"Castles in the air" Top 5 Page for this destination Land Rheinland-Pfalz by toonsarah

Land Rheinland-Pfalz Travel Guide: 4,863 reviews and 12,498 photos

Niederheimbach

We took my mother in law on a Rhine cruise to celebrate her 80th birthday, and in doing so helped her to fulfil a dream of more than fifty years.

We had two main “ports of call”, the charming if touristy village of Rüdesheim am Rhein (twice – outwards and return trip) and Koblenz, at our route’s most northern point. Apart from that, and two excursions, much of our sightseeing was done from on board, watching the lovely scenery drift past.

Sooneck Castle

We saw steeply sloping vineyards, pretty villages, and of course the many castles for which this stretch of the Rhine is famous. My “Things to do” tips should ideally be read in order, as they journal our trip, from arrival at the boat to its most northerly point in Koblenz. We then retraced our route, but I haven’t repeated anything from that return trip. Instead, any photos that I took are simply included in the accounts of our outward journey.

Eberbach Monastery

We also went on a couple of organised excursions from the boat, and these are described in my “Off the Beaten Path” tips.

I have included information about the ship, life on board and meals under “Accommodation” and “Restaurants”, and about an interesting aspect of the journey, our passage through the locks, under “Transport”.

I do hope you enjoy your journey with us ...

Last visit to Land Rheinland-Pfalz: Jul 2010
Intro Updated Jul 26, 2011
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Reviews (30)

Champagne before the gala dinner - Land Rheinland-Pfalz

Evenings on board Nightlife (1)

Evenings on board La Bohème revolved around food and drink, to be honest! I’ve described the dinners in my Restaurant... more travel advice

Gala dinner Restaurants (3)

The final evening of the cruise was a special gala evening. It started with champagne served in the bar before we all... more travel advice

Waitresses in Alsace costume - Land Rheinland-Pfalz

Alsace lunch Restaurants (3)

All the meals on board were excellent and the waiting staff friendly and attentive, but they made a special effort for... more travel advice

Meals on board Restaurants (3)

When we booked this cruise with a French company, Croisi Europe, we were told that the catering on board was one of... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Life on board
Transportation (2)
See All Going through the locks

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Heidelberg Castle
Things to Do (20)
See All 20] Koblenz

Comments (12)

Bwana_Brown Nov 7, 2010 at 6:03 PM Report Abuse

Sarah, stunning castle scenes and fantastic historical information along your river journey - just the kind of thing I would love! That is an amazing tale of 'Lorelei' too! Thank you for this very informative page on how to cruise the Rhine in comfort.
Maryimelda Oct 29, 2010 at 6:21 PM Report Abuse

Sarah, what a fabulous page. I'll be in this area next August, staying in Koblenz and Bacharach, so I have really enjoyed following your adventures.
MalenaN Sep 17, 2010 at 10:46 AM Report Abuse

What a great way to celebrate the birhday of your mother in law! The cruise on River Rhein looks very beautiful!
HORSCHECK Sep 5, 2010 at 3:05 AM Report Abuse

Fab page. I must admit that I know almost all these cities and castles by name, but have never visited any of them, although most of the places are only between 100 and 200 km from where I live. Have seen many of these places from the train window though.
deecat Sep 3, 2010 at 11:49 PM Report Abuse

Sarah, what an informative and interesting page. Loved all the history and legends. Extraordinary photographs [loved one of you and husband]. Lots of work for you to develop such wonderful tips...I appreciate it.
Kuznetsov_Sergey Aug 12, 2010 at 10:27 AM Report Abuse

I have always dreamt about the “Romantic Rhine” cruise, because I've already strolled along almost all of the "Romantic Street" in Bavaria . Thank you Sarah for showing it to us.
richiecdisc Aug 10, 2010 at 11:45 AM Report Abuse

After seeing the castles I have to admit you could not get shots like this unless on a cruise. Burg Reichenstein sounds like a lovely place to stay with its vineyards about. Funny how you remember the poem, maybe D should punish me such? ;)
mircaskirca Aug 10, 2010 at 11:36 AM Report Abuse

Good to learn about the history of all these castles. Inn and church, quite unusual but interesting combination ;) And I also liked the idea of transforming the castle into hotel :) What a nice present this trip must have been for your mother in low! :)
hunterV Aug 7, 2010 at 8:38 AM Report Abuse

So many historical places to visit...Live and learn! Thanks for your splendid story! Good for you, Sarah! ><><><
yumyum Aug 3, 2010 at 11:57 AM Report Abuse

Great page about the cruise, Sarah! I quite often saw those castles from the train window when I took the Eurocity train along the Rhine from Zurich to Cologne ;)