Today we left the Mainz River, leaving behind all those locks. Over 49 locks on this river alone... I think! As we exited the Mainz river we turned right cruising north on the Rhine river. The view from our boat was excellent and we could see the modern and old buildings of the Rhine River industrial zone and the city of Mainz. Cruising north along the Rhine we passed countless castles, some were ruins, some were private residences and others were open to tourist visits. I again took many photos. Our first stop for the day was at a place called Braubach where we toured the Marksburg Castle. It is one of the highest castles I have ever seen. The bus took us half way up, then we walked the rest of the way. Uphill on hairpin turns. All of us were breathing heavier when we got to the top.
As the tour was broken into small groups we waited our turn for our guide to take us in. Meanwhile Maureen bought me a 2018 calendar of Rhine River castles. In turn I bought a book on these castles. The tour of the castle was very interesting. However the walk through many areas on this tour was very dangerous as the rocks were not cobble stones but rather rough rocks sticking out everywhere. Proper hand railings surely would be a must here.
After leaving the castle we boarded our bus which took us to our final destination of the day, Koblenz. I took a walk to look around at the confluence of the Rhine river and the Mosel river at a place called Deutches Eck. I also took a few photos of the area and of the huge statue of William I, the first German Emperor.
Our diner tonight consisted of a German style mix and it was nice to see all staff ladies were wearing dirndl dresses, they looked lovely! Each plate served consisted of a small piece of wiener schnitzel, rouladen, potato salad, sauerkraut, red cabbage and something like bread stuffing. The appetizers were a variety of cheeses and bread buns. Dessert was small pieces of cakes and/or ice cream and other sweets & fruits. While we dined a German duet played the accordion and a portable organ on wheels...whatever they are called. A lady played it by cranking a wheel continuously with one hand. Music was loud as they played right next to us, about 10 feet away.