Welcome to the very first episode of Europe Unveiled — the podcast that helps you cruise smarter, travel deeper, and fall in love with Europe, one river at a time. I’m your host, Sonia Rectenwald — certified European Travel Advisor, River Cruise Specialist, and founder of Bryson Travel Group.

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most common questions I get:

Danube or Rhine — which river cruise is right for you?

While both are breathtaking, they offer very different vibes—from wine country castles and timbered villages to imperial cities, palaces, and classical music halls. If you’re trying to decide between the two, I’ll break down what makes each one unique, what kind of traveler they’re best suited for, and how to make the most of your experience.

Whether you’re new to river cruising or already planning your next trip, this episode will help you choose the river that fits your style best.

• The key differences between Rhine and Danube river cruises
• What to expect in cities like Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, Cologne, Vienna, and Budapest
• Why December river cruises are pure Christmas magic (and where to find the best markets)
• Real-world insights from clients who’ve sailed both rivers
• A simple breakdown to help you match the river to your travel personality

Start planning your dream cruise with my Ultimate Guide to River Cruising in Europe — packed with expert tips, cruise line comparisons, seasonal advice, packing checklists, and more.

📥 Download it here

Be part of my private travel community:

Luxury Vacations by Sonia: Europe, River Cruises, Groups & Custom Travel

Get early access to hosted trips, exclusive travel specials, curated tips, and over 40 downloadable resources.

Join the group here

Still unsure which river fits your style? Let’s talk about your travel goals and design a custom trip that fits your vision.

🗓️ Book a complimentary consult

Explore luxury European travel services, hosted groups, and more at

🔗 www.brysontravelgroup.com

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 1 of Europe Unveiled. Don’t forget to hit “Follow” so you never miss an episode. And if this helped you decide between the Rhine or Danube, I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment or come say hi in the Facebook group.

Until next time,

Keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep unveiling Europe — one river at a time.

Would you like this version also adapted for Flodesk or turned into a blog post version (with headers and images)?

Hey traveler — I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Sonia Rectenwald: European travel expert, group trip guru, certified river cruise specialist, and founder of Bryson Travel Group.

I’ve lived in Europe, traveled its cobblestone streets for over 30 years, and helped hundreds of clients plan unforgettable trips across the continent. And now? I’m sharing it all with you.

Welcome to Europe Unveiled — the podcast that takes you beyond the guidebook and into the heart of Europe’s most magical destinations.

In this quick teaser, I’ll tell you:

• Who this podcast is for
• What you can expect from future episodes
• Why I’m so passionate about helping you travel better — not busier
• And what’s coming up in our premiere episode: Danube vs. Rhine — Which River Cruise Is Right for You?

Whether you're brand new to river cruising or planning your third European adventure, you’re in the right place.

🎁 Start your journey with a free gift:

Download The Ultimate Guide to River Cruising in Europe for cruise tips, packing advice, and expert recommendations.

https://brysontravelgroup.myflodesk.com/yourrivercruiseguide

💬 Join the VIP community:

Be part of Luxury Vacations by Sonia — my free Facebook group for curated travel tips, access to exclusive travel specials, trip planning help, early access to hosted group cruises and a group of European travel lovers just like you.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/luxuryvacationsbysonia

And when you’re ready to turn your dream trip into a real one? Book a complimentary consult and we’ll make it happen together. Here's a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/brysontravelgroup/45min

Plan less. Experience more. Travel well.