Day 5 - Koblenz & Rüdesheim
Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers,
Koblenz is shrouded in natural beauty - ranging from riverside
scenes to vineyards and distant wooded mountains - and is a window
into 2,000 years of colorful history in the region. Each new
inhabitant left its mark, from the Romans who founded the city to
the Prussians and then the Europeans who landed here after their
river voyages. We uncover the city's history on a walking tour,
wandering the charming streets. We encounter well-known sights like
the Four Towers, the Guard House, and the city's most recognizable
landmark, the Schängel fountain in the Town Hall's courtyard.
Churches built like works of art, including St. Castor Basilica and
the Church of Our Beloved Lady, further add to the pretty
surroundings. After exploring Old Town, we take the Koblenz Cable
Car high above the Rhine's calm waters to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress,
perched on a cliff nearly 390 feet above the river. The fortress is
the second-largest preserved castle of its kind in Europe and has
been imposing over the Upper Rhine Valley for over 1,000
years.
We return to the ship in time for lunch and have the afternoon to
relax as our ship proceeds toward Rüdesheim. On arrival this
evening, the Winzerexpress greets us at the docks and offers a
charming introduction to the sights of Rüdesheim. Look upon the
town, the Rhine Valley and rolling vineyards basked in the warm
glow of evening light as we approach the city center. From this
point, we set out on a walking tour of Rüdesheim's Old Town. Look
upon the old city walls, a 16th-century half-timbered building,
inviting garden taverns, lovely wine houses, and quaint cafes.
Medieval buildings surround the cobbled streets, all of which are
ideal for uncovering on foot. Our walk through this incredible town
concludes with a taste of a traditional Rüdesheim coffee, a drink
that combines coffee with German Asbach brandy and sugar cubes to
warm the soul and the body. Overnight ship.
Includes