Europe Travel Desitnations Blog Posts

It’s time to travel to Europe! Here is the collection of The Keys to Travel blog posts highlighting European destinations, European travel guides and itineraries, and European travel tips.

Countries to Explore on a Rhine River Cruise

4 Countries on the Rhine River to Explore

September 2, 2020/in Europe, River Cruise

Have you thought about taking a Rhine River Cruise? With their fabulous rooftop pools, jacuzzis, and wellness programs—plus their exquisite cuisine and delicious cocktail drinks available around-the-clock—it’s tempting to never leave the ship. But I know that the main reason travelers choose a river cruise is because of the adventure—the amazing, breathtaking stops along the way. With that in mind, the countries you’ll explore on the Rhine are historic, romantic, and truly awe-inspiring.

For example, on an AmaWaterways cruise, you can choose from a selection of amazing tours, all of which highlight a unique aspect of Europe. With 25 incredible river cruise options throughout Europe, it can be a tough decision…but I know that I’ll find something that fits your budget, taste, and sense of adventure.

Do you want to spend more of your time in Switzerland, Germany, or France? What about the Netherlands? Let’s take a closer look and you’ll see why my clients keep coming back for more.

4 countries on the Rhine River to explore:

1. Countries on the Rhine: Switzerland

A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is beautiful any time of year. It’s known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. Whether you’re taking a scenic train ride through the Alps or traveling the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you wondering if you’ve walked straight into a fairytale.

Basel, Switzerland

Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it perfectly easy to tour.

Basel is a fantastic representation of Switzerland as it’s situated right between France and Germany, two countries which have significantly influenced Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine.

But why stop with Basel when there’s so much more of Switzerland to see? I’d recommend tacking on a trip to Lucerne or Zurich.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is the ideal pitstop on your trek through Switzerland. Wandering through its majestic streets, you’ll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes, and chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Let’s book a ride on Lake Lucerne while we’re at it!

Zurich, Switzerland

The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich combines pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment.

In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sight-seeing to do. From the Hauptbahnhof—Switzerland’s largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a matter of minutes. You can also explore the city’s incredible rivers and magnificent lake, which has superior water quality for swimming. Whether its fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure is waiting for you in Zurich.

2. Countries on the Rhine: France

For its food, wine, coffee, and historic sights, I love this country for all the right reasons.

France a country along a Rhine River Cruise

Fun in France on a Rhine River Cruise

Wine & Dine
Wine and France go hand-in-hand, and if you haven’t had a bowl of French onion soup, you’re seriously missing out. Whether you’re stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a croque monsieur or a full 3-course French dinner, you will not be disappointed.

Book a Rhine River cruise with me and you’ll stop in Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region and a charming city for a day trip. I recommend the Cave des Hospices for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon.

Leisure
If wine tasting isn’t your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there is no shortage of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride.

Shopping
Are you looking for modern stores, local boutiques or street markets? You can find them all in Strasbourg. Most of Strasbourg’s old town is centered on Grande Île, an island in the middle of the city.
Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them any time of year. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, we recommend a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.

3. Countries on the Rhine: Germany

Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich, and other metropolitan areas. On a Rhine River Cruise, however, you’ll experience a whole new side of the country—one that is more traditional and inviting.

Cruising down the Rhine, you’ll see cultural hubs as well as quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne both offer a variety of entertainment including local musicians and museums, providing for a well-rounded German experience.

Rüdesheim, Germany

This is a charming little city on the Rhine known for its production of Riesling wine. The first thing you’ll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rüdesheim.

During the stop in Rüdesheim, you can choose between Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride or a wine tasting hike through the vineyards.

What would be my favorite way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument, and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship.

Germany a country along a Rhine River Cruise

Cologne, Germany

A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area of Germany.

Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city.

The stop in Cologne offers the options of a Holy City walking tour and cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting or Cologne bike tour.

Do these European Christmas Markets interest you? Join us on our river cruise group trip to European Christmas Markets in 2021. Click here for more details.

4. Countries on the Rhine: The Netherlands

A city known for its red-light district and overall carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. Cruising one of the world’s most elaborate canal systems will show you much of the beauty this city has to offer.

If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral where Rembrandt was buried in 1669.

Fun in the Netherlands on a Rhine River Cruise

The People
The people in the Netherlands are truly some of the kindest and friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct and very prompt, don’t be surprised by how welcomed you feel in this city.

The Food
One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip to Amsterdam is the food. If you’re craving something with a pinch of salt, I would recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup).

After dinner, enjoy a variety of different sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes) or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey).

The Creativity
You will find more peculiar shops and art displays in Amsterdam than almost anywhere else in the world. From stores with cows on the ceiling to mouse mansions and displays dedicated entirely to tulips, entertainment in Amsterdam lies around every corner.

The Tulips
Enjoy the blossoming of the famous tulip fields throughout the Netherlands and Brussels aboard a Tulip Time River Cruise. Email me for more information.

These are just a few of the amazing countries on a Rhine River cruise. Which country is calling your name? Email me today to talk about all the options available!

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4 Countries on the Rhine River to Explore

7 Countries You'll Explore on the Danube River Cruise

7 Countries You’ll Explore on a Danube River Cruise

March 4, 2020/in Europe, River Cruise

In Central and Eastern Europe, you’ll find some of the most spectacular landscapes, architecture—castles, churches and war memorials—as well as some of the most colorful, inviting cultures in the world. But what’s the best way to see it all? A river cruise (like AmaWaterways) down the Danube River, of course!

Here are 7 countries you could get to explore on a Danube River cruise.

Germany

The journey begins with a guided tour through the beautiful medieval city of Nuremberg where you’ll see the Imperial Castle, the famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For history buffs, there’s a guided tour of the city’s most significant WWII sites, including the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600 (if the courtroom is not in session).

Next, you can savor traditional Franconian specialties including Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). While en route to the next destination, Regensburg, you’ll cruise through the man-made Main-Danube Canal.

At Regensburg, you’ll be treated to a guided walking tour through one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. While in Regensburg, you’ll see all the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. And if all that walking makes you hungry, there’s the old Bavarian specialties to satisfy you—beer, sausage, and pretzels.

Next, take a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

The journey continues as you cruise to lower Bavaria’s city of Passau, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour along cobblestone streets and see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. If you’re looking to work in a little exercise, choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress.

Austria

Continuing down the Danube on your river cruise, you’ll next stop at the scenic town of Melk, which is celebrated for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty.If you’d like something more active to do, you can join a guided bike tour that takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley; or go on a walking tour along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the famed Baroque church tower, Stiftskirche. Later in the day, set sail through the vineyard rich Wachau Valley.

Views of Durnstein along the Danube River

No trip to Austria would be complete without a stop in Vienna, “The City of Waltzes.” Vienna is a treasure trove and your tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery.

Hungary

The city of Budapest is known as the Queen of the Danube. Your tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. Cap the day off with an illumination cruise.

Views of Budapest along the Danube River

Continue your trek through Hungary with a pitstop in Puszta. Known as the Great Hungarian Plain, tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterward, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians’ warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash.

From Puszta, set sail to Mohács. Here you’ll enjoy a scenic morning cruise past a town sprinkled with magnificent churches, including the 18th-century Baroque Protestant church, the Roman Catholic church (1776), the Serbian Greek Orthodox church, the votive church (1926), and the Avas church with its bell tower.

Next, you’ll cruise to Pécs, a city founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. In Pécs, you’ll find a city filled with historic architecture including the Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. For wine connoisseurs, there’s the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. Szekszárd was established more than 2,000 years ago.

Croatia

The beautiful Baroque Croatian city of Vukovar is situated at the banks of the Vuka and Danube Rivers in the region of Srijem/Syrmia. Known as the “hero town” for the valor of brave Croatian civilians and volunteers during the 1991 war with Serbia, your city tour will include important war landmarks such as Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Or, you can opt to go wine tasting in Ilok. Ilok has been a center of wine production since Roman times. Here you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress.

Serbia

Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.

Romania

Enjoy a full day of scenic cruising as you pass through the Iron Gates, one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. At the Iron Gates, the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.

Bulgaria

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. As you continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Or, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle.

Finally, you will visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. Afterward, visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings.

Which of these 7 countries along the Danube River would you be most excited to explore? If you would like to join us on a Danube River Cruise, our European Christmas Market River Cruise is taking place in December 2021. Read more information here. We would love for you to join us!

Contact me at hello@thekeystotravel.com for help planning and booking your next river cruise!

How to Spend a Layover in London

November 10, 2019/in Europe

Just going through my photos and the sites we saw on our overnight layover in London has me itching to go back. When my husband and I went to Italy, there was a direct flight to Paris and London from Denver. It was cheaper (and easier) to take these direct flights to get to Europe and then take small local airlines to get to Italy. Having the opportunity to see two new cities was a no brainer.

On our way home from Italy, we flew from Naples to London. We landed at Gatwick Airport around noon and didn’t leave for Denver until the next morning. If you are going to plan to explore London on a layover, add in at least 2 hours for customs. We didn’t get to our hotel to check in until 3pm, and our hotel was literally across the street from the airport. The customs line at Gatwick Airport is no joke. But an entire afternoon and evening in London was enough to make me realize I need to get back and spend at least a week in this wonderful city!

If you have a layover in London or a day to explore London, here is a travel guide to optimize your time.

Stay at Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport when you have a layover in London

This was one of the most convenient hotels I have stayed at. It is a five-minute walk from inside Gatwick Airport to the lobby of the Premier Inn. The train to get into the heart of London is right at the airport, so transportation is a breeze. Also, when we had an early flight home the next day, we didn’t have to add in time to get a cab to the airport, since we were literally right there. It was a very affordable hotel, comfortable, and clean. I would highly recommend staying here if you have an overnight layover in London or if you need to catch an early flight out of Gatwick.

** If you are flying into Heathrow Airport, the time table, hotel, and train options will be completely different. **

Train – Gatwick Express to Victoria Station

Once you drop all your luggage off at your hotel room, jump on the train from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station. It is about a 30-minute ride.

St. James Park

When you get off the train, first stop in St. James Park. This park is so beautiful and big! It has 58 acres to explore with views of Buckingham Palace all the way to the London Eye. I wish we had more time to walk around. I could have spent a day walking around just enjoying the flowers, lake, and views.

Buckingham Palace

You can’t stop in London and not see Buckingham Palace. If you can get lucky and visit at the right time, you can explore inside. In the summer and on specific dates throughout the year, visitors are allowed to see the States Rooms inside Buckingham Palace.

Big Ben

Next stop, Big Ben. Unfortunately, we had no idea we were at Big Ben the first ten minutes we were there because the tower was under construction and was barely recognizable. Next time I go, hopefully, Big Ben will be visible! Fun Fact: Big Ben used to be named the Great Bell!

London Eye

On the walk to Big Ben, you can see the London Eye. If you have time, taking a ride would be a fun way to see the entire city. If you want another 360 view of the city, head to the Sky Garden. Keep reading for details on that!

Red Telephone Box

You can’t visit London and not take a photo of or in a famous London red telephone box. They are all over the city, so make sure to stop at one and play super tourist for a second!

Train to Prosecco House

I honestly couldn’t tell you which train to take to get to the rest of the trip. Yes, the London Underground is very confusing, but there are people to help! We made it around the city without too many problems. It is a fun adventure figuring everything out.

Prosecco House

My husband is my hero. If you know me at all, you know Prosecco is my drink of choice. He didn’t plan too much for our trip to London, Italy, and Paris because I kind of take over…. Ok I really take over! But he did find the Prosecco House that had just recently opened in London. If we could have done one thing in London, it would have been visiting the Prosecco House.

The Prosecco House is right by the Tower Bridge, so it conveniently fell along our walking route. We got to try different types of Prosecco. I discovered I like dryer Prosecco and my husband likes sweeter Prosecco. Make sure to add this to your stop when you have a layover in London or are visiting London for a longer period of time.

Tower Bridge

From the Prosecco House, you can see the Tower Bridge. This is one of London’s most famous bridges and one you would recognize from movies and photos. To get to the Sky Garden, you get to cross the famous Tower Bridge. You can also go inside if time allows. Tickets can be purchased on site.

Tower of London

Continuing on your walk to the Sky Garden you will pass by the Tower of London. The Tower of London is a 1000-year-old castle right in the heart of London. This is when London started to really confuse me. It is like they combined a futuristic city with an old medieval city all in one. I think this is another reason I love London. You get the incredible forward-thinking mentality of present-day plus all the history wrapped up in one beautiful location.

Sky Garden

This was a great find that my husband stumbled across when doing some research. The Sky Garden is one of the tallest buildings in London and it is a public garden! You can see the entire city from the Sky Garden with 360-degree views. It is incredible! You need a ticket to get up, but the tickets are free. There is a bar inside and a live band almost always playing. It is a great place to hang out and relax after walking around the entire city.

We decided to enjoy dinner while visiting the Sky Garden. We made reservations WAY in advance at the Darwin Brasserie. It is one floor above the Sky Garden. The food is delicious, isn’t too pricey, and again, the views cannot be beaten. If you want to have a meal at one of the few restaurants here, I would highly recommend making a reservation. Some days were booked solid months in advance.

Train Back to Gatwick Airport

After a fun-filled day exploring London by foot and train, from street level to 36 floors above, take the train back to your hotel at Gatwick Airport. We risked it and took the last train back, which they canceled and somehow we made our way back. Luckily, you may find some amazingly friendly locals who are willing to help you get back! We would have never gotten back if it weren’t for them. They ran us all over the train station and from train to train to help us find our way to our hotel. Thank you, kind strangers!

London stole my heart in just 8 quick hours. With easy direct flights on Norwegian Air from Denver to London, I will be back!

If you need help booking your trip to London, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.