Euro-Adventure 2017: Expectations

 Last post, I formulated the plan.

Since I know what I'm doing now, I've got some awesome experiences in mind.  I love museums. These days, people love talking about immersing themselves in a foreign culture while traveling; I don't think that's truly possible if you don't have any knowledge of that culture's history or environment beforehand.

Before we board the ship, I'm spending a couple nights in Brussels. I always keep day to day sightseeing relatively flexible, but I generally plan for a few major sights along with some spontaneity.  There are a few museums I really want to see.

• Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate | (Wiki link)
• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History | (Wiki Link)
• Autoworld | (Wiki link)

The name listed above opens a link to their respective website, the Wiki Link beside is separate and opens the Wikipedia page.

I fully anticipate our time on-board the river cruise to be an astounding experience. The itinerary I selected sails on multiple rivers, through a collection of small German towns and villages.  A river cruise is absolutely the most efficient way to see this part of Germany. I'm going to write a summary of each day on the trip, and I'll post those individually here. Stay Tuned!

After we disembark, we'll train to Prague.  Although Prague is today's capital of the Czech Republic, it is the historic capital of Bohemia.  Prague Castle is the primary point of interest for any visitor. The castle is a large complex (750,000 square feet), comprised of churches, palaces, and halls. Initial construction began in 870. The Presidential residence is also at Prague Castle.  Along with Prague Castle, the Old Town square is a must see, with the oldest operational astronomical clock in the world as the center-piece.

• Prague Castle | (Wiki Link)
• Lobkowicz Palace | (Wiki Link)
• St. Vitus Cathedral | (Wiki Link)
• Astronomical Clock | (Wiki Link)

The name listed above opens a link to their respective website, the Wiki Link beside is separate and opens the Wikipedia page.

Brussels and Prague are both great cities to spend a couple days in.  As home to the EU parliament headquarters, Brussels is a modern day mixing pot of European peoples.  Belgium in general is a great destination for American tourists, often overlooked for Amsterdam and Paris as starting points for European river cruises. Prague is one of the most popular destinations worldwide for Americans. The rich history, unique culture, and concentrated wealth of museums and sightseeing opportunities make Prague a must-see city.

Needless to say, I have high expectations for these two cities and I'm confident they'll deliver.