European River Cruises 2018 - 2019

Amsterdam is a European cultural hub, known for its diverse culture and laid-back attitude. Canals criss-cross the city, and boat tours are a great way to explore. However modern the city may be today; the capital city of the Netherlands offers an abundance of historically significant sights. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum offer an unrivaled collection of artworks, while a visit to Anne Frank’s House is sure to provide an unforgettable insight into the dark history of WWII. Whether explored by day or by night, a trip to Amsterdam promises to offer something for everyone.

• Discover the history of the city by visiting the Anne Frank House
• Be sure to sample little Dutch pancakes also known as poffertjes
• Explore Amsterdam on foot by taking a walking tour from Dam Square

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.

• Visit the historic Chain Bridge
• Pay a visit to the thermal baths for ultimate relaxation
• Enjoy stunning views across the city from the Citadel on Gellert Hill

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.

• Explore the Belvedere Museum and grounds, a former royal Summer residence
• Catch the Market at Alte Post every Saturday and Sunday to sample regional foods
• Take in an opera show at the renowned Wiener Staatsoper

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.

• Visit the impressive Cologne Cathedral
• Sample delicious chocolate creations at the Chocolate Museum
• Enjoy the beautiful scenery down by the Rhine River

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.

• Explore showrooms of wines at Vinkthek Georg Breuer
• Visit the fairy-tale like Drosselgasse
• Take a trip inside the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard

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.

• Enjoy a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, crossing the Rhine
• Visit the impressive Deutsches Eck monument
• Sample some of the fantastic wines produced in the region

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.

• Why not explore the city from the water by taking a boat tour?
• Marvel at the unique half-timbered buildings of Strasbourg
• Enjoy a tour from Strasbourg of the Alsace wine region

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.

• Stroll around the wonderful Veitshöchheim Castle
• Visit the impressive Princely Garden Marienberg
• Sample some of the fantastic wines produced in Juliusspital

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.

• View historical architecture along the Klein Venedig
• Discover the history of beer making at Frankisches Brauereimuseum
• Learn more about the town at Theater der Schatten

Basel is a swiss city located along the banks of the Rhine, in close proximity to both France and Germany. Basel is known for a combination of both old and new, with a substantial Old Town in addition to many urban areas. Many of the best-known attractions are located in the Old Town around the Marktplatz such as Basel's Rathaus amd the Palatine terrace, which lies on the Cathedral Hill. There are also a number of museums such as the Museum of Cultures. The Münster Cathedral offers stunning views over the city of Basel.

• Visit Basel's Zoo, the longest running Zoo in Switzerland
• Enjoy stunning views over Basel from the tower of Münster Cathedral
• Sample the nightlife on offer at some of Basel's trendy bars and clubs

With around 427,000 inhabitants, Bratislava is both the largest city in Slovakia and the country's capital. The city boasts wonderful cultural attractions, including many museums and galleries. In the nearby vicinity are the castles of Devin, which stands perched impressively on a massive cliff, and Bratislava (pictured), which are well worth a visit. Biking and hiking trails wind their way through the city's parks. Bratislava is the European city that retains its ancient magical charm while offering a wonderful modern mix

• Visit Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum for modern art
• Take a walk to the spectacular Slavin monument
• Discover the history in Old Town

Bordeaux, in southwestern France is known in particular for the wine produced in the region, and has undergone rapid development in recent years. Bordeaux is characterized by palatial architecture and has a late-baroque arrangement of its squares and streets. Place De La Bourse square, has long been a symbol of the city and is a popular visitor spot. La Cité du Vin is a popular attraction for those looking to increase their knowledge of wine and its connections to french culture. Bordeaux also offers a wide range of public parks and gardens such as the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

• Visit Musée d’Aquitaine, for an insight into French history
• Learn more about the significance of wine in French culture at La Cité du Vin
• Visit Saint Pierre, where modern day Bordeaux first began to grow

Paris is the capital of France and is crossed by the River Seine. There are numerous monuments and landmarks worth seeing in this busy city. Certainly the most famed landmark is the Eiffel Tower, atop of which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. A visit to the home of the Mona Lisa - the Louvre is a must for art enthusiasts. Why not take a walk along the famed Champs-Elysées boulevard? at the end of which you will find an equally famous attraction - The Arc De Triomphe. There is so much to see and experience in one of Europe's cultural capitals and most popular tourist destinations.

• Enjoy stunning views over Paris from the Eiffel Tower
• Visit one of the renowned Art galleries worldwide, the Louvre
• Sample some French flair at one of the many cafés along the Champs-Elysées

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.

• Visit the Rubenshuis Museum, the former home of artist Peter Paul Rubens
• Take a walking tour of the Diamond District
• Experience the unique atmosphere of Market Square on market day

Belgrade is the most populous city in Serbia, with an estimated 1.6 million inhabitants. Furthermore, it is also the economic, political and cultural capital of the country. The city offers theaters, music institutions, the aviation museum, monuments and 65 parks! Serbia has had a turbulent past, and visitors are reminded of this fact throughout the city, with evidence of bombed government buildings and Communist blocks.

• Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum to see cool sci-fi - type attractions along with Tesla’s ashes!
• The Kalemegdan Citadel has been destroyed and rebuilt no less than 40 times.
• Museum of Yugoslavia - for history buffs