Wine Tasting

Another optional tour took us the town of Rudesheim. Our first stop was at a winery.

The entrance to the wine cellar.

One of the large (6 feet high) barrels for wine.

Some of the newer barrels and tanks for wine production.

We were able to taste two of their Reislings, one dry and the other sweet.

Niederwald Monument

Since we had extra time, our program director had the bus take us to the Niederwald Monument, a huge monument designed to symbolize the re-establishment of the German Empire and Germany's unity. It was erected between 1877 and 1883.

The monument is over 132 ft high and about 120 ft wide.The main figure on the monument is Germania, bearing the Imperial sword and the German Emperor's crown.

From there we had spectacular views of the Rhine and the town of Rudesheim.

Some of the vineyards on the hills below the monument.

The town of Bingen across the Rhine.

One last look at the Rhine from this beautiful spot.

Drosselgasse in Rudesheim

A shot on our way into the town of Rudesheim.

Our first look at the Drosselgasse, an alley loaded with restaurants, open-air winegardens, and many souvenir shops.

The hotel which had a restaurant where we had a great German dinner.

Two more shots of the Drosselgasse.