Exploring the Rhine by Rail

With a rich history dating back to the Roman occupation and a varied cityscape, Cologne is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Europe’s past. The city’s range of museums reflects its historic importance and in addition to its thriving cultural scene, Cologne is famous for its enormous range of restaurants, cafés and bars, some of which line the banks of the Rhine. Prost!

Today’s journey to Rüdesheim includes a ride along what many say is the prettiest section of this mighty river; the Rhine Gorge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, liberally dotted with castles and medieval villages.

On arrival in Rüdesheim, you will check into Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Rüdesheim has a pretty old town along the banks of the Rhine, but it is perhaps as one of the centres of the Rheingau wine region that the town is best known. Vineyards have existed in the area since the 14th century and each summer Rüdesheim hosts a wine festival. Even the Brömserburg, the oldest castle in the region at over 1,000 years old, has a wine museum and there are plenty of cafés where you can sit back, relax and sample some of the local produce.

Your train departs Rüdesheim just before midday which means that if the weather is good, you might first want to take a morning stroll along the Reisling Route, one of several local hiking trails. Your train journey takes you via Frankfurt before you catch one of the world’s most iconic trains, the TGV, to whisk you through the countryside on into Strasbourg by late afternoon. On arrival in this charming French city, you will check in to Maison Rouge (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

A mesmerising blend of European history and Europe’s future, Strasbourg caters to all tastes. The fairytale-inspiring neighbourhood of Petite France, complete with medieval taverns teetering over canals, offers an array of winding alleys in which you can happily lose an afternoon, whilst the EU Quarter is home to a selection of impressive modern architecture. Between the two, museums, parks and cafés will vie for your time and attention, whilst most visitors find the beautiful 15th Notre-Dame Cathedral impossible to ignore and impossible to forget.

Take the train to Freiburg via Offenburg. Having checked in at Novotel am Konzerthaus (or similar) for 2 nights, you will have plenty of time to explore this small city which sits at the western edge of the famous Black Forest.

There is plenty of history to keep you interested in Freiburg’s picturesque city centre, from medieval churches to medieval breweries! However, you may want to consider striking out into the beautiful surrounding scenery and with hundreds of walking trails catering to all abilities, a little exploration couldn’t be easier.  Also recommended is the Schlossbergbahn funicular railway for spectacular views.

Your final train journey takes you just over the Swiss border where you check in for 2 nights at the Gaia Hotel (or similar). 

Uniquely located at the borders of France, Switzerland and Germany, Basel’s history predates these modern nation states and you can still visit the well-preserved Roman theatre at the Augusta Raurica, just a few kilometres from the city centre. If art appeals, Basel offers over 30 museums including the Kunstmuseum Basel which was the first museum open to the public in the world. After a full day of sightseeing, you might want to find a restaurant overlooking the Rhine and reflect on the journey you’ve shared with this mighty river.

It’s time to leave Basel today for your onward journey. You might like to explore more of Switzerland, with a journey on the famous Glacier Express or simply make your way to the airport for a flight home. Whatever your plans, let us know so that we have help arrange an itinerary around you.