Frankfurt is often known for its skyscrapers and financial district, but it’s also a fantastic hub for memorable dining experiences and day trips that go beyond the city’s glass towers. Whether you’re craving a medieval castle dinner or a scenic cruise with local wines, Frankfurt offers a range of options that cater to different interests and schedules. We especially like the Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour with Dinner, because it combines a fairy-tale castle visit with a relaxing dinner by the Rhine River—perfect for those wanting history with a side of culinary ambiance.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best tours that showcase Germany’s cultural richness and scenic beauty, offering a mix of castle visits, river cruises, and vineyard tastings. Each provides a unique way to experience the region’s flavors, landscapes, and stories—so you can pick one that suits your style and timeframe.
1. Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner
At number one, this small-group tour to Eltz Castle offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and dining. You’ll leave Frankfurt early in the morning, traveling approximately 1.5 hours through the hills of Moselle River to the iconic Eltz Castle, one of Germany’s most photogenic castles. The castle itself is a true medieval fairy tale, having been left largely unchanged for over 700 years. Inside, you’ll explore the Treasury and Armoury rooms, which are filled with exquisite gold and silver artworks, offering a glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of a walking tour of the castle and a dinner on the banks of the Rhine River. The restaurant features views of the Elzbach Valley, providing a scenic setting to enjoy local cuisine. The tour also visits the surrounding Eltz Forest, a nature reserve rich in flora and fauna, which makes the experience more than just a sightseeing trip. With a maximum of 14 people, this small-group format ensures personalized attention, and reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and overall experience.
Bottom Line: For lovers of history, nature, and good food, this full-day adventure offers a well-rounded taste of Germany’s medieval charm and scenic beauty in a comfortable, intimate setting.
2. Heidelberg and Rhine Valley Day Trip With Wine Tasting and Dinner
Next on our list is the Heidelberg and Rhine Valley day trip, which is perfect for those wanting a longer, more varied day out. This 11-hour tour kicks off with a scenic drive to Heidelberg, renowned for its medieval Old Town, the impressive Heidelberg Castle ruins, and Europe’s largest wine barrel in the castle cellar. You’ll have about three hours to explore this historic university city, walk the old streets, and enjoy panoramic views of River Neckar from the Karl Theodor Bridge.
Afterward, the journey continues along the UNESCO-listed Rhine River, where you’ll cruise past charming villages and vineyards. The highlight is the wine tasting session, featuring regional wines from the Rhine Valley—an ideal way to get a taste of local flavors. The tour concludes with a hearty dinner amid the scenic scenery. The guide is praised for their knowledge and accommodating attitude, making for a relaxed and informative experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is a fantastic choice if you want a detailed taste of Germany’s cultural and culinary gems, especially if you enjoy wine and walking through picturesque towns.
$309.93 per person
3. Koblenz Day Trip from Frankfurt: Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Rhine Valley Cable Car Ride and German Dinner
Rounding out the list, the Koblenz day trip offers a full day of scenic views and historic sites, ideal for travelers interested in fortresses and river views. You’ll travel to Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, and visit the formidable Ehrenbreitstein Fortress—Europe’s second-largest preserved fortress. The tour includes a guided exploration of the fortress, with sweeping views over the rivers.
Afterward, you’ll take a cable car ride over the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, offering stunning vistas of vineyards and castles. The day concludes with a traditional German dinner along the Rhine’s banks, providing a hearty ending to your trip. While reviews mention that the fortress might not be the highlight for history buffs, the cable car ride and river views are often praised for their beauty.
Bottom Line: This tour is excellent for those who enjoy a combination of military architecture, scenic gondola rides, and authentic German cuisine in a relaxed setting.
$341.79 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Frankfurt Dining and Day-Trip Experience
When selecting the best tour in Frankfurt, think about what excites you most: the medieval charm of castles, scenic river views, or culinary delights? For history and fairy-tale castles combined with dinner, the Eltz Castle Tour is unmatched. If you prefer a mix of university towns, vineyards, and wine tasting, the Heidelberg and Rhine Valley trip offers a well-rounded day. For an active day with fortress exploration and panoramic cable car rides, the Koblenz trip provides a scenic adventure.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re short on time and love castles, the Eltz tour is ideal. For wine lovers and history buffs seeking a more leisurely pace, Heidelberg and Rhine Valley shines. For those wanting a bit of military architecture combined with scenic rides, Koblenz is a good pick. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Frankfurt’s proximity to some of Germany’s most picturesque and historic sites makes it a fantastic base for memorable day trips and dining experiences. Whether you’re drawn to medieval castles, scenic river cruises, or hearty German dinners, there’s something here for every traveler. The Eltz Castle Tour stands out for its combination of fairy-tale scenery and a relaxed dinner, perfect for history enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Heidelberg and Rhine Valley trip offers a broader perspective on local culture and wines, ideal for those who want variety. For a more active, fortress-focused day, the Koblenz trip provides stunning views and a hearty meal to cap it off.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these exceptional experiences—so start planning your German adventure today.