I have no idea of the significance a tiny Portuguese village has in the history of this nation when I arrive on a tour bus with a 35 other passengers. I am sailing on the Douro River with Viking River Cruises. This day the shore excursion includes a visit to Castelo Rodrigo, a tiny medieval walled village. A visit here
Tag Archives: Viking River Cruises
National Tile Museum offers a look at Portugal’s storied past
Lisbon is known for decorative ceramic tiles. On houses and apartment buildings, shops and restaurants, churches and theaters; they are everywhere creating a distinctive sense of place. It is fun to walk through the city and see the grand murals and individual geometric masterpieces. For anyone interested in this historic art form, a visit to the National Tile Museum is
Exploring Mateus Palace and Gardens
One of the nicest things about a Viking River Cruise is the included shore excursions; generally speaking, at least one a day. I am sailing on the Viking Osfrid along the Douro River and on this day I am visiting the Mateus Palace and Gardens near Regua, Portugal. Built in the first half of the 18th century, the palace is one of
Cruise Offers Insight Into Russian Culture
By Marilyn Jones I am often asked what I liked best about a trip when I return home. Invariably I say the people. Most of the world’s population has the same priorities as I do: taking care of their families, cultivating friendships and their faith. Human differences are usually superfluous, proving to me we are all more alike than different,
The Christmas Market Tradition
Northern European Christmas markets have been around since the fourteenth century originating in the German-speaking part of Europe. Although they have been popular with world travelers for a long time, the river cruise industry has shown a new spotlight on the fun, holiday shopping experience. When I sailed with Viking River Cruises, I visited markets in Nuremberg, Kelheim, Regensburg and
Visiting Prague’s Jewish Quarter; an Emotional and Educational Journey
When I enter the Pinkas Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, I’m not prepared for what I see. On the walls are painted the names of nearly 80,000 Czech and Moravian Jews; victims of Shoah concentration camp during Nazi occupation. Founded in 1479 by Rabbi Pinkas, one of the Jewish community’s wealthy members, it now serves as a memorial to
Dresden, Germany’s Amazing Green Vault – Photo Essay
While on a Viking River Cruise excursion, I visited the Green Vault in Dresden, Germany. The museum, housed in Dresden Castle, is the largest collection of treasure in Europe. Founded by Augustus the Strong in 1723, it features a wealth of Baroque to Classicism artworks made of gold, silver and other precious metals; many encrusted with precious jewels. For more articles about
Prague and The Lobkowicz Palace
An original love letter dated June 20, 1622 is displayed in a glass cabinet under a green velvet cover in The Lobkowicz Palace. Translated it reads in part: Zdenek Vojtech Popel, 1st Prince Lobkwicz to Polyxenia Lobkwicz My beloved, The good Capuchin friars are returning to Vienna so I have wanted to give them this letter, with which I kiss
Finding the past and the future of Romania at the Village Museum
The history of Romania during the communist reign of Nicolae Ceausescu is bleak with its unimaginable oppression and violence, but I found hope in the Village Museum in Bucharest on a Viking Cruises excursion. This was the end of my week-long Passages to Eastern Europe cruise; a look at nations rebuilding after being under such tyranny. I met so many
Discovering Art and History at Göttweig Abbey
On a cold windswept day I visited Göttweig Abbey with fellow Viking River Cruises passengers as part of the Danube Christmas Market Cruise. Founded in Austria as a monastery and dedicated in 1072 AD, its presence atop a hill overlooking the river was a dramatic scene as the tour bus approached. We gathered with our guide and he began his