Rhineland-Palatinate

Tours

Experience a castle tour in the Middle Rhine Valley, where fine wines from ruby red Pinot Noir to shimmering golden Riesling are grown. Discover one of Europe’s oldest trade routes along former toll castles and robber barons' nests, where Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Heinrich Heine are onboard in spirit. Explore beloved places of the Middle Rhine Valley that inspired the poets who created Rhine Romanticism. This section of the Rhine, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, is home to more castles than anywhere else. Admire Rheinstein Castle, Reichenstein Castle (Trechtingshausen), the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle, and the fabled Mouse Tower of Binger Loch. See the Nahe river flow into the Rhine and marvel at Klopp Castle before continuing on to the Niederwald Monument with the Germania and the Niederwald Temple in Osteinpark. Let the myth of the Rhine Romanticism enchant you. Admire the red wine region of Assmannhausen with its famous Pinot Noir vineyards as well as the flourishing town of Bingen with the beautiful Rhine park of the 2008 horticultural show and Rüdesheim with the famous Drosselgasse.

Take in the sights of picturesque Cochem and the Moselle Valley aboard a relaxing river cruise. Opt for a 1-hour panoramic tour or 2-hour evening tour.  As you cruise down the Moselle River, enjoy amazing views of preserved timbered houses and lush vineyards. Marvel at the majestic sight of Reichsburg Cochem, a 1,000-year-old castle with a storied past perched high above the river on a mighty rock.     Learn about the history of this small town on the banks of the Moselle in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of southwestern Germany. During your trip, the audio guide will explain all the sights and important town historical events in both German and English.    You are welcome to enjoy snacks and drinks offered a la carte.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhine Valley, with its vineyards and picturesque towns and villages. See the mighty medieval castles – the area has the highest density of such buildings in the world. Marvel at the stunningly beautiful "Lorelei-Felsen," or Siren's Rocks, and enjoy fantastic views over the valley from the Niederwald monument. In the summer you can ride on the Assmannshausen cable car down into the valley (optional), have lunch in a marvelous restaurant on the banks of the Rhine (included), and then take a wonderful Panorama boat trip to St. Goarshausen, past the famous Loreley. Try fine wines on location in a small tavern and or just lose yourself in the picturesque little town of Rüdesheim. Please note that the tour will only stop at Rüdesheim if time allows. In winter time it may be possible that steamers do not operate in case of bad weather or water conditions. In this case, you will visit a castle instead. You'll travel back to Frankfurt by bus when the tour is finished and will be dropped off at the meeting point.

Discover the Upper Middle Rhine Valley with scenery and historic buildings. Get to know the countryside with a cruise along the iconic river, wine tasting at a charming tavern, and a delightful dinner by the riverbank. After you set out from the heart of Frankfurt, board a boat and ride along the Rhine River. Admire the villages, charming little vineyards, and mighty medieval castles that define the German countryside. Your steamer takes you along the shores of Kaub. Then, step ashore in the winemaking town of Ruedesheim and visit a little tavern to try some local wine.  Complete your experience in the village of Assmannshausenn with a delicious dinner at a cozy restaurant by the riverbanks. Then, ride back to Frankfurt as your tour comes to an end. 

Visit the perfectly-preserved and beautifully-located castle, which has been inhabited by the same family since its construction. Admire the unparalleled architecture and the original furnishing dating back over 8 centuries. Tour rooms and halls that contain hundreds of years' worth of cultural history. Admire the festive knight's hall, the medieval kitchen, exquisite furniture, wall hangings and paintings as well as fascinating weaponry and armor. The treasury in the cellar vaults houses a precious art collection with over 500 exceptional pieces. Stop in a restaurant right on the banks of the river in the enchanting Rhine Valley on the way back and enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to Frankfurt.

Embark on a journey with famous names of history onboard a Rhine ship and enjoy a cruise along one of Europe’s oldest trade routes, passing by former toll castles and robber baron nests. Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Heinrich Heine are onboard with you in spirit as your guides to the most beautiful places, through which the Middle Rhine Valley becomes the source of the Rhine Romanticism. This section of the Rhine is home to more castles than anywhere else. Admire Rheinstein Castle, Reichenstein Castle (Trechtingshausen), the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle, and the fabled Mouse Tower of Binger Loch. See the Nahe river flow into the Rhine and marvel at Klopp Castle before continuing on to the Niederwald Monument with the Germania and the Niederwald Temple in Osteinpark. Explore the village of Assmannhausen, which is known for its red wine, as well as the flourishing town of Bingen and the world-famous Rüdesheim. Along the way, taste four wines under the expert guidance of a Rüdesheim winemaker, enjoy fresh pretzels, and take a souvenir glass home with you.

The night watchman of Speyerer Stadtwache takes you to places and events that you would never have heard of otherwise. Shameful murderers, dissolute monks, and terrible hustlers once unleashed their mischief in this medieval city, and many a picturesque alley has kept a terrible secret for centuries. During your ramble through Speyer, you will have to strengthen your nerves for this nocturnal experience. Nevertheless, you should not be fooled by the guard, and always keep in mind that the night watchman has a loose shame and one or two of the stories are definitely lies. Enjoy a night out in the medieval old town. Visit the Cathedrals park, see the remains of the medieval city wall and monasteries, and the Jewish synagogue. Pass by the famous historic city gate, Altpörtel, and the historic quarter of Speyer. Learn about history, legends and myths Speyer was founded by the Romans and is one of Germany's oldest cities. The first known names were Noviomagus and Civitas Nemetum. Around the year 500 the name Spira first appeared in written documents. Speyer is dominated by the Speyer Cathedral, a number of churches and the Altpörtel, old gate. In the cathedral, beneath the high altar, are the tombs of eight Holy Roman emperors and German kings. The imperial Cathedral of Speyer, is one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany.

Explore romantic Heidelberg and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on a delightful combination of a city tour and river cruise. Admire some of Germany's most charming sights, from the medieval castles in one of the country's most beautiful cities to a ride on a classic steamer. Your day starts with a ride south from Frankfurt to the picturesque city on the river Neckar. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval town center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, the tour takes you into the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkable scenery and medieval structures. Admire the mighty castles, villages, and charming little vineyards, and then board a Rhine steamer for a voyage downriver from Kaub to the town of Assmannshausen. Once you're back ashore, stop to sample the local wine in a local tavern and enjoy a delicious dinner in a restaurant by the riverbank before the time comes for your return to Frankfurt.

Discover the magical Drachenburg Castle, a 19th-century palace built on the Drachenfels mountain with breathtaking views of the Rhein valley. You'll be picked up at your accommodation in Cologne by a private car and enjoy a comfortable 40-minute journey to the charming Königswinter village. You'll first head up the mountain toward the medieval Burg Drachenfels, onboard the historical Drachenfelsbahn, which is the oldest cog railway in Germany. It'll feel like you're being pulled up the hill on a roller coaster, but without the scary drop at the end. At the top, you can explore the ruins and marvel at the incredible views of the valley below, and a perfect spot for a panoramic photo. On a sunny day, you may even spot Cologne Cathedral on the horizon. Once you finish, you'll make your way down the path towards Castle Drachenburg. Here, your guide will provide you with all the fascinating stories about the castle-like villa built in the late 1800s, with its short but turbulent history. Perfectly renovated to reflect its original splendor, it's well worth exploring. And don't forget to roam the beautiful gardens. The Drachenfelsbahn will take you back to the village. If you're keen to continue exploring, you can opt for the 6-hour option, which will include a 2-hour sightseeing tour with your guide around the beautiful village of Linz am Rhein, known as the “colorful city”. Here, you can stroll through the historic cobblestoned streets and admire 16th-century picturesque half-timbered houses. Your guide will also lead you to the Old Market Square, St Martin Church, Linz Castle and part of the medieval city fortification, Pulverturm. Once you've enjoyed all the attractions you will be taken back to your accommodation in Cologne.

Go on a private tour of Johannisburg Castle, which overlooks the Main River in Aschaffenburg. Follow your guide through the four-winged complex and learn all about the history of one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Germany. Relax knowing hotel pickup and drop-off is included. Begin your tour by getting picked up from your accommodation in Frankfurt and enjoy a comfortable ride to Johannisburg Castle. Once you arrive, take a look at this early 17th century castle from the outside and listen as your guide explains all about the architecture of the building. Enter the castle and visit a branch of the National Gallery. See paintings by Lucas the Elder, as well as the world’s largest collection of architectural models made from cork. Pieces include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the imperial triumphal arches, the Porta Maggiore and the Pyramid of Cestius. Marvel at the castle chapel with its Renaissance altarpiece, pulpit and portal sculptures by Hans Juncker. Watch the sculptures be brought to life with a light-sound installation. See the Staircase Hall, Tower room, and Ridinger Hall. Once you have finished the tour, get driven back to Frankfurt.