PRAGUE

 

Off to Prague Jim and I go.  With a quick overnight in New York we board our Iberia flight to Madrid and then onto Prague. What an amazing city Prague is!!

 

 

 

Great Music and Lots of Fun   

                             



We were taken to our beautiful Four Seasons hotel  where we were greeted and given a beautiful room.  That evening we had booked a pub crawl tour so we could taste the different beers of Prague. I found I liked the Pilsner Urquell which is a dark beer.  We were the only ones of the tour so even better.  We got to go to 2 pubs where we tasted beers and the last one where we had Czech food.

 

Our cute Czech guide was 23 years old and we had a great time with him. We also got a little folklore that night and really enjoyed the music at all the pubs.

 

 

 

Back to the For Seasons where we were treated to an unbelievable fireworks show over Prague Castle.
Off to bed and looking forward to our first full day in Prague tomorrow.

 



Exploring Prague

Got a good nights sleep and was ready to explore Prague.  Two of the highlights of Prague is the Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock.  So many things going on the Charles Bridge.

 

 

 

 

 

These figurines come out every hour on the hour

 

The square is filled with people and music.  Great sidewalk cafes that make for great people watching!

 

 

 

We now have our group of 5 couples coming in  tonight. As they all come in on different flights they are all are greeted with a drink on this gorgeous patio overlooking the Prague Castle.

 

Off to bed -- looking forward to a wonderful time with the group tomorrow.

 

 



Prague with Group

Got up and had a very nice breakfast. The Four Seasons has a wonderful buffet and we were also allowed to order one hot entrée off the menu.  We all ate a good breakfast and then met in the lobby for our private tour of Prague with Marketa. 

We decided that we would start in the Jewish Quarter and tour around.  However the group did not want to do all touring-- they wanted to stop in one of the sidewalk cafes and have a beer which we all did-- Tour and drink!! Not a bad way to start our first day!

 



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After our tour we went back to the hotel and then toured on our own.  Tonight we had a really neat dinner at a restaurant where they had been preparing a pig for us all day.  We had our own private room and really enjoyed this dinner.

 

 

Off to bed after a very busy day!!!!

Prague Day 3

Up early again as we wanted to do see Prague Castle.  We all met after breakfast and walked over the bridge where we caught the bus to go to the Castle.  First though we wanted to go to the Strahov Monastery as we had heard what a great view over Prague it was.  We went around to the back where they has the most awesome view of the city and also a place to get a coffee or beer.  We took this picture on the hill.

 























We continued onto Prague Castle and after climbing numerous steps we were right in the middle of the changing of the guard which happens every day at noon.  It was quite a ceremony.

 

 

Since the castle is roughly the size of seven football fields we could not cover all of this in our short time.  Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.  We chose to do the St Vitus Cathedral with all of it stain glass windows, the Basilica of St George, the Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane with Dalibor Tower. We even saw the crown jewels.

After doing the castle Jim and I went for our boat cruise that we had pre-booked before we came to Prague.  It is a short 45  minute narrated cruise on the Danube River.  Jim got quite excited when they gave him a beer (actually 2) when he got on.  We also got ice cream bars before we left also.  We cruised on the Danube going under the Charles bridge and seeing all the buildings and hearing the history of Prague.  It was very interesting and quite relaxing.

 

     

 After our cruise we still wanted to be on the water so went and had a drink with our friends Gail and Chuck at a little restaurant right next to our hotel.

 

 



   Off to bed as we have to get up early to leave for the ship.

Karlovy Vary and AmaSonata

Up early this morning, off to breakfast and out the door by 8A.  We had to leave our beautiful Four Seasons hotel as we were meeting the AMA Waterways people at the InterContinental Hotel in Prague for our journey to Nuremberg where our ship was waiting.  We had a 5 minute taxi ride and then boarded the bus for Nuremberg which had about 30 people on it.  Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the ride.  After about 2 1/2  hours our first stop was Karlovy Vary which is a really a spa town located in western Bohemia in the Czech Republic.  We were taken to a bus lot where everybody took a quick shuttle to the main town square and then did a walking tour with a guide.
It was very beautiful and filled with many high end shops and restaurants.  It is on the rivers Ohre and Tepla.

 

We stayed here for about 2 1/2 hours and had lunch.  Then we continued onto Nuremberg where we arrived at the ship around 4:20P.  The ship was ready waiting for us as the bus dropped us off.

 

 

Beautiful ship and top of the line service always with a smile! 

 

 

Ship is 160 passengers, 4 decks and can get very quickly from top to bottom, to the lounge, restaurant and off the ship!

Off to Nuremberg tomorrow.  We have the choice of the Medieval tour or the World War 2 Tour.  

Nuremberg and Cruising the Danube thru all the locks!!

We got up early and had a nice breakfast-- homemade omelettes, fruit, excellent breads and even if we wanted could order off the menu-- waffles, pancakes, etc.  We loved the fancy expresso coffee machine that was available 24 hours for our mochas, lattes, etc.
 Then off toNuremberg for a great morning of touring.  We all had voiceboxes so we could listen to our guide but not have to stand really close which is how all of tours were.

 

After World War 11 most of the historical buildings were mostly rebuilt using the same stones.

 

 

St Sebaldus Church

Loved all the little signs!

 

 

Trying a little of the German Kozu (dark)  beer after our tour and tasted some of the most famous  Elisen gingerbread cookies. 

 

After our tour we went back to the ship and had lunch and then start cruising the Danube River as we headed for Regensberg travelling thru 16 locks. We loved sitting up on the sundeck of the ship as we cruised into the locks.

 

 

 

 

We even went thru the Continental Divide later in the afternoon which was really exciting. For the first 4 locks we went up and then the rest we would go down. The highest lock was 24.70 meters high.

After a beautiful day of relaxing and enjoying the ship we joined our group for dinner which always included appetizer, bread, salad, soup and usually a  choice of 3 or 4 entrees or always some favorites every night.  Of course we always had unlimited beer and wine.  Tonight was some of the favorite German wines.  

After dinner we were entertained by Akos our onboard musician who played the piano and fiddle.

 

Off to bed as we will be arriving in Regensburg for a morning walking tour.

 

   



 

 

 

 

 

 



Regensberg and biking along the Danube

Slept in a little this morning but the early risers were up for pastries at 6:30-7:30.  Breakfast was at 7:30-9:30 so plenty of time to enjoy the morning before going off to our tour at 10A.  What is nice about the tours is that you could either choose the Gentle, active or regular walkers tours so never any rushing.  You really enjoyed the tours and the guides were fantastic.  We usually didn't have more than 20 people on any of our tours. 
One thing you don't want to miss in Regensberg is the famous sausage factory.  We went by at the beginning of the tour and they were beginning to cook all of the sausages and then came back later.
Regensberg has little narrow passageways and quaint squares.  We enjoyed walking thru the town and even came across a wedding that was going on with all the music.  Unfortunately the Old Stone Bridge (which I remember from my last trip) was being refurbished so missed seeing that.

 

Germany's oldest restaurant near the Old Stone Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoyed the sausages and beer with the local German women. 

 

 

The beautiful buildings in all the narrow streets



 

The bread in the town square

 

 

Back to the ship for a late lunch but not very hungry.  Many of the guests were leaving for the

Weltenburg Danube Gorge which was an optional tour in the afternoon by bus, boat and some walking. However, instead of the Danube Gorge a few of the group decided to try out the bikes onboard.  They were very kind to get the bikes down from up on top and 8 of us headed out along the Danube until we ended up in a small little village. 

 

Biking was so much fun and we enjoyed eating on the Danube River.

 

Back to the ship after a couple of hours in time to enjoy the coffee and cakes in the lounge with music. Also for the port talk on what is going to happen tomorrow.

 

 

 

 A quick shower and then ready for dinner at 7P and we sail for Passau at 7:45P.  The Spitzweg Quartett was very good tonight and a special treat entertaining in the lounge.  Off to bed unless you wanted the late night snacks in the Lounge.

 

 

Passau, Linz, and Salsburg

This morning we arrive in our last port in Germany, Passau.  We chose to disembark early for our full day excursion to Salzburg.  A few of the others decided to enjoy the charm of Passau and then have a sailing afternoon cruising thru the beautiful tranquil scenery. 
Passau is called "City of Three Rivers" since it is ideally located at the within the Danube, the Inn, and the liz.  Our ship docked on the Danube next to the city center so it is easy to get off and enjoy this beautiful city.   Our friends who stayed back in Passau really enjoyed their time and then enjoyed the afternoon cruise.

Salzburg has been one place that I had never been on this cruise so was really excited.  We were to leave around 8:30A but were delayed the all the ships going thru the canals.  Therefore we didn't leave until around 10:00A. Phillip was our guide. We drove from Passau Germany to the border of Austria.There is no special thing with the borders-- just right into Austria.  It was so beautiful and  green. We drove thru so many little towns and saw such colorful homes.  Austria is still a new country and very clean and nice.  We arrived into Salzburg around 12:30 and began our walking tour.  Our first stop was Mirabell Gardens and Palace where much of The Sound of Music was filmed.

     

Hohensalzburg Fortress which you can walk up or they have a cable car to take you.

 

 

During our walking tour it began to rain and missed some of the things we could do. We still had time to get the famous Salzburg Mozart balls which are great for gifts if you don't eat them before you get home. 

 

 

 

During our walking tour it began to rain and missed some of the things we could do. We still had time to get the famous Salzburg Mozart balls which are great for gifts if you don't eat them before you get home.  

 

 



 

Have you ever seen padlocks on a bridge.  This is what they call a "love lock" or "love padlock".  It is a padlock which sweethearts lock to a bridge to symbolize their love.  Really interesting.

 

 

We had some free time and found a quaint little restaurant that had very good Austrian food.  The people are so nice in Salzburg.

 

We left about 3p and drove to one of my most favorite scenic spots-- St Gilgen which is a picturesque village outside of Salzburg.  It is on this most beautiful lake.  It would have even been better if was sunny but still gorgeous.

 

 

We left about 3PM and drove to one of my most favorite scenic spots-- St Gilgen which is a picturesque village outside of Salzburg.  It is on this most beautiful lake.  I am sorry it was not sunny but was gorgeous.

 

We returned to the ship after travelling thru the beautiful countryside around 7P. We arrived at our ship which was now in Linz.

  Tonight was a special treat for our group as we were able to experience the Chef's Table on the ship.

 

 

The Chef's Table is at the back of the ship and is one of their speciality restaurants that serves only 24 guests in a seating..  Here the chef prepares an array of his delicious dishes.  Note the large windows as we cruised away that evening. This was a really special evening for our group and we even celebrated one of our group's birthday. 

 

 

Just a few of the delicious foods that were prepared and presented so exquisitely.

 

 

Since we had such a long day and wonderful dinner we chose not to get off in Linz.  Later we found out that they had a music festival in town and many of our passengers enjoyed this just by walking off the ship.  There was also entertainment in the lounge after dinner.  Into bed as we sailed for Melk.  We are loving the river cruise as it is so easy to get on and off and so low key.  Service is over the top-- they anticipate before you even ask!!!

 

 

 

Melk, Wachau Valley, and Vienna

Woke up on this beautiful Sunday morning in the town of  Melk which has a population of approximately 5200 people.
Had breakfast around 8AM so I could get off and do our 2 hour bike ride along the Danube. It actually was around 3 hours.
Many of the passengers decided to do the Melk Abbey and they left on their 7 minute bus ride to the Abbey.

This is a Benedictine Abbey in Austria and one of the most famous monasteries. For over 900 years monks have continually lived and worked in the Melk Abbey.

 

As most of the passengers toured this Abbey, some of us opted for the bike ride which was 11 miles along the Danube river -- 5 1/2 miles into the wind and then across the bridge 5 1/2 miles with the wind.  It was very scenic once we got out of the wind.  The guides were great-- one a the beginning of the group and one at the end.  As we were riding along the Danube we saw many fishermen who we found out later were in a tournament and one man had a really large fish that we stopped and watched him reel it in.  One the way back it was so relaxing.  Once we got back we sailed for Vienna thru the Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube.

 

So much fun riding our bikes! 





The beautiful countryside we rode thru.

Jumped off our bikes to see him reel this fish in!

 

All back on the ship and sailed for Vienna.  We had lunch, which everyday we could either have it in the dining room or else a light lunch in the lounge which was sandwiches, soups and pastries.

But today we had a special treat after lunch---- an ice cream party as we sailed thru the Wachau Valley. 

 

 

Fixing the perfect ice cream sundae!

 

 

 Cruising by the blue façade of the Durnsteins church tower

 

 



Just a great time to relax on our balcony
 

 

 

Since many of us chose to attend the Strauss and  Mozart concert, that we were able to have an early dinner.  As we were eating dinner we arrived into Vienna. After dinner we took buses into the city.

It was a great time to see Vienna at night and see the different lighted famous buildings.  Since Tom Cruise was filming a movie there we were not able to be dropped off right in front of the Opera House.  Therefore we enjoyed our 4 block walk..

Walking into the Opera House we were shown to one of their concert halls and then escorted to our seats which were 1st and 2nd row-- great seats!! 

 

 

 

 

The opera started and was divided into about 14 different acts--  a 40 piece orchestra, some ballet dancing and opera singers. We all really enjoyed the concert.   After about 90 minutes our buses were there to pick us and a short ride back to the ship.

 

For those who still wanted to party Akos was in the lounge on his piano and food was served.

Can hardly wait to see Vienna tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Home away from Home!

We were on the new AmaSonata which had only been out about 3months. This is under the AMA Waterways brand who has won many of the Berlitz  awards for best cabins, food, etc. This is a family owned cruiseline who has the owner, Rudi Schreiner and  Kirsten Karst,  working hands on day in and day out. Our ship, since it was so new, has not had the chance to win any awards but know next year it will win many.  This year, the AMA Prima which came out in 2013 won all the awards.
Both of the new ships have twin balconies, something very unusual for river cruises. This way whter you in the living room area or bedroom you have a balcony.




As you can see there is a French balcony and large balcony. Our cabin was 235 square feet.

 

 

The beds were large beds and very comfortable. A large balcony with  2 chairs and a table. 

 

Also a desk area complete with a computer, flat screen and free Wi-Fi.

 

 

 

Flat screen TV was also your computer.

 

 

A well appointed bathroom with a shower and plenty of storage space.

Some bathrooms even have a bathtub.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lounge area always with waters, coffees, teas, and food.

 

A great place watch the world go by!

 

 

 

Always entertainment in the lounge-- afternoon or evening.

  

 

A beautiful staircase in the reception area next to a glass elevator. 

Lunch in the restaurant either buffet or by a menu including wine and beer! 

 

 

Service level always with a big smile and never could do enough for you!

 

 

 

Of course don't forget the swim up bar!!!

 

 

Captain Jan de Bruijn, Cruise Manager Kata Paulovics, and Hotel Manger Cristian Dumitru greeting all of their guests.