John Burdge - Dream Vacations

Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Discover Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s sunniest cities and gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and legendary German beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.

Expand your imagination in fairytale villages—Trier, with its ancient Roman treasures, and enchanting Cochem where folklore and history come alive in every street. Whimsical fantasies abound at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and at the Palace Gardens of Schwetzingen, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout its surprising landscape. Blend German heritage with French heritage in Strasbourg, and you have the most splendid journey.

Touch history and learn about winemaking traditions while sailing along the lower Danube River through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old winegrowing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Taste Bulgarian wine in Vidin and visit one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Szekszárd. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board. 

Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to Port country – the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. You’ll sample Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine, and visit a local quinta (wine estate) for an authentic Port wine tasting. Discover the stages of wine production at the Quinta da Avessada, which houses an interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Régua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Hosted by a wine expert who leads tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of local wine and cuisine.

Travel to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful on this wine-themed journey. Attend an exclusive wine festival in Bourg, sample Grand Cru Classé wines, and experience the wonderful world of viticulture at the Cité du Vin museum in Bordeaux. Hosted by a wine expert who leads tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of French wine and cuisine.

Join John and Frauke for an unforgettable hosted journey that blends the beauty of Africa’s landscapes, world-class hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.