GERMANY
Bacharach
We arrived in the half-timbered village of Bacharach, which took us back in time to the medieval ages. After checking into our quaint, castle like hotel, we had a delicious dinner. We sat at tables according to our wine preference, dry, semi-dry, or sweet. By the end of dinner I think we all had several tastes of each wine! After dinner we took a relaxing night stroll through the quiet small town. The next morning we met our local guide, Thomas, for an informative walking tour of Bacharach. Next, we were off to St. Goar for breathtaking Rhine Valley views from Rheinfels Castle. After a little cuckoo clock shopping, we boarded a boat to cruise on the peaceful Rhine River. Along the way, we saw picturesque hilltop vineyards, abandoned castles, and charming villages. The scenery was stunning, culminating with a cruise past the famed Loreley Rock.
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After an enjoyable day exploring castles and a Rhine River Cruise,we had a hardy German dinner. |
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St. Goar
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We hiked up a hill to explore ruins of the medieval Rheinfels Castle,
and also enjoyed spectactular view of the Rhine River Valley.
and also enjoyed spectactular view of the Rhine River Valley.
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Picturesque cruise on the Rhine River from St. Goar back to Bacharach
Rothenburg
Next, it was on to the fairy tale medieval town of Rothenburg, Germany. Rotheburg looks like it’s straight out of a storybook with its’ delightful shops and cafes. Our group went on a brief orientation walk before having free time to explore. My daughter Amy and I went into some wood carving shops and got to talk with some of the local people. In Anneliese Friese, we met a man named Bernie. His family is good friends with Rick and even had Christmas cards from the Steves Family hanging up in their shop! After purchasing some original, hand carved wooden trinkets, it was dinner time. Amy and I were tired from walking around and wanted to rest up before a night tour, so we ordered pizza, bought pastries and wine for a fabulous picnic on our hotel balcony. Even though it was raining, the backdrop of the cute town made for a lovely, relaxing dinner. In fact, the light mist and drizzle added a unique touch to our Rothenburg experience. At 8:00, it was time for the Night Watchman’s tour, which told the history of the town and how the walls kept the town safe. The history was fascinating and it was fun to experience the town after dark
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Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
Here we learned about the horrors of WW II. This was a moving and thought provoking experience.
Here we learned about the horrors of WW II. This was a moving and thought provoking experience.
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Gate at entrance translates "Work will make you free"
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Bunker area with Nandor Glid sculpture in front
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Crematorium ovens Crematorium Building
Oktoberfest Munich, Germany
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Next, we completely switched gears and were surprised with a stop at THE Oktoberfest! What a once- in- a -lifetime experience. So many sights, sounds, and smells welcomed us to Germany’s biggest party. Amy and I strolled around the vendor stalls, beer houses, and people watched. We munched on giant pretzels, pommes frites, and of course, sampled some beer. The whole experience was amazing to be a part of, especially since it was a complete shock. It will certainly be a lifelong memory!
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Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle "(New Swanstone") which "Mad" King Ludwig had built, was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. We toured the lavishly furnished and decorated rooms (taking photos inside was not permitted).
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Hohenschwangau Castle (High Swanland)
"Mad" King Ludwig's childhood home |
We enjoyed a magical walk with picturesque views.
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Wieskirche Church
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Off the "Romatic Road" in
the countryside we visited this magnificently decorated rococo-style church. |
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