Capital
of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its magnificent
museums, colourful gardens, abundance of bicycles and endless
lattice of canals. A scenic canal boat ride is an excellent
way to enjoy views of the amazing architecture of Amsterdam's
Golden Age. This 800-year-old city is also famous for the
Rijksmuseum, which houses works by Rembrandt and other Dutch
Masters. Other highlights include the famous Anne Frank's
house where she penned her poignant Diary chronicling her days
in hiding during World War II.
An intriguing
mix of old and new, Cologne's Roman heritage is evident
from the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered
through the town. Cologne's modern plazas and the
Hohe-Strasse, a pedestrian-only shopping zone, provide
shopping, lively bars and enticing German restaurants. The
world-famous Eau de Cologne toilet water is manufactured
here. Of particular note is the city's 14th century Dom
Cathedral, the largest in Europe, and a stunning example
of the height of gothic artistry. Spared Allied bombing
during World War II, the Cathedral's lacy spires are
visible from miles around, and the stained-glass windows
exemplify the craftsmanship of medieval artisans.
Located on the Rhine River, Rüdesheim is the chief center
of the Rhine wine industry. The famed Drosselgasse, a
tavern-lined, cobblestone street, attracts locals and
visitors alike. Half-timbered medieval houses, narrow
streets, and old inns give the town the flavor of the
Middle Ages. Visitors to the town may wish to see the 9th
century Bromserburg, the oldest castle on the Rhine or
Seigfried's Mechanical Music Museum housing one of the
world's largest collections of self-playing instruments.
Located in
the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has played
many historic roles. Due to its favorable location on
the mouth of the Main River and being close to the
mouth of the Nahe River, Mainz gained economic and
political strength. Under Roman rule, it served a key
part of the Roman Empire's northern defenses and
during the Middle Ages, it served as a major trade
center. Later, Mainz became home to printing pioneer
Johannes Guttenberg. Learn more about the invention of
the printing press with a visit to the World Museum of
Printing or enjoy the Roman-Germanic Museum, the
Natural History Museum and the Museum of Historical
River Navigation. Visit beautiful St. Stephen's
Cathedral featuring Chagall's world-famous
stained-glass windows or enjoy a local wine in a cozy
tavern.
Situated at
the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers, Wertheim
is a charming town filled with history. In the 12th
century, the Dukes of Wertheim built a castle at this
strategic spot. The castle's impressive ruins are
witness to the importance of the Dukes of Wertheim.
Points of interest include the historical Pointed
Tower that has guarded the junction of the Main and
Tauber Rivers for 800 years, and the Town Hall built
in 1540. Known as a successful merchants' town during
the Middle Ages, today Wertheim is famous for its
Franconian wines.
Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was
heavily damaged during World War II, but has since
been completely restored. Here is Germany's most
pristine example of baroque architecture, the
great Residenz, built in 1744 by the Prinz-Bishops.
Its sweeping staircase and amazing ceiling frescos
by Tiepolo survived wartime bombs. Other landmarks
include the medieval statue-lined Main Bridge and
the Marienberg fortress, originally a Celtic hill
fort and later residence of the bishops. The round
8th century church within the courtyard of the
fortress is one of Germany's oldest churches.
A
charming town with a medieval aura, Rothenburg ob
der Tauber lies above a deep valley of the Tauber
River along Germany's scenic Romantic Road between
Würzburg and the Bavarian Alps. Encircled by
towered walls, the city is considered one of
Germany's best-preserved villages. According to
legend, during the Thirty Years' War, the town was
spared destruction by the invading Catholic army
when the ex-mayor achieved the mighty task of
draining a 3.5-liter tankard of wine in a single
draught. Der Meistertrunk, this epic drinking feat
that saved the town, is commemorated each year.
The
second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremburg is
filled with gothic churches and traditional
half-timbered houses. Although nearly destroyed
during World War II, the protective city walls
still feature some of the ancient moats, tall
watchtowers and grand gateways. Nuremberg was long
known for its metal and toy craftsmanship, and the
city's modern historical significance can be
traced to its role as the location for the
post-World War II war crimes trials of the Nazis
at the Palace of Justice. These trials were
immortalized in the 1961 film, Judgment at
Nuremberg.
Having
escaped major damage during World War II, the
picturesque town of Regensburg, is one of Europe's
best-preserved medieval cities and the oldest city
along the Danube. Its history dates back to its
founding by Marcus Aurelius, more than 2,000 years
ago. Amidst its many architectural highlights to
see are the Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the
12th century, and St. Peter's Cathedral with its
single remaining romanesque tower around which the
new gothic cathedral was constructed.
Set
at the confluence of Inn, Ilz and Danube
Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to charming
cobblestone streets, elegantly colored
building facades, and graceful arcades.
Founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years
ago, it is one of Bavaria's oldest cities.
Passau's baroque St. Stephan's Cathedral
houses the world's largest church organ with
more than 17,000 pipes, which is still used
for concerts today.
Linz was the setting for Lentia, the Roman
castle and settlement in the 1st century A.D.
Today, Linz’s art, history and architecture
make it an inspiring city to visit and a
leading cultural center of Austria.
Set
amidst an important wine-growing region with
picturesque villages and hilltop castles, the
charming city of Melk lies at the confluence
of the Danube and Melk Rivers at the base of
the Wachau Valley. An imposing 900-year-old
Benedictine abbey, a breathtaking example of
baroque architecture, overlooks the town from
its dramatic hilltop location. This
architectural treasure has 365 windows, one
for each day of the year. Its beautiful
library houses medieval manuscripts and
marvelous frescoes by Paul Troger, and its
meticulously kept grounds are inviting and
picturesque.
Set amidst the scenic
Wachau Valley, Dürnstein is encircled with
vine-clad hills and beautiful landscapes.
The village maintains its medieval
atmosphere by means of its cobblestone
streets, and boasts enchanting 18th
century houses. Highlights include the
ruins of Kuenriger Castle, where Richard
the Lionheart of England was allegedly
imprisoned in the 12th century. A famous
wine town, Dürnstein also is home to many
charming taverns where you can taste local
wines.
This capital city of
Austria is filled with green parks,
elegant stores, theatres and gracious
boulevards. Known as the "City of
Waltzes," Vienna is considered the center
of classical music, where Strauss,
Beethoven and Mozart composed many of
their finest pieces. Any visitor to Vienna
should be sure to stop in one of the
city's famous cafes to taste the
delectable Sacher Torte. Noted landmarks
include the impressive Hofsburg Palace,
Vienna Opera House, and lavish Schönbrunn
Palace, the preferred residence of the
Hapsburgs.
The capital of
Slovakia, Bratislava is filled with
baroque city palaces that have been
lovingly restored and is dominated by an
enormous castle that sits 300 feet above
the Danube. After decades of communist
rule, Bratislava is once again
transforming itself into one of central
Europe's most vibrant cities. See St.
Martin's Cathedral in the historic Old
Town, Michael's Gate and the neoclassic
Archbishop's Palace as well as
centuries-old squares filled with shops
and cafés
This enchanting and
exotic capital of Hungary straddles the
banks of the Danube and is divided into
two distinct parts, traditional Buda and
more modern Pest. Budapest is aptly called
"Paris of the East," for its beautiful
evening illumination and reflected lights
in the Danube's waters. The old city
features amazing examples of architecture
such as Buda Castle, the baroque
Parliament building, Chain Bridge and
Matthias church, where the coronation
ceremonies of Hungarian Kings were held.
Gellert Hill, high above the city, offers
not-to-be missed views.
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