A New Adventure…
So excited to be heading back to Europe this week for another fun adventure! Earlier this week I hopped back on a plane for a ten and a half hour flight to Budapest, Hungary. Yes, Budapest!! I am spending a few days in Budapest with my fearless travel buddy, Stephanie from Plain Chicken. This weekend we embark on a 9-day cruise along the Danube River with Gate 1 Travel.
I’ve been keeping a Pinterest board of some of the fun things we get to see and do on the cruise here:
Danube River Cruise Pinterest Board.
We will be taking tours of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, and more. And at the end of the cruise, we will be spending a few days in Munich for Oktoberfest!!
MY OTHER RECIPESI have never been to ANY of these places before, and I’ve never even been on a CRUISE before, so if you have any advice for me, I’d love to hear it!!
We just arrived in Budapest yesterday for the beginning of our adventure. Be sure to follow along with us over the next couple of weeks on Instagram and Twitter!! Here’s where you can find me:
Thanks so much for looking! Keep in touch!! :)
SO exciting! Budapest has long been on my travel bucket list, and I have a feeling that once I see your pics, I’m going to bump it right to the top. Bon voyage!
I can’t wait to see your pics of Salzburg and Vienna. I’ve always been curious if those cities would be worth the trip!
Salzburg is on my dream vaca spot too!! Can’t wait to see your photos. I’ve watched the same Rick Steves video on Salsburg and many other places too and love it! Sound of Music, here I come =)
That trip is on my list! Can’t wait to hear about it!
So happy for you! All the beautiful pictures on your blog make me want to pack up and go. Travel safe and have fun!
The photography along with the details of your travels are unbelievable. They make me want to go to every city
Hey Amanda, I am curious as to what cruise line you picked for this adventure. It sounds amazing!
I LOVE Vienna, and the rest of Austria for that matter, enough so that this is where we went on our honeymoon. A few of my favorite restaurants: Bio Bar von Antun (in the pedestrian zone around St. Stephens which is a MUST see), Nice Rice (http://www.dancingveggies.com/blog/2012/06/to-remember.html) (right by the Naschmarket which is another must see), Steiereck (if you can get if a reservation), Meierei am Stadtpark for brunch/lunch, and then any local place serving knoblauchcremesuppe (creamy garlic soup). Other awesome sites to see are the Prater, Sacher Cafe, Schönbrunn Palace, Burggarten, Stadtpark, Volksgarten, and any pastry stand you see!
We did the Danube bike ride from Melk to Creme, complete with a stop at the Abbey. We grabbed lunch stuff at the local Billa (along with Ritter Sport bars and Paprika crisps) and then hopped on our bikes! We elected to bike on the vineyard side, instead of the “town” side which was fantastic. We still had the same fantastic views but less crowded pathways, and plenty of vineyards for quick stops. This area is known for their white wines, as well as their peach liquors – so be sure to try some.
In Bratislava the hike to the castle is worth it, especially going thru the neighborhood – lots of little paths. The pedestrian zone is also fun with lots of decorative statues, including a guy popping out of a manhole cover. My family would be upset if I didn’t mention Zlady Bajant (sp?) which is THE beer of the area and insanely dark.
Let me know if you need more information, my Oma/Father is from Vienna so I’ve been there almost a dozen times (to include Salzburg) – and I did my semester abroad just outside of Bratislava. I was born in Germany, but haven’t been to the cities you listed since I was very small so not as many recommendations but can ask my relatives over there if you like! I also spent a weekend in Budapest but feel like this post is already rather long.
So fun! Have a great trip!!
Wave to the castle in Bratislava for me! The Danube runs right by it.
Amanda, you are going to love Budapest! I was there a few years back and am looking forward to returning. I can’t wait to read about your adventures! Enjoy!
Be sure to go to the opera in Vienna and to watch the Lippizaner horses there too. The palace is beautiful and the flea market is fun. In Munich, be sure to go to the Hofbrau House. If there’s time, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial outside of Munich, is a must. Might be depressing but what an eye opener.
So exciting! Can’t wait to see the photos, have fun!
I almost forgot Niemetz for dessert and coffee in Salzburg. The Mozart torte there was pretty great!
I live in Munich and have lived in Regensburg before. If you Need some suggestions for these cities- just contact me! First advice: dont go to the Oktoberfest in the weekend, go there early during the week (remember: October 3rd is a holiday over here) and dont wear a fake and too short Dirndl (the traditional dress for women in Bavaria)… :)
Oh, how I envy you! I loved Budapest! The Taj Mahal is the best place for indian food. There are several great kosher restaurants in the jewish quarter. Try to find time to go to the Rudas-Bath. I wanted to go there, but we didnt’t have any time left. And when you arrive in Munich it’s probably still Wiesn season (rhymes in German). As I am bavarian of course I’m partial here, but a beer and a chairoplane ride with my best friend just can’t be beat in my book. My advise would be to try and go on a Monday afternoon. Can’t wait for your posts on this trip, especially the pics! Enjoy yourselves!
In Budapest, be sure to see the war memorial along the riverfront. It is a line of Shoes that look as though they were just stepped out of. Story goes that the Nazis tied the Jewish people together, shot one and the rest drowned in the river. The memorial will give you chills as the shoes are obviously of women, children, old men, etc, etc. very moving.
Three of my favorite cities: In Salzburg- you MUST buy the eggs: there are many stores that sell them, but the one just near the Mozart home/museum was the nicest lady & she ships! We sent dozens home & they all made safe travels. Also in Salzburg, ask for the beer hall that is an old church. Such a embrace of their culture- it’s incredible! Enjoy!
What an exciting life you have!! My dad was born in Bratislava and swam in the Danube River when he was young.