Munich to Mainz: Highlights from My German River Cruise

Germany has a way of capturing your imagination from the moment you arrive. My journey began in Munich, a city where history and modern life blend effortlessly. Wandering through Marienplatz, I watched the famous Glockenspiel come to life before diving into the colorful stalls of the Viktualienmarkt. A day trip to the fairytale‑like Neuschwanstein Castle felt like stepping into a storybook, and strolling through the expansive English Garden—larger than Central Park—offered a peaceful escape. Of course, no visit to Munich is complete without savoring a perfectly crisp Schnitzel.

From there, I took the train to Nuremberg, a city rich with stories. The Documentation Center provided powerful insight into Germany’s past, while Old Town charmed me with its medieval architecture and warm, freshly baked pretzels. Exploring Nuremberg Castle and visiting the impressive zoo rounded out my stay before I boarded a river cruise along the serene Main River.

Each stop along the cruise revealed something new. Bamberg welcomed us with its UNESCO‑listed old town and tranquil Rose Garden. Rothenburg offered cobblestone streets and preserved medieval walls, while Ochsenfurt showcased classic Bavarian charm. Würzburg dazzled with its Residenz Palace, and Wertheim’s half‑timbered houses made it feel like a hidden gem. Miltenberg, with its historic market square, felt like stepping back in time. The journey ended in Mainz, known for its vibrant old town and impressive cathedral.

Traveling through Germany—especially by river—lets you experience the country at a slower, more meaningful pace. Every stop felt like a new chapter, each with its own beauty, history, and warmth. If you’re dreaming of Europe, Germany’s river towns are ready to welcome you.

Ready to plan your own unforgettable journey through Germany? Let’s talk! Reach out to start designing your adventure today: 616.957.8113

Georgia: An Unforgettable Country That Belongs on Your Bucket List

Before this trip, I didn’t know much about the country of Georgia. It was one of those destinations that had quietly lived on the edge of my awareness—occasionally mentioned, rarely considered. From the moment I arrived things just felt… different. It felt like stepping into the middle of a story already in motion—one that didn’t need explaining, just observing.

The landscape was constantly changing. One minute I was surrounded by ancient stone buildings and cobbled alleys, the next I was looking out over wide, green valleys stretching up to meet misty snowcapped mountains. The range and beauty of it all was something I hadn’t anticipated.

But it wasn’t just the scenery that left a mark. It was the way Georgia made space for connection in the little in-between moments. A long meal shared over warm bread and bold wine. A quiet moment in a monastery courtyard. Conversations that flowed easily despite language barriers. An unexpected friend I’ll probably never see again. There was a kind of openness—both in the people and the place—that was hard to miss.

This wasn’t the kind of trip I would have chosen on my own, but I’m so glad I had the chance to go, and I am immeasurably grateful for the opportunity. It reminded me how powerful it can be to step into the unfamiliar. How much you can learn when you let a place speak for itself. I went in not knowing what to expect and came back with a stack of stories I didn’t see coming.

Though I may never return, I’ll be rooting for others to go. Georgia deserves to be seen, tasted, and experienced. And if you go, I have no doubt it’ll surprise you, too.

Ready to plan your own unforgettable journey? Let’s talk! Reach out to start designing your perfect Georgian experience today.

Discover Southern Germany: Castles, Countryside & Culinary Delights

I recently had the pleasure of exploring Southern Germany—a region that blends fairytale charm with modern luxury. My journey took me through enchanting places like Metzingen, Konstanz, Breisach, Baden-Baden, and the storied Black Forest.

Along the way, I wandered the grand halls of Hohenzollern Castle, strolled through the vibrant gardens of Mainau Island (aptly called the “Flower Island”), and soaked in the old-world elegance of Baden-Baden. I tasted local wines on countryside vineyard tours, tried my luck at the historic Casino Baden-Baden, and relaxed in the city’s famous thermal baths.

One of my favorite memories? Learning to make authentic Black Forest cake during a hands-on cooking class—delicious and fun! I also enjoyed high-end outlet shopping in Metzingen, scenic ferry rides across Lake Constance, and breathtaking hikes through the Black Forest, known for its cuckoo clocks and sweeping views of the Bavarian Alps.

Southern Germany truly has something for everyone—whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Europe’s timeless charm.

Ready to plan your own unforgettable journey? Let’s talk! Reach out to start designing your perfect Southern Germany experience today.

Exploring English: A Traveler’s Journey Through Regional Terms

When traveling, we often encounter words that have different meanings than what we were taught. I am especially aware of this when English is the first language. For example, in the US, Midwesterners call carbonated beverages “pop”, while in the South it is “coke” no matter if a Coke, Fanta, or 7-up. Elsewhere in America? “Soda.”

The difference in word choice is even more exaggerated when the speakers are across the ocean from one another. While on my travels, here are a few of the words that gave me pause as I took a moment to figure out what they meant:

Plaster (Band-Aid)
Jumper (crew neck sweater)
Hoover (vacuum sweeper)
Boot (trunk of car)
Hob (stove top)

What a joy to live in and experience a world of differences!

When and Where to see Tulips in the Netherlands

Seeing tulips in the Netherlands is a draw for many travelers. These colorful flowers symbolize a change in seasons, are synonymous with the history of the Netherlands, and are a current global export. They are a must see!

One question we hear year after year:

When is the best time to see the tulips in the Netherlands?

Mid-April is the textbook answer. However, many people don’t realize that tulip time actually spans from late March through mid-May. You will see tulips in varying amounts through these 8 or so weeks. This means that spring break travelers, cruise travelers, and even early May vacationers will all have an opportunity to see tulips.

Why? The tulip season in my local area doesn’t last that long.

The secret to this unusually long tulip season is the more than 3,000 varieties of tulips spanning 150 species. Over the years, a spectrum of growing periods has evolved. A savvy gardener anywhere can have tulips from March to May. The Dutch have perfected this tulip cultivation strategy in the Netherlands, so you can be sure to see tulips at a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens anytime over the spring—in fact, they guarantee it! This Park has over 7 million tulip bulbs and is the best place to see the many different varieties of tulips.

If you’re heading to the bulb fields in Noord Holland, you’ll still see flowers, but early travelers may see blanketed fields of crocus, hyacinths, or other early spring flowers. The optimum time for seeing tulips in the fields is mid-April.

Red and orange tulip fields in the Netherlands

Not coming to the Netherlands in the Spring?

Even if you plan to visit sometime other than spring, you’ll still be able to see tulips in the Netherlands if you know where to look. The tulip is a commodity that is bought and sold daily. Head to the Royal FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer to see the international flower market as buyers and sellers vie to stock floral shops all over Europe. The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of the flower. They also have a bunch of growing guides if you feel inspired to cultivate this iconic flower in your own garden. If you want to mix tulips and souvenirs, the Floating Flower Market or Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam has tulips and bulbs for sale year-round.

If you visit the Netherlands in September, you’ll have the pick of flower parades. While they may not showcase tulips, they certainly highlight the Dutch history and love for flowers. The Flower Parade in Zundert is held on the first Sunday in September, and the Flower Parade in Lichtenvoorde is held on the second Sunday in September. The Flower Parade in Winkel is the fourth Sunday of the month. All have giant themed floats colored by flowers, are quite the site to see, and advanced tickets are needed.

Are you ready to book your Spring travel to the Netherlands?

We offer a variety of group tours and vacation packages to choose from, so contact us today to start planning!

Croatia: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About

Of the 22 countries that I’ve visited (so far), Croatia ranks among my favorites. And although European vacationers have been coming here for a long time, Croatia has recently become an increasingly popular travel destination among American travelers. But there’s much more to this amazing country than meets the eye.

Continue reading “Croatia: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About”

Luther’s Legacy

Experience the Heritage of the Lutheran Faith

A Lutheran heritage tour gives believers an opportunity to enrich their spiritual lives in unexpected ways. Walk in Luther’s humble footsteps across Germany. You can see the house in Eisleben where he was born to the cell in the Fortress of Wartburg where he translated the New Testament into German. Or, visit the Castle Church in Wittenberg where he nailed his 95 Theses. Experience the rich heritage of your Lutheran faith as you visit the world’s largest Reformation memorial in Worms, or stand in St. Thomas Church where Luther first introduced the Reformation in Leipzig in 1539. Travelers return from Lutheran heritage tour refreshed in mind, body, and spirit; ready to share how the tour deepened their faith and enriched their lives.

In 2017, Germany celebrated the Reformation Jubilee, the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation. More than 500 years later you can still go and celebrate Martin Luther’s remarkable legacy in the places where it all began!

Where to go:

Eisleben | Where Martin Luther was born, baptized and died.

Eisenach | In 1522, Luther hid from persecution in Wartburg Castle. During his time here he translated the New Testament from Latin to German.

Erfurt | in July 1505, Martin Luther dedicated his life to God, joining the Augustinian Monastery.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg | Where Martin Luther, lived and worked for 35 years. It was on the doors of the Wittenberg Castle Church doors that he posted his 95 theses.

Plan a Lutheran heritage tour today!

Planning a Safe and Independent Trip Overseas

I found a love of travel when I joined Witte Travel & Tours. Before then, I never thought much of traveling and now 16 years later, I have just completed my first independent adventure overseas. And you know what? I will travel overseas alone again in a heartbeat. Do I like to travel with others? Sure I do; however, I also find solo travel to be very freeing. As a woman, I never felt unsafe during any of my travels and that was due to my well-planned trip and tips I always use.

For me, the key to a well-planned and safe trip is to use all resources available. And in my experience, using a travel professional is truly invaluable. They have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your itinerary as well as accommodations and transportation options will work for you. They will listen to what you want and then research all of the almost limitless choices to find what works best for you.

A few key questions to ask yourself during the planning stages:

Airlines: What is the best schedule based on the time of year I’m traveling?
Transportation: Do you want to travel by train or drive between destinations? Do you want to use public transportation almost exclusively in your target cities or will you use hop-on /hop-off tours?
Hotels: Do you want to be in city center, close to the train station, or close to a public transportation stop? What is most important – budget or location?
Sightseeing: Do you want to visit multiple museums or just exterior visits (so hop-on hop-off tour may be an option)? Are half-day or day trips via a motorcoach company or independent day trips via public transportation wanted?

After I had an idea on what I wanted to see, I got invaluable information from the staff at Witte in deciding all items mentioned above. I had originally gotten a hotel near the train station in Munich, however, changed it after one of my co-workers saw the location and alerted me it wouldn’t be the best area for a solo person. None of that information was mentioned on Trip Advisor, so I appreciated the information in order to change my hotel to a safer area knowing I was traveling alone.

My tips for staying safe while in Europe:

Walk with purpose, even when you are lost. Always be mindful of where you are and who is around you.
Do NOT be distracted with scenes that are being made around you. It could be a setup for pick pockets.
Pick a hotel in a safe neighborhood close to transportation. While city center seems enticing, there are times when staying outside the center makes more sense. Look at the destination you want to stay at and plan from there. Be open to staying farther out.
Keep extra money and credit cards in a money belt. Only have enough money that you need for the day easily available. Men, be sure to keep your wallet in your front pocket.
Take along copies of your passport in case yours gets stolen.
Currency: If you need to get currency from Banks/ATMs while abroad, be sure you are in a well-lit and safe area and that you protect the screen from being viewed by anyone around. Do not keep cash in easy view.

Traveling in Europe by Train

Have you ever decided to do something while traveling and then wondered if that was a good decision?
Recently, I planned a trip for my family to travel around Europe by train. We planned on visiting four countries during our vacation. After considering the pros and cons of renting a car or traveling by train, train travel stood out as the best choice for us. I have traveled by train in Europe without my family in the past and really enjoyed it, but that was years ago. What if traveling with a family was more difficult? What if I didn’t remember how to do it or screwed up and got on the wrong train or off at the wrong destination and lead my family astray? These questions swirled around in my mind.
Because we were going to several different destinations, I decided to purchase Eurail passes for each of us. Eurail offers quite a few options for passes, so you can pick the best-fitting one based on how many countries you will visit and how many days you want to travel. We purchased the Eurail Select Pass, which worked perfectly with our itinerary because it would allow us to travel throughout 4 bordering countries of our choice. Next, I looked at all of the train departure times and made reservations on the trains that required a reservation. I also downloaded the Eurail “Rail Planner” app on my phone. This app gave me access to rail schedules, made it easy to locate train stations, displayed city maps, and much more. We were well prepared before we left for Europe.

Waiting at the train platform in Salzburg, Austria

Once we arrived in Europe, we walked to the train station that was located right at the airport. By looking at the train arrival/departure monitors, we could see which track our train would come in on, as well as the exact time it was scheduled to depart. All we had to do was head to the platform and wait for the train. Once we loaded our luggage on the train, we were able to relax and enjoy the ride. After a long night of sitting cooped up on an airplane, it felt so nice to be on the train; we could get up and walk around as much as we wanted or enjoy the comfortable train seats. And the views out the windows were a great way to acclimate ourselves to our current location.

Enjoying the big windows and roomy seats on the train after a cramped overnight flight.

My family embraced riding on the train. Our teenagers were excited to discover that the “the train was just like the trains used in the Harry Potter movies.” They loved that there was a food car on most of the trains as well, and that we were served a meal on the long train rides. Traveling in Europe by train with my family was just as good as it had been when I traveled alone. The extensive rail network in Europe made it simple to transfer from one destination to the next, and getting on and off the train was much easier than I remembered. There was no reason for me to be worried at all and I will definitely plan to travel by train in Europe again.
If the ease, comfort, and convenience of train travel appeals to you, let us know and we can help you arrange rail tickets and passes for your next vacation. Witte Travel & Tours is the only agency in West Michigan that has a direct link to Rail Europe’s reservation system, so we can process rail passes quickly while avoiding costly shipping fees.
What has been your experience with traveling by train? Share your stories with us onFacebook, or let us know what you think in the comments!