Fairytale castles and Gothic churches, plunging gorges and sloping vineyards. Pigs’ trotters and potato-cakes, meat stews and pumpernickel. The birthplace of Beethoven and homeland of Snow White.  Home to the Cologne Cathedral, the country’s most visited landmark, the Rhineland is one of the best known areas in Germany.

Study the Middle Rhine, where the river’s downward erosion has cut a World Heritage listed gorge. Enter the fort town of Boppard and take in the famous ‘Four Lakes’ view, as you ride over the river in a chairlift. Discover the Cat and Mouse castles in St Goarshausen, the white towers of Stolzenfels, and visit the Rhine’s largest castle in Goar. Listen for the mermaid at Lorely Rock and learn of the sailors who met their fate here. Arrive in Koblenz and climb the headland to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress; look down to the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Enjoy the energetic arts scene in Cologne and experience the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Visit in December to enjoy the region’s magical Christmas markets.

Students will be spellbound by the captivating landscapes and natural beauty of the Rhineland, where curriculum themes and understanding become enchanted with folklore and legends. STS offer accommodation in authentic hotels, with excellent access to attractions along both the Rhine and Moselle valleys - a superb opportunity to investigate this spectacular region and put German language skills into practice.