[jhbren]

DH and I have discussed taking a river cruise in Europe. Since 1968 we've been to Seoul, Kyoto, the Osaka world's fair, Hawaii, Ecuador and Costa Rica, as well a large number of US national parks. Africa is tempting, but Europe is probably more within our budget. I've seen lots of layout featuring photos from various parts of Europe. Which did you enjoy the most? Which did you find most beautiful? There's so much to choose from, and life is finite, if not predictable. Suggestions, anyone? Thanks!

Jo

[Sara Arell]

If you ever have a chance to go to Turkey, take it! We lived there for almost three years and absolutely loved it - so much to see - the water is green/blue and beautiful, and the Turks are the most hospitable people ever. The cities are amazing, full of history and beauty and the countryside is just gorgeous!

I've been to Germany and Paris (for about an hour in Paris - LOL) but that's about the gist of my travels!

[KFiasco]

Loved Italy. Germany, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland also. If you get the chance to go to Africa and love animals you will not regret it. I spend 3 weeks there and loved it. Like Turkey, the people of all the above places were hospitable and welcoming. I had wonderful experiences in all of them.

Karen

[Eden]

You can "do" pretty much the entire former Austro-Hungarian Empire by river cruise. So that would be Prague, Vienna, Bratislavia and Budpest and all points between. They're all wonderful places. But there are so many options, half the fun is making a choice.

[jode2771]

Many of my recent photos are from my dad and his partners cruise around Europe but they went by ship. As an ex travel agent I recommend river cruising as all my clients loved it. Dad and Sheryl went all over Europe last year but the highlight for them was St Petersburg. They would go back in a heartbeat. I haven't been to Europe in 13 years so I am not much help :-(. Africa was amazing, the safaris are incredible... and of course Australia is magnificent!!! Those last two options are other great choices if you are TRAIN people (oh no do I sound like Sheldon Cooper there!?!) :-).

[AnnBK]

I would ditto all the recommendations. We cruised from Amsterdam to Budapest and LOVED it. Travel on one of the smaller ships, ours was 130 passengers. Last year we cruised from Croatia to Athens and loved that one, too, a 50 passenger ship. I would go back to Africa in a heart beat, we've been there twice and decided we really should see some other part of the world. If you decide on Africa, try to stay in as many tent camps as you can. They are a real experience. This year we are visiting Istanbul and the Greek Islands and looking forward to the adventure. We have been very satisfied with the services provided by Over Seas Adventure Travel and their cruise ship branch Grand Circle Tours.

[englishrose]

If cruising's your thing then you might consider the Norwegian Fjords - you can get a shigh as the Arctic Circle I believe, and this year is supposed to be good for the Northern Lights. And you can cruise round the UK and Ireland too!

[MrsCropper]

Slovakia is fantastic! Beautiful, historic and many of there are so many small villages and towns to explore!