Day 1: London to Remagen
We depart St Pancras International on a late morning departure by Eurostar for Brussels, where we join a high speed train bound for Cologne. We continue by regional train along the banks of the Rhine to the 3* Hotel Pinger, our base for the next four nights. (D)
Day 2: Walking the ‘Rheinsteig’
Today’s refreshing seven mile walk begins with a morning ferry journey across the Rhine to Erpel. After climbing uphill on a forest path to reach the ‘Erpeler Ley’ hilltop, we walk the Rheinsteig trail to the Kasbach Valley. We take a break at the Steffens Brewery, where you have a chance to sample a refreshing glass of the local brew, before continuing to the colourful, medieval town of Linz. Situated on the riverside, Linz with its cobbled streets and half timbered buildings is a joy to explore. Crossing the Rhine again by ferry, we return to Remagen along the river path, calling in en route at the Bridge of Remagen Peace Museum. (B,D)
Day 3: At leisure in Remagen
Enjoy a day at leisure in Remagen, from where there are many excursion possibilities. Rail connections to the north provide easy access to Cologne, with its stunning cathedral, museums and lively brewery taverns. Even closer is Bonn, famed as Beethoven’s birthplace and once the capital of West Germany before its reunification. To the south lies Koblenz. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, Koblenz has its own quaint Old Town and ‘German Corner’ monument. Alternatively, our hotelier, Mr Pinger, can offer advice on one of the many well-signed walks possible from Remagen. (B,D)
Day 4: The ‘Red Wine Walking Trail’
Remagen sits conveniently where the Rhine Valley and Ahr Valley lines meet. Today we explore one of Germany’s most renowned red wine producing areas, the Ahr Valley, by train and on foot. We begin with a railway journey up through the Ahr Valley. The peaceful pastures give way to more rugged landscapes as we ascend the valley towards Altenahr, with its ruined 13th century castle. After a short climb we enjoy a fantastic birds-eye view over the village and the Ahr Valley, before following the ‘Red Wine Walking Trail’ to Mayschoss and Rech. We can return to Mayschoss on foot or by train and end the day sampling the wines at Germany’s oldest vintners’ co-operative. Those who choose to walk will have completed seven miles, while those returning by train will have walked four miles. (B,D)
Day 5: Remagen to London
We retrace our steps from Remagen to Cologne to join the high-speed line to Brussels, where we change onto a Eurostar service bound for St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
Conveniently situated close to the railway station in Remagen and just a short stroll from the town centre and the Rhine, the 3* Hotel Pinger is a real local institution - the Pinger family have been running hotels in the area since 1938. All en suite rooms have a television and telephone. The hotel has a lift, traditional-style restaurant, coffee shop, bar with beer garden, lounge and a sauna. The Pingers welcome many walkers and cyclists to their hotel every year and Mr Pinger is a very experienced walker.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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