Aritisty II – Day 6 Miltenberg

Day 6 started with a leisurely breakfast as we sailed towards our 10am arrival in Miltenberg, Germany. Described as the Pearl of the Main River, Miltenberg lived up to this description and was one of my favorite stops on my Highlights of Germany cruise.

Four local tour guides were waiting at the dock to conduct a one hour tour of the city, after which we would have 90 minutes on our own before lunch was served on Artistry II. One guide was designated for the “white” group, the gentle walkers. This option was available each day for those who prefer a slower pace and gentler terrain.

The Haupstrasse, Miltenberg’s Main Street, stretches for about one mile between the two old city gates, Wurzburg and Mainz.

One reason this town appealed to me was that, although tourism is clearly important to the economy of Miltenberg, I felt like I was in a real community of people going about their daily lives. One of the busiest areas is Schwarzviertel.

I was struck by the variety of architecture and colors of the town’s many half timbered structures.

Gasthaus zum Reisen dates back to 1590 and is thought to be Germany’s oldest hotel/inn. An historic document states that the original owner was granted the right to fell one hundred oaks for its construction.

At the center of the second story notice the carved figure. I loved these figures that could be found on many buildings in Miltenberg.

Our guided tour ended at the fountain at the center of town.

Passengers had an hour and a half to be back at the ship for our 12:30 lunch, or they could eat in Miltenberg and return for the 1:45 All Aboard. The tour guides handed out three coupons good for samples of local foods; cake, meat and candy.

I checked out the offerings at the local bakeries.  I found the selections in each town that we visited, while having many baked goods in common, usually included a specialty that was unique to their town. I tried to taste many of them, for some reason I did not try any pastries in Miltenberg. Maybe it was too close to lunch time.

I strolled back to the river enjoying the special sites in Miltenberg that make it so appealing and welcoming to tourists.

After lunch the Artistry II started sailing toward Boppard, our stop for the next day. We were treated to an exceptional on board concert by zither player Tomy Temerson.  I had a vague idea that a zither was shaped like an auto harp. Tomy’s passion for this instrument and his description of its complexity left me enthralled with zithers!

After the concert passengers were invited to take a galley tour with Chef Mary Ann.  You can read about the tour and the inner workings of the ship in my review of Artistry II.

Tea, coffee and cake were offered in the Panorama Lounge at 4pm.  Happy Hour took place from 5:45 to 6:45.  Dinner tonight was at 7pm. Chef Mary Ann had been promising fresh local white asparagus which was the appetizer for the special Chef’s Dinner.

Our view while sailing was as spectacular as the food. However, I have not been able to identify the building in this photo. If you know, send me a note in the comments section.

There was music and dancing in the lounge, with our Artistry II musician Jerry, as dusk set and we continued our journey towards our Day 7 destination, Boppard.