A tour of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley world heritage area, in the footsteps of the knights of old. Discover epicurean delights and magnificent historical architecture in Germany‘s largest wine region.
IMPRESSIONS from the Legendary Rhine tour
Route: From Koblenz along the Rhine to Speyer
Day 1: Koblenz and the romantic castles on the Rhine
The tour starts in Koblenz. Brief sightseeing tour taking in Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Then, by way of a contrast, visit Stolzenfels Castle, the epitome of Romantic architecture on the Rhine where Queen Victoria stayed in 1845. Continue to Marksburg Castle, an impressive fortress sitting in majestic splendour on top of a rocky cliff above Braubach and the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine still in its original condition. Then continue via Boppard (see the Roman fort) to St. Goar. Call in for a meal and stay the night at one of the cosy roadside inns.
Day 2: A visit to the legendary Loreley
St. Goar: One of the tour‘s highlights is a riverboat trip along the legendary Loreley Valley whose crags are topped by castles. The first place of interest is Rheinfels Castle, one of the largest castle ruins on the Rhine. The boat tour continues to St. Goarshausen, the Loreley rock (incl. optional climb up to visitor centre) and Kaub. The remarkable 14th century Pfalzgrafenstein Castle built in the middle of the Rhine is well worth a visit, as is Bingen (Mouse Tower), in nearby Rheinhessen, the largest wine-making region in Rhineland-Palatinate. Stay overnight locally.
Day 3: Mixing history and pleasure
Trip to Rheinhessen‘s main wine town, Mainz. Tour of the old town, characterised by lovingly restored timber-framed houses and splendid baroque churches. Visit to Mainz Cathedral. Lunch at a wine restaurant. The tour then continues through Rheinhessen where the emphasis is very much on wine and good food, especially during events that are part of the „epicurean year“. Make sure to schedule a visit with a young Rheinhessen vintner. Continue to Speyer for a tour of the old quarter and the imperial cathedral, the largest still intact Romanesque church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour ends in the mediterranean atmosphere of Speyer with an overnight stay in the local region.
Tip: Frankenstein Castle in the Mühltal valley. Visited by Mary Shelley on her Rhine tour, it inspired her 1816 classic novel „Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus“.
