Category Archives: River Cruise

Travel Leaders Voted Silver Winner in the 2025 Minnesota’s Best Awards!

We’re thrilled to announce some exciting news — Travel Leaders has been named a 2025 Minnesota’s Best Silver Winner in the Travel Agency category! This recognition comes directly from the voices of Minnesotans like you, and we couldn’t be more honored. In the Star Tribune’s annual Minnesota’s Best readers’ choice awards, Travel Leaders proudly earned the Silver title, placing […]

Cruise European Christmas Markets with Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways Christmas Market cruises offer a unique and enchanting way to celebrate the holiday season, blending the festive charm of Europe’s Christmas markets with luxurious river cruising.  These cruises provide an exceptional opportunity to explore the cultural and historical richness of Europe’s most iconic rivers, such as the Danube, Rhine, and Main, while immersing […]

A Taste of Bordeaux with AmaWaterways

Embark on an extraordinary journey through France’s iconic Bordeaux wine region with AmaWaterways. My recent voyage aboard the elegant AmaDolce combined rich history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled wine experiences. Here’s an in-depth look at the highlights of this celebrated region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest red wines. From Bordeaux to Libourne: The […]

The Allure of River Cruising with Viking

There is a distinct charm to exploring the world’s waterways, and river cruising has emerged as a tranquil and immersive way to experience new destinations. Among the various cruise lines available, Viking stands out for its commitment to excellence and offerings that make it a preferred choice for travelers. From airfare opportunities to unique itineraries […]

Christmas Market Beverages

Glühwein, translated to “mulled wine”, is a delicious hot alcoholic drink made from red or white wine as the base and spiced with seasonings. I heard a lot of people describe as “hot sangria”, and if you’ve ever had Spanish sangria, you would agree. It was the perfect drink that kept you warm while walking […]

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany

The European Christmas Markets exceeded my expectations and there is no better way to see them then on a river cruise. I sailed on Tanquility II with Avalon Waterways. The Festive Season in the Heart of Germany was a 6-day cruise sailing from Nuremberg to Frankfurt. In Nuremberg there is plenty of guided sightseeing to […]

Viking River Cruise Culinary Experience

Viking River Cruises focuses on destination dining. The menu on board offers regional cuisine along with classics, there is something for everyone. Viking uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare their food.  You have the opportunity to explore new cultures through food while on the ship.  If dining al fresco is your thing, you will enjoy […]

Cruising the Danube

This past summer (2022) I visited 5 countries in Europe in 5 weeks. I had the pleasure of sailing with Viking River Cruises on the Danube River. This river cruise checked off 3 out of the 5 countries! This was only a week long and I felt like I was able to see so much […]

Best Things About River Cruising

I recently sailed with Viking River Cruises on the Danube River. My Viking journey included stops in Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria), Krems (Austria), and Passau (Germany). While there are so many things to love about River Cruising, I will share a few of my favorite things with you! Enjoy breathtaking sights from the comfort of […]

River Cruising for the Active Traveler

A cruise vacation is meant to be relaxing, but some of us can sit still and watch the scenery go by for only so long.  Then we want to be out exploring the various ports of call and doing things that we can’t do at home.  Active and Discovery Cruises are offered by Avalon Waterways […]

Explore Britain’s Great Homes, Gardens and Gin

Extend your European Viking River Cruise with a luxurious 4-day stay in Oxford, England.  You’ll have a private escorted tour of five lovely castle homes and gardens – some familiar from popular PBS series. The tour also includes a visit to the Bombay Sapphire distillery, and stunning scenery of the English countryside as you travel […]

AMA Waterways Bavarian Octoberfest

Bavaria is famous for its Octoberfest celebrations each fall.  Even with Covid restrictions it’s still possible to enjoy Bavarian music and dancing, carnival atmosphere and best of all – BEER and other Bavarian delicacies in this fun loving country.  Festivals like this are a favorite part of the AMAWaterways itinerary.

River Cruising for the Active Traveler

A cruise vacation is meant to be relaxing, but some of us can sit still and watch the scenery go by for only so long.  Then we want to be out exploring the various ports of call and doing things that we can’t do at home.  Active and Discovery Cruises are offered by Avalon Waterways […]

Combining a River and Ocean Cruise with Viking

Add a river cruise to an ocean cruise to tour Scandinavia and Europe?  Brilliant!  Viking Cruises is now offering the chance to experience an ocean voyage cruising the North Sea combined with a river cruise on the Rhine River in Europe.  The bonus is that you get two cruises in one trip — that means […]

Cruising the Middle Rhine

It’s no surprise that river cruising has become a fast growing trend in the travel industry. It’s a wonderful way to experience Europe, with only having to pack and unpack once. Many major cities were built on the riverways since that was a main mode of transporting goods. Often times you dock and can walk […]