Walking Wiesbaden and Mainz

Day trips from Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mainz

2010-08-22T17:02:00.227+02:00

Tours are available all year

Paris in a Day an unforgettable visit to the City of Lights: Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Jardin du Tuileries, Louvre Carrousel, Left Bank, Montmartre, Galeries Lafayette, Concorde... Departing Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mainz or Mannheim. Overnight option.

Wiesbaden is an elegant spa town with belle epoque architecture, pretty parks, natural hot springs, excellent shopping, Viennese-style cafe, funicular and beautiful Russian Chapel.

Mainz has a charming medieval streets, Roman ruins, hilltop fortress, Germany's most important imperial romanesque cathedral, baroque churches, and a gothic church with windows by Chagall.

Worms on the Luther trail, also has Europe's oldest Jewish cemetery, mikvah, synagogue, a magnificent romanesque cathedral, and was the site of Luther's meeting with the Emperor: 'Here I stand!'

Frankfurt has stunning skyscrapers and a romantic old town with half-timbered houses, medieval streets, Kaiserdom, Goethe's birth house, green spaces and numerous excellent museums.

Rhine Castles train trip visits the beautiful altstadt of Koblenz at the meeting of the Rhine & Moselle, with an amazing military museum, romanic churches and cosy cafes - perfect winter tour!

Rüdesheim is a romantic wine village on the Rhine with a cable car and a delightful music-box museum. In summer we can also take a chair lift and ferry to tour the dramatic Rheinstein Castle.

Reviews

2010-08-22T13:10:00.022+02:00

Rhine Castles Day Trips in Sankt Goarshausen

Reviews of Walking Worms in Worms

Reviews of Walking Mainz in Mainz

Reviews of Walking Rudesheim Day Trip in Ruedesheim am Rhein

Reviews of Walking Wiesbaden in Wiesbaden

Wiesbaden walking tour

2010-08-19T13:32:00.292+02:00

Wiesbaden is an elegant spa town of the belle epoque.

Famous for its tree-lined avenues, hot springs, theatre, casino, stylish shops, elegant old town and handsome facades. Wiesbaden was once the wealthiest city in Germany - a magnet for aristocrats and millionaires as well as authors, artists and composers. Gorgeous buildings from the belle epoque are plentiful. Come and find out why Wiesbaden is known as The Jewel of the Rhine.

On this walking tour we visit all the highlights of Wiesbaden and some secret places too. Without a guide, you would see just a fraction of what is included here. More interesting than any guidebook or audio commentary, more fun than struggling on your own. As we walk, I tell you about Wiesbaden's fascinating history with stories about the city's scandals, tragedies, glory days and contemporary life.

Famous people of Wiesbaden

In this 3-4 hour guided walk we visit:

Wiesbaden Altstadt, with its winding pedestrian zone
Heidenmauer and Römertor - Wiesbaden's oldest structures - dating from 165 AD
Kaiser Friedrich Baths with its opulent art nouveau decor
Wiesbaden's natural hot springs, including the Kochbrunnen fountain where you are invited to sample the healing waters of Wiesbaden
Kurhaus with its neo-classical casino and theatres, where we hear about some very famous guests
Warmer Damme and Kurpark, two beautiful parks in the greenest city in Germany
Recently unveiled Holocaust memorial on the site of the Jewish synagogue destroyed by the Nazis
State Theater, the neo-baroque and rococo-revival styled edifice built for Germany's unification
Old Town Hall dating from 1610, and its impressive 19th century replacement
Marktplatz Church, built in the gothic-revival style, the tallest structure in the city centre
Nassau Schloss, once the Duke’s palace now the Hessen State Parliament
Rebecca Horn's fascinating artwork inside a Jugendstil dome
Wilhelmstrasse, the city’s most elegant shopping boulevard and a wonderful place to promenade
Monument to the fallen Hessians who died at Waterloo
Option for coffee + cake at a chic historical café (at own cost)
From April to October we ride the delightful Nerobergbahn funicular
Beautiful Russian church of St Elisabeth, nestled in Taunus woodlands. We hear about its melancholy story (Apr-Oct)
The only Russian cemetery in Germany (Apr-Oct)
Neroberg mountain, with spectacular panoramic views over the city (Apr-Oct)
A glimpse of the Bauhaus-inspired Opelbad, overlooking Millionaire’s Hill (Apr-Oct)

From 22 November - 23 December 2012, our tour includes a stop at the magical Wiesbaden Christmas Market.

This is a 3-4 hour easy walking tour.
Conducted in English, by a native English speaker.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
For groups and individuals
Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of up to 4 people)
Groups of all sizes are possible
Transport and entry fees are extra, if applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
If you have mobility issues I can suggest some options
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for warm drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point

Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station OR depending where you are staying we could meet at your hotel.

About Susan

Reviews

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After the walking tour you might like to visit on your own:

Wiesbaden Art Museum

Permanent exhibition from the museum's impressive collection of art includes works by Alexej Jawlensky, Donald Judd, Eva Hesse, Emil Nolde, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Agnes Martin, Rebecca Horn.
Open Tues 10am-8pm; Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Entry adults €5, children €3. Current special exhibition: 'Alexej Jawlensky and Josef Albers: Colour and Abstraction' (until 5 February 2012).

Kaiser Friedrich Baths

Relax in this beautiful tranquil environment, using Wiesbaden's famous thermal healing waters. Entry includes full use of the jacuzzi, steam rooms, dry saunas, swimming pool, ice shower, and foot spa areas. The baths are for mixed sexes and nude - swimsuits are discouraged. Must be over 16 years old to enter. Open daily 10am-10pm; Friday, Saturday open to midnight. Tuesday is ladies-only day. Costs €5 per hour. Towel hire €4 (or bring your own); bathrobe €8 (or bring your own).

Thermal Bath Aukammtal

A family-friendly indoor-outdoor swimming pool and sauna complex, using Wiesbaden's healing waters. Must wear swimsuit or towel. Babies under 2 must wear diapers. Open Mon-Thurs & Sun 9am-10pm; Friday & Saturday 9am-midnight. Monday is ladies-only day in the sauna area. Swimming pool €8.50 adults, €5,50 children. Sauna €15,00. Combi pool & sauna €20,00. Towel hire €4 (or bring your own).

On Sunday morning you might like to attend an English-speaking church service:

St. Augustine's Episcopalian/Anglican Church

Address: Frankfurter Strasse 3 (opposite the Warmer Damm, next door to the Villa Clementine)

Regular services: Sundays at 10am, with Holy Eucharist. English language, international community.

Mainz walking tour

2010-08-18T16:44:00.147+02:00

Mainz has an impressive history of religious prestige and military significance.

Located at the meeting of two important rivers – the Rhine and the Main – Mainz was a pivotal hub for defense, trade and religion for nearly 2,000 years. Mainz Cathedral was an important seat of the Holy Roman Empire and the Archbishop here was the Pope's representative in Germany. Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable-type printing press in Mainz.

Come and trace the centuries with a visit to a Roman fort, ancient ships, medieval marketplaces and town gates, timber-framed houses in the Old Town, Chagall’s windows at St. Stephens Church and more.

We visit all the highlights of Mainz plus some secret places as well. Without a guide, you would see just a fraction of what is included on this tour. More detailed than any guidebook or audio commentary and more relaxing than struggling with a map on your own. As we walk I talk about Mainz's history, with fascinating stories about the its Roman, Celtic, Catholic, Protestant, Templar, French and Nassauean influences.

Famous people of Mainz

In this 3-hour guided walk we visit:

Magnificent St Martin’s Dom, a fine Romanesque cathedral established in the year 950 - a sacred cathedral of pilgrimage even today.
The stunning Chagall Windows, the modern stained-glass additions to the Gothic church of St Stephens, built around 1250.
Statue of St Boniface, the cathedral's founder. The cloister of the Dom contains the Diocesan Treasury Museum.
Mainz Altstadt with its winding alleys and open squares, has several lovingly-restored half-timbered houses dating from the 1500s.
Seminary Church of St Augustine with its incredible Baroque interior and ceiling paintings, which survived the second world war intact. The seminary has been operating since the 13th century.
Citadel on the Jakobsberg, built over the Roman garrison - a baroque bastion erected after the Thirty Years War.
Excavations of the ancient Roman garrison including the giant 9AD monument for Drusus - stepson of Emperor Augustus.
Current archaeological excavations uncovering the largest Roman Stage Theatre north of the alps!
Holzturm, an enormous town gate where Schinder Hannes was held captive before execution. Traces of Mainz's old city wall can still be found close to the Rhine.
Fort Malakoff, the fortress where the River Main meets the Rhine.
The Mainz embankment - perfect for strolling.
Germany's oldest Renaissance Market Fountain, dating from 1526.
Palace of the Roman Emperor, where Mozart once performed.
Holy Ghost Hospital, a medieval square dating from 1236.
Baroque church of Saint Ignatius, with crucifixion sculpture by Hans Backoffen.
Outline of the Church of Our Lady in the Liebfrauenplatz.
Gutenberg statue and the Lettern Memorial, celebrating Mainz's most famous son, Johannes Gutenberg. His invention of a printing press with movable type revolutionised the spread of knowledge, which is why he has been called 'The Man of the Millenium'.
Traces of Mainz's Carnival celebrations, launched on 11 November and culminating in early February in 'Fasching'.
Option of coffee + cake in a market square café.
From 25 November to 23 December 2012, our tour includes a stop at the magical Christmas Market.

This is a 3-hour easy walking tour. Conducted in English, by a native English speaker.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
For groups and individuals
Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of up to 4 people)
Groups of all sizes are possible
Transport and entry fees are extra, if applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point

On Platform 4 of 'Mainz Römisches Theater' train station: How to Get to Mainz Römisches Theater train station OR Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station OR at your Hotel in Wiesbaden or Mainz.

About Susan

Reviews

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After the walking tour you might like to visit one of Mainz's museums:

Sacred Site of Isis
(Taberna Archaelogica, Römerpassage)

Foundations of this ancient Roman temple to Isis were found during excavation of a car park. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Closed Sundays. Free entry.

Gutenberg Museum
Gives a history of printing press technologies.

The Gutenberg Bible which can be viewed in a walk-in safe in this museum is worth squillions. Open Tues-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 11am-3pm. Closed Mondays. Entry €5 adults.

Roman Germanic Museum
(Römisch-Germanische Zentralmuseum)
Ancient Celtic-Germanic and Roman artifacts found near Mainz. Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Mondays. Entry €4 adults.

Museum of Ancient Sea Travel (Antike Schifffahrt)
Maritime artifacts and reconstructions of ancient ships recently found in the area (while digging the foundations of the Hilton hotel!). Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Mondays. Free entry. [Museum is currently closed until October 2011].

State Museum (Landesmuseum)
Art from stone age to present day. Historical monuments, porcelain, painting, glass. Open Tues 10am-8pm; Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Entry €5 adults.

Cathedral Museum and Treasury (Dom Diözesan und Schatzmuseum)
Religious art and costumery. Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Entry €5 adults for both museums.

Kupferberg Museum
Cultural history of Sekts - sparkling wines - in the art nouveau cellars in one of Germany's oldest manufacturers. Collection of 600 historical glasses. Guided tours by arrangement www.kupferberg.de

Worms walking tour

2010-08-18T15:20:00.232+02:00

Meeting in Wiesbaden or Mainz, we can travel together by train to Worms.

Worms is a must see destination for anyone interested in the Reformation, Judaism, German history, or the Nibelungen legend.

Worms has a strong claim to being the oldest city in Germany, with a history of ancient Celtic (c. 5,000 BC) and Roman settlement (1st century AD). In 800 AD it was the site of Charlemagne’s winter palace. Legend says the Nibelungen story took place in Worms, as described in the epic poem that was the basis for Wagner's 'Ring' operas.

Since Worms' first Bishop in 614 AD, the city has been an important ecclesiastical centre with numerous monastic orders and five Romanesque churches including the beautiful imperial Cathedral. Worms was the central city of the Shum - the birthplace of liberal Judaism - with a medieval Synagogue, mikvah and the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe - completely intact. And Worms was the site of the famous speech Martin Luther made before the Holy Roman Emperor that sparked the Reformation.

In this walking tour we trace the city of Worms’ history across two millennia. We visit all the city’s highlights and some secret places too. Without a guide, you would see just a fraction of what is included on this tour. More detailed than any guidebook or audio commentary and more relaxing than struggling with a map on your own. As we walk I talk about the long history of Worms, its legends, triumphs, tragedies and contemporary German life.

In this 3-hour guided walk we visit:

Magnificent Worms Cathedral, a fine High-Romanesque cathedral, built 1125-1181 and miraculously surviving destruction during WW II. Crypt contains important burials. Stained glass windows tell the story of Worms. An ornate Baroque choir depicts musical instruments carved and gilded.
Site of Martin Luther's famous speech before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, at the famous Diet of Worms in 1521. Refusing to retract his views with the memorable words, ‘Here I stand, I can do no other!' - the heretic monk was excommunicated but the ideas of the Reformation continued to spread.
Impressive Reformation Monument to Luther and other giants of the Reformation movement, erected with contributions from Lutheran communities all over the world.
Judengasse and the winding lanes in the medieval Jewish quarter of Worms. Jewish inhabitants made up as much as one third of the population of Worms. They called the city Vermayze.
Oldest extant Synagogue in Europe, built in 1034. The medieval building was desecrated by the Nazi in 1938, but has since been carefully reconstructed.
Rare old Mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), dating from 1186.
Rashi House: the schoolhouse of this great Rabbi is now preserved as the medieval Jewish Museum.
Holy Sands, the Jewish Cemetery with burials from 1076. This is the oldest Jewish Cemetery in Europe. The green, peaceful grounds of the cemetery are home to more than 2,000 tombstones. (Adult male visitors are asked to wear a hat or cap when walking here.)
St Pauls church with its unique medieval tower of Jerusalem.
St. Martins church, a beautiful Romanesque Parish church, thought to be built over the dungeon that held Saint Martin of Tours.
St Magnus, a Carolingian church now serving the Protestant congregation.
Holy Trinity church, with its amazing evangelical interior design.
Site of the former Hohenstaufen palace
Medieval town walls and gates
Site of the argument between the two heroines of the Nibelungen story - Kriemhild and Brunhild - whose jealousies led to the battles between Siegfried, Gunther, Hagen and Attila the Hun. Their names can be found everywhere in Worms. Legend tells us the Rhine Gold still lies buried in the local river!
From 21 November to 23 December 2011 we also visit the lovely Worms Christmas Market.

Optional museums:

Nibelungen Museum

This new-concept museum is located in the evocative ruins of the old city wall and tower. As you walk around the ruin, an audio guide describes the mythical Song of the Nibelungen at various reference stations. Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-6pm. Closed Mon. Entry Adults €5,50 Children €3,50 (includes audio guide)

Worms City Museum

The City Museum is housed inside the cloister attached to the lovely Romanesque St Andrew's Church. All the main events in Worms' long history are on display here. A large town model from the 1600s is interesting to compare with the city today. There are Roman, medieval and modern tombstones and statuary. Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mon. Entry Adults €2 Children €1 (Special exhibitions €3, 1,50)

Jewish Museum

Built over the house and school of the significant medieval Jewish scholar Rashi. Exhibits about Jewish history of Worms starting with medieval parchment in which King Henry IV exempted the ‘Jews and all other citizens of Worms’ from paying taxes. Upper floors contain city archives. Open (Apr—Oct) Tue-Sun 10am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm. Closed Mon. Entry Adults € 1,50 Children 80 cents

Heylshof Museum

The Heylshof palace, built in 1884, contains an impressive art collection of fine porcelain, paintings, small sculptures, and colorful medieval stained glass. The garden is also lovely. Open (May—Sept) Tues-Sun 11am-5pm; (Oct—April) Tues-Sat 2pm-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm; (1 Jan—4 Feb) closed. Closed Mon. Entry Adults €2,50 Children 50 cents

This is a 3-hour easy walking tour.

If we allow approximately 1 hour travel time in each direction (from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Frankfurt), breaks for lunch/snacks, and optional museum visits, a full day trip to Worms usually takes around 5-7 hours in total.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of up to 4 people)
Transport and entry fees are extra, if applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point
We usually meet at Mainz Hauptbahnhof and travel to Worms together by train.
Other starting points can usually be arranged eg. Frankfurt, Wiesbaden.
Meeting you in Worms requires an extra €30 fee to cover my solo travel and transport costs from Wiesbaden.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Speyer walking tour

2010-08-18T14:08:00.502+02:00

Meeting in Wiesbaden or Mainz, we travel to Speyer together by train.

Speyer is a delightful town on the Rhine with an impressive medieval and religious history.

The stunning Dom of Speyer is the largest of the three great Imperial Romanesque Cathedrals of Germany (the other two are in Mainz and Worms). Speyer Historical Museum contains the mysterious Golden Hat of Schifferstadt along with other Celtic, Roman and medieval treasures. The Jewish quarter of Speyer has an ancient Jewish ritual bath and the remains of a medieval Synagogue. The term 'Protestant' originates from Speyer, at a meeting with the Holy Roman Emperor in 1529 when 6 princes and 14 imperial cities protested the bans against Martin Luther and religious freedom.

Our walking tour traces the Speyer's significant medieval history and its ancient Germanic roots. As we walk I talk about the history of Speyer and contemporary German life.

On this 2-3 hour easy walking tour of Speyer we visit:

Stunning Speyer Cathedral - a UNESCO heritage site and the largest of Germany's three Imperial Romanesque Cathedrals. Building began in 1030 under Emperor Konrad II. Speyer Dom survived destruction by the French armies in 1689 and is today considered one of the finest examples of High Romanic architecture in Germany.
Crypt under Speyer Dom - the largest accessible Crypt in Germany. Eight Salian Emperors and Kings are buried here.
Speyer Cathedral also displays a number of Holy Relics
Pilgrim statue to mark the Speyer's place on the way to the Santiago de Compostela
Old Town Gate tower, dating from 1150
Jewish quarter, where we visit an intact Mikvah (ritual bath) dating from 1126
Ruins of the Synagogue, destroyed during Kristallnacht
Optional: medieval Jewish museum, which preserves special graves and artifacts
Historical museum of the Rhineland-Palatinate - which displays fabulous treasures in its permanent collection, including: the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt (1300 BC); the oldest sealed wine bottle in Germany (300 AD); the burial crowns and jewellery of the Salian Emperors (1024-1125); other items from the cathedral treasury
Trinity Church, with its special Protestant-designed interior
Option for lunch at a traditional brewery house
From 21 November 2011 to 8 January 2012 we visit the Speyer Christmas Market

Optional museums:

Historical Museum of the Rhineland-Palatinate

Along viewing the substantial permanent collection, you might like to stay longer and explore the excellent State Historical Museum's additional program of temporary exhibitions. Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Mondays. Entry adults €8, children €1, family ticket €18. (Special exhibitions require an extra fee.) The Salian Dynasty (10 April - 30 October2011). Master Works from Ancient Egypt (11 March - 2 September 2012).

Technical Museum

Huge indoor/outdoor collection of aircraft, classic cars, locomotives and fire engines. Highlights of the Technical Museum include: an original BURAN spaceshuttle; the largest space flight exhibition in Europe; a (tilted!!) Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet you can walk through; the submarine U9; a former German Navy submarine, and a gigantic Russian Antonov AN-22 cargo plane. Open daily 10am-6pm. Entry adults €10,50, children €8,50. IMAX adults €7,50, children €5,50. Combi-tickets adults €15,00, children €10,50.

Wilhelmsbau Museum

Inside a lovely old building, the Wilhelmsbau Museum contains a unique collection of automatic musical instruments including self-playing violins, automatic pianos, flute clocks and dance-band machines. Also a large collection of clothing, uniforms, dolls and rare objects from several bygone eras: Art Nouveau, Roaring Twenties, Rock'n'Roll. Open daily 11am-6pm. Entry included in Technical Museum ticket.

Sea Life

Speyer Sea Life contains over 3,000 animals in over 40 fascinating displays. Highlights include: Cuban crocodiles - unique within Germany; Sea Turtle Marty - who lives in the tropical ocean tank; the curious Octopus called Stöpsel; an interactive Rockpool (where you can touch a Starfish, hold a Crab); daily feedings. Open everyday 10am-6pm. Entry adults €12,75, children €8,50, family ticket €39,50.

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This is a day trip with a 2-3 hour easy walking tour of Speyer. If we allow approximately 1.5 hours travel time in each direction (from Wiesbaden or Mainz), and breaks for lunch/snacks, the full day trip usually takes around 5-7 hours total. Let me know if you wish to visit the optional museums - the Wilhelmsbau and Technical Museums are especially worthwhile! We can adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of up to 4 people)
Transport and entry fees are extra, if applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for warm drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera!

Meeting point

We usually meet at Mainz Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and travel to Speyer together.

Other starting points can usually be arranged eg. Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Worms.

Meeting you in Speyer requires an extra €30 fee to cover my solo travel and transport costs from Wiesbaden.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Frankfurt walking tour

2010-08-18T13:00:00.040+02:00

Frankfurt is a city of striking contrasts: a bustling metropolis with a romantic heart.

Frankfurt Am Main is a modern city on the Main river with a stunning skyline of skyscrapers. Frankfurt has Germany's stock exchange and a vibrant corporate culture with scores of international banks, offices, logistics companies. It is the throbbing financial centre of Europe and headquarters of the European Central Bank.

Meanwhile, Frankfurt's old town has ancient Roman ruins, winding medieval streets, historically significant churches, Renaissance murals in am open cloister, an elegant opera house, iron bridge, river promenade, cosy cafes, romantic half-timbered houses and an open square.

On our guided walk we visit all the highlights of Frankfurt and some secret places too. Without a guide, you would see just a fraction of what is included here. More interesting than following a guidebook or audio commentary, more fun than struggling on your own. As we walk, I tell you about Frankfurt 's fascinating history and famous people, with stories about the city's glory days and contemporary life.

On this 3-hour guided walk we see all Frankfurt's highlights including:

Römerberg, the old city square with its pretty half-timbered houses
Römer, Frankfurt’s impressive town hall since 1405
Frankfurt’s own ‘Bridge of Sighs’

Goethe Haus, birth house of Germany's greatest playwright - now a museum
Hauptwache, the city’s former watch-house
Archäologische Garten, with excavated Roman ruins dating back to 70 AD
Alte Oper, Frankfurt’s old opera house, known for decades after WW2 as ‘the most beautiful ruin in Europe’
Eiserner Steg, the 170 metre-long metal footbridge over the Main river, built 1868
Struwwelpeter statue
Oskar Schindler’s last apartment
Kleinmarkthalle the indoor farmers market - a delight for the senses with fresh produce, flowers, tempting chocolates, pastries and bread (closed Suns and public hols)
Nizza, Frankfurt’s ‘riviera’
Zeil shopping street

Kaiserdom, the imperial cathedral of Frankfurt, built in the gothic style and dedicated to St Bartholomew. Holy Roman Emperors were crowned here 1562 to 1792.
Paulskirche, site of Germany’s failed democratic parliament of 1848
Alte Nikolaikirche, one of the oldest churches in Frankfurt, dating from 1140
St. Leonhardskirche, church built in late romanic-early gothic style
Katharinenkirche, the Lutheran church with the elegant steeple

Börse, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange - home of the DAX index - and famous bull and bear statues
Skyscrapers such as the European Central Bank, Commerzbank (designed by Norman Foster) and others that have earned Frankfurt the nickname, 'Mainhattan'
Fressgass – street of many restaurants
€uro monument
Hauptbahnhof 19th century train station

Judengasse, site of the medieval Jewish ghetto
Holocaust Memorial Wall, at the old Jewish cemetery
Jewish Museum, exploring Jewish life in Frankfurt from the middle ages onwards
Stolpersteine, commemorating individual Jewish citizens of Frankfurt who were murdered by the Nazis during WW2

Karmeliterkloster, the former Carmelite cloister which now houses the archaeological museum and city archives
Ratgeb murals, in the cloister we see the extraordinary (recently-restored) murals by the Renaissance artist Jörg Ratgeb

Options

You might like to visit the Main Tower observation deck, or climb the Kaiserdom Church Tower, for spectacular views over the city (at small extra cost). Let me know and I can include these as stops on the walk.
There will be plenty of opportunities along the way to stop at cafés or sample local street foods. All food and drinks are optional and at own cost.

Bookings

Tour bookings are available on request
For groups and individuals
Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of up to 4 people)
Groups of all sizes are possible
Transport and entry fees are extra, if applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on day of the week, time of the year, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
If you have mobility issues I can suggest some options
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for warm drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point

We can meet at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) OR your hotel in Frankfurt, Wiesbaden or Mainz OR under the giant €uro symbol at Willy-Brandt-Platz in Frankfurt.

Secret Frankfurt

An alternative to the tour described above is the Secret Frankfurt tour - a day-long tour that covers more unusual historical treasures in Frankfurt. Emphasis is on tracing Frankfurt's history through its famous philosophers, artists, authors, composers, designers and architects. This tour appeals to academics, student groups and people with a deep interest in history or philosophy. This tour also appeals to people who have been to Frankfurt many times but never had the chance to look beyond the city's corporate and Römer attractions.

About Susan

Reviews

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After the tour

You might like to continue exploring Frankfurt on your own.

Frankfurt always has a lot to offer. Frankfurt Tourist Office has helpful details about museums, events and hotel packages. Some of this city's many fabulous museums include: contemporary art, old masters, architecture, natural history, sculpture, film, trams, comics, archaeology, applied arts, Jewish culture, communications, money, city history... Frankfurt also has a reputation for festivals, food and culture. There is almost always a fun festival going-on at one of the city's many green areas (especially in summer). Youth concerts, classical music, apple wine, fireworks, wine and wurst abound.

Paris in a Day (or two)

2010-08-17T16:44:00.391+02:00

Private tour
Fully escorted
Traveling by high-speed train
From Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mainz or Mannheim
To Paris and return

One Day tour

Departs 6am, returns 11pm same day

We are in Paris from 10am to 7pm.

Two Day (overnight) extended option
Departs 6am, returns 9pm next day
Boat cruise dinner on first evening and walking tour of Montmartre on day two.

Paris is the City of Lights, of artists, writers, belle epoque buildings, art nouveau decor, art, fashion, food, film and many important historical events. Paris was undamaged by bombing during WW2 so its beautiful old architecture remains intact. Paris seduces all its visitors with its extraordinary charm and mystique. You too will fall in love with this incredible city!

Movies set in Paris - to get you in the mood (link)
Paris from the sky - by Yann Arthus-Bertrand (link)

This is a private tour with a personal guide who will be your companion for the day.

Let me show you some of my favorite sites. We visit the highlights of Paris and some secret places too. Without a guide, you would see just a fraction of what is included here. Along with Paris' famous sights, I show you interesting details that capture the spirit and history of this amazing city.

As we walk, I tell you about the city's history, events and people. I show old photos of the places we visit, aerial views, famous paintings and movies made there. We aim to bring the past to life!

People we talk about include: Napoleon, Marie Antoinette, Picasso, Degas, Renoir, Manet, Van Gogh, Jane Avril, Stendhal, J.L. David, Joan of Arc, Louis Daguerre, Gertrude Stein, J-P Sartre, Heinrich Heine, Gustave Eiffel, Toulouse-Lautrec, Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, Yves Klein, Vali Myers, Princess Diana ...

We want to experience life as a real Parisienne! We zip around Paris by metro, public buses and on foot. We stop at boulangeries and cafés for snacks.

We stroll the streets of Paris absorbing its ambiance. We can pause for a break when you need one. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos, and some shopping too.

I have designed a streamlined itinerary so you won't feel rushed. If there is something in particular you want to see, let me know in advance and perhaps we can weave it into our schedule.

We don't visit inside any museums on this trip (the Louvre alone needs a day!). Nor do we take tourist-buses, bicycles or walking tours that soak up time lots of time without much depth.

How it works

I book our train tickets and meet you at the train station of Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mainz or Mannheim. Together we take the ICE Sprinter train to Paris (top speed 328kph/204mph, journey time less than 4 hours each way). Trains are spacious and comfortable. There is a dining car on board. Bring a book, e-reader, MP3 player (+ cables as there are sockets at your seat to recharge). You might also use the time to write postcards or catch some sleep.

One Day tour includes:

Notre-Dame Cathedral a wonderful example of early gothic architecture, famous for its gargoyles and Victor Hugo's story of the hunchback (with time to visit inside the church)
Arc de Triomphe built to commemorate Napoleon's victories (we climb to the top for stunning views over Paris)
Eiffel Tower built for the World's Fair in 1889 (we do not climb the tower unless you request it - the queues are enormous)
Champs Elysees one of the world's best known shopping avenues
Pont Alexander III the most elegantly decorated bridge in Paris
Gourmet formule lunch at a traditional French restaurant
Louvre a former palace and now one of the largest museums in the world
Pyramid du Louvre designed by the modernist architect I.M. Pei
Arc du Carrousel another victory arch built by Napoleon, now with charming shops underneath
Tuileries the formal Renaissance gardens in the elegant first district
Ile St Louis and Ile de la Cite site of the earliest inhabitants of Paris and now a beautiful walking district
Seine promenade with lovely views
Place de la Concorde site of over 1,300 executions by guillotine during the French Revolution
Latin quarter with its winding medieval lanes, churches, cafes and shops
Pont Neuf actually the oldest bridge in Paris
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps the famous department stores with their beautiful art nouveau cupolas (optional - only if you would like to do more shopping)

Two Day tour additional activities:

Seine River Boat Cruise with Gourmet Dinner. A magical dinner cruise on the river Seine, with violin and piano music. We eat at tables beneath huge curved glass windows, with stunning views of Paris buildings flood-lit at night. As we cruise we see the Eiffel Tower, Concorde, Louvre, St-Jacques Tower, Hotel de Ville, Conciergerie, Notre-Dame cathedral, Hotel de Sens, Ile St-Louis, Ile de la Cite, Musee d'Orsay, Palais Bourbon, Invalides, Palais de Chatelet, Pont Neuf.
Montmartre. On day two we have a walking tour of the bohemian village of Montmartre with its winding streets, steps and romantic views. Picasso, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Braque, Modigiliani, Utrillo, Van Gogh, Dali and other artists had their here. The Folies Berger, Moulin de la Gallette and Moulin Rouge were famous nightspots.
Activities today include lunch at an artisan bakery, a visit to impressive Sacre Coeur cathedral and photos on the famous Montmartre steps, and spectacular views of Paris from the Sacre Coeur hilltop. We take a walking tour through picturesque Montmartre cemetery to discover some of the famous burials including dancers, artists, writers, poets and composers.
Option: if you would like we can have time today for shopping at Galeries Lafayette or Printemps department stores.
Hotel. We usually stay in an historical 4-star hotel with fabulous rooftop views. Rooms are simple but clean. Breakfast is typical continental style. If you would like to upgrade to a suite, or would prefer to stay in a modern chain-brand hotel, I can quote on extra costs.

Prices (per person)

One Day tour
€899
€599 (2 pax)
€499 (3-4 pax)

Two Day (overnight) option

€1799

€1129 (2 pax sharing hotel room)

€920 (3 pax sharing hotel room)

What is included

Train tickets with seat reservations (Frankfurt/Paris/Frankfurt)
We usually take ICE super-fast sprinter trains
Fully escorted train travel
Guided walking tours of each district we visit
Coffee/drink at traditional Parisienne café
Traditional lunch-menu at a French restaurant (One-day option only)
All metro and bus fares
Entry to Arc de Triomphe viewing platform
An experienced guide who is with you all day
Gourmet dinner boat cruise (Two-day option only)
4-star hotel, breakfast included (Two-day option only)
Montmartre funiculaire (Two-day option only)
Pique-nique lunch from a boulangerie with your choice of panini, drink and cake (Two-day option only)

Exclusions

Food and drinks (unless specified)
Souvenirs, personal shopping
Taxi from your hotel to train station and return (your choice)

What to bring

Bring along as little as necessary, but be prepared for changes in weather
A fold-up umbrella is handy
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Don't forget your camera!
E-book reader and MP3 player plus chargers for the train journeys
Bring along your passport, but keep cash, cards, jewelery to a minimum. I prefer a shoulder bag that crosses the body; if you have a backpack, carry it in front of you. In Paris I wear a money belt.
I have never been a victim of crime, but Paris is a city where you need to be careful. The US Embassy has safety tips for avoiding pick-pockets.
For the boat cruise dinner: smart dress code (men wear jacket and tie, no jeans or sports shoes)

Bookings

Private tours, available on request
Suitable for individuals, couples, families, groups
Itinerary may vary depending on weather, day of week and your preferred pace
In the unlikely event that trains are delayed or canceled, we will adapt our schedule to make best possible use of the time. Refunds are not possible.
I tour in all weather (in my mind there's no such thing as a bad day for Paris!)
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Deposit of €300 pp secures your booking (payment by cash, Paypal, or bank transfer). Non-refundable if you cancel.
Remaining payment is by cash on the day.

About Susan

An Australian artist and art historian with a PhD in photographic history, I lived in Paris for a year and is a confirmed francophile. I currently live in the Rhineland, Germany where I conduct English-speaking walking tours. So many of my guests have asked how to fit Paris into their tight schedules that I decided to offer tours to this magical city from February 2012.

Reviews

Rudesheim day tour

2010-08-17T08:24:00.449+02:00

Meeting in Wiesbaden or Mainz, we travel together by train to Rüdesheim.

Rüdesheim is a delightful Rhine village famous for its wine and brandy.

This day trip includes short walking tours of the quaint wine villages of Rüdesheim and Assmannshausen. In season, a cable car ride, chair lift ride and gentle hike through peaceful German woodlands offer spectacular views over the Rhine vineyards. Options include a visit to Castle Rheinstein, a wine-making museum, and a mechanical musical instruments museum. This tour is popular with adults and children alike.

This is usually a full day excursion, with many options for different activities including:

Walking tour of Rüdesheim (the village is UNESCO world heritage listed) with its many half-timbered houses, including the Klunkhardshof which dates from the early 1500s.
Stroll down the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone pedestrian street with with beautifully decorated wine taverns and courtyards.
Many cafes, restaurants, pubs and wine taverns to choose from with options for lunch or snacks.
Lovely gift and souvenir shops
Even a shop where it is Christmas 365 days a year!
Option to sample some wines or a Rüdesheim coffee - made with local brandy, flamed at the table!
You can buy delicious locally-made chocolates filled with Asbach brandy - another Rüdesheim specialty.
We take an historical Cable Car ride over vineyards, with spectacular views of the Rhine. Many people tell me this was their favourite thing in Germany!
At the top of the Niederwald mountain, we visit the impressive statue of 'Germania' which celebrates Germany's unification in 1871.
Short woodlands walk through Taunus forest (30 minutes gentle hike over flat ground, easy path) to the Niederwald Hunting Lodge.
In summer we ride a gorgeous chair lift down to a romantic little medieval village. Lovely views over the Rhine and vineyards!
From 21 November to 23 December 2011, our tour includes a visit to the magical Rüdesheim Christmas Market.

Optional visit (summer months only): Burg Rheinstein

An impressive castle built into steep rocks high above the Rhine. Built early 1300s, destroyed by King Louis XIV, and reconstructed in the early 19th century, it is considered a wonderful example of the romantic period, with neo-gothic apartment towers, turrets, terraces and iron stairways. Inside are stained glass windows, fireplaces, knights' hall and armor.

Optional museums in Rüdesheim:

1. Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Instruments Inside the medieval Brömserhof, a beautiful old building where the Rüdesheim Knights used to meet. The Brömserhof now houses a museum of 250 self-playing pianolas, organs, flute clocks, glockenspiels, music-boxes. The musical instruments are played for visitors. The building itself has many fascinating details including a painted ceiling with crests of all the knights. Open March-December. Entry €6 adults, €3 children.

2. Wine Museum Inside the Brömserburg Castle which dates form the 10th century. Once part of the town's fortification wall, its cellar walls are one metre thick. Museum exhibition gives the history of winemaking from the Roman era to the present day. Open March-October. Entry €5 adults, €3 children.

3. Abbey of St Hildegard

Just outside the town is the Abbey of contemporary nuns from the order founded by Hildegard of Bingen. The Abbey Church interior is exquisitely decorated with beautiful painted murals. For more details see also the Hildegard of Bingen hiking tour. Entry donation €2 adults.

We travel by train from Wiesbaden, Frankfurt or Mainz.

Itinerary
Itinerary will vary depending on the time of year because the cable car operates only from late March to end of October and during Christmas markets, and the chair lift only from April to October.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of up to 4 people)
Groups of all sizes are possible
Transport and entry fees are extra
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferences and I will calculate exact costs
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather
Please wear suitable clothing for some walking and don't forget your camera

Meeting point
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station OR depending where you are staying, we can meet at your Hotel.

About Susan
I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Rhine day tours

2010-08-17T08:20:00.457+02:00

Visit one or several castles along the Middle Rhine
Stopping to explore quaint villages
Itinerary tailored to your personal interests
Making the most of your limited timeframe, without feeling rushed
Choose from a variety of additional activities and attractions
For groups or individuals
Guided by a native English speaker

Rhine Castles

More than 40 castles and fortresses line the 70-kilometre stretch of Rhine river between Wiesbaden/Mainz and Koblenz - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of the most famous are:

Marksburg, Burg Klopp, Rheinstein,

Ehrenfels, Schönburg, Reichenstein,

Burg Sooneck, Pfalzgrafenstein, Rheinfels,

Stahleck, Mäuseturm, Gutenfels, Lahneck, Burg Katz, Burg Maus, Bromserburg

Most were destroyed in the 1700s by King Louis XIV of France, who wanted ultimate control over the Rhine. A few remain intact. Several have been renovated to become romantic hotels, youth hostels and restaurants. Many are now picturesque ruins.

Some can be toured, others can only be admired from a distance. All have unique histories which come alive with stories about their original owners, and the myths and legends that haunt this region.

I can design a day tour to visit one or several castles, plus other attractions/activities along the way. There is so much to see and do in this part of Germany. Charming wine-growing villages dot along the Rhine, with half-timbered houses, medieval towers, town walls, wineries.

Depending on your interests, age, fitness and preferences, you might enjoy:

Boat Cruise

with romantic views of castles, villages and vineyards, and the Loreley gorge

Beautiful old village churches

with wall paintings, reliquary and architecture: romanesque, medieval, gothic, renaissance, baroque, neo-classical...

Museums

such as a Wine Museum, a Mechanical Music Museum

Abbeys and cloisters
including the abbeys of Hildegard of Bingen

Nature walks

of any length - from 20 minutes to 5 hours!
Hiking options include the Rheinsteig, Rheinburgenweg and Rheinhohenweg trails. Shorter hikes to look-out points. Leisurely strolls can be enjoyed everywhere.

Cable car rides and chair lifts

over vineyards with spectacular views of the Rhine

Options for lunch or snacks include fresh bread at a local bakery, to 'Kaffee und Kuchen' at a Castle terrace café, to lunch at a village winery

Visit one or several of the small villages along the Rhine
with their own special charms: peaceful town squares, fabulous views over the Rhine, half-timbered houses, ancient town walls and towers, quaint shops and curiosities.

The legendary Loreley on the Rhine
described in the beautiful folk song Die Lorelei

Let me design a 'perfect day' for you - a wonderful, memorable experience of the Rhine - and be your guide. I will make sure we keep to schedule while taking every advantage of sights along the way while you just relax and enjoy.

Itineraries
Individual itineraries are created to match your needs and interests. Send me an Email with your dates, time limitations, ideas and preferences, and I will offer some day plans.

Are you interested in touring an intact castle? Or exploring a rambling fortress ruin? Would you enjoy a boat cruise? Do you like hiking? Active excursions? Limited mobility? Are there children in your group of different ages? What would you like for lunch?

Travel
We usually travel by a combination of local train, river boat, shuttle train, ferry and on foot.
I tour in all weather. Choose suitable clothing, comfortable shoes and don't forget your camera!

Prices

Tours are priced according to numbers and itinerary. Reduced prices for children.
Prices begin at €140 plus travel costs and entry fees. Payment is by cash on the day.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Fortress Rheinfels

2010-08-17T07:56:00.011+02:00

Burg Rheinfels was the largest castle fortress on the Rhine. It is now a fabulous rambling hilltop ruin.

On this tour we visit the enormous, picturesque ruins of Rheinfels Castle. Dating from 1245 and was expanded many times before being destroyed by the French in 1689. We wander freely around this amazing historical hilltop fortress. The Romantic poets and painters (including Turner) visited this castle ruin. Bring a flashlight, if you have one, for exploring the incredible underground tunnels. We also visit the Rheinfels Castle Museum, with a model of the intact fortress and a collection of medieval objects.

We cross the Rhine River by boat, near the famous Loreley.

The haunting legend of the Loreley is captured in the beautiful folk song, with words by the 19th c, German poet, Heinrich Heine.

Listen here: Die Lorelei

Our day includes short walks through lovely German woodlands. We visit a sacred village church with beautiful medieval frescos.

Option to walk up to a lookout point with excellent views of Burg Katz, a renovated medieval castle on a hilltop.

Option for lunch at a traditional German village pub or castle terrace cafe.

Option to visit the Doll & Bear Museum.

Trains
On our journeys along the Rhine we will see many other castle ruins and pretty little villages nestled along the banks.

Itinerary

The itinerary can be adapted to suit individual interests. If you like, we can include a one hour boat cruise on the Rhine past the Loreley rock, instead of the ferry crossing.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour, total for up to 6 people
Transport and entry fees are extra, as applicable
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera
Bring a small torch if you have one (for exploring the tunnels)

Meeting point
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station
or Mainz Hauptbahnhof, or depending where you are staying we could meet at your hotel.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Castles Rheinfels & Reichenstein, & Rhine Views

2010-08-17T07:34:00.000+02:00

Burg Rheinfels
the largest castle fortress on the Rhine, now a fabulous rambling ruin.

Burg Reichenstein
a large medieval castle, spectacularly reconstructed in the neo-Gothic style.

This is a Full Day excursion

Tour of Burg Rheinfels
We visit the enormous, picturesque ruins of Rheinfels Castle, dating from 1245. It was destroyed by the French in 1689.

We can wander freely around this amazing historical hilltop fortress. Poets and painters (including JMW Turner) visited this romantic castle ruin.

Bring a flashlight, if you have one, for exploring the castle's incredible underground tunnels.

We also visit the Rheinfels Castle Museum, with a model of the intact fortress and a collection of medieval objects.

Option
We cross the Rhine River by boat, near the famous Loreley.

The haunting legend of the Loreley is captured in the beautiful folk song, with words by one of the most significant German poets of the nineteenth century, Heinrich Heine.

Listen here: Die Lorelei

And reach a lookout point with excellent views of Burg Katz, a renovated medieval castle on a hilltop.

Option

Tour of Burg Reichenstein

We explore this large and fascinating castle, with its stunning neo-Gothic architecture, terraces, towers and ramparts.

The castle's gothic interior is decorated with armour, strange furniture, and a bizarre collection of hunting trophies.

Our day includes short walks through lovely German woodlands.

We visit the sacred church of St Goar with its beautiful medieval frescos.

Option to visit the Doll & Bear Museum.

Options for snacks at traditional German village pubs or castle terrace cafes.

On our train journeys along the Rhine we will see many other castle ruins and pretty little villages nestled along the banks.

Itinerary

The itinerary can be adapted to suit individual interests. If you like, we can include a one hour boat cruise along the Rhine past the Loreley rock, instead of the ferry crossing. When we include Reichenstein Castle we do not normally have time for a boat trip.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour, total for up to 6 people
Transport and entry fees are extra, as applicable
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera
Bring a small torch if you have one (for exploring the tunnels)

Meeting point
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station
or Mainz Hauptbahnhof, or depending where you are staying we could meet at your hotel.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Marksburg Castle

2010-08-17T07:31:00.007+02:00

The 800-year-old Marksburg is regarded as the must-see castle on the Rhine.

Dating from 1117, the Marksburg is the only medieval hilltop fortress on the Middle Rhine that was never destroyed.

We visit the medieval Marksburg Castle, where we take a guided tour of its extensive rooms and fortifications.

[Note: we cannot always guarantee an English-language tour of the castle - although we will try!! Otherwise, the Marksburg castle will provide a booklet with English translation and I can help too.]

We see knights' armor, cannons, hand weapons, towers, chapel, heraldry, the castle keep, dining rooms, kitchen, yards, drawer bridge, torture chamber.

And enjoy spectacular views over the Rhine from the castle's hilltop vantage point.

Option for lunch at a terrace cafe.

Our train journey takes us past the famous Loreley rock.

Hear about the haunting legend captured in the beautiful folk song, The Loreley, with words by the great 19thc. German poet, Heinrich Heine. Die Lorelei

We see many spectacular castle ruins from the train window.
Charming little villages nestled on the Rhine look like dollhouses.

Many of these villages are filled with lovingly-restored half-timbered houses dating from the 1500s.

Train travel:
Our train journeys along the Rhine add up to about 2 hours. Our boat cruise takes about 1.5 hours.
[Note: This same route done entirely by tourist boat would take over 10 hours on board!! Everyone I have met who has taken one of the longer boat cruises along the Rhine has told me the day dragged. Only my father enjoyed his 6-hour Rhine boat cruise. But he was asleep most of the way... ]

German trains are spacious and comfy.
Windows are large. Atmosphere is quiet and restful. Heating is good in winter and air conditioning is cool in summer. There are toilets on board. Smoking is not permitted.

Itinerary
The Marksburg Castle is open throughout the year, although the Rhine cruise boats only operate from April to October.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour, total for up to 4 people
Transport and entry fees are extra, as applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point

Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station OR Mainz Hauptbahnhof OR depending where you are staying we can meet at your hotel.

Refreshments
Refreshments are available at the Marksburg Castle and at cafes and bakeries along the way. You are welcome to bring drinks and snacks along with you.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Marksburg Castle & Boat Cruise past the Loreley

2010-08-17T07:30:00.264+02:00

The 800-year-old Marksburg is regarded as the must-see castle on the Rhine.

Dating from 1117, the Marksburg is the only medieval hilltop fortress on the Middle Rhine that was never destroyed.

This is a Full Day excursion

We visit the incredible Marksburg Castle, where we take a guided tour of its extensive rooms and fortifications.

[Note: we cannot always guarantee to have an English-language tour of the castle - although we will try!! Otherwise, the Marksburg castle provides a good booklet with English translation and I will help too.]

We see knights' armor, cannons, hand weapons, towers, chapel, heraldry, the castle keep, dining rooms, kitchen, yards, drawer bridge, torture chamber.

And enjoy spectacular views over the Rhine from the castle's hilltop vantage point.

Option for lunch here at the terrace cafe.

From April to October, our day includes a delightful sightseeing boat trip along the Rhine River.

We see castle ruins along the river banks. And cruise past the famous Loreley rock.

Hear about the haunting legend captured in the beautiful folk song, The Loreley, with words by one of the greatest German poets of the nineteenth century, Heinrich Heine. Die Lorelei

On our journey by train we see many other spectacular castle ruins from the train window and boat.

Charming little villages nestled on the banks of the Rhine - from a distance they look like dollhouses.

Many of these villages are filled with lovingly-restored half-timbered houses dating from the 1500s.

Itinerary
The Marksburg Castle is open throughout the year, but the Rhine cruise boats only operate from April to October. If you would like to visit the Marksburg from November to March, I can suggest some alternatives to the boat trip.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour, total for up to 4 people
Transport and entry fees are extra, as applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point

Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station OR Mainz Hauptbahnhof OR depending where you are staying we can meet at your hotel.

Refreshments
Lunch and refreshments are available at the Marksburg Castle, on the cruise boat, and at various cafes and bakeries along the way. You are also welcome to bring a drink and snacks along with you.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Koblenz walking tour & Rhine Castles by train

2010-08-16T22:58:00.125+02:00

• Travel to Koblenz by train from Frankfurt, Wiesbaden or Mainz

• Past romantic Rhine villages, castles, fabulous scenery

• 2-hour walking tour of Koblenz

• Option for lunch at old Brewery

• Option to visit amazing Military Museum

• Perfect winter tour!

Koblenz

a delightful old town at the meeting of two great rivers, the Moselle and the Rhine, at the famous Deutsches Eck.

Koblenz is a fascinating historical city with some very special treasures!

In this 2-hour guided walk we visit:

Magnificent Romanic Church of Saint Castor, dating from 836AD
Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where a grand monument to the Kaiser celebrates Germany's unification twice!
Stronghold of the formidable Teutonic Knights (German Knights Templar)
Balduin Bridge over the Moselle river, dating from 1300s
River promenades with spectacular views of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Elegant Elector's Palace, built in 1185 around a Roman round tower
Birth-house of von Metternich, who presided at the Congress of Vienna
The city's baroque Mint, since 1667, in a lovely town square
Vier Türme: the four highly-decorated Renaissance houses
The Eye-roller (...wait and see...!)
Old Shop and Dance House - a department store from the 1400s
Romantic medieval winding streets and town squares
Florinskirche, a pillared basilica, built on Roman foundations
Option to take a Cable Car across the Rhine [closed until Spring 2012]
Cheeky Schangel Fountain
Old Town Hall, built over a Jesuit College from 1600s
Liebfrauenkirche, parish church built over Frankish foundations
Many quaint little shops and cosy cafes
18 November to 22 December 2011, we also visit the Koblenz Christmas Market.

Option for lunch or dinner at a cosy old Brewery Pub

Option to visit an extraordinary Military Equipment Museum!

Four floors of military equipment (mainly German WW2 and Cold War) including:

German Leopard tanks • Russian T55 tank • Russian MI-24 helicopter gunship • Fokker VAK 191-B and Lockhead F-104 Starfighter airplanes • Nebelwefer rocket launcher • guided missiles • naval guns • sea mines • prototype drones • anti-aircraft guns • amphibian VWs • jeeps • trucks • motorcyeles (BMW R-75 sidecar, Harley Davidson WLA 750, MZs...) • mobile bridge-makers • Seehund submarine... all viewable at close range (not behind glass or barriers)... plus a huge collection of pistols • machine guns • canons • radio equipment • night vision helmets • uniforms • insignia • camouflage suits. An enormous German tank sliced in half so you can walk through it is truly memorable! This is the second largest military museum in Germany (after Dresden), so it would take days to look at each item. But one hour is enough to see the really impressive vehicle exhibits.

Suggestion: some visitors in your group might prefer to explore Koblenz's lovely indoor shopping mall while others are at the Military Museum!! The mall is on our way to the museum.

Train past the Rhine Castles

more than 40 castles line the 70 km Middle Rhine Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As we travel, I point out the castles along the way and tell you their stories. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Some of the castles we see:

Klopp Castle
Burg Rheinstein
Ehrenfels
The Marksburg
Pfalzgrafenstein
Fortress Rheinfels
Castle Stahleck
The Mäuseturm
Burg Gutenfels
Lahneck Castle

Many of castles are now picturesque ruins while a few remain intact. Pretty villages line the valleys - from a distance they look like dollhouses.

We pass the famous Loreley, of the haunting German folksong with words by Heinrich Heine. Listen here: Die Lorelei

Rick Steves video about the Rhine Castles here

Trains:

Journey is around 90 mins in each direction, traveling on opposite banks there and back. Trains run faster, more often than the tourist ships on the Rhine and operate throughout the year (sightseeing boats stop over winter). This same route by tourist boat takes over 13 hours on board...!!! [Only my father enjoyed his 6-hour Rhine boat cruise. But he was asleep most of the way... ]

German train seats are spacious and comfy. Windows are large. Atmosphere is quiet and restful. You can get up and move around. There are toilets on board. You can bring snacks and drinks if you like.

During the cold months, train travel is especially warm and cosy. We can take off our coats, sit back, and watch the world out the window transformed by snow into a winter wonderland!

This is a day trip with a 2-hour easy walking tour in Koblenz. If we allow approximately 1.5 hours travel time in each direction (from Wiesbaden or Mainz), breaks for lunch/snacks, and optional museum visits, the full day trip usually takes around 7 hours total.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
For groups and individuals
Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of up to 4 people)
Groups of all sizes are possible
Transport and entry fees are extra, if applicable
Itinerary may need to vary depending on the time of year, day of week, weather and how much time we have
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
If you have mobility issues I can suggest some options
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for warm drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point
Inside the Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station OR Mainz Hauptbahnhof OR depending where you are staying we can meet at your Hotel.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Eberbach Abbey

2010-08-16T09:50:00.037+02:00

Eberbach Abbey is a beautiful former Cistercian monastery set in a secluded forest near the Rhine.

Eberbach Abbey (Kloster Eberbach) is a significant heritage site, famous for its splendid religious architecture, which encodes the Cistercian religious philosophy. The interior scenes for the movie, 'The Name of the Rose,' were filmed here in 1986.

Founded in 1136, by Bernhard of Clairvaux, Kloster Eberbach is considered one of the most significant architectural heritage sites in Hesse, Germany.

With its beautiful Romanesque and early Gothic buildings, Eberbach Abbey has an aura of peaceful contemplation, combining historical, artistic and spiritual principles.

Because so many buildings in the monastery are intact, it was chosen as the location for the interior scenes of the film, 'The Name of the Rose', in the winter of 1985/86. The film starred Sean Connery and was based on the novel by Umberto Eco.

Buildings on the tour at Kloster Eberbach include the cloisters, chapter house, monk's dormitory, orangerie, wine cellars, portal gates, garden walls and the breathtaking Romanesque church.

The famous cloister fountain and the 'Swedish' tower.

Many interesting details have survived, such as this carved 'speaking crest'.

This is a 2-hour easy walking tour, plus approximately 40 minutes travel time in each direction, with some allowance for a lunch/snack stop. This makes the total tour time around 4 hours. It is also possible to combine Eberbach Abbey with nearby Eltville as a full day tour of approximately 6 hours.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour, total for up to 4 people
Transport and entry fees are extra, as applicable
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point:
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station
or depending where you are staying we could meet at your hotel.

About Susan:

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

Eltville Roses, Medieval Village and Tower

2010-08-16T09:39:00.031+02:00

Eltville is a quaint medieval village on the Rhine, famous for its timber-frame houses, impressive castle tower, sekt (sparkling wine) and roses.

Eltville has a charming old town, with lovingly-restored fachwerk houses dating from the 1400-1600s.

We can visit ruins of the Electors Castle, with their craggy walls and an impressive medieval tower we can climb.

We also visit:

The late-gothic St Peter and Paul Parish Church from the 1300s, with its significant frescoes

The Sebastian Tower, a vestige of the former medieval town fortifications.

The romantic Rose Garden in the castle moat is gorgeous. An album of photos of the Rose Society of Eltville can be found here. Roses grown in Eltville include many old and rare varieties.

More than 20,000 rose bushes - with enormous variations - display their beautiful scented blooms between June and November. Eltville is one of the four famous rose cities in Germany.

Magnificent villas and wine estates in the region are testament to the small town's historical significance and wealthy past.

Wineries, pubs, cafes and restaurants continue to flourish here in the present day. We have many options for lunch or a snack.

This is a 2-hour easy walking tour, plus approximately 40 minutes travel each direction, and some allowance for a lunch/snack stop. This makes the total tour time around 4 hours. It is also possible to combine Eltville with nearby Eberbach Abbey, as a full day tour of approximately 6 hours.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour, total for up to 4 people
Transport and entry fees are extra, as applicable
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station
or depending where you are staying we could meet at your hotel.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

The Hildegard of Bingen Trail

2010-08-15T09:47:00.215+02:00

Remote ruins, Medieval mandalas and Modern murals...

A tour tracing the life of the medieval mystic, Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179).

St. Hildegard was one of the most prolific writers of the medieval period, at a time when most women were illiterate. She was a talented composer whose music we still enjoy today. She was also an informed herbalist and an extraordinary visionary.

This tour offers several possibilities, including a hike to the remote hilltop ruins of Disibodenberg, the cloister in which Hildegard spent most of her life. It's in a wonderful hilltop location, amidst beautiful German woodlands. But if you would prefer a less strenuous activity, then we can visit just the Hildegard Exhibition in Bingen Museum and/or the modern Abbey of St. Hildegard in Eibingen, which she founded, and/or the Parish Church which holds her relics.

Disibodenberg Ruins

A hike to the stunning heritage site of Disibodenberg Cloister, situated on top of a remote green hillside, located by the Nahe River.

It was at this cloister that Hildegard began her religious vocation and spent 38 years of her life.

The extensive ruins of this once large monastic community are a joy to explore.

The stone buildings of Disibodenberg are gradually being reclaimed by nature. The site is quiet, tranquil and beautiful.

On the way to the ruins are sign-posted meditation stations and spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. A walking labyrinth has been created in the former cloister grounds.

Bird-life is abundant. We hike through shady woodlands.

Hildegard Exhibition

The Hildegard Museum on the Rhine has an exhibition of artworks illustrating her extraordinary visions.

Manuscript illuminations from Scivias (Know the Ways) by Hildegard of Bingen (Disibodenberg: 1151)

An outdoor herb garden has been planted here, with the healing herbs Hildegard studied and prescribed.

Abbey of St Hildegard

Across the Rhine, the Abbey of St Hildegard is a contemporary order of Benedictine nuns, in the cloister originally founded by Hildegard.

The St Hildegard Abbey Church interior is exquisitely decorated with art nouveau style painted murals.

The Abbey Church preserves a treasure of relics assembled by Hildegard, including the heads of Saint Gudula, Saint Bertha of Bingen, Saint Valerian, and Saint Wipert, and the arm of Saint Rupert of Bingen. Hildegard's own heart and tongue are treasured relics of the nearby Parish Church.

Itinerary
There are 3 main sites on the Hildegard trail, which can be visited in any combination.

Disibodenberg ruins
Hildegard exhibition
Abbey of St Hildegard

Picnic
There is also an option to spend the entire day visiting the Disibodenberg ruins, with a leisurely picnic lunch there. Fresh foods can be arranged.

Dates
Disibodenberg ruins are only accessible from April to October (and closed Mondays). Hildegard Exhibition (closed Mondays) and Abbey of St Hildegard are usually open throughout the year.

Fitness levels

Good fitness levels are recommended for the hike to Disibodenberg. The hike to the cloister ruin is around 4 kms (2.5 miles) on easy footpaths, but it includes around 800 metres (.5 mile) of fairly steep upward walking. The path is through lush green woodlands and we don't need to rush.
General fitness levels are needed if you want to visit the Hildegard Exhibition and/or the Abbey of St. Hildegard. These two sites could also be combined with other nearby places of interest in Rüdesheim or Bingen if you like. Contact me with your preferences and I can suggest an itinerary.

Bookings

Tours are available on request
Groups of all sizes are possible
Guide cost is €30 per hour, total for up to 4 people
Transport and entry fees are extra, as applicable
Itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests
Send me an Email with your preferred date and time
Payment is by cash on the day
I tour in all weather - if it's cold we stop for hot drinks
Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your camera

Meeting point
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof: How to Get to Wiesbaden main train station
or depending where you are staying we could meet at your hotel.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

A recent German film, 'Vision', is about the life of Hildegard of Bingen (2009). Directed by Margarethe von Trotta, starring Barbara Sukowa.

Private Tours and Airport Layovers

2010-08-13T23:29:00.064+02:00

I can suggest a tour to fit your personal interests and time constraints.

Would you like a tour of Frankfurt, Wiesbaden or Mainz with specific sites in mind?
Is there something particular in the Rhine Valley you would like to see?
Would you like to visit some Christmas Markets?
See an organic farm and market?
Make a booking for a Spa treatment day or massage?
Do you have children or teenagers you are trying to amuse?
Are you traveling in a large group with different interests?
Do you have a flight layover with limited time to spare?

Send me an Email with your interests, group numbers and time constraints, and I can suggest some options.

How much time to allow before and after your flights?
See FAQs. If you book an airport layover, I will ask for your Flight Details to track your plane's arrival on the day via the internet.

Prices
Private specialised tours begin at €90 for 3 hours, total for up to 4 people (plus transport and entry fees if applicable).

Are you nervous about catching a train in Germany?

I can meet you in Frankfurt city or Frankfurt airport, and personally escort you by train to Wiesbaden or Mainz, for an extra €30 fee to cover my travel and transport costs.

About Susan

I am a native English speaker. Reviews

Activities for Children and Teenagers

2010-08-13T12:33:00.355+02:00

Trains, tigers, forest critters, ice skating, tobogganing, swimming, hiking, climbing, indoor play, exhibitions, festivals, parades and more...

I can make all the arrangements and escort you to the activity of your choice.

Indoor swimming pool, with Wiesbaden's thermal spring water. For children and adults.

One section of this heated pool is outdoors, so in winter you can swim up to your neck in hot water while surrounded by snow!

There are six saunas too, each with a unique ambiance and design. All year round

Wild and domestic animals in a large open-air zoo. With 23 hectares of meadows, forests and ponds. 50 animal species including wolves, foxes, bears, lynx cats, pigs, otters, goats, rabbits, deer, owls, and more. All year round

A rambling old mansion filled with hands-on activities for all the senses: things to touch, smell, hear, see, do...

... Giant rotating discs, a maze in complete darkness, steel bells suspended from the ceiling, metal plates that make sand pictures when played with a bow...
outdoors an Aeolian harp is played by the wind, climbing ropes, logs, giant swings, a stone labyrinth and a sensuous barefoot-path...

... Popular with children of all ages, as well as adults. Offers indoor and outdoor activities, organic cafe.
All year round

Ice-skating. On a centrally-located artificial ice rink. With a large ice surface, flood-lights, music and food. There is help on hand for even the youngest first-time skaters. Winter months

Tobogganing down Wiesbaden’s local hills. We can make snow angels in the fresh snow. Winter months

Germany's largest travelling Lego Exhibition is in town, with a 3-metre-high Saturn rocket, a mosaic of the citizens of Berlin, and much more.

On until 1 May 2011

For older children. Hike to see the 10 tigers, in the tiger rescue zoo on a hilltop by the Rhine. There are enclosures with rabbits and goats too.

A tower next door offers a panoramic view over the Rhine valley. Summer open daily. Winter open Fridays to Sundays.

Watch Carnival parades to celebrate Fasching. Costumes, masks, marching bands. Sweets are thrown to children. 5, 6, 7 February, 2011

There are other parades and festivals scheduled through the year.

Climbing adventure course. Children must be over 12 years (age 8 to 11 must be accompanied by an adult).

For those who dare to try some tree to tree athletics (flying foxes, rope bridges, dexterity challenges and the like)...!

...This nature experience and sporting challenge usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. Safety harnesses are used. Activities supervised by experienced climbers. Instructions given in English. 13 March 2011 to 14 November 2011

The Galli Theatre in Wiesbaden sometimes offers plays for children in English, usually fairytales.

The Little Red City Train (50 mins round trip) and the amazing water-powered Funicular Train take us to the top of the Neroberg mountain with a playground, cafe, and lovely views over the city of Wiesbaden. April to October

Send me an Email with your childrens' ages, interests, your location and time constraints, and I will suggest some options.

Location:

Most of the activities I recommend are located close to Wiesbaden and Mainz. We usually take local buses and trains with some town walking. I like to find free things en route that children will enjoy:

Playgrounds
Castle ruins
Robber's cave
Bird sanctuary
Jump-on glockenspiel
Giant windmill with slide
River ferries
... and the like...

Prices

Prices for children's activities that are slotted into the itinerary of walking tours or day tours can be found here.

About Susan:

I am a native English speaker.

Christmas Markets in Germany

2010-08-12T17:36:00.114+02:00

Time to plan a visit to those wonderful, magical German Christmas markets.

Germany sure does Christmas well!

Dates for 2011 listed below.

With hundreds of outdoor market stalls selling organic honey, potato fritters, handmade chocolates, Christmas decorations, handmade items, felt clothing, traditional gifts, wooden toys, beeswax candles, handmilled soaps...

Amidst the delicious aromas of glüwein (hot mulled wine), lebkuchen (gingerbread) hot chocolate, bratwurst (sausage), soup, praline almonds...

In a happy atmosphere of children's performances, carol singing, small brass bands...

Whether you are shopping for unique Christmas gifts, like to sip a glüwein, or simply want to enjoy the festive mood and ambiance...

You are sure to be delighted!

Christmas market dates 2011:

Wiesbaden Nov 22 - Dec 23
Mainz Nov 29 - Dec 23 (2012)
Rüdesheim Nov 21 - Dec 23
Koblenz Nov 18 - Dec 22
Worms Nov 21- Dec 23
Speyer Nov 21 - Jan 8 [closed on Dec 25 & 26]
Limburg Nov 25 - Dec 23
Marburg Nov 26 - Dec 30
Frankfurt Nov 23 - Dec 22
Bad Homberg Nov 26 - Dec 18 (Sats/Suns only)
Seligenstadt Nov 24 - Dec 11
Aschaffenburg Nov 24 - Dec 22
Darmstadt Nov 21 - Dec 23

Advent markets in villages

Nov 26-27 Lahnstein • Oberwesel • Lorch (Sat only) • Frauenstein • Höchst • Mainz-Kastel • Ingelheim • Bad Ems
Dec 3-4 Eltville • Bacharach • St Goarshausen • Braubach • Taunusstein • Bad Schwalbach • Schlangenbad • Russelsheim • Idstein • Hofheim • Ingelheim • Bad Soden • Büdingen
Dec 10-11 Oppenheim • St Goar • Bingen • Ingelheim • Hattersheim (Sun only)

Private tours of one or several of these Christmas Markets can be arranged.

Prices depend on group size, your interests and your location. For example, a single day group tour to BOTH Wiesbaden and Mainz markets starts from €15 per person.

Bookings: Please Email me with your dates, location and time constraints. I could meet you at your hotel or Frankfurt airport, for example, and escort you through several Christmas Markets in the region. I walk in all weather. Dress warmly, bring an umbrella and don't forget your camera!

About Susan I am a native English speaker.

Reviews

About Susan

2010-08-11T11:21:00.011+02:00

I am an Australian artist with a PhD in photography and art history, currently living in Wiesbaden. I love showing people my favorite things in Germany and talking about German culture and history.

My goal on these tours is to provide people with a happy, memorable visit. I enjoy meeting folk from all over the world.

As we walk, I tell you about the history of the places we visit. I try to find extra things that might interest you, individually. It's good to share a laugh and we always have a fun day.

Reviews

Email

2010-08-11T06:49:00.031+02:00

walking.wiesbaden@googlemail.com

All tours are available on request and booked by email.
For Wiesbaden, Mainz, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Worms tours, sights on the itinerary are described on the website.
For Rhine Day Tours, if you let me know your preferred date/s and interests I can sometimes suggest further options.

Prices

2010-08-10T06:58:00.304+02:00

Private Tours

are available on request throughout the year

Guide cost is €30 per hour per group (of to 4 people)
Minimum time charge is 2 hours
Day tours are charged at a maximum of €160 per day guide fee (for up to 4 people)
Groups of all sizes are possible
Transport costs and entry fees are extra, if applicable. [I know how to get the cheapest train fares and entry rates - you can save a lot of money this way.]
Layover tours that include me meeting you in Frankfurt or Frankfurt airport incur an extra €30 fee to cover guide travel and train fares
Tour itineraries may vary depending on weather and time of year
Email me with your numbers, dates, tour preferences and interests, and I will calculate exact costs

Why take a private tour?

Booking a private tour allows a more personalized service, a tour to fit your schedule and interests. I offer quality walking tours with excellent historical, cultural and practical knowledge. My tours include local highlights and some secret places too - things that other tours don't show you. I squeeze a lot into our timeframe! Where possible I also try to individualize your tour to match your interests. And because it's a private tour you can ask all the questions you want, and we can pause whenever you like for photos, snacks and rest stops.

How to Get There: Wiesbaden

2010-08-09T14:18:00.059+02:00

Meeting point:

Inside the Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) = the main train station. Please aim to be a little early so we can begin on schedule.

I'll be standing under the big wall clock, in front of the Deutsche Bahn Reise Zentrum = the German Train Tourist Office.

I will be holding a lime green folder!

By Car:
Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof address for GPS: Bahnhofsplatz 1, 65189 Wiesbaden.
There is a car park right next to the station, serving the 'Lilien-carre' shopping mall.

By Train:

Catching a train in Germany is easy once you get the hang of it. Wiesbaden main train station is a terminus (end station) – so you can’t miss your stop! S-trains to Wiesbaden usually run every 15 mins. Journey time takes about 30 mins. The Deutsche Bahn website has precise schedules.

From Frankfurt city centre, go to Frankfurt main train station ('FFM Hauptbahnhof'), take a train S1, S8, or S9, in the direction of 'Wiesbaden', to Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (Wiesbaden main train station). The trains usually leave from platform 103 (underground). Single trip ticket costs €7.30. Day Ticket for one person €14.25. Group Day Ticket for up to five people €25.70. Journey time about 50 mins.
From Frankfurt airport ('FFM Flughafen'), go to Terminal 1, Level 0 (underground), and take a train S8 or S9, in the direction of 'Wiesbaden', to Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (Wiesbaden main train station) (go 'via Russelsheim' NOT 'via Frankfurt'). Single trip ticket €4.10. Day Ticket for one person €8.00. Group Day Ticket for up to five people €14.90. Journey time about 35 mins.
From Mainz main train station ('Mainz Haupbahnhof'), take a train S8, in the direction of 'Wiesbaden'. Get out at ‘Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof' (which is the Wiesbaden main train station). Journey time about 10 mins. Single trip ticket €2.50. Day Ticket for one person €5.90. Group Day Ticket for up to five people €8.80.

How to Buy a Train Ticket (old push-button machines):

Look for the Blue-Green ticket machines labeled RMV. (Red machines are for long-distance DB trains).
Type the destination code first: Wiesbaden is '65'. Codes are fully listed on the machine, but for quick reference: Wiesbaden 65, Mainz 65, Frankfurt (City) 50, Frankfurt (Airport) 5090
The ticket machine might give you the option: 'via Russelsheim or via Frankfurt?' Choose: 'via Russelsheim'.
Under or to the right of the number pad, look for the 'Einzelfahrt' label for a Single Trip ticket. (OR 'Tageskarte' for a Day Ticket, OR 'Gruppentageskarte 5 Personen' for a Group Day Ticket.) There are two buttons to the right of this label: press the left button for an Adult ticket.
The screen will display the amount in euros.
Insert € coins or bills.
Remove your ticket and change from the machine. The ticket is already validated and you can board the S1, S8 or S9 for Wiesbaden
If you need to start over, press the red C button.
Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it! (Wiesbaden is pronounced 'VEESS-barden.')

How to Buy a Train Ticket (new touch-screen machines):

Look for the Blue-Green ticket machines labeled RMV OR Red ticket machines labeled DB.
Type your destination: Wiesbaden
The ticket machine might give you the option: 'via Russelsheim or via Frankfurt?' Choose: 'via Russelsheim'.
Choose a Single Trip ticket 'Einzelfahrt' OR a Day Ticket 'Tageskarte', OR a Group Day Ticket 'Gruppentageskarte 5 Personen').
Select an Adult ticket.
The screen will display the amount in euros.
Insert € coins or bills or credit card.
Remove your ticket and change from the machine. The ticket is already validated and you can board the S1, S8 or S9 for Wiesbaden
If you need to start over, press Cancel ('Abbrechen').
Don't hesitate to ask people for help if you need it! (Wiesbaden is pronounced 'VEESS-barden.')

Tip: Buy a Day Ticket, as it is allows unlimited travel within the zone for the day.
If you are two to five people, buy a Group Day Ticket – a real bargain!

More info on Getting Around Germany by Train

How to Get There: Mainz

2010-08-09T14:15:00.046+02:00

Meeting Point:

At the small Mainz Römisches Theater train station. (This is NOT the main train station of Mainz, which is called Mainz Hauptbahnhof.) I'll be standing on Platform 4, beside the info/SOS pillar. Please aim to be a little early so we can begin on schedule.

I will be holding a lime green folder!

By Car:
Street address of Mainz Roemisches Theater train station: Holzhofstraße 3, 55116 Mainz.
There is a car park right next to the station, beside the 'Tegut' supermarket.

By Train:

Catching a train in Germany is easy once you get the hang of it. The S8 trains to Mainz Römisches Theater usually run every 30 mins. Journey takes about 20 mins. The Deutsche Bahn website has precise schedules.

From Frankfurt city centre, go to the Frankfurt main train station ('FFM Hauptbahnhof'), to platform 103 (below ground). Take a train S8, in the direction of 'Wiesbaden'. Get out at ‘Mainz Römisches Theater’ train station (which is the stop before the Mainz main train station). Journey time about 35 mins. Single trip ticket costs €7.30. Day Ticket for one person €14.25. Group Day Ticket for up to five people €25.70.
From Frankfurt airport ('FFM Flughafen'), go to Terminal 1, Level 0 (underground), and take a train S8, in the direction of 'Wiesbaden' (ie. NOT an S8 in the direction of 'Frankfurt'). Get out at ‘Mainz Römisches Theater’ train station (which is the stop before the Mainz main train station). Journey time about 25 mins. Single trip ticket €4.10. Day Ticket for one person €8.00. Group Day Ticket for up to five people €14.90.
From Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (Wiesbaden main train station). Take a train S8, in the direction of 'Offenbach' or 'Hanau'. Get out at ‘Mainz Römisches Theater’ train station (which is the stop AFTER the Mainz main train station). Journey time about 10 mins. Single trip ticket €2.50. Day Ticket for one person €5.90. Group Day Ticket for up to five people €8.80.
From Mainz Hauptbahnhof (Mainz main train station), take a train S8, in the direction of 'Offenbach' or 'Hanau'. Get out at ‘Mainz Römisches Theater’ train station (which is one stop after the Mainz main train station). Journey time about 5 mins. Day Ticket for one person €5.90. Group Day Ticket for up to five people €8.80.

How to Buy your Train Ticket (old push-button machines):

Look for the Blue-Green ticket machines labeled RMV.
Type-in the destination code first: Mainz is '65'. Codes are fully listed on the machine, but for quick reference: Mainz 65, Wiesbaden 65, Frankfurt (City) 50, Frankfurt (Airport) 5090.
The ticket machine might give you the option: 'via Russelsheim or via Frankfurt?' Choose 'via Russelsheim'.
Under or to the right of the number pad, look for the 'Einzelfahrt' label for a Single Trip ticket. (OR 'Tageskarte' for a Day Ticket, OR 'Gruppentageskarte 5 Personen' for a Group Day Ticket.) There are two buttons to the right of this label: press the left button for an Adult ticket.
The screen will display the amount in euros.
Insert € coins or bills.
Remove your ticket and change from the machine. The ticket is already validated and you can board the S8 for Mainz.
If you need to start over, press the red C button.
Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it! (Mainz is pronounced 'MY-ents').

How to Buy a Train Ticket (new touch-screen machines):

Look for the Blue-Green ticket machines labeled RMV OR Red ticket machines labeled DB.
Type-in your destination: 'Mainz Römische Theater'
The ticket machine might give you the option: 'via Russelsheim or via Frankfurt?' Choose 'via Russelsheim'.
Choose a Single Trip ticket 'Einzelfahrt' OR a Day Ticket 'Tageskarte', OR a Group Day Ticket 'Gruppentageskarte 5 Personen').
Select an Adult ticket.
The screen will display the amount in euros.
Insert € coins or bills or credit card.
Remove your ticket and change from the machine. The ticket is already validated and you can board the S8 train for Mainz.
If you need to start over, press Cancel ('Abbrechen').
Don't hesitate to ask people for help if you need it! (Mainz is pronounced 'MY-ents').

Tip: Buy a Day Ticket as it is allows unlimited travel within the zone for the day. For two to five people, always buy a Group Day Ticket – a real bargain!

More info on Getting Around Germany by Train

Meeting Point - Frankfurt tours

2010-08-09T14:05:00.000+02:00

Unless we have arranged to meet at Frankfurt Airport or your Hotel, we will meet at Willy-Brandt-Platz.

I will be standing under the giant Euro symbol €.
I will be holding a lime green folder!

Willy-Brandt-Platz

Innenstadt

Frankfurt, 60311

Take a subway to Willy Brandt Platz train station (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5 trains all stop here).
OR walk from the Hauptwache and Zeil (= the main shopping street), takes about 15 minutes.

Meeting Point - Frankfurt airport (FRA)

2010-08-09T13:55:00.005+02:00

At Frankfurt Airport we meet at the signposted Meeting Point in Terminal 1, Level 1

I will be holding a lime green folder!

Bags and bulky coats can be stored in the Left Luggage Service in Terminal 1, Level 1, arrivals concourse B. (Cost approx. €4 per bag.)

Frankfurt FRA Airport terminal maps

Frankfurt on Foot

2010-08-08T16:31:00.009+02:00

Frankfurt on Foot is a fantastic 3 hour walking tour of the historical old town of Frankfurt, in English, conducted by some excellent colleagues of mine in Frankfurt.

Tours operate daily, meeting at 10.30am on Braubach Strasse across from Starbucks on the Römerberg.

For further details and up-to-date information about what's going on in Frankfurt see: Frankfurt on Foot.

Frankfurt always has a lot to offer. Frankfurt Tourist Office has helpful details about museum schedules, day tours and hotel packages.

Coming soon!!!!

2010-06-10T08:11:00.001+02:00

This tour is currently in planning stages - details will be posted soon.