European River Cruises

Marseille, France's main port city, is rich in history which can be traced back to the year 600 BC. The beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a focal point of Marseille and with its stunning hilltop location is the ideal place to look down over all of Marseille and beyond. The city is a blend of style and history, with shopping areas and modern architecture contrasted with historic sites in the old town and port. A trip by boat will bring you to the Château d'If, an impressive fortress on an island boasting turquoise waters, pristine beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs.

Hungary's capital, offers a unique cultural experience to visitors. Arrive in style along the River Danube, the focal point of the city which was previously used as a means to divide the city into the former cities of Buda and Pest. Budapest has become synonymous with Thermal Baths and architecture due to the various architectural styles found throughout the city. Styles include Neo-Gothic buildings such as the impressive Parliament and Budapest's beautiful Renaissance-style Opera House. The Chain Bridge which provided the age old connection between Buda and Pest is highly recommended to visitors to the Eastern European city.

Vienna, can be described as being grand and elegant, while still managing to radiate a vibe that is both modern and contemporary. Vienna's City Hall with its Gothic style of architecture is a main feature of the city and plays host to many events, and also provides the perfect backdrop for the famous Christmas markets. Cafés have always been a key feature of Viennese culture, with numerous cafés such as the historic Café Central, which has links to notable writers, being a popular spot for tourists.

Rotterdam, with around 590,000 people, is the second largest city in the Netherlands. It also one of the three cultural centers in the country. The city is the known for its skyscraper skyline and its many museums, festivals and events.

Cologne is located in the German state of Nord Rhine-Westphalia and enjoys a great location along the Rhine River. Cologne has much to offer visitors outside of the renowned Gothic Cologne Cathedral, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the whole city from the tower of the Cathedral. Cologne is also home to the Schokoladenmuseum which allows visitors to learn about the process of making chocolate while also offering delicious samples. Cologne also has a love-lock bridge of its own located by the Cathedral, where many visitors come to add the the collection of padlocks while taking in stunning views of the River Rhine.

Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers' lies at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz on the border with Austria. Attractions include several buildings from centuries past, the House of Lords situated on a hill and the Castle Museum Freudenhain.

The city of Koblenz is situated in Rheinland-Palatinate, at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine. Koblenz is also one of the oldest cities in Germany. The city is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Rhein' and is in very close proximity to numerous Vineyards and Castles, each synonymous landmarks of the region. Koblenz itself is known for the impressive Deutsches Eck monument located by the banks of the Rhein. Equally impressive is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located in the hills overlooking the city.

As the seat of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and the European Court; Strasbourg is one of the most important centers of the European Union. The French city is located near the border with Germany, therefore much German influence can be seen throughout, particularly through the architecture of the city. Of particular interest is the Old Town, which is a World Heritage site, and the Cathedral Square, one of Europe's most beautiful city squares. Due to the numerous channels that meander through the city and the picturesque half-timbered houses, the city offers a unique charm to visitors.

The city of Rüdesheim is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and is one of the most popular tourist areas of Germany. Besides the beauty of the city, Rüdesheim is known for its excellent wine, which can be tasted in one of the many wine bars. The town has many interesting landmarks of note including Niederwalddenkmal, a commemoration of the end of the Franco-Prussian War, which invites spectacular views of the city. Seilbahn Rüdesheim offers a cable car ride up the mountain and towards the Niederwalddenkmal and over the vineyards boasting wonderful sights so have your camera at the ready.

Regensburg is the capital of Upper Palatinate district and is located in eastern Bavaria. Visit the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city and lies on both sides of the Pegnitz river. The city offers many cultural highlights. Museums, such as the Kunsthalle Nürnberg give the city a special charm.

Bamberg is an economic center of Upper Franconia located in the state of Bayern. Since 1993, the historic city center of Bamberg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest intact preserved city center in Germany. The city is known for its longstanding tradition of producing beer as well as the quaint buildings dotted along the riverside. Some of the most picturesque buildings include the Altes Rathaus or town hall and the Bamberger Dom. For a spectacular view of the red-bricked houses from above, take a walk or the city bus to St. Michael's Monastery. Bamberg is the cheerful little town that has stepped right out of a fairy-tale.

The city of Würzburg is located on Main and is Bavarian city of over 100,000 residents. Home to the oldest university in Bavaria - Julius-Maximilians-Universität founded in 1402, it's among the ranks of classic German university towns. Würzburg is known for it's extravagant buildings and architecture. Die Residenz or The Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is well renowned for its frescoes and beautiful paintings. It's a staple on any tourists agenda on a visit to the city. Visit the Marienberg Fortress, home to the most stunning of gardens for a wonderful panoramic view of Würzburg.

In the north of Belgium, along the Scheldt river is Antwerp, a city known worldwide for the important role it plays in the processing and trading of diamonds. Antwerp has its very own Diamond District, visitors can partake in walking tours to learn more. The historic center of Antwerp is characterized by many well-preserved buildings from the late Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau periods. Antwerp is also known for the vast array of markets which take place in the city, offering items such as antiques, flowers, local produce and much more.

The city of Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and is also known as the secret capital of Portugal. It is located in the north of the country and offers a typical Portuguese flair. It is the birth city of the world-famous Porto wine as well as for its traditional Francesinha dish. The ribeira is a must see, while the clérigos tower is also a sight very much worth a visit.