Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Katie Rickarby, Assistant manager of our Ipswich travel agents, spent a relaxing few days exploring the sights of the Rhine. Here is what she thought of the impressive Amadeus Silver II and the interesting cities she visited.
Destination: Rhine River Cruise
Operator/Host: Amadeus
Accommodation
(Hotel names/Ship name): Amadeus Silver II
Airline: Ryanair/Easyjet
Duration: 3 nights
My flight was comfortable and very quick.
My accommodation aboard Amadeus Silver II was spotless. I had a double cabin just for myself and the first thing I noticed was that the cabins were so much bigger than what you would get on an ocean ship. I had a nice, big comfortable bed and there was a floor-to-ceiling window that you could pull down to make it feel like you had a balcony.
There was a lovely, little seating area by the window where you could sit and look out, and I had a fully stocked mini-bar which was replenished daily. The prices were really reasonable, too. We had a complimentary bottle of water in our cabin every day.
There was a big walk-in wardrobe also with plenty of room for two people's things.
The bathroom was a really good size with complementary products you could use and a walk-in shower.
All food was included on board and complimentary teas and coffees were served all day. Wine, beer and soft drinks were free-flowing throughout lunch and dinner and you could pretty much have as much or as little as you wanted.
Unfortunately, there were no excursions included. You have to pay extra for these on board.
My favourite part of the trip was visiting beautiful Strasbourg. It had charming narrow streets with lots of bars and restaurants. We visited a stunning cathedral and wandered around the tiny streets where music played and I felt like we'd stepped back in time.
Another highlight for me was doing a day excursion from Manheim to Heidelberg. Heidelberg is well worth a visit and I definitely recommend booking an excursion as it is quite out of the way. We visited the ancient castle with a local tour guide and learnt all about its history. We were then able to enjoy the gorgeous views from high up over the river.
Afterwards, we were given some free time to enjoy the town, where we found a lovely, little bar in the main square to watch the football. The atmosphere was amazing and the local bars had brought the televisions outside so we could all watch the football in the sun and watch the world go by!
I would recommend this trip as I think it's such a relaxing type of holiday. Plus, there's always something to see when you're sitting out on deck.
Nothing was ever too much trouble for the staff and they were always on-hand if you needed anything or just wanted a bit of advice.
Must see? Strasbourg for its authentic streets
Must do? Book an excursion to Heidelberg
Must try? Traditional Alsatian flammekueche
If you would like the TravelQuest team to help you plan a river cruise of your own, call us or visit our branches.
