Tag Archives: River Cruise

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Fall in Downtown Sacramento

Fall season in downtown Sacramento, USA

After a long and hot summer, locals in Sacramento usually welcome in the crisp, cool days of fall with open arms. For those who want to make the most of all that the season has to offer, here are a few of the best fall activities to try in the city.

Sacramento River Fall Foliage
Fall foliage is always one of the highlights of the fall months, and the best place in Sacramento to view this is along the Sacramento River. The river is lined on both sides by a variety of different trees, all of which transform from green to golds and reds in the late fall months. While you can simply take a stroll along the river to take in all of the colors, you could also try out a river cruise, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy a meal or a glass of champagne as you cruise by the stunning foliage.

View of Old Sacramento

milosk50 / Shutterstock.com

Walking Tours
With the weather being slightly cooler in the fall, this is a great time of the year to sign up for a walking tour, as you will not feel as overwhelmed by the heat as you would have in the summer. There are so many different tours available, depending on what you are interested in. For those who want to soak up some history, try a historic walking tour of Old Sacramento, or, if you are an avid foodie, sign up for food tours that showcase the city’s culinary specialties.

Fall Festivals
There are so many fall festivals to choose from in Sacramento, ranging from music to food to beer. The California Brewers Festival is always a popular one, as this showcases an incredible selection of local brewers and beers, as does Oktoberfest, which is also a great place to soak up some German culture. The annual Farm to Fork Festival is another one that you should not miss, especially since Sacramento is the farm to fork capital of the United States, guaranteeing the highest quality food. For those visiting Sacramento with their family, including young children, do not miss out on the Delta Fall Harvest Festival, which offers everything from grape stomping to pumpkin picking to hay rides. The Sacramento Harvest Festival is also worth checking out, and this takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving, with everything from music and entertainment to hundreds of stalls where you can do some shopping.

Woman picking red apples

Apple Hill
As you would imagine from its name, Apple Hill is abundant with apple trees, and there are over 50 ranches located here. In the fall, these apples are ripe for picking, and many of the ranches here offer pick-your-own experiences for visitors. Denver Dan’s is one of the very best orchards to head to, as they grow over 50 different varieties of apples, giving you the opportunity to sample different types and learn about the unique features of each.

Sacramento is a fantastic destination to visit throughout the year, but it definitely does take on a magical air during the months of fall. From bountiful harvests to seasonal festivals, this is a great time of the year to visit California’s capital.

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Luxury Tours in Russia

St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia

From the brooding symbolism of Moscow to St. Petersburg’s romanticism, Russia’s history, culture and beauty will captivate just about any traveler. While there are a number of ways to explore the country, a luxury tour does away with all of the hassle of planning, allowing you to soak up all that Russia has to offer in true comfort and style.

Moscow and St. Petersburg – Scott Dunn
Moscow and St. Petersburg are two Russian cities that are steeped in history and culture, but are both extremely distinct in their own way. Scott Dunn is a luxury travel company that offers a fantastic tour of both cities, enabling you to experience the contrast between each. All of the hotels chosen for this week-long itinerary are five stars and centrally located, from the Ritz Carlton in Moscow to the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, allowing you to easily explore your surroundings during any down time. Some of the highlights of the Moscow portion of the tour include shopping on Arbat Street, taking in the art at the Tretyakov Gallery, and a visit to Lenin’s mausoleum, while in St. Petersburg you can expect to sample caviar and vodka at a famous bar, visit some 18th century palaces, and check out the Hermitage Museum.

Assumption Cathedral, Golden Ring of Russia.

Frog Dares / Shutterstock.com

Golden Ring – Open Russia
The ancient kingdoms of the Golden Ring are located just outside of Moscow and showcase the important developments that have occurred in Russia’s history. Open Russia offers a two-day tour of the Golden Ring, taking guests to some of the historical towns around Vladimir and Suzdal, many sites of which have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The tour company focuses on the ultimate VIP experience, from preferential rooms at luxury boutique hotels to private museum viewings with tours conducted by museum curators to VIP restaurant reservations. In addition to this, all transport will be carried out in a luxury vehicle of your choosing, whether this may be a limousine, a luxury bus or a retro Russian vehicle.

Luxury Volga Cruise – Volga Dream
Running for over 2000 miles, the Volga is the longest and largest river in Europe, and, flowing all the way through Central Russia, is considered to be the national river of the country. The boutique Volga Dream vessel replicates the tsarist-era of luxury, making it feel as though you are aboard a private yacht. With 60 crew members to 100 passengers, the level of service is at the highest, and the rich onboard program ensures that you are always kept entertained while out on the water. There are a number of different cruise itineraries to choose from, depending on which cities you want to stop at and explore, and the crew are also able to create customized itineraries if there is somewhere in particular that you are especially eager to see.

Being the world’s largest nation, there is so much to see and do when you visit Russia, which is why a luxury tour is often preferred when it comes to taking in the sights. This way, you can be sure that you will not miss out on any highlights, and will also be able to enjoy the range of VIP extras that are added on by the tour operators.

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Location Spotlight: Germany – OROGOLD Reviews

Germany, located at the heart of Europe, shares its borders with nine other countries. With the biggest economy on the continent, more inhabitants than any other European country, and a cosmopolitan culture intermingled with a rich history, it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing to visit and explore this fascinating country. Divided into 16 states, each region of Germany has their own unique traditions and local customs, making it an excitingly diverse destination to visit.

The Bode Museum on Spree River in Berlin, Germany

Berlin
Berlin is said to be the creative hub of the country, which came about due to its multicultural population and buzzing underground scene. If nightlife is what you are after, then Berlin is the city to visit, as it is one of the most liberal cities in Europe, with a hedonistic nightclub scene. With strong roots in music and the arts, Berlin has a vibrant culture, but is still relatively inexpensive when compared to other European cities. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city for almost 30 years, has sections that are still standing today. To learn more about German history, there are plenty of world-class museums that document what life was like under the rule of the Nazis and the Soviets.

Scenic landscape in the Bavarian Alps, Germany

Bavaria
Located in southern Germany, Bavaria is known for its unspoiled natural surroundings, laid-back attitude and welcoming hospitality. Visitors can spend days exploring the numerous medieval castles, baroque churches and grand palaces, and if you time your trip well, you can also take part in some of the traditional Bavarian festivals. In total, Bavaria has over 100,000 architectural monuments and over 1200 museums, as well as 40 exceptional theater and opera venues, making it ideal for a cultural break. Bavaria is also home to the Bavarian Alps, the most spectacular mountain range in Germany, and the gorgeous landscapes are comparable to those you would find in Switzerland and Austria.

The Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany

Cologne
Cologne, located on both sides of the Rhine river in west Germany, is most famous for their impressive Gothic cathedral, the Kolner Dom, which used to be the tallest building in the world. It is so breathtaking that it is no surprise that it holds the title of Germany’s most-visited monument. Visitors to the cathedral also have the option of climbing the 509 stairs to the top, which may seem tiring but the view makes it completely worthwhile. A great way to explore Cologne is by a river cruise, which will take you through towns and mountains along the Rhine. Be sure to stop off at one of the many traditional brewpubs along the way, where local beer is served. Foodies will love Cologne’s cuisine, with many rediscovered traditional dishes being served by fantastic restaurants.

Berlin, Bavaria and Cologne are only 3 of the many amazing destinations within Germany. When visiting this magnificently diverse country, it would be best to explore as many cities and towns that you can within your time frame, so that you can truly appreciate all that Germany has to offer.