Travel Log

Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg Castle (in German: Heidelberger Schloss) is a famous ruin in Germany and landmark of Heidelberg. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps.

The castle has only been partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is located 80 metres (260 ft) up the northern part of the Königstuhl hillside, and thereby dominates the view of the old downtown. It is served by an intermediate station on the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway that runs from Heidelberg's Kornmarkt to the summit of the Königstuhl.

The earliest castle structure was built before AD 1214 and later expanded into 2 castles circa 1294; however, in 1537, a lightning-bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650, before damage by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning-bolt destroyed some rebuilt sections.

For more facts on the Castle, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg_Castle

Heidelberg town runs along the River Neckar and views from the Castle offer excellent shots of the town and River Neckar below. Heidelberg is a charming town to visit and there are plenty of fun things to see and do. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but will at least get you started:

• Universitätsplatz and the old university, baroque style building
• Student prison in Augustinergasse
• Jesuitenkiche (Jesuit’s church) on Schulgasse
• Kornmarkt (corn market) – nice view of the Castle
• Markplatz – great for a coffee in the summer
• Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost church) – on Marktplatz, Gothic church, sometimes classical music concerts here.
• Haus zum Ritter (Knight’s house) – just off Marktplatz, the oldest private house (1592) in Heidelberg, now a hotel. Built in the renaissance style.
• Alte Brücke (old bridge) and Brückentor (Bridge gate). Very picture worthy and a must visit. Join the queue to have your picture taken with the Heidelberg monkey (you’ll know what we’re talking about when you see it!).

For these and other ideas, visit: http://www.e-heidelberg.com/attractions/.

This shot was taken in 1992 in October on one of several visits I made to the Castle!

AMA Waterways Cruise night ---DVine Bistro Chandler

 

This past Tuesday night, Critics Choice Vacations hosted a "River Cruise Night" at Dvine wine bistro in Chandler (www.dvinebistro.com) 

with our favorite river cruise partner, AMA Waterways (www.amawaterways.com).

In the past years, river cruising has become a lot more popular and there are many reasons why, but let me just highlight a few for you (not in any particular order):

1. Unpack only once into your spacious cabin (ranging from 170 sq. feet to larger categories up to 255 sq feet).

2. Complimentary free flowing local wines, beer or soda included at every dinner. Unlimited champagne with every onboard breakfast. Complimentary gourmet coffees and teas (lattes, cappuccino, etc.). Complimentary bottled water provided and replenished as needed.

3. Gourmet meals with fresh fish, not frozen.

4. Complimentary city tours with personal audio headsets. Tours range from slow, regular and faster paced tours.

5. Complimentary bicycles on each ship (25-40 depending on ship), including helmet and bike lock for your riding pleasure.

5. Complimentary local and cultural specialty entertainment on ships at night.

6. Complimentary FREE internet and Infotainment system with free Hollywood movies in every stateroom.

7. Luxury accommodations with 82% French balconies on all ships. Some of the newer ships even have a full outside balcony. High quality lines and duvets in each cabin.

8. One of the newest fleets on the rivers. Oldest ship dating back to 2006 and several new ships coming in 2013.

AMA Waterways offers many different river cruising options such as: Africa, Europe, Thailand & Cambodia and Russia venues. To obtain the best cabins, it is wisest to book your AMA cruise 12-15 months in advance of sailing. We have all kinds of specials and promotions running right now.

Please email Susan@CriticsChoiceVacations.com or call 480-831-9076 for pricing and more details.

Thanks to M. Nothum for the use of the shot from Dvine, and to AMA Waterways for the use of their photo above.

Near Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is a vibrant city with top-class art and culture, appealing leisure activities and fantastic shops. Stuttgart is at the centre of one of Germany's foremost economic regions. What’s more, the people of Stuttgart really do know how to throw a party - the lively Stuttgart Beer Festival, the traditional Wine Festival and the atmospheric Stuttgart Christmas market are just three of its popular events.

A stroll through Stuttgart's city centre is like taking a journey back through the history of architecture, with masterpieces such as the medieval Old Palace, the baroque New Palace, the beautiful Art Nouveau market hall and the Bauhaus-style Weissenhof housing estate giving the city its distinctive feel.

For people who enjoy good food and drink, Stuttgart is an excellent choice, as Swabian specialties such as Spätzle noodles and Maultaschen (giant raviolis) are served at many of its restaurants and cozy little taverns. There is also a wide choice of great wines as the city is in fact surrounded by vineyards.

Stuttgart is home to two of the leading names in the automotive world, Daimler-Benz and Porsche – both of which have erected spectacular museums in the city. The breathtaking Mercedes-Benz Museum looks back on some of the finest feats from the world of mobility. No fewer than nine floors are needed to display a total of more than 1,500 exhibits tracing the unique history of the brand. Visitors can learn all about the legendary Porsche at the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen. The exhibition space at this dazzling white museum is held up by just three pillars and looks as if it is about to take off. Even during construction, its bold architecture grabbed the headlines.

Built in 1914, Stuttgart's market halls are regarded as a triumph of the art nouveau period. There's the aroma of exotic spices hanging in the air, a medley of voices speaking all different languages, and rows and rows of stalls covering an area of around 3,000 square meters. Flowers, fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and baked goods are available here every day. In this extravaganza of epicurean delights and other refined pleasures, visitors can sit and relax over a delicious latte or enjoy some Swabian specialties in the restaurant with the hustle and bustle in the background

There are some wonderful spring/fall/summer trips and tours which include Stuttgart. Why not call or email today to look into your next visit to Germany.

This photo was taken in 1996 (while I was visiting during Christmas time) after a fresh snow just outside Stuttgart. The red berries you see are rose hips.

Bingen, Germany

 
Bingen, Germany

Aah.......one of my homes away from home. One of my favorite places in Germany to visit! Bingen "sits" on a hill and overlooks the Rhine and Nahe river valley. Bingen offers a little slice of heaven and many of the best aspects of German life: excellent white wines, 2 rivers converging, gorgeous vine filled hillsides, a plethora of castles (Burg Klopp one of the best), green (ok this means a lot to me being a desert rat) everywhere, quaint old buildings and lovely architecture, museums, gondola rides nearby over the vineyards (on the Ruedesheim side), fun small village shopping, great food, fresh cheese, meat and bakery shops, etc. Just a short ride from Frankfurt by car or by train (about 30-45 minutes max), and you can be experiencing life in Bingen as well. The rail station runs right along the river and stops right in Bingen. Bingen is also just a ferry ride across the river from the more famous (and more touristy) destination of Ruedesheim. Many ferry rides are available directly from Bingen north or south along the famous castle route on the Rhine.

Harvest time is quickly approaching and is a great time to visit Bingen. September is the key month for harvesting, wine festivals and the first crisp scents and flavors of fall. It is a great time to hang out with the locals and truly experience the local culture.  Call or email me today to check on some great packages to Germany or perhaps even a wonderful fall Rhine river cruise! Email: Susan@CriticsChoiceVacations.com or call 480-831-9076 today!

 

Outside Munich, Germany

 

 Outside Munich, Germany

Given that so much of the USA right now is covered in snow and fighting blizzard conditions and Australia is bracing for the impact and devastation of a category 5 cyclone off the coast of Queensland, I thought a picturesque view of a relaxed summer day was critically in order for today's post. 

There are over 25,000 castles in Germany today;  some are only ruins, but many of them are well-preserved and home to museums, restaurants and even hotels.  One of the best ways to see many of the castles is by taking a River Rhein tour (day trip for those with little time) and an AmaWaterways River cruise for those that want to learn more about each castle and explore the Germany culture more in-depth, spending the night on the river cruise ship and doing daily explorations of the various towns/sites.

Here is a list of 10 of my favorite castles in Germany:

1. Burg Klopp located in Bingen, Germany - http://www.steveclapp.com/places/KloppCastle.htm

2. Rotteln Schloss located in Steinen, Germany

3. Hohenzollern Castle located just outside Sttutgart, Germany -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohenzollern_Castle

4. Heidelberg Castle located in Heidelberg, Germany -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg_Castle

5.  Neuschwanstein Castle (perhaps the best well-known in Germany) located in Bavaria - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuschwanstein_Castle

6. Guttenberg Castle located in the Neckar valley -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guttenberg,_Bavaria

7. Burg Eltz near Koblenz, Germany - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Eltz

8. Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin, Germany :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlottenburg_Palace

9. Burg Rheinfels, built above St. Goar, Germany - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Rheinfels

10. Maus Turm located on the Rhein River outside Bingen, Germany -  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse_Tower

Summer is the perfect time to travel to Europe (although it is peak season then) but there are some excellent rates being offered right now on AMA Waterways river cruises (lasting about 9-15+ days). Call or email for some quotes and to find out more about it! It's an excellent way to relax and enjoy the beautiful sights and learn about the history and culture.

Thank you to J. & V. Miller for the use of their lovely photo, taken last summer while they were on a Germany tour.

Berlin, Germany

 

 Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your families

and best wishes for 2011!

Thank you for your continued support of Critics Choice Vacations!

(Thanks to B&J Stefandl for the use of their photo!)

Grenzach-Whylen, Germany

 

Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany

Most of you have probably not ever heard about, much less visited, Grenzach-Wyhlen, but this is my 2nd home! I lived here 18 years ago (where has the time gone?) and can recall it like it were yesterday. It is a very small Germany village about 10 minutes from the Basel, Switzerland border. It  lies in southern Germany in the heart of the Black Forest. What is so special about Grenzach you ask?

1. The feeling of such a small quaint village where almost everyone knows everyone.

2. The fresh food shops: cheese, meat and breads and the little all purpose market that use to close on Wed. from 12-2 (that drove me crazy at first but then I begin to appreciate it).

3. The friendly neighbors you would pass daily on their bikes, or by foot who always said "Grusse Gott" or "Guten Tag" to you, with a smile.

4. The weekend farmer's markets loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. My daily run to the Rhine and back past the dairy farms and fields of sunflowers.

6. New friends from America adjusting to a new tiny village, just like myself.

7. The smell of the "valley" in the summer.....after a rain.

8. Good dark, bittersweet chocolate!

9. Apricot tea in the afternoon.

10. Friends stopping by for breakfast, a cup of tea/coffee, a bite of lunch - whatever was cooking, regardless of time of day!

11. Taking my 1DM (Deutsch Mark) and container to the local dairy man for fresh milk and cream.

These are the things I miss.........and many more!

If you are ever interested in a tour of Germany ---I can provide you with plenty of "insider" tips on travel within southern Germany and the Black Forest! Summer is a GREAT time to be there - don't delay!

Burg Klopp - Bingen, Germany

BINGEN, GERMANY

How suitable is Kloppberg (Klopp Hill) for a castle or fortification? The whole hill was once part of a defensive belt surrounded by a wall, in which the small town of Bingium was located. In 355 AD the fortification was a victim of the Alemannen. The next few centuries were bad for the hill. Castles were built and destroyed. The name of Klopp Castle was first mentioned in 1282.  There was destruction in 1165, 1301 and during the 30-year war, and finally by the French king, Ludwig XIV.

It was not until the middle of the last century that the wealthy merchant, Ludwig Cron from Cologne, began the generous reconstruction. In 1897 the castle was placed into the possession of the town of Bingen.  Since that time it has been the residence of the mayor and the town administration.

It was considerably damaged during the second world war, but today it is one of the most beautiful hallmarks of the town.

This information was taken from:

http://www.bingen.de/en/2/sehenswuerdigkeit_klopp.html

**By the way, this is one of my most favorite places in all of Germany (my other home!)**

Berlin, Germany

Berlin, Germany

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Germany at Christmas. Stroll through festively decorated streets and explore the enchanting Christmas markets with their seasonal music and choir singing. Listen to the sounds of bells and trumpeters and attend one of the many concerts from classical to gospel in the churches and on outdoor stages. Adorned with decorations and festively lit, the pedestrian precincts and shopping centres offer everything your heart could desire. The arts and entertainment scene also takes a seasonal turn in December: in Germany’s major cities, you’ll find everything from plays, operettas and musicals to spellbinding readings. In addition, theme parks are open throughout Christmas for their winter seasons – take the whole family to magical Europa-Park Rust, a winter wonderland in white brimming with thrills, spills and surprises. There are also numerous winter sports you can get involved in and high-profile events such as the New Year ski jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You see, it’s not just Christmas trees and twinkling lights, Germany has something for everyone during the festive season. www.germany-tourism.de.

Additionally, many of the River Cruise Lines are offering excellent upgrades, free airfare discounts and added perks and values on their Christmas tours. If you are at all considering a trip to Germany over the holidays, this is an excellent value and offers an easy and comfortable, first-class type of experience. Call or email from some great quotes.

Freiburg, Germany

 

Freiburg, Germany

Located in the heart of the Germany Black Forest (Schwarzwald) lies Freiburg (often referred to as Freiburg im Breisgau). It is about 2 hours by car south from Frankfurt and about 45 minutes north of Basel, Switzerland. It is a charming little town lined with little canals throughout the main part of the city and the walking zone. The open market bursts with flavors, colors and varieties of produce, cheeses, meats and breads from the local farmers and shop owners.

While there you must not miss the following attractions:

1. Augustiner Museum -which is the old museum housed in the monastery of the Order of St. Augustine.

2. Freiburg Cathedral - (shown behind the market in this photo) is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art in Germany. The bell on the tower dates back to 1258. The cathedral contains many old stain-glassed windows which date bate to the 13th century.

3. Museum fur Neue Kunst - a collection of modern art.

4. The Kaufhaus (Customs House) - the most colorful building in Freiburg - located just across from the cathedral in Munsterplatz.

There are many excellent tours which offer Freiburg as part of your visit to Germany. Contact me for some great deals over the Christmas holiday. The Christmas markets in Germany should be on your "WISH LIST" of travels…and Freiburg offers it's own unique Christmas (Weihnachts Markt). Call or email today: Susan@CriticsChoiceVacations.com or 480-831-9076.