A group of 24 travelers from the CPH Friends took in the sights along the Danube River during a seven-day river cruise in early December. The trip combined historical highlights of the area with the magic of the renowned Christmas markets, and most of the travelers ended with a three-day excursion in Prague. The CPH Friends also met up with a group from the Friends of the Schenectady County Public Library, for twice the fun!
Seasoned traveler Kathy Adam shared, “Our trip along the Danube to the Christmas markets was truly magical! It was such a festive atmosphere every day with locals and tourists mingling and smiling. In addition to the wonderful gifts and handmade items, the selection of foods featuring all kinds of sausages, pastries, hot mulled wines, and hot chocolate adaptations was amazing. Palaces, churches, and music afforded us a glimpse into the history and culture of this special region!”
Highlights of the trip, which included several stops in Germany and Austria, included a tour of the Archbishop’s Residenz in Wurzburg, Germany; a visit to the Benedictine Melk Abbey featuring its magnificent library; an organ concert in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau, Austria, the site of the largest church organ in the world; and a tour of the Hapsburg Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna. And, of course, several Christmas markets along the way!
“The palaces alone were worth the trip, but the Christmas markets – especially at night – made it magical!” added traveler Lynda Bryan.
The trips offered by CPH Friends are run by Collette Tours. They include tour guides for each spot and one central tour manager – which makes it easy for those who want to just pack up and go!
For Ellen Burns, a CPH Friends Board Member, it was perfect. “This was my first overseas trip with the Friends and Collette, and it couldn’t have been a better experience. From the organizing by Rhona to the fantastic tour managers and local guides, the trip was a wonderful experience. The mix of walking tours, bus tours and of course, the Christmas markets. It was a great way to kick off the Christmas season. I was lucky enough to meet some new friends and cannot wait until the next trip!”
If you’re interested in taking advantage of travel opportunities through the Friends, please see our Travel page, or email Rhona Koretzky at busplus1@gmail.com.