Between Rudesheim and Koblenz along the magnificent Rhine Gorge, more castles reach toward the sky than anywhere else on the planet – a towering castle appearing an average of every two-and-a-half kilometres. Along the way, with Avalon, travellers are invited to step across centuries’-old drawbridges and into storybook settings to experience the majestic and magical days of yore.
“Travelling with Avalon Waterways isn’t just about views, it’s the ‘to dos’ – experiences we offer travellers in wide open spaces, off the ship – that also make a difference,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “And castles are always a big draw. So, we’ve enhanced the experiences we offer travellers interested in the royal ruins of the Old World, helping them realize their fairy tale fantasies.”
Here are some of the formidable fortresses that travellers can experience up close with Avalon on their next holiday:
- Marksburg Castle
On constant watch over the Rhine River Valley and the medieval town of Braubach, Marksburg Castle welcomes travellers inside her stone walls (with 900 years of “if these walls could talk” history) for a private tour of its miraculously unchanged façade and interiors. Prepare to be touched by its untouched chapel, wine cellar and battlements.
- Rheinstein Castle
The rewards for hiking up to this 13th-century castle 90 metres above the Rhine include sweeping views from its soaring turret, a self-guided tour of its chapel and royal crypt and a sip of sparkling wine with fellow Avalon travellers in the castle’s vine-clad courtyard.
- Muiderslot Castle
Moated, majestic and magnificent, Muiderslot is the oldest and best-preserved castle in the Netherlands. Since 1878, it’s also been home to a national museum. Here, you’ll discover what life was like from the Middle Ages to the 17th century as you walk in the footsteps of the many legends who called this colossal castle home.
- Heidelberg Castle
It’s easy to raise a glass to Heidelberg Castle, considered the most important Renaissance structure north of the Alps. In addition to its fascinating ruins and reconstructed facades, its Barrel Building houses the world-famous Great Barrel – installed in 1591 – which holds 130,000 glorious litres of wine.
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