Discover the Hidden Stories of Europe in John-William DeClaris’

There are so many travel books to choose from, but where do you start? A great place to start is “Travel Tales: European Adventures from The River’s Edge by John-William DeClaris!”

For him, traveling has never been solely about visiting the sites and museums. Instead, he immerses himself in a town or city life by meeting the people, eating local food, learning the culture, and hearing local stories.

This book is a great way for families to enjoy interesting stories about history while keeping special memories alive.

Whether you're an avid bibliophile or a sporadic reader, there's never been a better time to relax with a great travel book like “Travel Tales.”

A Trip Through the Rivers of Europe

The book makes its way along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers on an actual cruise route that starts in Amsterdam. Before arriving in Budapest, the trip makes a stopover in quaint European villages before continuing by bus to Prague.

Prague had everything wonderful. It also has modern buildings with smart and creative designs. The streets of Prague were scrupulously clean, and the buildings were also free of grit and grime. DeClaris perfectly combines historical narrative with introspection in his writing about each location.

Hidden Histories and Forgotten Stories

Many towns in Europe have secret pasts that most visitors do not know. In Ypres, Belgium, for example, DeClaris talks about the effects of World War I. He explains how the city was completely destroyed but later carefully rebuilt.

The battles around Ypres demolished every building, and nothing was spared, but to look at it now, you will not find any evidence of that destruction. He really makes you feel the place and the people with fun stories and history. The book also shares the story of the Last Post Ceremony, a daily event to honor fallen soldiers, which still happens today.

Another exciting story is about lost treasures from World War II. The author tells how the Nazis hid stolen artwork and valuable items in underground caves and mines.

In Krems, Austria, a group of people secretly worked to find these lost treasures and bring them back. Their effort to recover important pieces of history makes for an exciting read.

Some Special Moments from the Trip

Besides big history stories, DeClaris also talks about small but special moments from his travels. He writes about the wonderful music in Vienna, the delicious chocolate, the fried potato vendors in Belgium, and the warm and cozy cafes in Amsterdam. Even the most dedicated dietician can be tempted by these alluring places.

When you read the book, it feels like you are right there with him, seeing and enjoying everything while reading the book.

One touching story is from Würzburg, Germany. An old man and his grandson visit a beautiful palace. The ceiling of the palace was made from wood that came from their family’s land. This shows that history is not just in books—it is in real people’s lives, too.

Why You Should Read “Travel Tales”

If you are a globetrotter or someone who likes reading stories from the past or new places, this book is perfect for you. The author, John-William DeClaris, does not just tell you about places, but he makes them feel real to you.

Whether you have visited Europe before or hope to go one day, “Travel Tales” is a great book to read. After reading this book, you will definitely feel like packing your bag and going on a new adventure!

Get your copy of “Travel Tales: European Adventures from The River’s Edge” today! Available in print and digital formats. Visit Author’s Website to learn more.