Cruise on the Middle Rhine in Germany a charming way to travel

By Brian Johnston
Updated October 26 2014 - 1:19am, first published 12:15am
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Way to cruise: The Viking Var, docked at Kehl, is a fine way to travel. Photo: Brian Johnston
Way to cruise: The Viking Var, docked at Kehl, is a fine way to travel. Photo: Brian Johnston
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Spectacular: The meeting of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at Cologne. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Spectacular: The meeting of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at Cologne. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Drowning in scenery: The Viking Sun sails past Cologne on the Rhine, Germany. Photo: Viking River Cruises
Drowning in scenery: The Viking Sun sails past Cologne on the Rhine, Germany. Photo: Viking River Cruises
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office
Wine region: Cruising the Rhine takes in the sights of Assmannshausen on its banks, renowned for its red wine. Photo: German National Tourist Office

The engines of Viking Var rumble and, with a toot of the ship's horn, we're off again. I stand on deck, shading my eyes, as we sail out of Rudesheim. Vineyards cling to the hillsides and a castle tower crumbles. Ahead, the entrance to the Rhine gorges gapes. For centuries, this stretch of river has tantalised travellers, invited poetry and song, and lured traders with the promise of riches. As a waiter carries out a cold beer and I settle onto my deck chair, I anticipate a memorable day.

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