Viking River Cruise ( Part 1)

Let me take my readers to my another very adventurous journey, to a wonderful River Cruise in Europe . River cruises are very different from ocean Cruises ,as you are always near the habitation & not in amidst of the  vast unending body of water . I have done couple of Ocean cruises as well as a River cruises. My first River Cruise was in Russia . It was on Mighty River Volga —- our journey was from Moscow to St. Petersburg .The cruise was extremely enjoyable & educative . But now we are going to talk about my Viking River Cruise on the River Danube . I found Viking Cruise Company very profesional & Technology savvy . 

  Me , and my friend Sue Malik , took a United Airline flight from LAX to Prague ( Check Republic) — a land tour for 3 days as an extension tour offered by Viking Travel Company . We were very happy to find that our hotel Hilton was centrally located in the beautiful city of Prague. Viking staff was very hospitable & helped us with  all the travel arrangements we had decided to take . You know Viking Travels make a personal portal for all the guest & one can log on to note all the details of when ,where ,what time , duration , details of the cite we were going to visit . Our local guides were very knowledgeable & professional, very helpful to us at all times . We were given hearing aids so that we can listen to all the explanations narrated by our guides 

. Prague is like a diamond in the trajectory of Historical landmarks of Europe, History comes through its Breathtaking Landmarks and diverse architectural styles. There are stories from its medieval beginnings to its vibrant present, museums, cycling through the street gliding along the Vltava River.

Prague , capital city of Czech Republic is bisected by the Vitava River nicknamed “ the City Of Hundred Spires” it is known for its old Town Square , the heart of its historic core , with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches ,and the medieval Astronomical Clock ,which gives an animated hourly show .

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PRAGUE CASTLE 

Prague castle is the  collective name for an aggregation of palaces , churches,offices,fortifications,courtyards and gardens in Prague.It is sprawled on an area of 43.5 Square miles. It is sitting on the hill , built in the 9th century for Prince Borivoi . 

CHARLES BRIDGE 

Charles Bridge , spanning the Vitava River with 16 pillars, is rich in status & decorative lamps . It is possibly the most iconic Prague landmark . It goes back to 14th century , nearly half a kilometer long , made of stone . It is always very crowded, a pedestrian only bridge . No visit to Prague is complete without crossing the Charles Bridge . It connects Prague & old town . We were instructed not to lose each other’s hands as one can easily be pushed around & fall . All the visitors are busy clicking pictures with the varios sculptures beautifully made on the pillars . Small vendors were selling their very arty souvenirs , we too bought few & clicked some pictures. 

WENCESLAS SQUARE 

Wenceslas Square is one of the main city squares and the center of the business & cultural communities in the new town of Prague . 

KUTNA HORA CHURCH :-

This place is about one & half hour drive city east of  Prague . It is known for the Gothic St. Barbara’s church. 

So we did visit the market to buy some souvenirs for back home for family & friends . But we could not get any thing local , actually these days where ever we go for shopping, markets are selling only items made in China . It is really surprising that Chinese people make all the items ——- small purses . Keychains, magnets , crockery—-putting “ logos “ of the country where they are selling . I have visited many countries & bought items from all countries—- same old story . The quality of manufacturing is also sometimes different . Things bought from USA ,UK may be Chinese made but the quality is definitely better. 

From Prague we were going to Budapest, Hungry. This journey was for about 6-7 hours by motor coach . 

It was very comfortable . The driving distance fromPrague to Budapest is about 350 miles. We crossed many small towns—— Bratislava , Kutna Hora & Bruno . Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia , a charming city along the River Danube. We did not stop anywhere for site seeing , took one break for lunch . We were excited to see new county Hungry, especially its capital , Budapest. 

  Viking Cruise company is very professional, our visit to Prague was part ( Extension Tour ) of Danube River Cruise. This Cruise run from Budapest to Bucharest ( Romania ) up & down . Some tourist start from Bucharest & some start from Budapest. We were to start from Budapest. 

  So friends , we settled in our new hotel in Budapest in the evening. We had to take the city tour the same evening. 

  I will continue with this spectacular tour in my next Blog ——- Viking Cruise Part 2 

 Good bye .