Cochem is located on the Moselle River about 2 hours south of Cologne. (http://www.ferienland-cochem.de/nextshopcms/show.asp?lang=en&e1=52) It is a charming town, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, river boats for day and/or evening cruising and slowly becoming a popular stop for river cruises. I noticed UniWorld River Cruise and Viking River Cruise ships docked there. It's a great location for these extended cruises: the ship docks avery short distance to the village. Of course, the Reichburg (or Cochem) Castle is a favorite tour for so many that visit, myself included. But, what is most famous on the Moselle River (aside from the most quaint of towns and villages) is the wine. Yes, the wine. Not the stereotype wine I remember when I was first introduced to wine. The wine culture here is top notch with a selection of red and white wines for every taste. And because of the abundance of berries and fruits, there are flavored liqueurs to add a little panache to a sparkling or white wine. I can assure you, that little extra zing of flavor in a glass of sparkling wine will make you smile!
I stayed at the Hieronimi Hotel (http://www.hotel-hieronimi.de/english/) a family run hotel with fantastic restaurant. Breakfast was included in the room rate, in-room wi-fi was free as was the parking. However, there is no elevator/lift....my room on the attic floor was absolutely charming, spacious and offered panoramic views from the wall of windows....however, it was 55 steps up! I got a good work out to offset the wonderful breakfast served every morning. The hotel is impeccable. In addition to rooms and dining, the hotel offers wine tastings! While I did not do the wine tasting at the hotel, I did sample some wine at the wine cellar the family owns and operates on the other side of the bridge. The "cave" is truly a cave! I was there several years ago and sampled so many wines, the trunk of the car was laden with wines - and I still have some today! Really lovely wines....
The Moselle River is dotted with beautiful towns and villages on its banks. With so many river boats offering day (or evening) cruises, how could I not? I took a day trip down to Beilstein (http://www.beilstein-mosel.de/englisch/) and what a charming storybook village, complete with castle ruin. Sitting down to a light lunch overlooking the river was the perfect way to relax....and the several flutes of Kir Moselle (sparkling wine with a dash of sour cherry liqueur) were the best medicine for whatever could have ailed me! ...ahhhh....
There was another day trip to Trier, Germany (http://www.trier-info.de/english/sights-in-trier). About an hour's drive from Cochem, Trier was founded by the Romans in 16BC. I enjoyed walking through the old town, staring into windows of the butcher shop (so many sausages!), and the farmer's market was just about closing down but not before I eyed bunches of the most beautiful grapes ever and only 2.50 euros (about $2.80) for just over a pound of them! Lunch beckoned and it was a celebratory lunch for a friend at The Brasserie (http://www.brasserie-trier.de). While the delicious meal was perfectly prepared and presented it was the dessert that I was most curious about: the World's Best Chocolate Pudding. Now that's a bold statement...and it delivered! Dark chocolate pudding with sour cherries at the bottom....O-M-G it was delicious. And for me, they can make that claim until someone else makes a better one! I did manage to see the Roman Gate (Porta Nigra) and it was impressive. There are several other historical sites and plenty of museums in Trier, so it may require another visit in the future.
After several days of relaxing, dining and wining it was time to head home....here's a video of my visit to the Moselle River - hope you can make a similar visit someday soon!
Happy Travels,
Camille
