Day 13  -  Saturday 24 Sept Wertheim  24 degrees     

Again wake up to a beautiful morning although a little cool at 8 degrees. After breakfast Ross and I head off for a hike. We start at 8.30 and the first 15 mins is walking through the town towards the castle. We then head up through a series of steps. Reminds us of Amalfi – quite steep and high. Beautiful sights of the castle and town. We walk around and up and down and then a steep incline where the first part is finished at 9.50 am.  Our guide Michael asks if we wish to go back into town or continue our walk. We all  agree to continue. We head off at a brisk pace and although Michael says it will take 40 mins it is closer to 55 mins and we get back to the ship at 10.55 with the crew waiting for us so the ship can depart. It was a great invigorating walk that was well needed through some lovely countryside. The girls and Luggy have a guided tour through the town which is very quaint. Bridgette the guide is lovely and tells the history of the town and their surrender to the allies in WW11. They go to a beautiful glass shop and surprise surprise buy something. This afternoon we cruise along the Main river in beautiful sunny weather.

Day 12  - Friday 23 Sept Wurzburg – Rothenburg 23 degrees           

A quiet morning as we cruise into Warzburg. The scenery this morning as we cruise along is spectacular. We have an early lunch as tours today start at noon. We are off to Rothenburg a medieval town and it is a 60 min bus ride from where we are berthed. It is a lovely drive through the hills and small villages. Rothenberg is a walled town that has retained its history and character. When we arrive we hear that Hawthorn is 17 points in front at ¾ time – Ross is nervous. Later we hear that Collingwood is 3 points in front and hangs on to win. Ross is going to shout tonight! We have a lovely day in Rothenburg and our bus takes the autobahn back to our ship.  After dinner we have a glass blowing demonstration on board. Very high quality and beautiful work. Where we stop tomorrow at Wertheim is the glassblowers shop which the girls will be visiting.  He also told us of his escape from east Germany with his family when he was 5 years old.

Day 11 - Thursday 22 Sept Bamberg 21 degrees       

Little overcast and cool this morning as we head off to the city of Bamberg. It was built on 7 hills and rivers running through the town. Lots of bridges. Bamberg was not bombed during the war, it is a beautiful medieval city. Lovely buildings and shops. Walked up to another cathedral and a german movie was being filmed. Our guide, Alexander, was very cool. We also visited  Zehnthasus a private brewery established in 1533 and sampled their beers. We have been very fortunate to have such excellent guides. Have a relaxing afternoon as we cruise through the canal to Wurzburg.