Rhine River Cruise - Mainz and Rudesheim

I guess if I HAD to pick a favorite day of our trip, this would be the one. During the morning we had a guided walking tour of Mainz, which included the cathedral (dating back to the 12th century), the Gutenberg Museum (and a Gutenberg Bible), and the Church of St. Stephen, known for its stunning stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. After lunch, we sailed on to Rudesheim for an afternoon exploring one of Germany's best known wine towns. The community has an atmosphere of "cozy good cheer" - "gemutlichkeit" in German. After touring the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments, we were treated to a cup of their special Rudesheim coffee (a blend of caramelized sugar, brandy, coffee, whipped cream, and chocolate), and then rode the chair lift up to the Niederwald Monument, which signifies the reunification of Germany in 1871. A leisurely stroll down the hill and through the vineyards ended our afternoon in this quaint German town. I hope to return some day!

Mainz Cathedral

Our tour guide demonstrating a Gutenberg printing press replica

A few of the Marc Chagall stained-glass windows in the Church of St. Stephen

In Rudesheim

Debbie and Darren overlooking Rudesheim, the Rhine River, and vineyards

Jeannette and Joel