 The front of Schӧnbrunn Palace as they were preparing for Easter markets Hanging Out with the Habsburgs: A Guide to Visiting Austria’s Schӧnbrunn Palace and Gardens The Story of Schönbrunn Built in celebration of the Habsburg emperors’ second victory over the Turks in 1683, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schӧnbrunn Palace continues to be one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. It served as a replacement to the older Imperial summer residence that had suffered extensive damage in the Battle of Vienna. It wasn’t until around 1750 that the palace became known as a cultural center. At that time, Maria Theresa of Austria converted the palace to her summer residence and started hosting classical music concerts and elegant balls. It was around this time, as well, that Schӧnbrunn was gaining importance after its establishment of the world’s first zoo. Today, visitors may tour the impressive 1,441-room palace and gardens, one of the most architectural, cultural and historical monuments in the country. During my recent visit there, we toured the interior with a private guide and then had free time to visit the stables and stroll through the gardens and grounds, imagining cultured life in the 18th century. Fun fact: What does Schӧnbrunn mean? It's derived from “schӧner Brunnen,” which means “beautiful well.” Legend has it that Emperor Matthias was exploring and hunting in the area in the early 17th century and stumbled upon an artesian well, exclaiming, “What a beautiful well!” The largest gloriette in the world is absolutely stunning Highlights of Schönbrunn Palace The first floor has 40 (!) rooms, all of which are typically open to visitors. Most of the rooms are designed in neo-rococo and Biedermeier style, with white ceilings and furnishings embellished with gold. You’ll notice French-style chairs upholstered in red damask and enormous crystal and golden chandeliers, Belgian tapestries, massive landscape murals and portraits of the Imperial family. Don’t miss the Great Gallery, where you can learn all about the lives of the Habsburgs, from Empress Maria Theresa to Emperor Francis Joseph to his wife Empress Sissi. There are Chinese-style rooms decked out with black-lacquered panel work and blue and white porcelain vases, as well as two ballrooms lined with frescoes and murals. The Marie Antoniette room - or family dining room - shows off an incredible collection of Venetian porcelain, Imperial dining silverware and fine crystal glasses. The spectacular view of Vienna from the gloriette and one of the many statues found throughout the gardens Tell Me About the Gardens
If you have the time, I strongly urge you to visit the gorgeous Schönbrunn Gardens and the Gloriette, which overlooks the castle, the Baroque gardens and Vienna. Within the gardens, you’ll find the Crown Prince Gardens, the Maze, the Palm House and the Tirolergarten at the zoo, home to an original 18th-century farmhouse from Tyrol where you can enjoy an alfresco lunch. The Palm House, especially, is a delight with its Old World grandeur, glass-iron construction and plethora of flora, including Mediterranean, tropical and northern vegetation. It’s a nice break from the chill outside during the colder months. Any Insider Tips? Yes! Check out the award-winning Puppet Theater and attend a marionette opera, such as The Magic Flute or Strauss’ Die Fledermaus (The Bat) performed with incredible wood-carved puppets, a delight for all ages. How Long Should I Plan for a Schönbrunn Palace Tour? It really depends on how in-depth you’d like your visit to be. Depending on whether you join the 30- to 40-minute palace tour and garden stroll or choose to visit with a private guide (highly recommended) and include the stables, your visit may take anywhere from one to four hours. If Austria is in your sights, let’s chat about a day at Schönbrunn Palace. I’ll happily share my recent experience there for inspiration for your own travels.
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 Les Braves Memorial Monument on Omaha Beach If you’re a history buff with a particular interest in World War II, a river cruise that includes Normandy is perfect for you. Not only will you visit the unforgettable D-Day beaches and have the opportunity to explore incredible museums and historic sites, but you’ll also enjoy the stunning coastline and incredible food of the region. For now, here’s a taste of the World War II sites you may experience while on an in-depth Normandy tour: Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial In Colleville-sur-Mer, you can visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, which is set on the site of the temporary American St. Laurent Cemetery (the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II). The 173-acre cemetery contains the graves of 9,386 soldiers who lost their lives in the war, most of whom were killed during the D-Day landings and related operations. Visit the Walls of the Missing, inscribed with 1,557 names - the rosettes mark the names of those individuals who have since been recovered and identified. Walk from the cemetery down to the beach, where you can look out across the English Channel. Omaha Beach There is a small museum at Omaha Beach, where you can see uniform and military vehicle displays. More sobering artifacts include personal objects belonging to civilians caught in the battles, including a well-loved teddy bear. Follow the infinity pool to the beach and reflect on the Day of Days.  Arromanches Village is the site of the artificial harbor used to funnel machinery and troops. Longues-sur-Mer Artillery Battery A large component of the Atlantic Wall, this artillery battery includes a firing command post and four casements, each of which houses a 150mm artillery piece. The battery is located in the Allied assault zone overlooking the English channel. Arromanches Village While Arromanches Village is today a popular sea-side resort town, history-minded visitors will want to learn more about how the village was linked with the liberation of western Europe following D-Day. Notice the large concrete blocks that are the remains of the floating Mulberry Harbour that was used during World War II landings. The area became known as Port Winston (after Winston Churchill) and saw the arrival of 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles and four million tons of supplies. The best view of Port Winston and nearby Gold Beach is from the hill east of town, where you can also watch archival footage of the Battle of Normandy at the Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema. Juno Beaches Visit the significant beach of the Canadian sector - Juno. The undeveloped area of Juno Beach allows you to see ruins of German bunkers and some of the original D-Day beach obstacles. At the Juno Beach Center, you can learn more about the Canadian contribution to the D-Day invasions. Pegasus Bridge In the area of the Juno and Gold beaches, visit the historic Pegasus Bridge, originally the bridges of Ranville and Benouville. The bridges were recaptured by the British 5th Parachute Brigade, whose emblem was Pegasus.  The Pegasus Bridge. This bridge was renamed in honor of the British airborne forces. Additional World War II Museums Near Normandy
These suggestions for what to see and do in the Normandy area are really just the beginning. Depending on your level of interest and fascination with World War II history, you can spend several days exploring the coastline area and nearby. For tips and expert guidance, be in touch. I’d love to help plan your experience.  Visiting a pub for Kölsch beer is one of my favorite things to do in Cologne! Don't Go Kölsch Tasting in Cologne Until You've Read This! Prost! Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about beer - the famous Kölsch of Cologne, to be exact. How to drink it. In which vessel to drink it. The best food to complement it. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to lift a glass with the most local of locals in any pub in town. First, a short history lesson. Kölsch - the name and the beer - is exclusive to Cologne. Twenty-four breweries in the city came together in 1986 (at the Kölsch Konvention, of course!) to discuss what a Kölsch beer should be like. They decided on the following attributes: filtered, pale, top fermented and hop accentuated. They determined it should be brewed between 11 and 14 degrees Plato (which determines the density of beer wort). And … the brewmasters determined it illegal to brew Kölsch outside of Cologne. When you've had enough, cover your glass or it will be quickly refilled! Ready to knock back a refreshing Kölsch? Let’s start with where. Grab a seat in a lively brewhouse, typically a large open room with ample table seating. The kobe (waiter) replaces your typical bartender, arriving at each table with their kranz (crown). This round tray has a handle and slots for glasses. When you order a beer, the kobe will give you a tally mark on your coaster. Had enough? Put your hand or coaster over your glass. At whatever brewpub you choose in Cologne, your beer will be served in an identical manner. During the Konvention, it was determined that the brew should be served at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit in a tall, narrow, 0.2-liter glass to ensure that one drinks it before it gets warm. The glass, called a stange, is so vital to the enjoyment of Kölsch, that friends have been known to bring extras along in case a pal arrives at the bar empty handed. Perhaps the best part about the stange? Every time a waiter spots an empty one, they’ll fill it up! Kölsch beer is often served with traditional potato pancakes and applesauce. Now, what should you eat alongside your tasty Kölsch? The traditional favorite is potato pancakes and applesauce. The crispy hot pancake and cold, sweet apple will instantly whisk you back to Grandma’s house. A few other favorites: Bavarian soft pretzels, Bratwurst, Wiener Schnitzel, beer-braised brisket or even doughnuts.
Here are a few of the most beloved brewpubs in Cologne, any of which are the perfect spot for your first Kölsch tasting!
Ready to try this most German of beers? Let’s chat about how we can get you to Cologne on a glorious river cruise.  Durnstein is known as the Pearl of the Wachau If visions of storybook castles, misty vineyards and fairytale villages dance in your head, set sail along the Danube River to Austria’s Wachau Valley - and, in particular, Dürnstein. Known as the “Pearl of the Wachau,” Dürnstein has been around since 1192, when Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner in the city’s castle during the Third Crusade. Today, Dürnstein is one of the top destinations on the Danube for history, culture, architecture and wine tasting. Here’s what you should do while you’re there. Visit the Dürnstein Castle Ruins Make your way on a guided hike up the hill (about a half-hour walk) to the rocky ridge where once King Richard the Lionheart of England was held captive by Leopold V, Duke of Austria. While the ancient castle fortress itself has not survived the centuries, you’ll feel history come alive around you as you gaze out at the vineyard-studded countryside and the Wachau Valley. Take a guided hike and tour the ancient castle fortress or a enjoy a guided city tour. Walk the Haupstrasse The main street through Dürnstein, the Hauptstrasse, makes for an atmospheric stroll, as you wander past exquisitely decorated historic residences, some of which date back to the 1500s. The level of restoration and maintenance is particularly impressive, considering the age of the buildings. While you’re in town, visit the 15th-century Stift Dürnstein (Dürnstein Abbey). Originally an Augustinian monastery, it was reconstructed in Baroque style and today its tower is a striking, blue-and-white landmark above the Danube Valley. Inside, look for altar paintings by Kremser Schmidt, a noted Baroque artist. Riverside and courtyard views of the Stift Dürnstein (Dürnstein Abbey) Sip the Wine Spend an afternoon at Domane Wachau, with hundreds of acres of vineyards as part of a wine-growing cooperative. Notice the old, dry stone walls that reinforce the steep vineyard terraces. The cooperative offers vintages from the most prestigious sites in the region, including Achleiten, Kollmitz, Loibenberg and Tausend-Eimer-Berg. Need a little sustenance with your wine tasting? Dürnstein is also known for its apricot products, so be on the lookout for fantastic jams and other treats. Some of the best traditional restaurants for local cuisine in Dürnstein are the Altes Presshaus and the Dürnsteinherhof. Skip Over to Krems Just down the river, Krems is a lovely add-on to your Dürnstein and Wachau Valley wanderings. It’s one of the most scenic towns in the area and can trace its settlement history back to 995 AD. Put aside a couple of hours to visit the medieval gate of Steiner Tor, the only remaining gate from the city walls, walk the main street of Obere Landstrasse to see the traditional burgher houses of Old Town (don’t miss the 13th-century Gozzoburg House) and taste a few of the valley’s incredible wines at one of the many convivial cafes throughout town.  Passengers and guides preparing for a bike tour of Krems If storybook Europe - particularly the romantic Danube and the Wachau Valley - sounds intriguing, let’s set you up on a luxury river cruise that will place you right in the heart of a fairytale. Whatever your passion or travel style, there’s a river cruise perfect for you. Let’s chat.
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theresa brandtTravel Advisor Specializing in River Cruising Archives
April 2022
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Managed by Voyager Websites
FL ST #ST38545; CST #2071045-50