Legends of the ancient Rhine GE-F. Travel along the Rhine Middle Rhine Valley From Cologne to Mainz

Departing from St. Petersburg

Departing from Moscow

Departure dates 2019: 30.04, 03.09, 01.10

Day 1. St. Petersburg - Vilnius - Kaunas
Departure from St. Petersburg on a comfortable bus. Transit through the Baltic states, getting to know the history, culture and present day of Latvia and Lithuania. In the afternoon - arrival at VILNIUS- the capital of Lithuania, in the past main city Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the most baroque city in the Baltic states. Hotel accommodation. Free time or hiking in the old town (10$). We will pass through the Gate of Dawn, famous for its miraculous image of the Mother of God of Ostrobramskaya, see the famous churches of the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, St. Casimir, the Vilnius University complex, the Presidential Palace and go out to Gediminas Square. After the excursion, you will have the opportunity to try the famous zeppelins, cold beetroot soup Šaltibarščiai, Samogitian pancakes and the famous Dziugas cheese, as well as several varieties of the legendary Lithuanian beer. Overnight at a hotel in Vilnius/Kaunas.

Day 2. Krakow
Breakfast. Transit through the territory of Poland. Arrival in Krakow in the afternoon. Krakow is the most visited city in Poland. Tourists are attracted by its royal and metropolitan past and rich culture. Walking tour (15$): Wawel Hill with the Cathedral and the Royal Castle, Okul district with Grodzka and Kanonicha streets and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Old city with the Market Square, Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3. Prague
Breakfast. Moving to PRAGUE. Walking tour (20 USD): Prague Castle- a unique architectural monument, the residence of Czech rulers; St. Vitus Cathedral - a unique monument gothic architecture Czech Republic; the legendary Charles Bridge, where those who wish can make a wish at the statue of one of the city’s patron saints - John of Nepomuk; Old Town Square, the Town Hall building and the Orloj astronomical clock with moving figures; the Chertovka River and the narrowest street in Prague; Wenceslas Square.

Day 4.
Breakfast. Transfer to Wiessbaden. During our excursion you will see: the palace square, on which the ducal palace built by Wilhelm, Duke of Nassau and the New Town Hall are located, the old town hall, which is the oldest building in the city, the Marktkirche church, the Neroberg mountain, located in the north of Wiesbaden, from which a panorama of the city opens up . Casino Wiesbaden, one of the most famous buildings in Wiesbaden, visited by Richard Wagner, Otto von Bismarck and Elvis Presley. A sightseeing walking tour of Mainz will introduce you to the ancient episcopal city, the capital of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. During the tour of historical center You will see Mainz Cathedral cities. It can only be compared with the Cologne Cathedral, both in size and in the impression it makes. Gothic, built in the 14th century, with modern stained glass windows by Marc Chagall depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A unique combination of Gothic and Chagall! For those interested, a trip to the Eberbach Monastery. Tour of the monastery and tasting of several different varieties of wine from the Rheingau region. (extra 15 euros). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5.
Breakfast. Transfer to the Rhine Valley. Arrival in the wine-growing town of Rüdesheim, walk and tasting of local wines (additional fee). For those who wish, a boat trip on the Rhine (additional fee). Boat trip with views of medieval castles: Stolzenfels, Marksburg, ruins of castles of warring brothers, ruins of Rheinfels castle, Lorelai rock, the city of St. Goarshausen with castles Kats and Maus, castle on the island of Palatinate, etc. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6. Koblenz
Breakfast. Departure to Koblenz. One of the most beautiful and ancient cities Germany with a wonderful atmosphere, architecture and history. The land in which the city is located is very “rich” in castles and vineyards, here they are at every step. How nice it is to sit among the majestic buildings and enjoy local wine. The region is famous for its dry red and white wines. One of the most important attractions of the city is the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, which is called the German Corner - this is a picturesque embankment “chained” in granite, where the waters of the Rhine flow to the left, and the waters of the Moselle to the right.
Transfer to Andernach. A walk through the old part of the city of Andernach, amazing and fabulous, as if from an old book. The city is completely surrounded by a fortress wall, above which you can see the roofs of cozy half-timbered houses and medieval towers. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7.
Breakfast. Moving to Dusseldorf, called the longest beer stand in the world. A walking tour during which you will be introduced to the famous Königsallee boulevard, the futuristic Media Harbor, the Rhine promenade, considered the most beautiful in Germany, historical buildings- the house of Heinrich Heine, the town hall square with the equestrian statue of Duke Jan Wellem, churches and historical monuments of Düsseldorf. Optional trip to the Neanderthal Museum. (additional charge) Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8. Dresden
Breakfast. Departure to DRESDEN. City tour: theatre square, Opera theatre, Zwinger, Frauenkirche church, Elbe embankment and Brühl's terrace. Free time to visit museums - the Picture Gallery, which is a unique collection of masterpieces of world painting, the Green Vaults treasury, etc. Transfer through the territory of Poland and Lithuania. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9. Warsaw
Breakfast Departure to WARSAW. Free time or for an additional fee (10 USD) walking tour of the Old Town: Castle Square, Market Square, St. John's Church, Barbican. Departure to Vilnius. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10. Vilnius - St. Petersburg
Breakfast. Free time or walking tour of the old town (10 Euro). Vilnius has retained the charm and romanticism of the Middle Ages, market squares, ancient streets, red-tiled roofs, and the leisurely pace of life. Transit in Lithuania, Latvia. Late arrival in Saint-Petersburg.

Cost table

Additional Information

• Nonresident tourists are advised to arrive in St. Petersburg the day before departure.
• Pedestrian programs include the possibility of using public transport, the cost of travel is not included in the price of the tour.
• The travel agency reserves the right to make changes to the procedure for conducting excursions
• The travel agency reserves the right to replace the guide if circumstances arise that prevent the author of the program from traveling with the group.

• 1 day Moscow - Berlin

  Flight to Berlin. Meeting at the airport 3 hours before departure with a company representative to receive documents. For exact information on the airport, airline, flight number and departure time, see the section a week before departure.

  Hotel accommodation (possibly in the suburbs).

  Day 5 Trier – Saarburg

  Breakfast in the hotel.

  In the morning sightseeing tour through the historical center of Trier (UNESCO). Free time.

  Transfer to the picturesque town of Saarburg. Tour with an accompanying person: the ancient fortress, bridges and embankments-terraces, a 20-meter city waterfall.

  A trip (~25 km) along the bend of the Saar River or “Saar Loop” is a symbol of the region: the river in this place seems to “turn” 180 degrees, forming a meander. Co observation deck There are magnificent views of this unique natural phenomenon!

  Moving (~220 km) across Germany.

  Accommodation at a hotel in the Frankfurt area.

  Day 6 Middle Rhine Valley

  Breakfast in the hotel.

  Trip to the Middle Rhine Valley (UNESCO).

  From the bus window we will admire medieval castles and fortresses: Rheinstein (possible visit from €12), Rheinfels, Katz and Maus, castles of warring brothers and many others. We will see the legendary Lorelei rock and stroll through the colorful streets of the ancient town of Boppard - one of the centers of Rhineland winemaking. For more vivid impressions We recommend a boat trip from the town of Sankt Goar to Boppard (about €15).

  In the evening return to the hotel.

  Departures June 29; September 7. Light show* "Rhine in Lights" - a fantastic fireworks festival that turns the Rhine into fire. Medieval castles are illuminated, hot flowers bloom in the night sky, and boats go out into the middle of the Rhine to see this pyrotechnic splendor in detail. Cost 80 USD (ship ticket + dinner), reservation and prepayment with tour 35 USD required.

  Day 7 Worms - Speyer - Neustadt

  Breakfast in the hotel.

  In the morning, transfer (~80 km) to Worms - the city of the Nibelungs and Luther, located on the Rhine. Guided tour: Romanesque St. Peter's Cathedral (XII century), City Gate, St. Paul's Church, Synagogue, etc.

  Transfer (~50 km) to another Rhine town of Speyer to visit the Cathedral of Saints Mary and Stephen of the 11th century. (UNESCO).

  In the afternoon, drive (~30 km) to the wine-growing town of Neustadt, walk and visual inspection of Hambach Castle - “the cradle of German democracy”, the birthplace of the national flag.

  In the evening return to the hotel.

  Departures on September 7. .The Würstmarkt festival in Bad Dürkheim is almost like Oktoberfest, only about wine. The largest wine festival in Europe on the German Wine Road (for the dates 6/7.09.20, a visit to Neustadt is replaced by a visit to the wine festival in Bad Dürkheim).

  Day 8 Frankfurt am Main - Mainz* - Wiesbaden*

  Breakfast in the hotel.

  In the morning transfer to the city center of Frankfurt am Main. Guided tour: Römerberg market square, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, Main embankment, Goethe's house, etc.

  Afternoon trip* (transfer, €30) “Mainz + Wiesbaden”: the city of Mainz is the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Guided tour: Cathedral of Saints Martin and Stephen, church with stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, Holzturm Tower, House of the Roman Emperor; the city of Wiesbaden is the capital of Hesse and one of the oldest European resorts. Guided walk: Kurpark with the famous casino, bust of Dostoevsky, Orthodox church(cable car* €5).

  Return to the hotel.

  Day 9 Eisenach - Wartburg

  Breakfast in the hotel.

  In the morning, check out from the hotel.

  Transfer (~200 km) across Germany to Thuringia to the city of Eisenach, which is the birthplace of Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach. Independent walk. Or for those interested, an excursion* (€15) to the famous Wartburg Castle.

  In the afternoon (~360 km) to Berlin.

  Disconnection of tourists departing from Berlin from the group continuing the tour through Poland to Brest.

  Overnight at the hotel.

  Day 10 Berlin - Moscow

  Breakfast in the hotel.

  Transfer* to the airport (early flight and departure from the hotel is possible). For information on flights and departure times, see the section one week before the start of the tour. Flight to Moscow.

  Tourists flying independently from Berlin to their city will arrange their own transfer to the airport or can join a group transfer* if the time coincides.

At the magical 10:00 we boarded the plane to Domodedogo, and at 11:00 we were already standing with our new girlfriend on four wheels and Hertz, who dreamed of showing us the mysterious Rhine Valley. I love it when gaps in time are in our favor.
It was planned to look at a dozen castles in the Rhine Valley from Cologne to Koblenz, a couple of castles on the Mosel, about 20 castles between Koblenz and Rüdesheim. On the way, take a ferry ride a couple of times and don’t miss the abundance of timber-framed towns found here, stand on the German Corner, read poems about Lorelei in in the right place with a Russian accent, drink Kölnisch and touch the spiers of Cologne Cathedral.

The first city that greets us is Königswinter. Cute town with a couple pedestrian streets and half-timbered houses on them, Mount Drachenfels with the ruins of the archbishop's residence rises above the city. The view of the Rhine from here is described by Byron in his poem "Child Harold's Pilgrimage". I haven’t read it, but I ticked it off - Byron liked it and I’ll watch it. These places are associated with the legends of the Nibelungs, which is confirmed by the Germans erecting a strange structure here, which is of course closed in winter - the “Hall of the Nibelungs”. Due to my illiteracy, my most vivid association with the Nibelungs is an episode from “Bluff,” so we’ll leave that for a guided visit.

Having climbed the snow-covered hill in absolute solitude, we discovered that the cable car was working, but the neo-Gothic castle with a terrarium inside, of course, was not. Well, actually, due to limited time, I didn’t intend to visit the castles, and besides, the fact that they are closed in winter was quite expected. The workers who were laying asphalt nearby couldn’t help but twirl their heads, looking at the crazy tourists who were ready to freeze their ears off for the sake of a view like Byron’s, since whose time skyscrapers have grown over Bonn, which are hardly visible today behind the veil of snow.


I went into too much detail, it won’t last me that long.
So, we are driving along the Rhine, looking at the ruins of castles and cities on the other side along the way. They recognized Reimagen from the bridge supports. (The story is about how the Americans captured the Reimagen Bridge, but they themselves destroyed it by accident). Now on the Middle Rhine bridges are a rarity, the River Valley is protected by UNESCO and bridges are not allowed for it. But the ferries work like clockwork, even in winter.


¬¬And the city of Linz is in the bullet. "Colored" city on the Rhine. For us, this was our first walk through a truly timber-framed town.
The Rhineland continued to amaze us with its desolation. After Riga, also in the “out of season”, we realized how pleasant this wildness was. Probably in May the city is full of tourists, the facades of houses are covered with cafe umbrellas. And now we walk alone and enjoy the solitude of a tourist place. But... Of course, their February is not ours, but still brrr... and the cafes are still or even closed. Spas grocery store with a wonderful bakery. I noticed that in supermarkets in small towns, “Bread” is located outside the cash registers and is a mini-bakery with a cafe. Usually you can find a lot of “pasture” there when there is no time for more global snacks.
Having parked the car in the parking lot near the Rhine and taking a photo with another representative of these dragon places, we entered the pedestrian part of the city. We have not yet become tired of such towns and we happily combed Linz up and down.











Near the town hall there is a very interesting fountain with figures whose arms and legs are on hinges. The townspeople could show their attitude through the gestures of these figures. There is a water level mark at the gate. Rain could be very cool! At the opposite gate is a figurine of a boy from a local legend. And everything like that. In general, they thought about tourists, there is something to take pictures with. A very pleasant town with atmosphere and mood.
In addition to the “br”, the non-tourist season has one more small disadvantage - the difficulty of finding “prey”. Not to mention something original, you can’t even get refrigerator magnets! I would say that EVERYTHING is closed. Friday?


And now the ferry! This is the second time in my life I've been on a ferry. The first time was Volga and Myshkin.
They write not to get out of the car, I was going to get out, and with a long-range lens, but I just didn’t have time. While they were collecting money for the crossing, the ferry had already begun to dock.

Tourist route “Road of Loreley, fortresses and castles” (Loreley- und Burgenstraße) Legends and tales of Loreley

Rhine Valley, especially on the stretch between and, is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. There are many landscapes in the world that are impressive with their beauty, but the peculiarity Middle Rhine is that here nature really represents the melodramatic backdrop of human passions and destinies: in music, poetry, painting and, not least, in reality. The Rhine flows through the forests of the Volcanic Eifel region and the Siebengebirge mountain ranges, through the regions of Westerwald, Hunsrück and Taunus, and along its steep banks lie vineyards and knight's castles. The river has more than once inspired the creators of great works: these include architectural monuments from the era of Emperor Wilhelm and the majestic music of Richard Wagner. Take a journey to the origins of German romance in the middle reaches of the Rhine.

Region in valleys of the Rhine, Mosel, Lahn and Nahe famous for its myths and legends. All of them are based on real events And historical facts and reflect public and cultural characteristics of a particular era and locality. It is not surprising that over time, legends have not lost their attractive power, and people have been searching for traces of numerous stories and their heroes for a long time.
Here in the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley, a World Heritage Site cultural heritage UNESCO, where the river Rhine winds through the Hunsrück and Taunus mountains, rises the world famous Loreley rock. A narrow valley, an untamed stream and a mysterious echo gave rise to the legend of a fair-haired girl on a cliff, who in ancient times lured shipbuilders to the rocks with her enchanting singing and mysterious beauty.
The Legend of Lorelei has existed for a long time, but the famous poem by Heinrich Heine and the melancholic melody of Friedrich Silcher brought it world fame. Lorelei is alive to this day, but her charms no longer destroy anyone: every two years, the most beautiful Lorelei is chosen among the girls in the region.

In this land of fortresses and culture, virtually unchanged over the centuries, you are literally transported back to the times of the robber knights, whether in the fortresses overlooking the banks of the Rhine, or in the customs castle of the Palatinate, built on an island in the middle of the river near the town of Kaub. . Starts here scenic road The Lorelei, fortresses and castles are 56 km long, leading from Kaub to the city of Kestert, in which many curious ancient buildings have been preserved. Thus, Castle Maus (German “mouse”, Maus), as before, enjoys a special privilege: it houses a medieval falconry, where unusual performances with eagles and falcons are held daily.

At local celebrations you can taste delicious regional dishes. Wine tasting seminars are also held in this region. We recommend visiting the wine regions, where vines ripen on the slopes, and getting to know the local wines and winegrowers. Not only wine connoisseurs, but especially those ignorant in this matter will learn a lot of interesting things about the past and present of winemaking.
There are no strangers in this region. The holiday draws everyone into its whirlpool, introduces them to places, people and stories that are not listed in any guidebook. At wine festivals and folk festivals, the high spirits are maintained by the golden juice of the Rhine grapevine. Near the Lorelei rock, on the summer stage under open air(Loreley-Freilichtbühne) - the best amphitheater in Germany with excellent acoustics - concerts of classical, popular and rock music are held.

Every September, the Rhine is lit up in a unique “light show” that takes place right next to the Lorelei rock. This event enjoys worldwide fame and takes place against the backdrop of the majestic castles of Rheinfels, Katz and Maus. It is impossible not to be charmed by the scenery on the right and left banks of the majestic Rhine. The spirit of the Lorelei legend also lingers in the landscaped park with its visitor center. Numerous fortresses and castles with rich history, which has left its mark everywhere, will not leave anyone indifferent.

We highly recommend taking a boat tour of the Lorelei Valley - day or night: with music, dancing and views of the majestic, beautifully illuminated fortresses and castles. The diversity of the Lorelei Road, fortresses and castles can be explored in different ways: on foot or by bicycle, for example along the Rhineland-Palatinate Road (RP-Pfad) or along the International Sports Union (IVV) tourist routes, by boat, by car or by train.

All you need to do is simply succumb to the charm of the legend of Lorelei, romantic wine-growing towns, half-timbered houses, fortresses and castles and, of course, the Rhine - the most beautiful river in Germany. It is no coincidence that the Rhine and the landscapes of its banks have served as a source of inspiration for writers and thinkers for a long time. The days spent here will remain in your heart for a long time, and that is why there is nothing better than rest on the banks of the Rhine!

basic information
. Length: 56 km
. Topics: Fortresses and castles, Rhineland romance, culture.

Attractions: brief information
. Kaub
Gutenfels Fortress, Marshal Blücher Museum, Pfalzgrafenstein Customs Castle
. Sauertal
Sauerburg fortress, tomb of the imperial knight Franz von Sickingen
. Sankt Goarshausen
Lorelei rock, Lorelei landscape park with tourist center, outdoor summer scene
. Patersberg
view of the three fortresses
. Kestert
Hindenburg observation deck
. Kamp-Bornhofen
fortresses of Sterenberg and Liebenstein, monastery in Bornhofen
. Weisel
Fire Brigade Museum

On a hot July day, we went on an excursion along the largest river in Germany - the Rhine. We saw not only the picturesque shores, but also many magnificent castles, visited the colorful, patterned city of Linz, sailed on a ship and ended up in the wine capital of Germany - Rüdesheim.
We also learned that anyone can buy a castle in Germany!

We left early, sleepily loaded onto the bus and set off to meet new impressions.

The first stop was in the city of Linz. Entrance to the tower.

There are signs on the stone walls that show the water level during floods on the Rhine.

Rhine Gate.

The city is incredible! It feels like you're in a gingerbread house!

An interesting example of half-timbered architecture - a house with two gables

City Council Fountain

The fountain is very unusual. It consists of several tiers. On the top there are small sculptures of people, and on the bottom there are larger figures that symbolize rulers and they can move! The fountain symbolizes democracy. Small sculptures depict the people. After all, in a democracy it is he who is the main bearer of power. People observe and direct the work of the ruling power. Any resident of the city can turn their heads and limbs in different directions (they are on hinges), thereby expressing their attitude to the actions of the council.

The husband expresses his opinion about all this

The town is very small and cozy

On the embankment there is a huge equestrian statue of the German Emperor Wilhelm I.

We had very little time to walk around the city, but we managed to see a lot of interesting and beautiful things. Basilica of Saint Castor

Monument "Caesar's Finger". IN Ancient Rome Caesar's thumb raised up meant the end of the fight, and a thumbs down meant a death sentence for the gladiator.

The next point of our excursion was medieval castle Marksburg, but along the way you could see many other castles.

Each one has some amazing legends and stories associated with it.

And here is Marksburg in sight

The castle is located on a hill and there is a narrow road leading up, but it is very difficult to pass. Some people come on excursions on such trains))

The bus cannot drive directly to the castle, so you can continue on your own two feet. Some can walk up the steps, others have a hard time on a gentler slope.

To get into the castle, you have to wait until the keys are brought to it. You can't get there without a tour. The time is written literally in minutes, because... Another group is following on their heels.

The first mentions of the castle date back to the 13th century. The inside of the castle is like a castle. It is not very different from others, but still this medieval atmosphere, complemented by the guide’s story, is impressive. We visited the hall of knightly weapons, the wine cellar, the castle kitchen and the torture chamber.

Medieval toilet

This high-lying fortification has controlled the waterway for a long time.

Impressed by the castle, we went to Sankt Goarshausen to continue our journey by boat

Lorelei Rock

There is a legend about the beautiful and treacherous mermaid Lorelei, one of the Rhine Maidens, who sat on the steep bank of the river, combing her golden curls, and with her enchanting singing lured sailors into the narrow valley, who lost their heads from her charm. The lonely and unhappy beauty sank their ships in the river depths. The river here is very narrow. Its channel is sandwiched by rocks, and the current is very strong. Many boats crashed on the rocky shore and underwater rocks, which were later destroyed. To this day, ship accidents still occur here.

And finally, Rüdesheim. This city is considered the wine capital of Germany. That's how we got to the wine tasting.

We were told how the time of grape harvest affects the taste, that wine cannot be sour - it can only be dry, and we were treated to the most expensive wine, the grapes for which are picked only in the early morning and only at a certain temperature, so that the grapes have an “ice” of juice.

You could also eat there and buy wine to take with you.

(With his pose, the husband seems to be hinting that it’s time to go home..)

Grapes everywhere

The trip was very eventful and interesting, but at the same time very tiring. Still, I prefer to travel without a group, when I can explore everything at my own pace. But they told us a lot of legends and fairy tales dedicated to the Rhine and its castles.

And I almost forgot. I promised to tell you that anyone can buy a castle in Germany. And so it is, for this you just need to have a certain amount of money and provide the government with a business plan on how you will use this castle. The main requirement is that the castle should benefit everyone, not just its owner, and attract tourists. Many castles belong to Russians. In one of them they even opened an eagle and falconry school. Like this!