I went on a Rhine River Christmas cruise with Ama Waterways and my best friend from college. I got to start my trip in Amsterdam and then made my way down the Rhine and got to experience the many Christmas Markets and the beautiful scenery that Europe has to offer.
Off I go! Packing light is the way to do it! (Tanesia Brazington)
I began my journey at 8 a.m in Missoula on Friday and arrived at 8 a.m in the Amsterdam Airport on Saturday. The journey brightened half way through as I was able to meet my best friend in Dulles and finish my flight with her.
The wind was blowing! We finally got a picture in though. (Tanesia Brazington)
We ended up taking a nap at the hotel on Saturday afternoon and then went out to see Christmas lights in the city and get some dinner. There is a fun Dutch specialty called "bitterballen." It is little balls of meat that has been breaded and deep fried then served with sauce. It can also be breaded cheese. I ate my fill that Saturday night and couldn't get enough! If you would like to try bitter ballen visit "Bar Bitterballen" as they have more choices than any other restaurant in Amsterdam.
Stayed in the Hyatt Regency in Amsterdam. Great hotel! (Tanesia Brazington)
Sunday morning was fantastic as we met up with Freedam Tours for our free city tour. They have sign ups available online and no registration fee is required. They simply ask that you give the guide a good tip. Our guide's name was Mike and he was fantastic! We walked through the city with him learning about the local culture and history. The tour brought so much depth and perspective to my time in Amsterdam that I can't imagine my trip without it.
Food! (Tanesia Brazington)
We made our way to boat around 3 pm and ended up staying on board the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying our fantastic 4 course dinner.
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
4 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
6 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
6 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
1 week ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
