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Hello Wondrous Travelers!
This week, get ready for a double feature with another captivating recap of an educational journey with Amawaterways by our own travel advisor, Pam Davis, as she set on their enchanting “Gems of Southeast Europe”. Cruise with her along the majestic Danube River. This spellbinding itinerary weaves through five breathtaking countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia.
The Start: Portland to Budapest
I flew coach on British Airways, from Portland to London on March 29. After touching down, I found my way to the Sofitel London Heathrow in terminal three, my sanctuary for the night. The room was a pleasant surprise—spacious and cozy, albeit I had to wait nearly an hour to get my luggage.
The next day, my flight to Budapest departed from terminal 5. Luckily, getting from one terminal to another at Heathrow is a breeze, thanks to the Heathrow Express. All you have to do is push a button at a kiosk and out pops a ticket that you can use for the Heathrow Express train to get you between terminals for free. The trains run about every 20 minutes and the trip between terminals took about 10 minutes.
Arriving in Budapest, I was whisked away by a representative of AmaWaterways in my own taxi to the AmaMagna, my floating home for the journey. Though docked away from the historic heart of Budapest, the ship promised adventures aplenty.
Life Onboard AmaMagna
To my surprise, my cabin was already prepared by 1PM so I was able to get settled immediately instead of waiting for the 3PM embarkation time. I had the low-level cabin, so the fixed windows were high on the wall just above the waterline.
Despite the cabin’s generous size, I noted the computer setup took up space; a tad unnecessary since most people travel with iPad these days so I wasn’t really sure what the computer would be used for.
The bathroom was lovely—full-size walk-in shower with rain shower head as well as hand-held shower head.
Service on board was very friendly and attentive. The crew made it seem like they were enjoying themselves, the cruise director was very nice. I had lunch at the captain’s table one day (aren’t I special!) and he was not only good looking but very personable as well. I think they recruit them that way!
Navigating Currency Like a Pro
Traveling through multiple countries meant dealing with different currencies. I had brought Euros with me which I ended up leaving for tips on the boat and using my credit card for the few off-boat purchases that I made. A reminder of the pre-Euro days, my experience underscores the convenience brought by a single currency in simplifying travel across Western Europe. However, for the most part I used my credit card to make most of my purchases since the exchange rates were handled by credit card company.
Exploring the Danube’s Treasures
The journey along the Danube was nothing short of spectacular. Pecs in Hungary captured my imagination with its tranquil university vibes, while the next day’s port of Vukovar, Croatia, offered a poignant glimpse into the region’s tumultuous past.
We were taken to a manor house, but the house was a museum dedicated to the atrocities that the Croats suffered at the hands of the Serbs. This part of Croatia hasn’t recovered like they did on the coast – one of the sights was a beat-up water tower that they left standing full of holes from the shelling that they kept as a memorial.
In Serbia, Novi Sad presented a picturesque contrast with its cheerful ambiance. I chose a walking tour excursion which featured a nice shopping street to walk down from the ship, a 17th century fortress, and a beautiful town square and church.
Belgrade was all about soaking in the city vibes and traditional fruity brandies. The excursions ranged from serene bike rides, fortress hiking, brandy tastings to compelling city tours, each meticulously planned by AmaWaterways to offer immersive experiences. I opted for the city tour in the morning and the brandy tasting in the afternoon (what a surprise!) The city tour did take us to another 17th century fortress as well as the center of the city.
Golubac was a charming morning stop, with the fortress conveniently close to our boat. This fortress featured the “Iron Gate”—a rock in the river where a chain was anchored to stop and tax river traffic. Remarkably well-preserved, the fortress is undergoing restoration and archaeological work. Interestingly, during the Soviet era, a road ran through the fortress itself, but now the Serbs have built a bypass road with a tunnel and are repairing the site. The scenery was breathtaking.
In Vidin, Hungary, which sits right on the river, we had options for a walking tour, a Banitsa pastry and yogurt workshop, or a bike tour. I chose the morning pastry workshop in a private home—it was delightful! I even brought back the recipe and might try making it for brunch. Let me know if you all want the recipe, too!
Rousse was a unique stop, primarily an industrial port on the Danube. Excursions included a walking tour of Rousse, a day trip to Bucharest (two hours each way), or a drive to Veliko Tarnovo, known for its beautiful Orthodox painted churches (also two hours each way). I chose Veliko Tarnovo, captivated by the countryside, and I was glad I did. It was an enriching experience, though it was notable that there was no bike option at this stop.
A Dip into Transylvania
The trip culminated with a thrilling day-long detour into the heart of Transylvania. Despite a last-minute guide swap, Tours by Locals ensured my tour was still on. We went north of Bucharest to Peles Castle which was lovely, then on to Bran Castle. Bran Castle is supposedly the home of Vlad the Impaler (AKA Dracula), but actually it is now privately owned by a German who has turned it into something like a Disney experience – there was a huge line of people outside waiting to get in, many of whom were in Dracula costumes.
Takeaways from Pam’s AmaWaterways Journey
Pam’s adventure across this region of Europe is a testament to the beauty of travel—exploring new territories, relishing different cultures, and finding joy in the unexpected. It reminds us that travel isn’t just about destinations; it’s about experiencing the journey, the transit, the luxuries, and the simplicity of new worlds.
We also dug into Kathryn’s experience with AmaWaterways in France in a previous post so be sure to check it out for a full scoop on this phenomenal river cruise line.
Ready to embark on your own adventure? Let Pam’s journey inspire you. Europe is not just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to be lived. Discover the joys of new cultures, cuisines, and horizons with Willamette International Travel—where every journey is a story waiting to unfold.
Interview with Pam
What was your favorite part of the trip?
My favorite part of the trip is when we went to Bulgaria and took that Banitsa pastry workshop. I love getting hands-on experiences like that!
Would you recommend this cruise to your clients? If so, why?
Yes, I would! This cruise was a great way to see Eastern Europe as it’s very different from the west. It’s an interesting change of pace as a lot of Eastern Europe has been through many wars so it’s really inspiring to see the growth they’ve made since those dark times.
Also, there are many options for all types of travelers. Whether you’re more active than someone else, there is something for everyone!
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Ready to experience the Gems of Southeast Europe for yourself? Contact our excellent travel experts at 503-224-0180 or email inquiry@wittravel.com.
