Where to Find the City of Three Rivers?

And we don't mean Pittsburgh. This beautiful European town, in southeast Germany, is located at the Austrian border. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it is situated where the mighty Danube River joins the Inn River and the Ilz River.

Passau is a historic town which can trace its roots to the 2nd Century BC. First founded by the Celts and then a Roman town for 400 years, like many European cities, it has traded hands a few times. The Old Town of Passau, rebuilt in the 17th century by Italian baroque masters after a devastating town fire, is outstandingly beautiful.

The picturesque and unique gothic Old Town abounds with museums, shops, churches, cafes, winding lanes and enchanting riverfront promenades. Left undamaged during World War II, the Old Town was left as it has been for hundreds of years and is home to multiple, quaint Bavarian shops. Cuckoo clocks, anyone?

In the heart of Passau on the Old Town’s highest point, rises historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses the world’s largest cathedral organ.

Nestled atop the St. Georgsberg Mountain, and nearly 350 feet above sea level, the Veste Oberhaus was originally built in 1219 to express the strength of the town and make those who might think of invading reconsider. One of Passau’s top destinations and most recognizable sights, it soars high above the Danube and provides panoramic views of the Old Town and rivers below.

The castle’s most notable inhabitant was Napoleon Bonaparte who used the fortress in his campaign to take Austria. Not long after, and for almost a hundred years, the Oberhaus was a state and military prison, feared as the “Bastille of Bavaria.”

Today, the Veste Oberhaus is home to a museum (the Oberhausmuseum), an art gallery, a viewing platform, a youth hostel, a restaurant and a pre-World War II amphitheater.

Would you like to visit Passau? It’s one of our stops on our Spring river cruise.

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Why is it Called City of One Hundred Spires?

Or, perhaps you know it as the “Heart of Europe”? Or, “Rome of the North”? "The Golden City"?

Prague, one of the most beautiful cities of Europe and a UNESCO heritage site was nicknamed “City of One Hundred Spires” in the 19th century by mathematician, Bernard Bolzano. His math was off. There are between 500 and 1000 spires, depending on who’s counting in this unique and historical city.

Prague’s history dates from the early 9th century as a capital of Bohemia, through its significance as a seat of power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It became the capital of Czechoslovakia and then when the country split into two, capital of the Czech Republic.

The city emerged from WWII relatively unscathed and has become one of the most visited cities in Europe. Whether you are a student of history, archeology, culture, arts, or fabulous food and drink, Prague has it all.

The Old Town Hall with the famous Prague Astronomical Clock. The winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, which you know from the novels of Franz Kafka, steeped in the legend of the Golem. Cafes, boutiques and cruises on the Vltava. The Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town, the most beautiful Baroque church in Prague. Petřín with a lookout tower reminiscent of a small Eiffel Tower and Prague Castle.

And, last but not to be missed, Czech beer. The first brewery was founded in 993 at Brevnov Monastery (those monks!) and the country currently has 400 breweries.

Are you ready to visit the City of One Hundred Spires? We have a group going in May 2018. Click here for itinerary and more information.

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Where is Bratislava?

Do you know where to find Bratislava? Here is a mini quiz to test you!

Question - Bratislava is:

1. A European capital city
2. A small island in the Mediterranean
3. A volcano in Southeast Asia
4. A tasty sausage popular in Germany

Answer: 1. The capital of Slovakia, or more correctly the Slovak Republic, has a long and storied history. One of the Imperial cities of the Hapsburg and Austro-Hungarian empires, it was also a regional capital of Czechoslovakia before its dissolution into the Czech and Slovak Republics in 1993.

A determined and planned renaissance has been in force since the re-establishment of Slovakia’s independence. After years of communist indifference, restoration of historical buildings, new and creative architecture and artworks, as well as a teeming nightlife have turned the city into a popular destination.

Aside from being a fun city with a thriving night scene, there are many historical and cultural things to see and do.

Bratislava’s Old Town is an attractive place to visit and stroll. Charming cobblestone streets full of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Musicians, artists, and street vendors abound. But, the quirky sculptures throughout the city are one of most fun public art displays around. Scattered throughout Old Town, they appear with no rhyme or reason. Just fun.

Old Town Hall, the former seat of government is home to the Bratislava City Museum. And don’t miss Maximilian’s Chocolate Shop for a break. Schokocafe Maximilian has, arguably, the best hot chocolate anywhere. It is so thick, you can eat it with a spoon. Mmm it was yummy. We went back twice!

Bratislava Castle sits high above the city – once the coronation castle of the Hapsburgs and Austro-Hungarian empires and home to the coronation jewels. The spectacular view is not just of the city, but three countries: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia.

For modern art aficionados, the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum rests on a peninsula on the Danube and houses a new collection of Dutch and Slovak masterpieces, as well as a sculpture garden.

Devin Castle is a great place to enjoy a picnic, hike or bike after exploring the ruins of this strategically located fortress that has been controlled by Hapsburgs, Napoleon, Nazis, Soviets, and numerous medieval forces.

Now you know not only where to find Bratislava, but you have an introduction for your visit!

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Viennese Waltz in Vienna

Mozart, Strauss, Sachertorte, Viennese coffee, palaces, opera houses, waltzing, canine subway fares. How do you distill Vienna into a few paragraphs?

Vienna is a captivating city and so many things to see and do. Inside the Ringstrasse, part of the city center has an auto-free zone with cafes, shops, and street performers mixed in amongst the museums, cathedrals and government buildings. On my visit, I couldn’t wait to get to a café and have some Viennese coffee with sachertorte (a specialized chocolate cake). The coffee was fabulous. The sachertorte, for me, was a tad disappointing. It was good, just not the earthshaking event I had anticipated!

An interesting tidbit, I picked up on my visit is how much the Viennese love their dogs. Leashed, muzzled dogs are welcome in most public places, including the subway. Canines are required to have a ticket, just as their human owners do. But, their fare is less than the adult fare.

The Hoffburg and Schonbrunn Palaces were the epi-center of the Habsburg Dynasty and now both house incredible museums with a wonderful history of Austria, as well as the lavish means of royalty. Schonbrunn, an easy train ride from central Vienna was the summer palace; Hoffburg, in the city center was the winter palace.

Two palaces seem a little excessive; most of my friends make due with one – but I guess they felt compelled to keep up with the “Louis”. The history and opulent lifestyle is fascinating and at Hoffburg there is a dedicated “Sisi” wing and exhibit detailing Empress Elisabeth’s life and showcasing the infamous Silver Collection.

Classical music and Vienna are very nearly synonymous – Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven, Schubert, Hayden all lived and worked in the city at one time or another. Tributes and statues abound, as well as music halls and theaters. At least one musical performance is a must. And, if you’re an aficionado of the opera or orchestral music, you may have reached Nirvana.

One of my bucket list “to dos” is to hear the Vienna Philharmonic play the Blue Danube on New Year’s Day at the State Opera House. Oh, and dance the Viennese Waltz while I’m at it!

Depending on your interests, a few more not-to be-missed sites to consider are St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Spanish Riding School. And, if you’re in Vienna for more than a day or two, Salzburg and the Vienna Woods are both easy day trips. The Wachau Valley, home to Melk Abbey, as well as the fortress where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned and some good wine is also a great day trip. You didn’t think I wouldn’t mention wine, did you?!

What is your favorite memory of Vienna or highest on your “wish list” for your first visit?

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Venice - Living Legend or Tourist Trap?

Venezia, is a love it or hate it destination. OK, maybe love/hate is a little strong. But, there doesn’t seem to be much middle of the road opinion. Everyone I know who has been to Venice either can’t wait to return, or swear they’ll never go back.

I am a lover. I find it captivating. The history is fascinating – from its Roman origins, through its cruel medieval era, its excellence as a thriving Renaissance period, to designated UNESCO heritage site. Art and architecture to die for – Piazza San Marco, Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Italian opera houses. Not to mention the entire city is built over water. Plus, it’s a foodie heaven – Northern Italian cooking and wines, even if cuttlefish isn’t your thing. (Cuttlefish is both a required and an acquired taste!)

The best part about Venice is getting lost. It is so easy to get lost. The city has no apparent street plan. The streets are narrow (the narrowest is 21 inches wide!), unmarked and intertwined with the infinite canals. If you move just a couple of streets away from the piazza, you’ll find small shops, cafes, gelato stands, and restaurants all intermingled and with a local flavor, as opposed to the chain stores found near St. Mark’s Square. They crisscross and meander and before you know it, you are lost. People are friendly and helpful to point you back in the right direction. The city is small enough that no matter how lost you get, you aren’t too far from home.

Yes, the city struggles with the balance of kitschy tourism and cultural icon. Some days the Piazza San Marco can become so crowded with tourists that there isn’t even room for the resident pigeons!  But, the touristy things are also part of its charm. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, being a tourist isn’t a bad thing. We travel to experience and sometimes we want to experience what we’ve read about or heard about from others. i.e. gondola rides, crossing (and posing on) the Rialto Bridge, and coffee on the Piazza San Marcos to name a few.

Example: my friends and I decided to take a coffee break and indulge in some pigeon watching at Piazza San Marco. Café choices abounded around the plaza. We decided on one that wasn’t too crowded and inquired about pricing and seating. Price for an espresso inside – two euros. Price for an espresso outside on the plaza? Twelve euros. We paid!

Are you ready to return to Venice or experience it for the first time? Or is it your idea of a tourist trap?

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