Pinoyspotting: Danube River Cruise

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With Atty. Alfonso Go from Quezon City, aboard the Avalon Waterway's Impressions (Photo courtesy of Joe and Evangeline Santos)

We've experienced luxury cruise liners like Carnival, Norwegian, Holland America, Cunard and Royal Carribean, but this time we decided on our first river cruise ever with Avalon Waterways. From April 26 to May 7, we cruised the beautiful Danube River, the second longest river in Europe but definitely the most popular, as immortalized by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II in 1866 in his classical masterpiece, The Blue Danube. It is the most famous waltz ever written. It is Austria's second national anthem and the inescapable conclusion to each New Year's Day Concert in Vienna. 

Highlights of Our Danube River Cruise

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital of Czech Republic is a fascinating city which straddles the Vlatava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during World War II . Best known treasures of Prague include the Prague Castle Complex where you will find the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral; the Old Town's Astronomical clock, built in 1410 and the envy of all Europe; and the historic Charles Bridge plus the Lady Victorious Church, home to the Infant Jesus of Prague or commonly known to us Filipinos as the Santo Nino. 

With  devoted Filipinas Elena Coleman and Susan News from Manila, outside the Lady of Victorious Church, Prague, Czech Republic (Photo courtesy of Joe and Evangeline Santos)

With Fr. Angelo Revelo leading a pilgrimage of young Filipino adults from Germany to the Lady Victorious Church, home of the Infant Jesus of Prague. (Photo courtesy of Joe and Evangeline Santos)

Budapest, Hungary

Spanning the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's liveliest cities. 

Whether you're seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich ice cream cake in the renowned Gerbaud Cafe, Budapest unique energy is positively palatable. Highlights of Budapest includes: The spectacular House of Parliament Building, St. Stephen's Basilica,  Heroes Square, as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarable Fisherman's Bastion and the 11th century Mathias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs and the historic Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest.  Budapest has eight famous bridges which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. 

With Atty. Alfonso Go at Sofitel Hotel, Budapest, Hungary (Photo courtesy of Joe and Evangeline Santos)

With Filipinas from Canada, aboard the Avalon Waterway's Impressions (Photo courtesy of Joe and Evangeline Santos)

Vienna, Austria

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is the home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys' Choir and the dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-rennaisance Vienna Opera House; the awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral; and the majestic Baroque palace, the Schhonbrunn Palace--- the most important architectural, cultural and historical monument in Austria. 

With Ellen, Michelle and Sari Esguerra from Milan Italy, also vacationing  in Vienna, Austria (Photo courtesy of Joe and Evangeline Santos)

With Pinoys Archie & Carmen & Nards Rivera from Berlin, Germany visiting Vienna, Austria (Photo courtesy of Joe and Evangeline Santos)

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