From Kiel - Castles, Lakes, & Roses vs. Lumbeck

[VAtravelers100]

Our last port stop on the Eurodam is at Kiel on July 3. Don't think Kiel or Hamberg hold much appeal, so am trying to decide between the ship's excursion (Castles, Lakes, & Roses) vs. doing Lubeck by train on our own. We have from 8 AM to 6 PM.

 

We'll have just done a long day in Berlin the previous day.

 

What do you think the pros and cons are for each option?

 

- Castles excursion - more relaxed? more expensive.

- Lubeck on our own - more effort to figure out train etc on our own. UNESCO site, so probably higher impact experience?

 

Is Lubeck anything like Cesky Krumlov?

 

 

v Ship’s Excursion Castles, Lakes, and Roses

Departs 8:30AM, 7 hrs, $159. People on CruiseCritic say it’s lovely and relaxing. Drive into the scenic countryside of Schleswig -Holstein and see why it is called the Switzerland of North Germany. You’ll travel through quaint rural areas and stop in Ploen to see an old castle nestled majestically on a hill between two lakes. Step aboard a day boat for a ride across five different lakes to Malente. The lakes are very popular because of their clear water and the medieval villages scattered along the shorelines. The surrounding forests create a fairytale atmosphere. In Malente you will visit a glass factory and see the craftsmen demonstrate their skills. Then, travel to Lake Uklei for a delicious lunch on the shore. Your last stop will be in the small town of Eutin, the City of Roses, where you will explore the gardens of a small castle and stroll the narrow streets to a local marketplace.

v Lubeck (on our own or with ship tour)

Train station is near the cruise dock, and travel time is 1 ½ hours (actually a bit less). UNESCO world heritage site. Birthplace of marzipan. Cobblestone streets. Café Niederigger

The Old Town, located on an oval-shaped island, is one of Europe's most impressive, intact examples of medieval Gothic architecture. Visit the Niederegger Café to sample coffee or tea and the world famous Lübecker Marzipan. Don’t miss the Holsten Gate. The fortified 15th-century gate is a landmark of Lübeck—a symbol of the well fortified medieval town and the former Queen of the Hanseatic League. Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets and the variety of small and elegant shops.

[MMDown Under]

Our last port stop on the Eurodam is at Kiel on July 3. Don't think Kiel or Hamberg hold much appeal, so am trying to decide between the ship's excursion (Castles, Lakes, & Roses) vs. doing Lubeck by train on our own. We have from 8 AM to 6 PM.

 

We'll have just done a long day in Berlin the previous day.

 

What do you think the pros and cons are for each option?

 

- Castles excursion - more relaxed? more expensive.

- Lubeck on our own - more effort to figure out train etc on our own. UNESCO site, so probably higher impact experience?

 

Is Lubeck anything like Cesky Krumlov?

 

 

v Ship’s Excursion Castles, Lakes, and Roses

Departs 8:30AM, 7 hrs, $159. People on CruiseCritic say it’s lovely and relaxing. Drive into the scenic countryside of Schleswig -Holstein and see why it is called the Switzerland of North Germany. You’ll travel through quaint rural areas and stop in Ploen to see an old castle nestled majestically on a hill between two lakes. Step aboard a day boat for a ride across five different lakes to Malente. The lakes are very popular because of their clear water and the medieval villages scattered along the shorelines. The surrounding forests create a fairytale atmosphere. In Malente you will visit a glass factory and see the craftsmen demonstrate their skills. Then, travel to Lake Uklei for a delicious lunch on the shore. Your last stop will be in the small town of Eutin, the City of Roses, where you will explore the gardens of a small castle and stroll the narrow streets to a local marketplace.

v Lubeck (on our own or with ship tour)

Train station is near the cruise dock, and travel time is 1 ½ hours (actually a bit less). UNESCO world heritage site. Birthplace of marzipan. Cobblestone streets. Café Niederigger

The Old Town, located on an oval-shaped island, is one of Europe's most impressive, intact examples of medieval Gothic architecture. Visit the Niederegger Café to sample coffee or tea and the world famous Lübecker Marzipan. Don’t miss the Holsten Gate. The fortified 15th-century gate is a landmark of Lübeck—a symbol of the well fortified medieval town and the former Queen of the Hanseatic League. Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets and the variety of small and elegant shops.

 

I would recommend you visit Lubeck, with its fascinating old town.

 

This website, with tourist information, maps, and sights to see, will give you all the information you need for an independent visit to Lubeck.

 

http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/

 

We loved Lubeck when we stayed there several days prior to cruising out of Kiel. There are regular return trains between Kiel and Lubeck and it is easy to do on your own.

[VAtravelers100]

Thanks for the reply! I'm still feeling uncertain about this port. Can anyone compare Lubeck to other medieval cities? We've been to Cesky Krumlov, San Gimignagno, and Toledo, and I'm wondering how charming Lubeck is in comparison to these.

 

If anyone has been on the castles, lakes, roses excursion and can share opinions about that, it would be helpful too!

 

Thanks!