There isn’t a moment that I can think of that wasn’t superb: great food (especially the breads and breakfasts), wonderful varied entertainment (folk dancing and music); excellent meaningful lectures on Balkan politics and history on the boat and through the port excursions: nice people to meet through the open seating at meals; beautiful and varied scenery; knowledgeable guides on the port tours; friendly helpful staff- what more could one ask? My husband and I and our daughter and son-in-law found enough things to do together and other activities that we could do separately that made for a truly memorable trip.

I never thought. I’d want to know that much Balkan history but I enjoyed each of the presentations and appreciate the level of understanding I gained that helped me understand world history and even international politics today. Highlights for us included the visit to the violin maker’s studio in Serbia and learning how one creates an instrument like a violin; the home visits to “B&B’s”; and the cooking class where I learned to make great Feta Cheese and Phyllo dessert. There were some surprise concerts from young people at some of the churches- an extra treat! I enjoyed the informality and the reasonable size of the boat. Every day was different but also relaxed. The Program staff on the Boat and Guides on Bus and Walking Tours we’re honest with their comments about a very contested history and certainly seemed honest with their interpretations of their excellent local knowledge. For example, I particularly enjoyed the two young girls just completing the “Gymasium”(High School) education who talked about their lives today and goals for the future. But the first specific story I keep telling was the Violin maker’s studio.

The trip was so good that we have already reserved another trip next May with our other daughter and her husband. Traveling intergenerationally with our children gave the trip a double benefit for we shared experiences and created memories that will go beyond our own lives,