Rhine River and Castles Walk Highlights

Along the Rheinsteig pass by the Katz Castle

View from the trail on the Rhine

Hiking trail through the vineyards next to the Rhine River

The Rhine is dotted with impressive castles

Along the Rheinsteig pass by the Katz Castle

View from the trail on the Rhine

Hiking trail through the vineyards next to the Rhine River

The Rhine is dotted with impressive castles

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Duration

5 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

4 nights in comfortable 2-3 star hotels & guesthouses

Meals

4 Breakfasts

Price

$750USD

Overview

Trip Code: RG5

Trip highlights

Walking through the stunning Rhine Valley
Exploring ancient wine-growing villages
Experiencing the areas rich history through its impressive castles and towns

Enjoy exploring Germany's most popular region on the Rhine Trail (Rheinsteig). The Rhine River has carved through the predominantly slate rock to produce dramatic cliffs up to 200m, the most famous of which is Loreley Rock. Dotted with castles, many of which were reduced to ruins during the Thirty Years War, and with the southern slopes covered by vineyards producing the famous riesling varietal, the region is as picturesque as it is fascinating. Walking through pretty wine villages with half timbered houses, ascending to the historic castles high above the river are highlights of this walking holiday. In the evening stay in comfortable hotels specially chosen for their location and character.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim

On arrival, check in to your centrally located hotel close to the Rhine and train station where your maps will be waiting for you. Rüdesheim has a wonderful tradition as a winemaking town which is celebrated each summer with a special festival held on the 3rd weekend in August. It is also a music town, hosting Johannes Brahms on numerous occasions. There are numerous sites to visit, however for a stroll through town you cannot miss the Drosselgasse, a laneway in the centre of the old town brimming with beautifully decorated restaurants. The cobblestone street is most alive during the summer when live bands play through the day and night in open-air garden taverns and wine bars. There are also interesting museums, abbeys, castles and wine taverns to visit.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk through the Middle Rhine valley to Lorch (5hrs)

The walk begins along the Rheinsteig trail with a long ascent to a hunting lodge. Alternatively this section can be by cable car (Seilbahn) to the Niederwald monument (optional) high up on the Middle-Rhine valley. From here you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Nahe estuary. As you make your way above the Rhine, pass by the wine-growing communities of Assmannshausen, best known for its red wine, a magical cave and the Niederwald Memorial, before arriving in Lorch, with its many half-timbered houses, typical of the region. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting this afternoon at the Rössler winery (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but will open with prior arrangement). Overnight Lorch. Walking: 21km/13mi, ascent/descent +660m/2165ft, -680m/2230ft

Meals: B

Day 3
Continue on foot to the small wine growing towns of Kaub or Dörscheid (4.5hrs)

The walk today takes you along well maintained forest trails with panoramic views over the Rhine. You'll pass the ruins of Nollig castle and Gutenfels castle, and have great views of the impressive toll-castle Pfalzgrafenstein, located on an island on the river. This evening is spent in a small wine-grower town, either Kaub or Dörscheid. Walking: 13km/8mi, ascent/descent +460m/1509ft, -460m/1509ft

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk to the fortress town of St Goarshausen and ascend to Loreley Rock (5.5hrs)

A more challenging yet immensely rewarding stage today with many narrow ascents and descents. One of the highlights is an ascent to the legendary Loreley Rock with its impressive viewing platform providing a superb panorama of the Rhine River. The last stage takes you to Dreiburgenblick where you have a fabulous view of Katz, Rheinsfels and Maus castles. From here it is a short descent to the town of St Goarshausen in the Hasenbachtal Valley where you stay overnight. Walking: 19km/11.8mi, ascent/descent +590m/1935ft, -620m/2034ft

Meals: B

Day 5
Trip concludes

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

4 breakfasts - generally buffet style and usually consisting of cereals, breads, spreads, meats, cheeses, fruit, tea, coffee and juice
4 nights accommodation in comfortable 3 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information
Wine tasting in Lorch
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Rüdesheim and from St Goarshausen
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Guide - this is a self guided tour
Entrance fees, cable car and sightseeing fees and public transport used to shorten hikes
Travel insurance
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Visitors tax - may be levied by hotels and payment is required locally
The optional cable car on day 2 - allow Eur10 pp
Paper documents on arrival, request at time of booking
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate

This trip involves 3 days walking along wine-grower paths, solitary walking paths and old bridle paths. Good fitness and sure footedness is required for uphill/downhill sections on the mountain ridges of the Middle-Rhine valley. There is a section on a gorge which requires sure footedness and a head for heights. Walking times of up to 6 hours and distances of up to 25.5km are to be involved. For this reason the trip is graded as moderate (3). All stages can be completed or shortened using public transport.

Departure dates

Daily from 26 Mar to 16 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

Note:

Mid season 29 Apr - 2 Jun & 12 Aug - 1 Sep. High season 3 Jun - 11 Aug & 2 - 22 Sep. Supplement applies.

Note:

Extend the trip to finish in Koblenz. Refer to our "Rhine River and Castles Walk" itinerary. (RGW) Option to lengthen trip to 11 days beginning in Mainz - supplement applies.

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Priceper person from

$750USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$230

*Prices listed are per person

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