The Romantic Rhine gorge starts north of Mainz and extends to the confluence with the Mosel at Koblenz. We start Mainz, view the beautiful cathedral, watch the trams -before making our way to the quayside to catch the KD motor vessel Stolzenfels for our cruise north. From the river we can enjoy the best views of this international transport corridor, surrounded by ancient castles, charming riverside towns and, naturally, vineyards. Between Mainz and R?desheim we have the opportunity to explore the KD motor vessel and watch the river traffic on the great river. At the popular wine town of R?desheim we meet the rail routes once more- here the east bank "freight route" bisects the town with the railway running down the promenade! View it while you can as a rail "by-pass" is planned!  On the other bank at Bingen "left rail route" joins us. Both rail routes are with us for the next four hours to Koblenz. We call at the major stops along the way and examine the towns  that have been so popular with the British since Queen Victoria's era.  The Loreley rocks slip by, and the Ox Tower at Oberwesel- scene of countless railway photographs. Before we finish our journey we look down upon the rail and river traffic from the heights of Marksberg Castle- you could spend all day here! You  see DB class 101 Electrics, the "tilting" ICT and some old favourites like the DB icon of the Rhine the 103, plus international freight and passenger trains a plenty!  In two years time the fast trains will miss the gorge section completely as they speed to Frankfurt on the new NBS -high speed line. . Narrated. RT 50 mins