Heidelberg

 July 12

We closed out our time in Germany today with an extended visit to the college town of Heidelberg - the oldest college in Europe.  The highlight of the day was touring the Heidelberg Castle.  Such great stories there from our guide Daniella.  And after our tour of the castle and looking out over the city from the terrace we had some free time in the city where we enjoyed Germany sausages, beer, and a pastry.

Started with an hour long drive through the Black Forest (where we got our cuckoo clock several years ago!)

The iconic bombed tower - note the collapsed wall in the foreground

Close-up view of the tower

The tower gate into the palace courtyard

Close-up of the coat of arms/statues guarding the entry

The palace - built over 200 years

The sundial tower (at left) was home to a French painter who painted dozens of pictures of the palace which when discovered years later led to the restoration of the palace

Close-up of the sundial on the tower

Said to be the "beautiful palace in Germany"

Overlooking Heidelberg from the castle terrace

Close-up shot of the old bridge from the terrace

Photo-op of the day from the terrace - you'll note my "Stanley Cup CHAMPIONS" logo on my polo :)

View down one of the Heidelberg alleys

Group pic from the Old Town Bridge with the Heidelberg Castle in the background

DEEEEEE-licious :)

Back on the ship we set sail immediately, headed for tomorrow's stop in Strasbourg, France where the excursion begins at 9 am.  We will be back on board by lunch and set sail for our final stop in Basel, Switzerland.

A little bit of dinner with our wine!

As I post today's photos I'm on the top deck of our ship and this is my view....yes, this is why everyone should take a European river cruise :)