AmaCello on board the first day

At approximately 11 a.m. this morning, a shuttle bus driver loaded our luggage after we spent the night at the Spalentor Hotel in Basel and we cruisers climbed on board trusting he planned to drop us off at the Rhine River where the AmaCello is moored until tomorrow morning. Not! He drove us to the Basel International Airport - and then, turned around after some guidance from Jim Fleming to get us to the cruise ship.

It's a lovely day in Basel - sunny and quite warm. Mostly we have lounged around on the top deck. The multi-cultural crew treats us like royalty. In a few minutes, all passengers will report to the main dining room for a mandatory meeting about how to use life jackets and other important cruise information. Dinner is at 7.

A few iPhone photos from our first day on board the AmaCello:

Hotel Spalentor to AmaCello April 17

After a delicious German style breakfast served at the Hotel Spalentor, our bus driver loaded our luggage and transported us to the AmaCello, our home for the next week. The trip was somewhat roundabout as the Bucher Travel Agency told the bus driver to take us to Basel International Airport. Once the driver learned where us Wisconsinites were really supposed to be dropped off, we arrived without a hitch.

Our rooms on the AmaCello were not ready until around 3 p.m. and we got to the ship before lunch. The public areas were open to us and we enjoyed lunch on the outdoor section of the boat. It was a lovely sunny day.

After we checked into our rooms, we rested a bit and had dinner in the main dining room. We chose the Chef's suggestion and had a tasty beef roast with wine and appetizers and dessert.

Some photos are attached:

April 16 - Basel via Amsterdam from Chicago

Blog post at approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17: these photos taken earlier today are being uploaded to this Rhine River Cruise blog. Our group spends a part of today and one night at the Hotel Spalentor on Schonbeinstrasse, Basel, Switzerland. It's a lovely place to be even though the weather today - sunny and brusque.

Koln (Cologne) Germany

Cologne ("Köln" in German) is an urban Jacuzzi that keeps the Rhine churning. It's home to Germany's greatest Gothic cathedral, one of the country's best collections of Roman artifacts, a world-class art museum, and a healthy dose of German urban playfulness. (Rick Steves)

Cologne's population: 1,022,627

Average High Temperature: 67 (around April 21)

Low: 43

2014 Easter week-end

April 18:  Good Friday (Karfreitag)

April 20–21:  Easter Sunday and Monday (Ostersonntag and Ostermontag)

Easter - this event has lost its religious significance for many Germans and has taken on a largely commercial form, with shops cashing in on chocolate eggs and toys. The Cologne Cathedral however hosts religious services commemorating the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ on both Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively

THINGS TO DO IN COLOGNE:

Climb the 500+ steps up the cathedral towers

The Cologne 'Dom'

The Dom is one of the largest churches in Europe and its twin towers dominate the landscape. A heart pounding climb up will reward you with amazing views on a clear day of the city and beyond. The cathedral is also well worth a visit with beautiful stained glass windows.
Thanks to its spiritual and cultural meaning, Cologne Cathedral became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.

Have a beer in Koln
Now the good people of Cologne are very particular about their beers and the brew houses and bier kellers of the old town are a great way to enjoy the light Kolsch beer, unique to Cologne and some hearty food in the historic beer halls.
 Visit the Chocolate Museum

The ‘Schokolade’ museum will educate about everything to do with cocoa and chocolate and you can enjoy tasting freshly made chocolate in the factory while taking in views of the Rhine. http://www.chocolatemuseum-cologne.com

http://www.germany-tourism.co.uk

Old town

Cologne's Old Town

This part of the city has been preserved and restored and contains a number of interesting churches, small museums and bier kellers among its cobbled streets. Well worth checking out is the Romano Germanische Museum with ancient roman relics found during excavations in the city.

World class modern art
The Museum Ludwig is next door to the cathedral and is home to a world class collection of modern art including works by Andy Warhol and many pop art pieces. Fresh exhibitions are held every few months and it’s well worth spending a half day exploring the exhibits on show. There is also a cool café in the lobby which often hosts live music while you eat and drink. http://www.museenkoeln.de/

Shopping
The city has an excellent selection of shops, from well know German department stores such as Peek & Cloppenburg, Karstadt and Galleria Kaufhof to international brands as well as local speciality boutiques, art and antique shops. The main area is pedestrianised, ending in a series of arcades, this then continues out towards the Hansaring past Neumarkt with a large number of designer boutiques and shops unique to the city. You can buy all manner of goods including the original Cologne fragrance the city is best known for.
Take a trip out of the city and visit Phantasialand

One of the stomach churning rides at Phantasialand

An easy trip by train and bus will bring you to one of Germany’s largest theme parks.  Lots of fun for all ages and plenty of places to eat and drink as well as some gut churning rides.http://www.phantasialand.de

Hire a bike or use a bike from AMA Waterways
Rent a bicycle and pedal your way all over the city, through the parks, along the river, out to the zoo and beyond. You can even take them with you on the excellent tram and train service to get out of the city and explore the countryside around Cologne. The tourist office next to the main railway station, or the main booking office in the station itself, can give you some ideas for half or full days trips of hiking and biking.

COLOGNE AND WORLD WAR II

In World War II, the city center of Cologne was leveled by bombings; the Cathedral was the only building that survived. Standing tall in an otherwise flattened city, some said it was divine intervention; a more matter-of-fact explanation is that the Cathedral of Cologne was a point of orientation for the pilots.

The cathedral suffered 14 hits by World War II aerial bombs but did not collapse and reconstruction was completed in 1956. In the northwest tower's base, an emergency repair carried out with bad-quality brickstones taken from a nearby war ruin remained visible until the late 1990s as a reminder of the War, but then it was decided to reconstruct this section according to the original appearance. It is possible to climb a spiral staircase to a viewing platform about 98 metres above the ground.

MORE ABOUT THE KOLN CATHEDRAL:

Dedicated to the saints Peter and Mary, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. Cologne Cathedral is the greatest Gothic cathedral in Germany and has been Cologne's most famous landmark for centuries. Once the tallest building in the world, Cologne Cathedral still boasts theworld's largest church façade.

The cathedral's main treasure is a golden reliquary containing the remains of theThree Magi of Christmas story fame. These relics and other treasures have made Cologne Cathedral a major pilgrimage destination for centuries.

WHAT TO SEE IN THE CATHEDRAL:

Inside, the most celebrated work of art in the cathedral is the Sarcophagus of the Magi, a large gilded sarcophagus dating to around 1200. The largest reliquary in the western world, the exterior is seven feet of gilded silver and jewels. Images of Old Testament prophets line the bottom and the 12 apostles decorate the top. Inside, the reliquary holds three golden-crowned skulls believed to belong to the Three Magi.

These relics were acquired by Cologne in the 12th century and put the city on the pilgrimage map. Cologne Cathedral is still an important stop for modern pilgrims. 

In the Sacrament Chapel is the Madonna of Milan (Mailänder Madonna), an elegant wooden sculpture depicting Mary and the child Jesus. Made in the Cologne Cathedral workshop around 1290, this High Gothic statue is associated with miracles and has attracted pilgrims for centuries. It is probably a replacement for an even older statue, which was brought to Cologne with the relics of the Three Magi by Rainald von Dassel and destroyed in the fire of 1248.

Another important statue of the Virgin Mary, which attracts the most attention from today's pilgrims and worshippers, is the miracle-working Jeweled Madonna in the north transept. Only the heads of the Virgin and Child can be seen; the remainder of the statue is dressed in a gown of white silk (last renewed in 1991) pinned with jewels and other ex-votos. The sculpture is Baroque and dates from the late 17th century.

The choir is surrounded by 13th and 14th century art: carved oak stalls, frescoed walls, painted statues and stained glass. The Treasury, outside the cathedral's left transept, is housed in the cathedral's 13th-century stone-cellar vaults. The six dim rooms contain a variety of glittering chalices, crosses, and reliquaries, plus fine examples of bishops' garb.

The construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, in order to house the precious relict "Shrine of the Three Holy Kings". It took over 600 years to complete the Cathedral, and when it was finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans.

Cologne is home to Ford Motor Company's European headquarters 

Rudesheim will host a Harley Davidson festival - 19 - 22 June 2014

 Magic Bike Rüdesheim

One of Europe’s biggest Harley Davidson rallies attracts thousands of bikers from around the world to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley world heritage region. It includes a programme of entertainment and other events, plus spectacular firework. www.magic-bike-ruedesheim.com

Harley enthusiasts on this cruise may choose to return for this rally.

OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT RUDESHEIM:

Population: 9,788 (in 2009)

Average Temperature third week in April: High 57

                                                                   Low 40's

Rudesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located at the southern entrance to the Lorelei Valley. This wine-making town on the right bank of the Rhine has some of the finest wines of this district. The town is the home of Asbach Uralt Brandy and one of the signature beverages to sample in Rudesheim is: Rudesheimer Kaffee, a flaming coffee drink. Asbach Uralt brandy, in the coffee, is set on fire.

After you sample Rudesheimer Kaffee, you can purchase a souvenir boxed set that includes special ceramic cups and saucers and extra long spoons that allow you to stir your flaming coffee without getting burned.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN RUDESHEIMER:

1. Niederwalddenkmal: A monument constructed to commemorate the foundation of the German Empire at the end of the Franco-Prussian War represents the union of all Germans. The first stone was laid in 1871 by Wilhelm I. The monument was inaugurated on September 28, 1882.

This monument is located on the right bank of the Rhine on a hill. Vineyards lead up to it. You can reach the monument by gondola or by walking paths.

This monument depicts Germania wielding an imperial sword and holding a shield that sometimes has the image of a black eagle on a gold field. Each part of this monument is symbolic. 

Broken chains symbolize being free

Her breastplate with an eagle is a symbol of the strength of the German empire

The oak leaf crown represents heroism

The sword stands for power and the hemp branch around the sword shows a willingness to make peace

A black, red, and gold tricolor flag is the flag of the 1848 liberal nationalist party, a party that had been banned by the dukes of the German state 

Rays of a rising sun demonstrate the beginning of a new era

2. Drosselgasse (means 'choke alley') Approximately 3/4 miles long, this pedestrian lane in Old Town features beautifully decorated restaurants that feature live bands and DJs day and night in the summer. Winestubes and open-air taverns serve beer and wine as well as locally distilled brandies along the Drosselgasse. This part of old town is Rudesheim's most famous tourist attraction and is usually busy. It has been rebuilt after bombing in WWII destroyed most of this area. You can buy Christmas ornaments year round.

3. Bromserburg This castle, built in the 10th century is a wine museum. A collection of wine presses and other wine-making paraphenalia are displayed. The castle has walls that are two meters thick and displays 1,000 year history of wine-making. This castle is the oldest castle in the Rhine River Gorge. Reisling grapes grow around it.

4. Asbach Distillery Premium German brandy has been distilled here since 1892

5. Eagles Niederwald Founded in 1968 by Kai Gilles, Eagles Niederwald treats injured birds of prey and owls. These kings of the sky are released once their health has been restored

6. Rudesheim Toy Museum One hundred years worth of children's toys commemorated. A 20th century model railroad fills an entire room. The model train travels from Rudesheim to Koblenz

7. Siegfriede Mechanistics Musikkabinett Four centuries of self-playing music and instruments includes self-playing stringed instruments and the Hupfeld Violina Orchestra and more

8. Mittelalterliches Follermuseum Torture museum - instruments of torture 

9. Remains of the Heindenburg Bruche The bridge was destroyed during the Second World War- Allied bombing, November 1, 1944

10. Ebingen Abbey Founded by Hildegard von Bingen, Benedicton nuns dedicated to a life of work and prayer live here. It is a place for quiet contemplation. You may hear the nuns singing (you won't see them, though) and you can visit the abbey gift shop which features finely made crafts.

Known as the 'Sybil of the Rhine,' Hildegard von Bingen (1098 -1179) had a vision of what she called living light as a child. She kept this vision secret for many years. At the age of 42 and seven months, Hildegard wrote SCRIVAS (know the word of the Lord). Hildegard von Bingen wrote: "How wonderful is the knowledge of God's heart, the image every creature has beheld. For God, as he looked into the face of man, saw all his work as a whole in human form. How wonderful is the wind that stirred people to life."

In addition to her contemplative writing, Hildegard wrote treatises about natural history and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees, and stones. She was also a composer and she may be the first woman to write positively about sexual relations especially for women. 

Today, the general agreement is that she has migraines and that the visions she described were the result of what she experienced.

The Nazis expelled nuns from Ebingen Abbey in 1941. They returned in 1945.

Heidelburg stop

Did you know Rick Steves advises tourists to skip Heidelberg because it's too 'touristy?' Maybe we can assume visiting Yellowstone or Grand Canyon is a bad idea because they are too 'touristy.'

Heidelberg, population in 2012 at 149,633, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Germany. Click on this link to access a photo:  http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/97528/Heidelberg-Castle-with-the-Old-Bridge-in-the-foreground-in?topicId=259532 Even though Heidelberg may be a tourist town, plan to experience the beauty and history of this city.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE in April: High - 60's Low - 40's

A bit of trivia (for Harry Potter fans): Heidelberg is the home of a professional Quidditch team.
The oldest intact public library in Germany is found in Heidelberg.

Almond and fig trees grow in Heidelberg, among the warmest German regions, in the country. Also, you may encounter a wild population of African rose-winged parakeets which can survive in Heidelberg.

Sites you can visit in Heidelberg in addition to the parakeets and trees:

Go to:
the Royal Wine Cellar where the biggest wine barrel in the world is located. Made from 130 oak trees, this barrel measures 7 meters (22.9 feet) wide, and 8 meters, (26 and 1/4') and holds approximately 221,725 quarts of wine.

Philosopher's Way (Philosophen Weg), a path that overlooks Heidelberg's 'Old Town,' will take you along a trail that leads to a park dedicated to the poet, Friederich Holderin - Thingskatte -  a now overgrown amphitheater built by the Nazi Party in the 1930's, and the ruins of St. Michael's Monastery (Michaelkoster). Friederich Holderin's poetry has been set to music by many composers - Brahms, for example, set these lines to music:
"Ye wander gladly in light

Though goodly mansion dwellers in Spiritland!"

Heidelberg Castle, a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance, is located on Mt. Koenigstuhl.  A Heidelberg Castle Festival takes place every summer here. The castle was struck by lightening in 1764.

Old Town (Hauptstrasse -  main street) for pedestrians only is one mile long. One of the longest shopping streets in Germany. Check out the old apothecary.

Old Stone Bridge was opened in 1788

Karls Gate (Karlstor), opened in 1781

Church of the Holy Spirit (Heileiggeist Kirche)

HEIDELBERG - WORLD WAR II:

From 1933 - 1945, Heidelberg was a stronghold for the Nazi Party. As early as 1933 a purge of non-Aryan professors began at the university. They were forced out. By 1940 most of the Jewish population had been deported and few survived.

In 1933, the Nazis built Thingstatte to host Nazi and SS events. Many Wehrmacht soldiers are buried here. The city was not bombed during the war; many speculate that Americans spared the city from bombing because the US Army planned to set up its headquarters in this beautiful city. Also, Heidelberg was not an industrial hub.

As the Wehrmacht departed from Heidelberg on March 29, 1945, they destroyed three arches on the "old bridge." The Third Infantry, Seventh Army, US, entered the city on March 30, 1945 and the civilian population surrendered peacefully. The university, which had been closed, reopened in 1945.

On December 9, 1945, General George Patton was injured in a car accident in Mannheim; he was brought to the US Army Hospital in Heidelberg for treatment. General Patton died at the hospital on December 21, 1945. A funeral at Christkirche in Heidelberg was followed by the general's burial in Luxembourg.

US Armed Forces has used Heidelberg as its headquarters since 1945. By 2015, the US Army will move from Heidelberg to Weisbaden. The barracks and housing areas will be handed back to the Germans.

Speyer has a basketball team --- BIS BASKETE

Speyer, located on the main European traffic routes along the Rhine between Basel, Switzerland and Mainz, Germany, has ideal river banks. They are high enough to prevent flooding and yet, river going vessels can dock close to the shore.

Temperatures in April: highs in the low 60's. Lows: high 40's - low 50's

HISTORY: The Romans captured Gaul in 50 BC and the Rhine became the border for the Roman Empire.

1061: Consecration of the Speyer Cathedral, the largest Romanesque church of its time. The Speyer Cathedral became the burial place for eight German emperors and kings. Today, it remains the largest Romanesque church.

WW II: The Nazis seized the city in 1933. For a few centuries, Speyer accepted a large Jewish population; it was considered a safe haven. However, in 1938, Kristallnacht, the Speyer synagogue was burned. The Jewish population was expelled and most were killed.

Speyer escaped most WW II bombing, though one bomb did destroy the train station. The German Army was headquartered in Speyer and as they retreated from the city, they blew up the bridge over the Rhine. The American Army took the city.

THINGS TO SEE:
The Main City Gate (built in the 13th century), one of Germany's tallest. Climb it for a view of Speyer's old town.

Speyer Cathedral: Constructed from stone, this cathedral has no stained glass windows. The cathedral has four towers. It took 80 years to complete this cathedral which is 133 meters long. You can visit the crypts of the eight German emperors and kings while you're there.

Speyer Technik Museum: This museum has a collection of airplanes, classic cars, locomotives, fire engines, a German U-9 submarine and a Russian An-22 transport plane that you can enter and explore.

Jewish Ritual Bath which was built before 1128.

Historical Museum of the Palatinate: View the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt. This thimble shaped artifact from the Bronze Age is covered with gold. The museum has the oldest unopened wine bottle in the world (dated from the 3rd century).

SPRING FAIR while we're on the Rhine: From April 10 - 21, 2014 - food stands, rides and more

Kings Square Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Strolling through the city, you will find boutiques, department stores, restaurants.....

You can also pick up maps for urban hikes.