Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Bernkastel, Germany, 2013

On our trip to Europe just a few weeks ago, we stayed in Paris for 4 days, then the bus took us to tour Luxemburg, on the way to Germany where we would meet the Viking Prestige cruise ship, which would be our home for the next 10 days. It was docked in Bernkastel. This is my first time in Germany and I was so excited to set foot in it. From the bus as we were going down to the water, this breathtaking view greeted us. I was in awe and had to wake John up who was napping in the bus.

It was just breathtaking! You can see hills and hills of grape vineyards surrounding the village, with pretty fall colors.
 I want to also link with
Wed. Around the world
http://pienilintu.blogspot.fi/
Bernkastel is the capital f the Moselle River Valley. In 1905, it merged with the winemaking community of Kues, thus now known as Bernkastel-Kues.



 And finally, we got to the ship, which was docked on the Moselle River! I have taken lots of cruises in the past, in fact, we are VIP card holders with Carnival (which just means that we have cruised at least 10 times with them, I think it is 16 for me), plus we have also sailed on the Princess and Royal Carribean cruise lines, but this is our first time on a Viking River cruise.
Hall way to the cabins.
Panoramic views outside the ship.
I couldn't wait to go in the cabin and look out the window and this is what I saw, just gorgeous! The castle on top of the hill overlooking the town is the Burg Landshut or Landshut Castle, built in the 13th century but was destroyed by fire in 1692.
We had briefings, welcome reception, dinner and a good night sleep in the ship. The next morning, we were up early to ride the bus and tour Trier City, but that will be for another post. We passed by a lot of swans on our walk to the bus. It was foggy and cold but they seemed comfortable.
4 tour buses followed the ship all the time and they would take us to excursions to different cities everyday. It was really nice. Quite a difference from big ocean cruises where you don't see land for days. Here we sail along different cities. I wish we had more time to spend in the ship just to relax and enjoy the cities we pass by. We had the choice to do that but I did not want to miss the excursions either. By the time we get back on the ship, it was already dark and it was hard to appreciate the surroundings.

During our 4 days stay in Paris, it rained, causing the river here to rise. Because of that, the ship could not pass through bridges so it was stuck here for 2 days. We were able to sail on the 3rd day. But we, the passengers, weren't really stuck here because as I mentioned earlier, the bus would take us places.
It was actually a good place to be stuck because Bernkastel is just gorgeous. It is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of vineyard-clad hillsides. And the market place is walking distance from the ship and we were free to go in and out as long as we were there.

I got to enjoy European fall colored leaves all over.


John and I walked on the cobblestoned streets and sidewalks to visit the shops.
Aren't these trees pretty?

More vineyards!
 This is the medieval market place, just lovely, and iconic gables timber-frame houses from the 17th century can be seen all around.

The stores were already decorated for Christmas. We came across this Christmas shop and I bought a little cottage and a Christmas ball. I can either put a night light or a candle inside the cottage. I really love the blue tiles on it.
After our little hike, this is what we saw on the way back to the ship. The Landshut Castle was all lit up. So pretty!
Inside the ship, there was always some kind of a celebration. Here you can see my sister, Fe and friend, Edna, joining in the fun. We had a German trio perform with songs and comedy skits that night.
The front of the ship.... or maybe this is the back.
My sister is our travel agent and she had the biggest group there. The next table belongs to her too. It was a wonderful trip because my cousin and her hubby were able to join us and they flew all the way from the Philippines. Also, I got to enjoy the company of my 2 sisters, nephew and his wife and met some nice new acquaintances.
Thank you for allowing me to share this trip with you. I hope you enjoyed  the virtual tour.
I would like to link with
Oh the Places I've Been
Gemma's Scenic Weekend
Nature Footstep, Water on Sunday
Thank you so much for hosting!

16 comments:

Little Wandering Wren said...

Hi Christine
Now I know where you got all the energy to decorate two houses for Christmas, you've just had a super-duper holiday!! Looks a fabulous trip, there is nothing that screams Christmas to me more than Germany, medieval markets, Gluwein - wonderful!
Wren x

Beth said...

Germany is so beautiful! We spent a little time there on a European land tour. I think your trip sounds just perfect, and I adore your photos!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Wow! This looks like fun. So glad you got to go, Christine!

xo

Sheila

Manhattan Image and Style said...

Amazing pictures! It looks like a lot of fun!

Diana
www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
New Blog Post: How to Buy The Perfect Winter Coat For You

Vel Criste said...

It's like fairy tale land!!!! Fabulous dear glad it was all so wonderful for you all!

Ricki Treleaven said...

What a lovely place to be stuck! I love Germany, too. I love Heidelberg and Rottenberg best.

We've never been on one of the river cruises but I bet they're lots of fun!

Thanks for sharing your travel memories with us. BTW I really love Piesporter!!! ;P

xo,
RJ

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Wow, Christine, such a lucky woman to travel the world. Amazing photos you are sharing. Memories to treasure.

Bernideen said...

What a delightful trip you just took us on with you and seeing such beauty! I loved each place! Thanks for sharing at "Friends
Sharing Tea"!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Christine, what an amazing trip! Your photos were wonderful! I'd love to travel there one day...looks like so much fun!

Debbiedoos said...

What a beautiful trip you had Christine. Germany is on our bucket list. We actually have some very good friends that live there and they have been wanting us to visit. Looks fabulous!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, I loved seeing all of this. This looks like the kind of cruise I might like. Love the idea of being able to go somewhere different each day, but leaving my luggage in the same place. What scenic photos! You are a good advertisement for your sister's travel agency! I'm ready to sign up! laurie

Anonymous said...

I've never been on a cruise, but I think that kind of cruise would be the best kind.

Chubby Chieque said...

Europe is like a wonderland. I love living here (I meant, Sweden). It is easy to travel by car in different European countries and the places are just adorable.

Have a great weekend, Ate Xine and hugs to your wonderful family and poging hubby §:-)

God Bless,
/CC girl

Unknown said...

It's so beautiful! Looks like you had a fabulous trip.

Alexa T said...

Never been on a cruise, but thanks to your lovely post.. I think it is just wonderful to travel in a minute so cosy... & virtually!!

Michele {Malaysian Meanders} said...

I have been on ocean cruises but never a river cruise. This boat looks much smaller than an ocean liner, but I guess you were kept busy with the bus excursions. I like the sense of motion in the top photos.

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