UK’s new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is up and running!!!! You must submit if disembarking in the UK!!
The United Kingdom officially launched their ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application process for United States citizens. If you are traveling to the UK you will need to be sure to apply and obtain this authorization prior to your departure. (Shortly after introducing ETA, they made the change that you will not need if you are airport “in-transit” and not going through customs.)
This application costs £10 and is done online. The website states it could take up to three days to process, so don’t wait until the last minute! Click here for more information and to apply.
CAUTION: If you type in “ETA” to a Google search there are many websites that appear to be “official”. However, you might end up paying too much if you use a website other than the UK government website. You should look for the “.gov.uk” address to make sure you are finding out the correct information.
ETIAS for European Countries: We are continuing to monitor when this will start, and Viking has said they are as well. Viking has told us they will be sending out announcements to travelers once it finally goes into effect but it is not expected before mid-May. Click here for the official ETIAS website.
Our Treasures of the Danube with IGT Team Members
As you’ll see in the print newsletter, we had a great time on the new sailing called Treasures of the Danubein January. Last year, Doug and I tried the Treasures of the Rhinein March. While I thoroughly enjoyed both itineraries, March is definitely a warmer time to travel!
This itinerary would be similar to the Danube Waltz or the Romantic Danube, which you could do in warmer weather, and just add the extension to Budapest for more time in that beautiful city.
Visiting Passau at our first stop, and a beautiful covering of snow was a gentle welcome to our arrival. Since it was Sunday, many of the shops were closed, but we were welcomed to St. Stephen’s Cathedral with the pealing of bells and heard the famous organ playing as part of the church service (for free!) About 30 percent of the over 17,774 pipes are currently being restored, so come back in a year or two to hear them at their full volume. Arnold Schwarzenegger fulfilled his childhood dream by playing the organ which is close to his native Austria.
Our next day was a trip to Mondsee to visit the church where Maria Von Trapp was married in the movie The Sound of Music. Then we headed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzburg, known for its high-baroque architecture and the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
We had lunch in Austria’s oldest restaurant where we had a delicious lunch accompanied by classically trained singers who sang excerpts from the musical. There was plenty of free time to enjoy the wonderful shops and see children skating in the open-air ice rink.
Back onboard the Viking Var, our Matre’d Able, greeted us with freshly made hot chocolate – a welcome treat after a rainy day!
I talked about some of the highlights of Grein in our print newsletter, and below are some of the photos from our tour there.
We then got a tour of Schloss Greinburg, a beautiful castle overlooking the Danube river. Some unique spaces in this castle were the Diamond Vault– named for the rooftop cuts in the shape of diamonds, which provided amazing acoustics, and Stone Theatre which has 22 million stones from the Danube that cover the walls and ceiling in a beautiful mosaic.
The Diamond Vault at Schloss Greinburg
The Stone Theatre at Schloss Greinburg made from 22 million stones
Scenic sailing is always a favorite day, and here is a photo of Meghan and her husband, Austin, sailing the Danube.
Onboard entertainment was particularly fun in Bratislava, where we picked up some great talent and enjoyed singing, dancing and violin performances.
Our overnight in Vienna allowed us to really enjoy this beautiful city. We had all enjoyed coffee and treats at Café Demel.
Evening Entertainment from Bratislava Violinist
Janice, Darlene, Wayne & Lauren enjoying coffee and dessert
Then Laura and I got to visit the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, then headed to Hotel Sacher for hot chocolate and Café Vienna.
We had a fun day in Bratislava before heading to Budapest, seeing this city at night is so beautiful – especially if you’re sailing in from Passau to Budapest where you’re likely get a free evening sail-in before docking in port.
The city is divided into two parts – the Buda (on the hill) and Pest, where the Parliament building is. I had been to Budapest before, but didn’t have enough time to get a tour of the Parliament building. This trip we had some extra time, and I’m so glad we did - it was beautiful! (Note: get tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly!)
From there, it’s a short walk back to the ship, so be sure to stop by the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial, where 60 pairs of cast iron shoes commemorate those shot into the Danube river at the end of WWII. It is a somber stop, but well worth visiting.
Keith, Gabriel, Lynn and Abigail at Café Demel
Schönbrunn Palace
Inside Parliament building in Budapest
Finance Manager, Lynn with her daughter, Abigail
Shoes on the Danube memorial
I’ve taken this itinerary twice, and enjoyed it both times – there's always more you’ll want to see!
Jollow our Explora Journey – Feb 21-28, 2025!
(And It’s Not Too Late to Join Us!)
Carol and Doug will be traveling on Explora Journeys in the Caribbean this month. There is still time to join us, too!
The office team will still be available to help with all your cruise needs (and of course Carol will be checking in as well, since she loves making sure our clients are happy and have all their questions answered!)
February Specials
Watch Your Inbox as more February Deals Will Be Sent Separately!
Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.
Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.
Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.
Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most
P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars.
P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!
Imagine Going There Travel, 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064, USA, (770) 421-9627
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