Berrnkastel and Cochem, Germany

Bernkastel, a town in the Mosel Valley founded by the Romans in 70 AD, it became part of the Holy Roman Empire starting in the 900's and then changed hands to France in the 1790's and 20 years later, Bernkastel became part of Germany during the unification in 1871.  
At each town we stop at a local guide or the tour director gives us a walking tour of the city to highlight major points of interest. What a charming medieval village Bernkastel is with brightly colored buildings, cafes and shops.

Since there are no lifts(elevators) in buildings they use a simple pulley system of putting goods in some type of basket and raising it up to their window to unload their goods. 

One of the major points of interest is the Kastel.

Not to be outdone by husband I trekked straight up a mile (more slowly than him) for these stunning views of the town below and the Mosel River.   

This region is Mosel wine area. The climate is perfect for wine making with 70% of the grapes used to produce Riesling. We made a stop to an underground wine cellar for wine tasting. I did think it was rather amusing when we were told some of their wine is shipped USA to Costco. Just didn't sound too romantic. . 

The talk was given by the wine queen. It's an honor to be elected the wine queen for 2018 and her picture is displayed in town square.  

FYI; The Mosel Wine Queen is a young woman who is elected for a period of a year to represent the Mosel wine region. The  first one was chosen in 1949. 

Of course a stop at a local cafe was a must for a cappuccino and a Viennese Sacher Torte. 

Cochem, Germany
A town in the Mosel region known for its vineyards and wines most notably Rieslings, The town was pretty quiet since it was Sunday and most places are closed. We were able to visit  the Reichsburg Cochem Imperial Palace built 100 years ago and stands 300 feet above the village. It was destroyed by the French in 1689 and rebuilt in 1860's. 

Cochem is known also for their mustard mill. Inside they have sample of many types of mustard. Who knew there could be so many kinds. 

Setting sail on a new ship River Rhapsody from Cochem,  we will travel on  the Mosel to  meet up with the Rhine at Coblenz. From there we will travel on the Rhine to Remagen. We are told  the water levels are better from now on in this section.  But these past few months cargo ships  have been able to carry half their load or less on the rivers now which is having a huge impact on Germany economy. . 

It was a rather chilly day at 38 degree so not too many braved sitting outside on upper deck as we cruised by the scenic villages and steep vineyards on the hill. 

Bonn, Germany