River valleys with superb riesling vineyards ­ the heart of Germany's most romantic region

"... the thirsty summits drinking the sunset's flooding wine." Heinrich Heine was scarcely exaggerating in his depiction of the Rhine and the Loreley Rock. As the sun sets over the Rhine valley it bathes the landscape in a truly breathtaking light. The Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Romantic Rhine, is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. People travel from all over the world in search of the enchanting, beautiful Loreley, whose legendary song cost the life of many a boatman on the Rhine. Lined with castles, palaces and medieval towns, the majestic Rhine, Germany's longest river, winds its way through one of the country's best winegrowing regions.

Rhine in Flames

A day spent on the Rhine is guaranteed to turn any trip into a truly memorable experience. Step aboard a river cruiser and drift past the picturesque towns and villages on both sides of the river. The Rhine riverboat companies operate vessels ranging from historical paddle steamers to modern boats with futuristic designs. They also offer music and dancing on themed evening tours. During the high season between May and September there are several Rhine in Flames events, during which a large procession of boats sails along various stretches of the river ­ a grand spectacle among illuminated castles culminating in a magnificent fireworks display.

Bingen

No visitor to the Rhine should miss the `Mouse Tower'. In the 10th century, this old customs tower on a Rhine island near Bingen was the seat of a bishop named Hatto. Hatto was a brutal ruler who tormented his subjects and cruelly enforced the tithe they had to pay. Legend has it that he was attacked by thousands of mice in the tower and died soon afterwards. From Bingen it is not far to Rüdesheim. This delightful little place is an old wine-making town, and Rüdesheimer Berg (Rüdesheim Hill) is one of Germany's most prestigious vineyards. The wine taverns in the pretty Drosselgasse lane are visited by around three million people every year.

Bacharach

It's not by chance that the name of the town alludes to the god of wine: it is said that the Romans built a shrine to Bacchus in Bacharach. The well-preserved centre of the town, its quiet lanes and splendid medieval buildings have been immortalised by many artists. The town is also associated with the popular German folk song Jäger aus Kurpfalz, whose subject is said to have lived in Bacharach. When strolling through the old quarter of this secret capital of the romantic Rhine region we recommend a visit to the Malerwinkel (painters' corner), Stahleck Castle and the Werner chapel, a ruin that epitomises the ideals of romanticism.

Boppard

The Rhine Valley is famous throughout the world for its charming towns with their rich history, such as Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Boppard is another such gem. A walk along the town's beautiful riverside promenade with its many historical buildings and traditional hotels is an absolute must on any trip to the Rhine Valley. A number of riverboats, large and small, offer tours from Boppard, and it is also a popular stop-off point for river cruises. On a stroll through the lanes of the historical old town, you're bound to be enticed into one of the traditional inns selling wine from the Bopparder Hamm estate. Along the way, you'll see the excavations of the Roman fort and the medieval town wall.

Kaub

Like many of the romantic towns along the Rhine, Kaub boasts a formidable castle, pretty lanes and lovingly restored timber-framed houses. There are only three castles in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley that have never been destroyed. One of them is in Kaub: Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, also known as Kaub Castle, a remarkable example of medieval fortification on a rocky island in the Rhine.

Rhineland delicacies

The cuisine along the Rhine has always taken its inspiration from the river. The Rhine formed part of several major trading routes, so exotic spices have long been a feature. From traditional classics such as dippekuchen (grated potatoes, onion and meat) and Rhenish sauerbraten (marinated braised beef) to the finest new German cuisine based on local produce, the Rhine region offers a huge variety of culinary delights.