Europe 2026

Montreal, Canada

Mon, 25 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Day 17: Long Trip Home via Montreal

Geneva, Switzerland

Sun, 24 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 16: Final Day to Explore Geneva

Annecy, France

Sat, 23 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 15: Trip to Annecy France

Geneva, Switzerland

Fri, 22 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 13: Journey to Geneva and Explore Geneva

Interlaken, Switzerland

Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 12: Grindelwald Adventures

Interlaken, Switzerland

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 11: Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley and Cheryl’s Big Adventure

Basel, Switzerland

Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 10: Leave Cruise in Basel Switzerland, Journey to Interlaken and Explore Interlaken

Breisach, Germany

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 9: Breisach, Village of Colamr and Tour of the Black Forest

Strasbourg, France

Sun, 17 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 8: Strasbourg, France

Speyer, Germany

Sat, 16 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 7: Speyer

Koblenz, Germany

Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 6: Koblenz, Cruise on the Rhine and Dinner in Rudesheim

Cologne, Germany

Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 5: Cologne Germany

Kinderdijk, Netherlands

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 4: Kinderdjik Windmills

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 3: Amsterdam Exploring and Boarding the Viking Rolf Our last day in Amsterdam saw Marilyn and I visiting the Rijksmuseum in the morning while Priscilla and Cheryl returned to the Albert Cuyp Market. Each pair made their own way to check-in to the Viking Rolf on their own. The Rijksmuseum had a dedicated app that provided audio commentary on items in the collection. The app allows you to choose tours on a particular theme. After some initial confusion we enjoyed the insights it gave to the Rembrandt works and Middle Ages religious art we looked at. Having mastered how to use the Amsterdam trams, we arrived at the ship and enjoyed a late lunch. My beer and mixed drink for Marilyn prepared us for the week of pampering we would get from Viking. This cruise we chose the cheaper cabin on the bottom deck. Instead of a sliding glass door, we have to suffice with a small oval window with a view that is near the waterline. Besides, we plan to be in our cabin only to sleep or rest. We can go up to the deck for more comfort or better views. After the compulsory safety briefing at 6:00 and delicious dinner at 7:00, we chose to forgo the chance to visit the Red-Light district so Marilyn could rest and get over her cold. I took a walk around the sundeck on the ship to get my last glimpse of Amsterdam.

Stained glass window for Netherland’s most famous painter

Marilyn checks out the Rijksmuseum Great Hall

Beautiful wooden doorway from 17th century Dutch mansion

Interesting painting showing the contrast of Protestants on the left to Catholics on right. Draw your own conclusions.

Reproduction of the Night Watch by Rembrandt

Actual Night Watch being restored

Atrium of Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Amsterdam

Sun, 10 May 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Day 1: Amsterdam After an a crazy trip to the airport where Richard struggled with wild thunderstorms, accidents resulting from the storm and a wonky cooling light problem, the group were safely deposited at Pearson airport. The long overnight flight arrived at Schnipol Airport in Amsterdam to begin the European adventure. Despite warnings I read online about long lineups for non-EU visitorrs required to use the new Entry Exit System (EES), there was no delay and we were quickly through passport control. After a very long walk to baggage claim we met the Viking rep and were soon on our way into Amsterdam. The driver gave us good advice about being careful to avoid the red lanes reserved for cyclists that are on almost every street. If you stray into these lanes you risk being mowed down by the thousands of cyclists riding single bikes, tandems, bikes with huge storage bins for kids or cargo, not to mention e-bikes and scooters. Suffice it to say, Amsterdam was planned with cyclist interests over pedestrian interests. After a brief chat with the Viking rep, we checked into our rooms at the Pestana Riverside Hotel which is conveniently loacted on the west bank of the Amstel River in the south end. Marilyn needed some time to rest and get over her cold. Priscilla, Cheryl and I used the opportunity to explore the neighbourhood and reset our circadian thythms in order to combat jetlag. Dodging cyclists we enjoyed the cool sunshine and marvelled at the abundance of flowers. Spring is at least a month ahead here than at home. We saw rhodedendrons, roses, phlox, iris and many others flowers in bloom. Returning to the hotel for a brief rest, we collected Marilyn and set off for dinner at Pizzeria Magna. Marilyn and I had a Capricciosa wood fired pizza washed own by a Peroni beer and Coke. Priscilla and Cheryl ate a healthy Insalata Mista (Mixed Salad). Once sustained, we wandered down the Wilbautstraat admiring the wide boulevard with shops. Each cross street had a narrow lane lined in apartments all the way to the Amstel river. The neighbourhoods were quite picturesque lined with 19th century brick buildings in fantastic condition. Just as Marilyn was fading, we arrived back at the hotel just as the effects of jetlag hit all us all. I hope to get more sleep tonight than the 1-2 hours of sleep on the plane last night.

Pestana Hotel on Amstel River

Rhodadendrons in bloom

The bags are packed and we’re ready to go

Amsterdam Bridge Views

Wisteria in bloom

Yellow roses in bloom

Team selfie on the bridge

Three happy ladies in front of the Pestana Hotel

Street View with red bike lane

More flowers in bloom

Canal boats in front of Amstel Hotel