10/7 Day 9 Grand Circle River Cruise, Total travel day 42. Scenic sailing or Optional Luxembourg tour. Ave. Temps. 59, high 47. Chances - mostly cloudy 41%, 26% rain.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: River Ship
The phone says 3.6 miles, 9002 steps, climbed 2 floors.
Later, you’ll ride by motorcoach to see the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Luxembourg was occupied by German forces in May 1940, and its liberation (primarily by American troops) launched in September, 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began with Hitler’s desperate attack through the Ardennes to attempt to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting encounter, considered “the greatest American battle of the Second World War” by Winston Churchill, raged here from December 16, 1944 through January 28, 1945, a period in which American troops suffered tremendous losses." (my inserted words)
The weather was cloudy and some light drizzle. The dreariness is putting a damper on the mood of the group. This tour was an additional expense and it was not worth the money, but I can say I went to Luxembourg. We visited the Notre Dame Cathedral and passed by some government buildings. Lunch was an excellent quiche with flan for dessert. After lunch, a friend and I went looking for Roman ruins nearby. We didn’t find what our local guide described, but we did find some very old walls and some great views with the aid of a man we stopped to ask for help. In the afternoon, the visit to the Luxembourg American Cemetery was the highlight of the day. The American woman, a US government employee, is in charge of the cemetery and gave us a tour. She explained the Battle of the Bulge utilizing two billboards. She told some stories of men that lost their lives. We visited Patton’s grave and even many years since his passing, they still struggle to grow grass near his grave due to all the visitors. We visited the German cemetery. Four names are listed on each cross and there is a large mass grave. Luxembourg gave Germany the land with the agreement all the German bodies would be brought to this one location. There is one employee maintaining the German cemetery and a private group funds the cemetery. Tonight, after dinner, Nicholas (one of the Grand Circle Guides) summarized about 1000 years of the Roman Empire in 45 minutes!
There are three official languages: Luxembourgish, French and German. It is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe and is about the size of Rhode Island with 998 square miles. Luxembourg is headed by Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is known as Europe's most powerful investment management center. It has been considered a tax haven.
The phone says 3.6 miles, 9002 steps, climbed 2 floors.
TOUR INFO Optional tour of Luxembourg, a constitutional monarchy located between Belgium, France, and Germany. With a territory of less than 1,000 square miles, The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world and the capital is Luxembourg City. Luxembourg City, Brussels and Strasbourg are the three official capitals of the European Union which means they spend a lot of time and money moving from one city to another. Luxembourg City is also the seat of the European Court of Justice, the highest judicial authority of the EU.
"Set off on a walking tour of Luxembourg City to see the market square, the Palais of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg (from the outside), and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. As you get better acquainted with the country’s capital, you’ll learn why—despite its diminutive size of less than 1000 square miles—Luxembourg is an especially important ally to the U.S. (I didn't learn...) After an included lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll have (a little) free time to explore this attractive city. While discovering the Old Town or picking up a special keepsake, listen for the unique Letzebuergesch, a dialect of West German spoken here, which symbolizes the national identity of the people.
The weather was cloudy and some light drizzle. The dreariness is putting a damper on the mood of the group. This tour was an additional expense and it was not worth the money, but I can say I went to Luxembourg. We visited the Notre Dame Cathedral and passed by some government buildings. Lunch was an excellent quiche with flan for dessert. After lunch, a friend and I went looking for Roman ruins nearby. We didn’t find what our local guide described, but we did find some very old walls and some great views with the aid of a man we stopped to ask for help. In the afternoon, the visit to the Luxembourg American Cemetery was the highlight of the day. The American woman, a US government employee, is in charge of the cemetery and gave us a tour. She explained the Battle of the Bulge utilizing two billboards. She told some stories of men that lost their lives. We visited Patton’s grave and even many years since his passing, they still struggle to grow grass near his grave due to all the visitors. We visited the German cemetery. Four names are listed on each cross and there is a large mass grave. Luxembourg gave Germany the land with the agreement all the German bodies would be brought to this one location. There is one employee maintaining the German cemetery and a private group funds the cemetery. Tonight, after dinner, Nicholas (one of the Grand Circle Guides) summarized about 1000 years of the Roman Empire in 45 minutes!
There are three official languages: Luxembourgish, French and German. It is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe and is about the size of Rhode Island with 998 square miles. Luxembourg is headed by Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is known as Europe's most powerful investment management center. It has been considered a tax haven.
Embassy of the US 22 boulevard Emmanuel Servais L-2535 Luxembourg Call 46-01-23 M-F 8:30-5:30 http://luxembourg.usembassy.gov
Luxembourg’s currency is the Euro. Tips - Restaurants, cafes and bars usually round up to the nearest Euro. Taxis 15%, Restroom attendants 50 cents to E1.
TOUR INFO "Enjoy time to relax aboard your river ship today as it cruises along the scenic Mosel River. Perhaps you’ll settle in on the Sun Deck to admire the quaint villages and steep hillside vineyards passing by.
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| Monument of Remembrance/Gelle Fra/Golden Lady is a War Memorial in Luxembourg City. Dedicated to thousands of Luxembourger that volunteered for service during the World Wars and Korean War. The granite obelisk is 21 meters tall. Atop is Nike, the goddess of victory of Queen of Freedom, a gilded bronze statue holding a laurel wreath. At the base are two more bronze figures representing soldiers who died and those who survived. . |
The Veterans from our group laid the flowers, taps and our National Anthem were played. It was a touching moment.
Following your guided tour, you’ll have an opportunity to gain a different perspective on the conflict, when you stop for a brief visit to Luxembourg’s German War Cemetery.
Not a grand entrance.
The mass grave is under the large cross at the top of the photo. There is a list of names for the mass grave. Four names are on each small cross.
Re-board your ship in the late afternoon, and join your fellow travelers for dinner."
Luxembourg
(Day 10 $120 per person)
In the city of Luxembourg, the Itinerary is Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610"
My information - Corniche is the balcony of Luxembourg city and offers a great view. It is near the train station.
Every pillar has a different design.
This figure was on a small pillar near the door. Experts believe it was brought to Luxembourg from South America.
The Grand Duke’s grandmother’s statue is in front of the palace. There are painted brains all over town. Blank brains are set out and artists are invited to decorate them. If a picture is posted with a certain hashtag, a donation is made to Alzheimer’s Research.
The Duke’s home was very available to the public until recent years.
Views we found after lunch above. There was no time to go to the lower level to see if Roman ruins were there. View we saw with guide upon arrival is below.
City Center is very charming with beautiful winding streets. The Grund is in the lower part of the historic district. There are cobblestone lanes dating back to the 10th century. The Pfaffenthal Lift will take you to the upper level, but being the first Monday - it will be closed for maintenance. There was no time to do any of this.
My information - Corniche is the balcony of Luxembourg city and offers a great view. It is near the train station.
Cathedral of Luxembourg (Cathedral Notre-Dame) was built in the early 17th century. It has beautiful stained glass. The cathedral is a mix of Gothic architecture mingled with Renaissance elements. Construction begain in 1613. There are three towers, Jesuit church, bell tower and the third tower over the transept. This was a lovely church.
Every pillar has a different design.
This figure was on a small pillar near the door. Experts believe it was brought to Luxembourg from South America.
Palace of Grand Dukes (Palais Grand-Ducal) is in Old Town. The official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is only open for guided tours from mid-July to August.
The Grand Duke’s grandmother’s statue is in front of the palace. There are painted brains all over town. Blank brains are set out and artists are invited to decorate them. If a picture is posted with a certain hashtag, a donation is made to Alzheimer’s Research.
The Duke’s home was very available to the public until recent years.
Chemin De La Corniche, a bridge over the Alzette river offers excellent views of Luxembourg city.
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| Neumunster Abby is a yellow Benedictine monastery. It has been an abbey, a police station, a state prison and an army barracks. |
Views we found after lunch above. There was no time to go to the lower level to see if Roman ruins were there. View we saw with guide upon arrival is below.
City Center is very charming with beautiful winding streets. The Grund is in the lower part of the historic district. There are cobblestone lanes dating back to the 10th century. The Pfaffenthal Lift will take you to the upper level, but being the first Monday - it will be closed for maintenance. There was no time to do any of this.
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