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	<title>Europe Archives - Reluctant Entertainer</title>
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	<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/category/travel/europe/</link>
	<description>Recipes, Entertaining, Charcuterie, Boards, Travel and Lifestyle!</description>
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	<item>
		<title>Is Bordeaux Worth Visting?</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/is-bordeaux-worth-visting/</link>
					<comments>https://reluctantentertainer.com/is-bordeaux-worth-visting/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:37:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[France]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=200173</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Bordeaux may be famous around the world for its wine, but there&#8217;s so much more to discover in this beautiful French city. With elegant architecture, markets, riverside walks, and incredible food, Bordeaux offers a rich blend of culture and charm. And did I mention the vineyards? Beautiful! You may find it helpful to read through [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/is-bordeaux-worth-visting/">Is Bordeaux Worth Visting?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Bordeaux may be famous around the world for its wine, but there&rsquo;s so much more to discover in this beautiful French city. With elegant architecture, markets, riverside walks, and incredible food, Bordeaux offers a rich blend of culture and charm. And did I mention the vineyards? Beautiful! </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-700x1050.png" alt="a collage of photos from Bordeaux" class="wp-image-214991" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bordeaux-france.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>You may find it helpful to read through my tips and opinions on &ldquo;Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?&rdquo; as we took this trip back in September. <strong>Of course I say, YES</strong>! It&rsquo;s worth every minute spent, as we rented a car and made the drive from <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/chateau-de-valcreuse-in-france/">La Roche Posay</a>.</p>



<p>If you&rsquo;re planning a short visit, three days is the perfect amount of time to explore the historic city center and experience the surrounding countryside. I&rsquo;m sharing the highlights of what to see, eat, and enjoy in Bordeaux and the nearby area, so you can make the most of your trip! We traveled with our friends Brian and Lori (<a href="https://www.recipegirl.com/">RecipeGirl</a>) &ndash; and it&rsquo;s even more fun when you go with friends!</p>



 <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/is-bordeaux-worth-visting/#more-200173" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Is Bordeaux Worth Visting?">(more&hellip;)</span></a><p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/is-bordeaux-worth-visting/">Is Bordeaux Worth Visting?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Exploring Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes: A Viking Cruise from Norway to Reykjavik</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/exploring-icelands-majestic-landscapes-a-viking-cruise-from-norway-to-reykjavik/</link>
					<comments>https://reluctantentertainer.com/exploring-icelands-majestic-landscapes-a-viking-cruise-from-norway-to-reykjavik/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:48:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Iceland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Norway]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=212502</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;ve taken 8 cruises with Viking Cruises (one river and 7 ocean), and this trip was one of a lifetime! Going to Iceland has been on my bucketlist for years, and now I see what all the talk is about. It&#8217;s beautiful, fabulous, and I can&#8217;t recomend it enough. The Iceland&#8217;s Majestic Landscapes cruise on [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/exploring-icelands-majestic-landscapes-a-viking-cruise-from-norway-to-reykjavik/">Exploring Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes: A Viking Cruise from Norway to Reykjavik</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>I&rsquo;ve taken 8 cruises with <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.co.uk/oceans#noscroll">Viking Cruises</a> (one river and 7 ocean), and this trip was one of a lifetime! Going to Iceland has been on my bucketlist for years, and now I see what all the talk is about. It&rsquo;s beautiful, fabulous, and I can&rsquo;t recomend it enough. The <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/baltic/icelands-majestic-landscapes/index.html?cid=SEM%7CGGL%7C999%7Cc_21887554238__&amp;utm_id=sem:VOC-US-GGL-PMAX-HVA-tROAS&amp;utm_term=&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21881046636&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLgtnS8LF6sDbbkAzgFHU4R1Wr2I_RnaWlbplV-2bPykCUSEm83-oscaArdCEALw_wcB">Iceland&rsquo;s Majestic Landscapes</a> cruise on the &ldquo;Jupiter&rdquo; ship is 13 days long (3 countries), from Bergen, Norway to Reykjavik, Iceland.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1-700x1050.png" alt="Exploring Iceland&rsquo;s Majestic Landscapes: A Viking Cruise from Norway to Reykjavik" class="wp-image-213062" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1.png 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Exploring-Icelands-Majestic-Landscapes_-A-Viking-Cruise-from-Norway-to-Reykjavik-1.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>We started a little early on our own in Bergen, and then hopped on the ship. Then at the end of the Viking cruise, we stayed 3 extra days on our own in Reykjavik, but did you know that Viking offers &ldquo;extensions&rdquo; on either side of the trip? They do all the work for you&ndash;put you up in a hotel, take care of all the transfers, etc. It&rsquo;s a great way to explore the first and last city of the cruise. We did this a few years back, <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/how-many-days-in-venice/">3 days in Venice</a>.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-700x1050.png" alt="Boarding the Viking Cruise from Norway to Reykjavik" class="wp-image-213061" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/welcome-viking.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>The cruise and experience was filled with adventure and exploration! The weather was fabulous in August. We traveled with our friends which always makes a trip a little more fun. Of course you meet wonderful people on the ship, but it&rsquo;s great to go with good friends. </p>



<p>We first started cruising with <a href="https://www.recipegirl.com/viking-cruises-icelands-majestic-landscapes/">Lori</a> and her husband years ago, and we&rsquo;ve done many cruises together.</p>



 <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/exploring-icelands-majestic-landscapes-a-viking-cruise-from-norway-to-reykjavik/#more-212502" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Exploring Iceland&rsquo;s Majestic Landscapes: A Viking Cruise from Norway to Reykjavik">(more&hellip;)</span></a><p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/exploring-icelands-majestic-landscapes-a-viking-cruise-from-norway-to-reykjavik/">Exploring Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes: A Viking Cruise from Norway to Reykjavik</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/trade-routes-of-the-middle-ages-viking-cruise/</link>
					<comments>https://reluctantentertainer.com/trade-routes-of-the-middle-ages-viking-cruise/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:02:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[France]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Norway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=202611</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Here&#8217;s a peek at our 15-day voyage, Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise, from Barcelona to Bergen (or the reverse), that traced the medieval routes of commerce on a remarkable and insightful journey with excursions, amazing food, and so much more on the Viking Saturn ocean cruise. This was my 7th Viking Cruise, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/trade-routes-of-the-middle-ages-viking-cruise/">Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Here&rsquo;s a peek at our 15-day voyage, Trade Routes of the Middle Ages <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com" rel="sponsored nofollow">Viking Cruise</a>, from Barcelona to Bergen (or the reverse), that traced the medieval routes of commerce on a remarkable and insightful journey with excursions, amazing food, and so much more on the Viking Saturn ocean cruise.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-700x1050.jpg" alt="Sienne" class="wp-image-205932" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>This was my 7th Viking Cruise, Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise, this time on the Viking Saturn ship (930 passengers). It was a wonderful trip to three of Europe&rsquo;s most picturesque cities: Amsterdam, Bruges and Paris. We also stopped in England, to the historic ports of Portsmouth and Falmouth. Sadly on this ocean cruise, we had to miss the wine-making city of Porto, because of weather conditions. (This happens when you take cruises; you can&rsquo;t control the weather so you have to be prepared.)</p>


<a class="wp-block-read-more" href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/trade-routes-of-the-middle-ages-viking-cruise/" target="_self">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">: Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise</span></a>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-700x1050.jpg" alt="Cartagena, Spain" class="wp-image-205930" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/me.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>The real treat of exploring M&aacute;laga, the gateway to Granada&rsquo;s stunning Alhambra palace, and viewing the splendid Roman ruins of Cartagena, made up for the disappointment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-700x1050.jpg" alt="Bergen Norway with Viking Saturn ship" class="wp-image-206039" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-Viking-Ship.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>And then the final stop, Bergen, Norway. We&rsquo;ve been there once before, but this time we did new things and really enjoyed walking around, riding biked, eating, and spending 2 days there. We took this cruise in April, so the weather was chilly, but also gorgeous sunshine most of the time (well, except England).</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-700x1050.jpg" alt="Barcelona, Spain" class="wp-image-205927" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/getting-on-ship.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>Welcome to the Viking Saturn! The minute you step foot on a Viking ship, you feel at home! Many of my readers know how much we love Viking! Last year we were able to cruise the&nbsp;<a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/empires-of-the-mediterranean-viking-cruise/">Empire of the Mediterranean Cruise</a>&nbsp;with Viking and it was fabulous! Viking offers extensions on either end of some of their cruises, and this one after the cruise, we visited&nbsp;<a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/how-many-days-in-venice/">Venice for 3 days</a>! I really can&rsquo;t recommend this Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise itinerary enough &ndash; it&rsquo;s wonderful.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-700x1050.png" alt="poolside on Viking ocean cruise" class="wp-image-206052" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/poolside-1.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>We&rsquo;ve now been on 6 ocean cruises and 1 river cruise to Europe. All wonderful experiences, this time with our friends Brian and Lori. The weather was out of this world (as you can see by the pictures). We were worried about it being too cold the first couple of weeks of April, but it was perfect. You can see we really enjoyed the sea days. :)</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-700x1050.jpg" alt="Amsterdam" class="wp-image-206031" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AM.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Journey along timeless trade routes</h2>



<p>This Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise has a fabulous itinerary and you will enjoy it. It offers so much, starting off in Barcelona. We did <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-barcelona-spain/">Barcelona in 3 days</a> (on our own). Often the Viking cruises offer extensions at the beginning and end of the trip. A few highlights for me was the Spain Day Tour, which included both Ronda, and Honfluer, France. Then in Beligum, we absolutley loved Bruges (oh, the chocolate). So much that we came home and made <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/chocolate-mousse-recipe/">Belgium Chocolate Mousse</a> with some of our delicious chocoalte that we purchased when there. In Barcelona we visited La Sagrada Familia on our own. We booked a tour directly through their website and it was spectacular. We also booked our own <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-barcelona-spain/">Paella Cooking Class</a> which we highly recommend. Lastly, we loved seeing Anne Frank&rsquo;s home in Amsterdam, and rode through the hills of Bergen (Norway) on e-bikes.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-700x1050.jpg" alt="map of trade routes of the med. cruise" class="wp-image-205929" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/map.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Itinerary for Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Barcelona </strong>(Paella cooking class, La Sagrada, site-seeing, shopping, eating! We boarded our ship about 5 miles from where we stayed at the Camper Hotel.)</li>



<li><strong>Cartegena</strong>, Spain (toured Roman ruins)</li>



<li><strong>Malaga</strong>, Spain (seaside towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus)</li>



<li><strong>Porto</strong>, Portugal (<em>unfortunately had to skip this port because of very rough seas</em>!)</li>



<li><strong>Falmouth</strong>, England (beautiful drive through the country, and such a cool, small town)</li>



<li><strong>Portsmouth</strong>, England (Stonehenge!)</li>



<li><strong>Le Havre</strong>, France (explored the cool seaside town&ndash; some people went to Paris or Normandy, but we did those last year!)</li>



<li><strong>Bruges</strong>, Belgium (LOVED exploring this city&ndash; and YES, we ate chocolate and tried waffles and Belgian beer and fries, which are really just French fries </li>



<li><strong>Amsterdam </strong>(Cruise through the canal and exploring the city)</li>



<li><strong>Bergen</strong>, Norway (E-Bike tour around the city- love this small seaside city!)</li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-700x1050.jpg" alt="at sea on the Viking Saturn Cruise" class="wp-image-205952" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/night.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Stateroom</h2>



<p>Here&rsquo;s what our stateroom looked like. There&rsquo;s quite a bit of room in these Delux Veranda rooms. I love that we each had a nightstand, and that we had built in places to plug in our electronics and charge our gadgets. You don&rsquo;t need a European plug converter on the Viking ships. They have regular USA outlets.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-700x1050.png" alt="Viking Saturn room" class="wp-image-205933" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viking-room.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>Viking accommodations have a beautiful Nordic design, very straight-forward, modern, but yet homey. Each cabin contains two spacious closets and ample drawers along with a floor-to-ceiling closet, a replenished mini bar stocked with soft drinks, bottled water and snacks. We love the espresso maker, high-end binoculars, and an interactive TV (live news, movies, very good choices of educational shows to watch), where you can view your day&rsquo;s schedule. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1049" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9-700x1049.jpg" alt="Viking Saturn coffee in bed" class="wp-image-206050" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9-700x1049.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9-600x899.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9-720x1079.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Viking-Homelands-Ocean-Cruise-9.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>Also every night you will get a copy of The Viking Daily. A comfy throw blanket is arranged on every bed&mdash;perfect for a nap. Espresso in the mornings in your room! Bathrooms are modern with a step-in shower, a selection of lovely Freyja toiletries and (my favorite) heated floor&mdash;which was perfect for some of our chillier days (England).</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-700x1050.jpg" alt="La Sagrada, Spain" class="wp-image-205928" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/La-Sagrada.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barcelona, Spain</h2>



<p>The vibrant city of Barcelona is rich in history and so lively, as you wind through the medieval lanes through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, to see the Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. Take a peek at our 3 days in Barcelona (where we stayed, where to eat, what to do).</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-700x1050.png" alt="Cartagena, Spain" class="wp-image-205924" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1st-stop.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Murcia (Cartagena), Spain</h2>



<p>Murcia (Cartagena), Spain is surrounded by farmland and fresh produce. The Moors founded the city in 825 and introduced a vast irrigation network for crops and for city use. They were expelled by Ferdinand III of Castile in 1243, but Murcia province remained a vassal kingdom until 1812 and became an autonomous region of Spain in 1982. We did a walking tour to the Parque Cornisa del Teatro Romano (it was very hot out!), and to La Manga del Mar Menor (for a nice cold beer).</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-700x1050.jpg" alt="Ronda, Spain" class="wp-image-205955" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-Spains-1.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Granada (M&aacute;laga), Spain</h2>



<p>Granada is a splendid canvas of Moorish architecture, rich Andalusian tradition and remarkable history. It was the last stronghold of the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, whose 250-year reign ended during the 1492 reconquest of Spain by Catholic monarchs. With so much rich history, we spent the day on a coach to Ronda, and we were not disappointed. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-700x1050.png" alt="eating in Ronda Spain" class="wp-image-205956" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>We learned this is where the original bull fighting began in the world, and they are very proud of this. It was 81 degrees out, perfect weather, and the landscape of this town is out of this world. We&rsquo;ve never seen anything like it. Of course we enjoyed an authentic Spanish meal, and then did some shopping before we took our coach back to the ship. This was a full-day excursion, and so worth it.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-700x1050.jpg" alt="walking streets of Ronda, Spain" class="wp-image-205954" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ronda-spain.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Porto, Portugal</h2>



<p>Porto is located along a rocky embankment, with picturesque neighborhoods, fashionable restaurants and lively markets. Sadly this is one stop we were SO looking forward to, but the weather did not permit our ship to port. This happens with cruise ships, and so it meant another day at sea.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-700x1050.png" alt="Falmouth England" class="wp-image-205951" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Falmouth.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Falmouth, England</h2>



<p>Welcome to rainy England! Yes, indeed, the minute we arrived in Falmouth, the rains began. But we did not let the rain stop us with exploring this wonderful town. Falmouth is a gateway to the picturesque county of Cornwall, and is home to one of the world&rsquo;s most celebrated harbors. The deepest in Western Europe, it aided in the launch of D-Day fleets and has been the starting point for voyages around the world. Having gone to Normandie last year, we were very interested in this town (rain or shine). Distinctive gray granite architecture climbs its hillsides from the harbor, culminating at the hilltop college. We shopped around, indulged in some wonderful pastries (oh my!), we got our steps in looking at the charm (and colors), and then back to the ship (with umbrellas in hand).</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-700x1050.png" alt="Stonehenge, England" class="wp-image-205957" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stonehenge.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Portsmouth, England</h2>



<p>The next stop&ndash;Portsmouth, the only island-city in the United Kingdom, settled since before the days of the Roman Empire. It grew into a medieval port town; more recently, this was an embarkation port for the D-Day landings and served as headquarters for Dwight D. Eisenhower. The stunning citadel walls of Napoleonic forts greet ships as they approach through the Solent Strait. </p>



<p>We chose the &ldquo;Stonehenge&rdquo; excursion, which was also an all-day tour. A coach picks you up for a long drive, but this is something that has been on our bucket-list for many years. We stopped on our way back to the ship, in the charming town of Salisbury, and the when we got back to port, we went to the famous Charles Dickens for fish and chips and cold beer.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-700x1050.png" alt="Honfluer, France" class="wp-image-206042" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/honfluer.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paris (Le Havre), France</h2>



<p>Le Havre is France&rsquo;s second-largest port, and we&rsquo;ve been here several times. Its central city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Museum of Modern Art holds one of France&rsquo;s largest impressionist collections. Many took different tours into Paris, to visit the Louvre, the Mus&eacute;e D&rsquo;Orsay, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, but since we were just there a year ago, we chose to go on the day excursion to Honfleur, and were not disappointed. What a charming city, on the water, where we sat for a cup of espresso and enjoyed lunch at a bistro overlooking the Le Vieux Bassin. What a gorgeous day!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium</h2>



<p>Zeebrugge is full of splendid old architecture and tranquil canals. One of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in Europe, Bruges&rsquo;s&nbsp; lovely houses were built by wealthy merchants, and are a testament to its former prominence as an English wool and Flemish textile trade center. The cobblestone streets and tranquil canals are a pleasure to explore, as the horse and buggies still are active in the streets (and take tourists where they want to go). </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-700x1050.png" alt="Bruges, Belgium" class="wp-image-205950" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bruges.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>There are no taxis or uber drivers in this town, only the horse and buggies. We walked and walked and hung out in the De Markt, where the 14th-century Stadhuis (Town Hall), the Belfry of Bruges, and the city&rsquo;s quaint boutiques offer a lot of shopping and chocolate. We indulged in our own snack of waflles and chocolate, and then stood in line at &ldquo;The Chocolate Line&rdquo; where we bought a lot of chocoalte to bring home. You may have already tried our Belgium Chocolate Mousse, made with Belgium chocolate. What a fun day this was.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-700x1050.png" alt="Amsterdam tulips and scenery" class="wp-image-206032" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amsterdam.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Amsterdam, The Netherlands</h2>



<p>Paul and I spent a full day exploring (walking) the charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and of course, taking pictures of the thousands of bicycles. We love this city! The waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. We hung out at the Anne Frank Huis, and took a canal ride through the Herengracht.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-700x1050.jpg" alt="Anne Frank House" class="wp-image-206033" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Anne-Frank.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bergen, Norway</h2>



<p>In the early morning, we knew when we got to beautiful Bjoroyna, Bergen, because of the colorful buildings, and the gorgeous seven gargantuan mountain peaks. Bergen is also the gateway to the country&rsquo;s magnificent fjords, including the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-700x1050.png" alt="Bergen Norway" class="wp-image-206038" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-rain.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>You may recall a few years ago when Paul and I <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/homelands-viking-cruise-excursions-norway/">kayaked the fjords</a>, an exhilerating experience indeed. Founded in 1070 on what was a Viking settlement, Bergen was Norway&rsquo;s capital during the 13th century; today, it is the second-largest city in Norway. We visited the outdoor fish market, Fisketorget, shopped, ate lunch on the water.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="450" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-700x450.jpg" alt="Bergen" class="wp-image-206044" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-700x450.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-600x386.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-768x494.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-720x463.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen-150x96.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bergen.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>The most fun was the excursion on e-bikes. We didn&rsquo;t know if the weather would hold out for us (it often rains in Bergen), but it did. We had an amazing tour guide and we rode through the hills of Bergen, learning the history and seeing the most gorgeous views of the city!</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-700x1050.png" alt="riding e-bikes in Bergen Norway" class="wp-image-206040" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bike-excursion.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scandinavian-inspired Spa &amp; Fitness Center</h2>



<p>The Saturn offers an amazing sauna, a Snow Grotto, and a&nbsp;Thermal Pool. We always take advantage of the spa treatments, and we always get in a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-700x1050.png" alt="spa and fitness car" class="wp-image-205931" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPA.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>But the best is to get a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade. This cruise my friend Lori and I would walk the track, until we got 3 miles done. We love keeping track of our steps!</p>



<p>We usually have room service for breakfast every morning, but once in a while we head to The Restaurant if we&rsquo;re on a Sea Day.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-700x1050.png" alt="breakfast on the Viking cruise" class="wp-image-206041" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/breakfast.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to eat on the Viking Saturn</h2>



<p>Many of the evenings we enjoyed the specialty restaurant:&nbsp;<em>Manfredi&rsquo;s Italian</em>. There are some great food items on the Manfredi menu (lots of pasta, fresh fish, steak, etc). We chose calamari, tuna, caprese salad, chicken Parmesan, steak, mushroom risotto, and fish. You can eat as healthy or as indulgent as you&rsquo;d like!</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-700x1050.png" alt="Chef's table" class="wp-image-206046" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chefs-table.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>We also ate many times at&nbsp;<em>The Chef&rsquo;s Table</em>&nbsp;restaurant on the ship. This is a specialty restaurant that offers a few unique menus during the cruise that are focused on different cultures, also included in the price of the cruise. You just need to make a reservation. The dinner theme for the nights we ate there, we enjoyed &ldquo;Cantonese&rdquo; and &ldquo;California Cuisine.&rdquo; It was so good, we went back for the Asian and Mexican nights as well. It was delicious!</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-700x1050.png" alt="eating at The Restaurant on Viking Saturn" class="wp-image-205961" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-R-1.png"></figure>
</div>


<p><em>The Restaurant</em> is another favorite place we love to eat. It&rsquo;s so bright and cheery and the staff are amazing, quick, and so attentive. You can order the specials each night (always a seafood, chicken or steak, pasta, etc:) or the set menu that includes classic recipes. We&rsquo;ve never been disappointed with any of the food on Viking. And of course, it&rsquo;s always fun when the Chef comes out to meet you! </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-700x1050.jpg" alt="Manfredi's on cruise ship" class="wp-image-206047" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Manifredi.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>Lori and I really enjoy going to tea at the <em>Wintergarden</em> and just relaxing and listening to music. They have great snacks, too, so if you have dinner reservations right after, you might want to eat light. The room is so bright and cheery and it&rsquo;s really a fun thing to do. I also love to people watch&ndash;and see others&rsquo; really enjoying tea!</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-700x1050.png" alt="tea at Wintergarden on Viking cruise" class="wp-image-206053" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tea.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tips for crusing the Viking Saturn:</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>If you enjoy your cocktails and wine, then splurge and get the <strong>Silver Spirits Package </strong>so you&rsquo;ll have more options available to you.</li>



<li>Look at <strong>shore excursions</strong> and make those reservations as soon as you can.&nbsp; Often an excursion you really wanted to do sells out quickly, so decide what your budget is and RESERVE! Here&rsquo;s a great tip: Often the &ldquo;free&rdquo; excursions are offered in both the morning and afternoon, so we recommend to book the early one!&nbsp; Then the second half of the day you are free to explore, go have tea, or get in on the &ldquo;at sea lectures.&rdquo;</li>



<li>Bring <strong>comfortable shoes</strong> for your shore excursions. Most of you know from my weekly emails how much I love to wear ON (cloud) shoes for walking. They are slip ons, and perfect for all of the excursions.</li>



<li>Take the time to get a <strong>sea sickness patch</strong> from your doctor and USE IT.&nbsp; You can never predict how bumpy the sail is going to be or how your body will handle it (you do need to drink a LOT more water than normal). We had a couple ROUGH days at sea, so we were so thankful we had the patch on!</li>



<li>Check out your itinerary and <strong>book spa time</strong> for the days where you&rsquo;ll be at sea, and also book your restaurant reservations if you can. At the beginning of the cruise, they only let you book a few. But they are always ready to assist you and you can also book everyone from your stateroom TV. We finally did this on this cruise, and it was wonderful to do it all from our room.</li>



<li>We take advantage of the <strong>laundry room available on board</strong> (on each floor), plus the dry cleaning service. The cost is minimal, and the ease makes it so great to pack less clothes and re-wear our clothes!</li>



<li>Enjoy the gorgeous <strong>sunsets </strong>every night if you can &ndash; they are amazing. </li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-700x1050.jpg" alt="sunset cruise group" class="wp-image-206048" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sunset-1.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Activities offered on board The Viking Star:</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Educational offerings: staff lectures about the culture of the region and of each of the ports you&rsquo;re visiting &ndash; the day before you port</li>



<li>Music: piano, guitar, ensambles, violin, cello, vocals</li>



<li>Movies</li>



<li>Dancing</li>



<li>Afternoon tea</li>



<li>Evening stage entertainment</li>



<li>Jewelry seminars</li>



<li>Exercise classes</li>



<li>Spa</li>



<li>Sports Deck (shuffleboard and putting) + a walking track + putting and ping pong (we took advantage of this on this cruise and LOVED playing with our friends)</li>



<li>Fitness center</li>



<li>Trivia every night</li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool-700x1050.png" alt="pool on VIking Saturn" class="wp-image-206034" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pool.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Check out these other Viking cruises:</h2>



<p>For more Viking Cruise posts, you can check out my travel page, or some of my favorite cruises:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-cruises-mediterranean-odyssey/">Viking Cruise Mediterranean Odyssey&nbsp;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/excursions-viking-bermuda/">Bermuda Escape</a></li>



<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-river-cruises-zurich-switzerland/">Viking River Cruise Zurich Switzerland</a></li>



<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-river-cruise-from-switzerland-to-paris/">River Cruise from Switzerland to Paris</a></li>



<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-homelands-ocean-cruise/">Homeland Ocean Cruise</a></li>



<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/canada-and-new-england-viking-cruise/">Canada and New England Viking Cruise</a></li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-700x1050.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-206051" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sandy-in-bergen.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p><em>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/search-cruises/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viking Cruises</a>. All opinions are my own. We are grateful for all of our experience</em>s.<br></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1244" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN-700x1244.png" alt="Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise" class="wp-image-206054" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN-700x1244.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN-600x1067.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN-768x1365.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN-864x1536.png 864w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN-720x1280.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN-150x267.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trade-Routes-of-the-Middle-Ages-Viking-Cruise-PIN.png"></figure>
</div><p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/trade-routes-of-the-middle-ages-viking-cruise/">Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Viking Cruise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<title>3 Days in Barcelona</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-barcelona-spain/</link>
					<comments>https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-barcelona-spain/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:06:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=200963</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The stunning architecture and rich culture and fabulous food is why we recently spent 3 days in Barcelona, Spain, staying at the Casa Camper Barcelona hotel. The Mediterranean waters, strolls on the wide boulevards, and elegant buildings by the native architect Antoni Gaud&#237;, adorns the city with whimsy and flare. A walk through his colossal [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-barcelona-spain/">3 Days in Barcelona</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>The stunning architecture and rich culture and fabulous food is why we recently spent 3 days in Barcelona, Spain, staying at the Casa Camper Barcelona hotel. The Mediterranean waters, strolls on the wide boulevards, and elegant buildings by the native architect Antoni Gaud&iacute;, adorns the city with whimsy and flare. A walk through his colossal masterpiece, the towering La Sagrada Fam&iacute;lia cathedral, was a highlight for us.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-700x1050.jpg" alt="making Paella in Barcelona" class="wp-image-205534" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-paella.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>Our recent trip to Barcelona, we spent 3 days walking the city, eating amazing Spanish food, shopping, sightseeing, and then taking a cooking class, where we met the Chef for a Boqueria Market Tour. We stayed at the Casa Camper Barcelona hotel and enjoyed the local life and traditions of Barcelona.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Days in Barcelona</h2>



<p>We arrived in Barcelona 3 days before embarking on a Viking Cruise: <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/trade-routes-middle-ages/index.html?startLocation=bergen&amp;endLocation=barcelona&amp;year=2025" rel="sponsored nofollow">Trade Routes Of The Middle Ages</a><br>Barcelona to Bergen, so we stayed in the city, about 5 miles from the port. There is so much to do in 3 days in Barcelona, but the weather was perfect (first week of April), and besides walking miles and miles of the city-center, we took a cooking class that we highly recommend! </p>


<a class="wp-block-read-more" href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-barcelona-spain/" target="_self">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">: 3 Days in Barcelona</span></a>


<p>We learned to make Paella&ndash;one of our most favorite Spanish meals. We do love Spanish foods, like our <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/stuffed-poblano-peppers-with-spanish-style-rice/">Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Spanish Rice</a> and Spanish-inspired <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/eggs-poached-in-tomato-shakshuka/">Shakshuka</a> (egg poached in tomato).</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-700x1050.jpg" alt="walking downtown Barcelona" class="wp-image-205543" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shopping.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p>With so many things to do, I&rsquo;m including our favorite must-see attractions the city has to offer. For 3 Days in Barcelona, this post has you covererd where to stay, eat, and what to do! As you can see, the weather was perfect and we work short sleeves (and carried a light sweater). We walked almost everywhere, except an Uber to where the ship was.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-700x1050.jpg" alt="rooftop in Barcelona" class="wp-image-205541" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/roof-top.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stay at the Casa Camper Barcelona</h2>



<p>We stayed at the <a href="https://www.casacamper.com/en/barcelona/hotel.html" rel="nofollow">Casa Camper Barcelona hotel</a>, a 40-room boutique hotel is in a converted 19th-century building near the MACBA, the bustling Boqueria market, and a 5-minute walk from Plaza Catalu&ntilde;a. It&rsquo;s located just off La Rambla, in the city centre&rsquo;s vibrant, diverse and historic Raval quarter.</p>



<p>We totally recommend this hotel. It was the perfect location to shopping, to get to the tours we took, plus so many restaurants and sight-seeing and historial buildings. It was also just a taxi ride to the port where our cruise ship was waiting for us on day three! Oh, the rooftop view (above) it out of this world.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-700x1050.png" alt="Camper room hotel in Barcelona" class="wp-image-205535" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/camper-room.png"></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Camper Garden King room</h3>



<p>This hotel is known for &ldquo;rooms with a vibe.&rdquo; We couldn&rsquo;t agree more. We stayed in a charming Camper Garden King room. From the window, where you can admire the serenity and beauty of a vertical garden, to the bathroom, illuminated with natural light, the shower is part of their ecological commitment: the water used is purified without using chemical substances and is recycled for the cisterns, which contributes to a notable decrease in water consumption, up to 50%. And then, just across the hall, we hadour own private living room. The space is designed for relaxation and entertainment in mind, with a TV, sofa, and a Brazilian hammock. Amazing! But it&rsquo;s also a great work space if you happen to bring your laptop.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-700x1050.jpg" alt="walking in Barcelona" class="wp-image-205545" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walking.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Location</h3>



<p>Casa Camper Barcelona is located in the heart of the city, between La Rambla and the Museum of Contemporary Art, within easy walking distance to Plaza de Catalu&ntilde;a, La Boquer&iacute;a, the opera, the cathedral, and major shopping areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tentempi&eacute; &ndash; snack service</h3>



<p>Casa Camper offers a 24-7 snack service, giving you hot or cold food and drinks round the clock. It&rsquo;s free of charge to all guests. We couldn&rsquo;t believe the generosity!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Honesty Bar</h3>



<p>There&rsquo;s an &ldquo;honesty bar&rdquo; up top the building, with spectacular views of the city of Barcelona with a 24/7 self-service bar. You just throw some Euros in the basket if you enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-700x1050.jpg" alt="Cooking class making paella" class="wp-image-205536" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cooking-class.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cooking class &ldquo;Make Seafood Paella and Sangria with a Top Chef&rdquo;</h2>



<p>Our cooking class, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelona/Make-Seafood-Paella-and-Sangria-with-a-Top-Chef/d562-268056P1?m=63845&amp;supag=&amp;supca=20927319006&amp;supsc=&amp;supai=&amp;supap=&amp;supdv=c&amp;supnt=nt:x&amp;suplp=9033153&amp;supli=&amp;supti=&amp;tsem=true&amp;supci=&amp;supap1=&amp;supap2=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd4C4HPkL_WOpAfhnbPUslqfZ&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwhvi0BhA4EiwAX25uj7qaM98y90kaDGUArWAHgpAuWZWJIiM2y2m0uHGHHFB3ss4jFR-69hoCQmcQAvD_BwE">Make Seafood Paella and Sangria with a Top Chef</a>&rdquo; existed of a hands-on cooking experience from the Barcelona Cooking School, and a 4-course traditional Spanish meal in a unique venue in the city historical centre (Barri G&ograve;tic). We first shopped at the Boqueria Market to buy fresh produce for our experience.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-700x1050.png" alt="shopping the market in Spain" class="wp-image-205539" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/market.png"></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Included in the cooking class fee:</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Selected red and white wines from distinguished Spanish wine regions paired with the menu</li>



<li>Unlimited water</li>



<li>Use of aprons</li>



<li>Booklet of recipes</li>



<li>Market/shopping experience and tour around the market</li>



<li>Most amazing meal after shopping and cooking, where everyone eats together</li>
</ul>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-700x1050.png" alt="paella school cooking class" class="wp-image-205548" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/making-paella.png"></figure>
</div>


<p>Here we learned how to cook Spanish paella, Pan Con Tomate, and Sangria together with about 13 guests in our cooking class. At the end, Chef &amp; Founder of the Paella Barcelona Cooking School, Helina Sanchez, sent us all the recipes so we could make them at home&ndash;a very nice surprise!</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-700x1050.jpg" alt="paella dinner" class="wp-image-205540" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/plate-of-paella.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: if you plan to take a cooking class, the Boqueria Market is only available from Tuesday to Saturday morning, and the evening of Friday. Though the market is officially open from Monday to Saturday to 8am to 8pm, the reality is that most of the stalls (specially the best ones!) begin closing after 2pm exept for Fridays. We also paid about $111 per ticket/per person for this class, but it was well worth the money.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-700x1050.png" alt="La Sagrada" class="wp-image-205549" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/la-sagrada.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Book your own tour of the Sagrada Familia</h2>



<p>The&nbsp;<em>Sagrada Familia</em>&nbsp;in Barcelona will leave you speechless, a church under construction in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Construction started in 1982, and it finally opened in 2010. This temple is the result of the work of genius&nbsp;<em>architect</em>&nbsp;Antoni Gaud&iacute;. The first interruption was Gaud&iacute;&rsquo;s accidental death in 1926, when he was hit by a tram. This sudden shock halted the church&rsquo;s progress for 10 years.&nbsp; After Gaudi&rsquo;s death,&nbsp;<strong>seven</strong>&nbsp;other architects have worked on the project.</p>



<p>Here is the tour that we signed up for: <strong><em>Sagrada Familia: Skip the Line Guided Tour</em></strong>. We waited outside at a meeting point, and our guide took us right in. We totally recommend this kind of tour, otherwise you will be standing in line for hours.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-700x1050.jpg" alt="House of Bones" class="wp-image-205537" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/house.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Also get tickets for:</h3>



<p><strong>Park</strong> <strong>G&uuml;ell</strong>: If you want to do both this and the Sagrada Fam&iacute;lia, or the other Gaud&iacute; homes, you can get a bundle with <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/barcelona-l45/barcelona-skip-the-line-sagrada-familia-park-guell-tour-t51590/">this tour</a>, or the <a href="https://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_tickets/barcelona_city_pass">Barcelona City Pass</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Tibidabo</strong>: A prominent hill located on the outskirts of Barcelona. Its stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape make it a perfect place to catch the sunset. There is also the <strong>Tibidabo Amusement Park</strong>, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. </p>



<p><strong><strong>Casa Mil&agrave;</strong></strong>: This house exhibits Gaud&iacute;&rsquo;s penchant for organic shapes and innovative structural solutions.</p>



<p><strong>Casa Batll&oacute;</strong>: Only 500m away from Casa Mil&agrave;. Casa Batll&oacute; is a residential building designed by Gaud&iacute; and built between 1904 and 1906. It&rsquo;s also known as the &ldquo;house of bones.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s stunning and we did not get tickets, but walked by and gazed at the charm &amp; design for a long time. You&rsquo;ll see other tourists doing this as well. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-700x1050.jpg" alt="Market in Barcelona" class="wp-image-205538" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/marekts.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walk and visit:</h3>



<p><strong>La Rambla</strong>: At the end of the pedestrian walkway is <strong>Pla&ccedil;a de Catalunya</strong>, a central square that serves as a hub for both locals and tourists. It marks the boundary between the old city center and the modern area. It has street performers, artists, musicians, and living statues, creating a vibrant and interactive environment, and then the <strong>La Boqueria Market.</strong></p>



<p><strong>La Boqueria</strong>: One of the oldest markets in Barcelona (started in 1217), is a historic public market that CNN named the best fresh produce market in the world. This is where we shopped for the &ldquo;paella cooking class&rdquo; ingredienets.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1050" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-700x1050.png" alt="where to eat in Barcelona" class="wp-image-205544" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-700x1050.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-600x900.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-768x1152.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-720x1080.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas-150x225.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tappas.png"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to eat in Barcelona</h2>



<p>The options of restaurants in Barcelona are plentiful. You really can&rsquo;t go wrong with any of the place to enjoy a Spanish meal, with a glass of wine or Sangria. There are over 9,000 restaurants in Barcelona, but here are a few of our favorites.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Tosca: Tappas all day (see my photos)</li>



<li>Dos Palillos: Michelin star restaurant, Dos Palillos, blends creative cuisine with Asian gastronomy from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.</li>



<li>Dos Pebrots: Mediterranean food in an uncomplicated way.</li>



<li>Bodega Biarritz</li>



<li>La Patsa Lab Laboratorio So Pasta</li>



<li>Caminito Grill Steak House</li>



<li>Le Romane</li>



<li>BelleBuon</li>



<li>Zenith Brunch &amp; Cocktails</li>



<li>Paisano Bistro</li>



<li>Bella Italy</li>



<li><strong><a href="https://sips.barcelona/">Sips</a></strong>: 3rd best bar in the world in 2022.</li>
</ul>



<p>This is what we did in 3 days. If we had stayed longer, we would have for gone to the <strong>Barceloneta Beach</strong>. The sandy shores for swimming are gorgeous, and you can rent a bike to explore the waterfront area. For sure eating &lsquo;paella&rdquo; on the beach is highly recommended.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="450" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas-700x450.jpg" alt="city view" class="wp-image-205552" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas-700x450.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas-600x386.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas-768x494.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas-720x463.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas-150x96.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barcelonas.jpg"></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More places in Europe you may want to travel to:</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/chateau-de-valcreuse-in-france/">Visit Chateau de Valcreuse in La Roche Posay, France</a></li>



<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/how-many-days-in-venice/">How  many days in Venice</a></li>



<li><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-dublin/">3 days in Dublin</a></li>
</ul>



<p>We paid for our 3 days in Barcelona, pre-adventure, before jumping on the Viking cruise ship for the <em><strong><a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/trade-routes-middle-ages/index.html?startLocation=bergen&amp;endLocation=barcelona&amp;year=2025" rel="sponsored nofollow">Trader Routes of the Middle Ages</a></strong></em> cruise (Barcelona to Bergen).  All opinions are our own.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="1244" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN-700x1244.png" alt="3 days in Barcelona, Spain" class="wp-image-205553" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN-700x1244.png 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN-600x1067.png 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN-768x1365.png 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN-864x1536.png 864w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN-720x1280.png 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN-150x267.png 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-days-in-Barcelona-PIN.png"></figure>
</div><p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-barcelona-spain/">3 Days in Barcelona</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Visit Chateau de Valcreuse in France</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/chateau-de-valcreuse-in-france/</link>
					<comments>https://reluctantentertainer.com/chateau-de-valcreuse-in-france/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Nov 2023 04:24:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[France]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=200005</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Want to travel the countryside of France and stay in a chateau? We have the place! Take a visit to Chateau de Valcreuse in La Roche Posay, France! Our recent trip throughout France began in the fertile countryside, south of Paris. By way of a train ride to La Roche Posay, we stayed in the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/chateau-de-valcreuse-in-france/">Visit Chateau de Valcreuse in France</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Want to travel the countryside of France and stay in a chateau? We have the place! Take a visit to Chateau de Valcreuse in La Roche Posay, France!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-200131 aligncenter" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-600x900.jpg" alt="cheers to dinner in the Ch&acirc;teau de Valcreuse in France" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-150x225.jpg 150w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room.jpg"></p>
<p>Our recent trip throughout France began in the fertile countryside, south of Paris. By way of a train ride to La Roche Posay, we stayed in the beautiful <a href="https://chateaudevalcreuse.com">Chateau de Valcreuse</a> for an amazing week filled with history, friendship, and a culinary experience. When we arrived, we were greeted with champagne and a full tour of the amazing property, by our wonderful host Laura.  <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/chateau-de-valcreuse-in-france/#more-200005" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Visit Chateau de Valcreuse in France">(more&hellip;)</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/chateau-de-valcreuse-in-france/">Visit Chateau de Valcreuse in France</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<title>How many days in Venice?</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/how-many-days-in-venice/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:32:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=198503</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>How many days do you need to truly experience Venice? We recently spent three great days in Venice as part of a travel extension through Viking Cruises. We started at St. Mark&#8217;s and Rialto, then spent the second day in Murano and Burano. On day 3, we walked through Canareggio and Dorsoduro. Did you know [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/how-many-days-in-venice/">How many days in Venice?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How many days do you need to truly experience Venice? We recently spent three great days in Venice as part of a travel extension through Viking Cruises. We started at St. Mark&rsquo;s and Rialto, then spent the second day in Murano and Burano. On day 3, we walked through Canareggio and Dorsoduro.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-198523 aligncenter" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters-600x900.jpg" alt="Venice, Italy canals - How many days in Venice?" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/venice-waters.jpg"></p>
<p>Did you know that Viking Cruise Ships offers extentions on either end of the trip? Recently we sailed the <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/empires-of-the-mediterranean-viking-cruise/">The Empires of the Mediterranean</a> cruise, and at the end of the trip, we stayed in Venice, Italy for an additional three days.</p>
<h2>How many days in Venice?</h2>
<p>People ask, how many days in Venice should we stay? Since it isn&rsquo;t a huge city, we agree you can see the main sites and attractions in three days in Venice. Follow along for the best tips and place to see and places to eat in Venice, Italy.</p>
<p> <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/how-many-days-in-venice/#more-198503" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading How many days in Venice?">(more&hellip;)</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/how-many-days-in-venice/">How many days in Venice?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Empires of the Mediterranean Viking Cruise</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/empires-of-the-mediterranean-viking-cruise/</link>
					<comments>https://reluctantentertainer.com/empires-of-the-mediterranean-viking-cruise/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:01:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=195558</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Here&#8217;s our recap of the amazing, 10-day Viking Cruise from Athens to Venice (also called The Empires of the Mediterranean), where we explored the medieval warrens of Zadar, Dubrovnik and Kotor, and soaked in the beauty of Corfu, Santorini, and picturesque Slovenia. We recently sailed with Viking Cruises from Athens (Piraeus) to Venice (Chioggia) on [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/empires-of-the-mediterranean-viking-cruise/">Empires of the Mediterranean Viking Cruise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here&rsquo;s our recap of the amazing, 10-day Viking Cruise from Athens to Venice (also called <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/empires-mediterranean/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Empires of the Mediterranean</a>), where we explored the medieval warrens of Zadar, Dubrovnik and Kotor, and soaked in the beauty of Corfu, Santorini, and picturesque Slovenia.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-196177 aligncenter" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water-600x900.jpg" alt="Dubrovnik" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/croatia-water.jpg"></p>
<p>We recently sailed with Viking Cruises from Athens (Piraeus) to Venice (Chioggia) on the Viking Sky cruise ship. We sailed the &ldquo;<a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/empires-mediterranean/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empires of the Mediterranean</a>,&rdquo; and today&rsquo;s post will tell you about the itinerary, ship, excursions, food, and more!</p>
<h2>Empires of the Mediterranean Viking Cruise</h2>
<p>This is our second cruise with Viking to the Mediterranean, and just let me say upfront: Viking does everything right, and they are the classiest cruise line. I loved this Empires of the Mediterranean Viking Cruise, and it was lovely to go mid-March through April, for cooler (gorgeous) weather. <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/empires-of-the-mediterranean-viking-cruise/#more-195558" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Empires of the Mediterranean Viking Cruise">(more&hellip;)</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/empires-of-the-mediterranean-viking-cruise/">Empires of the Mediterranean Viking Cruise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<title>3 days in Dublin</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-dublin/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2023 06:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Dublin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=193863</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This post is about what to do for 3 days in Dublin, Ireland&#8211;home to castles and cathedrals, culture and amazing food! We recently were in Dublin, Ireland for three days, after our Viking Cruise in Greece, Spain, and Italy. It was a short flight to Dublin, and the perfect amount of time (three days) to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-dublin/">3 days in Dublin</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This post is about what to do for 3 days in Dublin, Ireland&ndash;home to castles and cathedrals, culture and amazing food!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-193885 aligncenter" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe-600x900.jpg" alt="3 days in Dublin, Ireland" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/river-lithe.jpg"></p>
<p>We recently were in Dublin, Ireland for three days, after our Viking Cruise in Greece, Spain, and Italy. It was a short flight to Dublin, and the perfect amount of time (three days) to take in the sights, soak up the culture, and enjoy some great food.</p>
<h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-193879 aligncenter" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night-600x900.jpg" alt="The Grafton Hotel" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night-600x900.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night-700x1050.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night-720x1080.jpg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hotel-night.jpg"></h2>
<h2>3 days in Dublin</h2>
<p>There are so many attractions, museums, shows, and potential things to do in Dublin. Since we&rsquo;ve been here before, this time we stayed downtown near Grafton Street, to enjoy Dublin&rsquo;s most popular attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods. It&rsquo;s the perfect city in which to walk and walk, and get so much culture in. It&rsquo;s our tradition to go to Davy Brynes and get a pint of Guinness, in honor of Paul&rsquo;s dad.&nbsp; <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-dublin/#more-193863" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading 3 days in Dublin">(more&hellip;)</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/3-days-in-dublin/">3 days in Dublin</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-cruises-mediterranean-odyssey/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2023 05:04:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Croatia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[France]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monaco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sponsored]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=192680</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Late summer, my husband and I embarked on a Viking Ocean Cruise aboard The Viking Sea. Our Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey journey began in Barcelona, Spain, and ended in Chioggia, Italy (near Venice). Today, I&#8217;m sharing about our stops in Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. This summer we explored some of the most [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-cruises-mediterranean-odyssey/">Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Late summer, my husband and I embarked on a Viking Ocean Cruise aboard The Viking Sea. Our <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/mediterranean-odyssey/index.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey</a> journey began in Barcelona, Spain, and ended in Chioggia, Italy (near Venice). Today, I&rsquo;m sharing about our stops in Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Croatia.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-192723 aligncenter" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises-600x900.jpeg" alt="on the Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey" width="600" height="900" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises-600x900.jpeg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises-700x1050.jpeg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises-720x1080.jpeg 720w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises.jpeg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/viking-cruises.jpeg"></p>
<p>This summer we explored some of the most beautiful countries and cities on the Viking Mediterranean Odyssey Ocean cruise. We had such a wonderful trip that we came back and created a <a href="https://www.shutterfly.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shutterfly</a> book, because we didn&rsquo;t want to forget our experiences. If you love the water, and you followed my travel last year, we were in Bermuda, on the <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/excursions-viking-bermuda/">Viking Cruises Bermuda Escape</a>.</p>
<h2>Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey</h2>
<p>The Viking Cruise line has quickly become the world&rsquo;s most awarded cruise line on both ocean and river cruises. One of the most popular cruises is the sea voyage from Barcelona to Venice: The Mediterranean Odyssey.  <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-cruises-mediterranean-odyssey/#more-192680" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey">(more&hellip;)</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-cruises-mediterranean-odyssey/">Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland</title>
		<link>https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-river-cruises-zurich-switzerland/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandy Coughlin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2020 03:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sponsored]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Switzerland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=66458</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Today I&#8217;m sharing our recent travel experience &#8220;Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland&#8221;&#160;the first part of a 12-day river cruise trip, ending in Paris! This post is sponsored by Viking Cruises. Friends, Zurich/Swiss Alps was our first stop on the Viking Cruise we took end of last year (Oct/Nov). Thanks for following along this &#8220;Viking River [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-river-cruises-zurich-switzerland/">Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today I&rsquo;m sharing our recent travel experience &ldquo;Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland&rdquo;&nbsp;the first part of a 12-day river cruise trip, ending in Paris! This post is sponsored by Viking Cruises.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-69576 size-large" src="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7-700x1048.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="1048" data-pin-description="Traveling to Zurich, Switzerland with Viking Cruises" srcset="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7-700x1048.jpg 700w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7-600x898.jpg 600w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7-768x1150.jpg 768w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7-1026x1536.jpg 1026w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7-1368x2048.jpg 1368w, https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-pin-media="https://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Viking-River-Cruises-Zurich-Switzerland-7.jpg"></p>
<p>Friends, Zurich/Swiss Alps was our first stop on the <a href="https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Viking Cruise</a> we took end of last year (Oct/Nov). Thanks for following along this &ldquo;Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland&rdquo; trip recap!</p>
<p>We can&rsquo;t recommend this 12-day trip enough, and you can learn more about the details, map, and boat&nbsp;<a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-river-cruise-from-switzerland-to-paris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in the post</a>. <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-river-cruises-zurich-switzerland/#more-66458" class="more-link"><span aria-label="Continue reading Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland">(more&hellip;)</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/viking-river-cruises-zurich-switzerland/">Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland</a> appeared first on <a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com">Reluctant Entertainer</a>.</p>
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