Enjoying the Valley of Moselle, one of the most beautiful valleys in Germany, you'll be in awe of the picturesque hillsides covered with steep vineyard terraces, villages of half-timbered houses and dotted with the ruins of castles. The valley has been cut by the river into the slate-mountains, making this famous winemaking area a true hidden gem. We will then head to the extraordinary Thurant Castle, perched above the serene village (singular!) of Alken in the Valley of Moselle. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle provides a great opportunity to dive deep into its fascinating history and local culture.

Upon arrival, cross a romantic wooden bridge before being greeted with a glass of homemade white wine or beer. A detailed floor map will guide your exploration of the castle at your own pace, with the guide available to provide insightful commentary and answer questions. The dreamy gardens filling the castle courtyards will immediately catch your attention. Take your time to appreciate the colourful flowers that add a romantic touch to the weathered buildings. At one end of the gardens lies an ancient wine cellar, traditionally built underground to control temperature. Here, you can see authentic winemaking equipment and get a glimpse into the region’s winemaking tradition. Next, discover a treasure trove of antiques inside the castle. A variety of artefacts, from sword collections to ancient furniture, provide an immersive experience of how the castle was once run by its various owners.

Delve further into history by visiting the tower (or “bergfried"), a key element of German military engineering in the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, the archbishops of Cologne and Trier were joint owners of the castle, and their two bergfrieds create a unique silhouette to this castle – one of them features a mysterious underground torture chamber, a room filled with medieval torture instruments. Delve further into history by visiting the butter-churn tower (or "bergfried"), a key element of German military engineering in the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, the archbishops of Cologne and Trier were joint owners of the castle, and their bergfried features a mysterious underground torture chamber and a room filled with medieval torture instruments.

Leaving the ominous atmosphere behind, enjoy postcard-perfect vistas across the rivers, the valley, and the villages of Alken from the top of the towers. Soak in the fresh air and the tranquility of the countryside—a perfect opportunity for relaxation. Finally, we will return to Koblenz through charming routes, giving you one last chance to marvel at the beautiful sights along the way!