Studded with the crenellated cream of Germany’s castles, it bustles with boats ... from Bacharach to either St. Goar (nine miles) or Boppard (17 miles) by boat, and the rest by train.

As all the castles are within 65 kilometers of each other, rent a car and spend an idyllic week cruising through Germany's wine country and sleeping like a king. "Of all the many hoary towns ...

A perfect opportunity to savour the many fairytale castles and ancient vineyards of the region with 'stays' at Boppard, where one can explore ... and vineyards will feature in Julia Bradbury's ...