Scarf tying with Dixie

Our lovely Dixie has taken the time to teach us how to tie a scarf. The ladies are more than willing to be her models and everyone is delighted with the demonstration.
Debbie, Betty, Louise and Judy were willing models. The end result is shown in our group photo.

Day 6 - Cruising the Mosel River

This morning we awake in the city of Cochem, a quaint town on the Mosel River. It's claim to fame is the magnificent Reichsburg Castle. This glorious castle sits above the town over looking the Mosel River, majestic and noble. Louis Ravena dedicated 10 years to restoring the castle and unfortunately he died 2 years after it's completion at the young age of 56.
This is a charming town with narrow cobbled streets lined with quaint shops. The ladies enjoyed their free time here browsing in the shops. Shoes seemed to be the most popular item here. The weather is a little cooler. A typical spring day , bright and crisp with a little rain.
We returned to the boat by 12:30pm to enjoy a fine lunch and an afternoon of relaxation and cruising along enjoying the scenery. The piano player is serenading us with lovely music as we take in the beauty of the Mosel river. The banks of the river are lined with vineyards which line the steep slopes.
This afternoon we had a private scarf tying party in the back lounge. Dixie taught us the many ways to tie a scarf. This evening we arrived in the dining room looking elegant in our finest attire topped off with a fabulous scarf. Many compliments were given to the beautiful Canadian women.

Day 5 - Cruising on the Mosel River

This morning we finally have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Mosel River. Once again the weather is warm and sunny, with an expected high of 20 degrees. Perfect for sitting on the top deck and enjoying the scenery. The slopes are lined with vineyards and we wonder how they manage to work on such an incline which looks as though only goats could maneuver. The steep slope offers excellent drainage which makes the wine exceptional. Mosel Rieslings have become the groups new favourite wine. Did I mention the wine is included with our dinner each night. Even the non wine lovers have been converted.
This morning we are treated to German beer, schnaps and sausages. (our morning snack).
Then we head to the dining room for lunch. MMMMM good. Next, a walking tour. After all of the food and beer we are ready to walk some of it off. The ship docks right in the centre of Bernkastel, a charming town with quaint streets surrounded by timbered houses dating back to the 16th century. The ladies enjoyed their tour and shopping in the small boutique shops and are quickly discovering the unique products of the region.
This evening dinner is again a fabulous 2 hour experience with delicious food, delectable wines, excellent service and charming company. After dinner we are treated to a concert performed by local entertainers; La Strada. A very talented trio of young muscians. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music performed by these gifted individuals.

Day 4 - River Cruise

This morning we board a train in Paris and head towards the Mosel River. The TGV train is smooth, comfortable and very fast. We stop in a small town of Metz for lunch then we boarded the bus to continue our journey towards the river. Our first tour of the day is in the town of Luxembourg. This is a small city but a very powerful one in Europe. It is a banking city with over 150 banks, at one time there were over 200. The city is charming and once again the weather is in the mid 20's. Perfect for touring. Our next stop is the American War Memorial for World War Two. The rows and rows of white crosses brings tears to our eyes. There are over 5000 Americans buried here along with General Patton. There are many cemeteries like this throughout Europe. We board the bus and continue our drive to meet the Amadagio River ship. This evening we are greeted with a warm welcome and delicious dinner. It's apparent that the food is going to be absolutely delectable throughout the week and the service wonderful.

Day 3 - Paris

Today was another free day to do as we please. The Visti Paris transit passes have sure come in handy for the subway and the RER trains (similar to our Go Trains). A group of us took a day trip to Chateaux Versailles. Two trains later we finally arrived. It's another hot sunny day and the temperature reached at least 25 degrees. Many of us were wishing we had our sandals and capris.
Versailles is a magnificent series of buildings with ornate decorations on the ceilings and walls and exquisite furnishings. Then there's the gardens, fountains and lake. Situated on many hectares the property seems to go on as far as the eye can see. Upon our return to Paris we found a lovely cafe and relaxed in the sun shine with a glass of wine. A great way to end a wonderful touring day. In the evening we went back to the same restaurant as the night before as the food was great, service wonderful and the weather summer like. We spent hours eating, drinking wine and reminiscing about our adventure in Paris. Tomorrow we are taking the train and bus to meet our ship in Reimich, situated on the charming Mosel River.

Day 1 - Paris

Finally I am able to get internet access to post some photos and stories.
Paris was absolutely fabulous. The weather was hot and sunny, the average temperature is 25 degrees and one day it was 28. It's like summer. Wonderful!

The first day we walked to the Arc d Triumph ,then took the subway to Mont Martre area to visit the famous Sacre Cour Basilica.
That evening we all had dinner together as a group at the George V restaurant around the corner from our hotel. The Meridien Ecoile is very comfortable and easy walking distance to the Metro and RER rail system. Paris is an easy city to maneuvre on foot or public transport.
This evening some of us walked to the Eiffel tower and others took a taxi. We enjoyed an evening cruise along the Seine river to view the city of lights,. The Eiffel tower looks magnificent all lit up.

Day 2 - Paris
We start our day with a 4 hour guided bus tour of Paris to view the main sites. Our guide was very informative and very friendly. Notre Dame Cathedral was ahighlight and we were given some free time to explore inside the cathedral and to visit some of the surrounding shops.
The shopping begins!
After the tour the ladies split up into smaller groups. Everyone had a metro pass and most had the museum pass. Some of the things the ladies did were: explored the Champs Elysee, visited the Toulerie Gardens, the Luuvre Museum, D'Orsay museum, went to the top of Eiffel tower and esxplored the shops. Some rested to get over their jet lag. That evening some of the women took in dinner and show or just the show at the Moulin Rouge. They loved it. Others found a local restaurant and enjoyed a leisurely dinner on the outdoor patio. Can you imagine witting outside till 1030 at night in April. Spring time in Paris is glorious.

Only 1 more sleep before we board the plane for Paris. I can hardly wait.
19 Wonderful women will spend 3 days exploring the fabulous city of Paris. Museums, galleries, the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame and the Moulin Rouge will be some of the highlights of our trip.
Then we embark on a 7 day Rhine River cruise on the luxury 5star Amadagio river ship.
I invite you to follow our journey by visiting my daily travel blog.

More to come, stayed tuned.

Check out our itinerary, click here to view European River Cruise