Day 5 – Picturesque Koblenz, the enchanting Rhine Gorge, and charming Rüdesheim
There's time at leisure this morning to explore Koblenz, once a
Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the
confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, where you'll be
surrounded by inspiring vistas, including the mighty
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. We then begin sailing again and after
lunch, enjoy a highlight of our cruising experience - drifting
through the romantic Rhine gorge.
This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views,
and the best place to witness them is from the top deck of our
ship. The riverbanks plunge deeper here, and we wind around bends
surrounded by endless miles of lush green vineyards, ancient
castles, and picturesque riverside towns. It's also one of the
narrowest points of the river with one of the strongest
currents.
As we sail, we hear the fascinating story of the legendary
Lorelei Rock, which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This
monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends,
and we hear of them as we sail by.
We then dock in captivating Rüdesheim, where we travel through
steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the center of
the renowned wine town. Here, there's a choice of excursions, each
promising a delightful insight into the town. You could experience
for yourself why the town is famous with a fantastic wine tasting,
savoring the finest local varieties.
Alternatively, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music
Cabinet and discover Europe's largest collection of finely tuned
mechanical instruments, from antique music boxes to miniature
pianos. After dinner this evening, there's time to explore the
town's cobbled streets at your own pace and see the charming
half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and enticing wine bars in the
Drosselgasse alley.
Includes