Koblenz, Germany to Rudesheim, Germany

Thursday 11-10 we awake to an improved weather in Koblenz and a little slow to get started after a late night of fun. Today is special as we pass through a picturesque portion of the Rhine with castles. A nice breakfast is followed by a morning cruise.

A town along the Rhine

The Rhine valley from south of Koblenz to Rudesheim is a steep valley with towns and castles that date back to the tenth century.  It is a wine growing region and the harvest is in for the year with the vineyards that have tuned yellow to red making the whole valley seem magical.  The sun occasionally breaking out through the thick clouds adds to the experience.

Three castles

We pass 23 castles and some monuments with very charming towns along the way.  Since the weather has improved we watch the scenery from the upper outdoor deck. The Valley has been a major tourist attraction since the 19th century. It is also home to some 450,000 people. It owes its special appearance to both its natural shape and human alterations. For two millennia, it has been one of the most important routes for cultural exchange between the Mediterranean region and northern Europe. It is considered the epitome of the Rhine romanticism. It inspired Heinrich Heine to write his famous poem "Lorelei" and Richard Wagner to write his opera.

After we pass the last of the castles we have a German lunch of roasted pork, sausage, sauerkraut, potatoes.  We have all the things that are normally available.  Now it's off to check out the town Rudesheim is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Rhine gorge. It lies in the Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis district in the Regierungsbezirk of Darmstadt in Hesse, Germany. It is officially known as Rudesheim am Rhein, which distinguishes it from Rudesheim an der Nahe.

Rudesheim am Rhein

The town is a wine growing area and we taste the local Rieslings in the cave of Schloss Johannisberg winery.  We have a stroll through the town which is preparing for the holiday season.

Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett

We pass Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett, the first German museum for data-storage musical instruments which introduces one to the history of self-playing music and its instruments, from the gentle musical clock to the orchestrion, which weighs tons, There is a cross-section from four centuries, such as the Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violina with six strings, Hupfeld Violina Orchestra (only known original in the world), Poppers Violinovo, and so on.

Mounts Family Vineyards appetizer.
Scallops, Salmon, Lobster and Roasted Vegetables

Back at the ship we rest before a special dinner with Mounts family winery in the small chefs table. Its a wonderful dinner and the wine is great.  We take a walk through town and Siegfrieds is open for a tour of the musical machines. A stroll through the town and we are back to the ship for the evening.

An early St. Martin bonfire along the river.