A later start today so we had a bit of a sleep in.

Our Hotel Manager hosted a traditional German Fruhschoppen - bretzen, sausages and beer. We enjoyed cooked German salami and liver sausages with various breadsels and Bitburger bier. Sinfully excessive but delicious.

Mid afternoon buses took us to the heart of Bamberg for a tour of the city, particularly the ancient section ending with a Smokebeer at the historic Schlenkerla. First mentioned in 1405, the Tavern is now run by the Trum family, now 6th generation.

Bamberg is a city in Bavaria, located in Upper Franconia on the river Regnitz close to its confluence with the river Main. Its historic city centre is a listed UNESCO world heritage site. Germany's Black Forest is approximately 200 Klm to the south west.

The earliest reference to the city is 902. Bamberg prides itself with being on seven hills, as it symbolises similarity to Rome. The hills are Cathedral Hill, Michaelsberg, Kaulberg/Obere Pfarre, Stefansberg, Jakobsberg, Altenburger Hill and Abtsberg.

Once outside the ancient town centre, the city is relatively young, having been built and rebuilt from the 17th century. Also once outside the old city the retail outlets resemble those of most medium sized cities across the world.

We had an excellent walking tour, enjoyed the beautiful old buildings and of course, sampled local fare!

Following dinner tonight we were entertained by "Zwaa Striezi" a Bavarian music duo (piano accordion and guitar) playing a range of numbers including yodelling, polkas and modern country tunes. A great night had by all!

Today's insight:

• There is a castle, fortress or church built on each of the 7 hills surrounding Bamberg.
• Willy Messerschmitt, designer of the Messerschmitt fighter plane used by the German Luftwaffe during WWII, was born in Bamberg.