The Rhine River is perhaps best known today for it's huge variety of castles. In fact, it boasts over 50 castles, many located along a 65 mile stretch between Ruedesheim and Koblenz. We had a great lecturer come onboard to provide some context on why all these castles are located in a small area. The Rhine has long been a critical means of transporting goods from central Europe up to the coast. In the Middle Ages, many wealthy landowners took advantage of their strategic lands and required merchants to pay taxes in order to transit along their particular section of the river. Castles served to defend these lands and enforce the payment of taxes.
We toured the castle of Heidelberg and admired it's location atop the current city. The guide told lots of stories about castle life and we toured the wine cellar with one of the largest wine casks of the time.
We also had a full afternoon cruising along the particularly castle rich region between Ruedesheim and Koblenz. During this cruise, most travelers gathered on the top deck with blankets and the bartender brought us Ruedesheim coffees (made with brandy, chocolate and whipped cream). Another highlight along this stretch is the famous Lorelei Rock said to lure sailors to their demise.
That evening we had the unique opportunity to visit Lahneck Castle, a 13th century fortress near Koblenz. We toured via candlelight, providing a more authentic experience to what it would have been like to live there in the Middle Ages.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.