Highlights from Juliet's European Travelmarvel Adventure

Europe in a moon-boot? Why not? Not much choice really – having foolishly fallen into a ditch a month prior on a bird-watching tour in Ubud. However, as I discovered, you could do far worse than stomp around the marvellous towns lining the European waterways on Travelmarvel’s 15-day European Gems cruising from Budapest to Amsterdam.  

So many highlights. What to choose? Beautiful Budapest and the view across the Danube from Buda’s Castle Hill to sparkling Pest? Or Vienna where I wandered into the breathtaking St Stephens Cathedral to experience the choir practising a piece which was in the repertoire of our very own choir back in Melbourne? Still in Vienna, the marvellous evening classical concert, where the gaiety of Strauss waltzes contrasted with Schubert’s heartbreaking Ständchen. Then, in Salzburg, following in the footsteps of the Von Trapp children and Maria, I could almost hear the music of Salzburg-born Mozart, broken only by the clomp of my moon-boot.  

I could wax lyrical about Rudesheim, which included a little train trip to ‘Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrumental Museum’, a cable car ride and a cup of the marvellous Rudesheimer Kaffee – Asbach brandy and sugar, flambeed and topped with strong coffee, whipped cream and chocolate flakes. Then there was the magical afternoon cruising the Rhine Gorge, gazing at the enchanting castles, vineyards and towns lining its banks.  

We were gifted a glimpse into their lives including how they met many years ago when German-born Marie-Louise, met Jan, from Poland, on the Statendam cruise ship. Marie-Louise was working as a maid and Jan a chef. They fell in love and travelled extensively before marrying in 1968 and raising two daughters, Helena and Nadja. It was an incredibly memorable experience to be allowed to share in these memories.  

Along with the story telling they shared a slide-show showcasing the town of Miltenberg in all seasons. Allowing us to see the russet autumn foliage followed by the majestic stillness of snow, and trees stark against the wintry leaden skies. Spring and Summer displaying white blossoms, red and purple flowers and red currants and gooseberries. We saw Miltenberg’s massive gate and sturdy walls, the castle, and quaint shops; people enjoying festivals: young women dressed in gorgeous pastel dresses; children as angels in white and gold at the Christmas market; people in traditional dress. But best of all were scenes of the family themselves, Marie-Louise and Jan on the Statendam and at their wedding; the family at dinner, and Helena and Nadja sledging through the snow. I still remember the image of Marie-Louise riding home from work on her bicycle. It stays with me still.  

All in all, a delightful afternoon. And what more could you want than culture, cake and coffee? Moon-boot notwithstanding. 

Discover Miltenberg and other iconic destinations on the European Gems River Cruise in 2023 or 2024.

Images courtesy of Juliet Charles