River Cruising on the Danube

Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus Family of Brands, are a world leader in river cruising. I travelled aboard the Avalon Tranquility on Europe’s longest river, the stately Danube, from Budapest in Hungary to Bratislava in Slovakia, to Vienna in Austria and on to Melk in the Wachau Valley. The Avalon Tranquility was – true to its name – a relaxing and well-appointed base from which to explore some of the unique sights of Central Europe.

Budapest, Hungary

Two thousand years of history underpin a vibrant, modern European capital in this romantic city of the Danube. Pest, on the flat east side of the river, covers the modern heart of the city, including Heroes’ Square which commemorates Hungary’s millennium. Buda, on the hilly west side, contains the scenic Castle District with its glorious view of the Parliament Building, as well as good shopping for local crafts.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Capital of Slovakia (which as created in 1993 from the old Czechoslovakia), Bratislava has a very walkable medieval city core with picturesque, narrow and winding streets and arches overlooked by an imposing castle. The Novy most bridge over the Danube boasts a restaurant high above the river.

Vienna, Austria

Arriving in this great old imperial city of the Hapsburg Empire by river is a fitting way of entering a rich historical tapestry of one of the world’s great cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Grand boulevards lead to grander sights, such as St Stephen’s Cathedral. Shopping is wonderful and the best chocolate cake in the world is the Sachertorte at Café Sacher – so, naturally, I couldn’t resist this treat!

Melk, Vienna

Nearly 90km upriver from Vienna lies the small riverside town of Melk, full of 16th and 17th century buildings. But its crowning glory, and part of another UNESCO World Heritage site, is its Benedictine Abbey. Sitting on a bluff overlooking the town below, this 18th century Baroque masterpiece is divine…from its courtyards and galleries to its towers and Abbey Church.

The River Danube

The Danube is Europe’s mightiest river. Over its 2,860 km, it flows through ten countries from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania. It also provides a perfect way for travelers to experience the heart of Europe. From early morning mists to glorious sunsets, I enjoyed watching the scenery glide slowly by. My favourite section: the Wachau Valley in Austria. And my thanks to Avalon Waterways and their hospitable team for introducing me to the wonderful world of river cruising.

Saguenay Fjord

The scenic highlight of this cruise was the stunning, glacier carved gash in the earth's crust, known as the Saguenay Fjord. Imposing mountainsides plunge into huge depths on either side. Belugas glide by, mists wrap around vertical forests where eagles perch high above you....... and the kayaking is unforgettable. As was the week aboard the Caledonia. My thanks to Canadian Sailing expeditions for this unique experience.

Tadoussac

The picture perfect town of Tadoussac is perched where the Saguenay Fjord meets the broad St Lawrence. Whale watching is wonderful here. I encountered Beluga, Minke, and Finback. Other highlights: biking, hiking and sand dunes on a grand scale - all so accessible from our base on the Caledonia. And after exploring on shore .... back on board for a fabulous meal featuring local produce and cuisine.

The Tall Ship Caledonia

The Caledonia is a magnificent vessel, especially when the sails are up. The crew are Canadian and besides being skilled sailors, they are also genial mentors to passengers who wish to participate in sailing the ship and even climbing the rigging.....

In Summer you can sail on the Caledonia on several Canadian itineraries in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. In the winter Caledonia heads south to island hop around the Caribbean.

Canadian Sailing Expeditions

This trip on the biggest tall ship in Canada started amidst the excitement of Quebec's 400th anniversary celebrations. Fellow passengers were an affable mixture of Canadians and Americans, sailors and land lubbers..... One of the most pleasant aspects of small ship cruising is the opportunity to mix with like minded travellers and form bonds with your fellow passnegers.

Missouri - the Show Me State

My trip to Missouri was a travel through both time and space: from the time of the founding of the First State Capitol and of the explorers Lewis and Clark who opened up Westward expansion, to the of-the-moment glitz of Branson’s bright lights. And from the Eastern boundary with the Mississippi River to the Western boundary with Kansas and Oklahoma.

Missouri - Historic St. Charles

From the multi-lane highway to the cobbled main street of St. Charles (1st photo) is a matter of moments, but suddenly I was in a quieter, gentler age, where the pace of life slows to that of the Missouri River, which is an eddy away from its confluence with the Mississippi (2^nd photo). You glimpse this huge river between the historic buildings that include the original state Capitol, old log cabins (3^rd photo) and modest history museums. Lunch was in the suitably historical Lewis and Clark’s American Restaurant (4^th photo).

Missouri - Elegant St. Louis

No trip to Missouri would be complete without seeing St. Louis – prime city of the state - and its famous Arch celebrating St. Louis as the “Gateway to the West”. Astride the Mississippi, St Louis is a joy to visit. The most perplexing aspect is which of the many attractions to visit. I chose three of the most popular sights. Firstly the great Gateway Arch (1^st photo). This stainless steel architectural masterpiece is the icon of the city and arguably of the State itself. It blends history (there is an excellent museum and giant screen film devoted to Lewis and Clark) with the modernity and symbolism of the Arch itself. I ascended to the apex 630 feet above the Mississippi River in a tiny elevator pod: magnificent views, but not for the claustrophobic!

For the grown up in me a visit to America’s largest brewery, the Anheuser- Busch Brewery was a must. Home to Budweiser, the tour of this huge complex was entertaining and informative –from the Clydesdale horses to the mysteries of the brewing process (2^nd photo). For the kid in me, a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo was great fun including a train trip and a sighting of my favouritely named animal, the elusive Bongo (3^rd photo). My stay was capped by a night at the Hyatt Central Station Hotel, an impressive and hugely successful conversion of the former St. Louis Union Station (4^th photo).

Missouri - Road trip! Are we there yet?

A visit to the Mid-West has to include a road trip! I traversed the State from East to West in a day of leisurely and traffic/stress free driving from St Louis to Joplin on the Western border with Kansas and Oklahoma. En route I was seduced by the entertaining roadside billboards to call in at the Meramec Caverns – another typically Missourian blend of scenic wonder and history. The scenic wonder is revealed in the 1 hr 20 min tour of just part of the impressive cave system, which features imaginative lighting (1^st photo). The history is delivered by the stories told of Jesse James and his outlaw gang using Meramec Caverns as a successful hideaway after their skullduggery (2^nd photo).

Joplin grew up over the underground wealth of the “Tri-State” mining district, which generated most of America’s lead and zinc. The Joplin Museum Complex here offers a revealing glimpse into the mining history, complete with astonishing mineral specimens (3^rd photo). My road trip was completed by driving some of the old Route 66 which meanders through this South West corner of the State (4^th photo).