Rhine Discovery South

Strikingly beautiful, this city is famed for its concentric canals crossed by humpbacked bridges, and cyclist-friendly avenues of tall trees and gabled houses. Savour the charming sites of this beautiful city on foot, a canal boat tour or get a bike for the most authentic experience. Known as The Venice of the North', Amsterdam's bustling canals, world-famous museums and historical sights are a must-see.

Nijimegen originated as the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and is the oldest town in the Netherlands. Steeped in ancient history , full of wonderful museums, marvelous architecture and beautiful natural land. It offers a range of cycling routes that take you right up to the German boarder and along the lenghth of Waal river.

Dusseldorf, the capital and second-largest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a mix of old and new Germany. The Altstadt, or Old Town, is centrally located behind the Rhine Embankment Promenade and has been dubbed "the longest bar in the world" due to the estimated 300 bars and discos in the area. Shopping aficionados will be more than pleased with the variety of shops and interesting boutiques on Konigsallee and Schadowstrasse while fans of history and culture will not want to miss visiting St. Lambertus Church, the Rathaus (Town Hall) or the 13th century Schlossturm (Castle Tower) which houses the nautical museum.

The German city of Coblenz enjoys a fabulous geographical setting. It lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers (what a treat for riverboat cruise trips) and the convergence of three low mountain ranges, the Westerwald, Hunsrück, and the Eifel (great photo opportunities). It is a popular destination for exploring the romantic Rhine Valley.

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located directly on the Rhine in Hesse and has many attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. A cable car goes up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here you can take a beautiful hike through pristine woodlands and then come to the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This is also located on the Rhine.

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located directly on the Rhine in Hesse and has many attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. A cable car goes up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here you can take a beautiful hike through pristine woodlands and then come to the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This is also located on the Rhine.

Speyer’s charming, shop-lined main street is overlooked by the impressive clock tower of its Altpörtel, the Old Town Gate.

Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking centre stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colourful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).

A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland’s best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city.