 Rhine riverbank near MainzA scenic 22km bike trail takes you to medieval Mainz, one of the Major fortifications of the Holy Roman Empire. |  Johannisberg Castle, SchlosskellerFeel the chill of the historical vaults and the atmospheric wine cellars. and enjoy the fine bouquet and aromatic taste of the wonderful wines served there. (© Schloss Johannisberg) |  Eltville CastleIdeal starting point for a medieval castle trip |
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 Biebrich Castle |  Hansenberg CastleNestled among Riesling vineyards, the castle dates from 1824 and serves as a Boarding School today. (© www.klickrhein.de, Frank Förster) |  Beach life just around the cornerFancy Mallorca feeling at home ... |
 Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise(© KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG) |  Johannisberg CastleFounded as a Benedictine monastery 1,200 years ago. An eventful viticultural history led to the creation of the world’s first Riesling wine estate. (© www.klickrhein.de, Frank Förster) |  Johannisberg Castle900 years history of Riesling wine. The wine estate at Johannisberg was the trendsetter for the advance of Riesling in the Rheingau (© Schloss Johannisberg) |
 Eberbach Monastery, BasilikaFounded in the 13th Century the Eberbach Monastery offers visitors a look into another time as well as a chance to taste wine made from world-famous vineyards. And it’s located less than thirty minutes from Villa Orchard.(© Kloster Eberbach) |  Eberbach MonasteryThe Lay Brothers' Refectory ("Laienrefektorium"), the dining hall of the lay brothers, still Shows, for the most part, the original appearance of the oldest of the Eberbach Monastery halls. (© Kloster Eberbach) |  MS Loreley(© KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG) |
 Johannisberg Monastery(© www.klickrhein.de, Frank Förster) |  Ehrenfels CastleThe ruins of "Burg Ehrenfels" date back to 983. Being contested in endless medieval wars , the fortification was dstroyed by retreating French troups in 1689. (© www.klickrhein.de, Frank Förster) |  Vineyards near WallufEndless vineyards at harvest time are a wine conossoir's delight |
Rhine Valley & Rheingau
The Rheingau area just 30km outside Frankfurt opens the door to a one of a kind holiday experience. With the beauty of nature, breathtaking panoramic views and an incredible wealth of castles and palaces overlooking sun-drenched vineyard slopes, the Rhine Valley remains one of Germany's most enchanting tourist attractions.
Dramatic landscapes, romantic villages, terraced vineyards, ancient ruins, fairy tale castles and medieval abbeys are dotted like pearls along the forested hillside overlooking the banks of the Rhine Valley. The landscape is punctuated by some 40 hill top castles and fortresses erected over a period of around 800 years. Most were built by a mafia of local robber barons – knights, princes and even bishops – who extorted tolls from merchant ships by blocking their passage with iron chains. The wars of the 17th century and French troops under Louis XIV laid waste to many of the castles but several picturesque ruins were restored in the 19th century, when Prussian kings, German poets and British painters discovered the gorge’s timeless beauty. In 2002 Unesco designated 67km of riverscape between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz as a World Heritage Site.
Rhine & Wine
The scenic viticultural landscape along the Rhine is an inviting region to tour and discover – a region that offers something for all the senses with its many enticing attractions. For over a 1,000 years the steep valley sides have been terraced for vineyards.
To discover the spectrum of flavors and differences among the world acclaimed legendary Rieslings is one of the most exciting challenges the Rheingau has to offer. The trendsetting delights of the Rheinhau vineyards and medieval cellars present an authentic taste of German wine culture and are appreciated by wine enthusiasts and novices alike.
An ideal starting point for the discovery of the Rheingau and an unforgettable day trip is the picturesque village Eltville, also known as the city of wine and roses.
Cruise & Dine
Each mode of transport on the Rhine has its own advantages and all are equally enjoyable. The Rhine Valley and its romantic small towns and winegrowing villages on both sides of the river are best discovered by boat.
The Köln- Düsseldorfer (KD) Line runs many boats daily between Koblenz and Mainz. River cruises can be tailored between one hour and a full day trip. Boats stop at many riverside towns along the way – a great opportunity to disembark for a local wine-tasting session amid stunning scenery. Train services also operate on both sides of the Rhine River.
Sights & Sounds
The cultural region of the Rheingau is worth seeing and experiencing! Numerous cultural historical sights within easy reach are located in a relatively confined area. Visit e.g. Johannisberg Palace (“Schloss Johannisberg”), the oldest Riesling winery in the world and place of discovery of the Spätlese (“late harvest”), the Castle of the Sovereigns Elect in Eltville/Rhine “Kurfürstliche Burg Eltville am Rhein”) with the Gutenberg Monument inside the castle’s tower or Eberbach Monastery ("Kloster Eberbach") where many scenes of the movie "The Name of the Rose" were filmed.Vollrads Palace (“Schloss Vollrads”), one of the world's oldes wine estates or Biebrich Palace (“Biebricher Schloss”) also offer great opportunities for visitors who can explore the palaces’ beautiful gardens and parks.