Koblenz & Braubach: Wednesday August 17
9:45am – 12:45pm: Marksburg Castle (Viking included)
All excursions end by 12:45 pm
Marksburg Castle 9:45 am to 12:45 pm – Jim & Barbara only
Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine, stopping in Koblenz to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. After your tour, continue cruising this stunning stretch of the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river’s narrowest point and is named after the legendary Rhine maiden who lured sailors to their demise. Lunch and dinner are served on board your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Visit the only castle in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. You will drive with your guide to Braubach, where the incredible Marksburg Castle watches over the town as it has since the 13th century. Because this magnificent structure was built with strong fortifications, it was never besieged by enemies. Upon arrival on its lofty grounds, enjoy spectacular views of Braubach, the Rhine and the surrounding countryside from its 300-foot perch. Tour the citadel, see the impressive kitchens in the Gothic Hall building and study the Gimbel Collection, including its life-size figurines detailing changes to armor and weaponry through the ages. The distinct butter-churn tower, so named because the upper reaches have a smaller diameter than the lower, is a beloved landmark of the town with its distinct profile. Today, Marksburg Castle is home to the German Castles Association, which works to preserve medieval fortifications all over Germany.
* Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.
Ascend to the mighty fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, set high on a hill with magnificent views of Koblenz, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers and the Eifel Hills. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress has long enjoyed a strategic locale, built on the site of a previous fortress whose history stretched back to 1100. The citadel you see today was constructed in the early 19th century to protect against the French. You will ride a gondola to the hilltop, then enjoy a fun and informative tour with our costumed and colorful actor/guide who takes on the persona of John Humfrey, a lieutenant colonel in the British Corps of Royal Engineers. Accompany him as he guides you through this excellent example of Prussian military fortifications. After, you will have some free time to take in the fantastic views and explore on your own, perhaps lingering at a small café before returning to your ship. (Bill. Lana, Bev, Judy)
OUR EXPERIENCE
An overview for the day with special insights was in the Viking Daily.
We checked out of the Cologne Marriott in time to board a bus headed toward Koblenz. We joined those speeding on the autobahn going south toward Bonn and then into the foothills and some forests not far from the Rhine. Eventually we passed through Koblenz missing the "stunning stretch of the Rhine" and arrived in Braubach. The Old Folks decided to skip the steep climb to the Marksburg Castle. It seemed a wise decision when we feasted on local fresh cinnamon rolls in a cafe.
We strolled around the town then took the bus back up the hill to pick up those coming down from the castle. Judy, Bev, and Barbara pretended that they had hiked down from the castle.
Now the bus drove along the Rhine. Many were grumbling about a delayed lunch and still no Viking ship. The bus continued toward Frankfurt as we tried to click pictures through the bus windows of castles, villages, and vineyards.
Reichenstein Castle
Rheinstein Castle
As we passed Lorelei Rock, it seemed we were doomed to the sailors bad luck encountering the Rhine maiden, sailors without a ship:
Suddenly, a gloomy bus ride turned into jubilation as great news arrived: We would board a ship to cruise the same Middle Rhine that we had just passed. Then we would return to board the Viking Baldur, the ship that would take us from here to Budapest. A Viking Cruise. What a concept.
First, we boarded the Rhein Star to revisit the Middle Rhine. Now we could see both sides of the Rhine at once and take more pictures while sipping wine:
Finally, we boarded the Viking Baldur, our good luck ship. We toasted the ship, the cruise, one another, and celebrated what promised to be a series of great adventures all the way to Budapest.
