Travel

[libbyannE]

Many times to Germany. I don't like feeling stuck on a ship. That's just me. If I see something interesting, I want to stop and explore. We drive or take trains. Even though it's a touristy route, the train along the Rhine offers nice views of castles, etc., if you've never been there. I prefer to just get in the car and explore, staying in a zimmer if we find an area where we feel like spending more time. 

[Kachina624]

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@Harpa wrote:

What a wonderful experience that should be!

Before you go, you must listen to Bedrich Smetna's Moldau Symphony.

"Today I took an excursion to the St. John Rapids where I sailed in a boat through huge waves..."

This composition depicts the course of the river, starting from 2 sources, the joining of both streams into one, then the flow of the Moldau through forests & across meadows, through the countryside where feasts are celebrated, water nymphs dance in the moonlight; on nearby rocks can be seen the outline of ruined castles. It swirls through the St. John Rapids and flows into a broad stream toward Prague.

When you type in Moldau, Vlatava River comes up.

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@Harpa  I've listened the the Moldau Symphony many times.  It's a favorite but had no idea it was about a river.   Thanks for the information.  It's very powerful and reminds me of pieces done by the Russian composers. 

[Happiness Is Inside JOB]

I have not been on a river cruise but I just wanted to send my positive vibes, you will have a great time and I'm sure enough jealous.

[gacat123]

@littlerock 

My DH went on a 2week river cruise in July 2016.  He was escorting his 88yo Mother. 

This was a Danube River Cruiise  with  AHI  Travel.   

October is a wonderful time to travell.  They  spent a few days in Prague. 

PRAGUE Castle was very interesting.  The ROYAL PALACE is nice.  OLD TOWN SQUARE is fun to wander around.  The CHARLES BRIDGE was wonderful . Vistit the HISTORIC JEWISH QUARTER if you can work that in.  Museums are nice and cool to wander in.  

You might get some informative books on the area from the library prior to the trip.   

DH and his Mother enjoyed dining at was the  The PILSNER Restaurant. They had traditional  CZECH Food that was very good.  DH liked the roast duck!  Art Deco 1930s Art Deco Decor  is the style of this place and like a museum itself.   

Enjoy your October  trip and please let us know how it goes!  

Keep Calm and Travel On,   

CAT

[muttmom]

We took a Viking River Cruise thru France.  Our accomodations were top notch.  It was nice to unpack once. 

I've been to Prague and think it an interesting and beautiful city.    October is a beautiful time of year to visit Europe.  Leaves are changing color and the air is crisp.  The days are still sunny and warmish.

[Tshirtgal]

My husband and I have rented a car and traveled Germany, Prague, Budapest, and Saltzburg.  It was a lovely trip and as seniors we managed to get around just fine. People spoke English and  were helpful.  I used Trip Advisor to select notels, sightseeing, and restaurants.  The only thing I would do differently is make sure our hotel and parking were close.  Our hotels in Saltzburg and Budapest were blocks from the hotel.  My fault for not asking.

secondly, we also took a Viking River cruise in France.  It was nice to have one "hotel" room for the entire trip.  No packing and unpacking.  Everyday we stopped and explored.  The ship was clean and the food and entertainment were good. If you have any health issues a river cruise may be a good option because people are available to help you. Either way, we had good experiences with both.  We went with another couple on the river cruise and the entire trip was so easy!

Have  fun planning! All the stops on the river cruise will be enjoyable.

[KathyPet]

JUst be aware that water levels on the river may not allow you to actually cruise the river.  this is not something the river cruise lines,like to talk about but a couple of years ago two couples who are neighbors of mine did a Viking River cruise and the water levels on the river were very low due to insufficient rain fall.  They "cruised" nowhere.  THey remained at their departure port with the boat serving as a floating hotel for the week and were bussed up and down the river to the various ports.  SOmetimes to reach the further away destinations they spent half the day on the bus.  THey were extremely disappointed and stated they would never do another river cruise.  DH and I took a river cruise on the Rhone and had a great time.

[Wobin]

Hello,

I loved Prague--it is a beautiful welcoming city and easy to visit the historic center if you have free time.  We were there in October and the weather was cool but gorgeous. 

I have also been on two river cruises to the Christmas markets in France and Germany and enjoyed them very much.  One was with Viking, the other AmaWaterways and if I take another river cruise will likely choose Viking.  I thought their beds were far better and the room more comfortable.  We had a balcony across the width of the room which was a better design than Ama.  Ama had a weird window that looked into the bathroom with a view of the toilet from the cabin.  Why?

Viking also offered a second more casual dining option for lunch and dinner.  I liked having options.  The staff on both ships were very good.