The picturesque scenery of the Middle Rhine Valley has been considered the epitome of the romantic Rhine for over 200 years and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. This amazing region is characterised by vineyards, quaint mediaeval towns, castles, stately homes and, of course, the legendary Lorely rock; all of which inspired Thomas Cook to arrange Europe's first packae tour along the Rhine Valley in 1855.

Then there is the Moselle, with picturesque wine villages, traditional taverns, steep slate slopes and antique Roman villas and wine presses. The Moselle is a diverse, attractive river, all along the 545km course from its source to the point where it flows into the Rhine at Koblenz.

An insider's tip: The Ahr and Nahe river valleys. Twisting and turning between strange rock formations and through breathtaking scenery, they make an ideal region in which to spoil yourself with a realxing holiday or cultural break.

Read more at www.romantic-germany.info.