Valentine's Day  Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations: Valentine's Day Romantic Regions:  3.Rhine Region, Germany: Due to its stunning beauty, the Rhine is an immensely popular holiday destination. Castles, cathedrals, woods and vineyards, hiking trails and a romantic river bed all contribute to the scenery, which inspired numerous poets and painters. Clemens Brentano, Friedrich Hölderlin, Heinrich Heine, August and Friedrich Schlegel all composed parts of their main works in the vicinity of the Rhine. Things To Do / See:  A.Rhine Cruises:
Check The UNESCO World Heritage sites Of Middle Rhine Valley: Between Bingen and Koblenz is one of the highest concentrations of river valley castles in the world . Boat trip to Rüdesheim, passing famous vineyards, the Mäuseturm, Ehrenfels castle. Boat trips that take you from Rudesheim. Chairlift to Assmannshausen, better known as the red wine village, boat trip to the Lorelei town of St. Goarshausen past idyllic winegrowing towns nestling in the foothills, steep vineyards and dozens of castles and forts – an unforgettable experience. The Lorlei valley cruises includes sightseeing of castles on the middle Rhine river between Neuwied, Koblenz, Lahnstein, Niederlahnstein, Oberlahnstein, Rhens, Braubach, Boppard, Kamp-Bornhofen, Bad Salzig, St. Goarshausen, St. Goar, Oberwesel, Kaub, Bacharach, Lorch, Niederheimbach, Assmannshausen, Bingen, Rudesheim, Eltville, Wiesbaden-Biebrich and Mainz.There are Castle Tours that take you all round the so-called "Binger Loch", past the "Mauseturm" (Mice Tower), the ruins of Ehrenfels Fortress, Castles Rheinstein and Reichenstein. There are also chartered Tours to all stations along the Rhine Valley. e Rhine's tributaries are as diverse as they are worthy of a visit. The Neckar, the Main, the Tauber, the Lahn and the Ruhr join the Rhine from the east. From the west, the Ahr, the Nahe, the Saar and the Moselle feed the river with new water and new impressions.For more information about river cruises in Germany, operators, and special deals please visit www.cometogermanynow.com
While the Rhine is over 800 miles long, the 36-mile stretch from Mainz to Koblenz is by far the most interesting. The shipshape Pfalz Castle built midstream — effectively taxed river traffic. Its town grew rich as the castle raised its heavy chains across the river when boats came — and lowered them only when the merchants had paid their duty. You can cruise to Cologne for guided sightseeing. Stop for a visit of Coblenz, situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, and a guided walking tour of Bernkastel. Continue up the Moselle as far as Trier, then enjoy a visit to Reichsburg Castle, towering high above Cochem. Sail past the famous rock of the Lorelei. Just downriver from the Loreley is the pleasant town of St. Goar, founded in the 6th century by a monk famous for his hospitality. Today St. Goar is a tourist town. Rheinfels castle sits like a dead pit bull above St. Goar. Once the biggest and mightiest castle on the Rhine. Cruise hrough the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim for a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and a chance to try the region’s famous Riesling wines. Explore Mainz with its Gutenberg Museum, enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, as well as excursions to Heidelberg to visit the red-walled castle of Student Prince fame and to Germany’s Black Forest before ending your cruise.  B.City Hopping:
Cologne is a famous tourist city on the Rhine, it can be visited from Rüdesheim in one day by car, train or boat (with a return journey by train). Cologne cathedral, one of the most famous monuments in the world. Frankfurt is a fair metropolis, an attractiv center for business magnates and an important bank and stock exchange center.The landmark of the city is the "Römer" (Roman) with its Gothic stepped gables. Heidelberg stretched across an area of 109 square kilometres that are slotted into 14 major districts, is a heavenly city, all set to win the hearts of tourists. Other major cities along its banks include Bingen, Bonn, Mainz, Rudesheim, Boppard, Weisbaden, Basel, Mannheim, Koblenz, Duisburg, and Rotterdam. Just downriver from the Loreley is the pleasant town of St. Goar.  C.Wine Tours along the Rhine:
Thanks to its favourable geological location, the Rhine Valley is covered in vineyards. The Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region has gained much international acclaim for its fine wines and beautiful vineyards. The Rheingau is one of Germany's premier wine-producing regions. This area with its progressively steep slopes is rich in tradition.The reputation of the regional capital, Rüdesheim, as a wine-tasting mecca has made it one of the most popular stops along the Rhine. A wide variety of restaurants and taverns occupy the half-timbered houses that line the town's main street. In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel, wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor.  D.Sightseeing Along Rhine:
Romantic Rhine Attractions include its Castles. Major ones being Ehrenbreitstein in Klobenz; Marksburg in Braubach; Burg Sterrenberg in Kamp-Bornhofen; Burg Liebenstein in Kamp-Bornhofen; Burg Rheinfels in St. Goar; Burg Katz in St. Goarshausen(which is closed to public); Burg Maus & Falconry in St. Goarshausen; Schönburg in Oberwesel; Pfalzgrafenstein in Kaub; Burg Stahleck in Bacharach. Eltz Castle, one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Germany. Lying in a romantic setting surrounded by an unspoilt landscape, inviting and majestic at the same time - like a fairy-tale castle come to life. Eltz castle is not the only place of interest in the region, the Eltz forest is also worth a visit. It is seldom today that you can find such a natural environment. Wonderful hiking paths and striking views invite you to discover this charming landscape. 
You can go for short excursions: Hunsrückbahn, Boppard (49-1805-986986; www.vrminfo.de)- Catch a ride on this a little train that chugs through five tunnels and over two viaducts on its steep journey from Boppard to Buchholz, five miles away. Or Vierseenblick, Boppard (49-6742-2510; )- The "Four Lakes View" can be reached by chairlift.
You can go for sightseeing at Drosselgasse, Rüdesheim and discover wine taverns and restaurants along this little lane vibrating with polka music and the uproar of lurching, rollicking crowds in search of a good time. In Niederwald Denkmal, Rüdesheim experience the ultimate vista point at this memorial to the mythical goddess Germania crowning a hilltop high above vineyards. Accessible by car, foot and cable car. Go to Deutsches Eck, Koblenz and view the monument to Emperor Wilhelm I at this triangular promontory jutting into the water where the Rhine and the Moselle rivers meet. Wernerkapelle, Bacharach, catch your breath at this ruined Gothic chapel completed decades before Columbus set sail.  E.Cultural Heritage Of Rhine:
The Rhine region is steeped with a cultural Heritage which can be explored at its famous museums such as Museum der Stadt Boppard, Burgstrasse, Boppard; Deutsches Puppen- und Bärenmuseum, Sonnengasse 8, St. Goar; Weinmuseum in der Brömserburg, Rheinstrasse 2, Rüdesheim; Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett, Oberstrasse 29, Rüdesheim; Loreley Besucherzentrum, Loreley Rock, above St. Goarshausen; Historisches Museum am Strom, Museumsstrasse 3, Bingen; Kloster Eberbach, Eberbach.
The "Rhine in Flames" firework spectacular: This event on the Rhine is guaranteed to turn your stay in Germany into a truly memorable experience. Another highlight not to be missed is the opportunity to take part in the large boat procession during the Rhine in Flames festival.  The largest and most famous event on the Rhine, it takes place along several sections of the river on a number of dates between May and September, transforming the valley with its many castles into a giant magical firework display.
The legend of the "Mouse Tower" in Bingen: One of the most famous landmarks along the Rhine, the "Mouse Tower" is set on a small island in the river Rhine just outside Bingen. This fabled customs tower of Roman origin was home to the terrible Archbishop Hatto in the 10th century. Stolzenfels Castle in Koblenz-Stolzenfels is a prime example of the many castles and palaces sitting majestically on either side of the Rhine.
The Rhine Valley is famous throughout the world for its charming towns with a rich history such as Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Another highlight is Boppard. A visit to the town's beautiful riverside promenade with its many hotels and historical buildings steeped in tradition is an absolute must on any trip to the Rhine Valley. On a stroll through the lanes of the historical old town, you're bound to be enticed into one of the traditional inns selling wine from the "Bopparder Hamm" estate. Along the way, you'll see the excavations of the former Roman fort and the medieval town wall.  F.Enjoy A Lavish Spa:
In Germany there's no need to seek out ways to relax and recuperate; everything is laid on for you. The range of health, wellness and beauty treatments on offer at hotels and resorts in more than 350 spas and health resorts is simply amazing. All kinds of treatments are available, from traditional massage to Qi Gong, the Chinese energy exercise therapy. The Taunus hills stretch for more than 75 kilometres from the area known as the Wetterau as far as the Rhine, dropping steeply down into the valleys of the Rhine and the Main. The surrounding countryside is impressive and diverse, featuring broad swathes of forest interspersed with meadow valleys and open fields. Known for its hills, castles, palaces and spa resorts, the Main-Taunus region is a lush green gem. Eg. Steigenberger Bad Neuenahr, Address: Kurgartenstrasse 1, Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, 53474, Germany.  G.Romantic Dinner:
The regional cuisine has also been strongly influenced by the history of the Rhine - as the river was an important trade route, exotic spices were incorporated into the local specialities early on. From traditional classics such as dippekuchen (grated potatoes, onion and meat) and Rhenish sauerbraten (marinated braised beef) to the finest new German cuisine featuring a wealth of local produce, the Rhine region has a variety of culinary delights to offer. Associations such as the "Middle Rhine Moments" also offer special packages on the theme of wine, food and culture. There are many hotels and restaurants along the river route, eg,
a.Burghotel Restaurant Auf Schönburg,
Auf Schönburg
Oberwesel
49-6744-93930 ;]
Breuers Rüdesheimer Schloss
Steingasse 10
Rüdesheim
49-6722-90500 ;
Gasthaus Hirsch
Rheinstrasse 17
St. Goar
49-6741-2601;
Schlosshotel Lerbach, this grand manor with its romantic flair is home to one of Germany’s best restaurants, the aromatic gourmet cuisine of starred chef Dieter Müller and Nils Henkel. Address: Lerbacher Weg, D-51465 Bergisch, Gladbach (Nordrhein-Westfalen);
Burg Schwarzenstein, in the elegantly purist atmosphere of the gourmet restaurant enjoy the breathtaking views up and down the river Rhine and the fantastic creations inspired by classical French cuisine. In the historic «Burgrestaurant» savour regional specialities.Address: Rosengasse 32, D-65366 Geisenheim (Hessen).
Boppard is also home to the Bopparder Hamm, one of the most famous vineyards in the Middle Rhine growing region. Be sure to order a bottle of the local product over dinner at your hotel, the Art Nouveau-era Bellevue Rheinhotel, which just happens to have the best restaurant in town.  H.Shopping:
The Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region is well-known for its excellent range of shopping opportunities. Downtown Frankfurt’s famous Zeil pedestrian promenade, for example, is Germany’s most profitable shopping zone. The elegant Wilhelmstrasse in Wiesbaden attracts shoppers with a variety of luxurious boutiques and stylish atmosphere, while Mainz combines historical surroundings with a modern shopping environment. For those who like it big, check out the modern Main-Taunus-Zentrum in Sulzbach, a flashy American-style shopping mall. How To Get To Rhine Region, Germany:  By Air:
Fly into Frankfurt Airport (airport code: FRA) is made up of two terminals. For additional information about Frankfurt International Airport, call +011 (49) (69) 6900. You can also fly into Frankfurt-Hann Airport.You can also fly into Cologne Bonn International Airport (Telephone: (0)2203 400, Fax: (0)22 02 402702; Website: www.airport-cgn.de).
Koblenz and Mainz are the best starting points for touring the region. Koblenz is served by frequent IC train connections going north to such cities as Bonn and Cologne and south to Mainz, Frankfurt and beyond. Regional trains go to Trier and the Rhine villages. Some of the latter are also served by bus. No 650 goes to Boppard via Schloss Stolzenfels, No 6130 to Braubach/Marksburg and No 6129 to St Goarshausen/Loreley. Several highways converge in Koblenz, including the B9 from Cologne/Bonn. The nearest autobahns are the A61 (Koblenz- Nord exit) and the A48/A1 to Trier. Frankfurt airport is 30km (18mi) northeast of Mainz and is served by S-Bahn No 8 several times hourly. The airport at Frankfurt-Hahn is 90km (54mi) west of Mainz and served by shuttle bus from the Hauptbahnhof five times daily (70min). Mainz is a major hub for IC trains in all directions. Regional connections include frequent direct trains to Worms (45min), Saarbrücken (2hr) and Idar-Oberstein (1hr). Mainz is encircled by a ring road with connections to the A60, A63 and A66.
Rhine Region, Germany Hotels:  A.Castle Hotel Auf Schonburg: Schönburg Castle is situated above the Medieval town of Oberwesel in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley with a very good traffic accessibility to different highways and not far away from Frankfurt/Main and Frankfurt/Hahn airports. It is also only in 1 km distance from the station in Oberwesel and the Rhine boat embarkment.Relax at the hotel with the personal touch‘ within medieval walls full of atmosphere, cosy rooms and terraces offering a magnifi cent view of the Rhine valley. Linger and enjoy a 7-course Gourmet candle light dinner in the castle restaurant and the next morning, after a lavish breakfast, you can face life with a smile. Treat yourself to a wonderful experience!
B.Villa Hammerschmiede: On the edge of the Black Forest, between Heidelberg and Baden-Baden, this jewel is tucked away in a spacious park. Rooms decorated with loving attention to detail, some in Italian Art Deco style with beautiful bathrooms, await you. Unwind in the swimming pool carved out of the rock. The light cuisine, rich in aromas with French Mediterranean nuances, served in a warm atmosphere, is sure to fulfil every wish. Discover the offer of "Spa Packages", newly created for 2 days at Relais & Châteaux, and the Lys Spa & Beauté package, the passport to well-being that can be offered to your loved ones as a special gift.
C.Steigenberger Bad Neuenahr: A 19th-century building, located in the spa resort of Bad Neuenahr, 15 kilometres from Brohtal Volcano Park and Lake Laach. Guestrooms offer views across the town and include satellite television with pay movies and wireless Internet access. Guests can relax, work out and rejuvenate in the hotel’s leisure spa, offering many innovative massage and beauty treatments.
D.Best Western Bellevue Rheinhotel: Picturesque art nouveau hotel dating back to 1887 on the banks of the Rhein located just 100 metres from Boppard town centre. Bright, well-furnished guestrooms continuing the art nouveau character; all include cable television and Internet. Guests can unwind in the sauna and steam room, enjoy a range of massages and therapies, or take cocktails in the lounge bar.
E.Breuers Rüdesheimer Schloss in the heart of Rüdesheim: Our Breuer´s Rüdesheimer Schloss is a 4-star hotel with a difference in the historic center of Rüdesheim with art, wine and design. It was built in 1729 and offers 4 conference rooms. You should try wine tastings at the family's famous 'Georg Breuer' estate and cellars. Superb panorama over the vineyards and the old town of Rüdesheim. Situated between the quiet Steingasse and the lively Drosselgasse. Hotel recommended for its wines and its environmental orientation. 48 beds in 23 rooms and 3 suites. Enjoy the Hessian style regional cuisine and the historic theme parties in the restaurant, the wine cellars and the vineyards. Large garden with ancient tillow tree and carillon, winter garden and restaurant with orchestra in the season.
 Back To Travel Index Valentine's Day Romantic Regions - Tuscany, Italy |
