Germany: Mosel River Valley
Mosel River is the longest tributary of Rhine and the ride along it is one of the most spectacular in Europe. As the river twists and turns (especially in the bottom section towards the confluence with Rhine in Koblenz), almost the entirety of steep slopes are covered with vineyards as the valley is one of the most famous wine-producing regions in Germany. There are also many medieval castles (like the Eltz Burg) perched high above the equally medieval towns with spiky churches and half-timbered old German houses. Every town has many wine houses where you can sample all the varieties of local wines as well some heavier liqueurs produced here – mostly Riesling.
