filled with joy.  To celebrate this time of year with a special culinary flair, we have gathered a collection of recipes from some our favorite travel suppliers. Experience the holiday season by creating these authentic recipes at home.

​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 on AmaWaterways just how superbly well they go together. AmaWaterways river cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.
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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 an AmaWaterways river cruise that will take you inland for a unique and relaxing tour of Europe.

When you sail the Seine River, which of these activities will you remember most?
A) Explore Rouen where Joan of Arc took her last breath.
B) Visit the WWII Landing Beaches of Normandy
C) Be part of a masterpiece when visiting Monet’s Giverny Gardens. 
D) In Paris, walk along the Seine River to admire such architectural wonders as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
E) Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise

We've been in conversation with garden clubs and clients with green thumbs about the Floriade Expo 2022. What is the Floriade Festival? It's a once-in-a-decade phenomena celebrated in the Netherlands. The Floriade is one of the world’s premier horticultural events, providing a unique look behind the scenes of the international horticultural sector. Countries and cities from five continents will present themselves in beautiful pavilions and iconic buildings - with surprising attractions and delightful international and local products. Guests will have an opportunity to explore 148 acres of ground and discover numerous gardens filled with coniferous and deciduous trees, hedges and grasses, flowers, fruit trees and aquatic plants. Visitors will see, taste, smell and feel the contribution made by plants to creating a healthier world.

Every 10 years since 1634, the citizens of Oberammergau, Germany have performed the Passion Play in their quaint, Bavarian village. In 2020, for the first time, the performance was postponed..BBut, the good news is there is still space left for this once-in-a-lifetime experience in 2022. Don't miss the Passion Play and a tradition that has endured the test of time (+ plagues and now, a pandemic).   Be a part of this rich tradition, surrounded by majestic mountains, picturesque meadows and Oberammergau’s unique history. This is the stuff dreams are made of!

Are you ready to let your love for travel flow along the romantic Rhine River? It's not only the river of princes, poets and painters, but adventure seekers as well. A place where over forty castles take center stage on clifftops that rise above medieval hamlets and vineyard-clad hillsides. That's why the Upper Middle Rhine River has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

​One river. Six countries - Switzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands before flowing into the North Sea at Rotterdam. The Rhine River not only entwines distinct countries, cultures and cuisines, it also connects to other renowned waterways to create a thoroughly comprehensive river cruise vacation.