Our Day in Monte Carlo... Viking Mediterranean Odyssey Ocean Cruise!

 

Docking in Monte Carlo, Monaco during our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey Ocean cruise provided quite the sight of opulence! Large private yachts surrounded the bay area and the shoreline was filled with bright fair-like stands which had a definite American influence. We walked about town and enjoyed a beautiful day. This would a lovely place to visit again. We didn't go into the casinos, but we did explore downtown quite a bit.

Happy travels!

~ Cindy

Falkland Islands and Bluff Cove Lagoon....

 

During early February 2020, we were able to cruise to the Falkland Islands with Viking during our South America & Chilean Fjords cruise. This trip has been filled with all breeds of penguins and in the Falkland Islands we saw Gentoo and King Penguins along the shore at Bluff Cove Lagoon.

The area is very rugged and terns, geese and skuas often frequent the beach. It was fun to watch the penguins interact with each other. You'll notice the white flags. They were there to tell us to not go past them so as not to disturb the breeding pairs. 

There are more than 1,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo and a growing colony of King penguins. 

The Sea Cabbage Cafe provided relief from the wind with a complimentary beverage and delicious home-baked treats while providing a lovely panoramic view of the cove. The gift shop had a variety of items and that's where I stocked up on Christmas presents for my grandchildren. Many of the items, if not all, can only be purchased at that location. They are not available anywhere else. Not even in England where they originate. 

A must see and delightful excursion...Penguins of Bluff Cove Lagoon.

Happy travels!

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory   #ZamsZanyTravels

South American Adventures in Argentina and Uruguay...

 

Last January 2020, just as the pandemic was beginning to ravish Europe, we traveled to South America with Viking Ocean Cruises "South America & the Chilean Fjords". We embarked in Buenos Aires and traveled to Santiago, Chile. This particular video shows highlights of our arrival in Buenos Aires and our travels through Argentina and Uruguay. It was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend

Key excursions that are featured....

A TASTE OF ARGENTINE GENEROSITY: Dining with local Argentinians was a delight. We traveled by motor coach to our host's home and experienced a typical 3-course dinner. Visiting local homes is one of our favorite choices for excursions. Conversing with locals and learning more about their culture is something we enjoy. 

PARANÁ DELTA & RIVER CRUISE: Another excursion while in Buenos Aires was cruising the Parana Delta which is north of the capital. It is an idyllic stretch of small islands and canals is one of the world's largest deltas. City dwellers enjoy escaping to this destination and being immersed in nature. There were several very unusual villas and tiny islands, some built on stilts over the water. Most are only accessible by boat. 

Discover Viña Juanico Winery: One of Montevideo's most outstanding wineries provided us with an interesting tour and of course wine tasting with delicious platters of cheese and cold cuts. This is an organic winery that produces 1.5 million gallons per year. 

All in all, this cruise is one of my Top 10 from Viking. I often get asked, "What is your favorite cruise/destination?" That's often difficult because we have found joy in all of our adventures. We hope to travel again soon as I'm sure you do as well.

In the meantime, please stay safe and find joy and light in your life.

Happy travels,

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #MyVikingJourney #ZamsZanyTravels

Poland, Prague, and Elegant Elbe: A look at Berlin

 

October 28th, 2017, we set sail with Viking River Cruise's Poland, Prague, and Elegant Elbe.  We spent four days in Berlin prior to our departure and explored the Topography of Terror, Reichstag with a building dome tour, and of course A Taste of Berlin.  We also toured Berlin by Night, plus a panoramic Berlin with a stop at the Memorial of the Berlin Wall. Berlin was a fascinating city to explore. And it was very easy to get around on our own. 

This would be one city I'd enjoy returning to. More explorations ahead! But first, I need to get a new "traveling knee!" 

Enjoy your day, stay safe, and happy travels!

~ Cindy 

Cities of Lights: Quaint Miltenberg

 

Cities of Lights was our very first Viking River Cruise and it has set in motion a strong desire to travel so much more. Our love of Viking has grown since this initial cruise in 2014 to more than 20 cruises, including six upcoming through 2023. In fact, we will be returning to this lovely cruise in 2023!

This particular day took us into Miltenberg, Germany. We were traveling to Heidelberg and stopped along the way to walk the quaint streets and visit the shops. One of the highlights of this day was a visit to a local bakery for a Bavarian pretzel demonstration and wine. In the old town many businesses operate in much the same way as they have for generations.

For more about our Cities of Lights cruise, try our Search feature! 

Here's to more travels ahead!

Stay safe and happy travels!

~ Cindy

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