Sandra Mcmillen Windsor, CO Travel Agent | Vacation.com
Sandra Mcmillen

Sandra Mcmillen

Windsor, CO Travel Agent

Andaggio Destinations

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12 Years of Experience
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English
Biking and Barging in Germany Zwaan

Biking and Barging in Germany

I'm always up for a new travel experience, so when our friends suggested we all travel to the Moselle River region of Germany and experience a bike tour while sleeping and eating on a barge - I said "let's do it!".  I'm so glad that I did.  We booked the tour for the middle of September, knowing the weather would be nice and cool and the crowds would be smaller.  When we arrived at the dock to board our barge, I was pleasantly surprised at the beautiful Dutch ship, the Zwaan (Swan in Dutch) that waited for us.  It was old (early 1900s) but restored, with gleaming wood and fresh paint and a smiling crew of 4 lovely members waiting to greet us.  Each couple was assigned a room - they were small but still had private baths and comfortable bunks.  It was an adventure and I was ready for it!  I fell in love with the barge immediately.  After stowing our things, we met the other guests who would be our companions for the next week.  There were 2 couples traveling together from Australia, a couple from Canada and the 6 of us from Colorado.  The crew consisted of our captain, a lovely lady named Bridgette, our chef, Ingebor, our first mate, Noel and our bicycle guide Paul.  They all hailed from Amsterdam and we got along famously.  Ingebor served the BEST food I've had in years - every meal was a feast created in a tiny galley kitchen with the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets in each stop along the river.

Our days were filled with sunshine and biking through small villages, winding our way along the river banks and stopping to sample wine, tour old cathedrals, have picnic lunches and exploring castles.  We pedaled along gaily, waving and calling "Guten Morgen" to each person we passed.  Often, someone would start a rousing song that we all knew and would join in on, and we would peddle, laugh, sing and chat our way through 40-50 KM of river bank, pastoral lands, vineyards and villages.  Life was good.

The last night of our tour we all gathered together in the family style dining room and raised a toast to our delightful hosts.  Ingebor outdid herself with the meal that evening, and we all sang a beautiful Dutch ballad together - a ballad that reminded us that life is good, people are good, and gathering together as friends from across the globe is priceless.  Tears were shed and emails and addresses exchanged as we departed for our homes the next morning.  I may never see my new friends again, but I will always cherish them, and the memory of our time together, in my heart.

Extraordinary travels come from the ordinary heart that is willing to be open and see the world around them.  

Areas of Expertise

Reviews

310 Reviews
Great trip, Sandy made it very easy and enjoyable
We went on a trip to three different citied in Europe and did multiple tours and activities in each. I can't imagine not having Sandy to help line this up for us. Not only was it all set up, but detailed instructions along the way. This is much needed when you're in a place you've never been.
T&Z - Fort Collins, CO - Traveled to Rome ~ Italy ~ Europe
34 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
A Trip to Remember!
She was professional yet very easy to talk to when meeting with her.
D & T - Fort Collins, CO - Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
35 of 58 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
The Best trip of our lives without a doubt! I hav
Sandy was fabulous to work with. Her attention to detail is above and beyond. We took a two week trip to Europe with our two teenagers. We had very clear instructions getting from place to place down to what we should or should not tip drivers, tour guides etc. The tours she connected us with were top notch. Thanks to Sandy we had a spectacular trip and will have great memories. I highly recommend Sandy to help you plan your next trip.
Sage - Franktown, CO - Traveled to Europe
37 of 62 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO

Certifications & Awards

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Additional Certifications

  • 2023 Circle Of Excellence
  • Costa Rica Tourism Specialist
  • Globus Family Of Brands Certification
  • Group Travel Specialist
  • 2022 Circle Of Excellence
  • Home Based Travel Agent Program Certification
  • Avalon River Cruise Specialist
  • 2021 Circle Of Excellence
  • Avalon Expert
  • G Adventures Agent Of Change
  • Groups Specialist

My Travel Stories

Biking and Barging in Germany

Biking and Barging in Germany

I'm always up for a new travel experience, so when our friends suggested we all travel to the Moselle River region of Germany and experience a bike to...

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