Change of Plans in Frankfurt Day 4

I pre-booked a tour to Heidelberg through Viator.com. I hopped in a cab to ETS Tour office at 9 am to be in time for the 9:30 am departure. I walked into the office and the nice gentleman asked me to have a seat. A few minutes later he told me that the others on my tour cancelled and I was the only one. Hmmm what does this mean? He asked me if I would be interested in taking the Rhine Valley tour instead at no extra cost to me. I was a bit concerned because I didn't really want a full day tour. He assured me I would be back by 6:30 pm to meet up with Greg so I agreed. The tour wouldn't start until 11 am so he offered me a city bus tour for no expense as well. All I could think of was what amazing customer service!!

I hopped onto the bus (it's basically a hop on hop off) and with only one other rider off we went. I saw most of the sights already through my walks but I did get to see where Palmengarten was and realized I could walk to it. More on that later in the week :-)

When I got back to the office I still had a few minutes so I took a seat again. I asked the same gentleman where the tour ends? He asked where I was staying and then he proceeded to mark my ticket with a drop off at my hotel and again at no extra cost! I am floored that a company still exists with friendly staff, efficient plans, and amazing customer service!! I highly recommend a tour with ETS Tours.

There were 10 of us on the tour plus our guide. We boarded a very nice mini-bus and headed out of Frankfurt. Our first stop was the Niederwald Monument for photographs. We then made our way to lunch. We were given the option of roasted chicken or vegetarian. The chicken was tender and very flavorful. Drinks were not included but I just had to have another Radler. 
  

After lunch we drove further before boarding a boat for a river cruise. We had the entire boat to ourselves which was just lovely. The scenery of the region including numerous castles is breathtaking. 

Finally, a nice ride back to Frankfurt. I met Greg in the executive lounge of the hotel for some beers and yummy pretzels! We walked back down to Paulaner am dom. We enjoyed Radlers (beer and lemonade) to start. I ordered the Roast Pork which was tender and in a nice beer gravy. The best part of my meal was the Kartoffel Kloesse.  They are a soft and smooth potato dumpling. So delicious!! Pretty much a cross between gnocchi and matzo balls. YUM!