Rhine River Cruise #1 Basel to Speyer


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May 23rd 2011
Published: May 23rd 2011
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Mulhouse. NE FranceMulhouse. NE FranceMulhouse. NE France

Beaune to Mulhouse by our hire car. GPS took 3 goes to find hotel! Beautiful town centre - this cathedral took pride of place, but those people, sitting, drinking wine - a French evening.
Now in San Francisco, so a little behind - takes about 2 hours to publish one of these blogs, even after selecting the photos, and we are sight seeing, furiously. Only a week to go.
The cruise started unpredictably - river low due to lack of rain - found out on day of embarkation that boat was NOT at Basel, but downstream at Strasbourg - we had tickets so still caught train to Basel, then waited 4 hours for bus at jetty, then the 2 hour drive to Strasbourg. After boarding it was explained that River Authority had ordered the boat further downstream (or spend the week in Stasbourg). Overnight cruise to Mannheim, then 2hr bus back to Strasbourg for the scheduled tour. From then on the cruise was as per schedule, and we loved it.
Unseasonal fine weather continued and warmer clothes remained clean, if not slightly squashed & wrinkled.
Our tours became an information feast - sometimes too much, but often, fascinating. Scenery beautiful.
Cheers from Jan & Garry


Additional photos below
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Railway OptionRailway Option
Railway Option

We were advised to make our journey to Basel by train: "luggage? No worries!" Look at the steps behind Jan! Nearly dislocated shoulder dragging bags into carriage!
Avalon FelicityAvalon Felicity
Avalon Felicity

Found our cruise boat in Strasbourg after a 2 hour bus trip from where it should have been. No rain, low water levels, start further downstream.
Room 222Room 222
Room 222

Our 'home' for a week. Small, compact, but comfortable and clean - and oh, what a vista from the ceiling to floor window, which opened to a railing & fresh country air.
Rise 'n ShineRise 'n Shine
Rise 'n Shine

Our first morning - rose at 7am, slid back curtains to a view of the French countryside sliding past - heading for Mannheim.
Strasbourg TourStrasbourg Tour
Strasbourg Tour

Hmm - left here yesterday. Two hour bus drive back -no control over low water levels! Our first walking tour - earphone/receiver to listen to guide.
Strasbourg CathedralStrasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg Cathedral

Spectacular (big) - beautiful interior - amazing height and volume - all amplified by how old the structure was - how they toiled without modern cranes to achieve this!
Canal TourCanal Tour
Canal Tour

Strasbourg has canal waterways. So, we were traeted to a canal cruise through locks and scenic canals - and past the buildings which house the 'European Parliament'.
Climb to LunchClimb to Lunch
Climb to Lunch

We were treated to a beautiful lunch in one of Strasbourg's top restaurants. The stairs were steep and spiralled so it was wise to hang onto the central rope for security.
30 Years30 Years
30 Years

Glad it was such a posh restaurant because this was also our 30th Wedding Anniversary.
Black Forest TourBlack Forest Tour
Black Forest Tour

After lunch in Strasbourg we travelled east to the Black Forest and visited a lovely little village where we tried authentic Black Forest Cake and checked out their souvenir shop.
Black Forest Cuckoos Black Forest Cuckoos
Black Forest Cuckoos

The tourist stop shop had an incredible array of cuckoo clocks - from tiny battery powered cheap souvenirs to these massive grandfather clock versions.
Black Forest SceneryBlack Forest Scenery
Black Forest Scenery

This village was in a valley surrounded by heavy forest - the term 'Black' originating from its dense growth and forbidding nature - it gave the visiting Romans the willy's - hence the name.
Day 2 - SpeyerDay 2 - Speyer
Day 2 - Speyer

A morning visit to Speyer Cathedral - the pattern was set - but each cathedral had its own special something. This one was huge but simple and monolithic.
I'll Huff & I'll Puff.....I'll Huff & I'll Puff.....
I'll Huff & I'll Puff.....

This massive metal door was the entrance to Speyer Cathedral. Knock and nothing happens. You have to haul it open yourself - no way you can sneek in ... creeaak - then you let a flood of light inside the dingy entry.
Speyer Town SquareSpeyer Town Square
Speyer Town Square

Starting to find that town squares are pretty special - a meeting place - restaurants, wine bars, tourist shops - plenty to see and do.
When in Germany ...When in Germany ...
When in Germany ...

At the end of our time in Speyer we found a beer garden by the Rhine where I sampled a Munchner Sommer beer. Bottle brewed something like Coopers.


23rd May 2011
30 Years

Wedding Anniversary
Hope that you guys had a great 30th. Thanks for your text wishing Michelle & me a happy 28th (and birthday greetings). Got it in Bali. Catch up soon...Gordon & Michelle.
23rd May 2011

Rhine #1
After the early 'speed bumps' it certainly looked like a spectacular cruise... to think there are many other river cruise options in Europe.....hmmmm
31st May 2011
When in Germany ...

WOW
The boat looks to be the perfect way to travel!! I'm a bit behind with looking at your photos - your probably home by now. Looking forward to hearing more about the trip in person.

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