Historic Cities Rhine Mosel Tour. Some of Germany’s greatest cultural treasures can be found in the cities along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers.
© Thomas H. Giesick
Rhine River © Thomas H. Giesick
The Romans built camps, vineyards and great cities along these waterways, establishing a tradition of wine production in the region that thrives still today. The banks of the Rhine and Mosel are dotted with Castles and Fortresses of the medieval elite, and the great buildings of her cities are a testament to the wealth and culture that can be achieved with maritime commerce. Visit Trier, Koblenz and Rudesheim am Rhein to experience all these famed rivers can offer.
The tour includes second class rail tickets. It can be upgraded to first class rail for an extra of US $ 59 per person which includes the seat reservation from Frankfurt Int. Airport to Koblenz.(see the tableau this is already included in the price of your tour). Here you also find everything else that is included: rail tickets and tours.
Price per Person
| two sharing a double room | one in a single room | three sharing a triple room |
| US $ 659 | US $ 999 | US $ 549 |
Would you like to submit your personal information so we can check availability for your specific travel dates for this beautiful tour? On our BOOKING INQUIRY page you find a form which you may use to forward your personal information:
View 5 Day Historic Cities of Rhine and Mosel Tour (5R02) in a larger map
Electoral Palace ©onnola and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress ©Ralf Schulze Koblenz
Day 1 Koblenz
From the Frankfurt International Airport Long Distance Rail Station – which is connected to Terminal 1 at Frankfurt International Airport – a direct speed-train takes you in just about an hour to Koblenz. Your hotel is located in walking distance from Koblenz Central Station.
Located in midst the picturesque landscapes of Rhine and Mosel and surrounded by four low mountain ranges, the Historic Highlights City of Koblenz is known as the “Gateway to the Romantic Rhine“. Koblenz’s abundance of cultural monuments and historical buildings, the cozy little lanes and alleyways, and the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a charming town where its guests feel right at home.
Start by exploring the narrow alleys and vibrant plazas of the Altstadt (Old Town), situated in the corner of town bordered by the Mosel to the north and Rhine to the east. A scenic walk that gives a sense of the breadth of this charming quarter is along the Mosel and Rhine promenades. Stroll across the Balduin Bridge, first built across the Mosel starting in 1342. The view back to the Altstadt offers a unique view with the turrets of the Old Castle and the two pointed steeples of St. Florin’s Church. The two rivers play a major role in the German mythos. The Rhine symbolizes strength and pride, while the Mosel is more nurturing. Just a short stroll upstream along the Rhine promenade, sculpted figures of “Father Rhine and Mother Mosel” lie caressing and affectionate on a bed of grapes. Behind them in stately counterpoint stands the sprawling neo-classical Elector’s Palace, built in the late 1700s (closed to the public). Make your way to the Deutsches Eck – or German Corner – where the Rhine and Mosel meet. It’s here that a giant copper statue of Emperor Wilhelm I on horseback was erected in 1897, close to the spot where the Order of German Knights had its headquarters as early as 1216. The statue was destroyed by bombs in 1944. From 1953, the bare pedestal was known as the “Memorial to German Unity“.
Across the Rhine stands the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, looming 388 feet above the river and reminding visitors of Koblenz’s symbolic strength and historic significance. Today, the Fortress houses a memorial to the German army, a youth hostel, the Regional Museum and a restaurant with excellent regional food. Built on the occasion of the German Wine Exhibition in 1925, the Wine Village is situated on the Rhine banks (in the Empress- Augusta-Gardens). It has been a destination for connoisseurs of good wine and regional specialties for nearly 75 years. The complex includes a genuine vineyard and half-timbered houses from some of the most famous German wine-growing areas. Sit inside for a relaxing view out onto the river, or enjoy the romantic ambiance of sharing a glass of wine on the outdoor trellised courtyard.
Porta Nigra and Trier Cathedral in Trier ©Dennis Jarvis
Day 2 Day Trip to Trier
The train will take you from Koblenz to Trier. The rail tracks run along the Mosel River and the rail journey itself is very scenic. Along the way, you will see medieval Castles like Eltz Castle towering above the Mosel River.
This day trip to Trier will make you feel like you’ve been transported far back in time. As Germany’s oldest city, Trier began as a metropolis of the Roman Empire and enjoyed prosperous medieval and Renaissance eras as well. Today the city’s glorious history can be witnessed at every step on a stroll through the bustling Old Quarter. Trier is considered the cradle of German wine culture, a tradition begun by the Romans when they established the still active Mosel vineyards. There is a Wine Teaching Path that winds through Trier’s vineyard-dotted surrounds to the village of Olewig, where local vintners offer tours of their wineries and wine cellars, tastings and light food.
Founded in 16 B.C. under Emperor Augustus, Trier expanded as an imperial residence and Capital of the Western Roman Empire. To serve its emperors and a growing population, the Romans built a city of such unprecedented proportions that it was known as Roma Secunda. The ancient city’s most famous relic is the Porta Nigra, the beautifully-preserved fortified gate from the great age when the city was known as Augusta Treverorum.
Today Trier contains the largest collection of ancient Roman buildings outside of Rome itself, all concentrated in a centralized and pedestrian-friendly area. Visitors can gaze in wonder at the size and majesty of the Basilika, used in the early 4th century by Emperor Constantine as an audience hall and throne room, and housing the largest unsupported room of antiquity. They can explore the expansive ruins of the Imperial Baths, remodeled during the 4th century as a barracks for more than 1,000 soldiers. And in the Amphitheater, they can sit in the same terraced seats occupied by fans cheering for gladiator and animal fights some 2,000 years ago. Be sure to visit the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, an outstanding archaeological museum with Germany’s most extensive Roman collection. While the stunning ancient architecture is the city’s strongest draw, travelers should also take in buildings like the baroque St. Paulin’s Church and the Church of our Lady, Germany’s oldest Gothic church. Behind the medieval façades of the Cathedral, architectural styles from the 4th through 18th centuries can be seen. Perhaps one of Trier’s most charming areas is its former Cathedral City, a mostly intact medieval district. A warren of narrow alleys runs between medieval houses in this former city-within-a-city.
Trier’s expansive Electoral Palace, built as a “wing” to the Basilica, is considered one of the finest examples of Rococo style in Germany, and its Baroque Palace Gardens are a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the city. Another popular attraction is the Karl Marx Haus birthplace of the German philosopher, economist, sociologist, and revolutionary socialist Karl Marx. At your convenience, you take the train back to Koblenz where your hotel is located.
Day 3 Rudesheim
Today a train takes you from Koblenz to Rudesheim am Rhein, the gate to the Mittelrheintal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning valley measures around 65 kilometers in length, here the majestic Rhine River breaches the Rheinische Schiefergebirge (Schistose Mountain). Along the Mittelrheintal are so many historic monuments and cultural landmarks like nowhere else in Europe. The vineyards towering high above the rapidly floating river are a sight to see.
Rudesheim is not only famous for its “Drosselgasse” (a lively alley with restaurants and taverns stretching from the river into Rudesheim Old Town). Rudesheim am Rhein is also famous for its scenic location midst steep vineyards along the Rhine River and for the Riesling which is grown here. Riesling is a dry white wine which is very popular in Germany. Explore the Old Town of Rudesheim and also maybe take a walk into the vineyards from where you have great views of the Rhine River and the scenic area surrounding it. If your arrival in Frankfurt is before noon you may consider taking a funicular ride up to the “Niederwalddenkmal”, a monument which was constructed to commemorate the foundation of the German Empire. From next to the “Germania” figure you have a great view over Bingen (across from the Rhine river). In the evening make sure to try a glass of Riesling and enjoy dinner in one of the many wine taverns, e.g. at the Wine Restaurant Rudesheimer Schloss where you will find local specialties as well as German “Gemutlichkeit”.
Niederwald Monument, Vine Yards in Rudesheim am Rhein ©Diana Schulz and View Katz Castle in St. Goarshausen ©Thomas H. Giesick
Day 4 – Rhine River Cruise through the Upper Rhine Valley
A Rhine River Cruise is scheduled for Day 4 of your Vacation Package. A cruise ship of the “Weisse Flotte” (White Fleet) operated by the largest Day-Cruise company – the “KD”, Koln-Dusseldorfer – will take you from Rudesheim am Rhein thru the very scenic and romantic Upper Rhine-Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cruise follows the Rhine downstream for 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) to St. Goar which is located across from the famous Loreley Rock. Along this cruise, you will get off the cruise ship three times to visit scenic wine villages. For your visit of Oberwesel, St. Goar and Bacharrach you have about two hours in each of the villages. Total cruising time will be a little more than 4.5 hours (both ways), 1:40 hours downstream and almost 3 hours upstream. So actually on your way back from St. Goar, you will have more time to see the historic villages, castles, ruins and scenic landscape. We will provide you with detailed tour information for this Rhine Cruise so you will be able to identify the castles and historic sights you see on this beautiful Rhine River cruise!
You will be back in Rudesheim am Rhein in the evening – right in time to get ready for another night in this scenic wine village. If you plan to book this tour during winter time, please be aware that there is a limited cruise schedule which we will arrange for you.
Day 5 Frankfurt International Airport
If you still have time before you have to travel to the airport you may consider taking a hike into the vineyards. At your convenience, take the train to Frankfurt International Airport where your tour ends. Travel time is a little less than an hour.
Would you like to download an overview of the 5 Day Historic Cities of Rhine and Mosel Tour (5R02) as a pdf to print it out or to forward it to a friend? Please download it right here:This is already included in the price of your tour
| Day 1 - Frankfurt Int. Airport to Koblenz/ Koblenz | Unrestricted ticket (not restricted to a specific time or train type - also valid for Speed "IC" trains) from Frankfurt Int. Airport directly to Koblenz (travel time about 1:10 hrs | Ghotel Hotel&Living Koblenz (or similar if not available), located within 8 walking minutes from Koblenz Central Station | |
| Day 2 - Day Trip to Trier/ Koblenz | Ticket from Koblenz to Trier and back to Koblenz (travel time about 1:20 hrs one way) | Ghotel Hotel&Living Koblenz (or similar if not available), located within 8 walking minutes from Koblenz Central Station | Buffet breakfast at your hotel in Koblenz, Day trip to Trier |
| Day 3 - Koblenz to Rudesheim/ Rudesheim | Ticket from Koblenz directly to Rudesheim am Rhein (travel time about an hour) | Hotel Rudesheimer Schloss (or similar if not available), located within 10 walking minutes from Rudesheim Central Station | Buffet breakfast at your hotel in Koblenz, cable car ride up to Niederwald recreational area and back to Rudesheim |
| Day 4 - All Day Rhine River Cruise/ Rudesheim | no train ticket needed | Hotel Rudesheimer Schloss (or similar if not available), located within 10 walking minutes from Rudesheim Central Station | Buffet breakfast at your hotel in Rudesheim, All Day Rhine River Cruise |
| Day 5 - Rudesheim to Frankfurt Int. Airport/ Frankfurt Int. Airport | Ticket from Rudesheim am Rhein to Frankfurt Int. Airport (travel time about 1:20 hrs) | no hotel needed | Buffet breakfast at your hotel in Rudesheim |
Your tour package includes all tickets, vouchers and information necessary to enjoy a great independent tour. The tour package also contains tour information sheets (20-35 pages) with general information about the tour and a day by day itinerary which you can download from our website once your booking is confirmed.
This is not included in the price of your tour
- Airfare from/to your origin to/from Frankfurt International Airport
- all meals other than breakfast (which is included)
- gratuities (tips)
You have booked the tour already and would like to download the to-europe tour information package for this tour now? Please download them right here:
8-Day HD & Bav SD Tour + 4 Day Rhine & Mosel Hi Thomas, I wanted to thank you for the wonderful tour! We loved the flexibility of car hire and cities on the tour. The Christmas Market tours look great. It’s a shame the flight to Germany from Australia is so expensive. Kind regards –Steve and Bernadette G., Western Australia, Australia
We are fortunate to have travelers from all over the world on our pre-packaged tours and we would love to have your feedback! If you have been traveling along this tour with us please leave us a review below – we greatly appreciate your time! (your Email address will not be displayed)
Submit your review | |
You must be logged in to post a comment.