Mercure Koblenz

... Reinfels Ruins, which was once the greatest castle in all of Germany. We even tried to go down to the mine tunnels, crawling underground with just a flashlight to guide the way. Unfortunately we hit one too many dead ends and so we didn´t get too far. Just as we were leaving, the rain started up again. After huddling together for our ¨picnic on the Rhine¨ underneath one of the signal towers, we decided to brave it back to Bacharach. We were ...

... walking tour will highlight the appeal of Koblenz – its romantic narrow streets and historical squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter and the 12th century churches of St. Florin and Our Lady."

(To be continued)

... The waiter was actually the owner and he spoke English so we chatted a little and I watched soccer on the TV and also some spiked hair punks cause a scene and the police came and that was about it. So it was nice few drink layover in Koblentz. Back on the train to Bremen and on to Finland!!

So on the way to Trier, the train traveled right besides the Rhine River. It was AMAZING! The trip between Mantz and Koblenz was the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. There were boats just traveling up and down the river and plenty of vineyards on the rolling hills along with river. Also every 4 minutes there was another town and a larger church in ...

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When I’d had enough of the views, I rode the chairlift back down and then went to find some food. I ended up going to a little food stand and getting a Bratwurst and kartoffelsalat (i.e. potato salad). I was glad I knew the German word for it, although it tasted like American potato salad. The bratwurst was excellent, though. I think I’m going to have to try American bratwurst when I get home, just to make sure I still don ...

... but it only had a couple of interesting buildings. Most of the city had been destroyed in WWII. So then I just hoofed it to the train station. By the time I got there I was very tired of walking around with my big backpack on.

When I got to Cochem, I was exhausted and didn’t feel like doing anything. The place I was staying was literally across a parking lot from the train station, so luckily I didn’t have to walk ...

... the distance shouting back at her. And I mean loud yelling with some bad words that even I knew (anyone remember what the German girl in “The Bourne Identity” said the entire movie?). It went on for quite a while and I finally figured out that someone must have been in the bathroom and wasn’t coming out.

So this whole time I was trying to follow Rick Steves “Rhine Blitz Tour by Train or Boat.” There were quite a few castles all ...

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The river boat is the best place to enjoy these fireworks. The second best place is at a top rated restaurant with fine dining. Remember, though, that reservations have to be made very far in advance. The cheapest place, obviously, is along the river's shores.

It's a MUST SEE event, if you happen to be in Germany on any of these dates.

... of where they were going 
  
The "river" towns along the route also add color and vitality to the areas with their different architecture and styles.

The many vineyards including where and how they are located sometimes begs your imagination but are none the less spectacular.

We were pleased that this part of our cruise was near the end (traveling Budapest  to Amsterdam) rather than the other way as we thought we had already been spoilt with the scenery of the rivers.

... br>We arrived on time and the Köln station is very easy to navigate. Found the rental car agency with no trouble and even used the McClean washroom (€1!) which was not much fancier than the usual €0.20 washrooms elsewhere.

I believe we were upgraded to a Mercedes C-class and walked the 2 blocks to the parking garage to drop off our luggage in the car so we could see the Dom. It is ...