Setting Sail with Uniworld & Shepherd’s Fashions: An Unforgettable Women’s River Cruise Adventure!
What a fantastic journey it’s been hosting an exclusive women’s river cruise with Uniworld aboard the elegant River Duchess, joined by wonderful clients and friends from Shepherd’s Fashions.
We jammed so much fun into 10 days – let me give you a sample with part one. Next week, I’ll share a little more info, and give you a taste of what cruise I’ll be hosting next.
Kicking off our adventure in Budapest, we dove right into the city’s vibrant heart, exploring the fashion district, riding the Ferris wheel, walking the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, taking in views from the funicular, and soaking up the historic grandeur of Buda Castle. Then onboard the ship, we chose different tours of Budapest the next day. I believe most chose the overview of Buda and Pest.
Back onboard, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises welcomed us with open arms: from a detailed excursion overview to the captain’s warm welcome reception, we had a stellar dinner and even hit the dance floor for a spirited 70s dance party.
The next day brought us to beautiful Vienna, where some of our group admired the art of Gustav Klimt at The Belvedere, while I joined a small group on an evocative Jewish heritage tour.
Led by our knowledgeable guide, C.A., we traced the waves of Jewish immigration and the difficult history of Vienna’s Jewish quarter. Before WWII, over 200,000 Jews lived in Vienna, making up one-fifth of the city. After the war, only 15,000 remain, a stark reminder of the lives lost. Walking through the Jewish Quarter, we saw the only synagogue spared by Nazis during Kristallnacht, the poignant stumbling stones, and the Holocaust memorial with books turned outward, symbolizing the stories and lives forever lost.
One day in Vienna simply isn’t enough to absorb its beauty and its somber history.
With an afternoon free, I visited some favorite spots: Cafe Central for traditional Wiener schnitzel and Maria Theresia coffee, Hotel Sacher for their iconic Sacher Torte, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After another fantastic onboard dinner, we ended the day with a delightful Mozart and Strauss concert—a perfect Viennese evening!
The following day in Spitz, Austria, began with a photography workshop hosted by Rachelle Ferron from Shepherd’s Fashions. We explored the fascinating Danube River Shipping Museum, where we learned about the days when teams of 60 horses once hauled ships upstream! The highlight of the day was a wine and apricot schnapps tasting, complete with a scenic walk through Wachau Valley vineyards. Unsurprisingly, white wine reigns supreme here in the Wachau Valley, and we were all too happy to toast to the experience.
This cruise has been a beautiful mix of history, culture, friendship, and new experiences with clients and friends. We had some husbands join us too for a great gathering.
Part deux will follow next week.
Here’s to many more adventures on the river! 🌊
Let me know if you’d like to be on the list for the next women’s river cruise!
#AskSheila [email protected]