This has to be one of the most styly and elegant breakfasts we’ve ever had! The award-wining Rigoni’s Bistro is centrally located at 28 Leigh Street with european interiors and service to match. Definitely NOT a gobble-and-go place. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, gentle music and complementary newspapers. The breakfasts are just a bit different where presentation is an essential component. Definitely recommend Rigoni’s to serious travellers:
At least 80% of tourists are looking for a day tour they can pack into an already busy itinerary – although these tours merely skim the surface, they do give travellers time to relax and view magnificent scenery while someone else does the driving. The Murray River Day Tour is NOT a small group tour but you’ll see a lot from the comfort of a modern and comfortable coach.
We were collected by coach from our hotel at 8.45am sharp and whisked away to the bus station where all the various tour buses are waiting. It just so happened that the pick-up bus was actually the same one doing the Murray River Tour. So we stayed on board. We had a fabulous driver/guide. Tony was informative, relaxed and very funny in that dry Australian way. With a coach full of people, you’ll always get one who talks through the driver’s commentary. Tony handled it well. He stopped his commentary and said “oh, sorry, am I interrupting again”? It was a strategy that worked. Just before this photo was taken, Barry did a monkey pose, but refused a repeat performance:
The “Proud Mary” is a boutique cruising vessel which also operates 2-5 day cruises where guests stay in their own cabin. It has 3 decks and an intimate lounge and dining area with its own bar. The lunch buffet was more than adequate and constantly replenished. And we had a chance to socialise with other diners and share experiences.
The Proud Mary provides scenic views of orange coloured cliffs and various wildlife including a fabulous display of Pelicans swooping very close around the vessel. Believe me, these birds are built like freight planes!
After about 75 mins we disembarked from the Proud Mary to board our coach and travel to the historic river town of Mannum. For those interested in hiring their own state-of-the-art river houseboats, these can be viewed and hired in Mannum – an affordable option for families sharing expenses.
Meanwhile, back at the coach, there was the usual 10 min wait for the stragglers and then we were off again, driving through the beautiful Adelaide Hills, via Tungkillo and Mt Torrens. (We’re returning under our own steam tomorrow for an independent explore).
The only disappointing part of this tour was the stop at a Toy factory at Gumeracha. Given there were no children on the tour, we felt this choice of venue was inappropriate, except to doting grannies. Perhaps a better option would have been e.g. a winery or chocolate factory where you could actually see the process of production. The giant toy horse was pretty impressive though. 
All in all, this was a good option for timestrapped tourists and we enjoyed it.
