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Kashmir Family & Group Tour Packages

Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory located in the northernmost region of India. It is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the country, known for its spectacular natural landmarks and unique historical and cultural heritage. Even though the region has been involved in geopolitical conflict, it has never seen a decline in tourist interest. The union territory is comprised of two regions, the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. There are tons of things one can explore and witness during their visit to Jammu and Kashmir, such as snow-covered mountain peaks, flower-filled meadows, historical gardens, ancient landmarks, spiritual sites and so on. A trip to this union territory of India will offer you one of the most unique tourism experiences of your lifetime. Whether it’s going on a Gondola ride in Gulmarg, spending some peaceful time at Hazratbal Shrine, horse riding in Pahalgam or shopping for local products in Srinagar, you will never run out of things to do in Jammu and Kashmir.

If you are interested in planning your next trip to this fascinating holiday destination in India, consider the Jammu and Kashmir tour packages offered on our page. SOTC offers a wide range of Jammu and Kashmir tour packages to choose from, covering various trip duration criteria and budget segments. With these Jammu tour packages, you can leave the trip planning to the professionals and focus on enjoying your vacations with your loved ones. Head over to our Jammu and Kashmir tourism  guide for more details on the travel destination. For additional information on popular Jammu and Kashmir holiday packages, the best time to visit, available transport options, etc., continue reading further.

Table of Contents

• Most Popular Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages

Quick Facts About Jammu and Kashmir 

Best time to visit jammu and kashmir .

• How to Reach Jammu and Kashmir 
• Best Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir 
• Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir 
• Foods to Eat in Jammu and Kashmir 
• Best Restaurants in Jammu and Kashmir 

Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Jammu and Kashmir 

Best places for shopping in jammu and kashmir , interesting facts about jammu and kashmir.

• People also ask about Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages

Most Popular Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages 2024

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Kashmir is popularly referred to as the “heaven on earth” due to its surreal beauty. So, in order to catch a glimpse of such a paradise and get the best tourism experience, you must schedule your trip properly. Generally, the period between March and August is considered the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir for tourism purposes. These few months are spread between the summer and spring seasons, which offer the perfect overall weather conditions for exploring the region to its fullest. You can always find ideal Jammu and Kashmir tour packages throughout the year on our page. Check out the season-wise best time to visit Kashmir in the following sections.

• Summer in Jammu and Kashmir
• Monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir
• Winter in Jammu and Kashmir

Summer in Jammu and Kashmir 

Summer in Jammu and Kashmir starts in March and lasts till May. Many consider it the best season to visit Kashmir, especially the ones who are not in favour of the harsh chilly weather. The temperature in these months does not go beyond 31 degrees Celcius. Although the days are warm, you might feel cold during nights here even in the summer season. During these months, Mughal Garden comes to full bloom and you can even take a Shikara ride. Kashmir trips get better during these months. Pilgrims longing to visit Amarnath can go for Amarnath Yatra without worrying about encountering extreme cold. You can look for Kashmir tourist packages that are available during these months. Also, to make your travel experience easy during this peak tourism time, consider going for a Kashmir tour package with flight inclusion. 

Monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir 

Jammu and Kashmir usually experience monsoon season from June to September. Even though the temperature during this time remains quite pleasant, the occurrence of frequent rain showers can affect many tourism activities, such as sightseeing, adventure activities, city exploration, shopping, etc. However, monsoon is also an ideal time to visit Jammu and Kashmir as the rain enhances the natural beauty of the region by ten times. Also, the crowd density stays a bit thin compared to the peak summer days and you can get some attractive deals on transports and accommodations. Make sure to check the weather forecast in advance before scheduling your trip during monsoon and pack your essential rain gear to tackle the unannounced rain showers.

Winter in Jammu and Kashmir 

Winter arrives in Jammu and Kashmir in October and lasts till February. You can expect to witness snow all around and the temperature may go sub-zero. Since the union territory is covered under a blanket of snow in these months, you may come across hindrances while visiting many places. Visiting J&K with elderly members of the family during the winter season is not advisable. However, you can still find several suitable Kashmir tour packages that are perfect for this season. In addition, if you are looking to gaze at the beautiful snow-covered landscapes and enjoy winter sports and activities, visiting Jammu and Kashmir during this season can be a great decision. The discounts on hotels and flights that you may get during this period can act as the cherry on top. Make sure to look for a Jammu and Kashmir trip package designed for a winter visit. 

How to reach Jammu and Kashmir 

• By Rail
• By Road

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Jammu and Kashmir for both domestic and international tourists is via air. Depending on your trip itinerary, you can schedule a flight to either Srinagar or Jammu and, from thereon, carry on to your desired destination in the union territory by road. The most common option is the Srinagar Airport, also known as Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport, just 10 kilometres from the Srinagar city centre. It features frequent flights from major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, etc., and reputed airlines like Jet Airways, IndiGo, Air India, etc., operate on this route. The next choice tourists can go for is Jammu Airport, officially called Jammu Civil Enclave, about 5 kilometres from the city centre. It helps connect Jammu city with major parts of India with daily flights. You can also opt for a Jammu and Kashmir trip package that includes flights for a more smooth-sailing travel experience. 

If you are planning on travelling to Jammu and Kashmir by rail, you will have to book your train ticket to Jammu Tawi. Located just 4 kilometres from Jammu city centre, it is the closest railway station to Srinagar. It is the most preferred route chosen by thousands of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir. The station is quite well-connected to major cities in India, along with several long-distance trains operating frequently on this route, like Jammu Tawi Express, Jammu Mail, etc. From the station, you can carry on your journey by road or go for the Jammu to Srinagar flight option, whichever fits your travel requirements.  

One of the most economical ways to reach Jammu and Kashmir is via road. The union territory features a great road network that connects it to major states in India. For instance, you can go for National Highway 1 or National Highway 44 to reach Kashmir from important Indian cities. The renowned Jawahar Tunnel that connects Jammu region to Kashmir Valley also falls on this route. There are also JKSRTC-operated buses that you can opt for, which connect Jammu to Srinagar, Patnitop and other places within the union territory and nearby states. 

Best Places to Visit on Jammu and Kashmir Tours 

There are numerous breathtaking spots in this ‘heaven on earth’ tourist destination in India. Each one is spectacular in its own way and worth a visit. To help you here, we list below the best places to visit in Kashmir . Regardless of which package you are choosing from the Kashmir tourist packages; you need to ensure that these places are featured in it.

Vaishno Devi Shrine

Shalimar bagh mughal garden, indira gandhi memorial tulip garden, drass valley.

Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful Kashmir tourist places you can visit. Located at an elevation of 2,650 metres, it is a renowned skiing destination in India. The surrounding region of this small hill station is covered in vast flower-filled meadows, snow-covered mountains, lush greenery and towering trees. However, the most iconic tourist attraction of this hill town is the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car ride. The view of the Apharwat Peak and the Maharani Temple are two other notable attractions in Gulmarg. For reference, the Pahalgam Gulmarg distance by road is about 139 kilometres.

Srinagar is among the top Jammu and Kashmir tour places that attract tons of visitors throughout the year. It is the summer capital and the largest city in the Union Territory, known for its unique cityscape, massive lakes, enchanting natural beauty, vintage gardens, waterfront views, houseboat stays and traditional markets. The main tourist attractions of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir are Nishant Bagh , Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, Dal Lake, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, etc.  

Pahalgam is a renowned hill station on the banks of Lidder River, in the district of Anantnag. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Union Territory, often seen as a standard inclusion in several Jammu Kashmir tour package plans. Tourists throughout the year visit the Pahalgam to experience the adventure activities the place has to offer and soak in the beauty of the region along with their loved ones. Besides adventure tourism, the small town is also a popular picnic spot in Jammu and Kashmir. The main tourist points of interest in and near Pahalgam include Aru Valley,  Chandanwari, Betaab Valley, Sheshnag Lake, Kolahoi Glacier, etc. 

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for spiritual tours. Also referred to as Vaishno Devi Shrine, the temple is located in Katra, Reasi district and is surrounded by the Trikuta Hills. The Shrine is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi and has become one of the most crucial Hindu pilgrimages sites in the country. Thousands of devotees visit the temple throughout the year, with the peak count being at the time of the festival of Navaratri. During your visit, make sure to learn about the history and legends associated with this holy site.

Located in Srinagar, Dal Lake is one of the most visited Jammu Kashmir tourist places. The massive Lake covers a total area of 18 square kilometres, with its shoreline being bordered by beautiful parks, renowned hotels, alluring houseboats, Mughal-era gardens and so on. Tourists from all over India and the world visit Dal Lake in Srinagar for the famous houseboat stay and Shikara ride experiences. While exploring the majestic Lake on a traditional Kashmiri boat, you can get some of the best panoramic views in the city. 

Located near the shore of the Dal Lake in Srinagar, the Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden is not just famous for its majestic natural beauty but also for its close ties to India's rich history. Spreading over an area of 31 acres, the Garden was built under the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The beautiful layout of the Garden, well-maintained plants, pavilions, pools, fountains, etc., are some of the most notable features of this tourist attraction. You can go for Kashmir tour packages for family that include a visit to this site. 

Opened to the public in 2017, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is one of the best tulip gardens in the world today. You can come across rare types of tulips in this garden including the Queen of the Night. The place also holds a massive annual event between the months of March and May. A visit to this tourist site is often a standard inclusion of many Jammu and Kashmir tour packages. If you want the best experience, consider planning your visit to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden during the time of its annual festival.

The gateway of Ladakh, Drass Valley came into the limelight during the Kargil War. It is now visited by tourists who go for three days long Suru Valley trek. During the peak of the winter season, the temperature drops to as low as -17 degrees Celcius. You can visit the Drass War Memorial to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who were martyred in the Indo-Pakistan War in 1999. If you want to visit this place, you can try to get this included in your Kashmir tourism package.

Located in the southernmost region of the Union Territory, Jammu is often the starting point of most Jammu and Kashmir trip itineraries. The city in itself is a renowned tourist spot, known for its main nearby attractions like Raghunath Temple, Bahi Fort, Peer Baba Dargah, Bagh-e-bahu, Amar Mahal Museum, etc.

Things to do during Jammu and Kashmir Trips

Sightseeing makes only a part of the Jammu and Kashmir tourism experience. Besides soaking in the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the place, make sure to indulge in fun adventure activities during your visit. Here are some examples of the most popular things to do in Jammu and Kashmir .

Shikara rides

Houseboat stay, gondola cable car ride, adventure activities, horse/pony riding , try a local cuisine.

A visit to Kashmir is incomplete without going for the Shikara ride experience. This slow-paced activity involves a ride on a traditional Kashmiri boat and can be experienced at Dal Lake in Srinagar. It is a perfect activity that you can enjoy with your loved ones.

Besides Shikara rides, spending a few days at the traditional houseboats by the Dal Lake is another highly sought-after thing to do in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a one-of-a-kind experience, most notable for the early morning lakeside view along with a cup of warm tea. So, make sure to add a short houseboat stay to your Kashmir tour plan.

One of the most sought-after and fun things to do in Kashmir is to go on a Gondola cable car ride. It is one of the largest and highest cable car projects in the world, based in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. It is a traditional cable car ride divided into three phases. Phase I stretches from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdori Station, Phase II stretches from Kongdori Station to the shoulder of Apharwat Peak, and Phase III is the chairlift phase, connecting Kongdori to Mary’s Shoulder. During the Gulmarg Gondola ride, you can get some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding region and catch a glimpse of the LOC, Nanda Devi and Pir Panjal mountain range.

There are tons of fast-paced adventure activities that you can try during your Kashmir tour, such as paragliding, trekking, mountain biking, etc. For example, if you are looking for adrenaline-rushing group adventures, consider river rafting in Jammu and Kashmir. The various streams in the region are perfect for this high-risk, high-reward activity. Lidder River (Pahalgam) and Sindh River (Sonamarg) are the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir for river rafting. On the other hand, make sure to add skiing and snowboarding to your winter Kashmir travel plan. Kashmir famous places to visit for this adventure are Gulmarg and Pahalgam. 

Horse/pony rides are available across several locations in Jammu and Kashmir. While some offer excursions to the surrounding area, others are meant to offer thrilling experiences to tourists. For example, you can go for relaxing horse riding excursions in Gulmarg, while for a more adventurous feel, consider taking the Baisaran Valley horse riding tour in Pahalgam.

No holiday is complete without shopping! And therefore, Kashmir tour packages do allow enough time for travelers to shop in the local markets and carry some exquisite souvenirs back home. You’ll find tons of local handicrafts as well as local produce such as dry fruits, fresh fruits like apples, cashews and walnuts, and spices like saffron. If you’re fond of apparel, you’re sure to love the traditionally embroidered kurtas for men and women and also the warm and cozy Pashmina shawls.

What is a Jammu and Kashmir tour without trying the local cuisine of the land? Jammu and Kashmir is popular for cuisines such as Paneer Chaman, Kashmiri Saag, Nadru Yakhni, Chicken Pulao, Dum Olav, etc. You cannot miss these dishes on your Jammu Kashmir tour. You can find these served in the meals that come with the Kashmir tourism package.

Foods to Eat during Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages 

Food is one of the most crucial elements of any trip and a Jammu Kashmir tour is no different. In fact, the region is renowned for its lovely aromatic flavors and delectable local cuisine. This is why Kashmir packages include local cuisine-tasting trips and visits to nearby restaurants and hotels to pamper your taste buds. Here are some of the most popular and finger-licking food in Jammu and Kashmir that you must try. You can’t afford to miss these in Jammu and Kashmir tour:

Modur Pulav

Lyodur tschaman.

A proper Kashmiri meal is never complete without indulging in a delicious bowl of Rogan Josh. This gravy-rich, aromatic mutton dish is prepared with a unique mixture of browned onions, yoghurt and regional spices. Its signature taste will leave its mark on your taste buds for the rest of your life.

Dum Olav is a simple yet mouthwatering regional dish that is a prominent part of the renowned cuisine of Kashmir. The ingredients used to prepare this dish include potatoes, yoghurt, local spices, ginger paste, etc. Resembling the look of "Dum Aloo", the rich colour, soothing aroma and flavourful taste of this dish make it a must-try local food item, especially for vegetarians. 

Goshtaba is a renowned regional delicacy that is prepared during grand occasions in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a type of meatball with a spongy texture and a delightful flavour. The main ingredients involved in the preparation process of Goshtaba include freshly minced mutton, cardamom seeds, ghee, curd, chopped onions, and a handful of regional spices. The final dish may look simple but will strike a burst of unique flavours when consumed. 

The name of this food item does great justice in defining the dish. Modur Pulav is a type of sweetened rice and is a famous Kashmiri delicacy. Not just the taste or colour but also the aroma of this dish has won over the hearts of several food lovers across the world. This Pulav dish is made using a variety of ingredients, such as rice, cinnamon, milk, cashew nuts, ghee, almonds, sugar, saffron, etc. Just a spoonful of this Kashmiri-sweetened rice will make you fall in love with the dish.

Matschgand is a delicious local food item that you must try if you are looking for unique non-veg dishes during your Kashmir tour. It is a gravy-heavy dish made with finely minced mutton, mirch powder, desi ghee, fennel powder and a few other local spices from the Kashmir valley. 

Moving over from non-veg items, Lyodur Tschaman is a must-try dish for vegetarians in Jammu and Kashmir. It is prepared by cooking cottage cheese in creamy texture-based turmeric gravy. As simple as it sounds, the mouthwatering aroma and taste of this dish make it one of the most popular foods among tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Best Restaurants to visit during Jammu and Kashmir Trip 

Do try out Wazwan and all the other amazing local delicacies at some of the best restaurants in Kashmir. While you are planning your Jammu and Kashmir itinerary, you can choose the best places to eat depending on the cities you are staying in.

Amritsari Kulcha Hut

Pahalwan’s food court.

Located in Resham Ghar Colony, Jammu, Amritsari Kulcha Hut is a must-visit restaurant if you are looking for delicious North Indian dishes and beverages. The establishment stays open from 8 AM to 6:30 PM every day and serves tasty food within a favourable budget. Some of their must-try food items are Aloo Kulcha, Rajma Ghawal meal combo and Mango Lassi. Make sure to include this restaurant in your Kashmir tour plan.

It is another great place to eat during your Jammu and Kashmir trip, especially if you are staying in Jammu. Known for its good quality food and decent portion sizes, Pahalwan’s serves a delicious range of North Indian dishes, street food items, beverages and desserts. During your visit, make sure to try out their Pav bhaji, Kalari Kulcha and Gulab e Jamun with Ice Cream.

KC Falak in Lal Kuan, Jammu, is another renowned restaurant to dine at during your Jammu and Kashmir trip. Apart from its elegant ambience and spacious seating arrangement, the restaurant is famous for its North Indian and Chinese food menu. Make sure to add a stop to this restaurant in your Kashmir trip plan and try out their Kung Pao Prawns, Thai Coconut Fish Curry and Biryani. 

The picturesque backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir does not fail to allure honeymooners and couples on a Jammu and Kashmir holiday. There are plenty of breathtaking sites in Kashmir alone that make for a perfect honeymoon stay. Here are some of the best places for a honeymoon in Jammu and Kashmir that you are likely to find in most of the Kashmir tour packages.

Srinagar is often the first choice when it comes to the most popular honeymoon destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. It offers the perfect blend of modern cityscapes, heritage sites, religious shrines, natural landmarks, etc. Whether it is shopping for souvenir items, staying at houseboats , strolling around the Mughal-era gardens or enjoying a Shikara ride, you will never come short of romantic things to do with your significant other in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

The quaint hill town in Jammu and Kashmir is another destination popular among newlyweds. The natural flair and tranquillity of the region have made it one of the top Kashmir beautiful places for honeymoon trips. The availability of fun adventures and nearby tourist attractions, like Sheshnag Lake, Lidder River, Chadanwari, Baisaran Valley, etc., has also enhanced the tourism experience in the region.

One of the most fascinating and beautiful honeymoon destinations to visit in Jammu and Kashmir is Sonamarg. For reference, the Gulmarg Sonmarg travel route is about 120 kilometres in length, while the distance from Pahalgam to Sonmarg is about 160 km by road. Nestled at an elevation of 2,730 metres, the place is known for its massive green fields, dense trees, gushing river streams and breathtaking lakes with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Besides sightseeing, you can go for fun adventures with your loved one in Sonamarg. Some of the main attractions of Sonamarg are trekking adventures, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Thajiwas Glacier, etc.

Patnitop is a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir that is popular among honeymooners, thanks to the majestic natural beauty of the region and the availability of fun adventures. You can spend a few days with your loved one in its tranquil environment and check out the nearby tourist attractions, such as Shiva Ghar, Sudh Mahadev Temple, Naag Mandir, Madhatop, Nathatop, etc.

If you and your partner are interested in an offbeat honeymoon destination in Jammu and Kashmir, consider visiting Yousmarg. It is a hill station within the Budgam district, known for its picturesque landscapes, comprised of green pastures, blue water bodies, tall pine trees and towering mountains in the distance. You can easily get ideal honeymoon Kashmir packages that include a stay in Yousmarg.

Gurez Valley

Known as one of the most romantic Jammu Kashmir tour places, Gurez Valley is a great choice for honeymooners. The mystical beauty and peaceful environment of the region are highlighted by the presence of lush greenery, tall mountains and smooth-flowing rivers. Besides exploring the place with your partner, you can also catch a glimpse of the spectacular Nanga Parbat on a clear day from this valley. 

Before you head home from your Kashmir trip, you ought to buy a couple of local souvenirs to cherish the beautiful memories of your stay. Thankfully, there are tons of places to shop around in Kashmir, all easily accessible by most hotels that you choose to stay in. Many of the shopping places are also included in the Kashmir tourist packages as part of the activities. So, as you choose from the Kashmir packages, make sure you opt for the one that has the best shopping places included in it.

Royal Kashmir 

Floating market.

• Raghunath Bazaar

Located in Jammu city, Heritage Bazaar is your one-stop destination for all traditional and ethnic Kashmiri embroidery wear shopping. Best prices and best designs for kurtas, kurtis, and phirans (the signature Kashmiri wear for girls and women), Heritage is popular and mostly a part of the Kashmir tourist packages. And if it is already featured in the Kashmir tourism package that you chose, make sure you shop till you drop.

A visit to Kashmir is incomplete without getting a taste of its rich dry fruit treasure. All dry fruits are organically grown and 100% authentic to Kashmir. They are also preservative-free and natural. What’s more, you actually get to taste a sample before deciding to buy any of the dry fruits. Therefore, make sure to visit this shop during your stay in Srinagar and get a healthy and thoughtful gift for your loved ones. 

This is a rather interesting feature of shopping in Jammu and Kashmir and you simply can’t afford to miss it either. The Dal Lake is home to a unique Floating Market, which by the way is also one of its kind in India and is often found included in the Kashmir tourist packages. Locals ride atop long, narrow boats selling fresh produce and lovely flowers to tourists and visitors enjoying boat rides on the lake. No matter what, you must visit this floating market by having this place added to your Kashmir tourism package. 

Raghunath Bazaar 

Whether you want to buy souvenirs or wooden carvings, Raghunath Bazaar is a perfect shopping destination to visit. By getting this added to the Kashmir tourist packages, you can buy items like flower vases, pen stands, wall hangings, lampshades, etc. It is about a kilometre from the Jammu city centre and a must-visit place for gift and souvenir shopping on a budget.

While you mark your calendars for the Jammu and Kashmir visit, go through the following lesser-known facts about the place for more insight into the destination:

• Various religions have contributed to the cultural heritage of Kashmir, including Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.
• Covering a total length of 11,215 kilometres, the Pir Panjal railway tunnel of Jammu and Kashmir (also called the Banihal-Qazigund railway tunnel) is the longest railway tunnel in India.
• Historical records suggest that Kashmir used to be the favourite vacation spot for various Mughal emperors.
• Besides Kashmiri, the other prominent languages spoken across Jammu and Kashmir include Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Hindi and even a little bit of Punjabi. 
• The first-ever floating post office in India was founded on a houseboat located at the western edge of Dal Lake, Srinagar. 
• Gulmarg, the renowned tourist spot and skiing destination in Jammu and Kashmir, was originally referred to as Gaurimarg. The local shepherds named it in honour of the Hindu deity, Goddess Parvati. 
• Lake Wular, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Asian continent, is located in Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the largest tulip garden in all of Asia, is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

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People also ask about Jammu and Kashmir Travel Packages

What is the best time for kashmir trips.

Though the 5 months between March and August are considered favorable for a Jammu and Kashmir holiday, the ideal time would be from March to June when the climate is pleasant.

How many days are needed for Kashmir tours?

You can choose your own Kashmir tourism package and even customize one based on your requirements; however, it’s a good idea to plan Jammu and Kashmir trips for at least 1 week to fully capture its exquisite beauty. If you go with Kashmir tour packages for family with flight, you can save a lot of time in transport, which will leave you with more headroom to explore the region.

How far is Pahalgam from Gulmarg?

For travel reference, the Gulmarg Pahalgam route covers a total distance of 139 kilometres. Most Kashmir packages for couples include a short stay at Pahalgam as a standard inclusion. 

What is the best month to visit Kashmir for snow adventures?

Many tourists consider November the best month to visit Kashmir for snow adventure activities.

Which are the best places for shopping in Kashmir?

There are several places to shop around in Kashmir. You can definitely consider the Floating Market at Dal Lake which is unique and the only one in India, besides Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and others.

Which are the famous National Parks in Kashmir?

Kashmir is also home to a wide variety of fauna. The 4 popular national parks in the valley are Dachigam National Park, Salim Ali National Park, Kazinag National Park, and Kishtwar National Park. The Hemis National Park is now in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

What is the average Kashmir trip budget?

The average Kashmir trip budget for a short trip can cost you anywhere between INR 28,000 to 38,000.

How do I plan Jammu and Kashmir tours with SOTC?

All you need to do is visit the SOTC website, choose your preferred Jammu And Kashmir tourism package, let us know your dates of travel, and proceed with booking a Kashmir tourism package of your choice. We offer plenty of reasonably priced Kashmir tour packages, including hotel stays, sightseeing, and more.

What are the unique cultural experiences that Jammu and Kashmir offer?

Jammu and Kashmir is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Some of the unique cultural experiences that you can enjoy in Jammu and Kashmir include attending a Kashmiri wedding, participating in a traditional Wazwan feast, visiting a local artisan workshop to witness handicraft making, and exploring the region's Sufi music and dance.

What are the best ways to immerse in the local life of Jammu and Kashmir?

To immerse in the local life of Jammu and Kashmir, you can opt for a homestay experience, interact with the locals, participate in community events and festivals, explore the local markets, and indulge in local cuisines. You can also visit the rural areas of the union territory to experience the simple life of the locals. You can find well-planned Kashmir travel packages that offer this type of tourism experience. 

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My Top Ten Photos of 2023

You didn’t expect me back so soon, did you?. I have to admit that I have never had such a busy December on this blog. We never ( in the past ) go anyplace in December…at least, we don’t usually go anywhere that I want to take photos of or write about.

But it is New Year’s Eve, so that means I need to post my annual “Top Ten Photos I Took in 2023.” So, without further ado, here they are. You have seen all of them before except one. I will let you try and figure out which one that is.

Honorable Mentions

It is really hard to decide on the Top Ten, so I give myself permission to have a bunch of honorable mentions. I will caption directly on these photos and show them to you in a gallery. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

WAIT! One other thing. If you are looking at these on a tablet or computer monitor, please turn your brightness up all the way. 

Number 10—The Parliament Building in Budapest

This was one of the more than 300 photos I took of this building earlier this month. Even harder than choosing my Top Ten was choosing which one of these shots to post here. The building just pulls you in. Night and day. If you see it and you have a camera in your hand, you want to take a photo of it. And at night, the attraction is worse!

Number 9—Cape Breton Church

I think what makes this photo ( more than anything else ) is the sky. We were VERY LUCKY to be visiting Cape Breton’s Highland Village on a glorious sunny day. This is another building that kept calling me to take its photo. And unlike the Budapest Parliament, I could walk around this church and catch it from every angle. This one was the best. The clouds makes it work.

Number 8—Lipizzan Stallion in Vienna

We were in Vienna earlier this month when we visited the Spanish Riding School, home of the incredible Lipizzan Stallions. We weren’t allowed to take photos in the actual stables but we were allowed to take them in an outer courtyard where there were windows into a few of the stables. This guy ( enticed by our guide ) stuck his head out. I chose this one because I love the technical quality. I was close enough and shooting with a low enough ISO that you can see individual hairs. And yes, that L-shaped mark is actually on him. I keep trying to wipe it off. I took it off in Photoshop but decided it was better to leave it. Still not sure if I should have.

Number 7—Tram #28

Probably the most famous of the tram lines in Lisboa, Portugal, is #28. It has the most turns and the most ups and downs of any of the tram lines. I have to say that I walked most of the line one day or another during our stay earlier this month. Of all the photos I took of the car itself, I like this one the best.

Number 6—The Cemetery in Vienna’s Jewish Ghetto

If you look back at my photography over the last ten years you will see less than ten photos in black and white. And six of those come from this month. Of all of them, this shot I took in Vienna earlier this month was my best. I liked it because of the cold, the snow, the grey skies, the dark trees—they all pushed me to make the photo black and white. BTW: for the non-photo folks out there, this is taken in color but converted to black and white when I process the photo.

Number 5—Cape Breton Farm

I took this photo within about 15 minutes of taking the church photo, which is number nine above. I think this one is better because it is like I went back in time to take it. That’s because the Cape Breton Highland Village is a Living Museum. That means that the docents working there dress up as they would have been in the time frame in their part of the Village. These folks are portraying turn-of-the-century farmers. Again, the sky really helps this photo, but not as much as it does the church. I only think this one is better because it is unusual. I should also add that I have already had this one printed on canvas, and it is hanging over our couch.

Number 4—Lighthouse outside Portland, Maine

When we did our cruise on Oceania’s Vista from Montreal to Miami, I was really looking for a photo that screamed NEW ENGLAND! I think I found it with this one. As we were sailing out, I stood on the upper deck and shot photos of the lighthouse as we went by. This is another one where I think I took upwards of 40 photos of the lighthouse, and this was the ONLY one where you could see the light shining directly at the camera. To me, that makes this photo special.

Number 3—Woman in Lisboa

On our first night in Lisboa, Portugal, I stepped outside the restaurant and saw some amazing holiday decorations I really wanted to photograph. So I walked down the street about half a block and took the photos. As I was turning to leave, I noticed this woman leaning on the wall of the restaurant where we had eaten. I love the look on her face. It is a combination of resignation that her husband is again taking photographs…that she just saw him take a photo of her…and that she still loves him anyway. I can see it in her “almost smile.” That’s what it’s all about, folks. Everything in my life comes together in one photo. I should add that she thinks I should not be using this picture. But this is MY Top Ten, and this one, for me, deserves to be in the Top Three. I mean, really—she is my number one…forever.

Number 2—Portland, Maine Street Scene

There is nothing I value more in photography than light. Great light trumps everything else. But this photo is all about the color, not the light. It is a very unusual photo for me. I don’t usually look for this kind of photo. In fact, when I took it, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. But then, when I saw it on my MacBook screen, I fell in love. I will admit to cropping it a little, but that’s about all I did to it. It is such a great study in yellow ( one of my least favorite colors ) because everything works.

Number 1—A Boat Caught in the Light

Remember what I just said in the previous paragraph about light. Well, this photo proves that I am right. When trying to decide between the two as to which was number one, the light in this photo won me over. That afternoon, as we sailed out of New York City’s harbor, the light was about as perfect as you could get—a great mix of sun, blue sky and intermittent dark clouds. When the sun hit the Tower and then dropped to the water, and then the boat moved right through the sun’s reflection, it was photographic magic.

That about does it for 2023. It has been a great year of travel, of taking travel photos and of getting to share our experiences with everyone who reads this. We will be back in June with a month-long trip to England, Scotland and Norway, and then again in October when we visit Madrid and do a Douro River cruise. And of course, there will be a few posts in between.

Lastly, I welcome your comments about which ones you like. Feel free to tell me what your number one or two are ( if they are different than mine ) in the comment section below.

Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.   —Ansel Adams

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My top ten photos of 2023…is not ready.

Sorry about that last e-mail you got. I hit Save on my blogging program and for some reason it posted it. It was not supposed to so I took it down. I promise it will be back tomorrow. I am just not done with it yet.

Let me sum up…

I am so sorry this has taken me so long. I am back with my final summation of our entire European trip this month. As usual, I will break it down into some categories so it doesn’t look like you have a massive block of text to read all at one time. I welcome any comments about my views, but please realize that they are based on my experience.

We loved Lisbon!

If you read my Lisbon reports , you know that we loved it. It was like the early days of travel for us—just the two of us having a great time in a great city. If there was one thing we didn’t like, it was living out of a suitcase. We loved our tours, the food, the hotel ( especially the hotel ) and pretty much everything else. It is also a very inexpensive place to visit. Oh, we didn’t have a very good time at our Fado dinner. There must be better places. But that was just a minor annoyance.

Our flights and airport experiences

Again, I have detailed these pretty well in this post in my huge rant about Charles DeGaulle Airport in Paris. All the rest of our flight experiences were excellent. We really liked our flights with Delta much more than we did a year ago when we flew with them home from Barcelona.

Prague—ice and cold

After we flew to Prague from Lisbon, we became Viking’s problems as this was part of our pre-cruise extension. Read and see all about it by clicking here . It was an OK extension but we could have done without the ice and snow. I know that Viking can’t do anything about ice and snow, but they can figure out a way for people who are not great walkers when it is dry and warm to see some of the city’s sights. Viking offers an “included excursion” for every day of an extension and for every port on a cruise. But to only have an excursion that on a dry and warm day would be “challenging” leaves out a huge part of their clientele and those that shouldn’t attempt it but do hold back those that can handle it.

But other than my complaint about shore excursions, we loved Prague. It was a great hotel with a great breakfast; we found a super place for dinner, thanks to a friend here in Redmond, and the tours we were able to take were pretty darn good.

Nuremberg —worst hotel, best tour of the entire trip

Viking should immediately stop using Le Méridien Grand Hotel. Yes, it is very well situated, but it is so old and out of date, they need to find something better. Our room was tiny and felt like a cell, not a room. There was one elevator to serve more than 200 rooms. The restaurant was never open to guests for lunch or dinner, so we ended up eating in the bar ( where the menu was as small as our room ). Their breakfast was good, but that can’t make up for the rooms and the fact that there was no place to eat. If you do any pre-extension with Viking, make sure to pre-book your restaurant reservations for dinner yourself. If you get there and find you can’t get into any place, check with your tour manager (who works for Viking) and see if they can find you somewhere. That worked for us in Budapest.

But in Nuremberg, I went on the best tour of the entire trip. If you go, do the WWII Nuremberg tour. If you can get Werner as your guide, you will have hit the jackpot. His knowledge and understanding of the topic are encyclopedic, and he was great with the delivery—a born storyteller.

The Cruise—from Regensburg to Budapest on Viking Gulveig

This was our first river cruise, and I have to say we truly enjoyed it. It is quite different from an ocean cruise, and we are looking forward to our next one on the Douro River in Portugal next October. It will be a really different experience than the ice and frigid cold we experienced on this one.

The cruise (as you may recall) was billed as Christmas on the Danube—Europe’s Christmas Markets. I don’t know what I thought the Christmas Market thing would be, but it wasn’t that. My expectations were that once we were in Europe, we would be Christmased to death. We weren’t. If anything, it was almost the opposite. As much as I loved the ship, it just wasn’t very festive. We saw a lot of other riverboats/ships, and 90% were better decorated for Christmas than ours was. And there was little to no Christmas music on board. The piano player would drop one or two holiday tunes into his nightly repertoire, but that was it.

And the Christmas Markets were pretty much all alike. The ones we saw in Lisbon were our favorites, followed by the ones in Budapest, but otherwise, they were all about the same. The same merchandise, the same foods, the same crowds, the same drinks. It truly was a case of if you have seen one, you have seen them all. And Viking felt we wanted to see them all for three or four hours. I don’t know what I was supposed to do at a Christmas Market for that amount of time.

Getting back to the ship, our stateroom was excellent. We had a typical verandah, which is tiny by ocean ship standards ( 205 square feet with the verandah ), but it was so well-designed that we barely noticed. The bed was much more comfortable than the bed we had on our Viking Ocean cruise in October 2022. We had plenty of storage, and by the time we got to our stateroom (after being in three hotels in the last ten days.

Things we loved about the cruise and the ship

• Embarkation was amazing and easy. We arrived from Nuremberg, got off our “luxury motor coach,” and went right onto the ship. We ( about 40 of us coming from the extension ) gave them our credit card info and got our room keys in less than 10 minutes. Then, every person was escorted directly to their stateroom by a crew member. We got Natalia from Poland. She later turned out to be one of our servers in the dining room. She was so great, showing us how everything in our stateroom worked and telling us how to get help if we needed it. She stayed and talked for about 15 minutes, asking about us and seeing if there was anything else she could do for us. What a treat! Best embarkation ever.
• The main dining room was surprisingly spacious. But unlike ocean cruises, you better like to meet people because there are NO tables for two. There aren’t even tables for four. There are tables for six, eight or ten people. That’s it. But that worked for us. We were thrilled to have meals with new friends, especially our new friend from New Hampshire, Carol.
• We never had to wait for an elevator. Because we really didn’t have to. There are only three levels on a Viking longship. And the only reason to go below level two is if you have a stateroom on deck one. We were on deck two (stateroom 213), so we never went down to one. The main dining room is on deck two as well, so we could have eaten all our meals and never even gone upstairs if we didn’t want to. But the top deck had the only lounge and a small buffet. We went up for drinks most nights and to hear what Debra, our Program Director, told us what was on tap for the next day.
• Dinner times were interesting. By that, I mean that they were later…or earlier. They changed every day. They were usually close to 7:00 pm but, one night (because of an after-dinner concert in Vienna that many attended), dinner was at 5:30. Other nights, if there was a late shore excursion coming back to the ship, it might be as late as 7:30 (which is really late for us).

Things we would love to see changed

These things are going to be really picky. Why? Because Kathleen and I could only think of some minor annoyances that we didn’t like.

• The pianist in the lounge was too loud! Why do cruise lines, restaurants, and pretty much every public lounge or bar think we want to hear loud music every single second of the day? We met some great people on this cruise—people we would have loved to have traded travel stories with. But most of the time, when we were in the only lounge on the ship, we couldn’t hear people sitting directly across from us talk. The pianist thought that louder was better, and he played one of those electronic pianos that made him the entire band, and he liked to show it off. Not to mention the fact that he barely played any Christmas music. TURN HIM DOWN PLEASE!  During the rest of the day there is excellent recorded music playing in the lounge. At a low volume. Low enough that you can have a conversation. We would have loved to have that in the evenings. If you read my review of our ocean cruise on Oceania’s Vista in October, you know I complained about that on that ship as well. On Viking Ocean ships, there are many places to go and. have a nice, quiet drink with conversation. But river ships only have one lounge, and if Mr. Loud is playing the piano, you are screwed.
• Laundry service was highway robbery. By the time we boarded the ship, we had been on the road for ten days. We needed to send some things out to get clean. We knew there was a chargeable laundry service on the ship, but not one that charged $4 to wash a pair of socks, $7 to wash a pair of jeans or $6 to wash a tee-shirt. We ended up sending out six items, and the bill was $42. That’s HORRIBLE!
• Rafting was fine, except once when it was UNSAFE! If you aren’t familiar with rafting ( as it pertains to river ships ), it is when two, three, or four of these very long ships tie up to each other. Then, if your ship is the second, third or fourth ship out from the dock, you cross through the lobby area of each of the inside ships to get to yours. It’s not a big deal, and you can look at the other ships a little. But this kind of rafting only happened with other Viking ships. The one time we were rafted with a non-Viking ship, we had returned from Munich, it was very dark and we were not allowed to cross through the other ship’s lobby. We had to climb to the top ( observation/sun ) deck, cross over and climb down into our ship. This meant climbing some slippery stairs, crossing over an icy deck, then onto a very narrow gangplank between the ships ( three stories off the water ) across our ship’s icy deck and then back down some more slippery steps. This should not happen.
•   The lunch on embarkation day was just wrong . We left Nuremberg at 11:00 am (too early for lunch). We arrived at the ship at 2:00 pm and were told that there was a buffet lunch in the lounge on deck three. That lunch was really sparse. And really poor. They need to improve this situation. Better scheduling ( leaving Nuremberg earlier or later ) would help.

As you can see, we are nitpicking here. It was a great cruise with four tiny blips. All of them are easily fixable.

Viking Shore Excursions

I have already mentioned that our pre-cruise tours were outstanding. And our post cruise tours were even better when we got to Budapest. But I want to run through the ports really quickly. You can always go back for a more in-depth look in previous posts.

• All the tours on this cruise were better than any of the tours we took on our Viking Ocean cruise in the Mediterranean back in 2022.
• The worst guide was the guy we had in Regensburg. His job was to show us around the city in about 45 minutes. What he did was get us off the ship on back streets, told misogynistic jokes as we walked, took us to see nothing really interesting and then left us in the middle of town saying, “The river is over that way. Just get there and turn right.” WTF? He should never be used again.
• The second worst was the guide who took us to Munich. He was just okay as a guide, but what he or Viking did to us was not. This was the day that we enjoyed going to the BMW headquarters and then downtown Munich and then a very nice lunch. But after that, we were just told we had three hours of free time and no place to go to get out of the cold. That was WRONG! No one needs to shop for three hours, especially on a Sunday when all the shops in the old town core were closed. The only real option for shopping was the Christmas Market but how many ornaments can you buy or how much mulled wine could you drink ( and still find your way back to the bus ). This needs to change.
• Some of the excursions were just “fine.” They were nothing to write home about. The tours on the extensions were much better than those on the cruise, except for maybe the “Panoramic Budapest” tour that we took with the hilarious Barbie. The rest were either bad ( like the first two above ) or just “fine.”
• It would be VERY hard to do private tours. On an ocean ship, we would just have done private tours, but I am just not sure if you could do that on a river cruise. The reason you would have a hard time doing that is that you never know where the ship is going to be. For instance, we went to bed in Regensburg with the knowledge that the next morning, we would still be in the same place. If we had been doing a private tour, we would have told our guide to meet us there and then found out where we could rejoin the ship. But when we got up, we were miles down the river because the ship had to move quickly to get under some low bridges just outside Regensburg. This was NOT Viking’s fault. The river levels cannot be controlled. When we got up that morning, we were going to Munich. The ship just pulled over, tied up in the middle of nowhere, and we got off and met our “luxury motor coach” on a very rural road.
• I make jokes about “luxury motor coaches,” but that really didn’t apply to the buses we rode on during this cruise. They truly were luxury motor coaches: great seats, lots of legroom, places to put anything you carried. We had been dreading the long bus rides from Prague to Nuremberg and from there to Regensburg, but they were very nice. And they planned restroom breaks when needed. I would have no problem taking them again. Much better than on our Viking Ocean cruise in October 22.

Our last ocean cruise on Oceania’s Vista in October 2023 was all about the food. The rest of the cruise was nice, but I wrote a lot about the food, as I do on many of our cruises. On this cruise, we had very little to complain about food-wise. Our servers were outstanding. Breakfast in the dining room was a buffet, but you can also order from a really nice menu.

We had only one complaint about the food in the entire cruise. Jamie and I ordered fish and chips one day, and we sent it back. The fish had sat too long and had turned to rubber instead of being crisp. That may have been more of a service thing than a cooking thing. We do wish that the chef had some heartier soups. When you come in from a cold excursion and go to have lunch and all the soups are just broth, you kind of wish for a nice clam, corn or potato chowder.

Other than that, the food was great. Lots of variety, lots of interesting dishes. My brother said it passed the “Steve Test.”

Beautiful Budapest

If you have been following along for the last three weeks, then you know we LOVED Budapest: great tours, a very nice hotel with an amazing view, and a super tour coordinator. Only one guide was truly horrid, and we have already forgotten the horrible Lazlo. If you missed my detailed reports on Budapest, they start here.

The Final Word

And that does it. I hope you have enjoyed coming along on this trip. We had a great time; it only felt like we had hit a wall a few times and would do it again ( but NOT a Christmas Market cruise ). We are going back to do another river cruise in October. But for my faithful readers, stick with us. We are off to England, Scotland and Norway in June for almost a full month. And, of course, a few posts before that.

Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.  —Louis E. Boone.

I just can’t figure airports—especially this one

We had originally purchased seats on Air France from Seattle to Lisbon via Paris and then home from Budapest to Seattle, again via Paris. Our original flights had a four-hour layover at Charles DeGaulle Airport ( CDG–above ) on our way out and a three-hour layover at CDG on the way back. I liked that. I thought it was a good amount of time to transition from one plane to another.

But then Air France canceled our flight. Well, they didn’t really cancel it; they moved us via a codeshare to Delta ( that means that we were flying on a Delta plane but under an Air France ticket ), flight 80 on the way out and 81 on the way back. We would still be on the same Air France flights from Paris to Lisbon and Budapest to Paris. On the front end of the trip, our schedule pretty much stayed the same, but on the way home…not so much. We went from a three-hour layover to a 95-minute layover. My friend Mike had warned me that CDG was not an easy airport, and I was really worried about it. Air France offered us a complete refund, but that would mean finding another flight less than two months before the trip. And those tickets would cost us almost three times the amount we had paid for the original flight. Plus, we would lose the flights to Lisbon and from Budapest…so we took the Delta offer and knew we would just have to move our butts.

Our flights coming to Euorpe weren’t too bad, but our experience at CDG on the way to Lisbon was not. You can read the post about that by clicking here . But on the way back, things went very bad.

I had been tracking both these flights on FlightAware.com before the cruise. If you have not used FlightAware before, you can plug in a flight and see how on time that flight is each day for about a week back. I tracked them both for more than a month—checking their on-time performance every day. I felt better seeing that our flight from Budapest to Paris was usually either on time or early. As it was the first flight of the day, we felt pretty confident we would get to Paris on time. And Delta flight 81 was also pretty much on-time most days. That didn’t make me that happy. I would rather see it being a little late so we had more time to transition at the airport.

How worried were we about making the flight to Seattle? So worried that we looked at videos of how to move from the E gates ( where intra-Europe flights land ) to Terminal M ( where flights outside of Europe originate from ). We studied airport maps. We read posts on FlyerTalk. We found a bunch of contradictions about what we would have to go through, but we did understand where we would have to go. Most of these said we should be able to traverse the long walk from the E gates to Passport Control, go through that and then take a train/bus to the M gates, which should take about half an hour to 45 minutes. That would get us to our gate to go home after they had started boarding but before they closed the doors. We weren’t worried about our luggage since we were going home and knew if they didn’t make the connection, they would catch up soon after, and we have clothes at home. Our day was planned, and we went to bed knowing that we might have a stressful trip, but we could do it. Kathleen was still worried about how she would do with her knee.

We got up at 2:00 am, had our luggage ready to be picked up by Viking, loaded on the “luxury motor coach” to the airport by 2:45, and we were downstairs in the lobby, ready to board that bus at 3:00 am. We arrived at the airport at 4:00 am for a 6:20 flight, right on time. We boarded the plane on time. And then…the pilot announced that we needed to de-ice the plane, and that would take about half an hour. We freaked. But then I got a notification from Delta that our flight from Paris to Seattle had been rescheduled to one hour later. YEAH! A flight attendant onboard was great at telling us where our next gates would be, and when we mentioned we were worried about making it to the Seattle flight, she said not to worry too much. There were 24 people on that plane from Budapest going to our flight to Seattle. She said, “They aren’t going to want to rebook 24 people. They won’t fly without you.”

Our flight from Budapest finally left about 45 minutes late. So we had lost 15 minutes of that hour. We had been scheduled to get into Paris at 8:30 am. We arrived at 9:45 and had to get across the airport by 11:30. So off we went. We found our way through the E gates pretty easily, but Kathleen’s knee was already starting to hurt, and we had already walked quite a distance. And then we hit Passport Control.

We had high hopes that being in Business Class there would be a special line for us. And there was. But it wasn’t moving any faster, nor was it any shorter than the other lines. And all of them were going slow. In the meantime, a bunch of people were going up to an airport supervisor, asking to be let in early. He would scan their boarding passes, and if they had less than a certain amount of time, he would let them through. We saw him send 90% of those people back to the end of our line. Of course, they didn’t go to the back of the line; they just kind of blended into the line a few people back. We saw a number of them, who should have been 100 people behind us, get through before we did.

After 45 minutes, we got to where we could see the Passport Control booths, and of course, on a day when there were a lot of late planes due to weather ( ice and cold ), only four of 10 of the booths were operating. I can never figure that kind of thing out. We finally got through, and it was 11:15. We thought we had only 15 minutes to get to the gate, which was quite a ways away. But I got another text from Delta at just about that minute saying that the flight was now delayed until 11:50. We breathed another sigh of almost relief.

From there, we made our way to gate M-29, where our plane was supposed to load. Now, before I continue, I need to tell you what we are carrying between us as we went. Kathleen has her carry-on ( a regular-size carry-on roller ) and her personal item, a bag about one-third the size of a carry-on. She was pushing both on the roller’s wheels. I had my standard roller carry-on and my computer/camera bag as my personal item. Both our carry-ons are standard size and weight, and Kathleen’s personal item wasn’t that big or heavy. But my computer/camera bag weighs about 35 lbs. Half the reason I don’t check the roller bag is because I need it as a dolly for the computer bag. That’s how we rolled through the airport.

So now you know what we had between us, you will know why the next thing that happened really killed us (especially me). When it was time to go down the jetway to our plane, we went about halfway down, and there was a door, and we were directed to go through it and down three flights of stairs to a waiting bus. The plane at our gate, at the end of that jetway was not our jet. With Kathleen’s knees, there was no way she could carry her bags down the stairs. She needed to have her hands free to grab a rail. So I carried them all down—all four bags. No elevators, no escalators, just three flights of stairs going down.

Then, when we got to the bottom, there was a very ugly bus. Most people on it had to stand up. Luckily, Kathleen got a seat while I managed the bags and stood. We literally drove to the other side of the airport. I truly believe the bus ride was approximately 30 minutes. And when we finally arrived we saw that our plane did not have a gate or jetway, just a set of stairs next to the plane. So now I would have to carry those bags up a very long and steep set of stairs while I worried that Kathleen would be able to do it safely as well. And there was no way I could carry all four. She had to take her small one.

To make matters worse, they wouldn’t let us off the bus. They had five buses lined up with everyone on board. And since it was a cold day out, they kept the doors closed. For at least 20 minutes, they just kept us there. Eventually, people yelled so loud about the heat on the bus and the smell of diesel fuel that they opened the doors of the buses, but they still would not let us off. I was truly surprised no one passed out from the heat and fumes.

Finally, someone from Delta came to each bus and said that the food service provider was servicing the plane and we were not allowed to be onboard until he was finished, which he thought would be in about 10 minutes. All this time, most of the people on all five buses were still standing up, trying to hold up their bags. Finally, we were allowed to board the plane. By this time, it was almost 12:30 pm. Kathleen made it up with a minimum of trouble. I still have a sore shoulder from getting those bags up those stairs. The cherry on the whole crappy day was that they had changed planes, so our seats were no longer together. Not a huge deal but it meant I wasn’t right there to deal with getting the carryons up and down from the overhead bins for her. And we couldn’t communicate during the flight without getting out of our seats. We managed.

The flight itself was fine. I watched a couple of movies, worked with some photos, had a nice meal, and drank a lot of water. We landed in Seattle after 3:00 ( supposed to be 12:45 ), got through Customs, we were met by our driver ( who had monitored our flight and knew we were late ), and we were home in our house before 5:00. But what a day—23 hours from waking up in Budapest to unpacking in our home. And to top it all off…it was my 71st birthday. Not one I will soon forget.

See why plane travel makes me feel old…and ruins the end of trips? When I have days like this, I totally get why my good friend Bob hates air travel. I totally understand. Oh, and when I checked this morning on FlightAware, both of those flights had been right on time ( within 15 minutes ) every day before and since. Our particular day was the only one that was different. That’s crazy.

I have one more post to write and this trip is toast. This is just a summary and review of the whole thing, especially the cruise. See you soon—hopefully tomorrow, but more likely the day after Christmas. Lots of cooking and shopping and wrapping to do before then.

Running through airports with pounds of luggage – that’s a good workout. —Rachel McAdams

Nazis, Heroes, Communists, Food and more…

Yes, we had all those things in our last full day in Budapest; we got up late ( after our late-night, worthless tour ), and while Kathleen showered and changed and before we had our hotel buffet breakfast ( included in our Viking post-cruise extension ) I went out for a short pre-dawn photo walk. I hadn’t gotten many of those in on this trip. Really not a single one since we had left Lisbon. It’s not like I hadn’t planned for them. I had maps of the things I wanted to take photos of in that wonderful early morning light. And I had brought clothing to wear along with my boots—I had even planned on the ice and snow we encountered in Prague. What I hadn’t expected was how late the sun would come up. Most of the time, we had someplace we had to be ( usually a tour ) at 8:30. And when the sun doesn’t come up until 7:30 or later, it’s hard to find time to be there when it does.

This day was different as our only tour didn’t start until 10:00 am, so I was able to go out and take photos of the last two major sites I hadn’t seen yet. First up were some close-ups of the incredible Parliament Building I had been taking so many long-distance photos of, and then, while walking back to the hotel, I could visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. We had driven by the Shoes memorial a few times, and I had the chance in on two previous afternoons, but I wanted to be there alone, and usually, it was jammed with people.  If you have not heard of the Shoes on the Danube Bank before, it is a monument to thousands of Jews who were taken from the Jewish Ghetto in Budapest in 1944-45 and killed. The fascist Hungarian Arrow Cross party took them to the edge of the Danube, made them undress and take off their shoes ( which could later be sold ) and then shot them so they fell into the river and were swept away. The memorial is a beautiful tribute to those people. You can read about it by clicking here .

In the meantime, here are the photos I took early that morning. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

For the balance of the day, we had a private tour planned with Melinda from Tours by Locals . If you have been reading my posts, you know that this is a company I have grown to love. Between myself and Jamie and Steve on their London/Paris land trip we have used them on at least 15 tours. I chose Melinda’s tour because in the description of her tour she said, “This private tour is perfect for those who have already seen the highlights and want to explore the city further.” This meant that we could do the tours with Viking, and then I could let her know what we still wanted to see, and she would set us up to go there.

Even though this was a private tour in a van ( not a “luxury motor coach” ), Kathleen was worried that getting in and out of the van and doing what walking we would be doing might make her knee worse. And she was VERY worried ( as was I ) about the next day when we knew we would make a long tramp through Charles DeGaulle airport, not to mention wading through security and check-in here in Budapest. Plus, she was still wiped out after our worthless tour the night before when we didn’t get back until almost 11:00. So she decided to let the other four of us go (our new friend Carol was joining us as well ).

Right on time, Melinda walked into the hotel lobby to collect us. We jumped into a Mercedes van with a driver, and we were off on our four-hour adventure. Our first stop was Heroes Square. On our first-day overview tour with Barbie, we had driven past it, but we wanted to walk around as well as see the castle and seasonal ice skating rink behind it. Heroes Square is packed with amazing statues and monuments to ( I think ) every person who ever had a hand in creating Hungary and keeping it alive during the years in between. I wish I could tell you who all the statues represented, and I did get a few of them. You can read about them below, in the captions of the photos I took in the square. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

Just across the street from Heroes Square were two other places we wanted to see: the seasonal ice skating rink and the Vajdahunyad Castle that sat right behind it. We had seen both while driving with Barbie, and I got an idea for some artsy photography I wanted to try at the rink. Here are the photos we took ( without the artsy black-and-white stuff ). Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

One other thing during our stop near Heroes Square was another Christmas Market. Not a huge one, but certainly as big as many we had seen. But they had some of the best looking food I had seen and since it was early in the day, there wasn’t a huge crowd waiting to buy it so I could get some great photos…that I hope will make your mouth water. Enjoy.

After our walk, we were off to our longest drive of the day to Memento Park. Our good friend Marjorie had visited the park when she was in Budapest and had told us about it. As I always do, I thought it sounded interesting but more importantly, a chance for some great photography. This was the only place I had told Melinda we wanted to go before we got to Budapest because I knew it was too far out in the countryside for Viking to take us there. Besides, it was one of those hidden gems you always hear about.

Memento Park is where old statues go to die. Seriously. In the early 1990s, when the Communist dictatorship ended, the people of Hungary were ticked! So they took down all the symbols of Communism from around the city of Budapest and moved samples of it to Mememto Park as a constant reminder to never let that happen again. So you can go and visit these statues and celebrate how incredibly naïve Soviet-era communism was. Check out the photos to get an idea of what I am talking about. Their symbolism is truly wrong, but they are interesting historical artifacts. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

After this quick look at the Soviet occupation, we were off to see two more things. One was a viewpoint where Melinda said we could get a wonderful and complete overall view of Budapest, and the other was the Opera House, where we could get photos of the lobby but would need to take a tour to see the inside, and we didn’t have time to do that with her. Here are the photos from those spots. You know the drill.

After that, we went back to the hotel so we could pack for our flight the next morning. Anita ( our Viking Extension concierge ) had wrangled us some reservations at a great restaurant because we all wanted one more night of Hungarian food. The place was called Rezkakas , and their goulash was about as close to a perfect meal as we had eaten on this trip. If you go to Budapest, eat there! I wish I had taken a photo of it but when it got to the table, it looked so good, I ate it without thinking about it. The whole evening was a great experience…especially since Carol joined us for a farewell dinner, and Steve and Jamie picked up the entire check as a birthday present ( the next day ) for me.

Dictators fall when they’re overconfident; they stay in power when they’re paranoid.  —Masha Gessen

Markets, Hotels and a Worthless Tour

The morning of our second day in Budapest, we had to do something we hated. We had to get off of Viking Gulveig. That sucked. We truly loved being on board and made many new friends among the crew and the other passengers. Our stateroom was wonderful, the ship beautiful, and except for one horrible lunch dish, the food was excellent ( more about that later this week ).

After getting tossed off the ship, Viking was nice enough to give us a ride to our hotel. We were doing the Budapest Extension with Viking, and they were putting us up at the Intercontinental Hotel. From the ship, the “luxury motor coach” ride to the hotel took just about exactly…3 minutes. Seriously, we could see the hotel from the ship. It took us longer to get on and off the bus than it would have taken me to walk directly there. It was just on the other side of the Chain Bridge.

Sadly, the rest of that day was wasted to some extent. The hotel didn’t have rooms ready for us, and having our carry-ons with us, as well as Kathleen really being tired and having ( as she said ) “hit a wall,” just needed some rest. So when we got to the hotel, our new tour coordinator, Anita, offered the entire group a short walking tour to get oriented to where we were; Kathleen decided to stay in the lobby on a nice couch and read while I went and heard what Anita had to say. Anita walked us about ten blocks from the hotel and showed us how to get around. I have to say that both our pre-cruise tour coordinator in Prague ( Vicki ) and post-tour coordinator in Budapest ( Anita ) were amazing to work with. Just took care of everything we needed. Anita even acted as our Concierge by finding us reservations for dinner on the last night we were in Budapest.

After Anita finished her tour, I realized that I needed to get back to Kathleen to give her a break from the bags and discuss what to do next. She was OK with me going off to take photos and then come back, and we could have lunch. So off I went to find the local public market. This was NOT a Christmas Market. This was a huge building that housed just about everything you could want to buy, from soup to nuts ( not to mention meat, spices, dishes, clothing, etc. ) This was where the locals shopped, and we visitors took pictures ( although I did buy some paprika here for myself and Kathleen’s daughter Michelle ). Let me drop in the photos I took on that walk right here so you can see what I am talking about. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

After this little foray into a part of the city we had not seen before, I went back and found Kathleen talking to our new friend Carol. The three of us decided to get some lunch in the very nice lounge right there at the hotel. The food was good, especially the goulash soup that Kathleen and I shared.

Yes, boy and girls, this was the view out our ninth-floor hotel room window. I took this photo the next night, but suffice it to say that we NEVER closed the curtains ( except when we wanted to nap and keep the light out ), and this view became our companion all the time, even serving as a night light. After a normal room in Prague and a horrible room in Nuremberg, we had finally won the room lottery with this view.

Other than the view, the hotel was just “fine.” It is much more modern in the public areas and older ( more in need of an update ) in the rooms. Our room was a good size, had that view and could really use an update. It also had a bathtub instead of a shower, which Kathleen hates. She is the short person in our family, and that means that getting into and out of a VERY high tub is a pain. This one was VERY high. How high? It was sooooo high that I kept bumping my foot when I got in, and getting out was like climbing down a ladder. Except for the location and the view, we would probably not have stayed there. But that view was so amazing, that we probably would go back.

We had dinner that night in the hotel with Jamie, Steve and Carol. In the evening, the restaurant that serves a buffet breakfast converts to a sit-down establishment with Lebanese food. You can either order Lebanese or from the lounge menu we tried at lunch. Everyone at the table went Lebanese, and we weren’t sorry. The food was OUTSTANDING…and very inexpensive. I would have to say that unless you were lunching at the Four Seasons ( as Steve and Jamie did since they were staying there to burn more of that Future Cruise Credit ), this was the most affordable city we had visited since Lisbon.

Then they drove us up the hill toward Fisherman’s Bastion ( we got off the bus about fifty feet from where we had the day before ) and Lazlo walked us through a construction area ( that surprised him by being there—it was like he hadn’t walked this tour in years ), down a bunch of steps and two elevators (he kept saying “he hoped were open” and if they hadn’t been he needed to carry us down the steps ), past a couple of sculptures and did just enough damage to Kathleen’s knees that she could barely walk the next day…for us to see nothing really that interesting. Just to kill time.

Then we got back on the “luxury motor coach” and killed some more by driving about a mile ( we could see our hotel room across the river ), having us disembark at a restaurant that looked like it was staying open just for us, grab a half-full glass of sparkling wine, sit in a tiny booth and drink it. Then back on the bus and back to the hotel. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME. And Lazlo was a horrible guide. Told worse jokes than I have ever told ( I know, hard to believe ) and just dragged us around. He was nice enough to help a woman who was by herself go down the stairs, but my point is, we should NEVER have been on those stairs anyway.

Even though we had gone less than three miles from hotel to hotel, we ate up almost two and a half hours. What a terrible way to end a pretty good day. I did take a few decent photos on the tour, so here they are. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

And that was Day 2. We didn’t get to bed until 11:00, and Kathleen’s knee hurt all night, which did not make for a really great Day 3 when we had some great plans. See you there soon.

Great cooking is about being inspired by the simple things around you – fresh markets and various spices. It doesn’t necessarily have to look fancy.   —G. Garvin

The Lights of Budapest

In the meantime, I will give you the photos of Budapest at night that I promised would knock your socks off. After spending three and a half days there I can say with total certainty—this is the most photogenic city I have ever had the pleasure of visiting—and it’s at night when it really shines. On the first night, we were in port. I was going to go out after dinner and take pictures, but with the sun setting so early and it getting really dark by 5:00 pm, I went out before dinner. It was truly a photo walk I will remember. You are going to see 25 photos in the gallery below. I took 346 on that early ( very cold🥶 ) evening walk. Well, enough narrative; here are the photos. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

There is nothing like walking that riverbank at night. Every single place you look, you see something you HAVE TO TAKE A PICTURE OF! What an amazing place to be a photographer. I sometimes wonder if the people who live in Budapest end up getting jaded by these views. I am sure they do, but I hope they don’t. I hope I wouldn’t.

Editor’s Note: My plan is to do two more posts about Budapest ( we were there for three days ), one about our flight day and then do a summary of the cruise, what we loved and what we didn’t like so much. And I have been getting some questions. So I will try and answer those with the follow-up. I really want all this wound up before Christmas, but that will depend on three things: a cut/crack I have developed on my ring finger that makes it really hurt to type ( you never realize how much you use any individual finger while typing until you hurt one). How much time do I sleep versus writing as I finish up with jet lag? And how much time it takes to get ready for Christmas?

Photogenic is a stupid, nonsensical word, but it is also a great mystery.   —Blaise Cendrars

Saved the Best for Last–Budapest

When we visited Sydney, Australia, a bunch of years ago, I thought it had to be the most photogenic city in the world. From just about anywhere, you could see either the bridge or the Opera House, and if you could get either of them into your photo, it was gold. I now believe Sydney is number two. This city is number one.

We were warned the night before by our wonderful Program Director Debra that we would sail into Budapest around 8:30 am and that if we wanted to see one of the best sail-ins ever, we should be up and watching. So we were! I was on the top deck. ( where again it was freezing in the wind ) as we sailed in. And as you will see in my photos, it was worth it to be out there in that cold. I am going to say one more thing before the usual warning—if you think Budapest looks good in the daylight, wait until you see her in the dark 😳. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

Until I started doing research for our trip, I had no idea that Budapest was really two cities—Buda and Pest. Buda is on the right side of the river as you are going downriver. Buda is built on a hill. Pest is on the left side of the city ( where the Parliament Building is ) and is pretty much flat. Both sides are equally beautiful and photogenic.

Soon after, we were tied up in just about the best moorage in all of the city—we were at the base of the Chain Bridge. This Bridge, which is closed to all but transit and pedestrians, is right in the literal heart of the cities. And it is a beautiful bridge.

After our sail-in, we left almost immediately for our first tour of this incredible city. Viking calls this tour “Panoramic Budapest.” And to make things even better, we had maybe the best tour guide we have had so far on the cruise (remember, Werner in Nuremberg was not part of the cruise—just our pre-cruise extension—he was the best of the trip )—Barbie. And even though she wasn’t wearing pink, our Barbie was young and cool and even had a ponytail. It really is the year of Barbie. She was both a great guide and hilarious to listen to.

When you go on a “Panoramic Tour,” that usually means you get driven all around the cities and get out a few times to look at stuff. When we did this in Munich, most of it was a big snore. Here, there is way too much to see, so as our “luxury motor coach” drove down the road in Pest, my head is like a swivel chair going from side to side. For me, it was making a list of the things that I wanted to come back and take photos of without a bus window between me and the scene.

Then we drove to the top of the hill in Buda and went for a walk with Barbie. We saw the main cathedral you saw in the photos above and then went to the amazing Fishermen’s Bastion. According to the interwebs, it is called The Fishermen’s Bastion because “it was the section of the Buda City Wall entrusted to the guild of fishermen, but more likely to the Danube side settlement, Fishtown (Halászváros) also called Watertown,” where there were so many incredible views, I just couldn’t stop shooting them. In the four hours of this tour, I truly believe I shot more than 500 photos. You don’t have to see them all but here are the best of that tour. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

After we had gotten our fill of photos from up on the top, we were back on the “luxury motor coach” and headed back to the ship. That was followed by lunch and a chance for Kathleen to take a nap and for me to sit in the Lounge on the ship, look out at this incredible city and review my photos. We had three full days in Budapest, so I knew I could wait for Kathleen to rest up and get to see the photos before I headed back out.

That pretty much covers our first day in Budapest but not the night. The night is when the real beauty shows up. Yes, this city gets even more incredible when the lights come on. But you will have to wait until later or tomorrow to see it as I need to go upstairs and get ready for our last full day here. We have a private tour, a traditional Hungarian dinner and an early night so we can be up and at the airport for our 6:20 am flight from Budapest to Paris and then on to Seattle.

But if you go from Moscow to Budapest, you think you are in Paris.  —Gyorgy Ligeti

Vienna Clears Up–It’s All About Horses!

But back to day two in Vienna. When we got up, the skies had cleared, and there was no fog. After posting and breakfast, we really had nothing we had to do before lunch and our afternoon excursion, so I decided to take another walk. This time, instead of staying on the side of the river our ship was moored on, I walked to the big bridge ahead of the ship and crossed over to an island that turned out to be pretty cool. I took the panoramic shot at the top of this post from the middle of that bridge.

On the way, I found some colorful workers, a lighthouse, and some modern landscapes ( Vienna does have skyscrapers, but they are limited to being far from the old city. It’s like the modern city on one side of the river and the old one on the other ), a beautiful park, strange statues, a sandy beach and Kathleen. See the pics below to find out how I saw all that on an early morning walk. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

After my walk, it was lunchtime, and after lunch, we were back in the Old City for the only paid excursion we had signed up for on our original trip ( we didn’t take ) back in 2020—visiting the Spanish Riding School and seeing the Lipizzan Stallions. If you have no clue what I am talking about, then allow me to tell you. Found in 1572 by the Hapsburg Dynasty and brought to Vienna from Spain, the Spanish Riding School trains Lipizzan stallions to perform. Suffice it to say that if you really are intrigued after seeing my photos, make sure and check out the linked website. The horses and the organization are truly amazing.

How did we find out about them? A long time ago…( 1963 ), there was a Disney movie called “ The Miracle of the White Stallions .” It was all about how the Spanish Riding School had saved their beautiful and incredible white stallions from the Nazis. When we were kids, Kathleen and I had both seen it, and these incredible horses were something we have always wanted to see ever since. And on Wednesday, we got our chance. And not to see them perform but to go backstage to meet them and get to see ( and smell😜 ) them close up. Check out the photos below and the captions for the story…or go watch the movie ( because of the limitations of the WiFi on board, I can’t check to see if it is on Disney Plus, but you can buy the DVD at the link ). Or just look at my pics. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

After our backstage tour of the stallions, we had a little bit of time in the area of the Imperial Palace, and we went to have coffee and cake at a small Viennese Cafe in one of the museums ( OK, it was a cafeteria, and the coffee was cold and cake stale ) but that meant I had time to take a few photos of buildings that had been fogged in the day before and I really liked some of the shots I got of this opulent city. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

And then we were back on the “luxury motor coach” and headed into Viennese traffic for our ride to the ship. As soon as we were on board, the captain untied and set sail for our final cruise destination—Budapest! More about that tomorrow. I have to go take a shower, put my bags out ( unlike ocean cruise ships, on a river ship, you don’t put out your bags until 8:00 am on the day you get off ), have breakfast and be out of our room by 8:00. Our time to leave the ship is 9:45 for our transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel which will be our home for the next two nights. I will try to post again tomorrow, but if the weather is good, I am going to bundle up and go for a pre-dawn photo walk so it might be two days. You never know.

A barn with cattle and horses is the place to begin Christmas; after all, that’s where the original event happened, and that same smell was the first air that the Christ Child breathed.   —Paul Engle

Vienna in the fog…

Vienna, Austria, is known as the city of music…and a few other things. When we first arrived here, I thought they should name it the City of Fog. As you can see from my photo above, upon arrival in Vienna, it was shrouded in clouds. But that was OK; we were on vacation, and at least it wasn’t raining, and there was no snow or ice, so after breakfast, we were off on our “included” Viking overview of Vienna.

Viking gives you one excursion per port as part of your cruise fare. I kind of find it funny that they usually call that excursion “panoramic” something ( insert name of where you are. here ). I keep trying to figure out how driving to someplace, getting out and walking for two hours is “panoramic.” But today’s was a little different as our “luxury motor coach” took us on a drive, not only into the city but around Vienna’s Ring Road, which pretty much encircles all the places you want to see. I should note here that in Vienna, you do not dock anywhere near the center of the city ( unlike many of the places we have visited so far ). The river itself is about a one-hour walk from the old town section of the city. So a ride on a “luxury motor coach” is a must.

After we drove around the entire Ring Road ( which runs the exact route that the old city wall used to be built on ), seeing all the incredible Hapsburg Empire buildings, you stop and get out with your guide, and you are off on a walk into the center of the old town to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Well, the outside of the cathedral, anyway. It is interesting to me that Viking’s included tours always seem to take you to a cathedral or church but never into it. You are left to return and go inside if you want to. That’s OK as I have my buddy Mike’s pictures of the inside of every church in Europe ( or maybe the world ) to look at. For instance, if you would like to see what the inside of St. Stephen’s looks like, click here to see it on Mike’s website. His pictures are gorgeous. We had 30 minutes of free time, and that was not enough to get to the restrooms, buy a souvenir and take pictures of the outside of the cathedral. If we wanted to see the rest, we would have to come back later. And if you read yesterday’s post about my feelings on the opulence of churches, you know that going inside was not high on my list of things I “have to see.”

After walking the square around the cathedral, we were walked back to the bus ( Kathleen and I were taking the “easy” tour ) and we drove to…a Christmas Market! Oh boy! I will say that this one was much nicer than any we had seen before—more homemade crafts, better-looking food, etc. But it was still the same thing. So far, we have been to eight Christmas Markets, and we have not spent a cent in any of them—just nothing we want or need. We kind of made a vow that after cleaning out the houses of deceased parents, we would continue to get rid of things rather than add new ones. ( At this point, a little voice in my head is saying, “Shut up Jim…you are the one who took a Christmas Market cruise.”) 

After an hour at the Christmas Market ( where I walked around, but Kathleen was able to keep warm on the bus ), we headed out of the fog-shrouded city back to the ship for lunch before we were to embark on our afternoon tour of  “festive Schönbrunn Palace.”

Of course, I took some photos while we were walking around the old city so here they are. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

Our afternoon tour was at Schönbrunn Palace. This was the summer home of the Hapsburgs and ( probably ) another wonderfully opulent place to visit. Kathleen decided to stay on the ship and read while Steve, Jamie and I went to the Palace. I had almost convinced myself that I would stay behind as well, but Kathleen said I should go because I might find something cool to take pictures of. So the three of us boarded our “luxury motor coach,” and off we went.

Our guide started the tour as we drove away from the ship with three rules for the Schönbrunn Palace. I don’t remember what the first two were, but when he got to the third one, I got off the bus. Seriously, when he said, “No Photography is Allowed,” I asked if I had heard him correctly, and he said yes, so I asked the driver to pull over, and I got off the bus. I am sure the other people on board thought I was a total nut job, but Kathleen had talked me into going because I might grab a great photo or two, so if I can’t take pictures, why go?

You probably think I am nuts as well, considering this is an optional excursion and, therefore, an excursion that we chose to go on and paid additional money to take, and here I was, just giving up a $149 excursion because I couldn’t take pictures. And Kathleen had skipped it as well so we were out almost $300. But we weren’t, and we really didn’t choose this excursion. You may remember that back when I started this trip, I mentioned that this was a trip that we had planned and paid for in 2018 to take in 2020 and then got canceled because of COVID. Well, Viking offered us either our money back or 125% of our cruise fare to use on another cruise in the future. That’s kind of how most of the cruise lines survived. Enough people were willing to do that, and we were two of them ( actually four of them ).

But there was a catch to their 125% offer. You had to use it all on one cruise. You could not use part of it on one cruise and the rest of it on another. You also had to spend it just on the cruise itself. It did not convert to onboard credit that you could spend along the way. Any part of it that you didn’t spend before the ship left the first port reverted back to Viking. This meant that we had a lot of extra money to book optional shore excursions. Shore excursions we would not have taken it without having that extra 25%. In fact, I just checked, and the only optional shore excursion we booked on the original cruise was a visit to the Spanish Riding School here in Vienna to see the incredible Lippanzer Stallions ( more about that tomorrow because we saw them yesterday ). So, any shore excursion we walked away from was not really costing us money.

At this point, I am off the bus and walking back to the ship. Thankfully, the bus had just been getting out of the riverside area, so I didn’t have far to walk. Once I got back, I decided what I really needed was to take a long and FAST walk. When you tour, you walk slowly, stop and look at things, and then you walk slowly again. You might take two hours to walk a little more than a mile. At home, I walk somewhere between five and seven miles a day for exercise, and I walk them at a 16-minute-per-mile pace. So, really, I have gotten no real exercise for a week, and at that point, I didn’t realize how it was affecting me. When we do ocean cruises, I always find time to do at least a four-mile walk onboard the ship on sea days.

I know all of you have heard of endorphins. You know, the chemicals that your body produces when you exercise that can produce an “analgesic effect.” At home, I get those all the time, and it certainly improves my mood by about a thousand percent. But this week, I have gotten none of them, so part of my lethargy and tiredness comes from having done a lot less exercise than I usually do. I should add that it has also been the reason my clothes are getting tighter by the day ( Viking’s food has been outstanding ). So I changed into my sweats, and I was off for a quick four-mile photo walk ( I never walk while traveling without my camera ) and sure enough, I was right to have taken it along because I got some photos I truly like. You can see them below. Sorry, no churches, cathedrals, government buildings or Christmas decorations of any kind. Just some photography that I can experiment with and some wildlife that I encountered. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

I also wanted to experiment a little with black and white. I hardly ever shoot with the intention of creating black-and-white shots as the final product. But on this day, with the flat sky and the fog, I thought it might work. So here’s my study of the banks of the Danube in black and white. If you aren’t a fan of “artsy” photography, you can skip this slide show. Don’t forget; if you click the first shot, you can then scroll through with your arrow keys or by swiping…and PLEASE…don’t look at my photography on a phone. Please…

I think that about covers the day. When I got back from my walk, we changed for drinks and dinner, and then it was back to the stateroom for bed before our second day in Vienna. See you tomorrow.

Vienna is a handsome, lively city, and pleases me exceedingly. —Frederic Chopin

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JUST Tours & Travels has been formed by a group of individuals with a never-ending thirst to explore and travel to new destinations. JUST Tours & Travels is pioneered by Sheikh Mohammad Sultan , Director of the company, followed by his President of Sales and operations, Shahji Shakil , We aim to especially cater to customers who wish to explore exotic destinations on a family tour or on an adventurous spree. We also offer you the flexibility to customize your tour packages to meet your holidaying outlook. As a part of our service, our travel associates will cover and meet all the essential requirements/specific needs associated with the tours selected by you! Our travel associates are fully equipped to offer a wholesome travel experience to you.

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This Ski Resort Town Was Just Named the Most Expensive Vacation Destination in the U.S.

You may want to start saving up for that vacation right now.

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The average cost of a one-week vacation in the U.S. for just one person hit nearly $2,000 in 2023, up by more than $400 over the previous year, according to a study by Bankrate . And this is just for a basic trip. But if you're hoping to go to places like New York City , you're going to spend a pretty penny, as it was just named the eighth most expensive destination in America. 

The travel experts at OptimosTravel recently analyzed more than 100 vacation spots in the United States, assessing each on the price of a daily meal, public transit, accommodation rates, and attraction fees, all in an effort to uncover the 10 most expensive vacation destinations in the nation. After crunching the numbers, it found that Aspen, Colorado, is the most expensive of all. 

"Aspen, Colorado, tops the list as the most expensive vacation spot, with a total daily cost of $761.39 per person, leading to a whopping $5,329.72 for a 7-day trip per person," the team noted in its findings, which it shared with Travel + Leisure.

The research crew noted that gourmet meals can cost upward of $100.5 per day, while "opulent accommodations" cost $494.56 per night. "Aspen's breathtaking scenery comes with a premium price tag," it added, "and for a family of four, the skies are the limit at $13,691. Even with modest transportation costs at $7, the city's unmatched offerings ensure its status as the epitome of luxury travel." 

Joining Aspen at the top of the most expensive list is Park City, Utah, in second, where travelers can expect to pay $93.75 for daily meals and $471 per night for lodging. "A week's stay costs $4,971 for one and $12,632 for a family of four," the team shared.

Maui, Hawaii, wasn't far behind in third, with a daily cost of $682. "It boasts the highest meals ($112.50) and lodging ($534.11) among top destinations, but affordable attractions ($26.63) balance the cost. A week costs $4,762 solo or $10,782 for families." 

These spots were followed by Montauk, New York, in fourth, with a daily cost of $613.77; Santa Monica, California, in fifth with a daily cost of $592.05; Key West, Florida in sixth, with a daily cost of $537; Charleston in seventh with a daily cost of $535.68; and New York City in eighth with a daily cost of $511.34.

Rounding out the top 10 is Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts in ninth with a daily cost of $496.65, and one more ski town, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 10th, with a daily cost of $490 per day. And while, yes, this all sounds expensive, you can't really put a price tag on making new memories. Right? See the full findings at optimostravel.com .

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

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The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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FACT SHEET: Biden- ⁠ Harris Administration Announces Rules to Deliver Automatic Refunds and Protect Consumers from Surprise Junk Fees in Air   Travel

Newly finalized rules will mandate automatic, cash refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed flights and save consumers over half a billion dollars every year in airline fees

WASHINGTON – Building on a historic record of expanding consumer protections and standing up for airline passengers, the Biden-Harris Administration announced final rules that require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed and protect consumers from costly surprise airline fees. These rules will significantly expand consumer protections in air travel, provide passengers an easier pathway to refunds when owed, and save consumers over half a billion dollars every year in hidden and surprise junk fees.   The rules are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to lower costs for consumers and take on corporate rip-offs. President Biden signed an Executive Order on Promoting Competition in 2021 that encouraged DOT to take steps to promote fairer, more transparent, and competitive markets.   Requiring Automatic Cash Airline Refunds The first rule requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed because their flights are cancelled or significantly changed, their checked bags are significantly delayed, or the ancillary services, like Wi-Fi, they purchased are not provided.   Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how to make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. Passengers would also receive a travel credit or voucher by default from many airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.   DOT’s rule makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. The final rule requires refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must promptly issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees.

Protecting Against Surprise Airline Junk Fees Secondly, DOT is requiring airlines and ticket agents to tell consumers upfront what fees they charge for checked bags, a carry-on bag, for changing a reservation, or cancelling a reservation. This ensures that consumers can avoid surprise fees when they purchase tickets from airlines or ticket agents, including both brick-and-mortar travel agencies or online travel agencies. The rule will help consumers avoid unneeded or unexpected charges that can increase quickly and add significant cost to what may, at first, look like a cheap ticket. Extra fees, like checked baggage and change fees, have been a growing source of revenue for airlines, while also becoming more complex and confusing for passengers over time. In total, thanks to the final rule, consumers are expected to save over half a billion dollars every year that they are currently overpaying in airline fees. DOT’s rule ensures that consumers have the information they need to better understand the true costs of air travel. Under the final rule, airlines are required to:

• Disclose baggage, change, and cancellation fees upfront : Each fee must be disclosed the first time that fare and schedule information is provided on the airline’s online platform — and cannot be displayed through a hyperlink.
• Explain fee policies before ticket purchase: For each type of baggage, airlines and ticket agents must spell out the weight and dimension limitations that they impose. They must also describe any prohibitions or restrictions on changing or cancelling a flight, along with policies related to differences in fare when switching to a more or less expensive flight.  
• Share fee information with third parties : An airline must provide useable, current, and accurate information regarding its baggage, change, and cancellation fees and policies to any company that is required to disclose them to consumers and receives fare, schedule, and availability information from that airline.
• Inform consumers that seats are guaranteed: When offering an advance seat assignment for a fee, airlines and ticket agents must let consumers know that purchasing a seat is not necessary to travel, so consumers can avoid paying unwanted seat selection fees.
• Provide both standard and passenger-specific fee information:  Consumers can choose to view passenger-specific fee information based on their participation in the airline’s rewards program, their military status, or the credit card that they use — or they can decide to stay anonymous and get the standard fee information.
• End discount bait-and-switch tactics: The final rule puts an end to the bait-and-switch tactics some airlines use to disguise the true cost of discounted flights. It prohibits airlines from advertising a promotional discount off a low base fare that does not include all mandatory carrier-imposed fees.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration Both of these actions were suggested for consideration by the DOT in the Executive Order on Promoting Competition and build on historic steps the Biden-Harris Administration has already taken to expand consumer protections, promote competition, and protect air travelers. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• DOT launched the flightrights.gov dashboard, and now all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov.
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.
• DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect consumers from surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, as the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

Travelers can learn more about their protections when they fly at  FlightRights.gov . Consumers may file an airline complaint with the Department  here .

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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