The Rhine Valley

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is the romantic heart of the great river, a UNESCO gorge where the Rhine cuts between steep, vine-terraced slopes crowned by a procession of medieval castles and ruins. Legend-haunted crags like the Lorelei rise above the water, pretty wine villages line the banks, and the classic way to take it all in is a leisurely cruise between Bingen and Koblenz.

What you actually see

• The castles - the string of hilltop castles and ruins above the river.
• The Lorelei - the legendary rock crag above a bend in the Rhine.
• The wine villages - the pretty riverside towns and terraced vineyards.
• The river cruise - the classic boat trip through the gorge.

When to go

Late spring to autumn for the boats, wine and warm weather; September and October bring the vine harvest and colour. The river cruises run in the warm season.

Honest expectations

The famous stretch is a specific gorge between Bingen and Koblenz, not the whole river. A boat cruise is scenic but slow, so a one-way trip plus the train back suits many. Most castles are seen from the water rather than visited.

Nearby

Koblenz, Bingen and Rudesheim anchor the ends; the Mosel valley joins at Koblenz.