best foot forward

Walking for Softies in the Rhine Valley

The steep wooded valleys of the Rhine and Moselle have long been a favourite with walkers and this short holiday includes interesting trails and fabulous views in both valleys. Spend your days walking high above the mighty Rhine, lifeblood of this region, where seemingly every hill is crowned by an ancient castle with a story to tell, whilst all around there are lush green valleys and vineyards snaking their way down towards the river.

In tiny picturesque villages and riverside towns full of cobbled streets and halftimbered houses, you’ll fi nd wine cellars alive with the sound of music and laughter and people enjoying tasting the local fare. Back at the hotel, round off your days with a well-deserved soak in the pool or spa, and a hearty traditional dinner.

Mercure Lahnstein

This four star hotel, with spa and wellness centre, is located in parkland and has 277 rooms, two restaurant and bars. All rooms are en suite with safe deposit box, minibar and hairdryer.

A note about the walks
The walks on this tour are designed to suit those who already enjoy walking and are able to manage walks of 6-10 miles a day. All walks are along marked paths but there are some steep climbs/descents.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Frankfurt where you will meet your Just Friends tour leader and fellow walkers and travel to your Rhine Valley hotel. Welcome drink and traditional dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: A full day’s walk from Lahnstein to Burg Lahneck for incredible views, past Marksburg, the best preserved Rhine castle, and down to the riverside village of Braubach. Continue through forests and vineyards to Kamp-Bornhofen where your coach will be waiting to return you to the hotel.

Day 3: Walk from Boppard along part of the Rheinsteig Trail, high above the Rhine. After a fairly steep climb, walk through forests, vineyards and tiny villages to the attractive riverside town of Oberwesel. Return to the hotel by coach, stopping en route in St Goar to visit the famous Christmas shop.

Day 4: Travel by train to Cochem for a delightful walk through the forested Moselle Valley, passing the pretty villages of Valwigerberg, Treis, Beulich and Ehrenburg to Brodenbach. The coach will be available for those who do not wish to continue all the way back to Koblenz. A hearty farewell dinner will be served in the hotel in the evening.

Day 5: Say goodbye to the Rhine Valley and return to Frankfurt for your fl ight back home.

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To book this holiday or check availability please call the telephone number above

tour ref: JGRW
21st September 2007	£429
flight details
Departs London Stansted	1055hrs
Return arrival	1350hrs
Departs Prestwick	1455hrs
Return arrival	2040hrs
Flights are operated by Easyjet. All flight timings are approximate

Price includes

Just Friends tour leader throughout
Return flights to Frankfurt
Coach travel within Germany
4 nights half-board accommodation
Welcome drinks reception and dinner
Guided walks each day