We are now in Germany, and after a train ride from Amsterdam to Frankfurt we rented a car and Ted began driving the autobahn, as very fast cars passed us, and we also enjoyed smaller countryside roads. We’re staying for three days in the charming village of Bacharach which is about 50 miles west of Frankfurt and our hotel room overlooks the Rhine River. Here’s a view of Bacharach from the river:
Sunday, we cruised on a sight-seeing boat up and down the Rhine River from Bacharach to St. Goar, then back up to Bingen. It was a most lovely and relaxing way to see some of the best of the Middle Rhine region, with its mountains, quaint villages, and river castles.
On Monday, we walked up a steep trail to the old Burg Stahleck castle, first mentioned in old records from the year 1135. Near the beginning of the trail, we passed by the ruins of the Chapel of Werner, built in 1294, and destroyed in the Palatine War of Succession in 1689.
The views from the castle were beautiful. Bacharach is a famous wine growing region with some vines planted during the time of the Romans. We were amazed at the picturesque scene of vines growning on the steep hillsides. It is said that every year Pope Pius II used to order a cart-load of Bacharach wine to be sent to Rome.
Later in the morning we road some bicycles around town. But all sightseeing led us back to our hotel where we enjoyed a fine dinner as part of our three night package. It would require its own blog to explain each three-course meal, but we tasted wonderful cooking by a sixth generation chef including beautiful salads, salmon, liver, beef burgandy, and braised pork.
We are following many suggestions from travel guru Rick Steves, and today we drive a couple hours west to explore the Mosel Valley.
How was it to ride bikes on cobblestones?
It’s so bumpy but doable. Most bike paths are asphalt and really nice. When we get into smaller towns, they turn into cobblestone at times. But it’s so worth it to ride a bike! ; )