Cambodian Temples 101 (sort of) Cambodian Temples were built from the late 6th century through the 12th century at a feverish rate of expansion that would have been the envy of Starbucks. The largest surviving concentrations of temples were built in the Angkor region where Siem Reap is located. Cambodian temples were built for the usual reasons; conquerors showing … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of independent versus group travel
What's the best way to travel? We talk to people who stress that they always travel independently and it's the superior way to travel. And then we speak to others who have no interest in independent travel. They think it sounds like a hassle, could be dangerous, and they want to leave all of the planning to others. So who's right? As is so often the case in life it's … [Read more...]
Would you enjoy Viking River Cruises’ Magnificent Mekong itinerary?
The Viking River Magnificent Mekong We love Viking's European offerings and last year pushed the definition of Europe to include a river cruise in Russia. But deciding to go to Southeast Asia somehow felt like a whole different kind of decision - it's a lot farther away and more foreign in its culture than Europe. But we'd heard great things from other Viking travelers we'd … [Read more...]
How to choose the right shore excursions for you with Viking Cruises
Choosing the right shore excursions for you As very recent veterans of a Viking River Cruise and a Viking Ocean Cruise we know that Viking's shore excursions cover a lot of interests. It can be hard to choose when the options all sound so tempting. Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. What do you care about and what can you comfortably … [Read more...]
Our suggestions on how to spend a day in Bergen, Norway
How to spend a day in Bergen, Norway We spent a day in Bergen at the end of our Viking Homelands cruise with Viking Oceans. We had taken a short walking tour with Viking the previous day which gave us overview information and our bearings so we knew what we wanted to do with our full day. Bryggen When you see these colorful, iconic buildings along the harbor they may … [Read more...]
Kizhi, Russia
A brief history of Kizhi, Russia Kizhi, Russia, on the shore of Lake Onega, has the Kizhi Pogost UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three buildings (2 churches and a bell tower) earned the distinction because of their architecture, how they bear tribute to the carpentry skills of Northern Russians and their harmony with their surroundings. This area of Russian is Keralia and … [Read more...]
The Summer Palace of Catherine the Great
The Summer Palace of Catherine the Great The shore excursion to the summer palace of Catherine the Great took us by surprise on day two of our Waterways of the Tsars cruise with Viking River. Maybe further along in the cruise, when we would have already experienced the opulence of Russia’s Tsars, we would have been more prepared for such a level of autocratic … [Read more...]
How to plan for a Viking River Cruise
How to plan for a Viking River Cruise (Hint: It's very easy) After you have selected and booked your itinerary you may wonder how to best plan for a Viking River Cruise. Fear not! Although we hear that ocean cruise lines have ways for you to book shore excursions ahead of your cruise as far as we know only Viking River Cruises has this feature available for river cruises. … [Read more...]
What’s it really like to go on one of Viking’s River Cruises?
Viking River cruises review You've seen the ads for Viking River Cruises. Attractive, smiling people gliding past the Parliament building in Budapest as they sip fine wines or check their iPads. It looks serene, elegant and as if it would be nice to be part of one of those groups of interesting, friendly people. And it is. And it's a lot more. After three Viking cruises … [Read more...]
Nuremberg with Viking River Cruises
Nuremberg was never on the list of places Blonde thought of visiting. But then Viking River Cruises extended an invitation to join their Romantic Danube itinerary which began in Nuremberg. So Nuremberg moved way up the list! That turned out to be a good thing. The trip was in December and Nuremberg has what is reputed to be the oldest and largest Christmas market. OK, … [Read more...]