Associates Mary-Lise Nazaire and Greg Falta go “on assignment” in the Czech Republic and Austria
As a company, Grand Circle is devoted to changing lives through travel—a philosophy that applies as much to the hard-working associates in our Boston and regional offices as it does to travelers who join us on our trips. So, in addition to offering associates travel deals they can take advantage of during their non-work hours, we frequently offer members of our team “on the job” experience, sending them on our trips to see what they’re like firsthand.
Recently, Photo Editor Mary-Lise Nazaire and Graphic Designer Greg Falta went “on assignment” to direct a photo shoot for our Old World Prague & the Blue Danube River CruiseTour. Here, they share a few photos and impressions of the journey in Eastern Europe …
“Prague is such an amazing place,” Greg says. “It has a definite ‘old world’ feel to it, and its architecture is stunning.” In particular, the city is known for its Gothic structures, including the famed Charles Bridge, which spans the Vltava River.
“Prague was absolutely beautiful,” Mary-Lise says, “and it was especially enchanting at night, when it was all lit up.” Here, the sun sets on sprawling Prague Castle and the Gothic spires of St. Vitus Cathedral.
“The city is filled with tons of outdoor cafes,” Greg says. “They looked so inviting, we just had to take some time out to enjoy a cappuccino al fresco.”
“We met some really fantastic travelers on this trip who helped make the shoot a success,” Mary-Lise says. “These three women, in particular, were so much fun to be around. They—and their husbands—were committed to making the most of every minute, and their energy and enthusiasm was infectious!” From left, 2-time traveler Kay Kruklitis, 2-time traveler Rosemarie Savage, and first-time traveler Rosemarie Dalby, all of Leland, North Carolina.
In Linz, Austria, the pair enjoyed a traditional meal in a local home. “The food was fantastic,” Mary-Lise says, “and our hostesses—a mother and her daughter—were incredibly sweet.” After the meal, Greg adds, “They brought out their adorable dachshund, which was a big hit with our group of animal lovers.”
“This is one I took myself,” Greg says of this photo of the M/S Concerto in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. “Chasing the ship on land was quite an adventure: To get to this vantage point, I first climbed a 50-foot stone staircase, and then a wall at the top of the stairs. Mary-Lise thought I was crazy, but it was worth it to get this beautiful shot!
Of their day-trip to Salzburg, Austria, Greg says, “We could have strolled the quaint cobblestone streets all day long, taking in all the intriguing store fronts and the city’s elegant architecture.” The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg also provided the setting for several scenes from The Sound of Music.
Experience the magic of Prague—and the celebrated capitals of Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—on our Old World Prague & the Blue Danube River Cruise Tour.