Germany

We are still in Germany. Have really enjoyed all of the beautiful castles and cathedrals. Visited a quaint little village today. It was very cold--the coldest day so far-- -2degrees C. We go thru 67 locks on this trip. It is pretty neat going thru then except in the middle of the night. We have been told the water level on the Rhine is pretty low, but they plan on us making it. We enter the Rhine tonight. We head to Cologne and then a stop in Netherlands to see real windmills. Has been a great trip with more fun to come.

Germany

We have now travelled into Germany. We have left the Danube and are traveling in the Canal. We are very lucky. The Danube has gotten so low they have closed the river for boats. We were the last boat to get thru. We could hear the bottom scrapping in places. We were in Nuremberg today. Went to Zeppelin Field where Hitler held the matching rallies--very interesting. Tomorrow we go to Bamberg. It has been pretty cold for the last couple of days, but so far no rain. Can you believe we are on boat in Germany with only 5 channels and we are watching the Georgia - auburn game!!!

Vienna

Spent a day in Bratislavia.  Visited Castle then back on boat to head to Vienna.   Really enjoyed Vienna.  Saw the famous Opera House and walked around Vienna.  Visited a famous cafe for coffee and pastry.  In the afternoon toured the Castle built by the Hapsburg family.  While touring saw about 10 to 15 of the Lipizzan Horses from the Spanish riding school.  Today we visited the quaint village of Melk and toured a Benedictine Abbey.  It is not only an active monastery but a school for over 800 students.  The church was beautiful.  It has been fun on the boat seeing  the small villages in Austria.  Tonight we go into Germany and the Bavaria area.

Bratislova, Slovokia

Had a wonderful time in Budapest.  Having a difficult time getting pictures to download.  The WiFi on boat is  very unreliable.  It works when in a port but is not always real strong.  Budapest is a beautiful place- especially at night.  The castles, churches, buildings, and bridges are all covered in lights.  It was really beautiful leaving on the boat last night around 9 o'clock.  We went through the first of 72 locks today.  It was a fun experience.  After going thru the locks we were in a canal for a long time with the land below us.  Several times the roads went under us.  We docked in Bratislova today and just finished a city tour.  It was very interesting, but a pretty small place.  Tomorrow we go to Vienna.  Don't worry we are getting plenty of food and pictures. 

Prague

Made it to Prague after a flight across the Atlantic with a screaming baby.  He finally went to sleep about an hour before we got to Frankfort.  Needless to say we didn't sleep on flight over.  Prague is an awesome place.  Visited the Castle area,  Old Charles Bridge, and Town Square.  We all were very impressed.  Travelled to Budapest today.  We tour Budapest tomorrow.  Just got on boat.  Only 148 people on board.  We leave late tomorrow afternoon.  Not time to get pictures on.  Will try to get some on tomorrow. 

2011 Europe Cruise

Rhine River

Getting ready for Europe River Cruise.   We will be visiting Prague and Budapest,  then boarding the Viking Danube to cruise up the Danube and Rhine Rivers ending in Amsterdam.



Europe River Cruise

Setting up a blog to post information and picures from River Cruise.