Never thought I would ever be posting a trip report that didn't include Bavaria or the Schwarzwald - but here is my latest offering from two weeks in September along the Mosel and Rhine rivers. Two days Braubach (Rhine) - two days Traben-Trarbach (Mosel) - three days Cochem (Mosel) - three days Brodenbach (Mosel) - final day in Bacharach (Rhine). Several nice restaurants and Zimmer Frei to recommend, a few tips for travel by public transportation, a few good links and a lot of pretty decent photos to share. Many thanks to Russ for sharing his experiences in this area of Germany.

http://www.bensbauernhof.com/bb2005t...oselrhine.html

Thanks, Ben. Brings back some fond memories of the Mosel. And some great suggestions for our next visit.

WOW, terrific report and I love your pictures. Thanks.

What a wonderful trip report. The Rhine is one of my favorite parts of Germany. As a matter of fact, I have almost the identical picture taken at Reichsburg castle that I use as my screen saver.

Thanks for sharing.

Your report was fun to read! Thanks for sharing.

Love Germany!

Thanks for this trip report. My husband and I will be going to Germany for the first time in March. Now I can hardly wait.

Ben, how do you find such inexpensive accommodations? I really try to keep costs down but nevertheless end up getting lured into rather expensive accommodations.

I can see the rooms you've arranged are very modest, but under 30 euros a night for ensuite facilities just would seem impossible to me.

Do you have a final tally of the costs of this trip? Can you share so I can weep?

Thanks, Ben! The accommodations you found are the type my friends and I used to choose before I got into the expensive habit of making reservations via the net. I'm so glad to know that mode of travel is still available! Bacharach is one of my favorite towns. J.

Air - $558 (DFW - FRA)
Ground - $210 (Train, Bus, Boat, Bike)
Lodging - $330 (Averaged 25 Euro per night)
Food & Drink - $340
Misc - $100
No Credit Cards used - No ATM's used - all costs covered with $1,000 in money belt (also carry wallet with no cards - only pictures and daily expense money)
Trip total cost (11 nights - $1,538 US)

Anyone can find inexpensive accommodations. Find them online before you depart or at the local Tourist Information Offices. Ensuite facilities are never a requirement for me. If I can save a few Euro by stepping into the hallway for a shower, why not? But most of my accommodations this trip turned out to be ensuite, by luck only... Ben

Ben - Your legend lives on. I've been a big fan of your website from Day One. I wondered why you hadn't updated for awhile. I love the way you travel - pennypinching every step of the way gives me almost as much of a thrill as the sites themselves. By utilizing your Zimmer Frei and farm stay strategy I can usually swing two trips to Europe each year. Of course it also means nothing but Kraft macaroni and cheese all year...

Great website Bavariaben! I cannot believe that I am just discovering it now. Maybe because I'm now planning another trip to Germany?

I'm going to take the time to read most of the trip reports, and then come back to ask some more intelligent questions. Thanks for sharing.