One of the great joys of travel is to experience something first hand. Reading is an awesome way to get excited about a trip, and photos and videos can do a lot to relay the intricacies of a place to those that are not lucky enough to visit it. However, nothing beats experiencing a new country for the first time. In case you dared to think it – the It’s a Small World ride at Disney World doesn’t come close either. Instead of visiting an amusement park on your summer vacation, why not do something different? Germany’s Mosel Valley is a storybook land of medieval castles, romantic vineyards and fantastic cuisine. A German tour through these enchanted environs is a great way to spend time with your family while enjoying some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe. Rather than stand in line for rides that will hurl you about for a few minutes, take a hiking or biking tour through history.
The ancient city of Trier is one of the oldest in Europe. An inscription on one of its ancient buildings reads: “Thirteen hundred years before Rome, Trier stood / may it stand on and enjoy eternal peace, amen.” While the city may be proud of it’s pre-Roman roots, its main attractions are mostly Roman. The Porta Nigra is the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps and has been designated a World Heritage Site. The Porta Nigra was one of four city gates constructed to protect the city. However, your kids will use it as well as the Roman amphitheater as ancient Roman playgrounds! Trier’s Roman antiquities are one place your kids can run, play and just be kids. Be sure to try Trier’s delicious brats and frites, which are kid favorites.
Lying some 50 Km from Trier is the wine producing city of Bernkastel. The relatively young city, dating back to only 3000 B.C., is a quaint village filled with half-timbered houses. Be sure to try the local wine, Bernkasteler Doktor, which is alleged to have medicinal qualities. The kids will enjoy a hike to the ruins of Landshut castle where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Mosel Valley.
The town of Beilstein has one of the best-preserved altstadts (“old cities”) in the Mosel Valley. For this reason it has earned the nickname Dornröschen der Mosel, which means the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle.” Each summer a marionette theater produces fairy tale productions and the local theater company opens and closes each season with the traditional version of the Brothers Grimm “Sleeping Beauty.” While in Beilstein, a hike to the ruins of Castle Metternich, which overlook the village, is a pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon. Be sure to try the Riesling ice cream at the entrance to the pedestrian zone. It is reported to be the best in the Mosel valley.
A German tour through these scenic medieval towns is the perfect way to bring history to life. Stunning scenery, Roman ruins, medieval castles and fairytale villages will enchant both kids and adults. The German tourism board is well organized and will be a great help in planning your trip. Alternatively, hire a reputable adventure travel company, and they will take care of all of the details. Perhaps more importantly, they will have experience guiding families, making sure the kids stay entertained and taking care of all logistics. While your kids will love the castles, the Rhineland’s hearty food, tasty deserts and fine wine will make sure mom and dad have a great time as well.
Austin Lehman Adventure Travel is a travel tours company with a 38 year legacy in creating amazing adventures packed with cultural and artistic encounters, with expert guides and hand selected adventures to guarantee you the vacation of a lifetime, without any of the grunt work. Book your travel adventure tour today!