Going Into the 'Heart of Germany' on Ms River Splendor
By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Published November, 2019.
It was a trip of firsts. Our first visit to Germany and our first river cruise, arranged by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. For the next eight days, we would travel into the "Heart of Germany" on Ms River Splendor, starting at the city of Mainz. It's cold -- in the 40s and 30s -- so bundle up and join us as we tour some of Germany's most historic and romantic cities .
North Palm Beach Life
Published November, 2019.
It was a trip of firsts. Our first visit to Germany and our first river cruise, arranged by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. For the next eight days, we would travel into the "Heart of Germany" on Ms River Splendor, starting at the city of Mainz. It's cold -- in the 40s and 30s -- so bundle up and join us as we tour some of Germany's most historic and romantic cities .
We arrived at Frankfurt Airport, where we were met by a Vantage representative
and escorted to a waiting bus. |
|
Ms River Splendor is docked on the Rhine at Mainz, rich in culture and history, that houses, among other attractions, the
Gutenberg Museum, featuring copies of the famous Gutenberg Bible. Our next stop is Koblenz. |
|
Touring Koblenz, Where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers Meet
|
These are audio assistants Vantage provides so we can listen to the tour guide's commentary over a headset
without being next to them. |
Off we go! -- just follow the "Yellow" flag!
|
High on a hill sits the famous Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the largest preserved fortress in Europe, built 1817-1828. It's on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Basilica of St. Castor is the oldest
church in Koblenz, built in the 800s. |
Pam knows she's not in Florida anymore.
|
Situated at German Corner (where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet) is the imposing statue and monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. It honors him for his contributions to the unity of Germany following three wars. Impressive!
The back of the monument, where Fall is in evidence everywhere. |
|
|
|
We walk through parks and into the narrow streets of the town, when it starts to rain.
The History Fountain in Koblenz, created by sculptor Jurgen Weber.
It depicts the history of the city, starting with the Romans. Now it's time
to return to the ship and head for the hot chocolate!
It depicts the history of the city, starting with the Romans. Now it's time
to return to the ship and head for the hot chocolate!