Showing posts with label European River Cruises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European River Cruises. Show all posts

8/23/2022

Traveling Solo | Burgundy & Provence | Avignon to Lyon

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Travel dates: July 26- August 8, 2022

 Solo train ride from Lyon to Avignon, July 26.

Travel is like many other things in life – we get what we put into it. So much of the pleasure of travel is the dreamy anticipation: plotting the route, learning the history and culture, imagining the sights, and stumbling upon new discoveries. But what about travel life after a global pandemic?

Our world was shut down for 2.5 years, when a mysterious global coronavirus altered our lives in ways we never imagined. Our personal and travel lives were abruptly retooled, realigned, and put on hold indefinitely. For months, we could only connect with friends and business associates over Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime; and certainly, travel was restricted, and international borders were closed.  Our life was reimagined into something we didn’t choose. There was plenty of angst; the who, what, when, and where with the pandemic crisis looming for months and years to come.

The countdown app on my iPhone reads 883 days since my last international travel adventure.  Today in 2022, things are looking brighter and hopeful, and the anticipation of travel has returned to this solo traveler, and she is off to revisit the south of France. Where I will travel by plane, train, or foot, and eventually join a European River Cruise on the Rhône River.

As borders reopen and the method we exchange travel documents, check-in at airports, and border control has been changed forever; packing one’s patience is essential. Forging ahead into this journey is exciting once again. Travel lifestyles are changing, and we will adapt.

My travel adventure begins by arriving in Lyon, France, where I board the TGV inOui going south to Avignon. It has been thirteen years since I’ve been in the South of France, so renewing my memories and solo travel is top of mind. The train makes three station stops en route; Valence considered the gateway to the South of France and the capital of Drome in the Rhone valley, and Montélimar, where Chateau des Adhemar reigns over the city, and the third station stop at Orange, where it is famous for its Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.

It's a pleasant ride with all the amenities one would need for a 90-minute train ride, a first-class assigned seat, free Wi-Fi, charging plugs, electrical outlets at each seat, and a window view into the French countryside.           

 

Opéra Théâtre d'Avignon     
 portfolio tab.
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4/11/2022

Traveling Untethered | Bordeaux, France


 Travel is not to be taken lightly - it is a privilege.

Our last international trip was more than 750 days ago before the global pandemic shutdown the world.  Join us as we recap the essence of European river cruising from sophisticated cities to quaint villages.

In 2018 we began at the southern tip of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ended in Venice, Italy. Driving overland 1400-miles, zigzagging through six great nations in central and southeast Europe. All the while navigating the most magnificent stretch of coastline in the world, the Dalmatian Coast. 

 


Miroir d'eau - Bordeaux, France
Water Mirror
Dubrovnik, Croatia

We completed this passage with a smooth transition into Venice, Italy, the Queen of the Adriatic; notably the most beautiful and unique city in the world – a jewel of European Culture.  After nearly a month on the road, we are weary, and ready to embrace our restful and well-appointed European river cruise ship waiting in Bordeaux, France.  Uniworld's River Royale is our home for the next week and is a welcome sight (this ship has since transitioned to S.S. Bon Voyage river ship).

Over the years, we had the pleasure of many bespoke European river cruises. Sailing through Europe’s picturesque riverscapes is simply dazzling. Traveling the waterways offers an enchanting way to see Europe’s charming villages and sophisticated cities, while effortlessly integrating from country to country. Water travel offers guests the unique ability to step off into the soul of these great historic destinations, with ease, grace, and anticipation. 

Having sailed on the blue Danube, the mighty Rhine, and river Rhône, and the ever-romantic Seine while marveling at the mirrored waters of Portugal’s Douro River. Each voyage leaves us with an indelible memory with vivid recollections from Austria to Romania and overland to Istanbul, Turkey. Or where we tasted the terroir of Côtes du Rhône, while tracing the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh.  All the while, we reminisce about gliding untethered on the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers while enjoying world-renowned wines from the Bordeaux and the Médoc region. 

Most river cruises are inclusive, it becomes your floating 5-star boutique hotel, complete with regional tours, gourmet meals, and prestigious wines. Sailings and itineraries run the gamut from romantic and stunning, to awe-inspiring.  What we enjoy most is the variety of itineraries available for river cruisers i.e., active, educational, and leisurely.

One of our most memorable and educational experiences was in Aljmas, Croatia, located along the right bank of the Danube, and looking across the river to Serbia. Where we were transported into the countryside, accompanied by our translator, Paul. Our destination was a pre-arranged, private, in-home lunch at a classified Sobe (so-bays), owned by a multi-generational family offering farm-to-table meals for a nominal fee. Giving tourists a chance to see a more rural side of Croatia and hear their history from locals.

 

    In 2006 the Assumption of Mary Church was rebuilt in an unusual shape and facade -           Aljmas, Croatia. The original Madonna and Child statute was found in the rubble after the Homeland wars.

This family was left with meager means due to the Homeland War, but exuded ambition, determination, and pride in growing and harvesting their food from a small parcel. Our delightful lunch was homegrown and handmade, fresh from the garden. All accented by lively Croatian vs English conversation and remembrances of their strife and struggles during the Croatian War of Independence. There are many educational and enduring stories to be discovered while cruising on Europe’s diverse waterways and beyond.  

 Travel is not to be taken lightly - it is a privilege.

     

 J. Christina is the author and owner of Scribbles and Smiles. Through our blog, we share stories of the wonderful discoveries we have made on our European travels. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on board with their travel jaunts around the world sharing in their blogging endeavor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

 

 



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6/12/2017

Welcome Aboard: Uniworld's River Queen

Welcome Aboard! Today we embark on Uniworld's boutique river ship the River Queen in Amsterdam. Where we will enjoy the next 13 days cruising the mighty Rhine and meandering Moselle rivers. While quietly gliding out of the Netherlands and on to magical destinations, we will admire the riverscapes along five European nations. With daily ports-of-call in Germany, Luxembourg, France, and reaching our final destination ashore in Basel, Switzerland.

Travel with us by boutique river ship, on foot, motorcoach and private transport, while immersing ourselves in the best these regions have to offer. We invite you to travel with ease, grace and anticipation to places some only glimpse on a postcard.

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina


 Have your creative passport stamped and lean into a daydream.... through our words, images and experiences on-board our elegant and stylish European river ship.  Bon Voyage!    


About J. Christina:
J. Christina is the founder, travel writer and hobbyist photographer behind Scribbles and Smiles. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on-board with their travel jaunts around the world - sharing in their blogging endeavors. He supports, encourages, handles gadgetry and embraces the role of assistant - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

After many years of intrepid travel, they thoughtfully opened their treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through their words and images, so others can travel vicariously. J. Christina believes smiling with your eyes is a beautiful thing.

You can read their most recent dispatches from aboard an elegant European river ship, sharing the allure of Europe’s great rivers and their capital cities. Or, follow them through serendipitous discoveries in the Cote d’Azur, where J. Christina captures the essence of two perched medieval villages, Gorbio and Saint Agnes.


J. Christina’s work has been featured on France Today, Bonjour Paris, The Good Life France, and Perfectly Provence.



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6/05/2017

Amsterdam to Basel: Life Is Short - Take The Trip

Join us on


Join J. Christina and travel vicariously as we wing our way to Amsterdam,  to the land of tulips and historical canals.  Where we will enjoy Amsterdam by-day and by-night. After, we will wind  onward to ply the waters of the legendary Rhine and the alluring Moselle rivers. Where together we will set sail through the Netherlands and segue to Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France - onboard Uniworld's boutique river ship, the River Queen.

European river cruising is not our only genre of travel for the next  several weeks.  We plan to dip, dodge, and weave our way around Switzerland by train. Where we will hopscotch around Basel,  Bern, and  Lucerne  and possibly over to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein.

Continue  your travels with J. Christina on the third segment of our bespoke journey as we loop along the Cote d’Azur.  Where we will return to our familiar and beautiful home base in Menton, France.  Amble with us to some off-the-beaten-path medieval hilltop villages, while indulging in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the French Riviera that we so enjoy! Come on along, grab a seat, and enjoy these  dreamy destinations with us.  Life is short - Take the trip.

#Uniworld, #EuropeanRiverCruises, #Iamsterdam
Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Cochem (Ediger-Eller), Luxembourg, Trier, Boppard, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Colmar, Kayserberg, and Riquewihr - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

About J. Christina:
J. Christina is the author and hobbyist photographer behind  Scribbles and Smiles, writing a personal travel blog from the Midwest. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on-board with their travel jaunts around the world - sharing in their blogging endeavors. He supports, encourages, handles gadgetry and embraces the role of in-house editor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

J. Christina’s blogging journey began before the word blog was trending, writing about European travel destinations on share-sites, forums and online journals. After many years of intrepid travel, they thoughtfully opened their treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through their words and images, so others can travel vicariously. J. Christina believes smiling with your eyes is a beautiful thing.

You can read their most recent dispatches from aboard an elegant European river ship, sharing the allure of Europe’s great rivers and their capital cities. Or, follow them through serendipitous discoveries in the Cote d’Azur, where J. Christina captures the essence of a perched medieval village.

J. Christina’s work has been featured on France Today, Bonjour Paris, The Good Life France, and Perfectly Provence.










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6/25/2016

Château d'Abzac - Abzac, France

Set amid 35 hectares of vines, this exceptional château has been in the family of the Baron d'Anglade since 1796. Situated atop a vast terrace of alluvial slit, the estate's terroir is composed primarily of Gunz gravel with a slight trace of clay.  Château d'Abzac produces red and rose' wines. Located 45 minutes northeast of Bordeaux, France.

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina
Château d'Abzac -  Baron Jean d'Anglade -1786


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6/15/2016

Welcome to our travels in Spain, Portugal & Bordeaux, France - June 2016


With great pleasure, J. Christina would like to share the jewels of Spain, Portugal and the Douro River valley wine region with our readers.  We enjoyed an outstanding month of travel: on foot, river ship, motorcoach and private transport to places that will linger in our memories forever.  We had the great privilege to wake up each day to vistas that some only glimpse on a postcard.  Therefore, we invite you to travel vicariously through our images and travel journals at Scribbles and Smiles.

Follow J. Christina on the second half of every traveler’s dream by exploring southwest France - one ancient village at-a-time. Join us as we cruise on the Garonne River and wind through picturesque hamlets, stroll beautiful cobblestone streets, sip regional wines, and climb to the tippy-top of medieval ramparts. Follow J. Christina through Spain, Portugal and France in this series 2016
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7/31/2015

Bamberg, Germany - Stunning colors and architecture in this University city

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina
Bamberg is a town in Bavaria, Germany, located in Upper Franconia . 2012- Serving gelato, strudels and luscious chocolates in Bamberg, Germany -continue to follow our journey here


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5/31/2012

Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic: Floriade with Uniworld River Cruises


Atomium - built for 1958's World Fair in Brussels, Belgium

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina
Arches of Etretat in Normandy
Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina

Eisenhower made R & R camps at Etretat Resort, for some 8,000 U.S. soldiers. The objective was to give the GI's a three day holiday of fun and frolic.  The U.S. is credited for introducing the 3 C’s to Normandy: cigarettes (Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, etc.) chewing gum, and chocolate to the area.


To read more about the Floriade that takes places every ten years and traveling  with Uniworld River Cruise: see tab travel journals
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