A legendary river, quaint medieval towns, stunning scenery and five different countries—Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czechia and Germany—makes for a busy week on the water. With the famous Strauss waltz planted firmly in my head, like an ear worm, I close my eyes for a second and say a small prayer to the rain gods regarding … Continue reading Danube River: Cruise →

posted on Monday, May 4th, 2020 by Doug Wallace Posted in DESTINATIONS Comments Off on Danube River: Cruise

No B&Bs for me—I’m bunking at the castle. Lübbenau Castle anchors the tourist town of Lübbenau in the district of Brandenburg, about an hour southeast of Berlin. Redecorated in the 19th-century Renaissance style, the castle features 44 rooms and suites over three floors in two wings, plus 20 family-sized suites in the renovated stables. Vibe: … Continue reading Germany: Lübbenau Castle →

posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2020 by Doug Wallace Posted in HOTELS Comments Off on Germany: Lübbenau Castle

Once part of relatively untouristed East Germany, the Spreewald is one of the Brandenberg region’s best-kept secrets. The pickles aren’t bad, either. I could barely pronounce Spreewald, but I knew I was going to like it here. And this wasn’t just any canal. It was one of the 300 natural, ice age-created canals weaving through … Continue reading Germany: The Spreewald →

posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2020 by Doug Wallace Posted in DESTINATIONS Comments Off on Germany: The Spreewald

The history, the architecture, the incomparable rhythm of life—Berlin really has it going on. (Scroll down for the slideshow.) Step back in time. While Berlin itself is very in tune with its past, Museum Island is really steeped in history. Much of this five-museum complex has been cleverly restored since World War II, and now houses … Continue reading Germany: Berlin →

posted on Friday, October 23rd, 2015 by Doug Wallace Posted in DESTINATIONS Comments Off on Germany: Berlin