Austria Tours and Trips

During our final walking tour in Vienna, I was excited to hear we would see a part of where some is the Lipizzan Stallions were kept while being trained. I was going to be in awe just to see the area. My Father had fought in WWII and he had told me he had seen the horses. I always tried to get more information from him about his time in the war but that was the one and only thing he ever mentioned about it. I guess that came out about the time I had gotten a solid white Quarter Horse for a new competition horse. Anyway, I had also seen the Disney movie that came out about the Lipizzan Stallions and Riders escape from those who were trying to stop them from reaching Austria so I was living a childhood dream just to be near them. But, to my surprise, when we got to the small training type area, I was greeted with a wonderful sight that absolutely made my day!

Just getting there at my age!!! Practiced walking alll summer and fall. Leanne was verypround of me that I could walk to the 6 blocks fast to the Munic Glockenspiel. Gave me a big hug. She was the greaest person!!!

There are two: - the old town and markets were amazing. The walking was easy and so pleasant from our lovely hotel. There was so much to see and experience, - the top of the Alps experience was breathtaking and having lunch topped this once in lifetime thrill!

Absolutely a dream come true. Every aspect was perfect. The ship, the Amadeus Queen, was comfortable and beautiful. The staff were so attentive and professional. Every meal was delicious. We felt so well taken care of. The towns and Christmas markets we visit were a delight. Every local tour guide was knowledgeable, flexible, and charming. Especially wonderful was our tour manager, Stefan. He was kind, caring, supportive, and shared his culture and life experiences with us. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was not a ‘big’ one. On the last day of the trip, I was up early and went to the Admirals Club, a lounge at the back of the ship, to get some coffee. No one else was there (the river cruise ships are not overcrowded and raucous….quiet and peaceful are the words that come to my mind), and I spent a perfect 15 minutes listening to Christmas music and enjoying my coffee, all by myself, in a very beautiful space. It was magical. And there were so many magical moments it would take days to recount them all.

I loved everything about this trip!!! The Christmas Markets, tours and especially our Collette guide - Benedikt were all amazing!! There were only two things that I would change. One was a ship situation where they didn't always provide free water - that's sinful!!! Being charged for water is absolutely criminal in my mind. The other thing - and this is a Collette thing for trying to save us money - the LONG layovers in Toronto both coming and going - ridiculous!!! Many of us were sick on the return trip and this was absolutely awful!!! The only other thing - perhaps allow for more down time - with all the Seniors on this trip it was exhausting. But again - I want to mention - LOVED IT!!!

We truly had a magical time in Innsbruck, Salzburg, Oberammergau, Munich. We enjoyed the location of our Hotel, and all the wonderful christmas events happening. Our tour manager, Ivana, was the absolute best! Highly recommend.