Dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its impressive, UNESCO-listed canal system and its location in North Holland, Amsterdam is a truly exciting holiday destination. This is one of the most extensive historic city centres in Europe, playing host to approximately 7,000 registered historic buildings dating back to medieval times. The Museum Quarter brims with priceless works by Dutch Masters, with the occasional Picasso and Warhol thrown into the mix. The upmarket Jordaan area boasts trendy contemporary art galleries, charming boutiques, and world-class restaurants while the 17th-century Canal Ring is dotted with traditional canal houses and prestigious mansions, quaint drawbridges, and some of the city’s premier nightlife spots. Gorgeous parks and botanical gardens and the landmark 22-floor lookout add further romance to the city.
Situated on the banks of the picturesque river Rhine, Germany’s oldest metropolis, Cologne, offers an interesting combination of well-preserved heritage alongside extreme modernisation. This blend of old and new only adds to the appeal of this remarkable city where historical buildings stand in striking contrast to cutting-edge modern architecture and a host of world-class museums featuring masterpieces by the likes of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Pablo Picasso. The city is perhaps best known for its magnificent, grand cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has long held the title of Germany’s most-visited monument. Visitors can look forward to visiting an unlimited array of atmospheric beer gardens, sophisticated restaurants, trendy bars, dance clubs and discover its thriving contemporary art scene. Cologne always makes for inspiring, intriguing and invigorating travel.
Located in the spectacular Rhine Gorge in Hesse, Germany, Rüdesheim am Rhein is one of the most renowned wine towns in the region, and also boasts numerous UNESCO-listed sites. Wine-lovers can enjoy tastings at several estates, or head to the magnificent Brömserburg Castle, to learn more at the highly-acclaimed wine museum. Complete the gastronomical experience by meandering along the famous Drosselgasse, a picturesque cobbled street lined with a diversity of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The street is also home to numerous entertainment venues, offering everything from traditional brass music to pumping clubs, making for a fantastic evening out. Other Rudesheim highlights include the array of impressive historic buildings; the fanciful Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, and the beautiful Adlerwarte Niederwald, home to an incredible Eagle Observatory.
Resting in Germany’s Bavaria region in the Lower Franconia area, Miltenberg lies on a bend in the River Main at the foot of the Odenwald Mountains. Miltenberg features more than 100 half-timbered heritage listed houses, which are bright in colour and give the appearance of the classic ‘gingerbread house’. Run through by romantic alleys and squares, the village is dotted with legendary buildings such as the Zum Riesen Hotel, dating from 1411, which has hosted guests such as two Holy Roman Emperors, Napoleon, Richard Strauss and Elvis Presley. The picturesque Frankischer Rotwein Wanderweg Miltenberg is a riverside walk weaving through vineyards rich in the region’s popular red grapes. Don’t miss the chance to try some comforting traditional Franconian dishes such as the legendary Frankische Sauerbraten pot roast.
Set at the meeting of the Tauber and Main Rivers in southwest Germany, the picturesque town of Wertheim is famous for its iconic castle and medieval centre. The fairy-tale-like turrets of the grand hillside structure can be seen from miles away; it is one of the largest stone castles in the country. Visitors can enjoy guided tours up to the battlements for jaw-dropping views, take part in numerous lively events, or meet the cute resident goats. History and art lovers should also make a stop at Wertheim’s Glass Museum, filled with truly unique pieces, while outdoor enthusiasts can boat on the lake, or hike and cycle in the lush surrounding forests and farmlands. The town lies on the renowned ‘Route of Delights’ and is known for its excellent wine.
Würzburg, idyllically situated in the heart of one Germany's most significant wine-growing regions on the banks of the River Main, is often where a visitor decides to start their tour of the Romantic Road route through southern Germany. This picturesque city, set in the midst of a lush and hilly location, is filled to the brim with diverse architectural gems, fascinating museums, colourful botanical gardens, a lively art scene, and world-renowned wineries. Alongside its enriching cultural and historical wonders, Würzburg’s large student population guarantees a booming nightlife scene, with an abundance of modern nightclubs and bars. Würzburg’s cobbled streets are dominated by a diverse array of awe-inspiring architecture, including the Rococo style Falkenhaus; the Gothic Marienkapelle; the Romanesque Würzburger Cathedral; the baroque Käppele Sanctuary; and the opulent 18th-century Würzburg Residence.
Famously housing one of Europe’s largest intact old town centres, the picturesque UNESCO listed town of Bamberg is idyllically set on the tranquil banks of the Regnitz River in Upper Franconia, Germany. Extending over seven majestic hills, each crowned by a beautiful church, and dominated by the imperial Bamberg Cathedral, Bamberg is an ensemble of medieval and baroque architecture. This bustling, culturally rich destination is home to a plethora of architectural gems, fine-dining restaurants, alluring museums, and enchanting botanical gardens. Notable attractions include: Bamberg Rose Garden, Bamberg Old Town Hall, Neue Residenz Bamberg, Historical Museum Bamberg, and the Altes Rathaus. Bamberg’s fascinating history can be absorbed along with a refreshing draught of its famous Schlenkerla Rauchbier from the acclaimed Franconian Brewery Museum Bamberg; while its serene surroundings can be admired during a leisurely hike.
Resting on the banks of the Pegnitz river, the Bavarian city of Nuremberg is a picturesque German city covered with half-timbered houses, imposing forts, stone towers and Gothic churches, all contained within a medieval city wall and presided over by a magnificent imperial castle. Must-see sights include the extensive Germanisches Nationalmuseum, housing a large collection of items relating to German culture from prehistoric times through to the present day. The Hauptmarkt is where you will find the Schöner Brunnen, an exquisite gilded fountain with tiers of sculptured figures. Not-to-be-missed is the remarkable Imperial Castle of Kaiserburg. With all of its medieval charm and intriguing historical significance, Nuremberg has developed into one of Bavaria’s most popular destinations, particularly over the Christmas season when the city explodes with festivity as it hosts one of the world’s most spectacular Christmas markets.
The UNESCO-listed heritage town of Regensburg lies on the Danube River in southeast Germany. With its 1500 listed monuments, enormous numbers of bars, and atmospheric squares bringing these aspects together, the town provides a wonderland for visitors interested in both the historical and social attractions of travel. Top drawcards in Regensburg include the spectacular Regensburg St. Peter’s Cathedral, considered by many as the pinnacle of German Gothic Art; the magnificent 12th-century stone bridge, a fantastic engineering achievement for its time; and the Altes Rathaus, the venue for the Holy Roman Imperial Diet (assemblies), where guests can also visit the original torture chambers. Make sure to take a boat ride along the river, and try the town’s famous sausages at the Historic Sausage Kitchen. A great mix of restaurants, cafes, pubs and accommodation options lend a healthy buzz.
A truly picturesque city at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau was part of the Roman Empire for more than 400 years. Lying on the border of Austria and Germany, this historic town provides every visitor with something to enjoy, from its lovely streets and historical landmarks as well as a view of the beautiful Cathedral. With its unique charm and atmosphere, Passau is one of the most beautiful and spectacular German cities on the Danube.
Located on the banks of the lovely Danube River, Melk is an attractive little town in northern Austria. The town’s main tourist attractions are the impressive eleventh-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town, and the renaissance-era Schallaburg Castle, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and hosting regular interesting cultural exhibitions. Other attractions include the Abbey Church, with gold-adorned domes; the library, housing medieval manuscripts; and the Marmorsaal, a baroque hall with a spectacular ceiling fresco and red marble walls. Visitors can explore all these architectural wonders as well as Artstetten Castle, Burgruine Hohenegg Castle, and Leiben Castle. Additionally, the Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park provides wonderful opportunities for hiking, picnicking and climbing.
Located in Austria’s northern Wachau district, Durnstein is a charming town on the banks of the Danube River. A popular stop on river cruise package tours, it is not hard to see the attraction of Durnstein, one of Austria’s most photogenic little towns. With its 16th-century houses, historic abbeys and dramatic castle ruins, not to mention the striking blue and white bell tower of the Blue Monastery - one of the most famous architectural sights in Austria - Durnstein is steeped in history and is an idyllic destination to explore on foot. The town is situated in the most celebrated wine-producing region of the country, making it an excellent destination for food and wine enthusiasts looking to indulge in some local fare.
Resting over the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Vienna, the country’s capital city, is famous for its classical music heritage and reflects an enticing blend of old and new. The historical centre is skyscraper-free and dotted with immaculate, charming little parks. It is also pedestrian friendly and extremely compact, which is convenient as this area contains the bulk of the city’s major tourist highlights. Chief among these are the famous Burgtheater and Opera House and an array of opulent baroque palaces lining the warren of narrow, medieval alleyways which wind their way around the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. Add to this a slew of grand coffee houses and a rich history of classical music (residents included Mozart and Beethoven) and it becomes difficult to imagine a more livable city than the sophisticated metropolis of Vienna.
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is a charming, compact city situated on the Danube River, easily accessible from Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. It is the cultural centre of Slovakia, complete with art galleries, museums, historic churches and a picturesque hilltop castle. Visitors to Bratislava will find much to see and do as they wander the cobblestone streets of the Old City, from taking in the sights of the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and the impressive Slovak National Theatre, to the Galeria Nedbalka, nicknamed the “small Guggenheim” for its space-age design and exquisite collection of fine art. As Europe’s newest capital city, Bratislava remains relatively undiscovered - though its popularity is on the rise as word of its old-world charms and exciting nightlife begins to spread.
Fondly known as the “Pearl of the Danube”, the unique metropolis of Budapest straddles the banks of this mighty river, occupying perhaps the most dramatic setting of any European capital. Over a thousand years of turbulent history has resulted in an eclectic treasure trove of architectural gems. Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Bauhaus styles are blended together into an architectural goulash that is at once overwhelming and fascinating. Equally diverse are the choices of activities: take a relaxing soak in one of the many sumptuously decorated bathhouses; explore the incredible maze of caves that lie beneath the streets of this ancient city; or take a nostalgic joy ride on the number two tram which tours all the big sights. Throw in some world-class museums, a vibrant nightlife, and a sophisticated culinary tradition and it is easy to see why Budapest is one of Europe’s most underrated cities.
