AboutJames Derheim Expertise I live part of the year in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and so know a great deal about this town. I can also help with questions about the Rhein River Valley, Neckar River Valley, Mosel area, Erzgebirge,
Bamberg area, Black Forest and more. Because of time constraints, I will not help you plan your entire travel itinerary.
Experience I have lived and worked in Europe since 1989, homebased in Germany. I own and operate "European Focus Private Tours" along with my wife Jenean. We have helped more than 600 clients get the most out of their trips to Europe through our unique, custom-designed and fully escorted private tours.
Publications "German Life," "Heritage Quest," "Palatines to America Newsletter"
"Stars and Stripes European edition," "Boston Globe"
Education/Credentials Masters in Photojournalism
Past/Present Clients Have served more than 500 people through my company "European Focus Private Tours" which provides custom-designed, private itineraries to people in the USA, Canada and elsewhere. I personally escort all tours. The largest group we've had in our 14-year career was 17, the smallest, 1. (I actually have many singles tours) I spend from April through October in Germany each year, leading tours in not just Germany but also Italy, Ireland, England, the Czech Republic and 13 other countries. There is no other company in the world like European Focus, because only European Focus sets the itinerary around what our guests want to see and do.
Question Hello, thank you for offering this opportunity to ask questions. Our family party of 8 will be renting a car, staying in Baiersbronn (black forest), and taking day trips. I didn't realize how far Marksburg was, but want to go and have scheduled a private English tour. I want to do the castle drive and am wondering realistically how long it will take so we will not be late. Also, mapquest isn't taking me on the 9. Can you help with the your time thoughts, which side we should drive on on the way up and down, and how to get to that road. Will 8 people in a van really even be able to see anything out the windows? I only did this by boat. The main castles I want to have a glimpse of are: Maus and Katz, Rheinfels Fortress, Schonburg, Stahleck, Sooneck, Reichenstein, Rheinstein. I found a boat cruise called the roesseliner (sp?) so we can do part of this by water. Have you ever had a chance to use them? Also, when I ask Marksburg for an address for mapquest, they just give me the city name. I just re-read my message and realize I am out of control with questions. We leave Saturday and am scrambling to finish. THANK YOU!!!
Answer Hello Amy,
Sounds like you need a good private tour guide!
Well, since you didn't find and contact me first, I'll give you the lowdown on your plans.
Like millions of Americans, you've made a classic mistake. You're trying to pack way too much into too short a time. Baiersbronn is lovely but is not the right place to be if you want to see and explore the Rhein. You're going to drive yourself, and your family, crazy with the drive time of more than 7 hours round trip. That leaves no time for sightseeing.
By "sacrificing" one of your prepaid nights in Baiersbronn, you can hopefully find a hotel at short notice on the Rhein so that you can go up there for a full day.
If you want to see the Rhein by driving, start in Bingen and take Highway 9 up to Koblenz. Cross over and take 42 down the other side to Ruedesheim.
Good luck!
James Derheim
European Focus, Inc.
www.europeanfocus.com
