Disembarking the boat in Düsseldorf, we were gently reminded that we now traveled in a herd. The upside of tour travel is that so much is managed for you; the independent-minded traveler might become aware that you yourself must be "managed". You must check out of the ship, bring your "Vox box", and obediently follow your tour guide wherever he or she may lead.
Tauck handles this as graciously as they do all things, dividing us into small groups that are expertly choreographed by the local guides. And off we went, 130 passengers seamlessly moving through the crowds of Düsseldorf's Altstadt (Old Town) quarter.
Our first "sight" was the landmark Basilika St. Lambertus, a Catholic Church that dates to the 13th century. It was a clear, sunny day and the start of a long holiday weekend in Germany, so there were plenty of locals and regional visitors on hand to gaze bemusedly at the silly American tourists.
Our very capable guide, James, led us past the church and gave us a brief explanation of the Stadterhebungsmonument, created in 1988 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Düsseldorf's founding in 1288.
Onward we went past the imposing Rathaus (Town Hall),
into the Marktplatz and eventually into the sunny courtyard of the delightful Uerige brewpub. Düsseldorf is lauded as having the "longest bar in the world" given its 260 pubs, restaurants and bars all nestled within a half a square kilometer. We were happy to sample the wares!
We trailed James through the busy Carlsplatz market
where we admired the local produce
and noted that white asparagus was very much in season
Then we were treated to the most scrumptious cookies from the esteemed Hinkel bakery.
Not so bad to be part of a herd when treats are handed out every hundred yards or so!
Lastly, James introduced us to the local herbal liqueur "Killepitsch" and gave us each souvenir samples of the earthy digestif.
Then it was back to the boat where we, instead of joining the optional "pub crawl" of the "longest bar in the world" we relaxed in our onboard "pub" at the ship's Compass Rose lounge. Open bar all day and evening and all food and drink, is, of course, included.
This was about the time it began to dawn on us that herd creatures though we might be, we were completely freed from all daily drudgery and responsibility. Tauck took care of the details, we were on vacation and could do whatever we wanted! Pure luxury! It seems there is nothing more relaxing than a river cruise. We whiled away the afternoon on the roof deck
Our tour guide James, a gifted classical singer, came on board that evening to serenade us with lieder and talk about composers Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, both of whom resided in Düsseldorf.
It was a perfect first river cruise day. Our boat pulled away from the dock as the sun set, and all we had to think about was what new pleasures tomorrow would bring.
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