I’ve always wanted to visit the Christmas Markets and see the imperial cities of Prague and Budapest. And considering 2018 marks my 20th anniversary of my first visit to Europe (Vienna and Salzburg included) it just made perfect sense to celebrate by taking a river cruise along the Danube with Avalon Waterways to end the year on a European wonderland festive note.
River cruising is perfect for inquisitive travelers who want authentic experiences that bring the culture and history of the destination to life. One of the best parts of river cruising is exploring the stops along the way during shore excursions. Avalon Waterways offers many cultural and historical shore excursions, where travelers can go behind the scenes with an expert to see the best of each destination. Here are Avalon’s top European excursions that you have to experience!
Arriving early in Budapest served me and my cousin well. We got a chance to see the city before starting our Avalon Waterways river cruise the next day.
Once we began our adventure with Avalon Waterways, we started with a short tour on the Pest side. There are two sides of Budapest. The Buda side and the Pest side. The Buda side with started back in the 1200’s and the Pest side in the 1850’s. The Buda side is made up of large hillsides and is primarily residential. The Pest side is more commercial and the landscape is flat. Many of the city’s best hotels are on the Pest side.
When travelers visit the capital cities in central Europe, they’ll experience a tumultuous history and have ample time to celebrate the tapestry of their differences. The distinct diversity of central Europe is subtlety revealed in its art, cafes and cultures that span over centuries. Read about the capital cities of Berlin, Prague, and Vienna and how to appreciate their famous landmarks.
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