RHINE & MOSEL CRUISE SUMMARY
Day 1 & 2 - It was a long flight to Europe. We first flew from Denver to Munich (Germany) on a massive double-decker airbus. Upon arrival, we got special wheelchair assistance. This service is amazing! We were whisked through special passport lanes and even got our own shuttle to our next plane... where I got upgraded to business class! Upon arrival in Basel (Switzerland), we were met by our tour director, Veerle. She got us on a bus to our cruise ship, the River Harmony. This was a package tour by Overseas Adventure Travel on their Grand Circle Cruise Line, so everything was included. After settling into our amazing cabin (complete with our own balcony!), we attended a welcome talk which informed us all about life on the ship. Then we had the first of our many incredible daily meals and desserts!
Day 3 - We started the day with an amazing buffet, which included a omelet station and a different specialty side dish (today was French toast). We hopped off the ship and into a waiting bus which would take us into downtown Basel where Veerle led us on a site-seeing walk. We saw interesting artwork by Tinguely, explored numerous streets, wandered around the main cathedral, got a view of the Rhine River, and learned all sorts of interesting history. We returned to the ship for an incredible lunch. We took the afternoon to rest a bit and explore our floating home. In the evening, we enjoyed the captain's welcome drink and dinner. The attentive crew always made sure I got a special vegetarian meal.
Day 4 - The ship set out at 5:30 am. After breakfast and passing through some locks (we would have to navigate 30 of them on this trip), we got a cooking lesson from the chef on how to make a French dessert, tarte tatin. The captain then ordered a safety drill where we all had to put on our lifejackets. In the afternoon, we boarded a bus which drove us through wine country to the small town of Riquewihr (France). After a short tour (including a tasting of macrons), we were given some time to explore on our own. Jane and I opted to sample a delicious Gewurtztraminer. We got some spiced cake to sample on the bus ride back to the ship, where we enjoyed another sensational dinner... with more wine, of course. I suspect I'll be coming home several pounds heavier!
Day 5 - When we awoke in the morning, the ship was already docked near Strasbourg (France). After eating heartily, we met with a local guide who took us downtown on a local train. The highlight was the massive gothic cathedral with its unique astronomical clock. We met up with Veerle and all went to lunch in a restaurant called L'Ancienne Douane. We were given free time afterwards so Jane and I took a covered boat ride around the canals. We caught the train back to the ship. After yet another sensational dinner, there was a presentation... the life of a program director... where we got to learn all about Veerle and the other two group guides.
Day 6 - Again we cruised overnight, awaking this time in Speyer (Germany)... the supposed birthplace of the pretzel. We were close enough to walk directly into town from the ship. Veerle brought us to see the church and the old Jewish quarter. During our free time afterwards, I returned to the church to visit the crypt, which contained the tombs of eight kings and emperors. After lunch on the ship, we hopped on a bus for a visit with a local family. Eight of us were dropped off at the home of Cordula and her husband to enjoy some cakes and conversation. After dinner, we enjoyed a fun performance by a singing group named Stimmalarm.
Day 7 - The morning was spent cruising though the gorgeous (yet somewhat cold and misty) Lorelei valley. The cliffs were lined with an incredible amount of castles. This is also where sirens used to lure sailors to their deaths. One of the beauties even paid us a visit on the ship! After lunch, we took a bus up to Marksburg Castle for a tour. It had an amazing collection of historic armor. The tour ended with a pretzel and a beer... and some brief torrential rain! We were returned to the town of Boppard where a wine festival was going on. The ship set out after dinner, rounding the corner at Koblenz and taking us onto the Mosel River.
Day 8 - Because of an extreme delay getting through the locks at Koblenz, our schedule today had to be altered. Travel is all about flexibility! We continued our scenic cruise up the Mosel. The small towns and castles on the hill were incredible! Vineyards covered the steep slopes. We passed through more locks and slipped under low bridges. As always, the meals on the ship were delicious! In the afternoon, the chef gave us a tour of the kitchen. Later we got a short German language lesson. And after dinner, there was a wine tasting.
Day 9 - By morning, the ship had docked next to the town of Riol. We hopped on a tour bus headed into Trier. Jane and I took the easier 'green flag' tour with a local guide instead of our usual yellow "sunshine" flag group with Veerle. We saw the old Roman aqueducts and city gate (the Porta Negra or black gate), lots of lovely architecture, the main market square and the massive cathedral. After lunch, I took a short walk along the river to see some of the vineyards. The happy hours and meal often have a theme. The crew dresses up and the rooms are beautifully decorated. Tonight's dinner was Hollywood. Afterwards, the captain gave a nautical talk.
Day 10 - The mist was thick as we began cruising back down the Mosel River. Upon arriving in Bernkastel, we did a short walking tour. Jane and I then hopped on a small tram tour. We crossed the river into Keus and up to the top of a large hill, which offered us a lovely view of the area. After lunch, I hiked up to the ruins of Landshut Castle.
Day 11 - We arrived in Cochem in the morning. I signed up for the more active tour of Reichsburg Castle. We walked into town and took a minibus the rest of the way up the hill. Afterward the tour, I spent a bit of time exploring the charming town before returning to the ship. After dinner, some of the crew members gave a presentation on their home countries.
Day 12 - In the morning, I went on a tour of Bonn with a local guide. We saw the university buildings, the large cathedral, city hall, and a statue of Beethoven (this was his home town). In the afternoon, there was a scrumptious bread tasting onboard. Afterwards, Jane and I walked back into town for a bit. Later we enjoyed High Tea on the ship with various cakes, scones and ice cream!
Day 13 - Jane and I joined Veerle in a morning walking tour of Nijmegen (The Netherlands). Along with enjoying the many gorgeous buildings, we also got a cheese tasting! After lunch, my Dutch friend Ilja swung by for a visit. He and I then went back into town for a ride on the ferris wheel since the carnival was in town. It was great fun (mixed with a healthy dose of terror for those of us scared of heights) being able to look down on the giant cathedral!
Day 14 - When we awoke in the morning, we could see the windmills of Kinderdijk outside our window! Jane was feeling a bit under the weather so she opted to remain on the ship as it headed to Dordrecht. The rest of us walked among the windmills (including climbing up inside one) and also got a boat ride on the channel. We hopped on some tour busses which reunited us with the ship. It then made its way to the historic fortified town of Willemstad where Veerle took us on another marvelous tour, with its small streets, octagonal church and own windmill. Afterwards I explored some of the old WWII bunkers. Later, we got to sample more cheese on the ship.
Day 15 - I did the morning walking tour of Antwerp (Belgium) with Veerle then went back later with Jane for a slightly shorter version. Afterwards, I returned to the cathedral to see the famous paintings by Ruben. This was a spectacular city with endless things to do! We even got to sample fries and chocolate! In the evening, we all said our good-byes at the captain's farewell dinner.
Our yellow group
Day 16 - It was an extremely long travel day which began with setting our luggage out in the hallway at 4:45 am. We first flew to Toronto (Canada) and then home to Denver. And the sun set on yet another spectacular adventure!
