Our time in Germany was spent at Eltville, a small village on the banks of the Rhine River about 20km from Frankfurt Airport (or 50 Euro in a private transfer). We were certainly off the beaten tourist track here.

The wine was wonderful, food good and the locals incredibly friendly. It was all made easier by their use of communal tables. Our total lack of German was compensated for by locals enthusiastic to explain the German menus to us.

I'm a bit of a health food nut:



No need for a translator here:



Despite it being a major wine growing region we did manage to find a beer.



Balken Restaurant is highly recommended. It's situated in a vineyard just a few minutes out of town. Food was excellent, prices reasonable and the views / atmosphere wonderful.





It didn't have communal seating. Reservations are recommended (in summer).



Our hotel - Das Spritzenhaus. It's a converted fire station and a very pleasant place to stay. Right in the heart of town with a fantastic locally produced breakfast each morning.



The town itself could fairly be described as quaint.







Another excellent restaurant. This time on the banks of the river with communal seating. Everything was home cooked. Weinhaus Krone.



Across the road was an old tower:



Summertime is for roses. Everywhere were the most amazing rose gardens: