Castles, Rhine ferries and wine: 8 days in the Middle Rhine Valley with caravan in tow

This is where your trip begins. From Frankfurt, it's a relaxed journey of just over an hour to the western edge of the Rheingau.

A site right on the Rhine bank with water views and a great base for Rüdesheim and the Rheingau. Level pitches and short walks into the centre make it ideal for parking the caravan for several nights.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The famous Drosselgasse is narrow and only manageable on foot, so the caravan stays at the site. From the riverside promenade, it's just a few minutes' stroll into the historic centre with its wine taverns and first glasses of Riesling.

The cable car glides up over the vineyards to the monument, while the car stays parked below. The view over the Rhine valley from up here is especially far-reaching.

The monumental Germania statue has crowned the ridge above Rüdesheim since 1883, commemorating the founding of the German Empire. From the terrace, you'll enjoy one of the finest views over the Middle Rhine Valley and the great bend in the river.

A renowned Rheingau winery with a vinotheque right in the village, perfect for an evening Riesling tasting. It's within walking distance of the site, so you can enjoy the tasting at leisure.

Romantically rebuilt in the 19th century, this castle clings spectacularly to the rock face above the Rhine. Its interiors, castle garden and viewing terraces are easily explored on foot, with a car park just below the castle.

A car ferry that also carries caravans and trailers. Handy for crossing between the riverbanks conveniently, given the lack of a Rhine bridge here.

The narrow, wooded Wispertal branches off from the Rhine near Lorch and offers a peaceful alternative to the bustle along the river. Short walks along the stream and shady resting spots invite you to catch your breath.

This white toll castle sits on an island in the middle of the Rhine and is reached by small passenger ferry from Kaub. The caravan stays at the riverside car park while you cross on foot to explore the well-preserved interior.

A simple, peaceful pitch right on the Rhine bank with views of Pfalzgrafenstein and Burg Gutenfels. Level ground, well suited to caravans, with river traffic to watch in the evening.

This 132-metre slate rock squeezes the Rhine through its narrowest point and is steeped in legend and Rhine romanticism. Viewing paths lead from the plateau to the tip of the rock, and a large car park also accommodates vehicles with trailers.

A car ferry between the two banks of the Rhine that also carries caravans in tow. Handy for crossing from the Loreley side over to Burg Rheinfels.

The largest castle ruin on the Middle Rhine towers above Sankt Goar and was once a formidable fortress. Sprawling walls, underground passages and a magnificent view down the valley make it a real highlight, with a car park right at the top by the castle.

A terraced site right on the Rhine bank with views to the Loreley and a great base for both castles. Level pitches and short walks to the water make it ideal for the caravan.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

From this viewpoint above the great bend of the Rhine at Boppard, the river appears to split into a chain of four separate lakes. You can reach it by chairlift or via short walking trails, with the towing vehicle left at the valley car park.

The Marksburg above Braubach is the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine never to have been destroyed, and can only be visited with a guided tour. The kitchen, knights' hall, weapons collection and the famous riding path cut through the rock make it particularly vivid, with a car park just below the castle.

A peaceful family site on the Rhine bank near Boppard with level pitches and direct access to the water. A great base for the last castles before Koblenz.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

From the upper car park, either a shuttle bus or a roughly 20-minute walk leads down to the castle. The car park takes normal vehicles, so the caravan stays at the site today.

Tucked away in a wooded side valley of the Moselle, Burg Eltz is one of Germany's most beautiful and best-preserved castles. Owned by the same family for over 850 years, with original furnishings and a treasury, it can only be visited with a guided tour.

Return to the site on the riverbank after your excursion into the Elztal. A quiet evening by the water before the final day of the trip.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Boppard's sprawling riverside promenade invites you to take one last relaxed walk along the river, watching the ships go by. Cafés and a small market make for a pleasant farewell to the Middle Rhine.

A well-known winery on the Bopparder Hamm, one of the steepest vineyard slopes on the Rhine, perfect for a final purchase or a quick tasting before the journey home. Good Rieslings from the area to take with you.

Return journey towards Rhine-Main. But you're just as welcome to head somewhere else entirely — the route has an open end.

See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)