In this program we’ll explore the Rhine and Mosel region of Germany picturesque river valleys rich with castles, wine and fascinating history. I’ll show you how to take full advantage of Europe’s top notch public transportation facilities trains, boats, and busses. Later in the series, we’ll rent a car, but today let’s leave the driving to others and rub shoulders with the independent travelers who go by train.
You first-timers may be surprised at how easy it is. Let’s see how it works. We’ve arrived for a day of sightseeing in Trier and use the train station as a tourist-friendly convenience stop. You can usually change money, get a quick bite to eat, and find out about the local sights…A brief stop gets us oriented and on our way. We’re not staying the night here, so we check our baggage and we’re ready to dive into the city.
Trier is a quick and scenic side trip off the well-trampled Rhine River Valley. Rich in history, it’s worth the trouble. 1700 years ago it was a Roman capital. The Emperor Constantine built these baths. impressive but just a small section of a complex that was over three times the size of a football field. Admission to the baths was inexpensive; several social classes rubbed shoulders here and not just bathing. They conducted business, met friends, played sports. Serving a population of 80,000 people, you might say this was one big hot tub.
Many of us forget that the Roman Empire reached up into Germany. We have these images of sunny Mediterranean villas, and have to remind ourselves that Julius Caesar made his name by conquering Gaul and this was part of Gaul. Let’s walk on through the Palace Gardens and see what’s left of the Emperor’s summer residence.