For Love of Castles

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An opportunity opened up for me to take a river cruise.  My choice was either the Rhine or Danube river. 

I questioned myself as I would my clients.   1)  Why did you select a certain itinerary or destination?  2)  After that, how they go about it.  Each person will have a different answer.  We go forth from there.

As I reviewed brochures and the descriptions of the places I could visit, it occurred to me that I love castles.

Something I always wanted to do was a river cruise.  This I felt was important because it will enable me to help my clients set their expectations.  The best way is to experience it myself and not listen to others or look at pretty pictures.   This was my opportunity and it would be foolish to pass such an opportunity up.  Besides this could be a trip of a lifetime!

As a little girl we always dreamed of being a princess.  Living in a gorgeous castle on a hill.  We've all read and seen the handsome princes and knights of old in history, storybooks and movies who protected these magnificent castles.  It was time for this not so little girl to see them for herself.

After evaluating and weighing the options, the obvious was for me to sail the Rhine River.  It would include another childhood dream fulfilled - seeing real historical windmills.  Back when I thought it would be really interesting to visit and see one firsthand and see what it would be like to live in one.  The Rhine was a no brainer.

Our first stop that included a castle was in Heidelberg, Germany.  What a delightful city by the way.  We went to visit a fully functional castle called the Heidelberg Castle.  Still occupied and maintained by the original family(s) who have inherited this magnificent property over the ages.  It was so cool to enter the castle grounds through a arched steel gate like you see in the movies.  You entered the courtyard and took in the architecture reminiscent of the days of old.  The gorgeous views of the river and city below.  Just breathtaking.

The journey continued.  The highlight of the trip was yet to be had.  A scenic cruise of the Rhine River as you take in multiple castles close to each other along one section of the Rhine River. 

We sat on the top deck of the ship where the Cruise Director was offering an enrichment opportunity as she pointed out the various castles and the history behind as many as she could.  The Loreley was probably the most famous because of the song that exists about its legend.  A sweet love story that ended on a sad note.

One of our included tours through the cruise line was the Marksburg Castle in Braubach, Germany.  It was here that we climbed a very steep hill to actually enter a castle from the middle ages that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  You could imagine how they lived in that day.  The layout of the rooms.  Even a functional restroom.  However, I would not want to be the one standing or walking by at the wrong time.  This all brought to life the transition of knights and royalty or hierarchy lived like in medieval times.  A stark difference to today's world and comforts.

Was I disappointed?  Heck, absolutely not! 

Would I recommend a cruise such as this?  Definitely.  Especially if you want to see for yourself castles and more.  It is a great way to immerse yourself into a time gone by and enjoy the beauty and splendor of the scenery as it unfolds before your very eyes.   

Please check out my pictures on my Instagram page of some of the many castles we saw while doing our scenic cruise and more.

Considering a river cruise and or sailing the Rhine River?  I would love to help.  Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or assistance.   Do be aware that all river cruise lines are not alike.  There is one waiting just for you.

Happy Traveling!