Romantic Rhine series - Rhine Gorge & Loreley

Traveling up the Rhine, we encountered one of the most beautiful stretches of the river.  The section between Rudesheim to Koblenz.  This part of the Rhine has lovely landscapes, picturesque villages & towns, lush vineyards and more castles than I've ever seen.  

Once you make the turn (Rhine Gorge), you can see the famous Loreley Rock where captains wrecked their boats because of the song this golden haired maiden sang.  

Instead of having me describe the views, I'll let the pictures tell to story.

We began our voyage in the early morning hours, so the river was thick with fog.  It felt like we were back in San Francisco straining to get a glimpse of Alcatraz.  As we floated by each town, the fog began to lift and the photos capture a gorgeous view that we enjoyed as we stayed warm drinking German spiced wine (hey- it's noon somewhere).  Let's get started!

Ehrenfels Castle

Rheinstein castle

Reichenstein castle

Bacharach

Oberwesel

Pfalz Castle

Gutenfels Castle

The flag is the marker indicating we're approaching the Loreley.

Loreley Rock - Statue of the golden haired maiden

Boppard

Maus Castle

Sterrenberg & Liebenstein Castle

Koblenz

Here's a map showing the stretch of the Rhine that we traveled and the towns within driving distance if you decide to take the ferry and stop along the way.  Which I greatly recommend you doing.  Next stop is the town of Koblenz.
Happy Traveling!