Ann Morin Yulee, FL Travel Agent | Vacation.com

Ann Morin

Yulee, FL Travel Agent

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Ann Morin

Ann Morin

Yulee, FL Travel Agent

Ann C Morin-Your Dream Vacation LLC

CALL ME
25+ Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English
The Delightful Danube -river cruise with Avalon Parliament in Budapest

The Delightful Danube -river cruise with Avalon

      I adore the Danube River!     

     I have sailed it four times and will probably sail it many more.  There is nothing like gliding past the illuminated Parliament in Budapest, I will never tire of that sight! As it is a long river there are many different itinerary options to choose from.  On each of my journeys there have been new ports to explore and new adventures awaiting me.     

     I favor Avalon Waterways when I do river cruises for many reasons, one of the most important is their panorama suites.They are so much larger than their competitors cabins and lying in bed facing the full wall of windows is an experience that is really hard to beat. When the slider is opened up the entire room becomes an open air balcony, plus, Avalon's cabin has a nice sofa and soft chair to sit on, the others do not.           

     My cruise began in Budapest and had an extension in Prague at the end, which is a really nice way to see this part of the world. Budapest is a great city, it is very "user friendly" they have a great public transportation system to get around on and you can walk easily between attractions.     

     It took until my third visit to Budapest for me to visit one of the baths, well, I visited them previously but didn't actually go in the water until last year. I highly recommend you give it a try, it is not expensive and is super relaxing, you can pre-purchase on line a pass and a massage for very little money.     

     Most Danube cruises overnight in Vienna which is another great city easy to explore on your own!We went to the Imperial Crypt which was super interesting, the coffins were gorgeous, and when we visited the palace later it was fun to match the casket to the bedroom.The Spanish Riding School is in Vienna, you can go to see the Lipizzaner's practice which is quite amazing! You may not know this but the horses are actually born black and turn white later, I found that out there when chatting to one of the trainers. The control and talent of the riders (and horses) is something you won't soon forget! We visited the Belvedere museum on our own as well, my favorite painting, " The Kiss" hangs there, it was humbling seeing it in person.     

     This is a very picturesque itinerary, you will sail past castles and vineyards that cling to the side of hills overlooking the Danube bend.The Wachau valley has lovely wines, the ship pairs them perfectly with meals at no charge.If wine is not your thing, beer is also included with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine is free with breakfast as well.          

     Bikes are available to take off the ship for free if you want to go riding, and there is an adventure host that does all kinds of activities like yoga and hiking.The included excursions are interesting too, not just things like a guided walk in town.     

     For example, we opted to visit Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial, it is not for everyone, a sobering day, but something I was glad I did. Mauthausen was a Vernichtung durch arbeit" (extermination by work) camp. Many parts of it are disturbingly intact which serve as an important reminder to the world to never allow horrors like this to happen again.                                                                     

     The trip ended with a few days in Prague which was nice to wind down with a slower pace.  The castle is interesting, as is the astronomical clock, but, I just like wandering around on cobblestone streets exploring and shopping. We found the best hole in the wall restaurant where I am sure the grandmother was the chef.  There was only room enough for maybe ten patrons and it was the best meal I had the entire three nights I was in Prague.    

     River cruising has quickly become my favorite way to travel, having excursions, meals, Wi-Fi , wine, etc. all included in one bill makes budgeting easy!     

     I really like how Avalon, although very luxurious, is laid back, I do not have to worry about dragging fancy clothes to Europe.  They have a smaller guest ratio so it has a country club atmosphere making it easy to get to know fellow passengers right away.  Unpacking once is a plus, I do take bus tours and that is one thing I do not care for having to pack up and move every few days. When my hotel (ship) moves right along with me it is so much more relaxing!  

     If you are looking for a trip that gives you lots of beautiful scenery, great included excursions, luxurious accommodations with gourmet meals this checks all the boxes!

Areas of Expertise

My Travel Specialties

Reviews

260 Reviews
Patient and doesn’t nickel and dime you
We originally booked a two week Italy tour with Ann for April 2020 to celebrate our 30th anniversary. The Covid virus came along so we cancelled that and booked a river cruise for July instead. Guess what? Covid still here and cancelled again. Ann patiently booked us a third time for April of 21 back to the Italy plan. Not once did she change us a change fee or complain about the extra work. Our friends agent charged them a $75 “service fee” each time to change theirs. We will always use Ann as she doesn’t nickel and dime you.
Paula - Omaha,NE - Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
30 of 35 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Tracing family roots in Italy
Ann custom built a two week trip for my son and I tracing our family roots in Italy. It was a great experience filled with history, great food, and even some days at the beach. It was really nice working with someone who understood what it meant to me to show my son where he came from. It is a trip I will never forget!
Gino - Walpole,MA - Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
31 of 37 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Best travel agent ever!
Ann has gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 crisis in keeping us informed about our cruise, which just canceled. She is the BEST travel agent we have ever worked with and are really upset that she is really taking a huge economic hit. When it is safe to travel we will definitely be using Ann again.
Mike - Acworth, GA - Traveled to Europe
30 of 38 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO

Certifications & Awards

asta awardbwC award
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
World Azamara Academy
World Azamara Academy
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Windstar Star Specialist
Windstar Star Specialist

Additional Certifications

  • Certified Travel Counselor
  • Certified River Cruise Specialist
  • Certified Italy Specialist

My Travel Stories

The Most Beautiful Greek Isles

The Most Beautiful Greek Isles

     I was so excited when restrictions for Europe were lifted, I have been going through major travel withdrawals!      My first European adven...

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Journey to Jordan, Petra, the Dead Sea and Jerash

Journey to Jordan, Petra, the Dead Sea and Jerash

This trip was an extension on my Avalon Waterways Egypt and the Nile tour. My husband and I were very spoiled to have a private tour for the four days...

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Egypt and the Nile cruise

Egypt and the Nile cruise

This was an adventure of a lifetime! I booked our trip with Avalon Waterways, it was wonderful being met at the airport by their staff, we were whiske...

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Secrets of the Douro River cruise

Secrets of the Douro River cruise

The Douro river is a photographers delight!     It is a stunning itinerary, probably the most picturesque I have sailed.  The grape vines cling to...

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Golden Myanmar

Golden Myanmar

   Prior to planning my adventure all I knew of Myanmar was that it’s former name was Burma, a location that J Peterman of the tv show Seinfeld vi...

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The Sicilian 10 day tour from Globus

The Sicilian 10 day tour from Globus

Sicily is my favorite place on earth!           For an island the size of the state of Vermont, Sicily is extremely diverse with varied micro c...

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The Delightful Danube -river cruise with Avalon

The Delightful Danube -river cruise with Avalon

      I adore the Danube River!           I have sailed it four times and will probably sail it many more.  There is nothing like gliding ...

Read More
Italian Treasures, Tuscany, Cinque Terre

Italian Treasures, Tuscany, Cinque Terre

Italy is my favorite place in the world!           Each year I visit, exploring new areas and returning to others I especially enjoyed.I like ...

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The Gems of Umbria and Tuscany

The Gems of Umbria and Tuscany

  I like going off the beaten path...                If you have been to Italy once you surely visited the “big three” Rome, Florence, a...

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Meandering the Mekong River Angkor Wat to Thailand

Meandering the Mekong River Angkor Wat to Thailand

Asia is a fascinating place!       It is so different than the western world in a multitude of ways. When you visit places such as Cambodia, Viet...

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Find Romance while cruising the Rhine River

Find Romance while cruising the Rhine River

     The Rhine River is considered one of the most romantic stretches of water in the world.  Cruising along past castles and vineyards is sure to...

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Incredible India -gliding the Ganges with Avalon

Incredible India -gliding the Ganges with Avalon

"Why India?"       I was asked that question from half the people that I told I was heading there on my next adventure.  My answer was simple, I...

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Down the Danube to Dracula with Avalon Waterways

Down the Danube to Dracula with Avalon Waterways

     I adore the Danube river!           I have sailed it several times and never grow tired of the cobblestone lined streets and quaint vill...

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