3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights in comfortable 2-3 star hotels & guesthouses
Meals
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days£650GBP

View Inclusions

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.

Countries:

Germany

Starting Point:

Rüdesheim

Finishing Point:

St Goarshausen

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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

Accommodation

2 & 3 star hotels

Comfortable 2 or 3 star hotels. These have been specially chosen for their location and character. Please note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.

Trail Surface

Vineyard paths, walking trails & bridle paths

Vineyard paths, walking trails and old bridle paths ensure varied walking. Basic fitness and sure footedness is required for uphill/downhill sections.

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - 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. Walking times of up to 6 hours and distances of up to 25.5km are to be involved. All stages can be completed or shortened using public transport.

Departure dates

Daily from 29 Mar to 12 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 2 Jun to 10 Aug and 1 to 21 Sep, Mid season is from 28 Apr to 1 Jun and 11 to 31 Aug. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.
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.

Priceper person from

£650GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£180
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£200
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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