Rheingau

The Rheinghau is the wine region along the Rhine river not far from Frankfurt. This region has been made famous by the numerous castles that were built centuries ago for the purpose of charging tolls to passing boats. Today, many of these castles have been converted into hotels and are lit-up at night. Probably the best way to see the Rheingau is from a ship, and many tours are available from a multitude of towns. If you have a car, one of the best places to stop is Rüdesheim, a touristy wine town which offers a great view of the river valley from its seilbahn (chairlift), and is also home to the massive Niederwald Monument. Also in town, be sure to check out the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley through the center of town with access to the best wine tasting bars and restaurants.