River boat Christmas market cruise – Rudesheim, Germany

So last night in Rudesheim we walked into town to see the Christmas markets at night.  It was very festive….and German.  While out we ate some bratwurst and fries on the street instead of coming back to the boat for dinner.  It was perfect!  They are much more festive about Christmas here than in Italy – it seems that way so far.  This morning we visited Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett Museum which houses one of the largest collections of self-playing music instruments.  It is in an impressive 13th century building and was a pretty interesting experience.  Once finished we had about 2 hours before boarding time so we hiked up to the Germania Monument which is very high up through the vineyards.  Much higher than any of our tower climbs.  But is was very beautiful walking through the vineyard and seeing the outstanding Rhine river view down into Rudesheim.  We are back on board and traveling to Mainz where we will arrive in a couple of hours……..more Christmas markets!

Rudesheim Christmas market

Morning in Rudesheim

pneumatic organ player – covered the whole wall in the room

Old 13th century ceiling

Original floor tile from the 13th century

Siegfrieds Machanisches Musikkabinett building

Starting our walk up to that Germanic Monument up in the distance

A bit of color in the frost covered grapevines which make the delicious Rhine Ice wine

Blue sky up on the hills with fog in the Rhine valley

There was a tram that would take you up to the monument. We decided to hike it…but not Santa!

Through the vineyards

Looking down at Rudesheim