Christmas in the Romantic Rhine Valley

Wiesbaden is a historic spa city of old-world charm, with a vibrant cultural scene. We enjoy free time here this morning and stop for some lunch before moving on to Mainz Christmas Market. Held in the historic city centre, the market is set against the backdrop of the magnificent Mainz Cathedral and offers a range of festive treats, such as gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine as well as decorations and handcrafted gifts. We take a stroll and enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and cheerful atmosphere.

We journey through the heart of the Rhine Valley, on our scenic drive from Boppard to St. Goar. The route takes us along the majestic Rhine River and we enjoy the stunning surrounding landscape and breathtaking views of terraced vineyards, charming villages and medieval castles perched on hilltops. As we leave Boppard, we pass through picturesque towns, each with its unique charm and historical significance, before we arrive at St. Goar, home to the impressive Rheinfels Castle, one of the largest castles on the Rhine.

This morning, we spend time in the town of Speyer, home to the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site - one of the most important Romanesque cathedrals in the world. There’s time to wander its street and take in vibrant local culture, with plenty of riverside attractions to explore and local cuisine to try.

There's the option to visit Frankfurt today. Wander beautiful botanical gardens and cobblestone streets and dip into cafés, boutiques and museums. The dining scene here is delicious, influenced by Frankfurt's melting pot of cultures and nationalities, there's everything from vegan cuisine to cosy German cookery. Head to the restored Altstadt (Old Town) and see the reconstructed and newly-built timber-framed houses so synonymous with this region, centred around the lively Romerberg Square. Or how about the delightful Christmas market? Bursting with festive cheer, St Paul’s Square is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights and cosy stalls.