It’s a raining and cold outside. But my thoughts are elsewhere. I’m thinking about my river cruise on the Rhine this past summer on the Viking EIR (courtesy of Viking River Cruises).* The days on “Rhineland Discovery” were sunny, tranquil, and full of dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery — from our time in Bruges, to our stay in Amsterdam, to our visit to the windmills of Kinderdijk and the vibrant city of Cologne. Each day was better than the next.
Conquering the Marksburg Castle
“Are you ready to conquer the castle?” asked our program director Daniel as we arrived for our tour of the Marksburg Castle in Koblenz, Germany. My boyfriend L and I climbed the cobblestone steps up to the hilltop.
Marksburg Castle was high up on the hill
Our guide Sasha opened the gates and led us through the rooms. We saw the wine cellar, the kitchen where big oxen were cooked centuries ago, the chapel, and the seated chamber or living quarters. “People in the Middle Ages were smaller,” said Sasha. “They slept sitting up because it was superstitious to sleep lying down, which was the position of death. They drank a lot of wine. It was safer to drink the wine than the water.”
We toured the rooms in Marksburg Castle
We maneuvered up narrow staircases. Sasha told us that these slim passageways were built to slow the enemy so only one person could go up at a time. We toured a room filled with heavy armory from the different time periods. “Would anyone like to try on a helmet to test how heavy it is?” Sasha asked. My Lancelot’s head was too large to fit, so guess who offered hers? That helmet was really heavy!
Guess who?
Sailing to Rudesheim
We spent a relaxing afternoon sailing along the Middle Rhine, one of Germany’s most scenic regions. According to Viking, “castles and wines take center stage, particularly along the Middle Rhine, brimming with remarkable beauty, history and culture.” L and I had a chance to partake in the best Rieslings during our dinner in Rüdesheim that evening.
Bucolic views on the Rhine
We boarded a mini-train for our excursion to the 15th-century Drosselgasse, strolling past wine bars and taverns to Rüedesheimer Schloss for a night out filled with traditional German fare and lots of oom-pah-pah tunes. Seating was around long communal tables. L and I sat next to a lovely couple from New Zealand. The meal featured potato soup, Sauerbraten with mashed potatoes and applesauce, and kugel for dessert. Afterwards, the music grew loud as we cheered on travelers who rose to drink shots of schnapps in unison. It was a fun evening.
Dinner at Rüedesheimer Schloss
Germany’s Most Romantic Castle In Heidelberg
The next day, our travels took us to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town and the home of its most romantic castle. Our bus ascended slowly around the winding path to the Heidelberg Castle, which sits 330 feet above the river.
We toured Heidelberg Castle, which features the largest non-working wine barrel
Our guide Petra shared the castle’s rich history. ” In 1613, Prince Frederick married Elizabeth Stewart from England and they lived in the castle. They had 13 children. Prince Frederick died at a young age, In fact, one of their children, George, is an ancestor of England’s Queen Elizabeth,” Petra said. We also learned that a good bit of the castle was destroyed by fire in the 17th century. Thankfully, Heidelberg remained intact during World War II.
During our free hours, we walked around the Market Square, visited the famous Chocolaterie Knösel, where we bought a few of the iconic chocolates called Student’s Kiss (these confections represent affection and are often gifted during marriage proposals), and had lunch under the sycamore trees at Cafe Gundel, known for its baked goods.
We visited Heidelberg Market Square and Chocolaterie Knösel
Jewelry shops in German are called Schmuck-Atelier
We enjoyed lunch at Cafe Gundel
I wish I had more time to spend exploring this city. Definitely adding it to my “go back to visit again” travel list for my life after 50.
A taste of Germany
Our perfect day ended in a perfect way with “A Taste of Germany” buffet on board the Viking EIR. The staff dressed accordingly, men in Lederhosen and women in dirndls. The menu was filled with everything German — sausages, pretzels, potato salad, beers, wine, and German sweets. I downed a shot of raspberry schnapps to start our meal with a toast, “to good health, good life, and trost,” meaning comfort in German.
The Viking staff dressed in festive attire for our “Taste of Germany” dinner
We enjoyed “A Taste of Germany” aboard the Viking EIR
A beautiful sunset as we left Germany for France
Little did I know that the next day would be one of my best-ever! Yes, that’s right, almost on par with my trip to Capri, Italy in June. Stay tuned to hear all about my full-day excursion with a food and city tour of Strasbourg, the cultural center of France’s Alsace region. If you haven’t booked your trip yet, you’ll be ready after you read about my day in Strasbourg. For sure, for sure!!!
Can’t wait to share my food and city tour of Strasbourg
Judi
P.S. – In case you missed my first recaps you can find them at:
♥ My Travels on “Rhineland Discovery” – A Delight for the Senses
♥ My Travels on “Rhineland Discovery” – First Stop Beautiful Bruges
♥ My Travels on “Rhineland Discovery” – Adventures In Amsterdam
♥ My Travels on “Rhineland Discovery” – A Lovely Last Day In Amsterdam
♥ My Travels on “Rhineland Discovery” − Welcome To Kinderdijk and Cologne
*Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” Viking River Cruises provided me with a complimentary press trip river cruise on the Rhine. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I’m glad you had a great time on the Rhine.
I went in September and loved it!!
Robin, so glad you enjoyed the Rhine trip too. Such beautiful scenery.
I have yet to take a cruise on a Viking, this would be a wonderful first start….thanks for sharing all the highlights
Noel, since you are a seasoned traveler I’m sure you would love Viking river cruises.
I’d love to see a photo of the river cruise ship included in the blog – my favourite photo is Schmuck-Atelier!
Ruth, I’ve included pictures of the cruise ship in my other posts. Go on my Travel and Leisure page.
I loved reading this post and now will have to jump over to a few of the others. I am taking a similar trip in December, and although we won’t be as lucky with the weather, I can’t wait to experience all you have shared with us.
Alison, you are going to love the cruise. It may be cooler in December, but you will see the cities and countries during the holiday season which will be spectacular, I’m sure.
What a great trip! Thanks for the trip down memory lane for us, we did this a couple of years ago and just loved Heidelberg.
Glad you enjoyed Heidelberg too. Love your travel blog too.
Just how much fun can one girl have, Judi? It looks like your trip to Germany has been truly amazing. Thx for sharing.
Doreen, yes, I do love my blogging life and also my yoga! Can’t wait to share my day in Strasbourg.
I’ve been on several Viking Cruises and each one has been better than the last. This looks like a wonderful itinerary and I can’t blame you for reminiscing!
Irene, which Viking cruises did you go on? What were your favorites?
Oh, my what a glorious trip you had. Magical times of travel, food and good company. You are blessed to have had this experience. Here’s to more wonderful travel for you, Judy!
Thanks Cathy. I do feel so lucky to have the opportunities to travel during my life after 50.
I’ll bet there was a huge sign telling you not to touch those helmets lol.