Elliott World Cruise 2025

Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Copenhagen, Denmark We are finally back in Copenhagen which brings back many fond memories for us of camping with our children.  Many years ago we camped with our children in our motorhome on the street directly in front of Tivoli Gardens. In those days, there was an entire line of campers parked on the street waiting for the park to open!!!  Today, that's probably not allowed but in those days it worked quite well! So, this city brings back very pleasant memories for Bob and I. Copenhagen is the vibrant capital of Denmark and boasts a rich and captivating history that spans over six centuries.  It was founded in 1167 by the visionary Bishop Absalon.  This once humble fishing village rapidly evolved into a thriving metropolis, thanks to its strategic location.  The city's early prosperity was largely fueled by the lucrative herring trade, which brought immense wealth and transformed it into a bustling commercia...

Friday, April 20, 2025 - Hamburg, Germany Nestled at the crossroads of the Elbe and Alster Rivers, Hamburg dazzles as a vibrant metropolis woven from centuries of triumph, turmoil, and transformation.  Born in the 9th century as the sturdy Hamburg fortress, this city's roots plunge deep into the heart of European history.  Its ancient ramparts once guarded missionary ambitions, but by the 12th century, Hamburg had blossomed into a bustling commercial powerhouse.  The city's destiny took a dramatic turn in 1189, when it emerged as a free imperial city--unlocking a treasure trove of trading rights and privileges that would shape its future. Despite the fiery devastation of great blazes and the shadow of the Black Death in 1350, Hamburg refused to wither.  Instead, it rose from the ashes, harnessing its strategic perch to master new trade routes as the Age of Discovery dawned.  By the 19th century, Hamburg had cast off the last vestiges of medieval constraint, sta...

Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam , the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, boasts a rich and fascinating history that has shaped its unique character.  Known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the city has evolved remarkably over centuries, blending tradition with modernity. Amsterdam's story began in the 12th century as a humble fishing village at the south of the Amstel River. The construction of a dam in the river around 1270 marked a pivotal moment.  This ingenious dam not only regulated water levels but also fostered trade, transforming Amsterdam into a bustling hub of commerce. By 1300, Amsterdam grew steadily, though its wooden structures made it vulnerable to fires.  As a consequence, only a few medieval buildings still stand today.  These remnants of early Amsterdam reflect its enduring charm and historical significance. The 17th century heralded Amsterdam's Golden Age, a period of extra...