We went on a short cruise down the Rhine River. There were many castles and terraced vineyards on the hills.

Heidelberg, with the Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city. Our tour guide mentioned that in ancient times, it was a defensive and offensive advantage if castles were built on higher elevations. However, with modern warfare, these castles were an easy target.

Heidelberg

Our hotel in Ettal, Gemany. Our room was on the second floor, on the left hand side in the photo. It is a quaint hotel but with modern conveniences.

The view outside our hotel window showing the Bavarian Alps, the Benedictine Monastery and the church.

The Benedictine Ettal Abbey produces liqueur and the monk who makes the Benedictine showed us the distillery and some of the herbs, etc. used to make it. In the photo, he is showing all the different varieties produced. He gave us samples to taste and also miniature bottles to take home.

King Ludwig II built Linderhof Castle, as well as Neuschwanstein Castle, which will appear later. He spent a great deal of the Treasury's money on himself and was later deposed and died under suspicious circumstances. He was a loner who had a dining table installed that could be lowered to the kitchen, where the food would be laid, then raised to the dining room so that he could eat without encountering people.

This is a higher level view of Linderhof Castle and the chapel.

A bit difficult to see - this is the interior of a grotto developed by King Ludwig II for his contemplation. He installed one of the first electric lights ever used, and the colors of the lights could be changed depending on his mood.

Neuschwanstein Castle, apparently copied by Disney for Sleeping Beauty's castle. Another expenditure by King Ludwig II. This scene is so incredibly beautiful, that photos simply can't do it justice. One of the most visited sites in Germany. We toured the inside of the castle as well as Linderhof.

The countryside surrounding Neuschwanstein. It is incredibly beautiful and once again, photos don't do it justice

A bride (or model) having photos taken on a bridge over a ravine very near Neuschwanstein

This Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II grew up. It is in the same general vicinity as Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Munich town hall. Apparently many buildings in Munich destroyed during the war were rebuilt to look old, even though they may be of newer vintage.

A shop in Munich. Lots of shopping and this area's shops were very expensive. Hair-raising just looking at the prices!

The medieval village Rothenburg. Very well preserved and it is a wonderful place to purchase Christmas ornaments.

This post was edited by stacey_mb on Sat, Jun 7, 14 at 13:31