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Ruth Rosenthal | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Cities of Light with Viking River Cruises - August 2010 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Cities of Light with Viking River Cruises - August 2010

Cities of Light (Paris & Prague), endless vineyards clinging to the banks of the Moselle and Rhine, fascinating Luxembourg City, and lovely German towns/cities that can charm the lederhosen off of you! We spent 8 days on the Viking Fontane, and 6 days on land, bus, train, tram, subway, and occasional cab. We also celebrated a 60th birthday and a 24th wedding anniversary. Growing old DOES have its rewards!

The trip was August 25 through Sept. 8, 2010

I lived in Germany for 4 years when I was a kid. I have loved it ever since, and have long thought that Germany was a highly under-rated tourist destination for Americans. Therefore, I was thrilled when Howard said he wanted to go down the Rhine and look at castles! A trip to Prague was icing on the cake, though the time we had there was not nearly enough! Ich liebe Deutschland, and now I think Howard does, too!
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We used special AA tix to fly to Chicago and then Frankfurt. FF airport was awesome - 5 mins. for passport control!
We used special AA tix to fly to Chicago and then Frankfurt. FF airport was awesome - 5 mins. for passport control!		 I am lovin it already in Germany - beer on the menu at McDonald's!
I am "lovin it" already in Germany - beer on the menu at McDonald's!		 Took the Lufthansa shuttle (1 hr.) to Heidelberg for the night. Although Rick Steves panned it, we loved it - beautiful!
Took the Lufthansa shuttle (1 hr.) to Heidelberg for the night. Although Rick Steves panned it, we loved it - beautiful!		 At $170 incl. breakfast, the Villa Marstall was a bit more than we normally pay, but well worth it. Loved it!
At $170 incl. breakfast, the Villa Marstall was a bit more than we normally pay, but well worth it. Loved it!
Within 3 hours of landing in Germany, Howard bought his 1st gift. Kite Pauli quickly made himself at home with us.
Within 3 hours of landing in Germany, Howard bought his 1st gift. Kite Pauli quickly made himself at home with us.		 The beautiful Heidelberg castle from Kornmarkt, one of the squares in old Heidelberg
The beautiful Heidelberg castle from Kornmarkt, one of the squares in old Heidelberg		 Howard and I had fun photographing kids in a fountain
Howard and I had fun photographing kids in a fountain		 We took the bergbahn (funicular) to Heidelberg's spectacular Renaissance castle.
We took the bergbahn (funicular) to Heidelberg's spectacular Renaissance castle.
The castle was closing, and it started raining, so we walked around quickly.
The castle was closing, and it started raining, so we walked around quickly.		 After dinner at zum Speisel, Howard played trivia at a bar and Ruth went out in the light rain to admire the unusual town gates
After dinner at zum Speisel, Howard played trivia at a bar and Ruth went out in the light rain to admire the unusual town gates		 The next morning, I walked across the bridge to photograph the city from Philosophen Weg, (Philosophers Way--steep footpath.)
The next morning, I walked across the bridge to photograph the city from "Philosophen Weg," (Philosophers Way--steep footpath.)		 We took the ICE train to Paris to join the Viking group. The hotel was near the Eiffel, so we took lots of pictures.
We took the ICE train to Paris to join the Viking group. The hotel was near the Eiffel, so we took lots of pictures.
When I was in Paris before, I photographed the Eiffel and ice cream. This time, it was Eiffel and horse.
When I was in Paris before, I photographed the Eiffel and ice cream. This time, it was Eiffel and horse.		 After oversleeping & then flea market (marche au puche) shopping, I went to see the Louvre pyramid.
After oversleeping & then flea market (marche au puche) shopping, I went to see the Louvre pyramid.		 Howard took this great shot while walking back to the hotel after our outing.
Howard took this great shot while walking back to the hotel after our outing.		 The Arc du Carrousel is one of my favorite Paris monuments
The Arc du Carrousel is one of my favorite Paris monuments
That night, while saying goodbye to Paris, I went back to photograph the Louvre pyramid & full moon.
That night, while saying goodbye to Paris, I went back to photograph the Louvre pyramid & full moon.		 The next morning Viking bussed us (3 1/2 hrs.) to Trier, Germany. Of course, Paul came along!
The next morning Viking bussed us (3 1/2 hrs.) to Trier, Germany. Of course, Paul came along!		 Program director Monique from Belgium. She did a great job of keeping all 110 of us happy.
Program director Monique from Belgium. She did a great job of keeping all 110 of us happy.		 We stopped in Luxembourg City-beautiful, very high per capita income, & with their own language!
We stopped in Luxembourg City-beautiful, very high per capita income, & with their own language!
Ponte (bridge) d'Adolphe and the Gardens by Place de la Constitution
Ponte (bridge) d'Adolphe and the Gardens by Place de la Constitution		 Rather than take the city tour, I took a 50 min. train ride through the valley - silly train;great valley.
Rather than take the city tour, I took a 50 min. train ride through the valley - silly train;great valley.		 The old part of Luxembourg City has fortifications, hills and a river running though it.
The old part of Luxembourg City has fortifications, hills and a river running though it.		 We stopped at the American Cemetery outside Luxembourg, where General Patton is buried. It is beautifully maintained.
We stopped at the American Cemetery outside Luxembourg, where General Patton is buried. It is beautifully maintained.
Howard captured himself while trying to photograph a display about American cemeteries world-wide.
Howard captured himself while trying to photograph a display about American cemeteries world-wide.		 After Luxembourg, it was back on the bus for Trier. I found a strange sign in the bathroom.
After Luxembourg, it was back on the bus for Trier. I found a strange sign in the bathroom.		 In Trier, on the Moselle River, we boarded our home for the next 8 days: the Viking Fontane, 110 passengers.
In Trier, on the Moselle River, we boarded our home for the next 8 days: the Viking Fontane, 110 passengers.		 This is the Porta Nigra. I have a picture of my mom in front of it, taken in the 60's when we lived in Germany.
This is the Porta Nigra. I have a picture of my mom in front of it, taken in the 60's when we lived in Germany.
In the morning, I rode a city bus (packed with German school kids) to the Kaiserthermen (bath ruins from Roman times)
In the morning, I rode a city bus (packed with German school kids) to the Kaiserthermen (bath ruins from Roman times)		 One side of the baths
One side of the baths		 The beautiful Kurfurstlicher palace housed the archbishops of Trier until 1794. Now it holds govt. offices.
The beautiful Kurfurstlicher palace housed the archbishops of Trier until 1794. Now it holds govt. offices.		 A beautiful palace must have beautiful gardens, right?
A beautiful palace must have beautiful gardens, right?
On the way to Bernkastel, we passed many Moselle vineyards clinging vertically to the hillsides.
On the way to Bernkastel, we passed many Moselle vineyards clinging vertically to the hillsides.		 The serene & beautiful Moselle has a good number of castles. This is Burg Thurant near Alken.
The serene & beautiful Moselle has a good number of castles. This is Burg Thurant near Alken.		 I love Howard's picture of a cute church with Riesling vines leading up to it.
I love Howard's picture of a cute church with Riesling vines leading up to it.		 Only time to walk a bit in Bernkastel, but managed to find the Spitzhauschen with its tiny 1st floor.
Only time to walk a bit in Bernkastel, but managed to find the Spitzhauschen with its tiny 1st floor.
Dreikoenig Haus, a hotel in Kues across the river from Bernkastel.
Dreikoenig Haus, a hotel in Kues across the river from Bernkastel.		 The Burgruine Landshut (in Bernkastel) was one of many castles we'd see on the trip.
The Burgruine Landshut (in Bernkastel) was one of many castles we'd see on the trip.		 Why I love river cruises! (A man and his dog - along the Moselle.)
Why I love river cruises! (A man and his dog - along the Moselle.)		 The Detzem lock was 1 of 50 we went through on this trip on the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Main-Danube Canal!
The Detzem lock was 1 of 50 we went through on this trip on the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Main-Danube Canal!
We woke up the next day in Cochem, and I took this picture of Reichsburg castle from the deck.
We woke up the next day in Cochem, and I took this picture of Reichsburg castle from the deck.		 It looked like a frog, but we were told it was a lion. It guarded the castle and overlooked the Moselle.
It looked like a frog, but we were told it was a lion. It guarded the castle and overlooked the Moselle.		 We got to Koblenz too late to take the spiffy new seilbahn that was built for next year's huge flower show.
We got to Koblenz too late to take the spiffy new seilbahn that was built for next year's huge flower show.		 As we rounded Deutsche's Eck, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, Howard got a great shot of huge Kaiser Wilhelm.
As we rounded Deutsche's Eck, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, Howard got a great shot of huge Kaiser Wilhelm.
A lot of people don't know this, but you can walk up the steps to right under the horse. There's a nice view of Deutsche's Eck.
A lot of people don't know this, but you can walk up the steps to right under the horse. There's a nice view of Deutsche's Eck.		 Boats on the Rhine have to use a special sign to warn of their approach and plans (left, right, middle).
Boats on the Rhine have to use a special sign to warn of their approach and plans (left, right, middle).		 Castle Rheinstein. You'd think these castles would get boring, but I loved seeing them from different angles as we sailed by.
Castle Rheinstein. You'd think these castles would get boring, but I loved seeing them from different angles as we sailed by.		 The medieval tower at Oberwesel on the Rhine
The medieval tower at Oberwesel on the Rhine
Howard & the guys take in the view of Rhine castles. We were told that many castles were built to collect river tolls.
Howard & the guys take in the view of Rhine castles. We were told that many castles were built to collect river tolls.		 Castle Ehrenfels near Rudesheim
Castle Ehrenfels near Rudesheim		 Sooneck castle with campers beneath. Camping is very popular in Germany, especially with Belgian travelers.
Sooneck castle with campers beneath. Camping is very popular in Germany, especially with Belgian travelers.		 It was not uncommon to see cigarette machines in Germany. You had to swipe your ID to buy cigarettes!
It was not uncommon to see cigarette machines in Germany. You had to swipe your ID to buy cigarettes!
Bingen's little MauseTurm
Bingen's little MauseTurm		 I loved the Pfalz castle, sitting on an island in the river. Castle Gutenfels is behind.
I loved the "Pfalz" castle, sitting on an island in the river. Castle Gutenfels is behind.		 Miltenberg's pretty Zum Reissen, one of the oldest inns in Germany.
Miltenberg's pretty Zum Reissen, one of the oldest inns in Germany.		 Viking had roast pig, beer & pretzels up top. First officer Rolf, who charged some camera batteries for me, is in the back.
Viking had roast pig, beer & pretzels up top. First officer Rolf, who charged some camera batteries for me, is in the back.
Wasn't really hungry at 11, but of course I had to sample at least a little beer, pig, pretzel and potato salad!
Wasn't really hungry at 11, but of course I had to sample at least a little beer, pig, pretzel and potato salad!		 Even nuns ride bicycles in Germany!
Even nuns ride bicycles in Germany!		 Would you believe there was graffiti in a lock? (Jaco was hier.)
Would you believe there was graffiti in a lock? ("Jaco was hier.")		 Early morning, we pulled in to Aschaffenburg, with its sandstone castle, to let folks off for an optional tour to Heidelberg.
Early morning, we pulled in to Aschaffenburg, with its sandstone castle, to let folks off for an optional tour to Heidelberg.
Howard and his new Australian friend played a game of chess as we cruised to Rudesheim.
Howard and his new Australian friend played a game of chess as we cruised to Rudesheim.		 In Rudesheim, we did a wine tasting at the Adolph Storzel winery. Here's asst. tour director Andrea passing out pretzels.
In Rudesheim, we did a wine tasting at the Adolph Storzel winery. Here's asst. tour director Andrea passing out pretzels.		 I rode the gondola up to the Niederwald monument. There were several gondolas of school kids - public transportation or fun?
I rode the gondola up to the Niederwald monument. There were several gondolas of school kids - public transportation or fun?		 View of Rudesheim from part-way up the gondola route
View of Rudesheim from part-way up the gondola route
Howard & I separately walked down the Drosselgasse. I ran into him shopping for collectible pocket knives.
Howard & I separately walked down the Drosselgasse. I ran into him shopping for collectible pocket knives.		 Carl Jung winery now owns the Boosenburg castle.
Carl Jung winery now owns the Boosenburg castle.		 Viking helped celebrate Howard's 60th birthday by bringing sparklers and cake to the table after dinner.
Viking helped celebrate Howard's 60th birthday by bringing sparklers and cake to the table after dinner.		 It was international night on Viking, so waiter Petr was dressed as (I think) Henry VIII.
It was international night on Viking, so waiter Petr was dressed as (I think) Henry VIII.
Pauli's a bad boy! We brought back the rest of the birthday cake, and Paul just HAD to take a taste - licked my wine glass too!
Pauli's a bad boy! We brought back the rest of the birthday cake, and Paul just HAD to take a taste - licked my wine glass too!		 On to Miltenberg, where there was a huge fair (Michaelismesse). We joined the mobs of locals for a little fun & shopping.
On to Miltenberg, where there was a huge fair (Michaelismesse). We joined the mobs of locals for a little fun & shopping.		 Fair-goers plod along towards one of the town gates.
Fair-goers plod along towards one of the town gates.		 There was a huge beer hall set up at the festival. Beer and sausage, anyone?
There was a huge beer hall set up at the festival. Beer and sausage, anyone?
On to Wurzburg, where you have to watch out for the trams! We took a lot of them in Europe - great bus/tram/metro systems!
On to Wurzburg, where you have to watch out for the trams! We took a lot of them in Europe - great bus/tram/metro systems!		 In Wurzburg, most of us toured the Bishop's Residenz. No pictures allowed inside, but let's just say it was amazing!
In Wurzburg, most of us toured the Bishop's Residenz. No pictures allowed inside, but let's just say it was amazing!		 After the Residenz tour, I walked down to the river to photograph the Festung Marienberg and old bridge.
After the Residenz tour, I walked down to the river to photograph the Festung Marienberg and old bridge.		 I was going to take a bus to the Festung, but then found a footpath. I would regret the walk later in Prague-really bad blisters
I was going to take a bus to the Festung, but then found a footpath. I would regret the walk later in Prague-really bad blisters
The Festung was actually pretty interesting inside, which was not readily apparent from the outside.
The Festung was actually pretty interesting inside, which was not readily apparent from the outside.		 In Wurzburg we docked a bit far away - here come more blisters! When will I learn that taxi is not always a 4 letter word?
In Wurzburg we docked a bit far away - here come more blisters! When will I learn that taxi is not always a 4 letter word?		 Saint Killian stands on the Alte Brucke, oldest bridge over the Main, with Festung Marienberg up the hill.
Saint Killian stands on the Alte Brucke, oldest bridge over the Main, with Festung Marienberg up the hill.		 As we left Wurzburg, we went through another lock after the bridge. Our departure was watched by many people on the bridge.
As we left Wurzburg, we went through another lock after the bridge. Our departure was watched by many people on the bridge.
Our last stop in Germany was Bamberg. This is Klein Venedig, Little Venice, where fishermen used to live.
Our last stop in Germany was Bamberg. This is Klein Venedig, Little Venice, where fishermen used to live.		 The city hall was built on an island because the 2 factions on either side of the island wanted it to be in neutral territory.
The city hall was built on an island because the 2 factions on either side of the island wanted it to be in neutral territory.		 As you've probably guessed, Germany is a very Catholic country, and crucifixes are common. This one was near City Hall
As you've probably guessed, Germany is a very Catholic country, and crucifixes are common. This one was near City Hall		 I guess some people actually do still wear lederhosen in Deutschland!
I guess some people actually do still wear lederhosen in Deutschland!
City Hall was beautiful!
City Hall was beautiful!		 Detail of one of a pair of nymphs on city hall building
Detail of one of a pair of nymphs on city hall building		 A couple times on the Main, the captain had to lower the canopy & wheelhouse, and we had to sit down!
A couple times on the Main, the captain had to lower the canopy & wheelhouse, and we had to sit down!		 One AM I saw a man walking along the lock with a bike - turned out to be the ship's lecturer! An hour later he jumped off!
One AM I saw a man walking along the lock with a bike - turned out to be the ship's lecturer! An hour later he jumped off!
Next was a bus trip to Nurnberg & short tour, including a stop to see the Nazi Documentation Center across the lake.
Next was a bus trip to Nurnberg & short tour, including a stop to see the Nazi Documentation Center across the lake.		 Howard photographed the top of the Nazi parade grounds. Barking German shepherds, there for a show, interrupted the tour guide!
Howard photographed the top of the Nazi parade grounds. Barking German shepherds, there for a show, interrupted the tour guide!		 The Schoener Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) was indeed beautiful.
The Schoener Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) was indeed beautiful.		 Dobry den Czech Republic! No more checkpoints, just slot machines, pay bathrooms, food & truck drivers at this potty stop!!
Dobry den Czech Republic! No more checkpoints, just slot machines, pay bathrooms, food & truck drivers at this potty stop!!
We got to Prague tired and hungry, ate dinner, and went for our awesome 10 PM segway tour. We're at Strahov Monastery here.
We got to Prague tired and hungry, ate dinner, and went for our awesome 10 PM segway tour. We're at Strahov Monastery here.		 We visited the peeing men. David Czerny also put babies on a tower, hung an upside down horse, & hung Freud.
We visited the peeing men. David Czerny also put babies on a tower, hung an upside down horse, & hung Freud.		 St. Vitus Cathedral (part of castle) - glad Howard's point & shoot could take these pics - cathedral was awesome at night!
St. Vitus Cathedral (part of castle) - glad Howard's point & shoot could take these pics - cathedral was awesome at night!		 So was the Clementinium, which is now the national library but used to be an important Catholic establishment.
So was the Clementinium, which is now the national library but used to be an important Catholic establishment.
It was wonderfu to go up to the castle at midnight, with nobody (and I mean nobody) around. During the day I hear it's mobbed.
It was wonderfu to go up to the castle at midnight, with nobody (and I mean nobody) around. During the day I hear it's mobbed.		 The Fred & Ginger building (Tancici Dum) was created by Canadian architect Frank Gehry It is in Nove Mesto.
The "Fred & Ginger" building (Tancici Dum) was created by Canadian architect Frank Gehry It is in Nove Mesto.		 Early morning along the Vltava River near our hotel - view of Hrad (castle) and Strahov monastery
Early morning along the Vltava River near our hotel - view of Hrad (castle) and Strahov monastery		 I visited the Vysehrad, a former castle area. Many prominent Czechs are buried in the cemetery here.
I visited the Vysehrad, a former castle area. Many prominent Czechs are buried in the cemetery here.
I tried to get up early to photograph famous Charles Bridge, but my body & feet held me back. Have to settle for this shot.
I tried to get up early to photograph famous Charles Bridge, but my body & feet held me back. Have to settle for this shot.		 Mala Strana looking very pretty mid-morning. I missed my bridge shot but at least limped along the water for a while.
Mala Strana looking very pretty mid-morning. I missed my bridge shot but at least limped along the water for a while.		 We used Prague's cool metro, trams, & a couple night trams when the segway tour ran late.
We used Prague's cool metro, trams, & a couple night trams when the segway tour ran late.		 The memorial to the victims of communism is sobering - body parts disappearing on the men further up the hill.
The memorial to the victims of communism is sobering - body parts disappearing on the men further up the hill.
We took the funicular to Petrin Park & had lunch mid-way at the restaurant.
We took the funicular to Petrin Park & had lunch mid-way at the restaurant.		 Took express bus to Nurnberg; train to Frankfurt. Didn't celebrate anniversary much (both sick). Next day-long flights home!
Took express bus to Nurnberg; train to Frankfurt. Didn't celebrate anniversary much (both sick). Next day-long flights home!
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Kathy 27-Sep-2010 22:46
Beautiful images, Roothy.

Your fellow Cruise Critic poster....
click on thumbnails for full image