The Rhine winds through landscapes of fairytale castles, charming villages and cities steeped in history. You and your partner, friends or family can sip wine in cafes on cobbled alleyways, stroll around ancient fortresses and wander through half-timbered streets bathed in golden evening light. Exploring these destinations can be seamlessly experienced through Rhine River cruises, offering couples a convenient and romantic way to discover the region's many highlights.
Heidelberg: A city of Romanticism
Few places capture romance like Heidelberg. The pretty German city is framed by the Neckar River (a Rhine tributary) and rolling hills, and its historic charm has inspired poets, painters and lovers for centuries. This is a UNESCO City of Literature, and American author Mark Twain spent the summer of 1878 here and eulogised the beauty of the area in his writing. No wonder.
Walk through the Old Town, where pastel-coloured buildings line narrow streets filled with cafés and boutique shops. Climb to the ivy-clad ruins of Heidelberg Castle for panoramic views.
The Philosopher’s Walk, perched on the opposite riverbank, offers a scenic escape. Follow the winding path through lush greenery, pausing to admire Heidelberg below at sunset.
Strasbourg: A blend of French and German charm
Strasbourg stands at the crossroads of Germany and France. In the heart of the city, La Petite France, timber-framed houses, their shutters painted in rich hues, loom over peaceful canals. As you stroll the cobbled streets, the scent of fresh pastries drifts from family-run bakeries.
At Strasbourg Cathedral, marvel at the soaring 466-foot Gothic spire before stepping into its cavernous interior, where candlelight flickers against centuries-old stone. Later, share a traditional Alsatian meal in a riverside restaurant. A glass of crisp Riesling pairs beautifully with tarte flambée, a delicate, flame-kissed flatbread.
Koblenz: Where the Rhine and Moselle meet
In the German city of Koblenz, at the Deutsches Eck, stands where the Rhine and Moselle meet. Here, their waters flow together beneath an imposing equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German emperor. A cable car ride carries you above the city to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where sprawling views stretch across vineyards and villages below.
Spend an afternoon drifting along the river on a boat cruise past castles jutting out from dense vineyards. At twilight, wander the historic streets, pausing at a traditional tavern for a taste of the region’s rich wine heritage.
Rüdesheim: Wine and dine in a quaint village
The winemaking town of Rüdesheim welcomes you with live music spilling from its rustic taverns. The Drosselgasse, a narrow, cobblestoned alley, offers numerous spots to linger over glasses of locally crafted Riesling. Here, winemakers share stories as you sample the fruits of their labour, each sip capturing the essence of the Rhine’s beautiful sun-drenched slopes.
For a breathtaking view, take the cable car to the Niederwald Monument. This vast construction celebrates the German unification in 1871. As you glide above the vineyards, the Rhine lazily stretches out in shimmering curves below. At the summit, drink in the beauty of the landscape before making your way back to the heart of the village.
I spent some time travelling down the Rhine with my parents when I was a child, great memories and a fantastic adventure. Rhian x
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