Rhine River Archives - Alaska to Mickey

Ama Waterways May 27, 2021

Breisach, Germany: A River Cruise Gateway to the Black Forest

Visit Breisach, Germany on a river cruise.

Breisach, Germany is a small little town on the banks of the Rhine just a short distance from Basel, Switzerland and across the river from France. Surrounding this little town are rolling vineyards and the Black Forest. Inside the town you will find an old-world charm in the pastel-hued buildings and cobbled streets. You would never know that this town was almost totally destroyed in WWII. Even though it is small, Breisach, Germany will be a delightful stop on your river cruise if you decide to go out and explore or just stick around the town.

Your river cruise will have an included excursion that might take you out of Breisach to explore other fascinating nearby towns. You might have the opportunity to take a bus further into the Black Forest to Hofgut Sternen (a Black Forest resort village) for a chance to taste their famous Black Forest Cake, Ham or enjoy the Cuckoo clocks. Or, if you want to be a little more active you might opt for a bike ride or hike into the Black Forest. But, what if you want to stay and explore the town of Breisach. What is there to do?

In Breisach

Tourist Office

The tourist office is a wealth of information for touring the town. They will be able to provide you with walking tour maps to see the sights. Plus they will have great suggestions of where to eat and shop.

Breisach Cathedral–St. Stephen’s Church

This beautiful church (built in the 1200s) overlooking the town is one of the main attractions. It is a bit of an invigorating walk to get up to the church but the views will be well worth the effort. Along the path, boards are posted that will give you even more information about Breisach’s history, interesting facts, and historical places. Once at the top you will love the Romanesque-Gothic architecture outside and in as well as the impressive art.

Rheintor–Rhine Gate

On your Rhine river cruise visit the Rheintor, which houses the Museum of City History in Breisach, Germany.

The Rheintor was built in 1678 and is one of the most beautiful preserved fortress gates in Europe. Inside you will find the home of the Museum of City History. Exhibits start way back in the Stone Age in which Breisach was inhabited by the Romans. During your tour of the museum you will experience Breisach from the 1st century through all of history up until the destruction of the town in 1945. You will love seeing all the actual artifacts from the different time periods and how they have worked to bring the history of their town alive.

Wine Tasting and Celler Tours

Breisach is surrounded by vineyards which produce many delicious wines as well as the further areas of the Rhine Valley. You will fine upwards of 600 different wines in this area. So, time experiencing this part of German culture will be time well spent. While in Breisach, you might want to take a tour of the underground cellars of the Geldermann Private Winery (Geldermann Privatsektkelleri) or the Badonian Winery (Badischen Winzerkeller) and then taste some of their wonderful wines. (Make sure to check the website to verify tours have resumed.) Badischen Winzerkeller is right next to the Tourist office.

I hope that you are inspired by this little town of Breisach, Germany. It will be a fun place to spend a few hours exploring during your river cruise adventure.

If you would like to learn more about a river cruise that visits Breisach, Germany and the Black Forest, please contact me. I would love to help you get on the perfect river cruise!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers Will Love a River Cruise

One reason ocean cruisers will love river cruising is floating past charming towns like Passau.

Ocean cruising has been one of the most popular types of vacation experiences for decades. People who love cruising love the all-inclusive experience. Other benefits of ocean cruising are its affordability, convenience of departure ports all over the United States, excellent service, entertainment, and activities in one place, and that it’s a floating hotel taking you from country to country. Sounds like the perfect vacation, doesn’t it? What could possibly be better? Well, consider a river cruise!

You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, let me show you on a river cruise just how superbly well they go together. River cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.

Here are the top 10 reasons we know why you’ll love taking a river cruise!

1. Expand Your Options

While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through them. There simply is no way to reach river cruise destinations on mega cruise ships. Also, ocean cruises dock outside the destination where river cruise ships right in the middle of everything within walking distance. This gives you so much flexibility in touring the area.

A guided tour is included at each port to give you an overview of the area if you wish. This could be by bus, bicycle, or foot. Then the rest of the day is on your own to explore. Definitely a great benefit of going on a river cruise!

2. Intimate Experience

River cruising offers a more intimate setting and is another. Most ships range from 144 to 196 passengers. This means that you’ll never have to wait in line, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy all the amenities and have a more personal experience with other passengers and crew. From ordering a beverage to getting on and off the ship, you’ll enjoy the absence of long lines. This is one of the great reasons why ocean cruisers will love a river cruise.

3. Dive into the Local Culture

Get away from the touristy ports and explore hidden gems. Large ocean liner ports can receive up to 20,000 visitors on the same day but with a river cruise, you’ll arrive into port with only a few hundred visitors. Not only will you avoid long lines at your destination, but you’ll also enjoy leisurely excursions at each incredible port of call. You’ll be able to take in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit.

4. No Need to Rush Back

With many departures from the destinations being later in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the nightlife in select ports of call. Whether you choose an evening walk through cobblestone streets, a local show or performance, or one last glass of wine after dinner while listening to a local musician, immersing yourself in the evening culture together with the locals is a unique experience.

5. Castle Views

That’s right, castle views! From Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River, and in Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau on the Danube, you’ll see colorful architecture and castles that will blow you away. But don’t stop at just viewing the castles, why not hike or drive to them and then explore their fabulousness with a knowledgeable guide? You’ll literally be walking in the footsteps of world history.

6. 5-Star Reviews

5-star reviews are only earned through 5-star service. When you’re relaxing with a glass of wine on the Sun Deck, enjoying a night under the stars, or having an unexpected encounter with kind locals that your tour guide has arranged for you, you’ll know where their 5-star reviews come from. See what people are saying about one of my favorite cruise lines, AmaWaterways’ flawless service.

7. Entertainment for the Whole Family

With a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way, we’re sure everyone in the family will have an unforgettable experience. River cruising is perfect for multi-generational families. From grandparents to late-elementary grandchildren, the entire family will bond over a range of topics and activities from food to history to countryside excursions. There really is something to do for everyone on board at each destination. Some members of your group may choose to take advantage of spa services, or the sundeck pool, or cultural activities, while others may prefer to seek out a quiet space with a book. Mealtimes are the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together again as a family. It really is the perfect multi-generational vacation for your family or group of friends.

8. Taste the Difference

Whether you’re into wine tasting or local street food, a river cruise provides an exceptional culinary experience both on the ship and at every destination. The onboard culinary team focuses on utilizing fresh local ingredients. Dishes are paired with local wines. There’s absolutely no mass-produced and basic buffet food when you cruise with AmaWaterways!

9. Variety of Experience

Let’s not forget just how special every European country is! The towns and cities may be close in proximity along the river, but don’t be surprised by the unique feeling and experiences that each destination gives you. Choose from visiting local breweries, hiking to castles, biking through trendy neighborhoods or visiting museums that highlight the local culture.

10. World-Class Accommodations

One of the reasons we love river cruises so much (and we know you’ll agree) is the feeling of walking into a luxurious suite or twin-balcony stateroom that will be your home away from home for the next 7, 8, 10 days or more. Each of AmaWaterways staterooms is tastefully decorated and is river facing. Whether you choose to have a window view, a private balcony, or even a twin balcony (with both a French and outside balcony), you’ll always have a room with a view.

So, there you have it. 10 great reasons why you’ll love your first river cruise on AmaWaterways.

To all cruise-lovers, perhaps it’s time to shake up the ocean cruise vacation for an entirely new way to explore the world’s waterways. Let us book you on an AmaWaterways river cruise that will take you inland for a unique and relaxing tour of Europe.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Visit Lake Como even at Christmas on a River Cruise?

You might be wondering why there is an article this week about Lake Como. Most of the articles focus on the cities and towns you can visit on a river cruise. BUT, guess what! You can visit Lake Como as part of your Rhine River Cruise. Visiting Lake Como can be added as a pre or post-cruise extension to your river cruise. Want to know more about land extensions? Check out this article.

Many people just think of visiting Lake Como during the summer months. This beautiful area has wonderful weather, pristine waters, stunning mountains, not to mention history and culture. But, Lake Como is also spectacular during the winter, especially at Christmas. Now, let’s explore what makes Christmas in Lake Como, Italy special!

Reasons to Spend Christmas in Lake Como before or after your river cruise!

Como, Italy comes alive with lights, music, shopping, fun from the end of November to the first week of January.

1) Less Tourists

November and December is not the normal tourist season in Lake Como. For those traveling during this time that means less tourists everywhere. The hotels, dining, spas, and tours that are still open often have better service because there is less people to serve.

2) Ice Skating near the Lake

Pop-up ice rinks appear in a couple of towns around the lake. Spend some time being active outside surrounded by the beauty of the lake and the town.

3) Christmas Markets

As with so many towns you will sail through on a river cruise on the Rhine River during the holiday season, Lake Como has it’s own wonderful Christmas Markets. Wander through the stalls spread out through the main piazza selling candles, woolen scarves, silk, handmade Christmas decorations, delicious snacks and of course, their version of mulled wine.

4) The Alps Surrounding the Lake

The Alps take on a whole new meaning of beauty during the winter. The snow-capped mountains glisten and sparkle. The wintery light reflects off the shimmering waters. Put yourself in the middle of a picture postcard.

5) Città dei Balocchi

This is actually one of the best reasons to visit Lake Como during your Christmas holiday! From the end of November to the beginning of January, the city of Como lights up. Giant projections cover the sides of the Cathedral and the surrounding buildings with Christmas cheer. Lights fill the streets and all the little towns around the lake. You might even take a boat trip around the lake to admire the lights.

Lake Como is the perfect place to spend Christmas after your river cruise. You will definitely feel the holiday cheer in this picturesque part of Italy.

Have you visited Lake Como, Italy in the winter? How about another time of year? What was your favorite part of your visit? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again?

Ama Waterways December 8, 2020

Gluhwein: A Taste of Christmas in Germany

A couple enjoys Glugwein, a taste of Christmas at a German Christmas Market.

One of the reasons to sail down the Rhine or Danube rivers on a Christmas Market cruise is to visit the Christmas Markets in each town along the way. Each city and town has at least one market for visitors some have many more. They all have their own style, and character. They also all have delicious food to eat and drink.

Since the Christmas Market season is in the winter, as you can assume, walking through the markets can be slightly chilly. You might want a hot drink in your hands to warm you from the inside out. Mulled Wine just might hit the spot. In Germany, this wonderfully warm concoction is called Gluhwein. In Germany, Gluhwein is one of the tastes of Christmas!

What is Gluhwein?

Gluhwein is made up of simmering red wine with spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, etc.), fruit (orange or lemon) and sugar. There are many, many different recipes for Gluhwein and you will get a taste of those differences in each town.

Gluhwein also makes a fantastic souvenir. When you purchase a mug of warm Gluhwein you will pay a deposit for the mug. After you finish your drink you can return the mug and get your deposit or keep the mug as a souvenir. Each market will have a different style of mug. When you are back home you can make a batch of Gluhwein and you will be transported back to the market drinking from the mugs. You can also purchase bottles to bring home with you. Definitely a fun and delicious to remember Germany and Gluhwein, the taste of Christmas!

Here is a recipe for German Gluhwein, a wonderful taste of Christmas. Enjoy!

Have you tried Gluhwein in Germany. Did it taste like Christmas to you? If you haven’t tried it before will you be hunting for the Gluhwein booth when you visit the Christmas markets? Let me know what you think of this drink in the comments below.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Ama Waterways November 17, 2020

Rüdesheim, Germany: Famous Wine and Coffee with a Kick!

Rudesheim, Germany is famous for wine and coffee with a kick.

Rüdesheim, Germany draws many visitors with its charm, history, and architecture. Even though this town gets pretty busy during their tourist season (April-October) you will still have a wonderful visit. Amazingly, there is room for everyone.

In this post, you read about some of the interesting things to see and do in this little town. And, I mentioned that a future post would focus on what the region is so famous for–wine and coffee with a kick. Today is that day! Without further adieu, let’s learn more about Rüdesheim, Germany, a region famous for its wine and coffee with a kick!

Types of Wine Produced in Rüdesheim, Germany

The location and soils of the vineyards near Rudesheim, Germany produce delicious wine and coffee with a kick.

Rüdesheim sits along the Rhine River in a region called the Rheingau. The perfect climate, consistent sunlight, assortment of soils, and the situation of the hills all work together to produce delicious wine varieties. Astonishingly, due to these factors, the taste of the wines vary from winery to winery. There are more than 350 different wine-growing business in the Rheingau region. This is truly a fantastic opportunity for wine tasting.

Riesling

Riesling is the most common variety of wine that comes from this region. This type of wine make for around 80% of what is produced. The climate allows for a very long ripening time for the grapes. They really get a chance to soak up all the good flavors from the sun and soil. This results in exceptional fruit and body in these wines.

If you want to visit this region during harvest season you will want to be there after October 15th and even into November. This is technically the off season for this area. But, if you are wanting to visit via a river cruise, this is the perfect time for a Wine Cruise!

Spätburgunder or Pinot Noir

The black Spätburgunder grapes grow mostly just around the river bend from Rüdesheim in Assmannshausen. The first mention of these grapes comes from 1318 but the production of the wind really seems to have begun in 1507. What an amazing history!

The red wines coming from this region are definitely some of the best from Germany. They are thought to be a bit lighter and smoother than the richer and fuller-bodied varieties from France. You will enjoy the Spätburgunder’s restrained, delicate flavor, with a lovely level of acidity that can be stored for future enjoyment. Sometimes these grapes are used to create a delicious, rich, and refreshing Weißherbst (rosé).

Wine Festivals in Rüdesheim, Germany

Summer of Riesling

During this festival, held the third week of August, Rüdesheim’s town square transforms into a festive tasting atmosphere with tables all over ready for guests. Wine vendors are spread throughout the square with a selection of wines to sample. You will also find plenty of food vendors to accompany your glass of wine.

This is a relaxed festival during the day. It is not a “wild and crazy” event but it does get a little more vivacious toward the evening.

Make sure you bring plenty of Euros. When you purchase a glass of wine you will also have to give a deposit for the glass and the wooden tray. You will get your deposit back when you bring back the glass and tray but you will have to initially have enough for all.

Assmannshausen in Red

This one day festival in either May or June celebrates the red wine that this region knows and loves. Assmannshausen is just around the bend from Rüdesheim. There is a Cable Car in Rüdesheim that goes up the hillside and connects to a chairlift running to Assmannshausen. Join the local residents to enjoy the historic taverns throughout the village. During the festival, you will find local foods, live music, and the creative wine songs of the Rhine.

Festival of New Wine

Held in the fall, the Festival of New Wine–“Tage des Federweissen,” is the final festival of the wine-growing season. This festival gives the winemakers a chance to showcase their young, slightly fermented wines. Federweißer is a sparkling wine that is fresh, slightly sweet, and reminiscent of grape-flavored lemonade. Drink this in moderation! The sweetness masks the alcohol content and you will feel the effects a little bit later. Along with the wine you will enjoy local foods (especially the traditional onion pie called Zwibbelkuche) and live music.

Wine Museum in Rüdesheim, Germany

As you can imagine, this region is very proud of their vineyards, grapes and wines. The rich history has been preserved and displayed in many different museums in the area. In Rüdesheim one of the popular museums is found in the Brömserburg Castle.

Rheingau Wine Museum

Brömserburg Castle date back approximately 1000 years and is one of the oldest in the Middle Rhine region. Originally it was built for the archbishops of Mainz but since 1941 it has been a Rheingau Wine Museum. In this museum, visitors will learn about wine production in the Rheingau region through more than 2000 exhibits.

The exhibits will educate guests about the history of winemaking and then bring them forward into modern production methods.

Rüdesheimer Coffee: Coffee with a Kick

Enough about wine! Let’s move on to the other famous beverage from Rüdesheim–Rüdesheimer Coffee.

Asbach Brandy

The secret ingredient in Rüdesheimer Coffee is Asbach brandy. This brandy is specially made in Rüdesheim. To make the brandy they start by carefully selecting base wines. These special wines go through a secret maturing and refining process to produce the quality Asbach is known for. Brandy lovers should definitely not miss the Asbach visitors’ center or taking a tour (reservations required).

Coffee and Liqueur Unite

The addition of Asbach Brandy makes Rüdesheimer Coffee what it is: coffee with a kick! But don’t think that you can just pour a little brandy into your coffee and produce the same results. No, of course not! Rüdesheimer Coffee takes special care and ingredients to get just the right flavor.

Check out this recipe here if you would like to re-savor your trip to Rüdesheim or just up your coffee game. Although, true Rüdesheimer Coffee must come in one of the specially crafted mugs. Guess you will have to visit Germany in order to make a true cup at home.

Have you tried any of the wine or Rüdesheimer Coffee from this Rüdesheim, Germany? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Ama Waterways November 10, 2020

Best Sights to See in Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

Walking the streets of old town is one of the best sites in Rudesheim, German.

Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany is an idyllic German town set on the banks of the Rhine River. This city has so much to offer with its beautiful vineyards, rich culture, and history. Even though Rüdesheim is fairly touristy there are so many sights to see and it is a lot of fun. Let’s get to know Rüdesheim, Germany.

Rüdesheim sits on the Upper Middle Rhine Vally as a kind of gateway. This part of the Rhine river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance and beauty.

As you walk through Rüdesheim, you will enjoy the authentic German feel of the old town with the half-timbered houses and castles. The busyness of the town certainly doesn’t detract from this charming town and is definitely worth a visit!

The best time to visit Rudesheim is between April and October so that as many places as possible are open. The other popular time is for the Christmas Markets in November and December.

Now, on to the best sights in Rüdesheim, Germany!

The Sites of Rüdesheim, Germany

An excellen way to visit Rüdesheim is on a river cruise. As a part of a river cruise you will have a few tour options to introduce you to the town. Some of the sites below will probably be included in the tours offered. But, if you have visited before or want to take your time, you might want to head out on your own to explore the sights of Rüdesheim, Germany!

Note to Wine Lovers–Wine is a huge focus of this region and home to some fabulous wines. But, this will be covered in another post. So, stay tuned!

Drosselgasse

In the 15th century Drosselgasse was the home for sailors due to its close proximity to the Rhine. Boat-owners would easily be able to haul up their equipment and goods home. Nowdays, this skinny, 2m wide alley is known for its quaintness and a heart of the old town. Along the Drosselgasse’s cobbled streets you will find historic, half timber houses, historic buildings, restaurants, bars, and shops. This area is the perfect place to enjoy regional dishes and, of course, the wine. This street is also where you would head when in search of night life as this is where some of the city’s best entertainment is.

If you are searching for charming German streets, don’t limit yourself to just the Drosselgasse. There are quite a few adjoining streets that would also be very interesting and charming.

Siegfried’s Mechanisches Musikkabinett

Truly a unique experience! Sigfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet houses one of the largest collections of self-playing instruments in the world. Enjoy the sights and sounds of all things musical and mechanical from the fragile music boxes to the gigantic piano-orchestrion. The collection of automated dolls in a band and the violins will surely amaze you.

This quirky museum is sure to delight guests of all ages. But, plan ahead because you must have a guided tour in order to see the music come to life.

Rüdesheim Cable Car

The Cable Car up the hill will provide one of the most breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley. At the top, you can not only overlook the valley, Rüdesheim, and the Rhine but you can also visit the Niederwald Monument. Also from here, you can visit the Neiderwaldtempel, a classic 7-column temple with a rotunda. And you can walk to the chairlift that will take you all the way to the neighboring village of Assmannshausen. You could even visit Neiderwald castle.

The enormous Neiderwald (or Germania) Monument was erected in the 19th century to remember the unification of Germany into a single nation.

When you head back to Rudesheim you can either take the Cable Car back down or you can walk the 2 Kilometers through the vinyards.

This is definitely one of the best sights in Rüdesheim, Germany!

Abbey of St. Hildegard

The Benedictine Abbey of St Hildegard sits on the hill above Rüdesheim. As you can imagine, this is another location with stunning views of the Middle Rhine Valley. The monastery was built in the early 20th century but the nuns are part of an order that originated during the 1100s. The building has a Romanesque style along with beautiful frescoes and architectural details.

The nuns run the vineyard and produce delicious wines. You can sample some of their wines in and other products in the abbey’s shop.

Services are held during the week that visitors are welcome to attend. They also provide opportunities to learn more about St. Hildegard. You can also hear them sing vespers in the evening and concerts at the Rheingau Music festival in the summer.

Have you visited Rüdesheim, Germany? Are there sights in Rüdesheim, Germany that you think are must-see sights?

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see Rüdesheim is it a place on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!