Category Archives: Europe

Is Dublin your next adventure destination?

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The capital of Ireland has a rich history and yet, with the youngest population in Europe and more than 770 pubs, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Museums chronicle the city’s past, from the founding Vikings to the potato famine in the late 1840s that led to mass emigration and the country’s political struggles. Dublin embraces its history, celebrates its residents, remembers the hard times and acknowledges great whiskey — what’s not to like? GetAway Travel is ready to help plan your adventure to the Emerald Isle.

A city with something for everyone

Dublin by night

The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. County Dublin is the third smallest county in Ireland, but one-third of the country’s population lives there. A UNESCO World Heritage City of Literature, it was only the fourth city in the world to get this distinction. It recognizes the city’s historical literary past as well as its commitment to contemporary literature. Writers from Ireland include: James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, W.B. Yeats, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Maeve Binchy. Check out their legacy at the Writer’s Museum.

Majestic looking Fallow Deer in Phonenix Park. Dublin

Phoenix Park is Europe’s largest enclosed city park. The park offers a variety of attractions including the Dublin Zoo. Well known for its lion breeding program which dates back to 1851, the city’s most famous lion roars at the start of an MGM film.

Hit the streets…

 O’Connell Street is in the heart of Dublin and is as close to the city’s “main street” as you can get. There are pubs, stores, hotels, restaurants, bookstores and a large Penney’s (which is called Primark in Ireland).

O’Connell Street, Dublin

There are also numerous sculptures and monuments. One of the world’s tallest sculptures, “the Spire” is here. The needle-like monument is 393 feet tall. There is a statue of Daniel O’Connell, the 19th century political leader known as “the Liberator.” There are sculptures of Sir John Gray, James Larkin, Charles Stewart Parnell and Theobald Matthew, a Catholic priest and reformer.

The Spire – Dublin

You can admire the architecture of the historic Gresham Hotel, built in 1817, Clery’s Department  Store, built in 1822 and the General Post Office building, built in 1818 and considered one of the most beautiful buildings on the street.

Grafton Street, Dublin

Grafton Street is one of the main shopping streets. Shop for national and international brands and some great souvenir options. Enjoy street musicians and artists and stop for a cup of coffee at the famous Brewley’s Oriental Cafe which has been operating since 1927.

Temple Bar is a charming area jam packed with pubs, restaurants, art galleries, a Food Market, a Book Market and trendy boutiques. Visit Love Lane. It’s a lane in the Temple Bar area decked out in love letters to Dublin, look for words from famous authors and witty statements on ceramic tiles. Continue reading →

The Beaujolais Region: France’s “Little Tuscany”

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The Beaujolais and the Burgundy regions of France are great spots for adventure and including them in a fabulous river cruise is a great idea!

The Beaujolais Region is nicknamed “Little Tuscany” because of its rolling hills covered with vineyards, quaint villages, great wine and beautiful castles. It reminds visitors of Italy’s lovely Tuscany.

Beaujolais, France

Time slows down and enjoyment ramps up when you take a cruise on the Rhône River through the area. No packing and unpacking, leisurely tours through stunning countryside and exciting dinner fare that reflects what is available in the area. Have we piqued your interest? Good! GetAway Travel advisors can help you pick the best cruise to take you through the Beaujolais area.

Let’s talk wine!

 There are wine tours and wine tasting options available everywhere your ship docks, but there’s always something to do if you don’t want to drink wine. The wines are nicely aged reds, easy drinking reds and even some sparkling and white options. The diversity of flavors and textures are due to the different soil types, elevations and microclimates and the gamay grapes.  Each wine carries the distinctive influence of the specific vineyard where it is produced.

The Beaujolais region is larger than any single district of the neighboring Burgundy Region. The vineyards here stretch for four miles along the Saône River. The granite-heavy soils and warmer climate make it ideal for producing lighter flavored grapes and fruity, zesty wines.

There are three distinct wine areas in the region.

The granite soil of the Region of the Crus adds a complexity to the wines which are usually aged for several years. The Beaujolais Villages area has granite and sandy soil. Here, more structured and textured wines are produced and they fare well aged between three and six years. The Regional Appellation Beaujolais area produces very fruity red wines with the help of the clay and limestone soil. Beaujolais Nouveau, white Beaujolais as well as sparking wines are produced here.

Golden Stones Country

 Thirty-nine villages in the southern part of the Beaujolais Region are in the Pierres Dorées (Golden Stones) area. Ochre colored stones were used to build homes and even castles in this area and when the light hits the golden limestone, they shimmer and glow. Oingt, Ternaud, Marcy, Charnay, Jarnioux, Pommiers and Bagnois are among the villages in this area.

Village Oingt

Oingt, voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, overlooks the Azerques Valley and surrounding mountains. Panoramic views from the village include the Beaujolais vineyards, the Rhône and Lyon.

Window in Oingt

There are perfectly preserved half-timbered homes here and charming artisan shops. More than a dozen artists live and have workshops in the village creating everything from distinctive jewelry to kintsugi, a Japanese pottery. The history of mechanical music instruments is chronicled at the Mechanical Music Centre Museum. There are phonographs, music boxes and mechanical pianos.

Village Oingt

The Fortress from the Middle Ages used to be the home of the Lords of Oingt. The museum has fossils, carved stones, ceramic items, documents from the middle ages and panoramic views of the area.

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Vienna Calling! GetAway Travel is Cruising into Exciting Adventures!

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Hey Travel Buddies!

Guess what? Your favorite travel advisors at GetAway Travel are packing our bags and heading to Vienna for the ASTA 2025 River Cruise Conference! Think of it as a treasure hunt for the most amazing river cruise experiences, and we’re bringing back the gold!

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

Why should you care? Because while we’re drinking Grüner Veltliner and exploring the Danube’s secrets, we’re doing it all for YOU!

Here’s why this trip is going to be epic for your future adventures:

  • Insider Access: We’ll be chatting with the top river cruise lines, uncovering hidden gems and exclusive deals that you won’t find anywhere else. Think of us as your personal river cruise spies!
  • First-Hand Knowledge: Forget brochures! We’ll be learning about the latest and greatest itineraries, onboard experiences, and shore excursions. We’ll be able to tell you if that chocolate tasting in Passau is really worth it (spoiler alert: it probably is!).
  • Tailored Adventures: Want a wine-themed cruise down the Rhine? A history-packed journey through Eastern Europe? Or maybe a Christmas market extravaganza? We’ll be gathering all the info to create the perfect river cruise just for you!
  • Fun & Festivities: Vienna is a city of music, art, and delicious pastries. We’ll be soaking up the atmosphere and bringing back that vibrant energy to inspire your next vacation. Prepare for stories of waltzes, schnitzel, and maybe even a surprise encounter with a Lipizzaner horse!  Spoiler alert – we saw the horses on our last trip to Vienna and they are amazing to behold!
  • Exclusive Perks: We will be working to secure exclusive perks for our clients. Think upgrades, onboard credits, and special experiences that will make your river cruise even more unforgettable.
  • Exotic River Discoveries: We will be scouting out spectacular river cruise opportunities in unique and exotic destinations. For example, imagine sailing down the Nile in Egypt or exploring the Mekong River in Southeast Asia We’ll be bringing back the inside scoop on these incredible journeys!

Karlskirche, Vienna

So, get ready to set sail with GetAway Travel! We’ll be returning with a treasure trove of river cruise knowledge and a burning desire to plan your next incredible adventure.

For updates from Vienna – follow us on our Facebook page

Berlin blends past and present

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All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words “Ich bin ein Berliner!“    John F. Kennedy, 1963

Oberbaum Bridge, Berlin

Germany’s capital city has a vibrant cultural and art scene. It has overcome its difficult past with resiliency and grace — preserving iconic landmarks and not forgetting lessons taught by history. It is nine times bigger than Paris, has more waterways than Venice, three UNESCO World Heritage sites, its own beer, its own snack and its own doughnut! How about it? Ready for GetAway Travel to make you a Berliner?

Hit the island for some museum time

 Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site with five world-class museums encompassing 6,000 years of history and art. Museum Island, or Spree Island, is in the heart of Berlin between the River Spree and Spree Canal. It is easily accessible.

Museum Island

With five museums to choose from, you can pick your art interests. One of the museums, the Pergamonmuseum, is closed until 2027 for renovations. But there are plenty of options in the other four.

Altes Museum in Winter

The Altes Museum was built by order of King Frederick William III and its considered a major example of German Neo-classical architecture. Here you can find Greek antiquities Fromm the 10th to the First century. There’s early portraits of Caesar and Cleopatra, stone sculptures, vases, craft objects, jewelry, gemstones, coins, urns and tablets.

Classic hallways of the Neues museum in Berlin

The Neues Museum building is a blend of old and new. Heavily damaged during WWII, the remains were used in the new construction. There are bullet holes, chipped paint and the ceilings are partially destroyed. The Egyptian collection, including the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti are housed here. Included in the 9,000 objects are a burial chamber from Egypt dating back to around 2500 BC, art, artifacts, statues, vessels and manuscripts.

Alte Nationalgalerie museum

Art from the period of the French Revolution and WWI are in the Alte Nationalgalerie museum. Browse among paintings done by Adolph Menzel, Sabine Lepsius, Dora Hitz, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cézanne.

Bode Museum on Museum Island

The Bode-Museum is renowned for its Byzantine art and coin collection. There are glazed terracottas by Luca della Robbia and masterworks by Donatello da Settignano.

Berlin Palace (Humboldt Forum)

The Humboldt Forum is also on Museum Island. Originally built as an imperial palace in the 15th century, it now has exhibits dedicated to human history, arts and culture.

Many of the artifacts are displayed in context. The Berlin Global exhibit examines Berlin’s impact on the world referencing categories such as entertainment, revolution and fashion. A Nature Exhibit looks at the interplay of climate change and democracy around the world.

More museums, historic sites, palaces

Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace was build in 1699 as a summer retreat for Sophie Charlotte, wife of King Fredrich I. The massive, multi-wing Baroque style structure as damaged in WWII and then restored and rebuilt through several decades. The reconstructed rooms feature ornate plasterwork, gilding, frescoes, all from original designs. There are priceless collections of silver, crown jewels and royal porcelain. The 18th century paintings include works from French masters. The gardens are fabulous. Designed in English and French styles, there are fountains, ponds, tree-lined paths and hedges.

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most famous monuments. The Neo-classical arch is the only one of 14 that remains in the city. About a block from the arch is the Holocaust Memorial or the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The maze of 2,711 concrete blocks is a stark, modernistic, abstract reminder of the 2.6 million Jews who were victims of the Nazis. There is a museum/information center at the memorial.

Section of Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall Memorial is an indoor/outdoor museum and memorial. The one-mile stretch along Bernaur Strasse is an open air exhibit that includes photographs, signs and a preserved piece of the original wall. One of the original watchtowers is there and an indoor center has exhibits chronicling the historical and political events around the wall. The East Side Gallery is also a wall memorial. The stretch of Berlin Wall runs parallel to the Spree River. The concrete canvas has murals from 118 artists from 21 different countries.

Berlin Cathedral on the river Spree

The Berlin Cathedral is a 19th century church that fronts the Spree River on Museum Island. It is one of the largest religious landmarks in the city. The Protestant church is a mix of Italian, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. The cathedral’s most striking feature is the 374-foot high dome topped with a gilded cross.

Entertainment, snacks, etc.

 The Mauerpark Flea Market is located in Wall Park, The largest and best outdoor market in the city gets going every Sunday. Visitors can buy anything and everything there and also enjoy jugglers, have a picnic and participate in the giant karaoke party at Bearpit Karaoke.

Escalators at KaDeWe

Speaking of shopping, Berlin is home to Europe’s largest department store, KaDeWe.

The Berghain used to be a power station. This gigantic warehouse draws techno music fans from all over the world for three-day pulse-pounding music extravaganzas every weekend.

Giraffes at the Berlin Zoo

Tiergarten is a 519-acre oasis of green that used to be a royal hunting ground. Now its a series of lakes, bike paths, English gardens and the very romantic beer garden, Café am Neuen See. The Berlin Zoo is here and there’s a great panda exhibit.

Prater Garten is Berlin’s oldest beer gardens. Sit at the communal tables or benches, people watch and enjoy a bratwurst, Bavarian pretzel and, of course, a beer. Bratwurst is ordered either spicy or standard.

Berlin has its own specialty beer, Berliner Weiße, this slightly sour brew is made with wheat and barley. It has a high acid content and can be served with a shot of either raspberry or woodruff syrup.

Currywurst is a Berlin snack with a cult following. Get it at restaurants or from street vendors. The fried sausage is sliced, doused with tomato sauce, dusted with curry powder and served with bread or a roll. There is a vegan option.

If you are a late-night snacker, there are 1,000 kiosks around the city that dispense food, snacks and beverages.

Ooooh, pretzels, warm, golden brown served plain or with coarse salt. They are also served with cheese sauce, sesame seeds and even sunflower seeds.

Berliner Pfannkuchen

Then there’s the Pfannkuchen. This sweet, yeasty beauty of a filled doughnut is known as a Berliner or Krapfen in the rest of Germany. Topped with powdered sugar, the pfannkuchen can be filled with chocolate creme, but is most often filled with marmalade.

Ready to “be a Berliner?” The travel advisors at GetAway Travel can help you with that! We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Enjoy the Netherlands with a river cruise

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Taking a river cruise in the extensive river and canal system in the Netherlands opens up the country in a fascinating, new way. View architectural marvels, feats of amazing engineering, windmills and, depending on the time of year, fields of tulips. Unpack once and settle in your cabin, take day excursions and waste less travel time because you sail while you sleep. Since most of the Netherlands’ river cruises have options to connect to the Rhine, that means some time in Belgium and Germany.

Puffy pancakes, flower power, cheese and Delft pottery, how about letting GetAway Travel find you a cruise you’ll love!

Start off in Amsterdam

 Amsterdam has a well-developed cruise port and proximity to an airport, so it makes sense cruises start here. With its Dutch, German and Flemish influences, there is something for everyone to see and enjoy. The museums are fabulous, from shipbuilding to Dutch masters to hemp, there are museums devoted to almost anything.

Amsterdam Cruise Terminal

There are bikes everywhere. The first bike ride share program was invented in Amsterdam. It didn’t last, but the commitment to cycling did.

Keukenhof Gardens is home to the “Greatest Flower Show on Earth” each Spring. Seven million flowers on 70 acres — everyone agrees it IS the greatest flower show. There’s tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies, bluebells and crocuses. The blooms form lovely swaths of color along paths and the brooks. There are at least 100 varieties of tulips in the fields here.

The Keukenhof Gardens, known as the “Garden of Europe,” actually hosts over 7 million tulip bulbs annually.

From Amsterdam most cruises hit the following cities and offer a variety of free shore excursions as well as some that cost a small fee.

Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Kinderdijk

Hoorn

Throw a rock and you’ll hit a monument in Hoorn, a quaint city founded in 1300. It was named for the horn-shaped harbor along the Ijsselmeer, an artificial lake created by dam construction. Prior to access to the North Sea being blocked, Hoorn was a bustling port city and one of the Dutch East India Co. six home bases. It boasts 1,000 monuments, charming cobblestone streets and cheese warehouses.

Enkhuizen was a small fishing village, but during the 17th century it became the center of maritime trade. That ended when the North Sea inlet was sealed off with a dam. Still, there’s some pretty impressive landmarks here. The Drommedaris is the former city gate and watchtower. It’s the city’s most famous building, but the Gothic-style hall church from the 15th century it’s also pretty cool The floor consists of gravestones.

Enkhuizen Drommedaris

Take a short ferry ride to the Zuiderzee Museum.The outdoor museum is a traditional village showcasing the culture and maritime history of the city. There’s 140 buildings on site including workshops, a fish smokery and a home from the 1920s. Taste local cheeses and smoked fish.

Zuiderzee Museum

Get your windmill fix in Kinderdijk. This area of South Holland was shaped by the Rhine Delta waters. There are 19 well-preserved 18th century windmills here. The village is surrounded by polders, tracts of land reclaimed from the sea using windmills. Here, learn all things windmills, why they were built, how they operate and see the mechanical workings as well as living quarters inside,

Idyllic Kinderdijk

Dordrecht, Delft and Gouda

The famous Delft Blue

 The Netherlands loves its monuments, indeed, there are hundreds in Dordrecht. The oldest city in Holland has a stunning inner city and along the harbor, grand warehouses have been transformed into elegant homes. The Grote Kerk, or Church of Our Lady, is the largest church in the city. Restored in Gothic architectural style, it is beautiful and the tower at its side contains 67 bells. Climb the tower (more than 200 stairs, be warned) for amazing views of the area.

Town of Drodrecht

A scenic drive/shore excursion, takes you to Delft. Royal Delft is the last remaining earthenware factory left over from the 17th century. Watch the centuries-old process to create the pottery. The 400-plus year-old factory is set up as a museum. You can score some of this sought-after pottery in the gift shop.

Eastern Gate in Delft

Perhaps you’d like to visit Gouda as a shore excursion? Surprise, Gouda is not made here, but stroopwafels are. Gouda Cheese is actually made all around Gouda, and it was brought to the weigh station in Gouda where taxes were levied depending on the weight. The Gouda city council had strict rules on the manufacture. Now, a cheese museum is in the weigh house.

Gouda cheese

 

Next door is St. John’s Church, the longest church in the Netherlands, it has a fabulous collection of stained glass windows. The stained glass is considered the most significant collection in the country.

Clocktower at St John’s church in Gouda

The stroopwafel was invented here and workshops are offered for visitors. What is a stroopwafel? It is two crispy cookies pressed into a waffle pattern held together with tasty toffee syrup. Yum.

Nijmegen, Maastricht, Antwerp and Wesel

 Home to one of the Netherlands largest universities, Nijmegen has an eclectic, vibrant blend of sidewalk cafés, unique eateries, and quaint shops that show off the city’s artistic bent. Indeed, you can trace the steps of Van Gogh who lived in nearby Nuenen the early 1880s and created more than 195 paintings. The Vincentre Museum has a great audiovisual presentation on Van Gogh and his time in Nuenen.

Nijmegen

The Noordbrabants Museum is home to an extensive collection of Dutch art — from Hieronymus Bosch to Van Gogh. Take a beer break at Brouwerij de Hemel. A brewing pioneer, learn all about the process as well as how to distill spirits. Try a flight and some snacks.

Maastricht is one of the Netherlands oldest and most picturesque cities.There are 1,677 Heritage buildings here and the lovely inner city is car-free.  The Maastricht Treaty was signed here in the early 1990s, establishing the euro as the single European currency. In nearby Margraten is the American Military Cemetery where 4,800 Americans who lost their lives during the march into Germany after D-Day, are buried.

Aerial view of Maastricht

Depending on your cruise, you may get a chance to go to Antwerp. Diamonds and chocolate! What’s not to like? Diamond cutters abound, next to shops with fabulous chocolates.

Grote Markt in Antwerp

Wesel, Germany might also be on your itinerary. An important trading center which reached its peak in the 15th century, Wesel nearly surpassed Cologne as a major commercial presence. Visit the lovely Willibrod Cathedral.

Rhine river near Wesel

Tulips, Van Gogh, tasty cookies and some great cheese all while relaxing on a great ship moving down the river. Interested? Contact GetAway Travel and an advisor will help schedule your cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tour the castles of “Mad King” Ludwig II – “The Fairytale King”

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Southern Bavaria has some great attractions, but few can compare to the castles of King Ludwig II. If you are spending time in Munich or Salzburg, it’s worth a day trip or two to check out the castles. If you are in Munich, you can start your adventure by checking out the Moon King’s boyhood home.

Munich

Thrown into power at age 18, Ludwig II longed to be as awesome as Louis XIV, but sadly, his country had neither the budget nor the patience to let the boy king plow ahead with fabulous construction projects that threatened to bankrupt the monarchy.

King Ludwig II (1845-1886)

Fascinated by art, history, literature, opera and composer Richard Wagner, he didn’t travel much, but longed to emulate places he had read about. He wrote in his diary: “I want to remain an eternal mystery to myself and others.”

Ludiwg Otto Friedrich Wilhelm – Ludwig II of Bavaria – ascended the throne at the age of 18.

Declared incompetent at age 40, he was found mysteriously drowned just days later, along with the psychiatrist that declared him incompetent. His younger brother Otto, whom he had bequeathed the monarchy to upon his death, was immediately declared mentally ill and Ludwig II’s uncle ascended to the throne.

Neuschwanstein

If you are up for touring castles with features that are stunning, remarkably high-tech, and always awe-inspiring, GetAway Travel is ready to set up your itinerary so you can soak up the ambiance of the ill-fated boy king and his many residences.

A fairytale without an ending

 Ludwig left his mark on a number of castles and properties. He built three castles, but spent quite a bit of time living in manors and alpine retreats. His most famous castle was built last, but not finished before he died. Neuschwanstein, or New Swan Stone Castle, near the border of Austria, was constructed in the Romanesque Revival style. It looks like a castle that just appeared in a fairytale and it so charmed Walt Disney, he used it as a model for Sleeping Beauty’s castle

Ludwig and Otto spent a large part of their childhood at Hohenschwangau Castle and from there Ludwig could see castle ruins on the opposite hill. There, he vowed, he would build his dream castle in the style of the authentic German knights’ castles. The castle was to be his personal retreat and honor composer Richard Wagner.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Ludwig concerned himself with every detail of Newuschwanstein, from the murals to the dishes. Construction proved to be quite a bit of an endeavor. Because he wanted it perched on the hillside, it took a serious quantity of explosives to blow through 27 feet of solid rock to set the castle foundation. His use of steel T-beams and plastered cast-iron pipes was modern for that time.

Singers Hall in Neuschwanstein Castle

The castle is decorated in Wagner opera themes. The dining room murals are scenes from the Wartburg Singers Festival. The bedroom has scenes depicting the doomed love affair between Tristan and Isolde on the carvings on the oak walls. The story of Tannhauser is showcased on the walls of the study and Lohengrin, Ludwig’s hero, and Lohengrin’s swans, are everywhere! They are painted on the walls, carved into the ceiling and door arches, cast in porcelain and woven into tapestries.

He had a fake grotto with fake stalactites constructed where he could enjoy performances of Wagner’s operas. Here, as he did in other residences, gardens were constructed so he could look out the windows and enjoy them, and they would block the outside world.

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) one of the world’s most influential & controversial composers

The throne room is the centerpiece of the castle. In the Byzantine style, it’s decor was inspired by St. Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul. More than two million small tiles are used on the floor to illustrate forest animals and the columns, with gilded tops, are painted to appear that they are made of bright lapis lazuli.

Neuschwanstein Throne Room

It was not finished before he died and sadly, he spent only 11 nights sleeping there.

Herrenchiemsee Palace, Ludwig’s Versaille

 Ludwig juggled multiple projects, much to the consternation of those watching the monarchy’s funds, and he began building Herrenchiemsee Palace in 1878. A great admirer of France’s Sun King, Louis XIV, Ludwig wanted a castle that matched the opulence and panache of Versailles. He also wished to rule like Louis XIV, without constitutional restraints.

Herrenchiemsee island

The island of Herrenchiemsee was purchased from timber barons who hadn’t managed to harvest trees there as they had planned. Constructing a castle on an island in the middle of Lake Chiemsee had its challenges. The lake was very wide and deep and tugboats were used to haul construction materials to the island. Steam-driven pumps were installed to power the extensive array of water features around the palace.

Herrenchiemsee palace

Ludwig’s “must haves” for the palace included the Hall of Mirrors, modeled after the Versailles hall, and the Latona Fountain.

Latona fountain

The wishing table, from the Grimm’s Fairy Tale of the same name, was installed in the dining room. It was a table that would be set with dishes and a meal and rise up through the floor so Ludwig didn’t have to be bothered with interacting with servants. Rumor has it that the table was set for imaginary guests that Ludwig would converse with during the meal.

Herrenchiemsee Palace

The monumental marble staircase is under a roof constructed of iron and glass. This was new for that time and, a special system was designed to heat water and interior rooms by Ludwig. A special system could lower the spectacular chandeliers so they could be cleaned and serviced.

Twelve rooms of the palace are set up as a museum detailing the story of Ludwig II in portraits, busts, historical photos, furniture and clothing. The exhibits also explore Ludwig’s patronage of Wagner in portraits, documents and model theaters and set design.

Main fountain pool at Linderhof

Linderhof, his only completed castle

 The smallest of the three castles, this was the only palace he completed. Built in the 18th century Rococo style, it was originally a humble hunting lodge used by his father. Ludwig moved it on the property to allow for a bigger footprint and then transformed it into a close replica of Marie Antoinette’s chateau that was on the grounds of Versailles.

Linderhof Palace

Technological marvels included a wishing table, that elevated from the kitchen to the dining room and electric lights in the Venus Grotto he had constructed. There was a water heater, wave machine and rumor has it, attendants were ordered to wrangle wild swans into the grotto so Ludwig could float on a mussel-shaped boat in the water and enjoy his favorite fowl.

Linderhof

Bavaria’s first electricity was used here to power the lights in the grotto, the wave machine and the fountain.

Linderhof interior

Ludwig renovated the King’s House on Schachen into an opulent Turkish style den. He re-designed the Munich residence, the Residenz, the largest city palace in Germany. There are ceiling frescoes, a beautiful fountain and courtyard sculptures and an antique collection. He was born in Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. There are several museums on the grounds including ones that house his carriage collection and his sleigh collection. He would go for night-time sleigh rides and had elaborate sleighs equipped with battery-operated light bulbs. He received guests at, and renovated Rose Island in Lake Starnberg. The new palace there wasn’t completed, but the villa is surrounded by fabulous gardens.

Rose Island on Lake Starnberg

In your travels to Bavaria, do make sure you check out the residences and castles of the ill-fated  mad king — a travel advisor at GetAway Travel can include that in your travel adventure! We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

 

Estonia packed with possibilities

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A hop, skip and a boat or plane ride from Finland or Sweden takes you to Estonia on the Baltic Sea. Estonia boasts more than 1,500 islands, beautiful beaches where you can surf or swim, castles, churches, hilltop fortresses, craft beer and fabulous fruity wines. Still not convinced? From June through August the sun hardly sets, there are amazing music festivals that draw acts from all over the world, there’s a great university town and throw a rock and you’ll hit a fascinating museum. Contact GetAway Travel and we’ll help you punch that ticket to Estonia.

Tallinn old town

Tallinn, a capital steeped in history

 An important trading center in the Middle Ages, Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Home to more than 50 museums, there are lovely old buildings around the square and you can’t miss the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This Orthodox Church was constructed in 1900, across from Toompea Castle as a demonstration of Russian supremacy.

Tallinn, Estonia

There are some interesting mosaic panels over the entrances of the church and the church towers have an incredible ensemble of bells including one that is 15 tons.

Christmas Market – Estonia

St. Nicholas Church, one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Tallinn, is no longer a place of worship. Originally dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers and merchants, it now is known as the Niguliste Museum. It holds a vast collection of church art from altars and gravestones to silver pieces. There is also part of Bernt Notke’s “Dance of Death” painting on display. The observation deck offers great views of the area.

St Nicholas Church, Tallinn

The oldest medieval building in the city is St. Olaf’s Church. Dedicated to the king of Norway, it served as the center for Tallinn’s Scandinavian community. Climb to the top of the 196-foot spire for some fabulous views of the city. It should be on a day when you are feeling particularly fit — there are 234 stone steps to get to the top.

St Olaf Church, Tallinn

Museums for miles

There are no lack of museums in the city and no lack of unique museums. The Estonia Open Air Museum has authentic historic houses from all over the country. There are log homes, temporary homes used by nomadic fishermen from Hiiumad (one of the islands of Estonia), wooden windmills, a chapel and a Soviet-era collective farm.

Estonia Open Air Museum

Seaplane Harbor is one of Europe’s most interesting museums. The maritime museum is in a seaplane hangar and it features all types of vessels that sailed on and below the sea. Included in the more than 200 items on display is a century-old icebreaker, a seaplane, remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia and a 195-foot submarine built in England for the Estonian Navy. The Lembit is the only Estonian submarine warship constructed before WWII to survive. You can walk through the submarine, from the engine room to the sleeping quarters. The interactive displays offer great photo options, like piloting a seaplane, wearing a lifejacket, sitting in a dinghy, sit in a sailboat… etc.

The marina at Seaplane Harbor

Don’t worry about sending the pics to friends. There are free wi-fi hot spots everywhere in Estonia. As a matter of fact, the country is the birthplace of Skype and Hotmail.

Kadriorg Art Museum is inside Kadriorg Castle. This stunning example of Baroque architecture was built by Czar Peter I for Catherine the Great. The immaculate grounds have lovely manicured gardens with ornate fountains and sculptures. The museum has an extensive collection of Russian and European art from the 6th to 20th century.

Kadriorg Castle, Estonia

You can take an archery lesson if you visit the ruins of Haapsalu Castle. There are turreted towers and walls still standing as well as creepy tunnels to go through if you are so inclined.  A museum is devoted to the history of the castle. It is supposedly haunted by the White Lady who is visible on the walls just past sunset. One cool feature of the castle grounds is the children’s playground which has a pirate ship for them to explore.

Haapsalu Castle, Estonia

The oldest cafe in Tallinn is Maiasmokk and its home to the Marzipan Museum. Marzipan, an almond paste mixed with confectioners sugar, was supposedly invented in Estonia. In addition to the museum, you can learn all about the sweet at Kalev Chocolate Factory where you can sculpt your own marzipan figurine.

Marzipan

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Three Words to Savor: Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante

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When dining in Italy, you’ll hear three magical words that promise a delicious experience: Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante. While they all mean “places to eat,” each one offers its own vibe and flavor of Italian culture. Think of it as a journey from rustic charm to refined elegance. Let’s break them down so you can find your perfect Italian table!

🍷 Osteria – Cozy, Casual, and Full of Charm

Picture this: a no-frills, cozy spot where the wine flows, the locals gather, and the menu is short but oh-so-satisfying. Traditionally, osterie were simple taverns serving up hearty, affordable dishes. Today, they still keep things laid-back with comfort food, often highlighting seasonal, local ingredients. It’s all about relaxed vibes and big flavors. If you want to feel like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s kitchen, an osteria is your go-to.

🍝 Trattoria – The Heart of Family Dining

A trattoria is like the warm hug of Italian dining—still informal, but with a touch more structure. Often family-run, these spots serve up generous portions of classic Italian fare. You’ll get friendly service, fresh ingredients, and dishes that are simple but perfectly executed. Think homemade pastas, local meats, and seafood. A trattoria is where you go to feast like a local and leave blissfully full.

🍽️ Ristorante – Where Elegance Meets Italian Flavor

Ready to elevate your dining experience? A ristorante is the most formal of the three. Expect polished service, elegant décor, and menus with a sophisticated twist. From appetizers to desserts, dishes are often artfully presented and prepared with finesse. Whether it’s an upscale affair or a slightly more casual venue, a ristorante is where Italian cuisine puts on its fancy shoes. And don’t forget to browse the wine list—you might just discover your new favorite vintage.

Ready to dine like an Italian? No matter what kind of experience you crave, Italy’s dining scene has a seat just for you. Buon appetito!

Munich: Oktoberfest and so much more

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Bavaria’s capital has what is recognized as one of the most beautiful town squares. The largest state, by land, in Germany, also has internationally acclaimed museums, historic cathedrals and, of course, Oktoberfest. And, here at GetAway, we can certainly tell you that you don’t have to go to Oktoberfest to enjoy the beer. So while you are wrapping your head around that, and the fact that Oktoberfest is barely in October, we invite you to let GetAway help you getaway to Munich.

Let’s get Oktoberfest, beer and food out of the way…

 Oktoberfest actually runs from mid to late September until the first Sunday in October. It was originally a giant wedding reception when Bavarian Crown Prince Louis decided to invite all of Munich to celebrate his marriage to Theresa von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The fields where the celebration was held were named Theresienwiese.

So each year the giant beer fest, with 14 beer tents, as well as food tents, carnival games and rides, occupies 420,000 square feet of the fields. Six local breweries provide the beer and there’s a whole set of rules and reservation requirements to get into some of the beer tents. Read up before you go. Also, remember these two words: alcohol content. The average beer in the US is about 5% alcohol. The average alcohol content in the beer in those giant tankards you’ll be guzzling at Oktoberfest is between 5.9 and 6.2%. Drink responsibly.

Beer, beer, beer, beer and beer

Pork, potatoes, sausage, bread, while that seems to be a weighty list, it’s all in the preparation and moderate servings. Weisswurst is a traditional Bavarian sausage that is usually eaten with between breakfast and lunch with mustard. Typically the sausage is removed from the casing before eating – tradition says to suck it out , but you can be more discreet and cut it lengthwise and roll the meat out of the skin with a fork.. Open and consume.

Griessknockerlsuppe, a long name, but it is chicken soup with lovely semolina dumplings instead of noodles. Bavarian goulash and semmelknoedel is a fabulous smoky-flavored concoction which includes semmelknoedel, a bread dumpling which is almost like a stuffing ball.

Bavarian Goulash with dumpling

Knoedel is a giant potato dumpling or two served with a roasted ham hock (schweinehaxe) or roulade (filled, rolled meat). Käsespätele (think Bavarian macaroni and cheese) is noodles or mini-dumplings with lots and lots of cheese topped with carmelized onions baked until a crispy crust forms on top. In the spring, there’s plenty of dishes with delicate white asparagus.

Bavarian Krapfen

Sweets? Oh, yes. Kuchen is cake and it’s an art form in Munich. Kuchens are piled up in cases at bakeries and you can choose among the awesome selections.

Apple Kuchen

Krapfens are huge jelly-filled powdered doughnuts. Windbeutels are cream puffs for giants, split and filled with plain cream or strawberry or raspberry cream dipped in chocolate.

Windbeutels

To drink, there’s beer. You can try beer with carbonated lemonade or grapefruit called radler. It is an easy to acquire taste. Apfelsehorle is apple juice and carbonated water. You can find this in vending machines around the city as well as carbonated water with other fruit flavors.

Lemon Radler

Palaces, parks and gardens

 Munich is laid out like most European cities with a central town hall and a nearby plaza. Marienplatz is a beautiful town square ringed by some the most architecturally fabulous buildings in the city. Don’t miss the glockenspiel on the front of New Town Hall, a very imposing neo-Gothic building. At 11 a.m. and noon, 32 life-side figures with tunes playing, perform a royal wedding, jousting tournament and ritualistic dance. The show lasts about 15 minutes and concludes with the golden bird up the top emerging and chirping three times. Tunes are played on the clock’s 43 bells.

Glockenspiel on the “New” Town Hall

The Munich Residenz is a palace/museum. Divided into multiple areas, one consists of 150 “living” rooms — bedrooms, banquet halls, common rooms, living areas, they are well preserved and show the living style of the former occupants. The Treasury is a collection of precious items, one of the best collections in the world. There are crowns, collections of jewels amassed by rulers of Bavaria, goldsmith items, enamels, crystals and ivories.

Munich Residenz

Nymphenburg Palace was the summer residence of the Bavarian rulers. It is considered Munich’s most beautiful palace. It is surrounded by a gorgeous landscaper park complete with water canals, smaller hidden castles and romantic walkways.

Nymphenburg Palace

The English Garden is one of the largest city parks in the world. On the grounds is Monopteros, a Greek-style temple. The Chinese Tower is also an interesting attraction and it’s next door to the second largest beer garden in the city. There are a total of four beer gardens in the park.

At the southern end of the park is Eisbach Wave, where you can go surfing (yes, surfing) year round.

Surfing in Munich

Augustiner-Keller is Munich’s largest independent brewery with a huge beer garden.

Olympic Park is where the Olympic Games were held in 1972.

Olympic Park Munich

Museums and cathedrals

 There are more than 80 museums in Munich. It’s a city that takes its culture and its preservation seriously. The German Museum is the world’s largest science and technology museum. The 20 exhibits feature science and technology from aviation to chemistry, robotics and health. There are interactive exhibits and experiments.

The German Museum

Three separate art museums, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Future showcase art from different time periods. The Brandhorst Museum is dedicated to contemporary art.

The BMW Museum showcases the company’s 100-year-old history through cars, motorbikes and engines. Next door is Welt which houses BMW’s exotic models that were never imported to the United States as well as models from its other companies, Rolls Royce and the Mini.

The Church of Our Dear Lady, referred to as Frauenkirche, with its two towers topped with domes dominates the city skyline. Built of bricks, it is considered a landmark symbol of Bavaria.

Frauenkirche with its 2 iconic towers – easy to spot in Munich

Asam Church, also known as St. Johann-Nepomuk-Kirche, is a masterpiece. The unique exterior has intricate detailing and the interior ceiling and walls are covered with frescoes and statues.

Asamkirche

St. Peter’s Church is the city’s oldest place of worship. The interior is done in white and gold and the nearly 200-foot high tower has a viewing platforms that offers amazing views of the city. There are eight bells and eight clocks in the tower.

“Alter Peter” – Old Peter, is the oldest parish church in Munich

Intrigued by the idea of visiting Munich? GetAway Travel can craft and adventure including Munich and beyond! We can be reached at: (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Castles, cathedrals and cruising on the Rhine

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A river cruise is hard to beat and here’s why: you get to visit quaint villages, charming towns, cultural centers and scenic areas without unpacking. You go to bed and sleep during the travel time and wake up to a new venue and new adventures. River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going vessels so there won’t be long lines disembarking, embarking or at the lounge!

Taking a cruise on the Rhine offers multiple options because you’ve got Germany on one side, France on the other side and you may start out in Amsterdam. GetAway Travel will be taking a group on a fabulous cruise on the Rhine. The information in this blog gives an overview of where the group will be going, but most cruises take similar routes. So if you can’t join us next year, file this away and GetAway will be happy to help you with a similar cruise.

Starting or ending in Basel, Switzerland

 Take on an extra day at the end or start of your Rhine cruise to explore Basel. The hometown of tennis great Roger Federer is the cultural capital of Switzerland.

Basel Switzerland on the Rhine

There are museums (at least 40), art galleries and historic landmarks to enjoy. There are murals, sculptures and public art installations everywhere. And, Basel is on the “sunny” side of Switzerland. The city logs about 300 days of sunshine each year.

The Kunst Museum has been described as the “palace of arts.” The oldest public art institution in the world, it houses collections from the 17th century to contemporary. There are exhibits dedicated to fashion and decorative arts and a Picasso collection.

Base; city hall

Why so many museums? The city is home to a university and collections used for teaching and research became museums for all to enjoy. Museums are dedicated to pharmacy, design, the history of the Upper Rhine, anatomical, paper and toys.

The toy museum, with a collection of more than 2,500 teddy bears, is interesting for all ages. The toys are in exhibits placed to interact with each other. Display screens teach visitors about the toys and history of the collections. There are amazing collections of dolls, dollhouses, carousels and miniatures.

Basel Minster Cathedral

Basel Minster is a stunning Gothic cathedral. With its red sandstone walls and twin spires, it commands attention and thats before you notice the jaw-dropping intricate facade.

Stained glass in the Basel Minster

Breisach, Strasbourg and Speyer

 Breisach, Germany is considered the Gateway to the Black Forest. The region is on a basalt rock outcropping and it is across the river from French Alsace, a famous wine-growing region. But Breisach is no beverage slacker, it is home to Europe’s largest wine cellars.

Breisach, Germany on the Rhine

Nine wine growing regions with more than 500 different wines are represented at Badischer Winzerkeller. Take an underground train tour of the cellars and learn about the winegrowers and cellarmen and, of course, there’s tasting involved.

Geldermann Privatsektkellerei is a sparking wine cellar. Its tour includes the bottling process and, of course, more tasting.

Medieval door, Breisach, Germany

St. Stephen’s Cathedral dates from the 12th century with a major remodel in the 15th century. Much of the historically significant interior was preserved, including the 1,000 square-foot mural “The Last Judgement” created by Martin Schongauer. There are other amazing frescoes and carvings inside and the view from the roof is fabulous.

St. Stephens Cathedral – Briesach, Germany

Strasbourg, along the Alsace Wine Route, has picturesque canals, quaint half-timbered homes and stunning architecture. It is no wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Strasbourg

The Cathédrale Nôtre-Dame de Strasbourg represents eight centuries of architectural history. One of the oldest churches in the world, with a spire height of nearly 450 feet, it is also one of the tallest churches in the world. Visitors are awed by the 12th century stained glass windows as well as the astronomical clock in the interior.

Cathédrale Nôtre-Dame de Strasbourg

Speyer is named for the four red towers on the city’s Romanesque cathedral. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its four towers and two domes, it is considered one of the most important Romanesque monuments from the Holy Roman Empire. Eight different German emperors and kings are buried here.

Imperial Cathedral of the Assumption of Saint Stephen, Speyer

There are modern exhibits from land, sea and air at the Technik Museum in Speyer. There are  more than 2,000 exhibits include space shuttles and submarines. The Historical Museum of the Palatinate explores the history of the region, including a wine museum that has exhibits and collections dedicated to the culture of winemaking and wine consumption.

Rüdesheim, Boppard, Koblenz, Cologne

 Rüdesheim is known for winemaking, especially its Rieslings. There are a number of vineyard tours to choose from. But, you can start your tasting experience while touring the city on Drosselgasse, a quaint street lined with shops, taverns and restaurants.

Rudesheim Winery

You can’t miss the clocktower on Drosselgasse, try to be close when it strikes the hour. It plays music, rings bells and animated figures dance.

If you are starting your day early, get a cup of the famous Rüdesheimer coffee. Made with a generous splash of Asbach Uralt brandy, it is topped with a big dollop of fresh whipped cream.

You can take a cable car ride to the Niederwald monument which commemorates the founding of the German empire. The panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and Rüdesheimer are amazing.

Niederwald

Seigfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum of automated musical instruments and more. There are exhibits featuring intricate music boxes, self-playing instruments and vintage jukeboxes.

Rheinstein Castle

The Rheinstein Castle will make you think you walked into a fairytale. Its well-preserved architecture, which is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives one a sense of medieval Germany. Tour the historic halls, courtyards and gardens complete with period furnishings as well as weaponry and armory.

Brömserburg Castle houses the Rheingau Wine Museum. Learn all about the history of winemaking, the art of viticulture and, of course, sample regional wines.

Boppard, in the Rhine Gorge, is the largest wine town in the central Rhine region. Take advantage of the many wine tours that are offered, and do some of your sampling at Weinhaus Geilig Grab. It is the city’s oldest wine tavern, more than 200 years old, and you can try Rieslings, pinot noirs or Müller-Thurgau.

High on the bluffs are two castles, formerly owned by feuding brothers, Burg Liebenstein and Burg Sterrenberg. Burg Liebenstein is nearly restored and functions as a hotel now.

You can tour Electoral Castle. It is one of the few castles on the Rhine that was not destroyed and then rebuilt. It is on the water’s edge instead of on the hills because castle owners collected tolls on the Rhine. It houses the Thonet Museum which honors the city’s famous furniture maker.

Electoral Castle, Eltville

Koblenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, has some great castle. The gardens and park at Stolzenfels Castle are stunning. It was the summer residence of King of Prussia Friedich Wilhelm IV. Deutsches Eck or German Corner, rises up from the waters where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. There’s a 120-foot bronze statue of Kaiser Wilhelm on the land.

Eltz Castle, Koblenz

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe and the only 19th century Russian fortress left in Europe. It houses several museums including a wine museum as well as archeology, photography and history museums.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz

Cologne is a major cultural center with dozens of fabulous galleries and museums.

If you are interested in joining GetAway’s Castles on the Rhine group, having us plan your own cruise — or perhaps taking back-to-back cruises, we can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel