From Our CEO
This past October, I had the honor of experiencing my second Viking River Cruise, along with 35 AAA members eager to create memories. This year’s CEO trip took place aboard a Viking Longship and explored the Danube. This included a three-night pre-cruise stay in the fairytale destination of Prague, and some of the most unforgettable stops along the way in Passau, Krems, Vienna, and stylish Budapest, to name a few.
The name “longship” is intended to honor the Vikings who used the long narrow warships for transportation, exploration, and trade. Fast forward to current times and it is apparent that the Norsemen of yesteryear could never have imagined this level of lavishness.
Often referred to as the most beautiful city in the world, Prague did not disappoint! Wandering across the Charles Bridge and its breathtaking views and gazing at the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world was a completely unforgettable experience. We signed up for a tour of the enthralling Lobkowicz Palace, which contains over 700 years of Czech and European history. All I can say is do not miss the intimate midday concert, performed by an incredible ensemble of classical musicians - a highlight of the trip! Also, I urge you to sign up for the evening Folklore Dinner. We enjoyed a delicious, family style meal filled with traditional Czech specialties. The night featured folkloric dance and traditional Bohemian songs of the region. We even sang along with the performers and, became part of the show, and learned some new dance moves!
Porting in the quaint city of Passau, located in southeast Germany, we signed up to hike the Passau hills. Following an approximate 90-minute climb up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress, which was founded in 1219, we immersed ourselves in striking viewpoints of “The City of Three Rivers.” Enjoying a well-deserved refreshment atop the hills before preparing to make our way back.
The next day we signed up for a visit to the Jewel of Bohemia, the small, medieval Czech town of Chesky Krumlov. To say Chesky Krumlov is a magical place would be a tragic understatement. With its winding cobblestone streets, stunning, fairytale architecture, and inviting town square, Chesky Krumlov exemplifies enchanting, old-world charm. We spent hours wandering through the narrow, scenic streets and even walked the 162 steps to reach the top of the castle tower. After our trek, we stopped by a small pub located along the Vltava River and enjoyed an ice cold, refreshing pilsner. The sound of the river and the serene landscape made this a highlight of the journey.
As we floated along the Danube, I was amazed by the meals that often offered a taste of the countries we were passing through. Just returning from exploration, dinner featured mouth-watering, small samples of local specialties that complemented the day’s activities. These were often tapas-sized portions like goulash, wiener schnitzel, chicken paprikash, potato salad, soups, and cheeses.
Next, we visited Vienna, Austria, also known as the “City of Waltzes.” If you are a coffee lover like I am, Vienna has arguably the best coffee houses in the world. Over the centuries, these coffee houses served as key meeting places and have evolved into a significant aspect of Vienna’s culture. Even if you are not a coffee drinker, many serve iced cappuccino in a freshly made waffle cone! I had the opportunity to e-bike an 18-mile trek through Vienna and it was arguably the best way to see the most in a unique mode of transportation. Several stops included picturesque views that were saved as hidden gems for those who peddled through the journey.
Our final destination was Budapest, which is often called the “Paris of the East” for its stunning architecture, and it did not disappoint! Our visit began with a view of Heroes’ Square which features some astounding monuments and statues. The focal point of the Millennium Monument is the imposing column that rises to a height of over 115 feet and features a statue of archangel Gabriel holding the Holy Crown of Hungary. After that, we stumbled across a few ruin bars. What is a ruin bar? After World War II, the old Jewish Quarter had basically become abandoned and left to ruin. Around the mid-nineties, these dilapidated buildings began a transformation and morphed into underground rabbit holes of eclectic flea market art, graffiti, and antiques. It was quite the experience and certainly one of Budapest’s hidden treasures.
One thing that I have learned about Viking is, similar to AAA, their goal is to exceed your expectations. From the fine cuisine that often mimics the destination of port, to the immersive, locally-guided excursions, to the first-class customer service where they will remember you by name and your preferences, your satisfaction is paramount. What I have shared simply scratches the surface of what you will experience on one of AAA South Jersey’s exclusive departures. We pride ourselves on selecting the very best partners, developing unique itineraries at exclusive member prices, and creating unforgettable memories.
Next year’s CEO trip will be Sicily! Hope to see you there!
David A. Antrilli
