Danube River Cruise

The Viking Gymir waited for us in Budapest, her sleek lines reflecting the lights of the Chain Bridge as evening settled over the Danube. Over the next two weeks, she would carry us through the heart of Europe—from Hungary's grand capital through Austria's vineyard-lined valleys, past the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine Gorge, and finally to Amsterdam's canal-laced streets. But even as we disembarked in the Netherlands, our journey wasn't complete. Four more days awaited us in Paris, turning what began as a river cruise into an epic traverse of Europe's most storied waterways and cities.

Viking Gymir. September, 2025

Budapest

Budapest revealed itself best after dark. From our room at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, we had an excellent view of the Chain Bridge and also where our Viking ship was docked - so close. The city had a theatrical quality at night, every building lit with intention, turning the Danube into a dark mirror that doubled the spectacle. By day, Budapest was beautiful; by night, it was transcendent. Take a look at a few of our photos.

Mediterranean Delights

Our first stop was Malta, a beautiful country we had never visited. We were able to visit a local bakery and restaurant. We also were able to see Santorini without the throngs of usual visitors - it was relatively calm. Our first stop in Turkey was Kusadasi.

Egypt

We spent an incredible and unforgettable two days exploring the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt. Our adventure began at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses a colossal and impressive collection of Egyptian history and artifacts. After immersing ourselves in the fascinating exhibits, we traveled to the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and the iconic Sphinx, marveling at these ancient wonders up close.

Obelisk outside the Grand Egytian Museum

I wanted a camel positioned in front of a pyramid.

Love this photo of the pyramid and the sky

Marc on a Camel with the pyramids in the distance

A man smiling in front of the pyramids in Egypt with a beige hat and blue t-shirt.

Istanbul

Our final destination was the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey. We stayed for two wonderful days and were fortunate enough to explore many of the city's fascinating historical sights. Among the highlights of our visit were the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the stunning Blue Mosque, both remarkable landmarks steeped in rich history and culture.