Val Burnett Lacombe, AB Travel Agent | Vacation.com

Val Burnett

Lacombe, AB Travel Agent

CALL ME
Val Burnett

Val Burnett

Lacombe, AB Travel Agent

Wanderlust Getaway

CALL ME
8 Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English
7 Incredible countries to explore on the Danube Queen of the Danube

7 Incredible countries to explore on the Danube

Central and Eastern Europe boast incredible landscapes, stunning architecture—from castles to churches to war memorials—and some of the most colorful, inviting cultures you’ll ever experience. The best way to explore this treasure trove? An AmaWaterways cruise down the magnificent Danube River.

Germany

Begin in medieval Nuremberg, where guided tours bring to life the Imperial Castle, the town wall, and the Market Square’s iconic fountain. History lovers can dive into WWII’s poignant sites, including the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Nuremberg Trials Courtroom 600.

Next, enjoy traditional Franconian flavors like bratwurst and lebkuchen, then cruise through the impressive man-made Main-Danube Canal en route to Regensburg. This remarkably preserved medieval city invites you to explore landmarks such as the Old Town Hall and Porta Praetoria. A bike tour to Walhalla reveals a stunning neoclassical temple inspired by Athens’ Parthenon.

Continue to Passau, a quaint city known for its cobblestone streets, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and the soaring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Optional bike tours along the Danube or hikes up to Veste Oberhaus Fortress add active adventures.

Austria

In Melk, admire the spectacular Benedictine Abbey housing relics of early Austrian rulers. For outdoor enthusiasts, a bike tour through the UNESCO Wachau Valley or a stroll in charming Dürnstein with its famous Baroque church tower awaits. Then glide through vineyard-rich Wachau Valley’s scenic beauty.

Vienna, the City of Waltzes, offers regal grandeur—the majestic Opera House, Habsburg Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the historic city center. A guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery is perfect for those wanting to explore actively.

Hungary

Budapest, known as the Queen of the Danube, will mesmerize with its Grand Market Hall and contrasting hilly Buda and flat Pest sides. Hike to Castle Hill for panoramic views, or embark on an enchanting evening illumination cruise.

Next, the vast Great Hungarian Plain (Puszta) invites you to tour a traditional farm run by champion carriage-drivers, enjoy horsemanship shows, and warm hospitality with authentic Hungarian goulash.

In Mohács, cruise past a town dotted with exquisite churches from various faiths and architectural styles. Then, explore historic Pécs with its ancient necropolis, grand cathedrals, and Széchenyi Square. Wine lovers can delight in the famed Szekszárd wine region, one of Hungary’s oldest.

Croatia

Vukovar, bearing rich wartime history, offers a city tour featuring war memorials like Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, sample exquisite wines in Ilok, known for traditions dating back to Roman times.

Novi Sad, called the “Serbian Athens,” welcomes you with Dunavski Park, the Old Town center, and Petrovaradin Fortress—perfect for walking tours, biking, or hiking.

Serbia

In Belgrade, explore the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Choose from fascinating excursions to the Royal Palace and Marshal Tito’s mausoleum, savor local plum brandy at the Quburich Distillery, or opt for an invigorating bike tour to discover the city’s layers.

Romania

Enjoy a breathtaking day cruising the Iron Gates, where the Danube carves through stunning gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains—a natural wonder not to be missed.

Bulgaria

Discover Vidin’s Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, and hike around the spectacular Belogradchik rock formations. Alternatively, engage in traditional Bulgarian cooking demonstrations or explore by bike.

Visit Bulgaria’s medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its fortress and orthodox temples, or the elegant city of Rousse with its Neo-Baroque architecture and the remarkable Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, adorned with 14th-century frescoes.

As a river cruise specialist, I will match your travel style with the perfect itinerary and ship. Whether planning a romantic escape, family vacation, or group adventure, we’ll guide you to the best options and special add-ons to make your experience unforgettable.

Contact us today and let’s start designing your dream Danube journey.Your adventure awaits with Wanderlust Getaway: From Dreams to Destination. We provide peace of mind wherever you travel.

#AmaWaterways #DanubeCruise #CentralEuropeTravel #EasternEurope #RiverCruise #TravelAdvisor #WanderlustGetaway #ExploreEurope #LuxuryTravel #AdventureTravel

 

Areas of Expertise

My Travel Specialties

Reviews

198 Reviews
Holy Land Tour. Fantastic!
Val did a great job in booking our flights to Israel. Very helpful and informative and seemed on top of everything.
Greg - Charlie Lake, BC - Traveled to Israel ~ Middle East
32 of 57 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Awesome
5 star
Vac 2022 - Bentley, Alberta - Traveled to Mazatlan ~ Sinaloa ~ Mexico
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Amazing Adventure
Val’s thorough research, attention to detail, effective communication and overall professionalism allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my travels without any problems. She was constantly in touch, outlining options, during the planning process. The online itinerary also proved useful throughout, including when flight times changed.
Liz - Alberta - Traveled to Morocco ~ Africa
5 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO

Certifications & Awards

acta award
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
MSC Masters
MSC Masters
NCL University - PHD Degree
NCL University - PHD Degree
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Windstar Star Specialist
Windstar Star Specialist

Additional Certifications

  • Mexican Caribbean Destination ELearning Program
  • Inclusive Collection Certified Confidant
  • 2025 Circle Of Excellence Award
  • Amawaterways Rivier Cruise Specialist
  • 2024 Circle Of Excellence Award
  • Air Canada Circle Of Excellence
  • Air Canada Expert - Air Canada Global Sales
  • National Geographic Family Journey Specialist
  • Certified Travel Leisure Specialist
  • Windstar Cruise Expert
  • National Geographic Family Journey Specialist
  • 2025 Circle Of Excellence Award
  • AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist

My Travel Stories

Magical 10 Nights on the Rhine & Moselle

Magical 10 Nights on the Rhine & Moselle

I had the incredible opportunity to sail on AmaWaterways’ Rhine & Moselle Delights river cruise—a 10-night journey from Basel, Switzerland to Amst...

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Discover the Joy of River Cruising

Discover the Joy of River Cruising

Tired of the usual workweek grind and dreaming of a break that blends relaxation and adventure? A river cruise might be the perfect escape for you. De...

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Experience the Magic of Europe’s Rhine River

Experience the Magic of Europe’s Rhine River

Imagine soaking in a rooftop pool or relaxing in a jacuzzi aboard a luxury river cruise ship, all while indulging in exquisite cuisine and delicious c...

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7 Incredible countries to explore on the Danube

7 Incredible countries to explore on the Danube

Central and Eastern Europe boast incredible landscapes, stunning architecture—from castles to churches to war memorials—and some of the most color...

Read More
Step into the vibrant world of Peru with me!

Step into the vibrant world of Peru with me!

In September 2023, I embarked on an amazing journey as a Change Maker attending the inaugural GX Summit organized by G-Adventures. This trip took me t...

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Private Tour: Exploring The Yucatan State

Private Tour: Exploring The Yucatan State

Private guided tour of Holbox, Cenote Choj-Ha and Valladolid I had the most amazing time exploring the hidden gems of Yucatan State with a small pri...

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