Touring Tips - Germany

	Guesthouse This guesthouse is close to the Rhein, south of Koblenz, easily within a day's drive from Calais. It is a family run business, the guesthouse being a sideline to wine making. There is a bar and terrace where light refreshments and their own wines are served, although they do not serve beer. The accomodation is very reasonably priced, with a good breakfast. Directions: Exit the autobahn number 61 at junction 44. Follow signs to Oberwesel. The guesthouse is on the right as you go past the grape vines on the valley slopes, before reaching the town. For more information visit their web site.
	Lunch at Hockenheim If you are travelling along the autobahn (numbers 5, 6 or 61), near Karlsruhe, and it is approaching lunch time, then why not head for the F1 Hockenheim circuit, outside Heidelberg. Signposts take you past a supermarket where you will be able to buy a picnic. As you get closer, follow the signs to the motor museum (inside the circuit), the grandstand section opposite will probably be open. You never know what you will see, a motorcycle club track day or Porsche testing a new GT1 sportscar.
	Mercedes-Benz Factory Museum Well worth a visit (not just on a rainy day). Head for the sports stadium "Gate 1" in Stuttgart, find the visitors' car parks next door, get on the free shuttle bus and into the museum (free admission). The emphasis is on quality, with displays and commentry telling the Mercedes-Benz story. My favourites include the various Silver Arrows and the motorsport trophies, including the Mille Miglia won by Sterling Moss. Open 9:00 to 17:00 Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday and holidays)