Cruising the Moselle and Rhine Rivers

Paris was much more enjoyable the second time around. All of the sights were familiar and exploration was a breeze knowing my way around. The river cruise that I took in October began here. Once arriving at the hotel and checking in with the cruise manager, who was with the group from beginning to end, our guided tour of Paris stopped at sights including the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower and the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.

An evening excursion of Montmarte was a must on our trip as we would see firsthand the "City of Lights." Situated in the north of Paris, the "Hill of Martyrs," Montmarte became renowned in the latter part of the 19th century as the home to the burgeoning Parisian artist commumity. The village-like nature of this suburb attracted painters, sculptors and many others from across Europe. Its center, Place du Tertre still has the vibe of the Belle Epoque era, with street artists, restaurants and a cosmopolitan area with a vineyard, and a Bohemian atmosphere. Dominating the whole area is the huge white church of Sacre-Coeur, from which the view of Paris is breathtaking.

The following morning we saw Paris from two different and unique angles. We began with a cruise along the banks of the Seine River, the heart and soul of Paris. The Eiffel Tower was the next stop where we were able to see all of Paris' highlights- the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, L'Institut de France, and Notre Dame Cathedral on the Ile de la Cite,the old center of Paris. The second level of the Eiffel Tower is the ideal place to see a panoramic view of the whole of Paris.

Departing our hotel in Paris and boarding a bus to Luxembourg was next on the itiniary. Our panoramic tour included sights such as the Centre European and Place d'Armes. Continuing on to Trier we embarked our ship, the AmaAlegro. We along with only 141 other passengers were welcomed aboard for a spectacular criuse through the Mosel River Valley.

A full breakfast the first morning on board was a great way to start before we departed for a tour through Germany's oldest city full of a rich Roman past. Visits to such remains as Roman baths and the famous Porta Nigra Gate, which dates back to the year 180 A.D. were part of this included excursion. We returned back to the ship for lunch and began our cruise down the Moselle to the region's most picturesque village, Bernkastel-Kues. The ship docked right in the center of the village which made it convenient to explore the quaint streets surrounded by half timbered houses dating back to the 16th century.

It is hard to say what the highlight of the cruise was, but the morning that we visited the fairy tale village of Cochem was truly one of the best. This village has only 6,000 inhabitants and is probably the most visited village along the Moselle River. Sailing down the Moselle River to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet is called the "German Corner." Koblenz is where you will find an impressive monument dedicated to Kaiser Wilhem I, who resided in Koblenz at one time and is quite a local hero. The afternoon was dominated by sailing down the Rhine River experiencing the stunning beauty of the Rhine castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock.

Heidelberg castle in Heidelberg was the next stop. The red-walled castle ruins, which is the largest castle ruins in Germany, was a great place to see many different architectural styles. From the castle, glorious views of the town and the Neckar River were visible. After a short bus ride we arrived in Rudesheim. While in the town of Rudesheim a tour and wine tasting excursion were planned. Experiencing firsthand the vineyards up close, hearing about the life of a vineyard worker and tasting the various wines produced, were all part of the excursion, not to mention the splendid views. After dinner on the ship, an evening excursion to Siegfried's Kabinett was on the agenda. This historic museum houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries.

The Cathedral in Cologne is always a highlight. It is a world heritage site and stands talls in the centre of town which was the tallest building in Europe until the Eiffel tower in Paris was built. In the afteroon the ship set sail for Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the north because of its many canals encircling the city. A scenic canal cruise along with a short panoramic driving tour was a great way to get acquainted with the city. Such attractions as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum were on the list of "must sees."

River cruising is very different that Ocean cruising. River cruising allows you a intimacy with your destinations that Ocean cruising does not. Most, if not all excursions along with wine are included in your cruise fare, along with many added extras.

Gay travel with Monte Carlo Travel has just set the date for a River cruise from Budapest to Prague in October 2011. Please contact us for more information and best pricing prior to February 26th.

cj@gaytravelwithmontecarlo.com or 631-580-7188.