Little Trains and Boats of the Rhine and Moselle
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UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Castle Katz ©Günther Bayerl, Lookphotos, LOOK Bildagentur der Fotografen, GNTB
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Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim ©Rüdesheim Tourist AG
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Cable Car in Rüdesheim ©Rüdesheim Tourist AG
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Brömserhof home of Siegfrieds Mechanical Music Cabinet ©Rüdesheim Tourist AG, Marlies Steinmetz
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Aerial view of Cochem and the Moselle river ©GNTB, DZT, Florian Trykowski
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Rhine and Moselle Valleys have long been a favourite with visitors from the UK. Spectacular scenery, vine-clad slopes, ancient castles, picturesque towns and villages, and a warm welcome combine to offer memorable experiences. This tour is based in Boppard, on the banks of the majestic Rhine. The town has half-timbered houses, churches that require closer inspection, narrow alleyways and many Roman and medieval remains. There’s also a fine riverside promenade, ideal for a gentle stroll, or sitting and watching the many boats sailing along the Rhine. With tranquil views, delicious locally grown wines and a host of fairytale-worthy towns, the Rhine and Moselle Valleys are begging to be explored. Once you have visited this postcard perfect place, you’ll be sure to want to return.
Dates
On request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and take the short sea ferry cross to France. Continue through France and across Belgium and the Low Countries before crossing the border into Germany and on to Boppard in time for evening dinner.
Day 2
Boppard and the Hunsrück Railway
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of Boppard to discover its stories, secrets and medieval history. It’s visually one of the most beautiful towns in the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. From the Roman fort to the medieval castle, Boppard has many architectural gems to admire. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the river and the hills from the Vierseenblick lookout. Boppard is also famous for its wine.
The tour will end at the railway station where you can enjoy a return journey on the famous Hunsrück Railway. This 15km line to Emmelshausen is regarded as one of the most charming stretches of railway in Germany. It is also the steepest adhesion railway in western Germany, at one point climbing 336 metres in just 6km.
Back at the hotel enjoy dinner together and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 3
Rüdesheim and Rhine Cruise
Today, we follow the Rhine, stopping en-route in St. Goar to view the world’s largest free-hanging cuckoo clock. Pass the iconic Loreley Rock on the way to Rüdesheim, one of the most famous riverside towns on the Rhine.
Take a stroll along the famous Drosselgasse, a lively, narrow cobbled street with bars, cafes and restaurants and maybe visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Museum to see and hear some remarkable musical instruments before exploring more of the town at leisure.
There is the option to take the chairlift (return) up to the Niederwald Monument high above the town for some magnificent views.
After some free time and lunch, step aboard one of many excursion ships for a Rhine cruise to Boppard. This stretch of river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will get the perfect impression of the picturesque scenery in the heart of the Middle Rhine Valley.
Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 4
Cochem and Moselle River Cruise
Depart after breakfast for a scenic drive over the Hunsruck low mountain range to the ancient Moselle town of Cochem. The town enjoys a wonderful setting in one of the most romantic parts of the Moselle Valley and is overlooked by the fairytale Reichsburg Castle.
There will be time to explore the old town to see the medieval squares, the beautiful baroque styled town hall, the market-place with its ‘Martin’s Fountain’, and the old gabled houses built on steep, narrow alleys.
Later, embark on a relaxing one hour panoramic round trip cruise on the Moselle, view the gorgeous vineyards, charming villages with their half-timbered houses and enjoy the landscape.
After the cruise, there may be time en-route to Boppard to visit a local vineyard for a tour and a wine tasting .
Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 5
Koblenz and the Vulkan Railway
At the famous Deutches-Eck (German Corner) where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, lies Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful towns. It is dominated by a 37-meter-tall stone monument featuring an equestrian statue of Emperor William I.
From here, drive the short distance to Brohl for a 90 minute scenic journey in the wooden carriages of the Vulkan Railway (Volcano Express) as it winds its way through the narrow valleys, over stone bridges and through tunnels to Engeln where the coach will meet you.
Return to Boppard for dinner and final evening at leisure.
Day 6
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast for the return journey, retracing our steps back into Belgium and on to the port in France. Take the short sea ferry crossing back to the UK.
Featured hotel
3* Superior Ebertor Hotel, Boppard
Offering a large garden overlooking the River Rhine, 3 restaurants, and spacious rooms with scenic views, this family-run, 3-star Superior hotel is located opposite Boppard Train Station and centrally located. All of the bedrooms feature bright décor and a modern bathroom. Hotel also features a sauna and spa.
