Rising out of the Rhine waters like a stone battleship, Pfalzgrafenstein is one of the most spectacular castles on the Rhine.
Departs 9:00AM Wiesbaden or Mainz, returns 8:00PM. This is a full day excursion visiting Rüdesheim village and Pfalzgrafenstein castle, one-hour boat cruise through the Rhine gorge, scenic trains and cable car ride.
Rüdesheim
- Walking tour of Rüdesheim (the village is UNESCO world heritage listed) with its many half-timbered houses, including the Klunkhardshof which dates from the early 1500s.
- Stroll down the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone pedestrian street with with beautifully decorated wine taverns and courtyards.
- Many cafes, restaurants, pubs and wine taverns to choose from with options for lunch or snacks.
- Lovely gift and souvenir shops. Even a shop where it is Christmas 365 days a year! You can buy delicious locally-made chocolates filled with Asbach brandy - another Rüdesheim specialty.
- Option for lunch at a courtyard restaurant, wine tavern or cafe. You might like to try a Rüdesheimer Kaffee (made with local brandy, flamed at the table!)
- We take an historical little cable car ride over vineyards, with spectacular views of the Rhine. Many people tell me this was their favourite thing in Germany!
- At the top of the Niederwald mountain, we visit the impressive statue of 'Germania' commemorating Germany's unification in 1871.
- Option to visit either the Winemaking Museum or Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum (my personal favourite).
- From 29 November to 23 December, our tour includes a stop at the magical Rüdesheim Christmas Market.
Rhine Boat Cruise
- From April to October, our day includes a delightful 1-hour sightseeing Boat Cruise along the most dramatic section of Rhine River. In winter months we take the scenic train.
- Hear about the haunting Rhine legend captured in the folk song, The Loreley, with words by one Germany's greatest poets, Heinrich Heine. Die Lorelei
- By scenic train we see many spectacular hilltop castle ruins along the Rhine - a UNESCO world heritage site. Charming little villages line the river banks, filled with lovingly-restored half-timbered houses dating from the 1500s. From a distance they look like dollhouses.
Castle Pfalzgrafenstein
- The well-fortified Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is wonderfully preserved. Built in 1327 by Ludwig the Bavarian on a small island in a narrow rocky gorge on the Rhine, Castle Pfalzgrafenstein continued demanding tolls from passing ships until 1866!
- We reach the castle by ferry boat and tour inside its extensive rooms and fortifications. We explore the castle's six watchtowers, ramparts, dungeon, armoury, kitchen, bell tower and courtyard.
- The castle moved to the centre of European history in 1813 when Prussian Field Marshal Blücher famously crossed the Rhine with his army here, introducing the fall of Napoleon.
Itinerary
Full itinerary described above takes around 11 hours: meeting at 9:00AM, returning around 8:00PM. Our train journeys along the Rhine add up to about 2 hours, and our boat cruise another 1 hour.
Castle Pfalzgrafenstein has limited access at various times of the year, and the Rhine cruise boats only operate from April to October. Let me know your dates and I'll confirm what is available.
Castle Pfalzgrafenstein has limited access at various times of the year, and the Rhine cruise boats only operate from April to October. Let me know your dates and I'll confirm what is available.
Price
Prices start at €305 for a solo guest, or €395 for a couple. Price includes guide - who is with you all day - as well as all trains, boats, castle entry and tour. Groups of all sizes are possible. The larger the group the less the tour costs per person (egs. €395 for couple = €197.50 per person).
- Tours are private and available on request - I don't run open-group tours
- Planned itinerary may need to vary depending on the weather, unexpected transport delays and your preferred walking pace
- Send me an Email with your preferred date, time and numbers
- Payment is by cash on the day
- I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera
Meeting point
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station OR Mainz Hauptbahnhof OR depending where you are staying we can meet at your hotel.
Refreshments
Lunch and refreshments are available at the Rhine villages we visit, on the boat cruise, and at various cafes and bakeries along the way. You are also welcome to bring along drinks and snacks.
Refreshments
Lunch and refreshments are available at the Rhine villages we visit, on the boat cruise, and at various cafes and bakeries along the way. You are also welcome to bring along drinks and snacks.
