Madeira Fam 11-14Dec - Sue Tooke

 

I decided to try the Easyhotel as this was one of the best prices for Heathrow hotels and though basic and an orange basin, I was only staying for a few hours so it was adequate for what it represents.  The prices for the rooms start at £25 for a double with no window -£35 upwards and parking is £6 per night.  There is a small gym which is free for guests.

 

Wednesday , 11th December 2013

We met our hosts at 05.00 hours
06h40 – Departure direct flight to Madeira Island, Heathrow Airport
10h10 - Arrival to Madeira International Airport flight number TP 371 The flight was with Air Portugal and was a little bit late but a good flight with a snack and drink included.
Transfer to the Pestana Casino Park Hotel took approximately 30 minutes and this was our hotel for the trip.  The rooms were large and the hotel spacious with Casino in a separate building next to the hotel but this did not detract from the hotel even though it is open to nonresidents and has a disco below but I could not hear too much noise from my room. 

This was the view from my balcony

 The hotel feels a little sparse with open spaces and little furniture to fill them. 

Breakfast room overlooking the port where the cruise ships dock

 The hotel was clean and the position was good with just a 10-15 mins walk into Funchal.

13h00 – Pick up and transfer to Reid’s Palace Hotel. Welcome cocktail at the Foyer.  The Reids Palace Hotel has always been one of my favourite hotels and has been awarded the best in Portugal. 

 

Often non residents have tea and the Reids but we were very lucky to be able to have lunch which was a spectacular  cold buffet with the piece de resistence being the wonderful desserts.  It was so difficult to chose so we just had to try several.  There went the diet!

19h00 - Departure from Pestana Casino Park for City sightseeing onboard the panoramic Yellow buses which was open top to enjoy the  Xmas Lights and views in Funchal Bay and surroundings

20h00 - Bus stops at Cable Car and guests go on foot for short walk and Welcome drink at S. Tiago Fortress

20h30 - Gala Dinner S. Tiago Fortress. This was my favourite meal and a spectacular position with superb views towards Funchal.

 Included entertainment throughout dinner with excellent singer.

Thursday, 12th December 2013

9h00 - Pick up at Hotel and departure for excursions. Visit to the Market Place – Mercado dos Lavradores.

We were shown the wide variety of fruits and vegetables they can grow due to their mild climate

 Cable Car from Funchal until Monte where we took the optional toboggan ride which was fun and very enjoyable at a cost of 15 euros where 2 local men in costume speed us down windy roads in a basket - well worth this unique trip which was Madeira's first form of transport from the top of Funchal to bottom

 

11h30 - Visit to the Madeira Wine Lodges, includes wine tasting.  Madeira wine is similar to sherry but quite unique and higher alcohol content than wine.

12h30 Extensive lunch at the Armazem do Sal Restaurant which was very pleasant.

15h30 - Workshop with local trade

18h00 - End of workshop and transfer to Pestana Casino Park.

20h00 - Dinner at Adega da Quinta Restaurant, located in Quinta do Estreito which was buffet style and very nice.

Friday, 13th December 13

08h30 - Pick up at Pestana Casino Park and Departure in jeep with Mountain Expeditions

company. Our first stop at Pico do Areeiro – 3rd highest mountain in the Island.  You could feel the difference in temperature at the altitude of.1810 metres..Departure to Ribeiro Frio, stop by the trout station followed by very pleasant Levada walk Balcões – about 45 mins – easy level with a specatacular view at the turning point.

12h00 - Departure to Santana where we saw Santana typical houses.

 

13h00 - Lunch at Quinta do Furão with spectacular views at this peaceful retreat.

 

14h30 – Departure to Funchal
Stop in Caniçal, on the way, most eastern tip of the Island
16h30 – Arrival to the Hotel

19h00 – Pick up at Pestana Casino Park.

20h10 - Farewell dinner at The Vine Hotel.  This unusual and quirky was ideal for romantic couples with bathtub in the room and extensive use of glass partitions throughout.  It has a delightful rooftop pool and sunbathing area with bar but regrettably I was only able to take pictures in the dark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our final day 14th December, we were picked up and taken to Avenue do Mar pier where we had a Sea Pleasure Catamaran trip with the hope of dolphin spotting but due to rough weather prior to our trip, they had moved away from the area.  However, the sun was shining for the duration of our trip and it was lovely to be able to see Madeira from a different aspect.

Madeira has always been considered as a destination for the retired but this trip has proved to us there is a lot more to do to appeal to a wider clientele.  Weather is generally mild even throughout their winters with temperature in late teens to early 20s centigrade.  It is very lush and green yet mountainous and scenic with walks to suit all abilities.

All too often on these fam trips, we are shown lots of hotels and little of the surrounding areas. It was the decision of the organisers to show us as much of the island as possible to give us a true feeling of what tourists can see and do during their stay. It made it a most memorable trip and I thank the Portuguese Tourist Board and Classic Collections Holidays for inviting us on this superfam.  For more photos, see our facebook Emsworth Travel album and for more information speak to Sue on 01243377211

Rhine River Cruise Convention - Cologne 14 Nov 13

 The conference break started with an overnight stop in Stansted at the Warmans Barn which is 10 minutes transfer from the airport. Check in was in the Pub opposite who served a very nice evening meal. I was helped with my bags to the room which was a generous size and nice bathroom. My only complaint was that the area at the back of the shower was not as clean as it could be but the rest was clean and fresh. They take your key and park off site so important to make sure you have everything from the car. Taxi transfers run hourly £4 there and £12 back, payable in advance.

My flight was with German Wings who ran on time and the flight was good and reasonably priced at £66 to Cologne including 20 kilos luggage plus hand luggage and a snack was included on the plane. The flight left on time at 07.55 hours and arrived at 10.05 hours. Deb and Gill met me in Cologne, travelling with Easyjet with a flight price of less than £60 return travelling with hand baggage only from Gatwick. This flight was at 0710 hours arriving at 09.25 hours and ran on time.

An afternoon walking tour was arranged for the delegates through Cologne with the focal point of the cathedral the largest in Europe, visiting a few of the oldest buildings in Cologne and through its charming cobbled streets, ending at the oldest pub/restaurant in the town . This was an ideal centre for the convention as the ships were docked just a few minutes walk from the centre of Cologne.

We chose to stay at the Konigshof Hotel which was a friendly 3 star hotel in a great central position, close to the rail station and Cathedral. Our room was a good sized 3 bedded room at a cost of £119 for the room and the breakfast was excellent with a wide choice of hot and cold food available.

Day 1 of the conference commenced on board the KD RhineEnergie a charter ship which can be used for conferences and day trips from Cologne to Dusseldorf as short as 20 minutes and stop several places en route. Here we met with most of the river cruise companies and talked about their ships and cruises offered at the morning workshop. We then walked to the A-Rosa ship for a tasty buffet lunch and back to the conference ship for an afternoon conference finishing with our stay on board the CroisiEurope French cruise ship the Gerard Smitter and enjoying a good french meal with wine included.

Day 2 of the conference was our ship visit day with chance to view 7 different River Cruise ships. All ships viewed were either 2 or 3 decks with the lower deck with portholes and fixed windows as close to the water line, second deck larger picture windows and largest on the top floor. The first was the MS Serenity in the River Cruise and Diamond Holidays brochure. This is a 3 star cruise ship - a bit ordinary but the prices are very affordable. 95 cabins (up to 190 people) on 3 decks, Cabins only twins with fold away beds put up in day so that it becomes sitting area. Upper deck rooms have french balcony.

Next we viewed our host ship for the 3 day river cruise the CroisiEurope Gerard Smitter. It has 3 Decks, 2nd deck medium size windows and upper deck full size windows - all cabins are the same. Restricted small cupboard with hanging space but lots of shelves instead. Small shower room with no full shower cubicle (just pull round curtain) and restricted space in shower area. The provide 90 percent french food occasionally change menu to be relevant to destination. Next year all inclusive will be offered with drinks all day. One disabled cabin but not suitable for immobile clients as lift does not go to top deck and if you have to cross other boats. New ship- built 2012. Colourful use of pinks and purples with nice lounge areas and friendly staff. French is the main language but they do translate to english.

Next we went to view the Rotterdam offered through Shearings. I was pleasantly surprised by this ship. Traditional but built to a nice standard, traditional feel with use of quality woods and more of a hotel feel about it. As they market to the over 55s, they have chair lift on stairs as no other lift but not to the main deck so if clients have restricted movement, need to make sure they are on upgraded rooms on reception and lounge decks. They cater more to the british market. 3 decks with only twin rooms which fold away for day rooms. Rooms were all different styles the ones we saw were nice rooms.

We then moved on to the Uniworld River Duchess - this was one of my favourite ships with a price tag to match. This boutique style ship uses lovely fresh light colours to give a bright and inviting feel to the ship. Cabins were generous in size and there was a lovely spa to pamper you during those relaxing hours. In 2014 they will offer all inclusive (including tips). There are 67 cabins for 120 guests. There are four suites with tea coffee making facilities and 4 interconnecting rooms and cabins are on 4 decks. It has a gym and dinner is a la carte. Main deck has coffee stations and cakes/biscuits.

We then moved on to the Lord Byron offered by Riviera Travel. Originally promoted solely through Readers offers in papers such as Observer but now bookable through travel agents at the same price. Riviera aim at the british market with tea/coffee making facilities in every room and english speaking staff. Free seating for dinner and free shore excursions but alcohol not included to encourage people to go ashore to enjoy the local towns. You can join by rail or flight. 2 disabled cabins but not suitable for very disabled customers that cannot walk under 200 metres. Sun deck with mini golf and plunge pool. Dinner with silver service and choice of meals. Lunch and breakfast is buffet style. 78 cabins on 3 decks. Hair salon and spa. Lower deck cabins £300 per person lower in price for suites and standard cabins on this deck are offered to singles at no supplement. This was one of my favourite ships. 4 deluxe suites on Diamond deck - top deck. All cabins have showers on this ship. A very pleasant appearance throughout the ship with an appearance more of a hotel than a ship.

 

Next we saw Amadeus Princess with 80 cabins for up to 160 passengers and 2 suites on deck 3. Buffet breakfast and lunch, but dinner is served. Cabins are all the same just different sizes of windows on each deck. This ship was pleasant but not with anything that stands out from the rest. Colours of decor were rich and dark maroons or wood.

The final ship came in late and I was advised is offered by Riviera and E Waterways, the Queen Maxima is a 5 star plus and I was advised is the most expensive built ship on the Rhine with lovely quality wood and large cabins. Spacious deck areas and good spa and gym with sauna and jacuzzi and hairdresser and massage.

 

We then checked back onto our host ship Gerard Smitter for the commencement of our cruise. The principle of the ship food is that the meal is a set meal and time and displayed in advance . If you are not happy with the menu they are due to serve, you can give notice to change to something different. Special diets need to be advised well in advance as certain foods like gluten free are not easy to get in certain ports. We left at 5 pm and head towards Koenigswinter and went ashore after dinner. This sleepy little village is pretty and upmarket but there is not much to see and only a few bars were open at this time of year. We found a nice bar attached to a local hotel.

We sailed at 4 am and arrived in Koblenz, where we had a walking tour of the centre of the town which was pretty and interesting and though 80 percent was flattened in the war, the rebuilding has been sympathetic to its original and appears much older. After 2 hours we set off and enjoyed lunch through beautiful scenery and magnificent castles for Rudesheim, another pretty little wine growing village where we enjoyed a wine tasting and music museum displaying and demonstrating the largest collection of self playing instruments which was very interesing. A short stroll back through the pretty streets to the boat for our gala dinner of salmon and cream cheese, followed by veal steak which was the best meal so far.

 

The following day we set off towards Mannheim and had an early lunch at 11.45 hours. We boarded our coach which took us to Heidelberg where we had a tour of the wonderful castle and a walk round the pretty town with cobbled streets with some free time before returning to the ship. We departed at 6 pm for our final destination in Strasbourg.

 

On arrival in Strasbourg, we were able to view another 5 ships owned by CroisiEurope and a delightful barge which was exquisitely furnished and the rooms were not much smaller than the ship we were on and each cabin had private facilities - total number of passengers 24.

Overall, we had a very enjoyable trip and River cruising would appeal to the 55 plus age group or those that like the idea of being taken from city to city or village in a relaxing environment. Excursions range from £10 for a walking tour up to £35 ish for a longer coach inclusive tour. It would also be a great way to see the Christmas markets which were being erected as we travelled around and would be up and running within the next week or so. River cruising is not suitable for those who cannot walk more than 200 metres or very disabled as there are times that ships are docked next to each other and you have to cross 2 or 3 ships on the top deck across ramps which can vary in steepness. A most relaxing way to travel and thanks goes to CroisiEurope for the opportunity to experience river cruising first hand.

For more information, please call Sue, Gill or Deb on 01243377211 and for more photos see Emsworth Travel facebook.