We leave the ship

When we returned to Speyer, where our ship was docked, we learned that our trip itinerary would have to change.  Instead of spending the last 2 nights of the main trip on the ship, we would have to pack our luggage and be prepared to leave the ship in the morning to spend the last 2 nights in a hotel in Basel, Switzerland.

We would still experience everything on our itinerary....we just will be sleeping in a very nice hotel and eating in restaurants instead of on the ship.

So, in the morning, our luggage is loaded and we bid farewell to the crew of the M/S Harmony.  They are lined up outside ready to say goodbye as we exit the ship.

We head off on a coach bus through the countryside of the Alsace region, along the scenic wine route, where white wines rule.

We pass vineyard after vineyard.

And drive through charming villages of Bergheim, Ribeauville, and Hunawhir

The villages look like they could be in a fairytale.

We stop in the village of Riquewihr, and have time to explore one of the most beautiful towns of France.

We walk up the main street, Rue de General de Gaulle and stop by a store that sells macaroons.  The owner offers us a sample.

Yum...very good!

Shops of every kind line the street

Up ahead we can see one of the most impressive guard towers in Alsace.

The Le Dolder, guard tower from 1291.

We spent our time admiring the architecture of the buildings and going into a few of the stores.

Then it's time to board the bus and head to Basel, Switzerland, where we will spend the next 2 nights.

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