The answer at first seems simple. We travel to discover new places and to meet interesting people.
But we also travel to learn about ourselves. To reconnect, reunite and rekindle something in our own background.
I’ve seen it over and again on our cruises. Guests remark that something reminds them of home. It might be a local expression they heard in the village. It could be the aroma of freshly-baked apple strudel or Hungarian goulash that takes them back to their grandmother’s kitchen.
I enjoy hearing these stories on board our ships, or reading about them in emails from guests. After all, we started our company to share the culture, history and heritage of Europe’s rivers. And our theme cruises place a special spotlight on that culture.
We’re especially proud of our Jewish Heritage itineraries.
They’re designed for guests who’d like to reconnect with their roots or those simply intrigued by a rich and poignant aspect of European culture.
Two special Jewish Heritage cruises take place this fall.
A “Melodies of the Danube” cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen departs November 4. And our “Blue Danube Discovery” cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg departs on November 18.
Both are seven-night cruises on our beautiful AmaPrima. Both travel through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, with highlights that will make a life-long impression. They include the Jewish District of Budapest, home to the great Dohany St. Synagogue. In Bratislava, our tour visits the tomb of the courageous rabbi Chatam Sofer. In Vienna, the Jewish Quarter and Jewish Museum help tell the tale of Jewish influence in this grand city. In Linz, the tour leads to the New Synagogue; in Regensburg to the oldest Jewish Ghetto in Germany and the home of Oscar Schindler.
Though moving and thought-provoking, the cruises are richly rewarding as well. They include medieval treasures and imperial boulevards, cobblestone streets and rustic wine cellars. The storied waters of the Danube bring Europe’s heritage alive on these Jewish Heritage tours. Extensions to Munich or Prague are available as well, where yet more history awaits.
Join us and you’ll agree with me about one thing:
We may travel to get away. But we also travel to come home.