Sunday, June 29, 2008

We will see several points of interest as we take a scenic bus ride through the Rhine Valley south.  We’ll see the famous statue of Loreley and Alpenfest will perform a famous song honoring her.  It will be a busy day, as we visit the BWM Motorcycle Museum, view a slate demonstration and then revel in a barn, singing and tasting schnapps.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Trier is the oldest city in Germany; it was actually founded by the Romans.  Where is the world’s largest coliseum?  Rome?  No, it’s in Trier!  Among the ruins, we will see coliseum and the holding cells where the lions that tortured Christians were held.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Another charming boat ride will take us to the city of Kaub, a town famous for wine production.  In Kaub, we will visit the Blüchermuseum, a fine baroque building dating from 1780.  It has exhibits commemorating the crossing the Rhine by the Silesian Army.  After a trip to the Pfalz castle, we’ll be treated as royalty with a medieval feast and wine tasting in tower that is hundreds of years old.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Our day starts with a cruise up the Rhine to the city of Rüdesheim.  The banks of the Rhine are dotted with incredible castles; some dating back to the eleventh century.  In Rüdesheim, we will visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music museum, which features nearly 350 playing musical instruments from three centuries.  The distinctive play box from the 18th Century is a delight to all.  If one operates the mechanism, the cover opens and a small bird appears chirping and fluttering its wings.  The highlight of the Rhine Valley tour is a romantic Evening Cruise.  The castles along the Rhine are beautifully lighted.  Combined with live music, it will be an unforgettable night.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

This day, we will tour the Mosel River and travel to the old city of Cochem.  Along the way, we will see many points of interest.  Our bus will take us to Treis, then a boat will take us to the village of Alken.  On board, we’ll enjoy coffee and cake as we travel through the Mosel River Valley.

Friday, July 4, 2008

It’s a short drive to the city of Koblenz.  Koblenz was almost totally destroyed  by war, yet it has recovered and there are beautiful streets, churches and abundant shopping.  One hundred and eighteen meters above the Rhine River, we’ll visit the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, which was built by the Prussian Army.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Return home with new friends, a wealth of memories and a plan for next year!.