Sales Guide - Romantic Germany 2014/2015

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

Sales Guide - Romantic Germany Experience enchanting moments in the region around Rhine and Moselle

2014/2015

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

Content: This is Romantic Germany

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Example group trips

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Incoming Service

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Event Highlights 7-8 Walking holidays 10-13 Cycling holidays 14-17 Wine holidays 18-21 Wellness and health holidays

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Partner offers 23-31 UNESCO World Heritage

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Tourist Highlights

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The Saarland 34-35 Map 36

Hohe Lay, Nassau, Lahntal

Conditions 37

Rhineland-Palatinate – the charming region in

is a region full of historical highlights, while at the

western Germany offering romantic river sce-

same time remaining a modern and active region.

nery, historical castles, cozy towns, a long-

Museums, concerts, theatres and a multifaceted

seeded viticultural heritage and a modern

menu of events await all visitors. The picturesque

wine architecture.

scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage site Upper Middle Rhine Valley has been considered

Every holiday should be a pure pleasure.

the epicentre of the romantic Rhine for over 200

Rhineland-Palatinate, the most westerly area of

years and is one of the most important transport

Germany, on the border to Belgium, Luxembourg

routes in Europe. The valley is characterised by

and France, welcomes guests with the utmost

its uniquely high concentration of castles, making

hospitality. Vineyards as far as the eye can see,

it both mysterious and historically inimitable. A

almost 500 fairytale castles, palaces and ruins

central feature of this area is the mythical Loreley

decorating the river landscapes around the Rhine

Valley near St. Goarshausen, where the song of

and Moselle rivers, charming little towns with

a beautiful girl is said to have lured seamen into

half-timbered houses, a wide range of cultural

perdition.

points of interest and a wonderful mild climate are all hallmarks of the Rhineland-Palatinate. It 2 / 3

www.romantic-germany.info

”Laacher See”, Eifel

A splendid bouquet Viticulture was brought to Rhineland-Palatinate by

variety of terrains combined with certified, well-

the Romans over 2,000 years ago and has been

marked, high-quality walking trails and cycling

thriving there ever since. The region produces

routes, as well as accommodation designed to

around 70 percent of all German wine and is a

suit the active holidaymaker’s needs. The region’s

real paradise for wine lovers and connoisseurs

most famous hiking trail is the Rheinsteig, well-

with the six wine regions of Moselle, Rhine,

known from documentaries featured by various

Ahr, Nahe, Palatinate and Rheinhessen, which

television channels like the British BBC. Cyclists

includes the only German “Great Wine capital”,

have the choice between several scenic routes

Mainz. The Palatinate region boasts the biggest

following the Rhine, Moselle or Nahe rivers.

wine festival and even the biggest wine barrel in

Rhineland-Palatinate offers routes of different

the world, located in the city of Bad Dürkheim.

lengths and for all levels, providing groups and

The outstanding winegrowing areas will not fail

families countless options for a truly personalized

to delight with their award-winning wines. A

dream vacation.

special experience for any friend of wine is to visit the vineyards and learn about the traditions and history of German wine from the one person who really knows – the winemaker himself. The traditional wine festivals are additional highlights that anyone visiting the region in autumn should not miss, as well as the region’s award-winning wine architecture venues.

Outdoor deluxe The natural beauty of Rhineland-Palatinate provides the perfect natural playground for a number of outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Few other German regions offer such a

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

s group trip le p m a x E Bernkastel-Kues, Moselle-Saar

Riesling renaissance - Moselle, Wine and World Heritage

Ti p Fine food & wine Every year there is a range of exceptional events devoted to fine food and wine in the towns along the Ahr. In addition to delicacies from cellar and kitchen there are floral masterpieces and a programme of artistic events to make this a unique cultural experience.

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www.romantic-germany.info

Route: From Monschau in the Eifel region

Day 2: Riesling at its best, the romantic Mo-

to the Nürburgring racetrack, then along

selle and castles galore

the Ahr and Moselle rivers to the Saar bow.

Begin the day with a visit to one of the best preserved and most romantic castles in Germany -

Day 1: The Eifel, Formula 1 and the Ahr Valley,

the appealing and majestic Eltz Castle. A boat

the home of German pinot noir

trip on the Moselle with a Köln-Düsseldorfer riv-

Start the tour in the climatic health resort Mon-

erboat is the perfect way to continue one’s jour-

schau – the gem of the Eifel region - and its half-

ney. The first stop is the city of Cochem, which

timbered city centre, where time seems to have

has been guarded for the past 1000 years by

stood still. Continue on with high speed to the Nür-

Reichsburg Castle, the largest hilltop castle on

burgring, the legendary Formula 1 racetrack, and

the Moselle. Continue onwards toward Traben-

its yearround leisure park “ring°werk“. Then it’s off

Trarbach and its impressive Art-Deco architec-

to a tour of the Ahr Valley, a top German red wine

ture, passing Beilstein, one of the most romantic

growing district made famous by its innovative wine

Moselle villages, and the Bremmer Calmont, Eu-

makers. From Altenahr one can go for a pleasant

rope’s steepest vineyard, along the way. End the

walk to the wine village of Mayschoß, the world’s

day in the enchanting village Bernkastel-Kues

oldest wine cooperative and the perfect place for a

and its labyrinthine old quarter, where the streets

wine tasting. Moving on to Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweil-

are lined with charming halftimbered houses.

er, the red wine „capital“, one must be sure to visit

Prominent wine makers based in this area are

the Roman villa or the Ahr Wine Forum. Make a

responsible in part for the renaissance of Ger-

final stop at the Maria Laach Abbey, a Benedictine

man Riesling, a wine tasting essential! Spend

abbey founded in 1093, and stay the night in one

the night in either Bernkastel-Kues or Traben-

of the many wine-making villages in the area.

Trarbach.

Day 3: Moselle wine, Roman heritage and

bered houses in the city centre. Next, visit the

the famous Saar bow

Saarland and catch a glimpse of the impressive

One of the highlights on day three’s schedule is

Saar bow. From the observation point Cloef, en-

the visit to the Moselle Wine Museum and Vi-

joy a fantastic view over the most beautiful pano-

nothek wine cellars. The museum houses viticul-

rama of the Saarland and the Saar, crowned by

tural artifacts dating back 2000 years. Visitors

the restored castle ruin Montclair, dating back to

can taste and buy around 160 different wines.

1439. In the former Benedictine Abbey in Mett-

Then stopover in Piesport, with its ancient wine

lach, the success story of the family dynasty and

press and then continue on to Trier, or “Roma

ceramic manufacturer Villeroy & Boch is waiting

secunda” (second Rome), as the Romans used

to be discovered. End the day with an overnight

to call it. Today, its many UNESCO World Her-

stay in the charming city of Merzig and relish in

itage sites recall the town’s great history. After

its beautiful baroque architecture.

Tip Did you know… that the magnificent city gate, the Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths and the impressive amphitheatre in Trier are all part of the city’s fascinating Roman history and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

lunching in Hauptmarkt square, visit the romantic medieval city Saarburg, which features a waterfall that rushes down 20 meters amidst half-tim-

Moselle, Wine and World Heritage Route: From Monschau in the Eifel region to the Nürburgring racetrack, then along the Ahr and Moselle rivers to the Saar bow.

Tour the Eifel region, the Ahr valley, known for its innovative red wine makers, the Moselle region and the “second Rome”, hillside vineyards, the mighty Moselle castles and Saarland’s landmark, the Saar bow.

Porta Nigra, Trier, Moselle-Saar

Example itinerary/ Package includes: • 3 x overnight stay with breakfast • 1 x guided tour of Monschau • 1 x behind-the-scenes tour of Nürburgring • 1 x visit to Mayschoss Viniculture Museum incl. wine tasting • 1 x visit to the Ahr Wine Forum (guided tour and wine tasting) • 1 x visit to Maria Laach Abbey • 1 x visit/guided tour of Eltz Castle • 1 x boat trip from Moselkern to Cochem • 1 x visit/guided tour of Cochem Castle • 1 x guided tour of Traben-Trarbach • 1 x guided tour of the old quarter in Bernkastel-Kues • 1 x visit to the Moselle Wine Museum • 1 x guided tour of Trier • 1 x lunch • 1 x guided tour of Saarburg • 1 x visit to Montclair castle ruins • 1 x visit to Mettlach Ceramics Museum • 1 x visit to Villeroy & Boch

Traben-Trarbach, Moselle-Saar

Itineraries and prices on request

Romantic Germany

Ingelheim, Rheinhessen

R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

excursions, events, guided tours, transfers, transportation, hospitality programmes, technical visits, FreizeitCARD | CARTE Loisirs for Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland and much more.

Did you know that?

1. In 2013, the interactive multimedia visitor experience ‘Romanticum’ opened in Koblenz. The 800m² exhibition tells the story of the romantic Middle Rhine Valley with all its facets and unique features.

2. Rhineland-Palatinate is home to several vineyards which have won architectural awards, where visitors can attend wine tastings in

Incoming Service

spectacular surroundings.

3. The Regional Garden Festival 2015 will take

You are looking for an experienced and reliable

place for the fourth time in Rhineland-Palatinate

partner in Rhineland-Palatinate with extensive

in the city of Landau!

knowledge of the region? The Rhineland-Pa-

4. Rhineland-Palatinate is constantly developing

latinate tourist board offers a broad range of

new hiking trails, such as the long distance hik-

incoming services, enabling you to make your

ing trail Moselsteig. This will open in spring 2014.

planning as convenient as possible. We have

The region’s first-class wines can be enjoyed at

built up a solid network of local partners uni-

one of the many local taverns along the way.

que to this region and are happy to include you

5. Some of our offers for biking tours have

in this network. Our service incorporates group

been divided into two different price cat-

travel, special interest tours, hotel reservati-

egories, providing you with the opportunity of

ons, wine tastings, river cruises, seminars,

an even better target group customisation!

FreizeitCARD | CARTE Loisirs - your pass-

Advantage 1: Tour operators get 17,50 % per

port to the “grand region”

booking and card plus VAT, if the FreizeitCARD |

With over 200 participating attractions, the

CARTE Loisirs is integrated in a package!

Freizeit-CARD | CARTE Loisirs provides a unique opportunity to explore the region while

Advantage 2: The FreizeitCARD | CARTE Loi-

saving money. The more you do, the more you

sirs is available with three different validity periods:

save. With the CARD you get free admission

24-hours, 3-days or 6-days. While the 24-hour

to many of the finest attractions in the most

card is valid for 24 consecutive hours immediately

romantic part of Germany. Visit some of the

upon activation, the 3-day and 6-day cards may

regions many impressive castles and palaces

be used on any three or six days within the entire

or relax and unwind on a river cruise down the

season.

Rhine and Moselle rivers. A travel guide comes free with the card to help you plan your trip. The

FreizeitCARD | CARTE Loisirs – the flexible way to

FreizeitCARD | CARTE Loisirs can be bought

experience the Rhineland-Palatinate!

in several tourist information centres and youth hostels within the region, as well on the internet.

More information

www.freizeitcard.info 6 / 7

www.romantic-germany.info

Eve n t H ighlights AHR VALLEY

HUNSRÜCK

market, which features around 100 stalls selling Christmas ornaments, wooden toys

Historical Wine Festival • Heimersheim

Hunsrück marathon , Emmelshausen,

and other crafts. The aroma of Glühwein and

15 - 17 August 2014, 14 - 16 August 2015

Kastellaun, Simmern

roasted almonds fills the air and the young-

The Middle Ages come to life once a year in

23 - 24 August 2014, (always at the end of

est visitors look forward to meeting St. Nich-

the wine village of Heimersheim. During the

August)

olas and watching the puppet show.

Historical Wine Festival, craft stalls, street per-

The 14th RWE Hunsrück marathon on the Schin-

formers and musicians in colourful costumes

derhannes Cycle Route from Emmelshausen to

For information concerning other enchant-

create a unique atmosphere, which culminates

Simmern via Kastellaun.

ing Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate, visit www.romantic-germany.info/christmas-

in a historical parade through the festively decorated streets.

LAHN VALLEY

Ahrweiler Christmas Market • Ahrweiler

Flower parade • Bad Ems

Every weekend in Advent 2014

31 August 2014 (held annually)

Visitors are enchanted by the Christmas market in

Every year around 800 helpers decorate the 35

Ahrweiler‘s old quarter, which is often compared

floats in this parade using one million dahlias.

to a scene from a fairytale. The town‘s pretty tim-

Brass bands and other entertainment accom-

ber-framed houses are beautifully illuminated, the

pany the procession as it winds its way through

stalls offer delicious Christmas fare and gifts, and

the streets.

markets

the mulled wine is made with grapes from local vineyards. There is a midnight Christmas market

Wetzlar Festival • Wetzlar

on the third Advent weekend.

May - August 2014 (held annually) Open-air performances on three stages with a

EIFEL Historical Castle Festival • Manderscheid 30 - 31 August 2014 The Historical Castle Festival in Manderscheid is held against the impressive backdrop of two castle ruins. Every August visitors can travel back in time to the colourful Middle Ages, where knights on horseback test their skills with lance and bow in a tournament, while street performers and storytellers entertain their audiences with songs and fairytales. There is also a lively medieval crafts market.

varied programme featuring opera, concerts, plays, children’s theatre, comedy and musicals.

MOSELLE-SAAR

NAHELAND

Moselle Music Festival • Moselle Annually, July - October

Wine and Walking Festival • Bad Sobernheim

The annual Moselle Music Festival takes place

20 September 2014, 19 September 2014

in the towns and villages along the Moselle.

The Wine and Walking Festival (Weinwander-

The 2014 festival will be the 29th such event.

wegsfest) in the Naheland wine region is tradi-

The festival presents a varied selection of clas-

tionally held on the third Saturday of Septem-

sical concerts of international standard as well

ber. Along the festival route, you can sample

as a variety of wine-related events.

the fine local wines. Growers will tell you all about their wines and the Nahe area. A walk

Middle Moselle Wine Festival • Bernkastel-

through the vineyards offers panoramic views

Kues

across the Nahe Valley.

28 August - 01 September 2014, end of

Burgenfest Manderscheid, Eifel Burgfestspiele • Mayen Annually, May - August The famous Burgfestspiele - medieval festival plays - have taken place in the small town of Mayen for over 25 years. Every year, plays, musicals, operettas and comedies are performed against a medieval backdrop, including works such as ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ and ‘Alexis Sorbas’.

August 2015

Romantic Christmas Market •

The attractions at the largest wine festival in

Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg

the Moselle region include a spectacular fire-

Every weekend in Advent 2014

work display, a vintners’ parade, a large fair-

As darkness falls, a veritable sea of lights

ground and lots of exciting wine stalls in the

greets visitors to the Christmas market in the

streets and squares of the old quarter.

spa gardens of Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg. Ancient trees, lovingly decorated stalls

Christmas Market • Trier

and the pretty, half-timbered Kurhaus are re-

24 November - 22 December 2014,

splendent in the glow of thousands of lights.

23 November - 22 December 2015 The mighty cathedral and the market square, with its lovingly restored houses, present an impressive backdrop for Trier Christmas

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

Eve n t H ighlights Rhine in Flames ® • Koblenz

St. Goar, Romantic Rhine

All dates can be found on www.rhein-in-flammen.com (held annually) Every year, Rhine in Flames captivates hundreds of thousands of visitors who gather along the banks of the Rhine to enjoy the celebrations. It is an unforgettable experience when the towns, villages, castles and palaces of the UNESCO World Heritage Middle Rhine Valley are bathed in the magical glow of red Bengal lights.

International Jazz Festival ‘Bingen Swings!’ •

PALATINATE

Bingen 27 - 29 June 2014, late June 2015 The town, situated on the confluence of the Rivers Rhine and Nahe, invites the world to an open-air jazz festival at numerous venues ranging from the castle to the banks of the Rhine.

The festival covers the full spectrum of jazz music, from ragtime and the hot jazz of the Twenties to bebop and modern jazz.

Wurstmarkt - the World‘s largest Wine Festival • Bad Dürkheim 2nd and 3rd weekend in September (held annually) The Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim is the world‘s biggest wine festival. It owes its atmosphere both to the exciting funfair rides and the unique Palatinate welcome. Excellent wines, including local Sekt (sparkling white wine), flow freely at

RHEINHESSEN

the festival.

Mainz Midsummer’s Eve Fair • Mainz

German Grape Harvest Festival • Neustadt

20 - 23 June 2014, end of June 2015

an der Weinstraße

A four-day festival in Mainz city centre with cul-

2 – 13 October 2014, October 2015

ture, culinary delights and celebrations in hon-

The German Grape Harvest Festival (Deutsches

our of the city’s most famous son, Johannes

Weinlesefest) in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse

Gutenberg.

lasts for nearly two weeks. Highlights include the Palatinate and German wine queens and Germany‘ s largest vintners procession. The German Wine and Sekt Fair allows visitors to compare

ROMANTIC RHINE

products from all German wine regions.

Middle Rhine Music Festival 23 May - 24 August 2014, May/June till end of August 2015 Every year, the prettiest towns and villages along the Middle Rhine set the sense for some unforgettable musical performances. Visitors can look forward to fantastic concerts featuring highly acclaimed artists and up-and-coming talents.

WESTERWALD European ceramics market • Höhr-Grenzhausen 7 - 8 June 2014, 6 - 7 June 2015 The market attracts around 150 exhibitors from all over Europe who display everyday and ornamental ceramics, genuine salt-glazed stoneware, unusual clay pipes, ceramic jewellery and countless other ceramic creations.

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www.romantic-germany.info

Near Flonheim, Rheinhessen

„Layensteig”, Hunsrück

Where hiking and cycling is a true joy Cycling fun for everyone

Where walking leads to good wine, good food

Rhineland-Palatinate is an excellent cycling region

and good company

with a wide variety of well-marked routes. Leisurely

Whether it’s a pleasant, leisurely tour on climb-

bike paths stretch out for miles along the river-

free trails or physically demanding scrambles up

banks and along old railway tracks. The bike paths

narrow, winding paths, Rhineland-Palatinate has

following the courses of rivers such as the Rhine or

all the right ingredients for a great walking holi-

Moselle offer not only beautiful panoramas but are

day. On ten outstanding and richly varied long-

also almost all climb-free. Steeper climbs await in

distance trails, you can see castles, fortresses

the more mountainous areas of the Eifel and Palat-

and palaces, make new friends in traditional tav-

inate regions and in the rolling hills of Rheinhessen,

erns, sample famous wines and enjoy mouthwa-

promising a challenge for even the fittest cyclists.

tering cuisine. Along the way, of course, there is

Those looking for a more leisurely ride might con-

a whole world of countryside and unspoilt nature

sider doing these routes on a pedelec or electric

where you can relax and switch off. For a good

bike. An extensive network of bike hire centres and

night’s rest after a full day’s walking, choose from

charging stations can be found in these regions.

a wide selection of walker-friendly hotels, which

Whilst the electric drive system of the e-bike allows

are easily reached on foot, by bus, by train or ho-

you to ride without any pedaling at all, the pedelec

tel transfer. Read more about our cycling holidays

has a motor to provide extra power – so some ped-

at www.romanticgermany.info/cycling.

alling is still required! As you pedal along through forests, meadows and delightful little towns, look out for the castles and historical houses. Dotted along the various routes are cyclist-friendly accommodation providers whose quality and affordable prices help you to get the most out of your tour. Read more about our walking packages at www.romantic-germany.info/hiking.

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

Flughafen Köln/Bonn

Cologne

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Aachen

Rhine

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Altenkirchen

Remagen

6

8 Ahr

Blankenheim

Neuwied

Rhine

Hiking at its best The idyllic region of Rhineland-Palatinate is a hiker’s dream comes true. We have put together a collection of hiking packages including trips along the famous Rheinsteig and Saar-Hunsrück-Steig trails, through the Eifel, Westerwald and Palatinate regions, and along the Lahn River.

Mayen

1 Eifelsteig trail Under the slogan „Just you, the water and the rocks“, this tour takes you on a journey to the treasures of the Eifel region: volcanic craters, maars, tranquil valleys, rock formations, rivers and lakes.

Offer: The tour includes six overnight stays and the option to choose between three beautiful routes, each with five stages. Prices per person in a double room start from: € 378,00

Daun

1

Montabaur

Wittlich Ürzig

Mülheim

Daufenbach

BernkastelKues

Moselle

Trier

Morbach

MoselleHermeskeil Saar Birkenfeld Kell am

Idar-Oberstein

4

See

Weisskirchen Mettlach-Orscholz

Merzig

Rüdesheim

Simmern

Flughafen Frankfurt-Hahn

Bingen

Nahe

Homburg

Mainz

Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg Alzey

Naheland

Kaiserslautern

Palatinate

Flughafen Zweibrücken

Wiesbaden

Rheinhessen

Bad Kreuznach

7

Flughafen Frankfurt

St. Goarshausen

Kirchheimbolanden

Kusel

St. Wendel

Saarland Ottweiler Saarlouis

Lahn

Hunsrück

Zell Traben-Trarbach

Kyll

Hessen

Romantic Braubach Rhine

Lahnstein

Boppard Treis-Karden Emmelshausen Kastellaun

2

Limburg

Bad Ems

3 Moselle

Cochem Bad Bertrich

Bitburg

Höhr-Grenzhausen

Ahr Valley Koblenz

Eifel

Herborn

Bad Marienberg

Hachenburg

Bad Neuenahr

Weinfelder Maar, Eifel

Lahn Valley

Westerwald

3

Bonn

Eifel

Rhine

Worms

Frankenthal

Bad Dürkheim

5

Ludwigshafen

Neustadt a.d.W.

Speyer

Edesheim Germersheim Landau

Rhine

2 Lahn hiking trail Follow the Lahn River and enjoy dreamlike panoramas, small towns crowned by castles, wine tastings in the surrounding region and the thrill of hiking through the Rupertsklamm gorge.

Offer: This hiking trail leads from Diez to Lahnsteig, where the Lahn and Rhine rivers converge, and includes five overnight stays and four stages.

Prices per person in a double room start from: € 397,00 3 Rheinsteig trail & RheinBurgenWeg trail Pass by rugged cliffs in the central Rhine Valley, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites and winding vineyards in the Rheingau region.

Offer: One of the most scenic parts of the trail leads from Koblenz to Rüdesheim and can be walked in six stages with seven overnight stays.

Prices per person in a double room start from: € 511,00 4 Saar-Hunsrück-Steig trail Experience a wonderful blend of nature and culture on the trail voted “Germany’s most beautiful” in 2009.

Offer: The tour includes eight overnight stays and seven stages leading, for example, from Idar-Oberstein, Germany’s gemstone capital, to the old Roman town of Trier. Prices per person in a double room start from: € 525,00 5 Premium hiking trails in the Palatinate region Discover the three premium hiking trails leading through the Palatinate Forest, along the German Wine Route and around the Donnersberg Mountain, all of which pass by picturesque villages, spectacular rock formations, romantic castle ruins and vineyards.

Offer: Different packages, from six overnight stays and four stages to eight overnight stays and seven stages, offer the perfect hiking experience for every taste. Prices per person in a double room start from: € 299,00 6 Westerwald-Steig trail Discover the “barefoot trail”, the Kneipp herb garden, the Westerwald lake region and the 300-metre railway viaduct.

Offer: This tour down one of the “Top Trails of Germany” involves seven overnight stays and six stages. Prices per person in a double room start from: € 420,00 7 Soonwaldsteig trail Viewing towers such as those at Teufelsfels and the ruins of Koppenstein Castle give breathtaking panoramic views over the ridges of the Soonwald forest and a glimpse of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Offer: Six stages through fairytale forests and scenic beauty. Prices per person in a double room start from: € 455,00 8 AhrSteige trails As you travel through the wild, romantic Ahr Valley, why not call in at one of the many vineyards or wine taverns? The red wine town of Ahrweiler with its romantic old town is also well worth a visit.

Offer: The tour includes six stages through the varied landscape of the Ahr Valley on the red and blue AhrSteig trails and 7 nights’ accommodation. Prices per person in a double room start from: € 460,00

10 / 11 www.romantic-germany.info

Please note: Available all year upon request and subject to availability. Individual modules may vary according to the season. The tour operator’s terms and conditions apply. Prices valid for 2014. Prices for 2015 may vary.

Near Weinfelder Maar, Eifel What’s included in the price • All rooms with shower/bath and WC • Hotels and country hotels, sometimes inns or guesthouses • Pick-up / transfer to start points (if no public transport available) • Luggage transfer between hotels • Tourist taxes • Walking map • Detailed description of tour • Walking certificate • Eifelsteig pin • Travel costs for public transport not included

Features of the tour • 315 km, Kornelimünster to Trier • 15 stages of between 15 km and 29 km • Premium walking route

Eifelsteig 1 The Eifelsteig is one of the Top Trails of Germany, offering an exclusive journey of discovery that takes in the treasures of the Eifel, with all its cultural heritage, serene valleys, bizarre rock formations, rivers and lakes. The 315 km route, which mostly consists of paths in their natural state, starts in the historical heart of Kornelimünster and follows the Moselle to the oldest city in Germany, the Roman imperial city of Trier.

Possible routes A: Kloster Steinfeld – Daun (five stages, total distance approx. 110 km) B: Daun – Trier (five stages, total distance approx. 100 km) The length of the stages varies between 15 km and 29 km.

Tours start every Saturday/Sunday between mid-April and end of October. Start possible on other days by arrangement. Shorter distances and additional nights can also be booked.

Small surcharge of E 40,00. for just one or two participants.

How to get here By car or train to the first hotel on your tour.

Parking at hotels is sometimes free and sometimes a charge is applicable.

If travelling by train, take taxi from station to hotel.

Tour operator Klein’s Wanderreisen

Prices: Departure Last night’s accommodation at finishing point of walking tour. Travelling by train: Travel home from station at end of tour. Travelling by car: Return to car at starting point.

8-day tour from

receive Operators mission 15% com on offer

E 378,00

Prices per person in double room with breakfast

Obernhof, Lahn Valley What’s included in the price • All rooms with shower/bath and WC • In hotels / country hotels / guest houses • Travel costs for public transport not included • Luggage transfer between hotels, tourist tax • Description of tour with information on stops • Walking map, walking certificate Features of the tour • 300 km, Diez to Niederlahnstein • 4 stages of between 14 km and 20 km • Premium walking route

Lahnwanderweg

2

The Lahnwanderweg passes through the varied Lahn Valley, from the river’s source in the Rothaargebirge to its confluence with the Rhine at Niederlahnstein. It uses diverse paths with many attractive viewpoints and provides an ideal setting in which to relax and unwind, often on secluded, natural pathways. Discover scenic landscapes, picturesque towns and villages and idyllic vineyards on this tour of discovery.

How to get here Travel by car or train (making your own travel arrangements) to your chosen hotel or the base hotel in Bad Ems. Free parking at hotel for duration of tour. In Bad Ems, parking charges are included in the price. If travelling by train, pick-up is sometimes available, otherwise it is a short taxi journey to the hotel.

Departure At the end of your tour, travel home by train or return to where your car is parked.

Possible routes A: Source of the Lahn – Niederwalgern (five stages, total distance approx. 100 km) B: Niederwalgern – Aumenau (six stages, total distance approx. 100 km) C: Aumenau – Niederlahnstein (six stages, total distance approx. 100 km) D: Bad Ems – Niederlahnstein (base hotel in Bad Ems; four stages, total distance approx. 70 km)

The length of the stages varies between 14 km and 20 km Start dates between April and November. If changing hotels: tours start daily. If using hotel in Bad Ems as a base: every Sunday. Small surcharge of€E 40,00 for just one or

Details and journey times included in travel documents.

two participants.

Tour operator Klein’s Wanderreisen

Prices:

receive Operators mission 15% com on offer

12 / 13 www.romantic-germany.info

8-day tour from 7-day tour from 7-day tour from

E 502,00 E 430,00 E 397,00

Prices per person in double room with breakfast.

What’s included in the price • All rooms with shower/bath and WC • Hotels and country hotels, sometimes inns or guesthouses • Pick-up / transfer to start points (if no public transport available) • Luggage transfer between hotels • Tourist taxes • Walking map • Detailed description of tour • Walking certificate • Rheinsteig pin • Travel costs for public transport not included

Erpeler Ley, Romantic Rhine

Rheinsteig

3

Narrow steep tracks, rugged rocks, rambling vineyards and shady valleys, combined with panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and across the slopes overlooking the Rhine - the Rheinsteig brings you close to nature. It offers the most beautiful gateway to the cultural wealth of the Rhine Valley. In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are over 40 castles, chateaus, fortresses and convents.

Possible routes A: Wiesbaden – St. Goarshausen (six stages, total distance approx. 110 km) B: St. Goarshausen – Leutesdorf (six stages, total distance approx. 120 km)

Features of the tour • 320 km, Wiesbaden to Bonn • 24 stages of between 14 km and 22 km • Premium walking route

How to get here Travel by car or train to the first hotel on the tour. Parking at hotels is sometimes free and sometimes a charge is applicable. (Details in travel documents.) If travelling by train, take taxi from station to hotel. Alternatively: Park your car at the last hotel on the tour and travel by train or Rhine ferry to the starting point.

Departure Last night’s accommodation at finishing point of walking tour. Travelling by train: Travel home from station at end of tour. Travelling by car: Return to car at starting point. You can also return to your car by Rhine ferry.

C: Leutesdorf – Bonn (six stages, total distance approx. 100 km) D: Koblenz – Rüdesheim or Rüdesheim – Koblenz (six stages, total distance approx. 120 km) The length of the stages varies between 14 km and 22 km.

Tours start daily between March and November. Shorter distances or additional nights can also be booked. Small surcharge of €E 40,00 for just one or two participants.

Tour operator Klein’s Wanderreisen

Prices: 8-day tour from

receive Operators mission 15% com on offer

E 511,00

Prices per person in double room with breakfast.

Hilgenroth, Westerwald

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

Flughafen Köln/Bonn

Cologne

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Aachen

Rhine

Hachenburg

Bad Neuenahr

Blankenheim

5

Rhine

Neuwied

Höhr-Grenzhausen

Ahr Valley Koblenz 3 Mayen

5

5 Moselle

Trier

Moselle

Morbach

1

Merzig

1

A variety of cycle route packages leading through beautiful scenery are available in Rhineland Palatinate, from the picturesque Rhine and Moselle rivers and vine-covered landscapes to the glorious hills of the Eifel and Hunsrück regions and the Westerwald Forest.

Flughafen Frankfurt-Hahn

Bingen

Nahe

Wiesbaden

Mainz

Rhein- 3 hessen 2

Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg Alzey

Naheland

St. Wendel

Homburg

Worms

Frankenthal

Kaiserslautern

Bad Dürkheim

2

Ludwigshafen

Neustadt a.d.W.

Palatinate

Flughafen Zweibrücken

Edesheim

4

Speyer

Germersheim Landau

1 Relaxing tours along the Moselle & Saar – cycle routes for connoisseurs Discover Roman cultural monuments and picturesque wine-producing villages along the winding banks of the Moselle between Trier and Koblenz.

Cycle along the banks of the Moselle and the Saar and leave everyday worries far behind as you explore the region where Riesling wines are produced.

Offer: 7 days and 6 nights in double room, from € 440,00 per person

2 Rhine & German Wine Route – Circular tour between Rhine and Palatinate Forest A mild climate, lush orchards and vine terraces stretching as far as the eye can see are what give the charm to this route through the Rhine Valley and gently curving hills around Neustadt. Explore the German Wine Route and follow the River Rhine for a truly exceptional experience.

Offer: 6 days and 5 nights in double room, from € 428,00 per person

3 Romantic Tour between Speyer, Mainz and Koblenz Admire the unique scenery of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the fascinating cities of Koblenz, Mainz and Speyer.

Offer: 7 days and 6 nights in double room, from € 545,00 per person

4 German Wine Route Star Tour Cycle through Germany’s second biggest winegrowing region, exploring scenic routes between the Rhine and the Palatinate Forest. You will start near Germany’s secret wine capital, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, and en route you will discover cultural landscapes that are over 2000 years old.

Offer: 5 days and 4 nights in double room, from € 255,00 per person

5 Rhine, Moselle, Lahn, Kyll & Saar – The Five Rivers Tour From your bike, admire the many castles and chateaus that you pass on this tour of romantic river valleys and picturesque villages with traditional half-timbered houses. Your accommodation will be in Trier and Koblenz.

Offer: 8 days and 7 nights in double room, from € 499,00 per person

14 / 15 www.romantic-germany.info

Rhine

Kirchheimbolanden

Kusel

Saarland Ottweiler Saarlouis

Rüdesheim

Bad Kreuznach

Idar-Oberstein

Weisskirchen

Mettlach-Orscholz

5

Simmern

Hermeskeil Birkenfeld

Flughafen Frankfurt

St. Goarshausen

Emmelshausen Kastellaun

1 Moselle-Saar

Kell am See

Hessen

Lahn

Hunsrück

BernkastelKues

Limburg

Romantic Braubach Boppard Rhine

Ürzig Zell Traben-Trarbach

Wittlich

Daufenbach Mülheim

Great cycling

Treis-Karden

Bad Bertrich Kyll

Montabaur Bad Ems

Lahnstein

Daun

Cochem

Bitburg

Herborn

Bad Marienberg

Altenkirchen

Remagen

Ahr

Eifel

Lahn Valley

Westerwald

Bonn

Eifel Nordrhein-Westfalen

Please note: Available all year upon request and subject to availability. Individual modules may vary according to the season. The tour operator’s terms and conditions apply. Prices valid for 2014. Prices for 2015 may vary.

Rhine

Piesport, Moselle-Saar

What’s included • Accommodation in selected hotels of the specified category • Buffet breakfast or large continental breakfast • With half-board: 3-course dinner • Luggage transfer between hotels • Carefully prepared route guides • Detailed travel documents – route description, sights, restaurant recommendations • 7-day service hotline

Relaxing tours along the Moselle & Saar – cycle routes for connoisseurs 1 Relax, unwind and recharge your batteries on a cycle tour – and where better than in one of Germany’s most beautiful winegrowing areas, the Moselle?

Using the excellent network of cycle paths, you will explore the broad Moselle valley, the great loops of the river and the dizzying steep sections of the Middle and Upper Moselle. In the

Character of the route Level route along the banks of the Saar and Moselle, very easy cycling. Well signposted cycle network, mostly on both sides of the rivers.

mild, Mediterranean climate, exceptional wines thrive on the sunny steep slopes. The Moselle winegrowing region also includes the Saar, home to scenic cycle routes between extensive forests and bizarre rock formations. In Saarburg you can visit the attractive old town and see the waterfall in the town centre. The tour starts from Trier and Koblenz. Here you can discover cultural treasures spanning two millennia, from Roman times, the Middle Ages and more recent history.

Parking Parking available at the hotel or in secure public car park, approx. R 12,00 per day without reservation

Individual tour: 8 days/7 nights – approx. 260 km Trier – Excursion to Saar – Trier – Trittenheim – Zeltingen – Zell – Treis-Karden – Koblenz 7 days/6 nights – approx. 220 km:

Arriving/departing by train Trier railway station (Intercity) – taxi fare to hotel approx. R 10,00

Trier – Trittenheim – Zeltingen – Zell – Treis-Karden – Koblenz

Arriving/departing by air Zweibrücken, Köln-Bonn, Frankfurt Hahn, Fraport Frankfurt or Metz-Nancy

Tours start daily between

Return by train Train from Koblenz to Trier, hourly departures, approximate journey time 1.5 - 2 hrs.

Tour operator:

Dates 2014: 12 April - 18 October 2014

bike-touring.de

PRICES: 8 days/7 nights from E 495,00 7 days/6 nights from E 440,00

Prices per person in double room (extra nights can be booked in Trier and Koblenz)

What’s included • Accommodation in chosen category • Buffet breakfast or large continental breakfast • With half-board: 3-course dinner • Luggage transfer between hotels • Carefully prepared route guides • GPS tracks • Detailed travel documents – route description, sights, restaurant recommendations • 7-day service hotline

Hambach Castle near Neustadt/Weinstraße, Palatinate

Rhine & German Wine Route – Circular tour between Rhine & 2 Palatinate Forest This circular tour takes you from the heart of the German Wine Route to its southern edge, near the border with Alsace in France.

Character of the route Level route along the Rhine Valley. Slightly hilly terrain in the vineyards around Neustadt, but manageable even for inexperienced cyclists.

In the Rhine plain you will explore a varied landscape of scenic forests and huge tobacco-growing regions along the romantic ‘Altrheinarme’, lakes marking the former course of the river. You will travel through the winegrowing regions of Rhine-Hesse and the Palatinate, where you can enjoy an excellent wine or two at the grower’s own table in one of the numerous wine taverns or ‘Strausswirtschaften’. En route, amid a cultural landscape that is over 2000 years old, you will encounter splendid monu-

Parking in Neustadt/environs Hotel car park, reservations may be required, free or approx. R 3,00 – 7,00 per day depending on hotel of arrival

ments of German history, such as the imposing cathedrals in Speyer and Worms and

Rail stations + airports • ICE stations in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse and Mannheim • Fraport Frankfurt, Frankfurt Hahn, Baden Airport

8 days/7 nights – approx. 260 km: Neustadt an der Weinstrasse/environs – Bad Berg-

Bookable extras • GPS tracks / routes • Garmin Etrex GPS unit

Schwetzingen Palace with its beautiful grounds.

Individual tour: zabern – Germersheim – Speyer – Worms – Bad Dürkheim – Neustadt an der Weinstrasse/ environs 6 days/5 nights – approx. 155 km: Neustadt an der Weinstrasse/environs – Bad Bergzabern – Germersheim – Speyer – Neustadt an der Weinstrasse/environs Dates 2014: Tours start daily between 15 April - 15 October 2014 Tour operator: bike-touring.de

16 / 17 www.romantic-germany.info

PRICES: 8 days/7 nights from E 599,00 6 days/5 nights from E 428,00 Prices per person in double room (extra nights can be booked in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse and Speyer)

What’s included • Accommodation in selected 3*** or 3***-level hotels • Buffet breakfast or large continental breakfast • With half-board: 3-course dinner • Rhine cruise between Rüdesheim - St. Goar • Luggage transfer between hotels • Carefully prepared route guides • GPS tracks • Detailed travel documents – route description, sights, restaurant recommendations • 7-day service hotline Character of the route Level route along the Rhine Valley.

End-to-end cycle network with suitable signposting on surfaced paths, away from traffic except in towns

Deutsches Eck, Koblenz, Romantic Rhine

Romantic Rhine Tour – Upper and Middle Rhine between 3 Speyer, Mainz & Koblenz The Rhine is a classic destination for cyclists. The excellent and very level cycle network leads downriver and connects the Rhine’s many tributaries, including the Neckar, Main, Nahe, Lahn and Moselle. On the route, the broad Rhine plain between the Palatinate Forest and Odenwald becomes the narrow, impressive Middle Rhine Valley between Rüdesheim and Koblenz. Few regions can boast such a range of cultural treasures in such a small area.

Along our cycle route, you will encounter one highlight after another. The imperial cathedral in romantic medieval Speyer is followed by St. Peter’s Cathedral in Worms and St. Martin’s Cathedral in Mainz. These historic, monumental buildings are always part of their own unique cultural context, be it Roman or Jewish history, Martin Luther’s Reformation, the Nibelungs or the written culture of Gutenberg.

Parking in Speyer Free hotel car park

Individual tour 7 days / 6 nights – approx. 245 km: Speyer – Worms – Oppenheim – Mainz – Rüdesheim – Bingen/Rüdesheim – Koblenz

Arriving/departing by train ICE rail station in Mannheim, trains to Speyer, taxi fare from Speyer station to hotel approx. R 10 IC rail station in Koblenz, taxi fare from hotel to station approx. R 10 Arriving/departing by air For Speyer & Koblenz - Fraport Frankfurt, Frankfurt Hahn Return transfer from Koblenz - Speyer By rail from Koblenz - Speyer, departures every 30 mins, approx. journey time 2.5 hrs, approx. R 35,00 – 50,00/per person with bicycle

Dates 2014: Tours start daily between 10 April - 20 October 2014 Tour operator: bike-touring.de

PRICES: 7 days/6 nights from

E 545,00

Prices per person in double room (extra nights can be booked in Speyer, Mainz and Koblenz)

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

Langenlonsheim, Naheland

Wine, culture and culinary pleasures What can be sweeter than a bouquet caressing

for wine grapes, but also for almond, fig and

Leading grape varieties of

the glass as its being poured? The best bouquet

lemon trees. Rheinhessen, „the land of a thou-

rhineland-palati nate:

in Germany is a product of premium grapes cul-

sand gentle hills“, has vineyards as far as the

tivated in the Rhine and Moselle regions, where

eye can see, with more than 26,000 hectares

Moselle-Saar: Riesling, Elbling

about 70% of German wines are produced. The

under vine. Last but not least is the Romantic

Middle Rhine Valley: Riesling,

flavours and the spirit of good taste are also

Rhine, the region of rieslings, where dramatic

Müller-Thurgau, Pinot noir

reflected in the countless delicious specialties

castles follow one after another high above the

served according to traditional recipes as well as

river. Wineries are the best places to enjoy the

Nahe: Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Pinot

modern kitchen art. Try the wine and the com-

light, fruity and delicate wines grown in the ex-

noir, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau

plementary food directly from the vintners table

cellent Rhineland-Palatinate soil. Read more

Palatinate: Riesling, Müller-

and enchant your senses with tastes that have

about our wine holidays at www.romantic-

Thurgau, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc,

been developed through generations in each

germany.info/wine.

Ahr: Pinot noir, Portugieser, Pinot Noir Précoce

Rheinhessen: Sylvaner, Riesling, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Pinot noir

Pinot noir, Dornfelder, Portugieser, Bukettsorten (Kerner, Scheurebe, Gewürztraminer)

and every vineyard. The wine traditions go back to Roman times and secure the quality that can only be achieved through experience. Wine festivals, wine fairs and, of course, the wine tast-

Nordrhein-westfalen Bonn

ing itself, are all events not to be missed. Three wine areas derive their names from local rivers:

Nordrhein-westfalen

Eifel

whose sunny vine-clad slopes are sandwiched

Boppard

Hunsrück

Trier

Moselle Saar

Saarburg

Zotzenheim

Nahe

Flonheim

Stein-Bockenheim

Naheland Nahe

Alzey

Edenkoben Flughafen Zweibrücken

Rheinhessen

Rhein

Flörsheim-Dalsheim Zellertal Worms Frankenthal

Kaiserslautern

Saarland

Mainz

Rhine

Bingen

Traben-Trarbach Bernkastel-Kues

mate presents the perfect conditions not just 18 / 19 www.romantic-germany.info

Romantic Rhine

Flughafen Frankfurt-Hahn

Schweich

Lahn

Braubach

Oberwesel

Mosel

Nahe, where splendid wines and precious

Rhineland-Palatinate. A near mediterranean cli-

Koblenz Mosel

Moselle-Saar

Lahn Valley

Rhine

Ahr Valley Ediger-Eller

between the Hunsrück and Eifel hills, and the

nate, meanwhile, occupies the sunniest part of

Bad NeuenahrAhrweiler Ahr

Palatinate, impossible not to love, the Moselle,

stones compete for your attention. The Palati-

Westerwald

Remagen

Eifel

the Ahr region up in the far north of Rhineland-

Hessen

Bad Dürkheim

Neustadt a. d.

Weinstrasse Edesheim

Palatinate

Landau

Speyer

Package includes: • 3 overnight stays with breakfast in a wine-themed double room • Tasting of three Burgunder (pinot) grapes: Frühburgunder (pinot madeleine), Spätburgunder (pinot noir) and Grauburgunder (pinot gris) • Winemaker’s snack • Packed lunch and Red Wine Trail walking map • Transfer to and from the Hohenzollern restaurant • One romantic three-course evening meal • Admission to the Ahr sauna

Ahrweiler, Ahr Valley

Tête-à-tête with the Ahr pinot noir Explore the idyllic ‘valley of red grapes’ At the foot of myth-enshrouded Landskron Castle, the gateway to the red wine paradise of the Ahr Valley, lies the elegant Burggarten wine estate. Discover the diverse appeal of the Ahr valley, from the sophisticated spa town of Bad Neuenahr to the half-timbered buildings in Ahrweiler, Germany’s red wine capital. A stroll along the famous Red Wine Trail is a particularly good way to enjoy the countryside that is dotted with steep vineyards, volcanic rock and traditional wine taverns.

Red wine romance at the 4-star Weinquartier Burggarten hotel

Not to be missed: • Former government bunker, Ahrweiler • Roman villa, Ahrweiler • Olbrück Castle, Niederdürenbach • Maria Laach Abbey, Maria Laach • Arp Museum, Remagen • RosenMond garden festival, Bad Neuenahr • Uferlichter festival of Christmas lights, Bad Neuenahr • Museum mile, Bonn

The wine estate run by the Schäfer family for four generations and the newly built vineyard hotel elegantly combine cutting-edge design with the traditional atmosphere of a winery. Here, deluxe accommodation is complemented by an informal ambience. The themed guest rooms are named after grape varieties, such as pinot noir, domina and pinot blanc.

Experience the fascination of wine Get better acquainted with the Ahr pinot noir during a wine tasting at the winery or a romantic dinner amid the vines. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of wine at the Burggarten wine estate.

WineLand special Dine in the elegant ambience of the Hohenzollern Restaurant, surrounded by vineyards with views of the red wine town lit up at night. Let us spoil you with a romantic three-course meal and your own personal shuttle service.

Tour operator Ahrtal-Tourismus Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler e.V.

Prices: from E 235,00 Price per person for two nights in a double room.

Package includes • 2 overnight stays with breakfast • 3-course-dinner at the hotel • 3-course-dinner at Restaurant Reuter’s Holzappel at Pleisweiler-Oberhofen • Wine tasting of six different wines at Vinothek Meßmer at Burrweiler • Guided tour through Leinsweiler and tasting of pralines • Various information

Near ”Ruine Moschellandsburg”, Palatinate

Full of flavour and a delight for the eyes: The Palatinate The biggest wine barrel in the world, the largest wine festival in the world, the famous German Wine Route... there are so many good reasons to visit the Palatinate.

A wine area of outstanding quality

Not to be missed • Palatia Jazz Festival • Hambach Castle, Neustadt/Weinstraße • Villa Ludwigshöhe, Edenkoben • Speyer Cathedral (World heritage site), Speyer • Historical Museum of the Palatinate, Speyer • Pilgrimage routes for a slower pace of life

More and more people are discovering the Palatine region. This is not surprising, because its mild climate and its attractive scenery make this region an excellent destination for a relaxing holiday. And the outstanding wine from this region is becoming ever more popular as well.

Your Wine Empire delight Discover the enchanting scenery of the Palatine region. Enjoy the southern European atmosphere that you can taste everywhere in our region. Wake up in the morning in a small wine village, enjoy an extensive breakfast and dream about what to do with the rest of the day. At least two gourmet highlights are on the programme and of course you will also taste some wine. And in between you will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sweet treats on offer.

Tour operator: Pfalz Touristik e.V.

Prices Guesthouse from E 119,00 Hotel from E 159,00 Price per person for two nights in a double room.

20 / 21 www.romantic-germany.info

Package includeS • 2 nights in double or single room • A Reis’ens welcome drink • 2 x large buffet breakfast with regional, homemade and organic produce • A 4-course WeinWand menu including seven complementary wines • A 3-course deluxe menu • Wine tasting session with expert commentary at a nearby premium wine estate or in the wine bar • Opportunity to purchase wines in the wine bar with expert advice • Extra day possible from R 43,00 p.p.

Bernkastel-Kues, Moselle-Saar

Wine Lovers’ Package - holiday in the heart of the Moselle region The 3-star superior hotel Zeltinger Hof is located in the picturesque town centre of Zeltingen-Rachtig, in the heart of the Middle Moselle region, the home of the Riesling. The town is situated directly beside the river, just a few kilometres from the medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues (famous for its wine and as the birthplace of philosopher Nikolaus von Kues), and is surrounded by many famous steep slopes, such as the ‘Zeltingen sundial’.

Not to be missed: • Wine and food events at Hotel Zeltinger Hof • Bernkastel-Kues, winegrowing centre and birthplace of philosopher Nikolaus von Kues (Burg Landshut / Wine Cultural Centre) • Guided tours of Roman Trier (UNESCO World Heritage Site) • Moselle Music Festival • Maare-Moselle cycle path • Hiking on the Moselsteig • Buddha Museum and Jugendstil in Traben-Trarbach • Burg Eltz, Münstermaifeld and Reichsburg, Cochem

Wine lovers welcome Owned by the Reis family, the hotel offers 23 comfortable rooms and suites, some in the romantic half-timbered style or elegant country house ambience and some with a modern winethemed design. The wine bar at Zeltinger Hof also offers a very large selection of wines by the glass. Around 150 of the 400 wines – which include exceptional wines from regional growers and rarities from estates of the VDP and Bernkasteler Ring – can be sampled by the glass.

Choose regional When it comes to food, the hotel champions freshness, quality and regional produce. The knowledge and secrets of traditional dishes, passed down from generation to generation, are refined with finesse and creativity. Most of the ingredients used are sourced from the local region and some are organic. In recognition of its excellent quality of service, fresh regional cooking and an outstanding selection of wines, the hotel has been certified as a quality provider by MOSEL WeinKulturLand.

Discover the Moselle Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Moselle region on a walk, cycle tour or sightseeing flight.

Bicycle hire and filled backpacks for walkers are available. On request, wine tasting sessions with expert commentary can be arranged at nearby premium wine estates. (Charges may apply.)

Tour operator: Mosellandtouristik GmbH

Prices from

E 170,00

Price per person for two nights in a double room.

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

Rotenfels, Naheland

Treat yourself to some time out IchZeit: Close your eyes, take a deep breath and

food and fine wines, guests are able to redis-

leave your worries behind – you’re a world away

cover a more relaxed pace of life, feel a greater

from the hectic stress of everyday life. Take some

sense of well-being and adopt a healthier life-

time out and pamper yourself. IchZeit packages

style in the long term. The IchZeit philosophy is

are all about getting away from it all and finding

based on three pillars – slowing down, wellness

a way to restore your inner harmony. Regenera-

and medical wellness – that work in synergy and

tion, wellness and relaxation have a long tradition

complement one another. All the hotels and es-

in Rhineland-Palatinate – even the Romans put

tablishments comply with the highest standards

their trust in the healing powers of nature. Rhine-

of quality in regards to facilities, service, ameni-

land-Palatinate has so much to offer: numerous

ties and location. Read more about our health

spa resorts and thermal baths, volcanic land-

and wellness holidays at www.ichzeit.info.

scapes bearing precious health-promoting minerals, and romantic scenery of rivers, woodland and vineyards. The tranquil, unspoilt countryside and countless cycling and walking trails are ideal for leisurely exercise in the great outdoors. Thirty-one hotels across the region have teamed up under the IchZeit brand to ensure that a break in

Quality criteria:

Rhineland-Palatinate is an unforgettable experi-

1. At least three-star.

ence of the highest quality. Their packages and

2. Rural, unspoilt location.

services cater for the individual needs of each

3. Peaceful ambience to promote well-being.

and every guest with an emphasis on health

4. Informal, non-smoking restaurants.

and well-being. The holistic approach of exer-

5. Seasonal and regional cuisine.

cise, nutrition and relaxation programmes aims

6. At least one quality management system.

to achieve or restore natural balance. Through

7. At least one relaxation treatment on the list

therapeutic massages and relaxation techniques

approved by the Federal Association of German

– such as progressive muscle relaxation, auto-

Psychologists.

genic training, tai chi and yoga – and excellent

22 / 23 www.romantic-germany.info

Burgstadt-Hotel««««

www.burgstadt-hotel.de

The comfort hotel in Hunsrück - quality & ambience The 4-star hotel takes its name from Kastellaun, the ancient fortified town in the Hunsrück mountains. With a lovingly restored town environment, proximity to nature and plenty of leisure and shopping opportunities, it offers the perfect setting for a relaxing stay. The owner-managed hotel is perfect for a longer holiday, a short break or a seminar at the BurgStadt Business Center. The hotel has 59 rooms with international satellite TV and free movie channel Sky TNT, free Internet, minibar, safe and many other facilities. The 24 Comfort single rooms also have 2.1 m/7ft Frolexus beds, French balconies, 26“ LCD screens and air conditioning. In our restaurant, BurgStadt Esszimmer, our team serves up freshly prepared regional specialities and delicious creations from Munich. In the SKY bar and the new Red Baron lounge in the basement, you can watch live German and European football or play a round of darts. NEW for 2014! iTAKEOFF - a visitor experience dedicated to flying with two professional flight simulators and passenger cabin for 24 passengers. Prepare to be surprised! Or if you‘re looking for peace and relaxation and travelling by caravan or camper van, look no further than the BurgStadt CampingPark above the hotel with its quiet, well-maintained surroundings.

Distances from cycle routes 0,1 km Schinderhannes-Radweg 0,1 km Hunsrück-Mosel-Radweg 25 km Rhein-Radweg

Rooms: 1 Apartment Hotel facilities:

Distances from walking routes 0,2 km Traumschleife BurgStadt-Pfad 9 km Masdascher Burgherrenweg 8 km Traumschleife Baybachklamm

BurgStadt-Hotel F5 Südstraße 34 56288 Kastellaun/Hunsrück Tel.: +49 (0) 6762/40 80-0 Fax: +49 (0) 6762/40 80-100 e-mail: info@burgstadt.de

Hotel schloss Engers ««««

Price € 60,00 Per person in double room including breakfast Group rate (20 people or more) from € 50,00

www.schloss-engers.de

Culture and fine food at Schloss Engers on the Rhine The chateau on the banks of the Rhine was originally built as a hunting lodge by Johann Philipp von Walderdorff, the Archbishop-Elector of Trier. The best artists of the Rococo period created an architectural jewel with magnificent state rooms in a beautiful setting. Today the castle hosts concerts and cultural events and is home to a hotel and restaurant, conference centre, museum and much more. The hotel consists of three buildings with a total of 50 rooms (4 single and 46 double): Schloss Engers (17 rooms), Gästehaus Schloss Engers (18 rooms) and the 4-star Residenz Schloss Engers (15 rooms) with a small sauna facility which is open to all guests. All three buildings are situated just a few minutes‘ walk apart. The extensive breakfast buffet is served in the historic vault restaurant in the castle, and in fine weather you can also eat outside on the Rhine Terrace. With a dedicated and experienced team, sophisticated dining, live music and creative decorations, any celebration is an unforgettable experience. The Rhine Terrace is the perfect place for a champagne reception or coffee and cakes, while the magnificent Garden Room makes an exquisite wedding venue.

The historic restaurant can also be booked for private functions. Schloss Engers offers five conference rooms for between 2 and 80 guests. The hotel complex allows meetings and social events to be combined so that guests do not have to travel far in the evenings. Our evening programme ranges from dinner in the restaurant and wine tastings in the castle’s historic vault restaurant to exclusive set menu evenings with theatre. And if you‘re looking for active or sporty team activities, we are well-connected with local providers.

Price: from € 50,00 Rooms:

Hotel facilities:

Schloss Engers Betriebs-GmbH D6 Alte Schlossstrasse 2 56566 Neuwied/Romantic Rhine Tel.: +49 (0) 2622/92 64-295 e-mail: restaurant@schloss-engers.de

Per person in double room including breakfast

weinhotel des Riesling zum grünen kranz «««S

www.gruenerkranz.com

In the heart of Rüdesheim ‘s old quarter Zum Grünen Kranz, a hotel in the Rheingau specialising in active holidays, is the perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors. As well as hiring out its own bicycles, the hotel manages a family-owned premium vineyard and a wine shop, which can organise various tours and wine-related activities for guests. A hotel for walkers and a certified stopping point on the Rheinsteig trail, the hotel provides superb catering, from a healthy-start breakfast buffet, and packed lunches to nutrition-packed gourmet dishes and fine wines in its restaurant and wine garden. With years of experience in the field of leisure, particularly cycling and walking tours, the hotel team provides guests with plenty of support and advice.

Fine dining The Kranz kitchen serves fresh, regional and seasonal dishes, prepared according to traditional recipes and made from locally-sourced produce. The à la carte menu boasts a wide range of regional specialities, which are perfectly complemented by a selection of local riesling and pinot noir wines from the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Distance to the cycle paths 0,1 km Radwanderweg Hessen 0,5 km Europäischer Fernradweg - Mainz - Koblenz 1,2 km Nahetalradweg - Bad Kreuznach - Idar-Oberstein

Rooms:

Hotel facilities:

Distance to the trails 0,1 km Rheinsteig 4 km RheinBurgenWeg

Weinhotel des Riesling F7 Zum grünen Kranz Oberstraße 42-44 65385 Rüdesheim/Rheingau Tel.: +49 (0) 6722/48 33-6 Fax: +49 (0) 6722/48 19-5 e-mail: hotel@gruenerkranz.com

Die Weinstadt Bingen

Price: from € 37,90 Per person in a double room with full board Group rates (20 people or more) from € 32,90

www.bingen.de

The ancient winegrowing town of Bingen am Rhein lies in the midst of vineyards and forests at the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the jewel of the romantic Rhine. It is also uniquely situated at the meeting point of the four winegrowing areas of Rheinhessen, Nahe, Mittelrhein and Rheingau. This was the home of Hildegard of Bingen, one of the most influential women of the Middle Ages. Bingen celebrates the traditional Winzerfest between 30 August and 9 September. This 11-day celebration is the longest wine festival on the Rhine. On the last weekend in June, the three-day international jazz festival makes Bingen a magnet for jazz and swing fans. Bingen is the start or end point for the Rhine Castles Trail, the Soonwaldsteig Trail and the Nahe Cycle Route, and the Rhine Cycle Route also passes through the town. This makes Bingen a popular destination for hikers and cyclists.

Guided tour: 2000 Years of History at the Confluence of the Rhine and the Nahe E 65.00 for groups of up to 30 people; foreign-language tours E 10.00 extra Guided tour: In the Footsteps of Hildegard of Bingen E 110,00 for groups of up to 30 people; foreign-language tours E 10.00 extra Wine tastings from E10.00 per person for groups of 10 or more Vineyard tour by tractor including wine tasting and buffet E 45,00 per person for groups of 10 or more Vineyard walk with wine tasting and buffet E 37,00 per person Accommodation in 2-star plus hotel Group price E 40,00 per person in double room

Tourist Information F7 Rheinkai 21 55411 Bingen/Romantic Rhine Tel.: +49 (0) 6721/184-205 and -206 e-mail: tourist-information@bingen.de

24 / 25 www.romantic-germany.info

Prices and packages on request

Kaiserbad Bad Ems

www.bad-ems.info

Bad Ems - the Emperor‘s Spa The imperial spa town of Bad Ems has one of the richest spa traditions in Europe. It is situated in one of Germany‘s most attractive holiday regions. In the 19th century the cosmopolitan spa welcomed emperors, tsars, kings, artists and scholars. The list of eminent guests included Kaiser Wilhelm I, Tsar Alexander II, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach, Victor Hugo and Goethe. Today, Bad Ems continues to delight visitors with its many sights such as the baroque Badeschloss (now the Grandhotel), Germany‘s oldest casino and the Roman Limes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town attracts visitors from many countries, who come to enjoy the outstanding health and wellness facilities and outdoor activities. Specialist spa clinics and Europe‘s leading Ayurveda clinic provide a wide range of treatments. Since 2012 Bad Ems has also been home to one of the most modern and attractive thermal spas in Germany, which from 2014 will include Germany‘s only ‚river sauna‘. For those who like to be active on holiday there are plenty of sports acdtivities, including watersports, walking, cycling, mountain biking and golf. Bad Ems is also famous for Germany‘s biggest flower parade, held in late August, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Highlights: Cruises on the River Lahn; raft trip with buffet, music and dancing; trip on the Kaiserbahn (excursion road train); trip on the Kurwaldbahn (one of the steepest funicular railways in the world); themed city tours in various languages; guided walks on the Lahnwanderweg; guided cycle tours on the Lahntalradweg; mountain bike course at Emser Bikepark; wine tastings with winegrowers; visit to flower parade with accompanying programme; complete packages including accommodation, e.g. with visit to thermal spa and wellness treatments.

Distances from walking routes 0,1 km Lahnwanderweg 0,1 km Way of St. James 11 km Rheinsteig

Distances from cycle routes 0,1 km Lahntalradweg 10 km Rhein-Radweg Stadt- und Touristikmarketing Bad Ems e.V. Bahnhofplatz 1 56130 Bad Ems/Lahn Valley Tel.: +49 (0) 2603/94 15-0 Fax: +49 (0) 2603/94 15-60 e-mail: info@bad-ems.info

Prices on request

D6

Get more at the Moselle

www.bernkastel.de

Ferienland Bernkastel-Kues The holiday region Bernkastel-Kues has plenty to offer in its four regions: the charming Moselle villages, the town Bernkastel-Kues, a county and the scenic Moselle-Hunsrück. Whether you are interested in culture, fine food and wine, cycling or pure relaxation - let us tell you more about the holiday region where you get more: The remarkable half-timbered houses attract visitors from all over the world to the old town.

The historic market square, the famous “Pointed House“, Karlovy Square and the picturesque narrow lanes contribute to Bernkastel-Kues‘ unique flair. One of the best ways to learn about the town‘s history is by taking a guided tour. No visit to the Moselle would be complete without savouring the excellent wines. The exquisite Riesling wines made German wine world-famous. One of the highlights of any trip to the Moselle is a visit of one of the wine and street festivals, which reflect the convivial way of life of the local population, the “Moselaner”. The holiday region is ideal for cyclists: whether you are a leisure cyclist or more ambitious, the possibilities are endless. The network of cycle paths alongside Moselle is extensive and mostly flat. The Moselle-Maare cycle path takes you through the volcanic landscape of the Eifel into the Moselle Valley. If you prefer a more challenging route take a tour of Hunsrück by mountain bike.

Package deal: Wine Lover‘s Tour in the Holiday Region of Bernkastel-Kues · 2 nights‘ accommodation with breakfast · 2 x group evening meal · 1 trip by tourist train to the vineyards · 1 guided walk through the vineyards · 1 wine tasting with expert guidance · 1 ‚winegrower‘s buffet‘ in the vineyard

Wein- und Ferienregion Bernkastel-Kues GmbH Abteilung Pauschal- und Gruppenreisen Gestade 6 54470 Bernkastel-Kues/Moselle Tel.: +49 (0) 6531/50 01 95 Fax: +49 (0) 6531/50 01 91-9 e-mail: pauschale@bernkastel.de

F4

Prices per person from

€ 145,00

Reservations: Subject to availability, between Easter and end of October Minimum number of participants: 10 Registration: At least 2 weeks before start of trip

Cochem

www.ferienland-cochem.de

Holiday region of Cochem/Moselle For active holidays - Anything but ordinary!

With its imposing castles, beautiful vineyards and picturesque villages, the area around Cochem an der Mosel has a fairytale quality. It‘s a paradise for holidaymakers who like walking, good wine, and a wealth of culture.

The epitome of the romantic Moselle is Cochem, a small town with barely 5000 inhabitants, which is first recorded in 886 as ‚Villa cuchema‘. If you stroll through the historic old town and climb the steep path to the Reichsburg, you‘ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Moselle Valley. You can then go on an unforgettable journey through time with a guided tour of the castle (March to November) followed by a medieval banquet in the historic cellar. Enchanting views can also be enjoyed from the Apollorundweg trail in Valwig (approx. 2 1/2 hours), which takes its name from the many Apollo butterflies. Another jewel is the attractive Beilstein, used as a location for many German films (such as Der Schinderhannes starring Curt Jürgens). Known as the ‚Sleeping Beauty‘ of the Moselle, with its market square, the Klosterkirche and Metternich Castle, it makes the perfect fairytale ending to a holiday.

Distance from walking routes: 0,1 km Moselsteig 0,1 km Mosel-Höhenweg 0,1 km Mosel.Erlebnis.Route

Distance from cycle routes: 0,05 km Mosel-Radweg

More information about holidays in the Cochem/Moselle region is available from the tourist information office or on www.ferienland-cochem.de; www.cochem.de. Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ferienlandcochem

Prices and packages on request Ferienland Cochem E5 Endertplatz 1 56812 Cochem/Moselle Tel.: +49 (0) 2671/60 04-0 e-mail: info@ferienland-cochem.de

TOURIST-INFO IDAR-OBERSTEIN

www.idar-oberstein.de

Precious stones and glittering treasures One man, one year, one metre. That‘s how long it took one prospector to dig one metre into the hillside to uncover sparkling gems from the hard mother rock. At the gem mines in Steinkaulenberg, agates, amethysts, rock crystals, jasper and smoky quartz have been mined for over 500 years. At the second point on your tour, you will visit the Historische Weiherschleife, the last surviving agate grinding waterwheel, which dates from the 17th century.

Watch the gem grinders at work and see how a red rock is transformed into a sparkling jewel. Then we continue on to the Idar district, where you can see some of the most beautiful treasures and costliest jewels ever made at the unique German Gemstone Museum. Then we continue to the old town of Oberstein. Two imposing structures, Schloss Oberstein and Burg Bosselstein, tower high above the town like two sisters.

They were home to brothers Emich and Wyrich, who were both so in love with the same woman that Wyrich pushed Emich out of a castle window to his death on the rocks below. At the place where he died, Wyrich built the Felsenkirche or ‚chapel in the rocks‘ as a sign of his remorse. This unique building is still the town‘s emblem.

After descending the many steps into town, we will visit the German Mineral Museum.

Package: Precious Stones and Elegant Wines • 3 nights with breakfast in 3* Superior hotel • 1 x traditional spit roast • Sightseeing: gemstone mines, Historische Weiherschleife (gem grinding waterwheel), German Gemstone Museum or German Mineral Museum, Felsenkirche • 1 vineyard lunch, guided tour of vineyard, wine tasting, winegrower‘s buffet, guided tour of cellar with red wine tasting Prices per person from Tourist-Information der Stadt Idar-Oberstein Hauptstraße 419 55743 Idar-Oberstein/Naheland Tel.: +49 (0)6781/64-871 Fax: +49 (0)6781/64-878 e-mail: touristinfo@idar-oberstein.de

26 / 27 www.romantic-germany.info

G5

€ 149,00

Single room supplement from E 40,00 Bookings taken: 15 March – 15 November

Mosel-treffpunkt traben-trarbach

www.traben-trarbach.de

Nestled in a unique landscape of river and vineyards, the twin towns of Traben and Trarbach are situated on the left and right banks of the Middle Moselle with a unique three-mile riverside promenade. The forest and vineyards gather round the two halves of the town like a vine-covered amphitheatre.

Associated with winegrowing and the wine trade since time immemorial, in the 19th and 20th centuries Traben-Trarbach was the world‘s most important wine-trading town after Bordeaux. Its importance is shown by the magnificent art nouveau buildings in the town. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cosmopolitan wine merchants built a wealth of structures in the art nouveau and Belle Epoque style. The town is also home to historic landmarks such as the Bridge Gate, the ruins of Grevenburg Castle and the once mighty fortress of Mont Royal. And for visitors hungry for more history and culture, Trarbach is home to the Museum of the Middle Moselle, the Haus der Ikonen, the bicycle museum and the Buddha museum. Of course, no visit would be complete without the world-famous Moselle wines. There are wine tastings, wine festivals, vineyard tours, cellar tours all year round as well as the Moselle Wein-Nachts-Markt, a Christmas market with a distinctive wine flavour.

Distance to the trails 0,1 km Mosel-Camino 0,1 km Mosel-Wandersteig 0,1 km Mosel-HĂśhenweg

Distance to the cycle paths 0,1 km Mosel-Radweg 0,1 km Mosel-HĂśhenweg

Mosel-Treffpunkt Traben-Trarbach Am Bahnhof 5 56841 Traben-Trarbach/Moselle Tel.: +49 (0) 6541/83 98-0 Fax: +49 (0) 6541/83 98-39 e-mail: info@traben-trarbach.de

Near Birkweiler, Palatinate

F4

Prices and group rates available on request

Bingen-RüdesheimeR bingen-rüdesheimer LORELEYCRUISES – Routes

www.bingen-ruedesheimer.de www.bingen-ruedesheimer.de

We would like to invite you to enjoy a special experience on one of our 5 comfortable touring ships Trips to thehave Loreley which a capacity to accommodate over 3000 guests daily. We offer trips along the most scenic part of the Rhine valley called the middle Rhine, which goes from Bingen and Rüdesheim A cruise onpassing one ofAssmannshausen, these five, well-appointed boats is a special experience.

The boats can carry Bacharach,pleasure Kaub, to the famous Loreley Rock and ends at the picturmore thanesque 3,000towns passengers perand day offer tours along the loveliest stretch of the river Rhine: the of st. goar st.and goarshausen.

Middle Rhine Valley. Tours depart from Bingen and Rüdesheim and sail past Assmanshausen, Bacharach, The Bingen-Rüdesheimer and its fleet: Our fleet have the following names - „mFs germania“, Kaub and the famous Loreley rock to the small, scenic towns of St. Goar and St. Goarshausen. „mFs Vater Rhein“, „mFs ehrenfels“, „mFs Bingen“ and are well known on the Rhine river. since The fleet the millennium we have a modern member of the fleet „mFs Rhenus“. We are very proud of The boats MFS Germania, MFS Vater Rhein, MFS Ehrenfels and MFS Bingen are a familiar sight on the this newly built ship, which boasts the most modern technology and extreme comfort!

Rhine. MFS Rhenus is a new addition to the fleet: a modern boat equipped with the latest technology and luxuriouslyCatering fitted out.&The boats‘aton-board restaurants offer aOur range of snacks and meals during all trips,onas Culinary the Bingen-Rüdesheimer: on board restaurants cater for guests well as a wide variety ofadrinks, wines. all trips with varietyincluding of offers regional from snacks to full meals and a fully equipped bar with every Special offers kind of drink available. Regional wines on offer.

During the summer, children accompanied by their parents can travel for E 5,00. Pensioners aged 60+ Special offers: during the summer children (accompanied by their parents) can travel for 4,– eUR. receive a 30% discount every day. School children and students can obtain a 50 % discount upon preOur pensioners can benefit from a special eUR-price offer on mondays and Fridays to discover the sentation of valid school or university ID. In addition, passengers celebrating their birthdays receive a free Loreley Valley. Pupils and students with a valid id receive a 50% reduction in price. Furthermore, ticket, valid on all the boats. Coach groups get a reduction of up to 30 % on standard fares, as well as atnewly weeds and guests celebrating their birthday, travel absolutely free of charge on all ships! For tractively priced meal deals on board. River tours through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World bus groups we offer up to 30% reduction on regular rates while our on board restaurants also have Heritage Site, are offered three times a day and last for two hours, one way. A round trip takes four hours. special menus on offer. Our LOReLeY CRUises to st. goar start in Rüdesheim from gate 8 at 9:15 am, Boarding points are at Bingen/Rüdesheim or St. Goar/St. Goarshausen. From April to October (summer 11:00 am and 02:00 pm and in Bingen from gate 4 at 11:00 am, 02:10 pm and 04:10 pm. timetable), the boats sail from Rüdesheim at 9.15am, 11am and 2pm, and from St. Goar at 11am, 2.10pm The theme “moonshine, Wine and Wave gliders” describes our evening cruises; starting in Bingen and 4.10pm. From November to March, trips are available upon request. between 7:35 pm and 10:45 pm and starting from Rüdesheim from 08:00 pm – 11:00 pm. We Fare depends on route. Special net prices for tour operators. would like to welcome you on board! Price start from 8,80 eUR (for tour operators booking in advance).

Price: Prices depending on itinerary.

14,00* € (12.00 £*) Special net rates for tour Net price per ride operators.

Bingen-Rüdesheimer Bingen-Rüdesheimer

F7 Fähr- und Schiffahrtsgesellschaft eG Fähr- und Schiffahrtgesellschaft eG Rheinkai 10Rheinkai 10 55411 Bingen Rhine 55411 Bingen/Romantic Tel.:(0) 6721/30 +49 6721 Tel.: +49 8014140 810 Fax:(0) 6721/17 +49 6721 17398 Fax: +49 39-8 e-mail: info@bingen-ruedesheimer.de e-mail: info@bingen-ruedesheimer.de

KD German rhine Line

We offer up to 30% reduction for groups.

www.k-d.com

The largest and most modern fleet on the Rhine, Main and Moselle

KD GERMAN RHINE LINE KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche rheinschiffahrt aG) is the market leader in river cruising on

www.k-d.com

the rhine and the most experienced river cruise company in the world, founded in 1826.

A fresh wind on board

KD’s fleet: Today, KD`s excursion fleet of 14 ships conquers the most beautiful destinations on the

KD‘s wide rhine, rangemoselle of excursion ideas theonly Rhine, Maincompany and Moselle off!“ KD‘s and main.

KDon is the shipping with a„Cast scheduled servicelatest alongprogramme the reads like aentire guidebook of the best the Rhine, MainThe andships Moselle have to offer, combining scenery, rhine between Cologne and mainz. offer first-class comfort and are all suitableculture for and high-quality events.

KD‘s range of excursions all the the inspiration need forrequirement. a short break. There‘s disabled passengers.

Whether nostalgic oris modern, KD fleetyou meets every something for everyone, from families to those who love culture, activity and festivals. The choice of routes and events KD’s is astours varied asoffers: the landscapes andshipping towns that the comfortable ships ofalong the fleet pass by. and KD is the only company with several white daily services the whole When it comes leaving behind, have World been Cultural the experts for over of thetostretch ofeveryday the rhinelife listed in the KD UneSCO heritage Sites187 andyears. offers more than 160 possibilities of boarding or disembarking daily. Take your choice from Loreley Tours, Castle

Cruises and culture Tours, KD’s nostalgia route on board the extraordinary paddle wheel ship Goethe or excursions into With KD you combine a cruise a cultural experience.

It is the only cruise sail several thecan “Siebengebirge” (Sevenwith mountains) to discover the highlights of the oldestoperator cultural to landscape times a dayinup and down the whole UNESCO World Heritage Sitethe of the MiddleofRhine.

Whether europe. alongside the scheduled trips taking place from beginning april to the end you of want to see the Loreley Rock, explore castles, try the KD nostalgia route with the Goethe, or take a trip to the October, KD offers numerous special trips: panorama cruises in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, Siebengebirge, the choice is wide and flexible. entertaining round trips, musical event trips with plenty of dancing and a colourful entertainment programme, excursions to the romantic firework displays or the Christmas markets along the rhine,

For tour operators KD offers special deals, freeyounger seats for guides, special package deals including plus fairy-tale trips attractive and children‘s parties for the guests. a ship tour and group menu, and useful promotional material. To find out more, request a copy of the KD tour operator‘s catalogue, which includes all offers and plenty useful andcan information.

Culinary & specials at the KD: in the restaurants on KDof ships yourtips clients enjoy typical German specialities and will be invited to choose from our great variety. For groups KD offers a number of

Visit us on very Facebook! popularwww.facebook.com/KDSchiffstouren special group packages combining a scheduled cruise with an excellent menu on board.

Specials: Tuesday and Thursday are Bicycle Days at KD, which means that 2 cyclists need to buy only one ticket (single journeys only). Outstanding special in 2011 is the KD BUGa package. it includes the cruise to / from Koblenz and the entrance fee for the the Federal horticultural Show Koblenz 2011.

KD Köln-Düsseldorfer A4 KD German Rhine Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG Line Frankenwerft 35 Frankenwerft 35 50667 Köln50667 Köln Tel.:(0) 221/20 +49 221 / 2088 405 Tel.: +49 88-405 Fax:(0) 221/20 +49 221 2088 403 Fax: +49 88/ 403 e-mail: karin.gerling@k-d.com e-mail: karin.gerling@k-d.com

28 / 29 www.romantic-germany.info

Price: Prices depending on itinerary.

Depending on itinerary, special

Special net netrates rates for for tour tour operators operators.

birkenhof-Brennerei gmbh

www.birkenhof-brennerei.de

New traditions in old barrels - tradition meets modernity at a regional distillery Birkenhof-Brennerei is a traditional grain distillery that has been family-run since 1848. In 1999 it also began distilling fruit brandies. In addition to fruit, Birkenhof distils various German beers, herbs such as basil and sage, vegetables such as carrots and beetroot, various whisky distillates and even bread, but also classic fruit brandies such as Williams pear, plum, morello cherry and apple. Birkenhof brandies and liqueurs are always highly commended in national and international competitions, often finishing in the top places. The distillery‘s proud collection includes the Bundesehrenpreis, presented by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, state awards from the Chamber of Agriculture, other awards and many gold medals.

Offer & activities ‚Distillery Discovery‘ offer including an informative visit and a guided tour of the grain and fruit distilleries, where visitors can discover the differences between the two types of distillery. A guide will explain the wide range of equipment and techniques used. There will be an opportunity to taste Westerwald specialities, liqueurs and fine fruit brandies. At a gourmet evening, after a short informative tour and a ‚nosing‘ course, there will be an opportunity to sample some delicious food. Visitors can sample some of the finest fruit and grain distillates together with artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, savoury hams and mouthwatering vol-au-vents. A first-class taste experience! In addition to the tours, packages can also be put together for small groups, for example the Distiller‘s Olympics, where the group is given challenges to complete (with a nosing course, sensory challenges, judging and measuring the grain, whisky tastings and much more). Small groups of 10 or more and larger groups of 80 or more can be catered for.

Price: Gourmet evenings: Birkenhof Brennerei GmbH C7 Auf dem Birkenhof 57647 Nistertal/Westerwald Tel.: +49 (0) 2661/98 20 40 Fax: +49 (0) 2661/98 20 41-1 e-mail: besuch@birkenhof-brennerei.de

Landesgartenschau Landau

€ 30,00 (afternoons also possible) Distillery Discovery: € 5,50

www.lgs-landau.de

The top destination in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2015: the Landau State Horticultural Show!

Between 17 April and 18 October 2015, Landau will host the fourth State Horticultural Show. An area of about 30 hectares will be transformed into a treasure trove of garden design to delight horticultural connoisseurs, with some 1000 trees, 4000 square metres of annuals and many show gardens. And those aren‘t the only highlights: whether it‘s fine wines at the wine bar or the latest trends in garden design, there is something for everyone. Ample catering is provided. Over 2000 varied events will make the show even more lively, creating an exciting 185 days of diverse entertainment.

The Landau State Horticultural Show is designed to cater for the needs of groups. The restaurant near the themed gardens seats 700 people and offers reservations, making it ideal for large groups. Bookable tours and walks for seniors make this major event an unforgettable experience. The State Horticultural Show makes Landau the ideal destination for tour operators in 2015, because the region offers an excellent tourist infrastructure including a wide range of hotels and plentiful tours of towns, vineyards, forests and castles, allowing visitors to see more of the region.

Admission prices for groups

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Landesgartenschau Landau 2015 J7 gemeinnützige GmbH Georg-Friedrich-Dentzel-Str. 1 76829 Landau/Palatinate Tel.: +49 (0) 6341/14 19 26-0 e-mail: info@lgs-landau.de

Groups of 20 or more € 12,50

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate

www.archäologie-speyer.de

Speyer Cathedral - the largest Romanesque church Speyer Cathedral is a breathtaking sight. The imposing structure impresses the visitor on many levels. It is the world‘s largest surviving Romanesque church, its crypt is the biggest columned hall in Europe, and its design influenced Romanesque architecture throughout central Europe. The crypt is the burial place of eight German kings and emperors.

Packages / tips Discover Speyer‘s magnificent cathedral and travel back in time in the Archaeology Discovery Centre (Archäologisches Schaufenster) - walk in and gain a fascinating insight into the work of an archaeologist.

Opening times: Tue – Sun 11am – 5pm

Archäologisches Schaufenster I8 Gilgenstraße 13 67346 Speyer /Palatinate Tel.: +49 (0) 6232 / 6706 - 57

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate

Free admission Archäologisches Schaufenster

www.landesmuseum-trier.de www.trier-info.de

Trier - Germany‘s oldest city Roman monuments take you back in time to the city‘s Roman past, while later Christian buildings offer impressive architecture. The Porta Nigra, the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, exerts a magical attraction on visitors. The Imperial Baths were one of the biggest bath complexes in the Roman Empire, while the amphitheatre could accommodate 18 000 spectators.

Packages / tips Discover the special exhibition for 2014 at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, ‚A Dream of Rome – Roman City Life in Southwest Germany‘, and explore at least two of the numerous Roman buildings.

Opening times: Tue – Sun 10am – 5pm

Price: Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier G3 Weimarer Allee 1 54290 Trier / Moselle Tel.: +49 (0) 651 / 9774 - 0

30 / 31 www.romantic-germany.info

€ 9,00 AntikenCard Trier for

2 Roman buildings of your choice and entry to the Rheinisches Landesmuseum

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate

www.diefestungehrenbreitstein.de www.seilbahn-koblenz.de

Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a romantic fairytale setting The area is home to an impressive number of castles, chateaus and fortresses. With breathtaking views and unique landscapes, the 70 km route between Bingen and Koblenz is a very special experience. Schloss Stolzenfels reveals a romantic Prussian side of the Rhine, while Burg Sooneck evokes a fairytale world. Or you can explore the ‚stone ship‘ of Pfalzgrafenstein.

Packages / tips Start your excursion to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley with a spectacular trip by cable car across the river and a trip to the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, home to the Landesmuseum Koblenz.

Opening times: Apr – Oct daily 10am – 6pm (cable car operates daily) Nov – Mar daily 10am – 5pm (cable car operates Sat, Sun and public holidays)

Price:

€ 11,80 Combined ticket Festung Ehrenbreitstein D6 56077 Koblenz / Romantic Rhine Tel.: +49 (0) 261/ 6675 - 4000

(2 cable car trips and entry to fortress and Landesmuseum)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate

www.roemer-welt.de

Limes – the longest monument in Europe Stretching over 550 km, from the Roman south to Hadrian‘s Wall in the north of England, a line of forts, watchtowers, walls and palisades formed a frontier between the Roman Empire and ‚Germania libera‘ - the free Germany not occupied by the Romans. In Rhineland-Palatinate, there were more than 130 watchtowers on a stretch of just 75 km, marking the boundaries of Roman life.

Packages / tips Gain a fascinating insight into Roman life on the Limes at RömerWelt am Caput Limitis in Rheinbrohl.

Opening times: Mid-Mar – Mid-Nov: Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat, Sun, public holidays 10am – 6pm

Price: RömerWelt am Caput Limitis D6 Arienheller 1 56598 Rheinbrohl / Romantic Rhine Tel.: +49 (0) 2635 / 921866

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€ 4,50

Boppard, Romantic Rhine

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate Speyer Cathedral, Rheinhessen Rhineland-Palatinate is not only unusual, but unique in that it boasts no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which enjoy special protection and international recognition.

Trier and its Roman History In Trier, the former Roman city of Augusta Treverorum – also known as the ‚second Rome‘ – many buildings and monuments still provide evidence today of the former importance of the city on the Moselle.

The Porta Nigra, the amphitheatre and the Imperial Baths are unique relics of the Roman Empire and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the cathedral and the Liebfrauenkirche or Church of Our Lady.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley The entire Upper Middle Rhine Valley is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a captivating combination of beautiful natural countryside and important cultural landscape. The landscape with its cliffs, the River Rhine, steep vineyards, castles and historic towns and villages has a distinctly dramatic feel to it. The romantic Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz is steeped in myths and is a fabulously beautiful part of Rhineland-Palatinate!

Imperial Baths Trier, Moselle-Saar

Speyer Cathedral One of the most impressive churches in the Western world is Speyer Cathedral, built as the burial place for the Salian Emperors. It is considered to be a major work of Roman architecture on German soil and never ceases to amaze visitors with its almost thousand-year-old, impressive grandeur. The crypt has remained unaltered to this day. It is the burial place of eight German emperors and kings, four queens and a number of bishops.

The Roman Limes The Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes is regarded as an exceptional monument, testimony to the Roman era and its culture. Built some 2000 years ago, the Limes separated the Roman Empire from the rest of the world along a length of 550 kilometres, between Regensburg and Koblenz. Today the German Limes Road runs where the Roman border wall once crossed the countryside, passing reconstructed towers and forts, museums and Roman monuments.

32 / 33 www.romantic-germany.info

Limes, Westerwald

Marksburg Castle, Romantic Rhine

Highlights

4 Festivals, wine tastings and modern wine architecture The exquisite wine traditions of Rhineland-Palatinate are well appreciated amongst wine lovers around the world. The traditional wine festivals in autumn are highlights not to be missed. Several wine tastings are offered by winemakers throughout the region, and visitors have the option to stay at the vineyard and work with the winemaker to learn more about wine production itself. The popular subject of wine architecture is well represented in the region with numerous award-winning venues, perfect for wine tastings in exceptional surroundings.

1 UNESCO World Heritage treasures Rhineland-Palatinate is a treasure chest filled with historical places and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Speyer Cathedral, a number of Roman monuments, most of them situated in Trier, the romantic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, with its unique concentration of castles and palaces, and, last but not least, parts of the Roman, Upper Germanic-Rhaetian borderline, known as Limes (further information p. 30-32).

5 Action at the “Green Hell” Nürburgring The extension of the spectacular racetrack Nürburgring, with its well-known “Nordschleife”, turned the venue into a year-round family attraction with features suitable for all generations.

Apart from the popular Formula 1, Oldtimer races and other events, the fascination of motorsports can also be experienced in the interactive amusement park “ring°werk“. One can also enjoy the latest movies in the „ring°kino”. Heart palpitation, action, highspeed entertainment and educational events – this is the new Nürburgring!

2 Historical fairytale castles, palaces and fortresses Walls full of tales and an undeniably magical atmosphere work together to make a visit to one of the many castles and palaces of the region an exceptional experience. Some grand examples include the Trifels Castle, which was the former prison of King Richard the Lionheart, the Reichsburg Castle at Cochem and the Eltz Castle, which is hidden mysteriously in the forest. Also worth mentioning are the Manderscheider Castles and their dramatic past, the noble Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz and the medieval Marksburg Castle; the only castle in the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed.

6 Dreamlike landscapes and almond tree blossoms Rhineland-Palatinate contrasts with its beautiful nature. Full of constrasts, the region boasts both volcanic cones and crater lakes in the Eifel, which testify to once-conflagrant times, as well as a veritable Garden of Eden in the Palatinate, with almond trees of astounding beauty when they blossom during spring, as well as lemons and oleander, which all thrive due to the mild climate. Networks of long distance hiking trails and the so-called „Dream Routes” (nature-orientated circuit trips), as well as a number of well-marked biking trails make it possible to discover these manifold landscapes in an active way.

3 Legendary Rhine & Moselle cruises The renowned route from Koblenz to Bingen is one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhine River.

Once experienced, such a tour, with the riverboat passing steep cliffs, vineyards, romantic castles and cozy villages, will never be forgotten. A truly magical cruise is the winter cruise, which takes visitors from one traditional Christmas market to the next. There are various starting points for the river cruises, mostly departing on a daily basis in the summer season.

7 Traditional spas with regional grape seed specialities Rhineland-Palatinate looks back on centuries of health and spa traditions thanks to the Romans, who made use of the curative forces of the local nature. The various health resorts, the beneficial mineral and thermal springs and the luxurious spas offer the perfect surroundings for a break from everyday life. Applications like a peeling mask with grape seeds, a massage with grape seed oil or the “Eifelkräuterfango”, only available in the Ahr Valley, are just a few examples of the beauty secrets of the region.

Romantic Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

www.tourismus.saarland.de Package deals: Walk from the Moselle to the Saar loop Discover the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig! Hike alongside the vineyards of the Moselle to the symbol of the Saarland. The first stages of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig are full of delights, with intertwined forest paths, bright orchards, romantic little valleys and seemingly endless rows of vines. You can stop at the many vineyards and a fully reconstructed Roman villa complete with Roman tavern.

What‘s included: • 3 nights‘ accommodation with breakfast at different hotels • Walking map • Admission to Borg Roman Villa Archaeology Park Price per person in a double room: from E138.00 Saar-Alsace cycle tour from Trier to Strasbourg A cross-border cycle tour along the Saar loop and the French canals. This flat and family-friendly tour starts in the Roman city of Trier. The route follows excellent cycle paths along the banks of the Saar and Moselle, the Saar-Kohle canal and the Rhine-Marne canal to the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Strasbourg.

Highlights of the tour: Porta Nigra in Trier, Saarburg, the Saar loop, Villeroy & Boch in Mettlach, Völklingen Ironworks (World Heritage Site), baroque Saarbrücken and Saarlouis, the boat lift in Arzviller and the medieval old town of Strasbourg.

What‘s included: • 6 nights‘ accommodation with breakfast at selected hotels • Cycling map

Price per person in a double room: from€E 297.00

34 / 35 www.romantic-germany.info

Tourismus Zentrale Saarland GmbH I3 Franz-Josef-Röder Straße 17 66119 Saarbrücken/Saarland Tel.: +49 (0)681/927200 Fax: +49 (0)681/9272040 e-mail: info@tz-s.de

UNESCO World Heritage Völklingen Ironworks

Saarland A region doesn‘t have to be big for some great holiday fun! The Saarland, nestled between France, Luxembourg and Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, is small in size but packed with attractions. The region has many excursion destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Völklingen Ironworks and the Saar loop with Villeroy & Boch, a high-quality network of walking and cycling routes, good food, warm hospitality and value for money.

Ludwigskirche church, Saarbrücken

Culinary delights The cooking of the Saarland, with its French influences, is a very special experience. Few places can offer such culinary variety, from typical local dishes to superior gastronomy, from beer brewing to winegrowing.

The Saarlanders love their food, and there are plenty of festivals all year round such as Lamb Week in Bliesgau and the watersports festival Saar-Spektakel.

Outstanding cycling and walking The varied flora and fauna can be discovered on foot or by bike. For walkers there are over 60 premium trails such as the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Bliesgau. If you‘re cycling you can choose your level of activity, from gentle routes along the Saar, the Moselle and the Blies or across the border into France or Luxembourg, or for more of a challenge, the vineyards and the heights of the Hochwald. The Saarland has everything you could want for leisure cycling, multi-day trips and more challenging cycling.

Urban life & shopping The best way to experience the special charm of the Saarland is on a stroll through one of its towns. There are plenty of inviting cafés and excellent shopping streets and malls. If you‘re looking for something special, the regional capital of Saarbrücken offers a range of shops and boutiques around St. Johanner Markt and in the new Europagalerie. The historic Mettlach, home to the headquarters of Villeroy & Boch complete with outlet centre and the outlet centres in Zweibrücken and Wadgassen, offering designer and top-quality goods at irresistible prices, are also worth a visit.

Days out for families The Saarland has plenty for grown-ups and kids alike, from pure relaxation at the Saarland Therme spa to the sports craze of football golf and an unforgettable experience for the whole family at Center Parcs or Bostalsee Leisure Park. And best of all, the FreizeitCARD | CARTE Loisirs gives you free admission to over 200 leisure and cultural attractions in the Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Luxembourg, Lorraine, east Belgium and Wallonia!

Hidden cultural gems There are plenty of cultural events and attractions too, from ancient and medieval monuments such as the Borg Roman Villa and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Völklingen Ironworks to geological attractions like GONDWANA – Das Praehistorium and numerous theatrical performances and festivals.

Lake Bostalsee

Gondwana – Das Praehistorium

Romantic1Germany R H I N E L A N D - P A L AT I N AT E

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Köln-Bonn

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Lahn Valley Monschau

Ahr Valley

Nistertal

Rhine

Maria Laach

D Braubach

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St. Goarshausen

Moselle

Zell Rüdesheim

Wittlich

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Mülheim

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Rhine

Horath

Birkenfeld

Alzey

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Kirchheimbolanden

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How to get here: Fly to Frankfurt-Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne-Bonn, Zweibrücken or Saarbrücken.

The area can be easily accessed by train via Luxembourg, Cologne and Frankfurt. By car, take the A1, A3 or A61 and you‘ll soon be in RhinelandPalatinate. www.romantic-germany.info

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IR Bremerhaven Hamburg

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Dover

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Köln

Koblenz Trier

Frankfurt Mainz

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Metz Paris

Rhineland-Palatinate

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Locations of Rhineland-Palatinate partners Group trip (page 4/5)

Travel agency conditions for 2014/2015

Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH (RPT) works with tour operators / providers and is only an agent for the offers and packages described in this brochure.

If you are interested in one of these hotels or offers, please contact the market representative for Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH: TourComm Germany GmbH & Co. KG (contact details below). This company will notify the provider of your enquiry and will be happy to put you in direct contact with the provider.

Other details, such as fees, quotas and cancellation conditions, are agreed directly with the provider. Bookings are made directly with the provider.

Prices for 2015 are subject to change.

On behalf of RPT TourComm Germany Contact person: Charlotte Jakobsen incoming@romantic-germany.info Tel.: +49 (0)6201/60 208 21

Signs and symbols Room facilities

Hotel facilities

Pool

TV

Restaurant

Additionell Wellness Facilities

Telephone

Bar

Handicapped accessible

Mini-Bar

Lift

Free car parking

Hairdryer

Sauna

Free coach parking

Safe

Fitness facilities

Internet access

Service Quality in Rhineland-Palatinate

All prices per person/night incl. breakfast and VAT. Prices are subject to availability and may vary according to season and category.

Accommodations with special focus on service quality following a nationwide standard.

Accommodations providing cycle-friendly facilities & services.

Accommodations providing hiker-friendly facilities & services.

Published by: Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH, Löhrstrasse 103-105, 56068 Koblenz, Germany Produced by: shapefruit AG, Bad Neuenahr, Germany Photos: Unless indicated otherwise - Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH, private suppliers and municipal authorities, Rhineland-Palatinate regional tourism offices, UNESCO Weltkulturerbe Völklinger Hütte/G. Kassner, Tourismus Zentrale Saarland All dates and prices are correct at the time of printing. We cannot take responsibility for any subsequent changes.

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Rhineland-Palatinate T O U R I S T

B O A R D

Gau-Bickelheim, Rheinhessen

Rheinland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH LĂśhrstraĂ&#x;e 103-105 56068 Koblenz Germany info@romantic-germany.info www.romantic-germany.info Trade enquiries only: Representatives International Markets TourComm Germany GmbH & Co. KG Tel.: +49 (0)6201 60 208 21 Fax: +49 (0)6201 60 208 29 incoming@romantic-germany.info