Thursday, June 30, 2011 -- Wurzberg, Germany

We wake up to rain, drizzle and a chill in the air.  The coolness is welcome -- the rain is not.   We have breakfast at 7:30 am and are on the bus to Wurzberg by 9:00.  A short bus ride brings us to the "Residenz Palace" -- once owned by several "Prince Bishops".  The Prince Bishops came into power when during the rein of Frederich II the local bishops were given secular power as well as religious power making them very wealthy.  Germany was ruled by these Prince Bishops for 800 years until Napoleon abolished the practice in 1802. The Residenz Palace has been restored to it's original condition and is gorgeous -- we tour various reception rooms and public areas.   The main hall with the grand staircase is magnificent --- with a ceiling that has to be seen to be appreciated.  Unfortunately -- cameras were not allowed so you'll have to take my word for it.

After the tour -- the guide walked us to the market square and explained our options to get to the ship: buses at various times or walk.  We all did different things -- but those of us who walked all agreed it was a little tricky finding your way around the nuclear plant -- but we made it.  Since nobody in our group signed up for the optional tour to Rothenberg -- we had a leisurely afternoon as the ship made it's way to Kitzingen.

After dinner on board -- we were met pierside in Kitzingen by the Wine Queens in medieval attire.  These were our escorts to Germany's oldest wine cellar -- GWF Frankenwein.   As we walked through Kitzingen -- it felt like a movie set.  There were no people -- nothing was open  -- an occasional vehicle roared by -- and this was 9:00 pm in the evening.  The town was spotless but there was no evidence that anyone lived there.

Upon arrival at the wine cellar we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine -- and directed way down into the cellar where long tables were set up for our tasting.   There were glasses, a pitcher of water and bread on the tables.   We tasted four more wines -- three white and one red.   They were pretty good although on the lighter side than what I favor.  Phil purchased a bottle of white that was very good.

We walked back to the ship with Maddy as our guide.  There was still no activity -- but the town is lovely -- picturesque with flowers planted in various places -- neat and pretty buildings -- a lovely walkway along the river.  Actually we did see some folks walking their dogs on the river when we left the ship but nothing now.

Another good day on the river.

Thanks for Reading--

Pat
On the Rhine Canal enroute to Bamburg.