We had a short holiday in Mosel Valley, Germany, at the end of May. After a 4-hour drive, we arrived at Cochem where we spent a couple of days.
Cochem is a scenic old town by the Mosel River.
Bleary-eyed after the long drive.
Some shots around the town:
DIY family portrait:
We also drove to nearby Trier, Germany's oldest city.
UNESCO World Heritage site: Porta Nigra (the black gate), built between 186 and 200 AD by the Romans.
The old city centre has many historic buildings in very good condition.
Trier Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Germany. Also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Inside the cathedral.
Wondering why daddy is working whilst on holiday....
The Basilica of Constantine, built around 310 AD, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Electoral Palace of Trier, a baroque building.
Another side trip we made was to Burg Eltz, a medieval castle which started construction in 1157:
Driving across the hills to Burg Eltz.
This is one of the best preserved castles in Germany. It still belongs to the same family after 33 generations - that's 800 years!
Having some 'finger food' at the castle's cafe.
We spent one night in Cologne on the way home.
Cologne is full of shopping streets..
... and one amazing cathedral. The height is just jaw-dropping.
Inside the cathedral - you have to really crane your neck to see the ceiling.
The "padlock" bridge, a novel way to declare your love.
Our tourist guide kept throwing our maps out of the stroller.
More photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/110776657145071773017/MoselValley2011
