Let’s go to Costa Rica

With little on the UK Government’s Green List to choose from. The lyrics of the track “Costa Rica” by Canadian Singer-Songwriter had a bit more weight. A slight editing of the lyrics gives us “I wanna leave this place yeah to never be found” … “Let’s go to Costa Rica”. I guess some of us are feeling that way about wanting to get abroad and hey, wouldn’t it be nice to go somewhere different.

Over the past few years Costa Rica has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. It’s not difficult to see why. It seems to have it all. Rainforests, beaches and volcanoes are just the start. Costa Rica literally means “Rich Coast” and most tourists will base themselves on the coast. With its many soft sandy beaches and swaying palms you might be forgiven for thinking that you were in paradise. With 800 miles of coastline adjoining the Pacific and the Caribbean you are sure to find one that suits you.

Sandy Beach – Pacific Coast – Costa Rica

Home to over 20 National Parks, Costa Rica has really developed itself as an Ecotourism destination. The Corcovado National is internationally renowned for its biodiversity and visitors can expect a wide range of wildlife including all four Costa Rican monkey species. Costa Rica is the first tropical country to have stopped and reversed deforestation.

White-headed capuchin Monkey – Panama

We like volcanoes here at Travellogs, especially when they are connected with thermal spas. There are 6 active and over 60 dormant volcanoes in Costa Rica. You could do worse than stay somewhere like the “Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort. The hotel consists of just 54 rooms with great views of the volcano and a less than 5 minute walk from the Eco Termales Fortuna thermal pools.

EcoTermales Fortuna – Costa Rica

Amongst those volcanoes is Arenal Volcano, about 56 miles northwest of the capital city of San Jose. The volcano is 5,358 ft (1633 m) high. After being dormant for many years it erupted in 1968 destroying a nearby town. It continued to erupt until 2010 since when it has been dormant again. It is one of the countries’ most popular tourist destinations and is very popular with hikers.

Arenal Volcano – Costa Rica

In those many National Parks you will find over over 500,000 species of animals, including scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, colourful butterflies, humpback whales, iguanas, sea turtles, and sloths.

According to the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica is ranked as the Number 1 happiest country in the world. It states “Strong social networks, investment in health and education and a deep connection to nature may help explain why Costa Ricans are happier and live longer than the residents of most rich nations. A national commitment to environmental protection and use of renewable energy also keeps Costa Rica’s Ecological Footprint small.”

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Solsbury Hill

Solsbury Hill was written and performed by former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel. It was his debut single after his split from the band, and it is widely acknowledged that the song is about his thoughts around his decision to leave them.

Solsbury Hill itself is a small flat-topped hill, that was once an iron age fort which gives splendid views of the city of Bath. In fact the name “Solsbury” maybe derived from the Celtic god, Solis who was worshipped at the thermal spring in Bath itself.

Solsbury Hill Near Bath, England

The thermal springs at Bath has always been a focal point for visitors to the city. Google must see and things to do in Bath and the thermal springs aka the Roman Baths will be on the top of almost every list.

Within a few years of the Roman Invasion of Britain, they constructed a temple on the site of the baths and the settlement that developed here was called “Aquae Sulis” (The Waters of Sulis). Today you can visit the baths which are well preserved and sympathically restored.

Roman Baths, Bath – England

The baths were used to a greater or lesser extent over the centuries, but it was around 130 years ago that they become popular as a focus for the Georgians, after claims were made for the curative properties of the thermal waters. In 2019 the city was the 11th most visited destinations for overseas visitors to the UK just behind Oxford and Cambridge. Most visitors come to see the superbly preserved Georgian buildings constructed from Bath stone.

Royal Crescent – Bath

Amongst the most widely recognised sites is the Royal Crescent, this is in part due to its popularity in TV and film, including most recently the very popular Netflix series Bridgerton. There is an excellent museum that has recently refurbished at No.1 that promises you an immersive experience to show you what live was like 250 years ago for both the wealthy and poor citizens of Bath.

In 1987 Bath was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO and there are many other note-worthy attractions and views the city including the Circus, the Assembly Rooms, the Pump Rooms and Pulteney Bridge. It is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides.

Pulteney Bridge – Bath – England

There is so much to see and do in Bath you will need more than a day. You will find a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and you will not be short on choices of places to eat and drink.

If you want some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city, then head for the Abbey where you will find some peace and quiet. One of the things that will strike you about this beautiful building is the amount of light inside. The 52 windows make up 80% of the wall space.

Bath Abbey at dusk – England

Wondering why it’s called an Abbey rather than a Cathedral. It once held joint cathedral status with the Cathedral at Wells. The Abbey was given cathedral status in 1090, but it was stripped of this at the time of the Dissolution when the cathedral was consolidated in Wells, which incidentally is the smallest city in the UK with a population of only 12,000 souls.

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Charlie on the MTA

“M.T.A” aka “The MTA Song” aka “Charlie on the MTA”, tells the tale of a man called Charlie, who is trapped on the Boston subway system.  So famous has the song become over the years that the electronic card based fare collection system on the Boston subway is known as the “Charlie Card”.  The Kingston Trio who appear in the 1959 recording below, played the song as the dedication ceremony when the card system was introduced in 2004.

Visitors to Boston today have the choice of the CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to help them get around.  Which one is for you will depend on where you are staying and whether you want ferry fares included.  Check out the https://www.mbta.com/fares/charliecard Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MTBA) website for details.

CharlieCard,
CharlieCard – MTBA

Boston is a relatively short flight from the UK and is easily accessible if you are looking for something different for a weekend away.  You can catch a flight from Heathrow on a Friday evening after work, snooze on the plane and you be in Boston in time for last orders.

Known as the “Cradle of Modern America, Boston was the birthplace of the American Revolution, therefore one of the first places that you will want to head off to, is the location of the Boston Tea Party.  Here you will find a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels! You can recreate your own Boston Tea Party by throwing tea into the water.

Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts, USA

Most of Boston’s historical sites can be reached by following what is known as the Freedom Trail across the city.  Keeping with a nautical theme, 2nd stop on your trail could be a visit to the USS Constitution, which is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned her nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, she captured a number of merchant ships and defeated five British warships including HMS Guerriere which is where she earned her nickname.

USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

A visit to Boston wouldn’t be complete without an outing to watch one of the cities top class sports team play.  Visiting from April to September a trip to Fenway Park to watch the Boston Red Sox is must.  Since 1912, Fenway has been home to the Red Sox and is the oldest Baseball Arena in the USA if not the world.  Unlike some of the newer arenas, the compact design of Fenway takes you back in history and gives you a spectator experience that you will not find anywhere else except maybe Wrigley Field in Chicago.  If there are no games scheduled, then a stadium tour is recommended.

Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox
Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox

On a more cultural level, Boston is home to over 60 museums of which the most famous is the Museum of Fine Arts, which is the 5th largest museum in the USA and one of the top 50 most visited museums in the world.  It is home to over half a million exhibits, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.  The 1888 painting by Vincent Van Gogh’s Postman Joseph Roulin, is one of the museum’s best known works in its collection. 

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Porto

This official video for the track Porto by the French DJ and musician Kevin Rodrigues, who is better known as Worakls gives a really good flavour of the city of Porto.  There are no lyrics the images say it all.

Porto – Worakls

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and lies along the Douro River estuary in Northern Portugal.  It was one of the most westerly cities of the Roman Empire and its name literally means “port” or “harbour”.  The centre of the city has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1996.

The British have had a long term relationship with the Portuguese.  In 1387, Porto was the site of the marriage of John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, the daughter of John of Gaunt. This symbolised a long standing military alliance between Portugal and England, this alliance is the world’s oldest recorded military alliance.

Douro Valley – Portugal – Vineyards

Traditionally we imported our wine from France, but the British decided to look further south for a new source after a few disagreements.  At the time Portuguese wine didn’t travel that well and one day the story goes by accident Port was born.  The wine was fortified with grape brandy and took on the flavour of oak from the barrels and the rest is history.  This long connection is why many brands of port have English sounding names, like Croft, Taylor and Graham.

Portuguese Custard Tart – Pastéis de Nata

Porto is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe and it’s not difficult to see why.  The old parts of the city are best visited on foot, however, be prepared for some steep climbs.  A retreat at the top of a steep hill was always a good option in case of attack! You might like to fortify yourself with a traditional Portuguese custard tart “pastéis de nata”.  They have become so popular that they are now found in many UK supermarket bakery sections.

Church Porto – Blue Tiles

Porto is famous for the ornate blue azulejo tiles, that you will see around the old town. Head for the Church of St. Ildefonso and the railway station at Sao Bento to see some of the best used on both interior and exterior walls. Sao Bento station was completed in 1916 and the murals represent moments in Portugal’s history and the people of various regions within the country.

A good way to see the sights is to take the historic tram and whilst you are at it why not take in the “Tram Museum” or “Museu do Carro Eléctrico”. An entry ticket to the museum will give you a free ride on the historic tram so planning ahead would be useful here.

Historic Tram – Porto – Portugal

The Tram Museum is on the bank of the River Douro and the historic tram will take you to Infante where you will be a short walk from the Cais da Ribeira where you will find Porto’s riverside area. Here is a large collection of bars, coffee shops and restaurants.

Cais da Ribeira – Porto -Portugal

The upper walkway in the Cais da Ribeira is built on the top of the original mediaeval city walls. There is a network of narrow streets and alleyways behind the riverfront where you will find a mixture of dilapidated buildings and restored buildings. Here you will find several river cruises which is a great way of seeing some fantastic views of the city.

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Yearning for more of Portugal, why not visit Lisbon with travellogs.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Jules Verne’s 1864 novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” tells the story of a German scientist and his nephew who believe that they can journey to the centre of the earth by descending into Iceland’s inactive volcano “Snæfellsjökull”.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth – Rick Wakeman

Snæfellsjökull can sometimes be seen from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík, a distance of 120 km.

View from Reykjavík, Iceland

Iceland is on the UK government’s green list and might seem like a strange destination for a summer break.  Many people view Iceland as a winter destination with the northern lights and various cold related activities to pursue. However, in the summer you will be able to benefit from the long almost endless days.  The average day starts at 3am and ends at midnight.  Plenty of time to get more done.

Sunset – Iceland

The summer will also give you better access to the Highlands which can be impossible to access in the winter due to the icy conditions.  You will be almost wandering into the unknown so double check the weather before you set off in your 4×4. Even if you are not heading for the Highlands, then why not hit the Ring Road, which Icelandic style will take you round the country rather than round a city.  The roads are well maintained and in the summer, they will be snow free!  Travelling the Ring Road will give you access to parts of the country might not otherwise see.

Iceland by road.

Summer is a prime time for hiking and Iceland provides routes for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. Every region of the country has something different to offer, whether its waterfall, beaches or volcanoes that take your fancy.  For serious hikers look out for the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, the Fimmvörðuháls hike between Skógar and Þórsmörk and Hornstrandir in the Westfjords.

Vesturland – Iceland

If you are not that brave you will find a number of escorted tours that will take you to see the best of the Iceland and this can be just what is needed to give you the confidence to head out on your own. Iceland is sometimes known as the land of Fire and Ice. You can take an escorted trip out to one of the glaciers where you can glacier hike, snow mobile or ice climb is you have the nerve and energy.  On the fire side, after a hard day exploring why not visit one or more geothermal baths and natural hot springs. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular but there are so many other interesting pools to discover.

Blue Lagoon – Iceland

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Tenerife Sea

Ed Sheeran’s 2014 song “Tenerife Sea”, is a reference to the island of Tenerife which according to Sheeran, the blue colour of the sea, matched the colour of the eyes of his girlfriend at that time.

Ed Sheeran – Tenerife Sea

Tenerife is the largest and most heavily populated of the Canary Islands which are located off the north-west coast of Morocco.  Tenerife is the most popular destinations of the four islands in the group and like the others has volcanic origins.  Mount Teide in the centre of the island which is located in the Teide National Park is the three largest volcano in the world when measured from its base.

Mount Teide, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

A cable car will take you from the road will take you most of the way to the summit, but up to access the summit itself you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Numbers are normally restricted to 200 per day.

Tenerife is an all year round holiday destination with a dry, warm climate. It lies at the same latitude as central Florida and enjoys an average temperature of 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) in the winter and 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) in the summer. The coastal areas get less rain and less variation of temperature compared to the interior of the island where snow on the mountains is a possibility. If you have hired a car to visit the Teide National Park then you should also add Masca village to your list of day trip destinations,  Masca is described by many as Tenerife’s most beautiful village.  The population of the village is around 90 inhabitants, but it is a popular tourist destination so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.  The houses appear to cling onto the edge of the mountainside and there are dramatic views from the village.  The church in the centre of the village has only room for 8 worshippers at a time.

Masca Village, Tenerife, Spain

There are many legends about the village, but it was most likely used as a refuge for locals when pirates attacked the island.  Inland villages like this are a common feature along various parts of Spanish coastal areas.  Be warned that road up and therefore back down is tight and twisting but provides an adventure in itself.  You can take a small coach up and walk down if you wish.

If Masca has been described as Tenerife’s most beautiful village, then Garachico has been variously described as the Tenerife’s most charming, prettiest and unluckiest town. Three hundred years ago it was the most important port on the island, it was a major stopping point for vessels plying their trade across the Atlantic.  That all came to an abrupt stop overnight when Montaña Negra erupted, spewing out rivers of lava that swept through the town to destroy the harbour and therefore the town source of wealth.

Garachico, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

However let’s not forget why most of us will be heading for the island.  Its beaches. There are over one hundred to choose from, so you will be spoilt for choice.  There are many black sand pebble beaches on the northern coast, while on the south and south-west coast of the island, the beaches have typically much finer and clearer sand with lighter tones. Some of the beaches like Las Teresitas are artificial.  White sand was imported from Africa to help develop the tourist industry.  Tourists are said to prefer white sand to black sand.  How about you?

Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

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Viva Malta

The track below is entitled Viva Malta and is performed by the Maltese singer Freddie Portelli. As well as writing songs and performing in a number of bands, Freddie represented his country at Waterpolo.  The song is a patriotic one, written on his return to the island after a worldwide tour.  The lyrics sing of the bravery of the people.  Of course the island was awarded the George Cross to “bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people” by King George VI.

Viva Malta – Freddie P

Malta comprises of a series of islands of which only three, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.  They lie in the Central Mediterranean about 50 miles from Italy and 176 miles east of Tunisia.  It’s so close to Africa you could almost say you were there.  Certainly, weather wise you will notice the benefits of being so far south.  The Maltese tourist board advertises it as an all year round destination. The winters are mild and the summers hot.  Valletta – the capital of Malta has the warmest winters in Europe and you get the bonus of an extra couple of hours of daylight compared to London.

Valetta, Malta

Whilst Malta is clearly a sun destination, there are over 7000 years of history to discover.  Its location at the centre point of the Mediterranean means that at one time or another, Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, the Knights of St. John, French, and British have influenced the country’s culture.

A good starting point is a trip to the old capital of Mdina. According to tradition it was here that in 60 A.D. that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. The city is famous for its dominating fortifications and its narrow streets and alleyways due to space being so limited.

Mdina Streets, Malta

Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture.  You will find a number of enticing cafes and restaurants during your wanderings around the narrow streets and alleyways.  Don’t miss out St Paul’s Cathedral, its museum and the city walls which will get you fantastic views over the island and spectacular views of the sunset.

St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina, Malta

Next door is Rabat, where you will find the largest underground Roman cemetery in Malta, the St Paul’s catacombs.  Located between Rabat and Mdina is “Domvs Romana” a museum housing the ruins of a traditional Roman villa. While little remains of the villa itself, there is an impressive collection of excellently preserved mosaics and other Roman antiquities that have been found by archaeologists throughout Malta. The site is also the location of an 11th century Muslim cemetery.

Whilst in Malta,  you must seek out the Mosta Dome. Officially, the church is The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady since it was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by the Vatican in July 2018. This neo-classical style church is dedicated to St Mary and its dome at 220 feet high, is bigger than that of St Paul’s in London.  Giorgio Grognet de Vassé (a Maltese architect) based on the Roman Pantheon. Replacing a much smaller church it was built in just 28 years, between 1833 and the early 1860s. Much of the inside is decorated in gilt and the floors are paved with marble.

Mosta Dome, Malta

On 9th April 1942, a group of around 300 worshippers was gathered in the church for the evening when a 1,000 lbs German bomb pierced through the ceiling and smashed a hole into the floor below. Luckily, no one was hurt or killed as the bomb did not detonate. At the time it was declared be a miracle and a sign of divine intervention from God who was protecting the nation during the Second World War.  In total, three bombs were dropped on the church – two deflected without exploding, and one went through the ceiling.

Mosta Dome Roof, Malta

If the Second World War is of special interest to you then head for the Lascaris War Rooms, an underground complex of tunnels and chambers in Valletta, that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of the island was conducted during the Second World War. They are located below the Upper Barrakka Gardens which are worth a visit on their own account offering super views across the island.

In the time we have, we have only touched on a minute part of what Malta has to offer, and remember that there are 3 islands to visit. 

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Les Maldvies ou les Seychelles?

Swift Guad is a French Hip-Hop artist, who like many artists sings about failed relationships.  In this track translated into English as “I turn around”.  He asks “Question existentielle : les Maldvies ou les Seychelles?”  This is a question that is asked by many travellers considering a trip to the Indian Ocean.  The chorus of the song is about going round in circles trying to sort out his state of mind.  Today let us help you sort out the question of whether to visit the Maldives or the Seychelles, rather then you going round and round in circles.

Swift Guad – Je tourne en rond (I turn around)

The choice of the Maldives or the Seychelles is not as straight forward as you might imagine.  Yes, they are both in the Indian Ocean and they are islands, have beautiful beaches, fantastic accommodation and clear blue waters but there is more to both destinations.  Travellogs visited the Maldives back in January.

Seychelles Beach – Indian Ocean

The islands of the Seychelles have more to explore.  The beaches are more diverse in nature, ranging from your stereotypical tropical paradise sandy beach to others that are characterised by huge granite boulders. The Seychelles on balance tend to offer more to those who are more active amongst us.  There is the opportunity to hike in the mountains, rock climb and discover the unique flora and fauna, whenever you decide to have a break from basking on the beach or by the pool. In addition the islands provide plenty of water based activities, the diving, snorkelling, surfing and sailing are up there with the best in the world.

On the main island of Mahé is the capital Victoria, named after Queen Victoria by the British in 1841.  However it was the French who were the first Europeans to establish a presence on the island when they claimed the islands in 1756.  Prior to this, the islands were uninhabited. There are a few remaining colonial buildings that can be found around the Freedom Square area.  Look out for the clock tower which was erected in 1903 and modelled on Little Ben, a small version of Big Ben in to be found on the corner of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street in London.

Old Christian Church – Seychelles

Though 900 miles off the coast of East Africa, it is considered to be part of Africa and as such has the smallest population of any African nation. It’s position in the middle of the Indian Ocean means that its culture and cuisine is a mixture of African, French, British and Indians influences and means that it is possible to find churches, mosques and Hindu temples within a stone’s throw of each other.

Hindu Temple – Mahe – Seychelles

There is a wide range of accommodation on the islands in terms of type, but most of it is at the top end price wise.  However that means that wherever you choose to stay you will be getting quality service and a beautiful location.

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Carved the walls of Grand Canyon

So goes the Grand Canyon song by Steve Goodman.  He sings of how the Colorado River has carved the canyon to expose the many colours of the layers of rock and sand.  Many of us will be looking to travel to destinations away from populated areas for a while and the Grand Canyon might be the answer to those of you who would like to visit the USA.

Grand Canyon Song – Steve Goodman

The Grand Canyon is over 270 miles in length, at some place up to 18 miles across and a mile deep.  Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is managed by the US National Park Service and is an officially designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grand Canyon – Arizona – USA

Around 6 million visitors will head for the Canyon and yes it can get busy, but the majority of those will head for the Southern Rim.  Here you will find the Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail.


Grand Canyon Village holds some of the best scenic overlooks in the park, including Yavapai Point and is the focal point for most people who are visiting the Southern Rim.  From here you can access the many activities on offer, including helicopter tours, horseback rides, a scenic train ride, and mule trips. If you are planning to hike and camp, then you will need to purchase a permit.  Most of the trails are permit free if you are just hiking for the day.

Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The Bright Angel Trail in one of the most popular trails and originates in Grand Canyon Village and descends 4380 feet down to the river.  It is regularly patrolled by Park Rangers so help and assistance is never far away should you need it.  You don’t have to walk the whole thing, you could turn round at 1.5 or 3 miles along the 9 mile plus route if you just want to hike just for a day. Should you choose to do the whole trail, then you will need to camp or rent a cabin at the bottom.  It takes a good 5 or 6 hours to hike and its slower coming up than going down.

Grand Canyon – South Rim, Arizona, USA

For visitors who aren’t up for a hike into the canyon and driving round winding roads and seeking out parking space and finding change for the parking fee sounds like stress. You might be better off relying on the park’s free shuttle buses, they transport visitors along the rim of the canyon, stopping at many vantage points, giving you great views along the ways. Many of the restaurants in the area also have fantastic views of the Canyon.

Whilst the Southern Rim is open all year, the quieter Northern Rim is only open for the summer. The Northern Rim is where you will find hardy campers and hardcore hikers.  There is a lodge and one camping ground.  If you are not a hiker, then you can take the scenic Northern Rim drive which includes a visit to Point Imperial which is the highest point of the Northern Rim at 8,803 feet.

Grand Canyon – North Rim, Arizona, USA

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An der schönen blauen Donau

The literal translation is “On the Beautiful Blue Danube”.  It is known in the English speaking world as “The Blue Danube”. It is one of Johann Strauss II most famous pieces.  The video below is the instrumental version.  There is also a choral version which starts “Danube so blue, “so bright and blue.  Personally, I have only seen the Danube a murky brown!

https://youtu.be/iOD2tvNuzig

The Danube has its origins in the Black Forest and flows for 1,785 miles until it reaches the Black Sea.  On its travels it passes through 10 countries. Due to its length you will find a wide range of river cruises to suit individual travellers’ interests and lengths of holiday required.

The majority of cruises focus on the German, Austria, Slovakian and Hungarian sections of the Danube.  It is possible to travel the full length of the Danube, but this usually involves a transfer in Budapest.

Regensburg – Germany

Starting in Germany, Regensburg is usually the first town of any Danube cruise. Since 2006 it has been UNESCO listed city.  Here you will find 11th- to 13th-century architecture – including the market, city hall and cathedral.  Surprisingly you will find the old town dominated by tall buildings as the rich merchants of centuries gone-by would build taller and taller buildings, to outdo their competititors.  Travellogs will be back to visit Regensburg in more detail at a future date.

Passau – Germany

Next stop for most will be 2000 year old “City of the Three Rivers”, Passau. Sited on the confluence of the Inn,  Ilz and Danube.  It is noted for gothic and baroque buildings and it is because of these it is sometimes also referred to as the “Venice of Bavaria”.  Most visitors will head for St Stephan’s Cathedral.  A church has been on this site since 703 and it is home to the largest organ in Europe.  Concerts are held daily at none, except on Sundays.

St Stephen’s Cathredral – Passau – Germany

From Passau it’s possible to fit in a day trip to Salzburg and in fact some of the Rhine cruises actually include this beautiful city in their itineraries not crossing the border into Germany but rather staying in Austria.  As with Regensburg we will return to Salzburg at a future date.

As you cruise south along the Danube you will stop off at Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest, all places that we have visited recently here on Travellogs. Please click on the links to visit them.  

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