Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the Middle Ages. In recent years the city has been extensively rebuilt and restructured, and is now one of the most important historical and cultural centres in Europe.

With such a rich history and heritage, Cologne is a picture book of fascinating highlights and experiences. The city’s most iconic site is without doubt the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which has long been considered Germany’s single most popular attraction. The soaring gothic spires of this incredible 13th century structure can be seen from all over the city, however visiting the cathedral is a must to marvel at its spectacular architecture up-close and uncover the treasures within.

The city’s many other must-visit sights and attractions include the impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine near the cathedral; a collection of 12 glorious Romanesque churches including St Kunibert, St Severin and St Andreas; the beautiful Forstbotanischer botanical garden; and several galleries and museums such as the Fragrance Museum and Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the Europe’s finest Picasso collections. For a taste of the local culture – and of the local brew – be sure to stop by Altstadt district, where bustling pubs and beer halls serve the city’s famous sweet pale ale, Kölsch.

The pretty resort city of Königswinter – situated on the east bank of the beautiful Rhine River, just a short sail south from Bonn – is the gateway to one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful nature reserves, the Siebengebirge hill range.

Around 30 gorgeous lush-green hills make up the Siebengebirge, including the 321 metre-high Drachenfels which towers over Königswinter. Arguably the most famous of all the Siebengebirge hills, it’s believed – according to local legends – that Drachenfels was where Siegfried won his infamous battle against a dragon. Atop the hill – which can be climbed via the historic cog wheel railway – you’ll discover the ruins of the 12^th century castle, which offers spectacular views of the Siebengebirge, the Rhine Valley and many cities and towns below; the hill’s fairytale-esque Schloss Drachenburg palace is well worth a visit too.

Choose to stay in Königswinter and you could wander along the pretty waterfront; take in a few historic architectural delights in the centre of the city, including the stately Town Hall, the Evangelical church and the Roman Catholic church of St Remigius; or even visit the fantastic Sea Life centre, which is home to several species of fascinating marine life from around the world.

Although small, the fairytale-esque German town of Cochem is sure to make a big impression. Situated within the breathtaking Moselle Valley on one of the winding Moselle River’s seemingly endless hairpin bends, Cochem is amongst Europe’s most charming and picturesque locations. Sailing here is always simply unforgettable, with views of unspoilt lush-green countryside to enjoy from your riverboat, while in the town itself there are plenty of eye-catching sights to discover too.

Tucked away within the town’s narrow streets and twisting, maze-like alleys you can uncover a jumble of restored and remarkably well-preserved half-timbered houses; remains of the old town walls and fortifications such as the Endert Gate Tower and the Guard House, which date back to the 14th century; and the baroque-style, early-18th century Town Hall. A walk along the Moselle promenade is highly recommended too; while it is also well worth stopping by one of the friendly pubs or restaurants to try Riesling wines which are produced from grapes sourced at nearby vineyards.

Literally unmissable is the magnificent Reichsburg Castle. Towering above the town atop a 330-foot-high hill, Reichsburg is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks seen anywhere on the banks of the Moselle. The climb to this centuries-old structure is steep, but it’s well worth making the effort, if you have time, to admire the castle’s interesting mix of architectural styles, learn more about it’s fascinating history and capture a glimpse of the beautiful surrounding valleys, vineyards and towns.  

Known as the 'heart of the Middle Moselle', beautiful Bernkastel-Kues is an enchanting twin-town spread along both the east and west banks of the River Mosel at the centre of the picturesque Moselle Valley. Set amongst a backdrop of stunning lush-green scenery and world-famous vineyards, including the revered Berkasteler Doctor, Bernkastel-Kues is best known for producing some of Europe's finest and most expensive wines.

As you might expect, many consider Bernkastel-Kues' plethora of wineries and taverns – there are around 100 here serving various types of Mosel and Riesling wines – as the main attraction, however the town has much more to recommend it than just the delicious local tipples.

The charming Old Town of Bernkastel-Kues is a gem, with its medieval market square, collection of well-preserved historic monuments and landmarks, and rows of gabled half-timbered houses which date back to the Middle Ages. The 15th century Spitzhauschen (Pointed House), the Renaissance-style Town Hall built in 1608 and Graach Gate – the only original town gate still standing today – are among the most popular attractions.

Take time to venture away from the historic heart of the town and you can uncover the pretty squares of Platz am Barenbrunnen and Karlsbader Platz too, as well as the ruins of Landshut Castle and the birthplace of Nicholas of Cusa – one of the earliest German humanists. Alternatively you could choose to simply indulge in a rewarding and relaxing walk along the river banks, taking in the scenic surroundings at your leisure.

Known as the 'heart of the Middle Moselle', beautiful Bernkastel-Kues is an enchanting twin-town spread along both the east and west banks of the River Mosel at the centre of the picturesque Moselle Valley. Set amongst a backdrop of stunning lush-green scenery and world-famous vineyards, including the revered Berkasteler Doctor, Bernkastel-Kues is best known for producing some of Europe's finest and most expensive wines.

As you might expect, many consider Bernkastel-Kues' plethora of wineries and taverns – there are around 100 here serving various types of Mosel and Riesling wines – as the main attraction, however the town has much more to recommend it than just the delicious local tipples.

The charming Old Town of Bernkastel-Kues is a gem, with its medieval market square, collection of well-preserved historic monuments and landmarks, and rows of gabled half-timbered houses which date back to the Middle Ages. The 15th century Spitzhauschen (Pointed House), the Renaissance-style Town Hall built in 1608 and Graach Gate – the only original town gate still standing today – are among the most popular attractions.

Take time to venture away from the historic heart of the town and you can uncover the pretty squares of Platz am Barenbrunnen and Karlsbader Platz too, as well as the ruins of Landshut Castle and the birthplace of Nicholas of Cusa – one of the earliest German humanists. Alternatively you could choose to simply indulge in a rewarding and relaxing walk along the river banks, taking in the scenic surroundings at your leisure.

Beautiful Braubach may be small, but there’s simply no ignoring this idyllic medieval town as you sail along the River Rhine through the heart of the Rhineland. Situated on the Rhine’s west bank, just a short distance south from Koblenz, Braubach captures your attention with its rolling forested hills, picturesque vineyards and fragrant rose gardens; while the sight of the magnificent Marksburg Castle is sure to tempt you ashore to explore.

The compact centre of Braubach oozes with charm and medieval character. The narrow streets here are packed with pretty half-timbered houses and are easily explored in a couple of hours on foot. As you wander around you’ll encounter a few of interesting historic sites, including the 13^th century Barbarakirche church, the 11^th century Martinskapelle chapel – the resting place of chamber singer Heinrich Schlusnus, one of Braubach’s most famous natives – and remains of the old medieval walls.

No time spent here is complete without visiting Braubach’s most iconic landmark, the Marksburg. The castle has watched over the city from atop a towering 160 metre-high hill for over 700 years, and is unique as the only castle on the central Rhine to have never been destroyed. The walk up the hill to the Marksburg takes around half an hour, and it is well worth taking the trip to see the towers, turrets and crenellations up-close; and take in the panoramic views of Braubach’s scenic surroundings.

Beautiful Braubach may be small, but there’s simply no ignoring this idyllic medieval town as you sail along the River Rhine through the heart of the Rhineland. Situated on the Rhine’s west bank, just a short distance south from Koblenz, Braubach captures your attention with its rolling forested hills, picturesque vineyards and fragrant rose gardens; while the sight of the magnificent Marksburg Castle is sure to tempt you ashore to explore.

The compact centre of Braubach oozes with charm and medieval character. The narrow streets here are packed with pretty half-timbered houses and are easily explored in a couple of hours on foot. As you wander around you’ll encounter a few of interesting historic sites, including the 13^th century Barbarakirche church, the 11^th century Martinskapelle chapel – the resting place of chamber singer Heinrich Schlusnus, one of Braubach’s most famous natives – and remains of the old medieval walls.

No time spent here is complete without visiting Braubach’s most iconic landmark, the Marksburg. The castle has watched over the city from atop a towering 160 metre-high hill for over 700 years, and is unique as the only castle on the central Rhine to have never been destroyed. The walk up the hill to the Marksburg takes around half an hour, and it is well worth taking the trip to see the towers, turrets and crenellations up-close; and take in the panoramic views of Braubach’s scenic surroundings.

If you’ve a penchant for fine wines you’re sure to adore the charming city of Rudesheim. Situated at the foot of gorgeous, lush-green Taunus Mountains in the southern region of Germany’s UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley, Rudesheim is surrounded by huge vineyards and considered the centre of the Rhine’s world-renowned wine industry.

Various types of red, white and sparkling wine are produced in this picturesque region, many of which you can sample at the welcoming taverns and bars in the centre of Rudesheim. The 15^th century cobbled street of Drosselgasse – often described as the ‘merriest street in the world’ – is the place to be to try the finest local tipples and traditional culinary treats while soaking up the city’s friendly atmosphere. Wine lovers won’t want to miss the fascinating wine museum at Brömerburg Castle – one of the oldest castles in the Middle Rhine region – too.

There’s much more to Rudesheim than just delicious wines though. This remarkably well-preserved historic city harbours beginnings dating back to the Middle Ages and boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. A number of centuries-old monuments and structures dotted around the city highlight Rudesheim’s extensive history, including the medieval half-timbered houses of the old town; the 15^th century gothic tower of Adlerturm, which was originally part of the old city wall; and the aristocratic residences of Oberstraße.

The Niederwald Temple and Monument is possibly the city’s most iconic site. Presenting unspoilt views of the Rhine Valley, it’s no wonder this was a favourite spot for famed artists, writers and composers including Beethoven, Goethe and Brentano. Accessed via cable car or a relaxing walk through the vineyards, Niederwald is well worth a visit to take in the stunning surrounding scenery.

If you’ve a penchant for fine wines you’re sure to adore the charming city of Rudesheim. Situated at the foot of gorgeous, lush-green Taunus Mountains in the southern region of Germany’s UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley, Rudesheim is surrounded by huge vineyards and considered the centre of the Rhine’s world-renowned wine industry.

Various types of red, white and sparkling wine are produced in this picturesque region, many of which you can sample at the welcoming taverns and bars in the centre of Rudesheim. The 15^th century cobbled street of Drosselgasse – often described as the ‘merriest street in the world’ – is the place to be to try the finest local tipples and traditional culinary treats while soaking up the city’s friendly atmosphere. Wine lovers won’t want to miss the fascinating wine museum at Brömerburg Castle – one of the oldest castles in the Middle Rhine region – too.

There’s much more to Rudesheim than just delicious wines though. This remarkably well-preserved historic city harbours beginnings dating back to the Middle Ages and boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. A number of centuries-old monuments and structures dotted around the city highlight Rudesheim’s extensive history, including the medieval half-timbered houses of the old town; the 15^th century gothic tower of Adlerturm, which was originally part of the old city wall; and the aristocratic residences of Oberstraße.

The Niederwald Temple and Monument is possibly the city’s most iconic site. Presenting unspoilt views of the Rhine Valley, it’s no wonder this was a favourite spot for famed artists, writers and composers including Beethoven, Goethe and Brentano. Accessed via cable car or a relaxing walk through the vineyards, Niederwald is well worth a visit to take in the stunning surrounding scenery.