The Scenic Drive & A Rare Bonus Excursion
Since our ship was docked in Koblenz due to the low river levels, Avalon treated us to a special bonus excursion that typical Rhine cruisers miss: a 90-minute drive out to tour Marksburg Castle! The drive itself was gorgeous, winding along the riverbanks past hillside vineyards, Koblenz landmarks, and towering ruined fortresses along the peaks.
Inside Marksburg: The Undefeated Medieval Fortress
Perched 500 feet above the Rhine, Marksburg Castle holds a legendary status: it is the only medieval hill castle on the Rhine that was never destroyed or conquered! Built in the 1200s, its untouched stone walls felt like a true step back in time.
We explored the stone battery lined with historic cannons, walked through authentic medieval kitchens and bedchambers, and marveled at the armory filled with full suits of knight’s armor spanning centuries. Best of all, the panoramic views of the Rhine winding through the valley below were completely breathtaking.
Exploring Koblenz: Where the Rhine & Moselle Meet
After taking the bus back to Koblenz, Jorene and I headed into town for another fantastic outdoor sidewalk lunch. We sat outside at Altes Kaufhaus—I enjoyed a classic, crispy Schnitzel while Jorene had delicious Currywurst!
Afterward, we strolled down to the Deutsches Eck (“German Corner”), the famous point where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers converge. We watched boats navigate the waters right in front of the massive Emperor William I monument. There was a lively buzz in town with a local BMW car display set up nearby. Across the river, we could see the towering Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with its scenic cable car gliding across the water—though after exploring Marksburg, nothing could top our castle experience!
Happy Hour & Evening Celebrations
We returned to the Avalon View in the late afternoon, refreshed, and headed straight to the lounge for our very first shipboard Happy Hour with our new buddies Brandi and Rhonda! We shared plenty of laughs, a few tears, toasted to a great day of unexpected adventures, and enjoyed a wonderful multi-course dinner together in the dining room.