Rhine River Cruise on Amadeus Royal

I was lucky enough to be a part of the Travel-pa conference last week on a Rhine River Cruise on Amadeus Royal.

This was my first time on a River Cruise other than the Nile. It was such a fabulous experience waking up to a different place every morning. As we were there in December we got to experience all the German Christmas markets in the little towns and cities, I was stunned by how beautiful these were. Full of traditional stalls selling Christmas decorations and gifts, no forgetting the Gluewhein too!! I have never seen such quaint Christmas Markets like this before. Just to see these alone was well worth the trip.

When we arrived on the ship we were taken to our cabins, I was sharing a B1 cabin on the Strauss Deck. What I loved most about the cabin was the Panoramic French Balcony Window so you could slide the window right across and lean out. Great for seeing the views and allowing daylight into the cabin.
The cabins are cleaned every day and a complimentary bottle of water is placed in the room daily.

Straight after unpacking we then caught the little train that stopped near the ship into Cologne, it was 8 Euros and you could hop off at all the stops along the way. We went to the various Christmas markets, the cathedral and the old town. It was a great way to see the city in one afternoon.
I would certainly recommend going into the lovely cathedral and lighting a candle.

We were back on the ship ready for cocktails at 6.30pm and then dinner at 7pm. There is only one sitting for dinner so that it easier to serve people from the small kitchen onboard. The food is very good and lots of it, at least 5 courses to choose from every night. If you have any dietary requirements then you need to advise the staff either prior to boarding or at the start of the cruise.

Our first night on board was full of wine and laughter and the Travel-pa network getting to know each other better. There were a few headaches the next day!

The next day Travel-pa had our annual conference in the morning where we learnt about all the exciting new things happening in 2016.

The good thing about a river cruise compared to an ocean liner is that they are small enough to dock very close to the city so you don’t have far to walk if you are not doing any of the excursions. You can choose from a number of excursions if you so wish, they range from around 16 Euros to 53 Euros depending on the itinerary. We found that it was just as easy to do our own thing and was very easy to walk into the places that we docked at.

For the rest of the cruise, we normally sailed during the night and then on awakening we were already in port.

We visited Speyer which is a lovely place and very quaint and lots of fabulous medieval buildings and the grand cathedral. Speyer was founded by the Romans and is one of Germany’s oldest cities.

The next day was the biggest surprise for me as we docked just outside the centre of Strasbourg in France. We caught the tram which was about 4 stops into the centre and WOW!! I loved Strasbourg with its central Christmas markets right in front of the cathedral and very medieval buildings. Such a surprise as I never expected it to be like that. I would definitely visit Strasbourg again, great to do for a weekend break.

In the afternoon we did a trip into Obernai in France, again it is a stunning little place with lots of character. We went for some food and wine into a very traditional pub in the centre. Have to say though that it was much colder here than anywhere we had been but it didn’t stop us from enjoying it.

The final stop was Ruedesheim but I didn’t get off the ship as had some work to do but everyone said it was stunning and very pretty. Some said it was the prettiest of them all, so I now wish I had gone to explore – oh well! Next time I will

The final night onboard and we had a Captains Cocktail party where all the staff were came to the lounge so we could thank them for all the efforts they had put in over the week. Then we had the Gala dinner which was fabulous!! 7 courses of amazing food. Plus the crowning glory was the Baked Alaska on parade where the lights are dimmed and the Alaska has sparklers on top and the staff carry it around the restaurant.

That night we sailed back to Cologne ready for drop off the next morning.

I had an amazing time and saw some wonderful German and French towns along the way. I would highly recommend anyone to go on an Amadeus River Cruise as it is just fabulous

To Book Please Call : 0114 3273436 or Email: Jackief@travel-pa.com

Christmas Market Cruise on the Rhine

Escape from the turmoil and discover the season of Advent in a completely new way by taking an atmospheric cruise, visiting the very best Christmas markets along the Rhine. For 5 days in Advent you can store up pleasurable anticipation for the prettiest festival of the year, and no doubt think back to your childhood when you became more and more excited as the day for the giving of presents drew closer.

MS AMADEUS ROYAL

Launched in 2005 and completely renovated for 2015, is a premium passenger vessel fitted out with all imaginable refinements. The cabins on the Mozart and Strauss-Deck, for instance, feature generous French balconies providing incomparable views of the breadth of the river.

The superiority of the AMADEUS Royal is discernible down to the smallest detail – be it in the gastronomic delicacies that appear from the kitchen or in the fine wines emerging from the ship’s cellar in the appointments of the luxurious Panorama Bar or in the enjoyment of a relaxing massage or the sipping of a gloriously cream cocktail accompanied by the tinkle of mood-matching piano playing.

ITINERARY – Round trip Cologne – Cologne

1. COLOGNE – Departure 22:00, Check-in from 16.00,Welcome Cocktail (incl),

2. MAINZ – Arrival 14:00 Departure 22:00, City walk Mainz with Christmas Market, Welcome Dinner (incl)

3. SPEYER – Arrival 06:00 Departure 20:00, City walk Speyer, Excursion Heidelberg with Christmas Market,

4. STRASBOURG Arrival 08:00 Departure 21:00, City tour Strasbourg with Christmas Market, Wintry Alsace & Obernai

5. RUEDESHEIM – Arrival 11:00 Departure 20:00, City walk Ruedesheim with Music Museum and Christmas Market, Captain’s Gala Dinner

6. COLOGNE – Arrival 04:00, Disembarkation after breakfast

CLASSICAL MUSIC ON THE RHINE – MS AMADEUS SILVER

MS AMADEUS SILVER

The new flagship for the innovative AMADEUS fleet, namely the MS AMADEUS SILVER, was launched in 2013. Extending the traditional 110-m length of the AMADEUS ships to 135-m creates not only space for more cabins but allows for quite a number of innovative new features.

The AMADEUS SILVER has a total of 78 enlarged standard cabins (16m²). Those on the Mozart and Strauss decks will have an innovative form of French balcony offering the option of making the panoramic window front (which extends across the whole cabin width) automatically drop-down so that the cabin becomes a balcony in itself. The 12 AMADEUS Balcony Suites (24m²), moreover, have ‘walk-out’ exterior balconies with their own seating groups, enormous panoramic windows and comfortable bathrooms with bath, separate WC and separate shower.

Itinerary

Day 1 London – Basel
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service® collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Basel. On arrival, our coach will transfer you to MS Amadeus Silver for an afternoon embarkation with time to settle in before a welcome cocktail, dinner and concert on board this evening.

Day 2 Strasbourg
We arrive in Strasbourg this morning and enjoy a city tour to explore the attractive city centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Strasbourg, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. We will also take in a special organ concert in St Thomas church.

Day 3 Speyer
Enjoy an included city tour of Heidelberg this morning, with its beautiful setting on the Neckar river. The afternoon is free to explore Speyer’s historic highlights which date back to Roman times.

Day 4 Rüdesheim – Koblenz
Enjoy an optional city tour of Rüdesheim this morning, which includes a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. On return to the ship, you will be treated to a musical tea party on board as the ship gently sails on. We have an afternoon arrival in Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, where you can join an optional tour, exploring the narrow streets, historic squares and fountains in the old quarter.

Day 5 Koblenz – Cochem
We arrive in Cochem around midday, where there is the option of joining a city walk to explore the architectural attractions of this city, its narrow alleys and half-timbered houses, before enjoying a wine tasting of local wines from the Moselle region. This evening we return to the ship and enjoy an evening concert on board.

Day 6 Bonn – Cologne
We have an early morning arrival in Bonn, where we visit the house of Beethoven and enjoy a piano concert before returning to the ship. We have an afternoon arrival in Cologne, for a walking tour of a city that is one of Germany’s most important trade centres and home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s gala dinner on board.

Day 7 Amsterdam
We spend this morning in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands. Admire the beautiful 17th and 18th century buildings and during our city tour we will enjoy an included concert as well as seeing Dam square, the Royal Palace and the museum quarter, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum. This evening, enjoy a farewell concert on board.
Day 8 Amsterdam – London
After breakfast on board this morning we disembark and transfer to Amsterdam airport for a British Airways flight to London Heathrow. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.

Luxury River cruise

Luxury River cruise

Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong

There can be no more a striking cultural contrast than between bustling Vietnam and the tranquillity of Cambodia.  Embark the brand new for 2012 River Saigon and sail down the Mekong River from Ho Chi Minh City through the diverse countryside of Cambodia to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient Angkor Wat Temple Complex.

River Saigon is the NEWEST and most intimate ship on the Mekong River. Beautifully handcrafted colonial style, the River Saigon boasts just 30 deluxe staterooms, all of which feature lovely French-doors that open onto a spacious promenade.

Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service®
7 nights cruise, 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights in-flight
Scheduled Cathay Pacific or another leading airline flights.
Transfers to and from airport, hotel and ship.
Complimentary fine wine served with dinner onboard
Included shore excursions
All port taxes, airport taxes, UK APD and fuel surcharges

To Book Call 0114 3273436

The Mighty Yangtze River and The Best of China

The world’s longest river within a single country, the Yangtze has played an essential and inspirational role in Chinese life since the dawn of that glorious civilisation. It unites regions diverse in landscape, language and culture, links cities ancient and modern – thus presenting an engaging timeline of Chinese history – and offers the most scenic means of traversing this vast country.

This superlative tour of China’s myriad highlights reveals the imperial treasures of Beijing and Xi’an along with the vibrancy of Shanghai, and includes a 6-night Yangtze river cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Victoria Sophia, taking in the awe-inspiring Three Gorges en route.

6 nights cruise on Victoria Sophia and 10 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)
39 Meals: 16 breakfast, 11 lunch and 12 dinner (breakfast on days 3-18, lunch on days 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 11-16 and dinner on days 2, 4, 5, 7, 9-15, 17)
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party and Farewell dinner
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service®
Check-in service by Titan staff with porterage
Services of an experienced Titan tour manager, plus local guides

To Book Call 0114 3273436

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

There is something quite special about the villages, towns and cities along the Rhine during the festive season as their Christmas markets begin at the end of November, and these lovely 4-day and 5-day cruises provide the perfect short break to discover the magical markets, including Cologne, one of the largest with six separate markets.

The appeal of Christmas markets is much more than the opportunity to purchase local and unique crafts, decorations and gifts – for many people it is a stimulation of the senses; the smells of freshly baked gingerbread, tasting local wines and coffees and seeing local artisans, singers and musicians.

3 or 4 nights cruise on Royal Crown
8 meals (4-day cruise): 3 breakfast, 2 lunch and 3 dinner (breakfast on days 2-4, lunch on days 2-3 and dinner on days 1-3)
11 meals (5-day cruise): 4 breakfast, 3 lunch and 4 dinner (breakfast on days 2-5, lunch on days 2-4 and dinner on days 1-4)

To book Call 0114 3273436

A Douro River Cruise On The ‘Royal Barge’ – With A Few Days In Historic Portuguese Pousada

A Douro River Cruise On The ‘Royal Barge’ – With A Few Days In Historic Portuguese Pousada

3-night cruise on The Spirit of Chartwell, 4-nights in Pousada (accommodation as specified or similar)
17 or 18 meals
Spirit of Chartwell benefits
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service
Services of an experienced Titan Tour Manager
All airport taxes, security charges and applicable fuel surcharges

One of the many highlights of 2012 and the Jubilee celebrations was the magnificent Thames Pageant, led by Her Majesty The Queen aboard the luxurious ‘Royal Barge’ – The Spirit of Chartwell. Now making new history, she will sail in the sparkling waters of the beautiful Douro River in northern Portugal. Exclusively chartered by Titan, you are invited to experience a taste of what it might have been like for the Royal Party, on a 3-night cruise along the verdant Douro valley. To enhance the experience further, each cruise is coupled with a 4-night stay at a stunning and royally connected Pousada, located close to the ‘green terraced paradise’ of Peneda Gerês National Park. This unique experience promises a very special, historic, relaxing and inspiring holiday. Dates and availability are limited so do not delay in booking your place.

Call 0114 3273436 to Book

Viking River Cruises – As seen on TV

Glide along the majestic Danube. Sail the Main or Moselle, and discover the heart of Europe by cruising the Rhine. There is no more relaxing or rewarding way to see the world than from its great rivers. And there is no better river cruise line than Viking.

On a Viking European River Cruise you’ll enjoy a wealth of history, culture and beauty. Discover the historic windmills of the Netherlands. Marvel at Germany’s fairytale castles and gothic cathedrals. Explore the wild natural beauty of Saxon Switzerland, and the imperial palaces of Austria.

France is a destination that always appeals, and with Viking you can discover a new view of this enchanting land. Whether you are sailing through glorious southern France with its Roman monuments, or Paris and Normandy with its dramatic history and stunning landscapes, or beautiful Bordeaux, you are sure to enjoy any one of our river cruises in France.

Discover the art and culture of Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia. Explore Lisbon and Porto on Viking’s Douro, River of Gold holiday through Portugal. There are so many wonderful Viking river cruise holidays, you are spoiled for choice.

If you’d like to travel further afield, let Viking show you the real Russia. From St. Petersburg to Moscow, sail the Waterways of the Tsars and see all the highlights of this remarkable land. Or explore China and its many treasures: the Great Wall, Forbidden Palace, Terracotta Warriors and Three Gorges. Combining hotel stays and deluxe cruising along the Yangtze, our China cruises offer the best of both worlds. Likewise, Vietnam and Cambodia are best explored on Viking’s cruise and stay holiday, the Magnificent Mekong.

Whats included in a Viking River Cruise

Return flights from the UK.
Deluxe ensuite accommodation with river view.
All on board meals.
Specially selected wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
A wide range of guided tours to must-see attractions and World Heritage sites.
Cultural enrichment programme for an in-depth understanding of the places you visit.

To Book Call 0114 3273436 Now

River Cruises

If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference then river cruises holidays could be just what you need. No matter where you fancy travelling to, there will be a local river cruise you can enjoy. Here you’ll find out more about some of the most popular holidays to river cruises that thousands of people enjoy each year.

The Benefits of River Cruises

There are many reasons why you may want to consider river cruises holidays over any other type. The main benefits include:

1. You’ll only have to pack and unpack your belongings once, no matter how many places you’re visiting

2. You can experience many different countries and cities in the same holiday

3. Fantastic views with constantly changing scenery

4. A relaxing environment

If you were to visit several different countries/cities on a standard holiday, you’d have to pack and unpack your suitcase several times. This can take up quite a lot of time. With a cruise you simply have to unpack once and you’re then free to explore as many different places as you want to without worrying about your luggage.

The only problem you’ll have when choosing holidays to river cruises is knowing where to go.

The Most Popular River Cruises

Some river cruises holidays are more popular than others. If you’re heading to Europe then Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro are four of the most popular destinations. Danube is particularly popular. Located in central Europe, Danube is ideal for couples and you’ll find many romantic packages on offer. It also has many cultural sights and it stretches for 1,800 miles. Europe has some of the most romantic and affordable cruises on offer.

If you’re looking to go a bit further then the Nile is a fantastic choice. Holidays to river cruises in the Nile takes you in between Aswan and Luxor. You’ll get to take in the gorgeous sights of temples and tombs. Experience the impressive Tutankhamen’s Tomb and the colourful sights of Aswan. The best Nile river cruises holidays will combine a short stay in Cairo.

If you’re looking for holidays to river cruises which feature plenty to see and do then the Yangtze in China could be perfect. You’ll find many companies which offer Yangtze cruises combine them with a few nights in top cities such as Shanghai and Wuhan. The most memorable part of a cruise to the Yangtze is the Three Gorges Dam. This is a cruise you’ll never forget!

Another once in a lifetime river cruise is the Amazon in Brazil. This is the largest river in the world and you’ll witness many picturesque sights. The beautiful city of Santarum is just one of the sights you’ll see.

No matter how much money you have available for your river cruises holidays, there’ll be at least one fantastic destination to match it. Why not take a look at the many different river cruises on offer around the world online today? Take into account your budget, what you’d like to see and do on the cruise and where you’d ideally like to go.