Category Archives: UNESCO

Turkey’s delights beyond Istanbul

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Turkey is a culturally rich country with stunning landscapes, an amazing history and more archeological sites than most European countries. Istanbul is the country’s largest city and economic hub, but the cities on the coasts, the mystery of the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, the travertine ledges of Pamukkale and the cobblestone streets of Antalya have continued to charm visitors. Ready to be charmed? GetAway Travel will help with that.

Amphitheater at Ephesus

 

Ankara, Turkey’s capital city

 The second largest city in Turkey, Ankara was designated the capital instead of Istanbul to reinforce the idea the country was moving into the modern ages. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and made Ankara the capital.

Ankara, Turkey

The city’s skyline is a study in modern development with universities and government offices, but peel that back and the foundation of the city date back to the Stone Age.

Citadel of Ankara

Ankara Castle is a fortified complex of buildings with Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman influences. It overlooks at the city and includes towers, mosques and trade inns. The inner castle area contains the Alaeddin Mosque. The oldest mosque in the city, it has a distinctive design. Instead of the usual domed top, it has a flat roof. In keeping with the practices of the time, it is built of recycled stones from ancient Roman and Byzantine structures as well as columns, capitals and marble from former palaces and temples. The remains of the country’s first museum is also in the inner castle area.

Interior, Haci Bayram Mosque

The Haci Bayram Mosque and Mausoleum reflect Ottoman architecture from the 17th and 18th century. The interior has Arabic calligraphy inscriptions, Kütahya tiles (hand-painted ceramic tiles with bright colors and intricate geometric floral and calligraphic designs), an ornamental wooden ceiling and a beautifully designed pulpit or mimbar where the iman stood to deliver sermons.

The remains of the Temple of Augustus & Rome are nearby.

The Cermodern is a contemporary art museum located in a restored train maintenance facility.

Kocatepe, Mosque

The largest mosque in Ankara is the Kocatepe Mosque. Built between 1967 and 1987 in the Neo-classical Ottoman architectural style, it can accommodate 24,000 worshippers.

University of Ankara

Artifacts in 10 galleries at the Ankara Ethnography Museum showcase Turkish history. Visitors can view Islamic manuscripts, Turkish carpets, woodworks, ceramics and traditional clothing.

Old street market, Ankara

There are opportunities for vineyard tours and winery visits in the Ankara area as well as in the Cappadocia area.

Cappadocia and Pamukkale 

 A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cappadocia is an area of irresistible geological beauty and intricate subterranean structures. The region is renowned for its unusual “fairy chimney” rock formations. Crafted by thousands of years of volcanic activity and erosion, the formations are best viewed with a hot air balloon ride. Often called the hot air balloon capital of the world, Cappadocia offers one of travel’s most unforgettable sunrise experiences.

Winter flights in Cappadocia

As dozens of colorful balloons drift above the fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings, passengers enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the region’s unique landscapes. On favorable weather mornings, more than 100 hot air balloons can take to the skies at once, creating one of the largest and most spectacular balloon displays anywhere in the world.

Cappadocia – world ballon capital

From above you can view the Goreme Open Air Museum. Once a refuge for monks and Christians, there are churches carved out of the rock as well as a museum in the cave network. On the ground, a series of pathways takes visitors through the extraordinary photogenic chimney areas of Love, Monk and Imagination Valleys.

Goreme town

The churches cut out of bedrock date back centuries. Karankik Dark Church, Elamli Apple Church, Tokali Church of the Buckle and the Monastic Complex are remarkably well-preserved. Inside you can view bright frescoes and mosaics from the Byzantine era depicting scenes from the Bible and life of Jesus.

Apple church, Cappadocia

Love Valley is one of Cappadocia’s most famous and photographed landscapes, known for its towering rock pillars and dramatic scenery. The valley gets its name from the unusual shape of some of the natural rock formations, which visitors have long said resemble giant stone columns with a quite distinctive appearance.

Fairy chimneys in Cappadocia “love” valley

In the Denizli Province, Pamukkale is known for its fabulous thermal baths as well as its striking landscape. Pamukkale translates to “Cotton Castle” and the name comes from the shining white stone terraces down the hillside. Formed by calcium deposits from water-heated lava, the travertine rock appears to glow and change colors during sunrise and sunset.

Pamukkale

Some other cities of interest…

 Antalya on the harbor has whitewashed, red-roofed homes that create an amazing picture with the mountains visible on the horizon and pricey yachts parked on the sea off the beach. Check out the Düden Waterfalls and take a cable car about a mile up the Bey Mountains to Aspendos. This ancient outdoor theater is still used for the annual opera and ballet festivals.

Antalya

This is a lovely town to just take a relaxing stroll. The ornate Ottoman homes that are now boutique hotels, art galleries and restaurants are draped with blooming bougainvillea flowers.

Duden wateralls, Antalya

Ephesus was a busy Roman port city. One of the largest cities in the ancient world, its is so well preserved it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The streets are lined with colonnades, there are temples with intricately carved entrances and the Great Theater where St. Paul supposedly preached. The Library of Celsus is one of the largest ancient libraries in the world.

Library at Ephesus

Just off the city center is the Temple of Artemis, and the temple ruins are considered one to the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Vatican recognizes one of the terrace houses here as the final residence of the Virgin Mary.

Library of Celsus detail

Temple of Artemis ruins, Ephesus

Kas is a Mediterranean coastal retreat. Take a boat tour to discover the hidden caves and the underwater archaeological site of the sunken city of Kekova.

Kas, Turkey

Safranbolu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, well-preserved Ottoman homes and it is famous for the cultivation of the saffron flower. An important stop on the trade routes, wealthy town inhabitants built impressive hoes of wood and stucco that still stand. Enjoy all things saffron, from spiced dishes to saffron soap to saffron-flavored coffee and tea.

Historic Ottoman homes, Safranbolu

Are you intrigued by what Turkey can offer? Advisors at GetAway Travel are ready to concoct an adventure that helps you hit all the highpoint of this amazing country.

 

 

 

 

Epic rail adventure awaits in Switzerland

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There are few things that beat a great travel adventure. How about an adventure where you get to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime intimate curated grand mountain/rail adventure where everything is planned for carefree enjoyment? That’s an apt description of a Swiss vacation, where the trains always run on time, where you always have great views, your luggage transfers are taken care of and there’s cheese, chocolate and wine. You can take advantage of GetAway Travel’s artfully crafted trip, or our advisors can help you with your own adventure. Here’s a closer look at parts of GetAway’s planned trip and what you might expect if our advisors plan a trip for you.

Welcome to Switzerland

 Zurich is your landing spot and on to Lucerne. With your handy Swiss travel pass, this is the first of several train rides. And get the idea of a chugging, stinky, closed up train with narrow windows right out of your head. The Swiss take their rail trips seriously, beautifully appointed cars with huge windows, WiFi, cushy seats, food service in some and dining cars with bars.

Lucerne, Switzerland

After free time in Lucerne, it’s time to take a scenic train ride to Rigi Kulm.  Dubbed the Queen of the Mountains, it is nearly 6,000 feet above sea level. You get 360° views of the Alps and France AND Germany! The Swiss lowlands are also visible and beautiful and so are the 13 lakes surrounding the area.

Railway to Mt Rigi

Back to Lucerne for the night and then board the Interlaken Express which is arguably the most scenic rail traveling you will ever experience. We’re talking postcard perfect landscape, quaint Alpine villages and dramatic mountain views.

There’s time to unwind in Interlaken. The center town area has great shops with souvenirs, as well as cheese and chocolates. This is a paragliding hot spot. If that’s not your jam, go to Hohematte Park and watch those who may be a bit more adventurous.

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Hamburg: “Gateway to the World”

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Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany has a rich maritime history. Its huge harbor is still the economic heart of the city with an astonishing amount of cargo ships docking there each year. Between 6,800 and 8,000 ships including the “ultra-large” cargo ships dock there each year. Saltwater has molded the architecture and history of the city. It was the embarkation point for 4 million emigrants who made their way to America.

But there’s more! It’s home to a fabulous concert hall, a warehouse district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a former stomping grounds for the Beatles and, it has its own signature pastry. We are sooo in for that! Ready to visit Hamburg? Advisors at GetAway Travel can put you on the road to a Hamburg adventure.

Water, water everywhere

Connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River, Hamburg is crossed by hundreds of canals. It has 2,500 bridges, more than Amsterdam, Venice and London combined. In addition to crossing the Elbe River, they also cross the city’s Alster Lakes. The Port of Hamburg is one of the largest and busiest in Europe and the best way to see it is to take one of the boat tours.

Port of Hamburg

There’s lots of cool maritime points of interest at the docks.

For instance, check out Rickmer Rickmers. This fully-rigged beauty is permanently docked at the harbor. First launched in 1896, it was propelled by wind, then steam and finally, diesel. It has been fully restored as a museum ship.

The Rickmer Rickmers

Cap San Diego is another museum ship. It is larger than the Rickmer and when it was built in 1961, it was the world’s largest freight ship in the world. Nicknamed the “White Swan of the South Atlantic” it also functions as a hotel alternative. You can stay in a passenger cabin or book the captain’s quarters. There’s a restaurant on board.

The Cap San Diego in Hamburg harbor

The largest hunting and spy submarine in the world, built by Russia for use during the Cold War, is moored in the harbor. Built in 1976, you can tour it and marvel at the cramped conditions the crew had to work in.

Submarine in Hamburg Port – open for tours

The Elbphilharmonie was built in 2017 with a roof that is contoured to mimic huge rolling sea waves. Constructed of 1,096 individual glass panes, the acoustics of the two concert halls inside are reputed to be the best in the world. You can get on the observation deck for astonishing panoramic views of the city.

Hamburg Elbe Philharmonic Hall

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Speicherstadt is the world’s largest contiguous warehouse complex built on oak log timber foundations. Constructed between 1883 and 1927, there are 15 large warehouse blocks of red brick warehouses resting on timber foundations. The sophisticated uniform design as well as the neo-Gothic brick facades are an extraordinary sight!

Speicherstadt warehouse district

Many of the warehouses are used as offices, but there’s also museums, amazing restaurants and the nearby Miniatur Wunderland.

Learn all about the district’s history of trade and storage at the Speicherstadtmuseum. Imported goods such as coffee, tea, cocoa and spices all had to be sampled and stored by the quartermaster. You can get a little hands-on experience as a quartermaster.

The history of borders, smuggling and tariffs in on display at the German Customs Museum. Learn all about the work of customs officers and tour the customs boat museum.

One of the most photographed spots in the district is the Wasserschloss. This photogenic restaurant and teahouse is located between two canals. The teahouse offers 250 different teas.

Experience 3,000 years of maritime history at the International Maritime Museum. There’s 10 floors of seafaring info including intricate ship models, antique nautical instruments, historic uniforms and marine art. There’s rafts, deep sea shipping materials and a LEGO model of the Queen Mary 2.

The Miniatur Wunderland is the city’s most popular tourist attraction. It is the world’s largest model railroad exhibit with tiny renderings of everything from Rome to Carnival in Rio and, of course, Hamburg. Construction was started 2,000 and eight months later, it opened. Since then theme worlds have been continuously added. Right now there are 14 with the Atacama Desert and Rainforest as well as the Caribbean under construction.

Take your pick of more things to do

There’s lots more to see and do, but first — a food break. There are some unique regional foods you must try. The franzbrötchen is a buttery, sticky croissant-like cinnamon pastry. Labskaus is a traditional sailors dish with the main ingredient being salted meat or corned beef mixed with potatoes and onions. Sometimes it is served with a fried egg and do try it with the pickles that accompanies the dish.

A buttery, sticky franzbrötchen

Fischbrötchen is a fresh fish sandwich, like herring or mackerel, serve on a crispy bread roll. It’s a great street food sandwich, but you can also enjoy it with many variations at the Fischmarkt. Every Sunday at the harbor, the fish market is packed with stands selling fresh fish, fish sandwiches and fruit, chocolates and flowers. Inside the Fish Auction Hall you can enjoy a beer, even at 7 a.m., and live music.

Fischbrötchen – might be an aquired taste

Composers Quarter is a complex of six museums with each paying homage to a classical composer that was born or lived in Hamburg. Audio recordings, photographs and even musical instruments teach visitors about Brahms, Telemann, Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach, Gustav Mahler and Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn.

From bean to bar, the Chocolate Museum reveals the makings of a chocolate bar and, you can create your own chocolate bar with your favorite ingredients.

St. Michael’s church, Hamburg

St. Michael’s Church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Hamburg renowned for its three pipe organs. St. Nicholas Church was heavily damaged by a fire and then by bombs during WWII. It is a war memorial now with an observation deck that also offers great views of the area.

View from St. Michaels

The Reeperbahn, the historic red light district area, is now a night-life hub. Theaters, clubs and lots of live music draw visitors at night. It is here, between 1960 and 1962, that the Beatles honed their music style by playing set after set in the night clubs.

The Kunsthalle art museum

Three building, each with a distinctive style, houses the Kunsthalle, the city’s art gallery and museum. Ranked as one of the top art museums in Europe, it has more than 145,000 works of art dating back to the 14th century. There is a huge sculpture collection and a paper collection of 140,000 prints and drawings.

Hamburg town hall

The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe highlights the decorative and applied arts as well as design and crafts. The exhibits and permanent collections include fashion, textiles, ancient antiquities, sculptures, photographs, new media and Islamic and Asian art.

Labskaus

Hamburg, what a great place to visit! GetAway Travel advisors can add Hamburg to your next itinerary. We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Make bread part of your tasty adventure

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Bread is one of the world’s oldest “prepared” food. It is a universal staple and eating it together is one of the simplest forms of bonding. “Breaking bread” is a symbol of friendship, reconciliation, hospitality and camaraderie. Bread holds religious significance and it shows up in proverbs and slang. While you may not want to tailor your travel adventure around this staple, advisors at GetAway Travel can make sure you get what you knead in your travel itinerary and we can even add some time for loafing around.

From stone ground to stone baked

Recorded history shows bread is an important part of culture and diet. It is the oldest food that doesn’t require foraging or hunting. The oldest unleavened bread was flatbread discovered in Jordan in 14,400. It was wild wheat, barley and einkorn. Stone tools were used to crack and smash the grains. They were initially mixed with water to make a porridge and then, the porridge was spread on rocks and left in the sun. The dried, sun-baked mixture was the first bread.

With the domestication of wheat in the mid-East, the cultivation of grain to bread spread.

Egyptians used bread as a vessel, other countries began using it as utensil. Before coins became prevalent in Egypt, workers were paid with bread and beer.

Iberians and Gauls used foam from beer and discovered it added lightness and taste.

Europeans used beer as leavening and sourdough evolved. Until the development of yeasts during the 19th century every bread was sourdough. In the 1980s demand for sourdough was so high, there were regulations drawn up to define what could be sold as sourdough.

Mayans used corn and that evolved into tortillas, tamales and other bread varieties.

While there are thousands and thousands of type of bread world wide, Germany is the big winner for bread varieties clocking in at more than 3,200.

Bread is different in Europe due to the use of different wheat varieties. They are softer and the bread has a lower gluten content. Many countries also use more diverse wheat strains grown especially for their taste. There are stricter regulations on what can be included in flour.

Cassava

Global prestige granted to bread

Maltese Ftira

 UNESCO recognizes bread making traditions as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage designation. The recognition is designed to protect the practice of making bread, including traditions, unique craftsmanship, ingredients, social importance, historical roots. It is designed to promote and preserve these practices. UNESCO designations go to France’s baguette, Malta’s Ftira, Haiti/Caribbean’s Casabe cassava bread, Lebanon’s Manoushe and the German bread culture.

Lebanese Manoushe

Germany is in a whole category of its own when it comes to bread. It is an integral part of their culture and they have more varieties than any other country. According to the bread register of the German Institute For Bread (really, it does exist, we aren’t making it up) there are more than 3,200 types of bread. It is a staple at most meals. There’s bread for breakfast and bread for break time, called Pausenbrot or “break bread.” Bread for lunch and, of course, bread for dinner called Abendbrot or bread of the evening.

Pausenbrot

German supermarkets have their own corner bakeries attached and bakers are held in high regard and must undergo a high level of training. There are German standards for bread quality including the size of the loaf and each year the German Institute announces the bread of the year. For 2025 the bread of the year was Nussbrot or Nut Bread. You can enjoy farmer’s bread, mixed bread, stone oven bread, pumpkin bread and five-seed bread.

Abendbrot

There’s bread rolls which come in several varieties and may be called something else depending what part of the country you might be in and milk rolls which are a breakfast item when they contain raisins or chocolate chips. Hörnchen is another breakfast staple. The name means “little horns” and the half moon shaped rolls are the German version of a croissant with a lot more butter. They are served with jam or a chocolate spread.

Vollkornbrot

Vollkornbrot, whole grain bread, is a predominant bread at bakeries. It is a dark bread commonly used with meat and cheese for sandwiches in the evening. There is a law making it mandatory that loaves of Vollkornbrot must have whole grain flour content of at least 90%.

Pumpernickel bread in Germany is a rich, dark bread made of 100% rye flour. Most supermarkets in Germany sell it in pre-sliced small batches. It must be baked at a low temperature for a long time and frequently sells out at the bakeries. Roggenbrot is any rye bread other than pumpernickel.

Pumpernickel

Katenbrot is a dark brown, coarsely textured whole grain bread. The name means “barn bread” and it is great as sandwich bread. Sonnenblumenbrot is sunflower seed bread. This slightly sweet offering is great for breakfast and is served with cream cheese and jam. Dreikornbrot/Fünfkornbrot is the healthiest of the bread options. It is made with a variety of wheat, rye, barley, oats and maize flour and grains.

 

GetAway Travel advisors are by no means bread experts, but in their travels they have tried many delectable varieties and can give great tasty vacation advice. They can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel Check back for our next blog which takes you around the world to check out more bread options.

 

 

 

 

Luxor steeped in amazing historic experiences

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The “world’s largest open-air museum” is a fitting description of Luxor, Egypt. The country was ruled by pharaohs who each tried to outdo a past ruler with lavish lifestyles. Even in death, the pharaohs paid homage to the lavish style with tombs that befitted their stature. Visitors can get a glimpse into how the pharaohs and their subjects lived with the help of carvings, frescoes and stunning paintings preserved in the tombs. The Valley of Kings, the Valley of Queens, the Karnak Temple Complex — monuments, tombs, sphinxes and temples — there is mystery and exotic adventures everywhere in Luxor.

Ballooning over Luxor

Luxor is one of GetAway Travel’s stops in our 2026 Egypt cruise. You can join us, or our travel advisors would be happy to help plan a vacation now if you’re up for an adventure!

Legendary burial sites

 Luxor is one of, if not the world’s largest archeological sites. In ancient times, Thebes, was the imperial capital and it was split by the Nile River, essentially creating the City of the Living and the City of the Dead. The East bank, or the City of the Living, now Luxor, is where the majority of people lived. The West bank served as a necropolis — a lavish resting place for royalty and nobility.

Aerial view – Luxor west bank

The sharply delineated hills of the West bank once harbored countless treasures. Pharaohs were buried in elaborate tunnels carved into the hills and cliffs and decorated with paintings, carvings and frescoes. Their mummified bodies were laid to rest covered in gold and jewels and their tombs were filled with their worldly possessions.

Luxor temple at Thebes on the east bank

Tombs, sadly, were looted and deteriorated as a result of environmental conditions in the Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens and the Valley of Artisans, but the intricate set-ups and decorations are still stunning feats of architecture. We’re not talking little dusty burial chambers, the interiors are large, the tunnel work is amazing and “decoration” means the interiors are decorated wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling.

Tomb of Seti First, Valley of the Kings, Luxor

Pharaohs, queens, high nobility, children of the elite were buried in burial chambers with temples nearby. The temples honored gods, but also the subject in the tomb and it chronicled their exploits.

Temples, tombs, monuments

 The largest and most impressive collection of temple ruins is actually on the East bank of the Nile. The Karnak Temple Complex is supposedly where creation began. Pharaohs added to the areas as they rose in power. The 250-acre site has been “under construction” for 4,000 years. There are multiple temples, two obelisks, hieroglyphs and a sacred lake. The Great Hypostyle Hall is a little less than an acre of 134 massive, intricately decorated columns supporting a roof.

Ruins of Karnak Temple

The Karnak is connected to the Luxor Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes.

Just imagine, more than 1,000 statues on a two-mile avenue each hand carved and each the same distance from the other. What a marvel of engineering! There are sphinxes, criosphinxes (lion head on a ram’s body) and ram statues.

Avenue of the Sphinx, Luxor

Between Karnak and the Luxor Temple is the Luxor Heritage Center. Here interactive exhibits document the country’s history from ancient times to the present. Select archeological pieces are on display here. The Luxor Museum has old and new kingdom artifacts. You can see the statue of Tuthmosis III, items that were buried with King Tut, statues found under the Temple of Luxor and two royal mummies. Videos show the process of making papyrus and how to write hieroglyphs.

Seated statue of Pharaoh Thutmosis III

The history of the Luxor Temple makes it a necessary spot to visit. Three religions are intertwined on the site. Incredibly beautiful, it started as a temple to the cult of Amun, became a Coptic Church and then a mosque was built on the ruins.

Luxor Temple

The Great Court of Ramses is in the Luxor Temple. The walls are adorned with the names and titles of Ramses’ 17 sons. During a 1989 restoration, 26 statues were uncovered that were apparently buried by priests.

Ramses II in Great Court, Luxor

The Valley of Kings is nearby. Dozens of pharaoh are laid to rest here with more than 63 tombs excavated including the tombs of King Tut, Ay and Ramses VI. Close to the entrance of the Valley of Kings is the Colossi of Memnon, a pair of 59-foot-high statues more than 3,300 years old. Considered the largest and most significant statues in Egypt, the 800-ton statues depict King Amenhotep III seated on his throne with his mother and wife next to his legs and the God of the Nile depicted on side panels.

Colossi of Memnon

One of the most spectacular features of the Valley of Kings is the Temple of Hatshepsut. Pharaoh Hatshepsut was a woman, thought to be one of the most successful rulers of Egypt, she governed for about 20 years and she is the only female pharaoh buried in the Valley of Kings. Her temple is a jaw-dropping architectural marvel. Carved into the stark hillside are three tiers of porticos with statues, pillars and hieroglyphs. There are three chapels inside and two ramps connect the lower terrace of the temple to the upper terrace.

Temple of Hatshepsut

Many of the tombs in the nearby Valley of Queens have been ransacked, but the beautiful, bright paintings on the walls are worth a visit. There are 75 royal tombs here — queens, princesses and princes were buried here as well as Queen Nefertari, whose resting place is gorgeous. No, that’s not a typo, it IS Queen Nefertari, not to be confused with Queen Nefertiti. They ruled about a dynasty apart.

Queen Nefertari and the god Horus

Deir el-Medina, or the Valley of Artisans, gives visitors a view of the workers who toiled to build the royal tombs. A lovely little temple, dedicated to the Egyptian goddess of love and truth is here as well as several tombs.

Luxor temple in Luxor

Luxor is a part of GetAway Travel’s 2026 Egyptian adventure, but if you’re interested in experiencing the mystery and majesty of Egypt sooner, we’re ready to help with that trip. Stay tuned for more blogs on other fascinating Egyptian destinations included in GetAway’s itinerary. And, read on for some short “snapshots” of other Luxor points of interest. Contact GetAway 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Set Sail on the Ultimate Adventure: 149 Days of Discovery in 2027

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Ready to check off your ultimate travel bucket list? In 2027, you can embark on the cruise of a lifetime: a 149-day voyage that spans 35 countries, over 70 destinations, and 5 continents. Think of it as a whirlwind journey where you not only explore some of the planet’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites but also dive into local cultures, all while enjoying luxurious comforts. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just someone with a serious case of wanderlust, this experience has something for everyone.

 Why Book with Us?

Well, let’s be honest: booking a cruise this epic can feel a little overwhelming. But that’s where we come in. We’re here to handle all the little details so you can focus on the fun. We’ll customize your adventure to make sure every stop on this global voyage matches your dream trip.

A Dive into History: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

This 149-day journey on the Silverseas Silver Dawn isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about *experiencing* it. And there’s no better way to do that than by visiting some of the planet’s most revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ever dreamed of wandering the mystical lost city of Petra? How about standing atop Machu Picchu, gazing out at the ancient ruins framed by the Andes?

Other highlights include the Great Barrier Reef, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and the timeless beauty of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Every stop adds something new and unforgettable to your travel story, giving you that perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

And here’s the insider tip: when you book with us, we can set you up with special experiences at these locations—like early access to sites before the crowds arrive or exclusive guided tours with local experts.

We discussed previously about starting a bucket list of World Heritage Sites.

The 149-day Silversea cruise in 2027 includes over 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of its diverse and immersive itinerary. These remarkable sites offer travelers the chance to explore some of the world’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks across five continents.

Here are some of the standout UNESCO sites that could be part of your journey:

  • Petra (Jordan) – The ancient city carved into rose-red rock.

  • Great Wall of China (China) – A stunning testament to human ingenuity.

  • Machu Picchu (Peru) – The legendary Incan city high in the Andes.

  • Great Barrier Reef (Australia) – The world’s largest coral reef system.

  • Amalfi Coast (Italy) – A breathtaking stretch of coastline with historic towns.

  • Angkor Wat (Cambodia) – The largest religious monument in the world.

  • Medina of Fez (Morocco) – A well-preserved medieval city brimming with history.

  • Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) – A haven for wildlife and natural beauty.

Each destination offers a rich cultural, historical, or natural significance, adding depth and meaning to this incredible global adventure.

Travel Sustainably and Make a Difference

What makes this cruise even better? It’s not just about seeing the world; it’s about *preserving* it. In partnership with local communities, this journey emphasizes sustainable travel. From contributing to reef preservation efforts in Australia to supporting local artisans in Southeast Asia, your journey leaves a positive footprint.

And we’re not just talking about the destinations. Onboard, you’ll enjoy sustainable luxury, with eco-friendly initiatives like reducing single-use plastics and minimizing fuel consumption. So, while you’re indulging in world-class dining and lounging in your suite, you can feel good about traveling responsibly.

 Luxury, Tailored to You

Let’s talk about the fun stuff—the luxury side of things. This cruise redefines what it means to sail in style. Onboard, every suite is spacious, offering you sweeping ocean views. Fancy a butler? You’ve got one. How about gourmet dining created by top chefs, or a sommelier who will guide you through fine wine tastings? Yes, that’s all part of the package.

This 149-day voyage is a journey that blends luxury, culture, and adventure into one perfect package. And with our help, booking it is easier (and more exciting!) than ever. We’ll handle all the planning, offer insider perks, and make sure every part of this dream trip is uniquely yours.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make 2027 your year of ultimate adventure. Reach out today and let’s get your journey started!

Quito: Gateway to the Galapagos

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A spectacular capital city built on the ruins of an Incan city, Quito is the oldest of all the South American capitals. Quito is a combination of two Tsafiki words translated to “center of the world.”

Its city center is so well preserved, Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the Galapagos Islands usually start their adventures in Quito. One of GetAway Travel’s 2026 adventures involves a fabulous trip to the Galapagos which starts in Quito. Check back for upcoming blogs featuring Galapagos and our scheduled cruise ship. The island cruise will be an awesome experience, but don’t for a minute think our time in Quito won’t also be an adventure to remember.

Beautiful, ancient churches

 Quito has one of the largest concentrations of some of the most beautiful churches in Latin America.

La Campañía de Jesús

La Campañía de Jesús has an amazing exterior, but the interior makes one gasp in astonishment. The interior is covered in nearly seven tons of gold leaf. The interior as well as the exterior reveal French and Italian Baroque influences as well as some Moorish influence.

One of the most ornate religious buildings in Ecuador, the gold leaf, gilded plaster, wooden carvings are topped by two green and gold domes at the top of the vaulted ceiling.

Campañía de Jesús inside dome

Pay attention to the intricate carvings, you can see Ecuadorian plants and indigenous faces among the carvings. There are 44 paintings and sculptures in the interior.

Climb the  Neo-Gothic tower at the Basilica del Voto Nacional for great views of the city. The largest Neo-Gothic cathedral in South America, the construction was inspired by the Bourges Cathedral in France. Construction began on the cathedral in 1887 and it was deemed nearly finished in 1909. According to local legend, the church’s construction will be fully complete shortly before the end of the world.

Basilica del Voto Nacional

As you travel to the top, admire the intricate gargoyles and spires. (Psst, there’s an elevator if you don’t want to take the stairs.)

Church and Monastery of San Francisco

The church and monastery of San Francisco is the oldest church in Quito and the oldest church and largest religious complex in Ecuador. The church, convent and adjacent museum hold more than 3,500 pieces of colonial art. Above the church altar is the famous Winged or Dancing Virgin sculpture. Created by Bernardo de Legardo, the design of her dress and position of her hands make it seem she is in motion.

The Basilica of our Lady of the Merced was founded by the priests of the La Merced order. The library contains historic parchment books and the museum has art pieces and antique jewelry.

But wait, there’s so much more…

 The Teleférigo is a cable car/gondola lift that runs from the edge of the city center to the east side of the Pichincha Volcano. One of the highest aerial lifts in the world, it moves slow enough to give riders great views and photo opportunities. Vulqano Park is at the base station of the cable lift. It has picnic areas and 24 different attractions including roller coasters, bumper cars, swings, carousels and a haunted house.

Teleférigo Cable Car

Just outside of Quito is Ciudad Mitad del Mundo at the equator line. Here, you can stand with a foot on either side and be in two different hemispheres. The interactive museum has exhibits from the Highland and Amazonian tribes with explanations of their history. There’s great collections of musical instruments, clothing, textiles and more.

Monument of the equator

The El Panecillo monument is a hill shaped like a loaf of bread topped by a towering statue of the winged Virgin Mary. With a height of 134 feet, it is the tallest aluminum statue in the world. The glowing statue was constructed by Spanish sculptor Agustin de la Herrán. Each of the 7,400 pieces was numbered and it was shipped to Quito to be re-assembled.

La Ronda shopping

Shop the Mercado Artisanal, a thriving artisan market with a vast selection of handmade crafts, textiles, ceramics and souvenirs. Take a walk down Calle La Ronda, a charming cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings that house art galleries, shops and cafes.

Panama hats on display – La Ronda

Capilla de Hombre is a museum dedicated to the works of Oswaldo Guayasamín Calero. Referred to as the Michelangelo of Latin America, his paintings and sculptures were lauded by UNESCO who gave him a prize for the power of his body of work.

Parque La Carolina has been compared to New York’s Central Park. The 165-acre expanse of green space has something for everyone, an auditorium with performances, a children’s library and food stalls. The Quito Botanical Gardens are here. You can view foreign and native plants, a lagoon, an orchid garden, a garden dedicated to medicinal plants, a hydroponic rose garden and a cloud forest. The cloud forest is a subtropical area kept at a temperature due to the plants so it actually generates its own low cloud cover.

Parque La Carolina

It is also home to a vivarium with 40 species of reptiles, amphibians, snakes, turtles, iguanas and frogs. The Museum of Natural Sciences houses 200,000 specimens of flora, fauna and paleontology including an almost complete mastodon skeleton!

View of Cotopaxi volcano from Quito

Interested in our Galapagos adventure with Quito as a starting point? Give GetAway a call and join us! We can be reached at: (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Cologne: castles, cathedrals and beyond the city

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This 2,000-year-old city spans the Rhine and its cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spelled like the French world for perfume, the German pronunciation of the city is Köln.

There are fabulous examples of Gothic architecture and opportunities to peruse some great museums and tour some pretty cool castles within a stone’s throw of the city. Pop over to Cologne if you’re visiting Belgium or Luxembourg. Maybe make it a stop if you are considering a cruise on the Rhine. If you are interested in a visit to Cologne, GetAway Travel can map out a great adventure for you!

One of Europe’s most stunning cathedrals

 Cologne Cathedral is one of the most visited tourist sites in Europe. Construction on the cathedral, which is the seat of the archbishop of Cologne, started in 1248, and then stalled for almost 300 years so construction took 600 or so years!

The twin-spired high Gothic marvel of architecture dominates the city skyline. It is the world’s third largest Gothic-style cathedral and it took more than 300,000 tons of stone to construct. It has the largest facade of any church in the world.

Christmas Market in front of Cologne Cathedral

One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Northern Europe, it is host to the Shrine of Three Kings. Perched on the high altar is a massive gold shrine that is said to contain relics of the Magi. It is thought to be one of the finest examples of medieval gold work that is available for viewing. The vaulted ceilings are breathtaking, but it is the Richter window that makes visitors gape in wonder.

Stain glass in Cologne Cathedral

The 515-high window in the southern transept contains 11,000 hand-blown panels in 72 different colors. The other 14th century windows in the cathedral are also impressive. Along with the historic furnishings, such as the choirs stalls that were carved from 1308 to 1311, there is also a modern bronze altar created by Elmar Hillebrand between 1960 and 1971.

St. Martin Church, Cologne

There are at least a dozen other churches in the city including St. Martin Church, a Romanesque church with lovely stained glass windows. St. Maria in Kapital Church is another great example of Romanesque architecture with beautiful frescoes.

 An eclectic mix of museums

 The Museum Ludwig is next to the cathedral. Chocolatier and industrialist Peter Ludwig gave his name to this museum which features an amazing collection of modern art. The third largest collection of Picassos in the world is here. There are pieces by Salvador Dali and Roy Lichtenstein as well as multi-media exhibitions, photography and sculptures.

Farina Fragrance Museum – can you smell it?

The Farina Fragrance Museum has been in existence since 1709 and is one of the oldest perfume museums in the world. Several floors detail the complex process of creating a fragrance from start to finish. Create your own!

The Wallraf Richartz Museum has art pieces from medieval times to the 20th century and you can find modern and classic Christian artwork in the Kolumba museum. The Schnütgen Museum also has Christian artwork as well as prints and textiles from medieval to modern times.

Who doesn’t want to go to a chocolate museum?

And when you need a break from artwork and artifacts, track the 5,000-year history of chocolate making at the Chocolate Museum. Yes, there’s a chocolate fountain, several gift shops, you can make your own creations and museum staff offers samples to visitors along the tours.

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