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Discover S.S. Maria Theresa: The Ultimate in Luxury European River Cruising from Uniworld

For those dreaming of the finest river cruise experience in Europe, the new S.S. Maria Theresa by Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is your invitation to sail like royalty. This stunning Super Ship brings a new level of sophistication, artistry, and timeless elegance to the legendary Danube. Step Into a Floating Palace on the Danube Named after the iconic Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, the S.S. Maria Theresa is the epitome of 18th-century grandeur. Every element onboard—from glittering chandeliers and hand-painted murals to elegant marble suites and an authentic Viennese Café—echoes the majesty and refinement of Europe’s grandest royal palaces. Sailing the Danube on the S.S. Maria Theresa is a one-of-a-kind voyage where the romance of Central Europe unfolds beyond your window and every detail is crafted to perfection. Unrivalled All-Inclusive Luxury and Immersion Uniworld promises more than a cruise—it’s a complete, seamless, and immersive experience. Guests may choose from two enchanting itineraries aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa: Enchanting Danube (8 Days | Budapest – Passau): Discover the cultural treasures of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Passau with exclusive excursions, fine dining, and the signature all-inclusive Uniworld experience. Enjoy exclusive events such as a private House of Strauss concert for a truly unforgettable night. Danube Holiday Markets (8 Days | Budapest – Passau): Embark on a magical holiday journey through Europe’s most charming Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and artisan crafts create a winter wonderland. Special highlights include privileged access to world-class museums and festive events. Why S.S. Maria Theresa Redefines River Cruising Lavishly decorated suites and staterooms, each with bespoke touches Hand-selected antiques and artwork evoking regal heritage World-class cuisine in elegant dining venues Seamless all-inclusive service, including airport transfers, premium beverages, and enriching activities Uniworld’s trademark hospitality and meticulous attention to detail How to Experience Europe’s Most Luxurious River Ship The S.S. Maria Theresa sails the Danube on select itineraries throughout the year, including last-minute 2025 dates and advance 2026 bookings. Prices for an 8-day journey start at just € 2,999 per person, with additional dates and suites available for luxury travellers seeking the ultimate way to experience Central Europe in style Plan Your Journey Explore the complete details of S.S. Maria Theresa’s design, suites, and itineraries in the dedicated digital brochure and discover your next journey along the Danube at Uniworld’s official website.

Dida’s Frank Wöller: China, Europe, and Russia remain biggest source markets for Thailand

AI-first travel tech company Dida’s vice-president for business development in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Frank Wöller recently shared his insights regarding Thailand’s inbound tourism scene in a talk presented during Dida Engage: Thailand on Thursday, 20th November. Throughout the talk, Wöller presented several points to ponder for the coming year, with particular regard to key markets, arrival numbers, as well as the direction in which Thai tourism seems to be heading in 2026. Wöller opened by saying: “So, here’s the big picture so far, and these are numbers as of September 2025: Thailand has welcomed roughly 28 million international visitors. Of these, Europe, China and Russia more or less account for one third of the total. I think this already shows the importance of these three markets’ and one can probably say it's kind of a triple engine driving Thailand's tourism inbound success from overseas markets.” He pointed out that, rather than be in direct competition with each other, these three markets are somewhat complementary as each has unique and notable characteristics. He said: “If we just look at Europe, they prefer quite long stays and have a high average spend. China, obviously, is more about scale because the largest number of inbound visitors from overseas markets comes from them. On the other hand, Russia, despite all the current challenges within the geopolitical environment, is very stable and very focused on resort destinations.” Growing markets Wöller likewise pointed out that all of the key European source markets have been growing into Thailand throughout 2025, albeit at their own individual pace. Choosing Poland as a key example, he elaborated further: Poland is one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. A large middle segment of its population is increasingly willing to spend for overseas travel, and we are also addressing it and other markets now.” European travellers also opt to book longer stays, choosing to travel outside of the standard peak seasons throughout the year. With regard to China, Wöller noted a slightly renewed momentum as of the current quarter, and this may be construed as a positive thing for the Thai tourism sector, given the uneven recovery of Chinese arrival numbers post-pandemic. As for Russia, Wöller noted this particular market’s resilience despite political unrest on a global scale on top of economic instability. As he puts it: “Russian travellers are very resilient despite everything going on in the world: they can travel, and they are willing to travel. Thailand is a super attractive destination for Russians, particularly in winter, as they come here to escape the harsh winters they have in many parts of their country.” According to Wöller, these three markets bring significant value to the Thai tourism industry, and their performance come 2026 is something that travel professionals in the country ought to keep an eye on.

Tauck Announces Largest-Ever River Cruise Expansion for 2027: New Ships, Shorter Itineraries, and More European Journeys

Tauck is setting a new benchmark for luxury river cruising with the unveiling of its largest-ever European river cruise portfolio for 2027, including two new state-of-the-art riverboats and five brand-new cruise itineraries. Announced earlier than ever due to surging demand and record year-over-year growth, Tauck’s river cruise program is poised to offer travellers unmatched choice, value, and immersive experiences. Two New Tauck Riverboats to Join the Fleet The 2027 fleet expansion welcomes the ms Saudade, sister ship to ms Andorinha for Tauck’s acclaimed Douro River journeys, and the ms Reverie, sister ship to ms Serene, debuting on the Seine. This bold fleet growth nearly doubles Tauck’s capacity on select rivers, meeting traveller demand for more flexible and accessible cruising throughout Europe. Shorter Six-Day Itineraries for More Flexibility Recognising evolving guest preferences, Tauck is pioneering a new six-day river cruise format for those with tighter schedules. Launching in late 2026 and expanding through 2027, these shorter journeys focus on depth and inclusivity, with departures during Europe’s mild shoulder seasons for a relaxed, crowd-free experience. Featured New River Cruise Itineraries for 2027 Essence of the Seine: Six days roundtrip from Paris aboard the new ms Reverie, featuring Normandy’s D-Day beaches, cider and Calvados tastings in Vernon, and a gala evening at a historic château. (From $3,490 USD pp double-occupancy plus airfare) Essence of the Danube: Budapest to Vienna aboard ms Joy, with guided sightseeing in Vienna and Bratislava, music-filled gala dining at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini, and wine tasting in Dürnstein. (From $2,990 USD pp double-occupancy plus airfare) Essence of the Douro: Six days between Porto and Barca d’Alva on the new ms Saudade, featuring Portuguese wine country, cocktail workshops, UNESCO-listed Porto, Guimarães, and fine dining on the riverside. Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro: Ten-day adventure with a Porto stay and Douro Valley cruise, including vineyard hikes and Tauck-exclusive cultural events. Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid: Eleven-day exploration pairing the Douro with Madrid’s art and history, including port tastings, riverside dining, and guided tours of Porto, Salamanca, and Spain’s vibrant capital. A Record 37 Tauck European River Cruises Planned for 2027 Tauck’s upcoming lineup will span 37 European river cruise itineraries, including six Tauck Bridges family journeys and deepened offerings on the sought-after Douro River. Tauck’s fully inclusive experiences cover everything from shore excursions and gratuities to onboard premium beverages and airport transfers—setting the standard for easy, luxurious travel. As Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh states, “River cruising is one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with new shorter itineraries, we now offer exceptional entry points for travellers with limited time.” Reserve Early for the Best Departures For the first time, Tauck is opening 2027 bookings early, allowing risk-free advance reservations while final itinerary details are completed. Explore all Tauck journeys, secure your preferred dates, and learn more about Tauck’s record-breaking expansion at Tauck’s official website.

Valencia emerges as a European leader in Accessible Tourism

The Region of Valencia is reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most inclusive destinations with the launch of seven new accessible routes, now available on TUR4all Travel, the world’s leading platform dedicated to fully accessible travel experiences and a purpose-driven agency that reinvests 100% of its profits into improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Ranked among Spain’s Top 5 most accessible destinations and the fastest-growing in this segment, according to the TUR4all Travel 2025 Trends Report — which also places Spain as Europe’s leading country in accessible tourism — the Region of Valencia showcases its diversity beyond the traditional “sun and beach” model through seven new accessible routes. These new seven accessible itineraries feature cultural, nature, and gastronomy experiences across the region. According to the TUR4all Travel 2025 Trends Report, 50% of travelers with accessibility needs prefer cultural and heritage experiences, a segment in which the Region of Valencia excels, offering adapted museums, monuments, and historic centers. Each route includes verified information on accessible facilities and services for travelers with mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs, ensuring a truly inclusive experience. The announcement comes as the Region of Valencia celebrates a record-breaking tourism year, welcoming nearly 30 million visitors in 2024, with a 15.5% rise in international arrivals and a 21.2% increase in international spending. Tourism now contributes over 16% of the region’s GDP, supporting more than 280,000 jobs[1]. Globally, accessible travel represents a fast-growing market: 1.3 billion people — around 15% of the world’s population — live with some form of disability, and in Europe, over 100 million travelers have accessibility needs. This group tends to travel more frequently, demonstrates strong loyalty, and often spends above average. Yet, as destinations become more inclusive by design, the additional cost for accessible travel decreases, creating both economic and social value. “With accessibility now at the core of its tourism strategy, the Region of Valencia is setting a new benchmark for European destinations — demonstrating that inclusivity drives both competitiveness and sustainability,”said Miguel Carrasco, COO at TUR4all Travel. “The Region of Valencia has understood that accessibility is not just about removing barriers — it’s about opening opportunities. By integrating accessibility into the heart of its tourism development, the destination proves that inclusion and competitiveness go hand in hand. Accessibility enhances not only the travel experience for people with disabilities, but also for seniors, families, and travelers with temporary limitations. It’s the foundation of a more sustainable and future-proof tourism model.”

Small Ships, Big Stories: Windstar Unveils 2027 Europe Cruises with 12 New Itineraries and Legendary Events

If you want the most authentic, uncrowded way to explore Europe in summer 2027, look to Windstar Cruises! The acclaimed small-ship line has opened bookings for 12 brand new itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, plus specialty event voyages offering unparalleled access to exclusive European moments—like front-row seats at the Monaco Grand Prix, unique canal transits, and island explorations only Windstar’s intimate yachts can deliver. More Ways to See Europe: Windstar’s Five-Yacht Fleet With five unique yachts—including the legendary sailing ship Wind Surf and the newly delivered Star Explorer—Windstar’s 2027 Europe season showcases both classic destinations and hidden gems unreachable by larger cruise ships. Four yachts will sail seasonally from March to November, while the Star Explorer makes its debut as Windstar’s first year-round yacht in Europe. Exclusive Experiences: Legendary Events and Iconic European Moments Monaco Grand Prix: Two itineraries with race tickets and exclusive access on Star Legend and Wind Spirit. Total Solar Eclipse: A round-trip Athens sailing aboard Wind Surf, timed for the August 2027 eclipse near Malta, with stops in ancient ports. Northern Europe Mystery Cruise: For the adventurous, Star Pride’s 7-night sailing from London to Amsterdam features surprise ports revealed just 36 hours before docking—perfectly timed for tulip season. Cruises Without the Crowds: Off-the-Beaten-Path Mediterranean and Adriatic Windstar’s new Mediterranean itineraries let guests discover quieter islands, local harbours and cultural gems. From Greece’s legendary Corinth Canal (a rare transit for small yachts) to late-evening calls in Santorini, Mykonos, and Ephesus, every journey promises deeper immersion. Wind Spirit and Wind Surf return with fan-favourite sailings and new combinations—linking Venetian Majesty, Spectacular Croatia, and more into longer “Star Collector” itineraries for true explorers. Northern Europe’s Secrets: Fjords, Tulips, and Maritime Heritage Star Pride and Star Explorer offer extended journeys from Amsterdam, London, and Lisbon, including scenic voyages through the Norwegian fjords, Iceland’s volcanic coast, and picturesque canal towns such as Oudeschild and Antwerp. Shorter “Quick Getaways” three- to five-day sailings pair perfectly with land stays or connect via convenient rail links. 2027 Windstar Europe Cruise Highlights Off the Beaten Path Adriatic (Dubrovnik to Venice): Explore medieval cities and island coves. Venetian Majesty & Spectacular Croatia (Venice to Dubrovnik): Discover hidden treasures of Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia. Legends of the Northern Adriatic (Roundtrip Venice): Seasonal celebration in lesser-known ports. La Dolce Vita Italy & France (Roundtrip Rome): A quick Mediterranean escape to Bonifacio and Sardinia. Croatia Calling (Venice to Dubrovnik): The best of the Croatian coastline in four days. Grand Prix & Riviera Charm (Barcelona to Rome): Race excitement meets iconic ports. Sicilian Splendours (Roundtrip Rome): Dive into Sicily’s volcanic islands and flavours. Seaside Charms & Dutch Waterways (London to Amsterdam): Picturesque maritime capitals. Timeless Maritime Powerhouses (Amsterdam to London): Five-day city-to-city luxury. Northern Europe Mystery Cruise (London to Amsterdam): Surprise itinerary timed for tulips. How to Book Your Windstar Cruise Ready for a luxury small-ship adventure? Plan your journey online with Windstar Cruises, or contact a travel advisor.

Finnair launches new routes to Norway, Sweden, Estonia and Southern Europe

Routes to Alta, Catania, Florence, Kos and Valencia were announced earlier this year, and Finnair is now adding flights to Kuressaare in Estonia, Luxembourg, Stavanger in Norway, Thessaloniki in Greece, Tirana in Albania, Turin in Italy and Umeå in Sweden. Anssi Partanen, Finnair’s Market Director for the UK and Ireland, said: “While this year comes to an end, here at Finnair we are already looking ahead and getting ready to take off with our super schedule for 2026. “We are excited to begin operating 12 new short-haul routes across Europe, strengthening our broad network of direct connections from our Helsinki hub “We know these new flights will prove very popular with those travelling for business, leisure, or visiting family and friends.” Included in the network update is an increased Norwegian offering, with a brand new route to Stavanger. Operated up to eight times per week, the Stavanger service complements Finnair’s already vast network in Norway, bringing the total number of Norwegian destinations to eight. Earlier this year Finnair announced a summer seasonal flight to Alta and with Stavanger added on the route map, Finnair will fly up to 82 weekly flights to Norway during the summer 2026 season. Known for its strong food scene, Stavanger offers a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, with Finnair’s flights launching in time for customers to attend the city’s famous Gladmat food festival. The city is also popular with hiking enthusiasts due to its close proximity to the stunning Lysefjord and two of Norway’s most famous natural attractions, Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten. The new service will operate via Stockholm, allowing customers to travel to Stavanger directly from Helsinki, or opt for a stopover in Sweden for those wanting to extend their trip before continuing on to Norway. Alongside Stavanger, Alta, known as the ‘City of Northern Lights’, will join Finnair’s extensive Nordic network. Apart from being one of Europe’s best locations to catch the infamous Aurora Borealis, Alta is also home to Northern Europe’s largest canyon. Finnair is launching other Nordic services including flights to Umeå in North East Sweden, strengthening the airline’s presence in the country. The flights will be operated up to nine times a week via Vaasa in Finland, allowing customers to explore both shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. Continuing its theme of expanding services across Northern Europe, Finnair is introducing three weekly flights to Kuressaare in Estonia as part of its summer seasonal network. Kuressaare adds to Finnair’s Baltic offering, with the up-and-coming island destination ideal for travellers seeking exciting outdoor experiences and rich cultural heritage. Alongside its Nordic and Baltic expansion, the carrier will also begin operating flights from its home hub in Helsinki to Luxembourg, Tirana in Albania, Turin in Italy and Thessaloniki in Greece. Routes to Catania, Florence, Kos and Valencia were announced earlier this year. The European capacity addition is enabled by expanding Finnair’s current longstanding wet lease partnership with Danish Jettime. Finnair offers smooth and easy transfers between flights from as little as 40 minutes, thanks to all flights operating from the same terminal at its Helsinki hub. All services have been timed to allow for easy connections from top UK airports, London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and the Irish capital Dublin. For winter 2026, Finnair will resume direct flights from Helsinki to Krabi in Southern Thailand and increase frequencies to Bangkok. The flag carrier will also continue operating its ever-popular route to Phuket, showing its commitment to the Asian market. Finnair will also reintroduce direct flights to Lapland from Brussels, Paris, and Zurich for winter 2026. These direct flights accompany Finnair’s broad offering of daily connections to Lapland via its Helsinki hub and further strengthens the carrier’s position as the only airline operating to Finnish Lapland on a consistent, year-round, basis. With these additions, Finnair’s network for 2026 includes 93 European, 11 Asian, seven North American, and two Middle Eastern destinations.

Europe Dominates the Global Passport Index 2025 as UK and US Lose Ground

Representative Image Global Citizen Solutions (“GCS”), an advisory firm in citizenship and residency planning, released its Global Passport Index 2025 highlighting a decisive shift in global mobility leadership driven by governance, innovation, and institutional trust as well as regional integration. Europe remains the undisputed global leader, holding nine of the top ten positions, with Sweden retaining the number one spot for a second consecutive year. Unlike single-metric passport rankings, GCS’s Global Passport Index measures not only where citizens can travel, but how well they can live and invest once they get there. It assesses passports across three dimensions—Enhanced Mobility, Quality of Life, and Investment Attractiveness—offering a more comprehensive picture of the life and opportunities a country and its passport provide, beyond visa-free travel. While the United Kingdom (#8) remains among the top global performers, the data shows that smaller nations such as Ireland (#7) and Switzerland (#2) continue to climb by pairing openness with policy coherence and innovation strength. Estonia (+16 places) and Croatia (+7) are among the fastest risers, demonstrating how digital governance and EU integration can rapidly elevate a country’s global standing. “Europe’s sustained dominance in the Index reflects the power of stable governance, innovation ecosystems, and regional integration,” said Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, Lead Researcher at GCS’ Global Intelligence Unit. “For the UK, maintaining strong institutional trust and investment competitiveness will be essential to preserve its influence in a changing global mobility landscape.” The Global Passport Index underscores how the meaning of passport power is evolving—from a measure of access to a reflection of how nations enable long-term stability, opportunity, and quality of life for their citizens. The Anglosphere, once at the centre of passport power, is witnessing a collective retreat (with the exception of Ireland). The United States suffered an unprecedented 13-place fall—its sharpest drop in the Index’s history—while the UK and other English-speaking nations have lost ground amid rising political polarisation, infrastructure strains, and tightening migration frameworks. In contrast, a new generation of agile nations is reshaping global mobility. Singapore remains the world’s only non-European passport in the top 10 with disciplined governance, global connectivity, and financial influence shows how a small state can project strength far beyond its borders. Caribbean citizenship-by-investment nations have also achieved collective gains (+14, +10, +8, +4), rewarded for compliance reforms and regional cooperation that have enhanced both credibility and investor appeal.

On the Scene: Travel Daily Media Explores Europe with Avalon Waterways – Day 7

All good things come to their natural end, and such was the case as Avalon Waterways' northbound Romantic Rhine cruise arrived at its penultimate port: Amsterdam in The Netherlands. For Travel Daily Media CEO Gary Marshall, parting with the lively company he spent the week with aboard the Avalon Envision was somewhat bittersweet. As he puts it: “Final day on Avalon Envision after eight unforgettable days cruising the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam with a super nice group of travel media comrades, an amazing Avalon crew, and our superstar hosts Hallie Chua and Laneisha Lynch. Grateful for the laughs, the experiences, and memories created together.” But just because it was the last full day on board didn’t mean that guests were in for a quiet day; on the contrary, the final day of the voyage took them on a dynamic tour of one of Europe’s most interesting cities. Off the beaten path in Amsterdam The morning gave guests the opportunity to sail through Amsterdam’s famed canals in a 15-minute micro-cruise through some of the city’s most scenic areas. Afterwards, they took the lesser-known paths on the Amsterdam Off the Beaten Path excursion which took them to some sights not usually covered by conventional tours of the city. Among the more unusual sights encountered on this unique trek were a saunter to the rooftop of the NEMO Science Museum which has been transformed into a community park where locals and tourists can enjoy coffee or tea, whilst enjoying spectacular views of downtown Amsterdam below or splashing in for a good time at the area’s interactive kinetic water sculpture. Going off the beaten track also enabled guests to explore museums depicting the city’s uniquely nautical way of life, including those located in converted houseboats and the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, an unusual canal house museum. Originally built in the 1600s, the museum served as living quarters for generations of locals and conceals a treasure beneath its rafters: a Roman Catholic church built right into its attic. Going into the De Wallen district where the Oude Kerk stands brings respite to the footsore in the form of De Koffieschenkerij which, despite its name, specialises in tea and serves a tempting Dutch apple cake. In the afternoon, some guests went for the optional Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland excursion wherein they visited the historic village of the same name, marvelling at the iconic windmills and quaint wooden houses. A few final thoughts The thing about Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine cruise is that it gives travellers the opportunity to experience a different side of Europe at a less frantic pace than on a conventional tour. While shore excursions were part of the itinerary, the beauty of Avalon lies in the way guests can opt to pick their adventures every day from the guided tours, to more adventurous jaunts, and even cycle through certain destinations on their own. At the same time, even the hours spent on board were a learning experience as the cruise director would hold talks about each destination in the afternoons or evenings; a much-needed recap to foster greater understanding of each destination and the people who call these places home. Likewise, the cruise showered guests with exceptional comforts for the entire duration of the voyage, essentially becoming a home away from home thanks to good food, great company, and excellent amenities. And while the journey itself may be over, parting doesn’t really mean a farewell; indeed, we’ll take a cue from Gary on that score: “It’s never goodbye, just until next time.” Relive Travel Daily Media's coverage of the Romantic Rhine cruise through Gary's earlier adventures aboard the Avalon Envision: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 For those looking into a European experience of their own on the water, get in touch directly with Avalon Waterways' Asia team at https://www.avalonwaterways.asia/contact/ or contact their country-specific call centres at the following numbers: All photos: Gary Marshall on Instagram

On the Scene: Travel Daily Media Experiences Europe with Avalon Waterways – Day 6

With Avalon Waterways’ northward Romantic Rhine cruise drawing to its conclusion, guests aboard the Avalon Envision found themselves enjoying the scenic vistas of Cologne. Travel Daily Media chief executive Gary Marshall found the energy of the sixth day of the voyage more leisurely and relaxed as the vessel made its way towards its final port of call. As he put it: “We explored beautiful Cologne! We enjoyed a gentle bike ride along the riverside and into the countryside, while the rest of the group discovered the historic town and the iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral).” And Cologne is certainly an amazing area to explore, given its 2,000-year history and its strategic location which has made it a major port of commerce for the German economy. Cologne in a nutshell The area we know today as the city of Cologne was initially established in 38BC as Oppidum Ubiorum, a rustic settlement inhabited by the Germanic Ubii tribe. In AD50, the Romans occupied what is now Western Europe, and the settlement became a colony of the Roman Empire. The colony’s name, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, honoured the Emperor Claudius and his wife, Agrippina the Younger, who was born in the region. Eventually, the area was simply known as Colonia / Cologne, and the appellation has been in use for centuries. Today, the 405-sqkm city is home to over a million people and, despite the ravages of internecine and global war, prides itself on its beautifully preserved Romanesque architecture, historic bridges, and storied heritage that can be seen and felt throughout the metropolis. Where history teaches profound lessons Along with the architectural highlights of Cologne, Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine itinerary also included a thought-provoking activity: a Jewish Heritage Tour of the city. While contemporary Cologne’s population is now predominantly Catholic, the city prides itself on its truly unique Jewish heritage. The Jewish people first came to Cologne in the fourth century, around AD321, when their numbers were recorded during a census commissioned by Emperor Constantine I. While Judaism was recognised as a religio licita (permitted religion) as early as the 300s and Jews were exempted from making offerings to the Roman gods, the community faced persecution throughout the centuries: first from other religions, later from the rise of the Nazi government. Persecution notwithstanding, Cologne’s Jewish community produced a significant body of scholarly work throughout the Middle Ages and well into the Renaissance. Today, Cologne is still home to the largest Jewish community in Germany, and they share their story with travellers, taking them to various memorials that serve as a grim but quiet reminder that prejudice serves no one and that harmonious co-existence better serves the people. With the lessons of the Jewish Quarter echoing gently in guests’ minds, the Avalon Envision set sail to its final port in Amsterdam. When in Cologne… A trip to Cologne would not be complete without taking a whiff of the fragrance that bears its name to this day. Known by its brand 4711 which was actually the registration number of the factory that made it, classic Eau de Cologne was the brainchild of parfumier Johann Maria Farina who crafted a pleasant fragrance which he named after his hometown. While contemporary 4711 is produced by global conglomerate Proctor & Gamble, Farina’s descendants are still actively involved in its production, making it one of the oldest family-held perfumes in the world. If chocolate rather than perfume is your thing, you certainly need to pay a visit to the famed Lindt Chocolate Museum where edible temptations abound. Catch up with Gary's earlier adventures aboard the Avalon Envision: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 For those looking into a European experience of their own on the water, get in touch directly with Avalon Waterways' Asia team at https://www.avalonwaterways.asia/contact/ or contact their country-specific call centres at the following numbers: All photos: Gary Marshall on Instagram

On the Scene: Travel Daily Media experiences Europe with Avalon Waterways – Day 5

Day 5 aboard Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Envision proved to be a more relaxed one compared to the previous days of the voyage. Following their foray into the German cities of Heidelberg and Mainz, Travel Daily Media’s Gary Marshall and other guests on board found themselves in the quaint town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. Located within the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO Heritage Site, Rüdesheim is listed among Germany’s winemaking communities as well as the home of the country’s famed Asbach brandy. But more than a place where wine and spirits are made, Rüdesheim is also known for its excellent museums which specialise in the riches of the town’s long history, as well as the numerous castles and forts dotting the landscape and built between the Dark Ages and the middle of the 19th century. The picturesque town is also a walker’s paradise: narrow streets that enable sightseeing on foot or on a bike, flanked by picturesque structures and quaint shops. Indeed, given how Rüdesheim is home to just over 10,000 people, travellers can easily explore the town within a day. As Gary described his Rüdesheim experience: “As for me I steered away from the guide’s flag and took one of the ship’s push bikes and meandered through this beautiful little town, stopping at some of the gorgeous coffee shops along the way.” Where whimsy meets reality As for the other guests, Gary remarked: "Some guests hit the trails for a vineyard hike with a stop at the famous Rüdesheimer Coffee while others explored the quirky Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, so unique and fun." Indeed, there is something for travellers of every stripe at this quaint part of Germany that is right in the heart of wine-making country. As stated, several guests opted to head to the vineyards where the region's famed red wines begin, though the grape harvest for this year has already been gathered and, most likely, pressed and processed. Others made their way to one of Germany's most whimsical attractions: Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinet or Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. By mechanical musical instruments, the museum goes farther afield from the player-pianos most people know; indeed, the museum's 350-piece collection runs the gamut from dainty music boxes playing tunes that wouldn't be out of place in a child's nursery to a massive fairground organ used to call audiences to rides or sideshows. The 45-minute tour through Siegfried's musical cornucopia at the Brömserhof gives guests the opportunity to see the diversity of the novelty instrument on display, adding a dash of fun to an already exciting tour. Come noon, guests made their way back to the Envision aboard the old-fashioned Rüdesheim Winzerexpress train for lunch and a lively discussion on the Rhine Gorge with the cruise director. Then the Envision made its way up the pictureque Rhine towards its next stop: Koblenz. Things to enjoy in Rüdesheim No trip to Rüdesheim would be complete without sampling the town's famous Rüdesheimer Kafee, a coffee-based cocktail that makes use of the local Asbach Uralt brandy. Especially welcome during the winter months, this cocktail is the creation of German television chef Hans Karl Adam in 1957: hot black coffee sweetened with three sugar cubes, then flambeed with a splash of brandy and served with a dollop of whipped cream in a specially designed porcelain cup. If alcohol isn't your thing, Rüdesheim also offers a number of scrumptious delicacies, including baumstriezel, a sweet local pastry that's a cross between classic German baumkuchen (tree ring cake) and the Eastern European chimney cake or kürtőskalács. Baumstriezel are made by wrapping a strip of sweet yeast dough around a spit, rolling it in sugar, baking it over charcoal, then basting it with butter until it turns golden-brown. Unlike baumkuchen which are served sliced on plates, these yeast cakes are served like massive wafer cones as these are filled with custard and whipped cream before being dusted with confectioners' sugar, making them an indulgent treat for Kafee und Kuchen. Catch up with Gary's earlier adventures aboard the Avalon Envision: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 For those looking into a European experience of their own on the water, get in touch directly with Avalon Waterways' Asia team at https://www.avalonwaterways.asia/contact/ or contact their country-specific call centres at the following numbers: All photos: Gary Marshall on Instagram

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Digital Travel Europe – 19-20 November 2025

The Premier Gathering for Digital Innovators from Europe's Top Travel Brands

Webinar – PONANT Destination Focus : Discover small ship cruising in Europe – The Mediterranean and Northern Europe

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ITB Asia 2025, Singapore

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10th Centara World Masters Golf Championship – Hua Hin, Thailand

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ITB Asia 2024 – Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from 23 – 25 October 2024.

ITB Asia, Asia's Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed to be the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin.

GBTA APAC Conference 2023 – Singapore

The GBTA APAC Conference 2023 – Singapore will bring together the business travel community to network, learn from industry experts and benefit from peer-to-peer education. Tapping into the global insights of GBTA and curated by regional thought leaders this event will focus on the key issues and opportunities facing the business travel industry today

ITB Asia 2023: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 25 – 27 October 2023

ITB Asia 2022: 19-21 October Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

ITB Asia 2022 is co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia covering the key verticals in the travel industry such as Leisure, MICE, Corporate, and Travel Technology. With three shows in one event, it has become Asia's largest travel showcase.

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