30 September to 2 October, 2024
We awoke this morning to find ourselves in Rudesheim, a picturesque town on the Rhine River. We had visited here in 2015, so decided to skip the visit to the Mechanical Musical Instrument museum and instead hike up through the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument. It was overcast and 6 degrees but the steep track up to the monument soon warmed us up.
Once we got our breath back at the top of the path, we had a chance to take in the massive Niederwald Monument. It was completed in 1883 to commemorate the unification of Germany in 1871.
After lunch on board, we cruised down the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Unfortunately, it was drizzling and low cloud so photos do not do justice to the many castles, vineyards and villages we passed.
After dinner on board at Engers we walked a few hundred meters to Schloss Engers where we were treated to a classical concert by 2 talented young musicians from the Villa Musica that is located here.
While we were sleeping, the Captain and crew sailed down the Rhine so that we awoke in Cologne. Rain didn’t dampen the spirits as our enthusiastic young guide showed us some of the highlights of his hometown. The twin towered Gothic Cathedral is a well recognised landmark of the city.
Our guide told us an interesting story about the town hall clock with a face beneath and a constituent who lived opposite who didn’t like the mayor. Not sure if it is true but we waited for the hour and were somewhat underwhelmed with the tongue poking out.
After lunch we set sail again on the final leg of our trip down the Danube, Main Canal, Main and Rhine rivers. Here is the menu for the Gala Dinner that was served that evening.
We awoke to find ourselves in Amsterdam. After breakfast we all loaded into canal boats to view the city from the water.
We left the cruise at the Gassan Diamond Factory. No purchases for us but we enjoyed a walking tour back to the boat with a local guide.
After lunch we decided to visit the nearby Maritime Museum. The museum is housed in a former naval storehouse built in 1656.
Moored outside the museum is a replica of the Amsterdam, an 18th-century ship which sailed between the Netherlands and the East Indies.
This was our last night onboard the Avalon Imagery II. The next day, we were catching the train to Leuven in Belgium.
