Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany The Upper Middle Rhine Valley Germany is home to some of the finest monuments of cultural and natural heritage. To date, there are 33 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. One of the most fascinating World Heritage Sites in this region is the romantic Upper Middle Rhine River Valley. Lined with castles and palaces, it extends from the old Roman town of Koblenz, near the myth-enshrouded Loreley rock, onto Bingen and Rüdesheim. The river's steep banks are covered with vineyards and home to the famous Rhine wines. In the Romantic era, the Rhine began contributing to the development of Germany. It not only carried goods and people from many different countries, but was also a channel for a wealth of cultural influences and ideas. The religious buildings along the river, in particular, bare eloquent testimony to this. For more information about UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany please visit: www.unesco-welterbe.de. EXCELSIOR HOTEL ERNST Cologne, Germany Located next to the Cologne Cathedral, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst boasts 142 individually decorated rooms and suites. The hotel's Hanse Stube restaurant serves the finest regional cuisine. The new restaurant, taku, specializes in Asian delicacies. Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes: Upgrade upon arrival, if available American Buffet breakfast for two A bottle of champagne and fruit basket in room Guaranteed 4 pm late check-out Contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for preferred rates and availability Look for hotels and restaurants that are "World Heritage Hosts." Their owners and chefs are well-informed about the region and put an emphasis on local food and wine. Try, Breuer's Rüdesheimer Schloss in Rüdesheim, Rhein-Hotel, Stübers Restaurant in Bacharach or Hotel Restaurant Weinhaus Weiler in Oberwesel

UNESCO Highlights near the Upper Middle Rhine Valley: Brühl: The Augustusburg Palace and Falkenlust hunting lodge have wonderful gardens and are a fine example of the architecture and opulence of the 18th century. They are fully preserved ensembles and are remarkable in their completeness. Cologne: The world-famous Cologne Cathedral is considered an ecclesiastical edifice with the largest exterior surface of any church in the world. Aachen: The Aachen Cathedral was the first monument added to the World Heritage list in 1978. With more than 1,200 years of history, it is considered one of the most important buildings in Europe. Essen: The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is the largest and most modern coal processing plant in the world and provides fascinating insight to Germany's industrial heritage.

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