Last Day A Sailin'

Day 6-

Well, not really. We cruised all night again (boy, we're covering some miles here), not arriving in port till 6:30am.  As it was, Karlstadt was just a pit stop to herd us off the boat and onto the tour buses.  We had a long day touring ahead and would not be able to accomplish it all if we sailed all the way to Wurzburg.  So for the very last bit we were underway, we were under our sheets!

By 9am we were winging our way through Bavaria to Wurzburg to check out the Prince Bishop's Residenz.  It's a humongous palace featuring frescoes by Tiepolo, and enough Baroque to rot your teeth.  We weren't allowed to take pics inside, not that that stopped one of the men from trying and thus getting deservedly reprimanded by a tour guide (that's why we get labeled Ugly Americans!)

Then, we tripped down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a jewel box confection of half-timbered houses, cobbled-stoned streets, pastry shops and souvenir stands.  Actually, we really liked it.  We wandered the castle gardens, which overlooked town walls to the valley below; strolled along the covered ramparts; shopped (yes, Sheila shopped!  Allison bought, but Sheila shopped!); and had the best tea & kuchen of the trip.

We returned to the ship at 5:30pm, not quite enough time to both pack our suitcases and make it to the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party by 6:30pm.  We glided in in our finery just 5 mins before the dinner bell, but that was enough time to nab our dining companions for the evening - we had sat with Janet & Sharon the very first evening, so we thought it fitting to wrap up the cruise in the same fashion.  Something about the "Loose Ladies".....

The ship's cooks outdid themselves for the dinner.  A little amuse bouche on the table when we sat down, then opening with a Thai chicken with tomato and parmesan foam starter; followed by an amazing tiger prawn and risotto 1st course; with a forest mushroom cappucino soup next; a crusted beef tenderloin as a main; topped off with a flaming Baked Alaska; and because enough is never enough, a cheese course and hand-dipped chocolate concoctions to wrap things up!!!  I took some photos but believe me, they do not do the food justice.  It's going to be water and crackers next week in England for sure!.

It's a 7am departure from the boat Saturday,  for Phase 2 of our Adventure continues in England......