Wurzburg and Rothenburg ob de Taub. Dec 6

 Tuesday, Dec 6

The boat stopped at 9am, and those of us going on the optional excursion boarded buses to Rothenburg ob de Taub, as the ship moved on to dock in Wurtzburg.  We rode about an hour to the charming town, where we took a tour of the walled city known for its medieval architecture, where half timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. We then enjoyed a traditional lunch of bratwurst and sauerkraut with a Franconia wine, or a beer,  at the charming and authentic old Glocke restaurant. We have been in the Bavarian section of Germany, but the Franconia section boasts a special wine produced there, instead of the more prevalent German beer, so of course we had to try that. 

We had a free hour to see the markets and quaint shops, and we chose the famous Christmas shop, which was mind boggling! With Susan’s help, I chose a nutcracker out of their vast selection, and a small tree ornament, but I could have done a lot more damage! One of our fellow passengers purchased three of the large carousel pyramids and had them shipped home! I love them but resisted the urge. We could have used a few more hours to look and shop!

Inside the walls of the old town, gates and towers often appear throughout the town. 

The Glocke, where we enjoyed a traditional lunch. 

The amazing Christmas store which we found had branches in other places and towns. Chocked full of Christmas goodies! 

I always think of Chris and my Mom when I see these clocks.  Mom had one we loved to wind, and Chris was always fascinated by it, and has it now. Some are very elaborate, with prices to match! 

I love the ornate metal signs. 

Of course every town has their Christmas market, be it large or small. 

Windows with Lebkuchen, they’re traditional gingerbread, and holiday goodies. 

Dirndles for little girls and ladies! 

Back to the bus, we headed back to Wurzburg, known for its lavish baroque and rococo architecture, where we took an interesting guided walk around the town and through the 18th century Bishops Residenz palace, with ornate rooms and huge fresco by a Venetian artist over an elaborate staircase. We then had a brief free time to see the Christmas market there, and sample the mulled wine, before returning to the ship in time for it to sail at 6:15.  Susan and I examine the Gluhwein mugs in the town markets to decide which ones we want to collect, and this one was a very cute little squat curved red one, which fit the bill! And the wine did not disappoint!

The Bishops Residenz. Unfortunately, no inside photos allowed, but we did enjoy the magnificent interior and frescoes. 

The castle itself is not lit due to the current energy crisis with Russian oil, but the guard house looked lovely as we walked back to the ship from the market. 

A full, rushed day, and we were tired, and retired to our rooms after dinner, rather than join the group in the lounge for trivia night.

Onboard, the chefs gingerbread house creations. 

I should mention that each evening, the chef comes in after the port talk, and describes our dinner selections. There is always a regional selection of appetizer, entree, and dessert, in addition to other entree selections, as well as a fixed side of the menu from which to choose. You can mix and match, but I most often opt for the regional selections, which is fun and interesting. I should also mention as Clem has pointed out, that we love seeing him come up, so we can admire his bulging biceps, stretching his chefs coat sleeves to the max! He is tall and I would imagine good looking under the mask, but his arms are quite remarkable!

Tomorrow a more leisurely start while we reach Bamberg, and our afternoon walking tour.