Euro-Adventure 2017: The Plan

Last post, I walked through what I wanted to do in Europe this summer.

Now I've got to figure out the best way to do it.  I'm going on a river cruise through Germany, with a couple extra nights before, and a few after the sailing.  There are a few museums I want to see in Brussels, and I've only driven through Belgium, without actually stopping anywhere, so that sounds good. The train through Luxembourg could be nice too; I know it won't be a Fast Train, but it should be a good way to get to some river cruise dock, somewhere.

I need to see Prague. I've sent so many clients to Prague, I really need to go myself. Not just because I tell people to go there, but because I really want to see the astronomical clock, Prague Castle, Lobkowicz Palace, the National Gallery, and the Dancing House.

Which river cruise company to go with? I've sent clients with several different river cruise brands, but who do I go with myself?  I'm most familiar with Ama, Avalon, Tauck, Viking, and Uniworld; Viking Travel regularly sends folks on all of these. They all do an exemplary job and have their own unique characteristics.  This is actually an easy choice for me because I'm intimately familiar with each brand. I'm going with Avalon, they are personally my favorite river cruise company for a few reasons; if you really want to know why, you've gotta ask.

Which itinerary to do? This is the single most important factor for any traveler, whether its an ocean cruise, river cruise, or escorted tour. I always encourage everyone to make the itinerary their primary concern.  River cruising makes finding an itinerary pretty straightforward; there are only so many rivers in Europe. Which one do I pick? You'll see.

Now that I know the plan, I've got to put it all together.

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