This morning you will arrive in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia. The charming town centre is filled with half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets, quaint shops selling trinkets such as traditional Christmas ornaments and cuckoo clocks, as well as a smattering of wine taverns and open-air beer gardens.
Freechoice:
Make your selection for this morning's Scenic Freechoice tours:
Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum: From the pier, take a mini train through the quaint winding streets of Rüdesheim to Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum, where a local guide will introduce you to the weird and wonderful mechanical musical instruments. Afterwards, enjoy free time to wander the town or take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, where you’ll have breathtaking views over the river. This 17th century statue was built to commemorate the unification of Germany.
Hike & Cable Car: Join a local guide for a hike through the rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim, a wine region famous for its Riesling, and enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Rhine River below. After your hike, board the cable car to return to town.
Leaving Rüdesheim, you will cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Sailing down this section of the river is like being transported through the pages of a fairy-tale book.
The Rhine is abounded in myths and legends; folklore that has been passed on for generations, including the story of Lorelei. This enchanting female was betrayed by her sweetheart and spent her days bewitching men. As her punishment, she was sent to a nunnery, however on her way she jumped to her death in the river. Legend has her spirit casting spells on sailors who passed the rock, where a bronze statue sits today.