Day 14 — Passau, Three Rivers, Castle Climbs, and a Cobblestone Comeback
Saturday, May 2, 2026 On Saturday, May 2, 2026, we arrived in Passau, Germany, our first German stop on the cruise. By this point, the Danube had carried us through…
Blogs published in 2026
Day 13 — A Labor Day Taxi Miracle, Český Krumlov, Wood-Fired Meat, and One More Country on the List
Friday, May 1, 2026 On Friday, May 1, 2026, we were docked in Linz, Austria. But instead of spending the day in Linz, Normand had another idea. The cruise ship…
Day 12 — Dürnstein Castle, Wachau Valley Sailing, Bees, Pastries, and Dinner in Ybbs
Thursday, April 30, 2026 On Thursday, April 30, 2026, we woke up for a day that took us through Dürnstein, Melk, and Ybbs — one of the most scenic stretches…
Day 11 — Vienna History, VR Time Travel, Lindt Chocolate, Zara Strategy, and Night Rides at the Prater
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, we woke up in Vienna, Austria, and for the first time on the trip, we joined one of the included excursions…
Day 10 — Bratislava Castle, Bathroom Quests, Poison Plants, and a Postcard to Opa
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Avalon Passion was docked in Bratislava, Slovakia, and we started the morning with a hike up to Bratislava Castle. The…
Day 9 — Citadel Hikes, Hot Tubs, Margaret Island Bikes, and the Walk That Would Not End
Monday, April 27, 2026 Our first full day aboard the Avalon Passion began in Budapest, where the ship stayed docked for the day. We started with a buffet breakfast on…
Day 8 — Wet Laundry, Sunday Church in Budapest, Vietnamese Lunch, and Boarding the Avalon Passion
Sunday, April 26, 2026 Our final morning on land in Budapest began slowly, which was exactly what we needed. We slept in and skipped breakfast, then turned the hotel room…
Day 7 — Thermal Baths, Hungarian Dancing, Chimney Cake, and Scooters Along the Danube
Saturday, April 25, 2026 Our first full day in Budapest began at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which turned out to be very comfortable — a welcome thing after several busy…
Day 6 — Podcasts, Steampunk Creatures, a Delayed Flight, and Expensive Ketchup
Friday, April 24, 2026 After two packed days at Puy du Fou, we finally had a slower morning. We slept in, and Normand recorded a podcast before everyone made it…
Day 5 — Birds, Musketeers, Medieval Lunch, Fire, Horses, and One Sprained Ankle
Thursday, April 23, 2026 Our second day at Puy du Fou began with a beautiful buffet breakfast at the hotel. After several days of early mornings, long walks, trains, museums,…