Castles of the Romantic Rhine In Style

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.5 Read 4 reviews

The Rheinsteig trail, staying in unique 4-star castle hotels and wineries
Over 30 castles and fortresses as you walk high above the Rhine Valley
A Top Trail in Germany through riverside vineyards and villages
Sailing along the river past the Loreley rock and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
A chilled Riesling on Rüdesheim’s cobblestoned Drosselgasse

Stay in authentic castle hotels and wineries as you walk along the River Rhine. Follow the Rheinsteig, one of Germany’s Top Trails, as you wind your way between over 30 castles and palaces. In our opinion this is the best part of this classic European walking trail. By day explore the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Rhine Valley on foot and by boat, then relax in stylish hotels, including a castle and a winery. Each have great restaurants and a special ambience that exudes history and viticulture. Visit the world-famous vineyards of St Goar and float past cultural gems including Burg Pfalzgrafenstein and the legendary Loreley rock.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

Romantic castle and wine hotels, world-class vineyards and one of Germany’s Top Walking Trails, all washed down with a chilled glass of Riesling… Why not spoil yourself with this week-long walking tour, along the best part of the Rheinsteig. Two-night stays at unique properties all along the Rhine give you time to relax as well as explore on foot.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine
Long-Distance Trails
Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

This walk is graded moderate and you should be an experienced hiker in good physical shape, to make the most of this tour. You’ll be walking up to 24km each day, with alternating steep ascents and descents. Some of the trail is on narrow, uneven paths, which require you to be sure-footed. Hiking poles are recommended as you will be climbing/descending on trails up to and down from the castles. However, a bonus is the excellent network of public transport along the Rhine, and many places have a train station (with regular services) which will allow you to shorten your day’s walk should you wish to take a break.

Navigation

The Rheinsteig is comprehensively waymarked all along the trail. It is one of the ‘Top Trails in Germany.’ We supply you with an excellent map, and detailed route notes, so you can easily find your way.

Experience & Fitness

You should have a good level of fitness and a sure foot to get the most from this trip. However, there are regular public transport options for shortening or skipping sections.

Accommodations

One of the highlights of this tour is the unique 4-star accommodation, including castle hotels and 'wine' hotels. 7 Nights bed and breakfast accommodation is included.

A list of our preferred/usual accommodation choices is given here, however, these are subject to availability and particularly in peak season can be very much in demand. If unavailable then we will book you into accommodation of a similar standard. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Germany (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room and a single supplement is again then payable.

Meals

Breakfasts are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way; there are plenty of biergarten and kiosks to satisfy your thirst and appetite! Dinners are not included but available at all overnight accommodation or close by.

Included

7 Nights in hand-picked special hotels of a 4-star standard
7 Breakfasts
Ferry ticket St. Goarhausen to St. Goar and boat ticket St. Goar to Assmannshausen
Luggage transfers between hotels
Detailed route descriptions with maps and a comprehensive pre-departure information pack
24/7 telephone support from our German and UK offices

Excluded

Flights and travel to Koblenz and from Rüdesheim.
Train from Braubach to Kamp-Bornhofen (approx. EUR3 each way)
Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
Travel Insurance
Taxi transfers or public transportation if you wish to shorten a walk
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program

Extras

Additional nights during the tour

When To Go

This walk is available to start on any day of the week between mid-March and mid-November.

Rhine in Flames Festival: Please be aware that should you wish to travel during the festival ‘Rhine in Flames’, then accommodation is normally very difficult to secure unless you book a considerable time in advance, and the hotels may charge a premium. We will always do our best to make arrangements for you, however, at busy times a supplement may be payable for transfers or superior accommodation. Contact us for more information.

Weather and Climate

The weather in the Rhine area region is changeable. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms. Therefore you should be prepared for all weather eventualities. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.

Getting to the Start

By Air: There are several airports close to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Frankfurt Airport is 1h15 by direct train to Koblenz. You could also fly into the smaller Frankfurt Hahn Airport which is 1h10 by bus to Koblenz. Dusseldorf Airport is 1h10 by direct train to Koblenz. Cologne Bonn Airport (Koln-Bonn) is 1h25 by direct train from Koblenz. For further information visit the website of Deutsche Bahn for timetables and tickets.

By Rail: Koblenz Hauptbahnhof has excellent connections for trains throughout Germany and further into Europe. Visit www.bahn.co.uk for information.

By Road: Please let us know if you are planning to arrive in Koblenz by car; so that we can inform your first hotel and check as to availability of parking. Please note that there can be a charge for parking your car (if available) at the first hotel for the duration of your walk. It is essential to check this in advance.

Getting from the End

In Rüdesheim there is a train station and there are many connections to other stations in Germany. Train journeys to nearby airports are as follows: Frankfurt Airport 1h20 (change Mainz-Kastel), Frankfurt Hahn Airport 2h20 (train via Mainz to Wiesbaden, then bus to airport), Dusseldorf Airport 3hrs (change in Koblenz), Cologne-Bonn Airport 2h10 (change at Frankfurt). Again, please see Deutsche Bahn for detailed timetable information and tickets.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

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