On the river cruises, I thought most people were fairly active. They have a leisure group for those who have trouble with the pace so that helps.
We did lots of optional excursions because we like to be busy. Found that there was a group of people who were the same as us.
I feel that my husband and I are pretty active. We like to be on the go. We were mostly interested in touring places for the historical and cultural events.
We liked the cruise because it’s easy, once you get there you don’t have to plan anything. Figure out what you want to do before and once you get there, they take care of everything. From the time you get off the plane until you leave. It’s not for everyone but we have liked it.
One of my kids is going hiking in Norway next month. Sounds like a great trip but at our age we like to hike at home
We had a private tour guide for our little group of 3 at the Belvedere through Viator and it was a fabulous experience. Guide’s name was Julie and we got a quality 90 minutes on the influences that Klimt felt from other artists as he evolved to works like The Kiss. D’s undergrad major was history of art, so I could really appreciate our experience after life with her The Belvedere is a fabulous building with a rich history and the gardens reminded me a little of Versailles on a smaller scale. We did afternoon tour and the guide said that’s the best time to view The Kiss as mornings are jam packed from tour bus groups.
Yes, we are doing it after the included morning panaramic Vienna tour. It ends around noonish at the St. Stephen’s Cathedral and we can then take the tram down to the Belvedere after cafe lunch in the city center there. I’ve seen some good recommendations of where to eat on the FB page for my cruise. Can’t wait.
It’s worth repeating that I always avoid in transit at Frankfurt, CDG and Heathrow airports. That’ why I always book my own flights instead of the tour/cruise companies.
I went to the Belvedere when we were in Vienna in 2014. We’re headed back there as part of our “greatest hits +” trip this fall; H is looking forward to going to the Belvedere for the first time.
We both loved Vienna and hope that we have as good a time there this year. Schnitzel and Grüner and cake and coffee and ice-cream sundaes…and a museum or three.
I’m wondering if anyone had done a cruise on the Amazon River in Peru?We’re seriously looking into our options, and there’s so many choices. You can book an Amazon River cruise with any combination of Galapagos cruise, Machu Picchu, and Nazca Lines, or all of them together. You can book any of these with shorter cruises on the Amazon River (3-4 days) or 7 days.
To try to filter through these, which places do people think are, “must see” and which, not so much? 3-4 days in the Amazon enough, or 7 days essential?
Also, these are the cruise lines I’m looking at (they all have small boats that they use for the Amazon/Galapagos): Avalon, Uniworld, Scenic Cruises, and National Geographic. Does anyone have any opinions?
We’ll have to remember, you said it here first! Who knows what Amazon will be into, next? Sure wouldn’t mind going for a cruise on Jeff Bezos’s boat (when he’s not there).
Okay, I edited my post to make it clear that it was the river.
Hmmm, I will be following with some interest. My sister said the highlight for her about Galapagos was being able to swim and snorkel. I don’t do those things, so maybe I won’t enjoy Galapagos as much. I have no idea about that part of the world.
We went to the Galapagos decades ago on a very small boat (we were only 5 guests). We spent a lot of time in the water. There are definitely land-based activities, but quite a bit of what we saw and enjoyed (swimming with sea lions, seals, hammerheads, etc.) required time in the water. If this interests you, you would have to pick the right itinerary.
I have not taken an Amazon River cruise. I do know that water levels have been at historic lows so cruising at the right time of the year is tantamount.
Something I think you would want a travel agent who is knowledgeable about this specific itinerary
Ok…my goal is to ride as many of those BIG Ferris wheels as possible. I’ve done a few like the one in Cape Town, and the London Eye. I think I’m going to get to do one in Sydney and Melbourne, and maybe there is one in Auckland.
Does anyone know for sure? I’ve looked online already.
Don’t forget the High Roller in Las Vegas.
I have no idea about Auckland. We took a walking tour of Auckland when we were there, and the lady never mentioned one, so I’m guessing no.
Yes! They were circling below, probably about 20 feet down, a bunch of them - and our guide took us to see! I can’t believe in retrospect that we did this, but they really were not interested in us. And they were fascinating!
We’ve finally booked everything, except for car rentals, for our 7-week trip to Europe this fall. Austria, a bit of Germany, Alsace, Burgundy, Lyon, Provence, and Paris. Both daughters, SIL, and BF will join us in Provence.
The fun part of deciding on day trips, tours, and activities commences.
The Belvedere is a fabulous building with a rich history and the gardens reminded me a little of Versailles on a smaller scale. We did afternoon tour and the guide said that’s the best time to view The Kiss as mornings are jam packed from tour bus groups.
