Europe travel Archives - Rachel's Ruminations

Herculaneum or Pompeii: Which should you visit?

Rachel Heller — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:30:04 +0000

Pompeii gives a vivid impression of life in Ancient Rome. So does Herculaneum. Read this article for help deciding which to visit: Herculaneum or Pompeii.

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How to handle money in Europe

Rachel Heller — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:17:51 +0000

Lots of tips to help you handle money in Europe: advice about cash, debit and credit cards, etc., plus a free checklist to help keep track.

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What is the best time of year for a Norway coastal cruise?

Rachel Heller — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:01:41 +0000

Trying to decide when to take your Norway coastal cruise? Here are some things to think about, based on my winter and summer experiences.

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Havila vs Hurtigruten on the Norway coastal route: Which is better?

Rachel Heller — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:34:39 +0000

A direct comparison of Havila vs Hurtigruten, both running the same route along the Norway coast, with similarities and differences in the onboard experience, the cabins, and their progress toward sustainability.

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Havila Voyages cruise review: An eco-friendly coastal Norway journey

Rachel Heller — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 14:05:02 +0000

A detailed description and review of a Havila Voyages cruise on the traditional mail route along the coast of Norway.

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The Ratskeller wine cellar tour in Bremen, Germany

Rachel Heller — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 13:25:39 +0000

The Ratskeller wine cellar tour under the old town hall in Bremen, Germany, is an experience any wine lover would enjoy. A review.

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Mercedes-Benz factory tour in Bremen, Germany

Rachel Heller — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:53:17 +0000

If you plan to visit Bremen, Germany, and like cars, you might want to take the Mercedes-Benz factory tour. Read this review first!

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Museum Wierdenland: A window into the ancient village mounds of the northern Netherlands

Rachel Heller — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:32:10 +0000

Those little hills in the center of villages in the Northern Netherlands are wierden, and the Museum Wierdenland in Ezinge is the place to learn how they came to be.

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Museum Catharijneconvent, Utrecht

Rachel Heller — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:10:12 +0000

Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht is an excellent collection of religious-themed art housed in a former Medieval convent.

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Museum Speelklok in Utrecht: Mechanical music from the past

Rachel Heller — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 13:28:42 +0000

A speelklok is a music machine. Read here about my visit to the charming little Museum Speelklok in Utrecht.

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