The state of Rhineland-Palatinate lies in southwest Germany, bordered by France, Belgium and Luxembourg. In addition to a beautiful river valley landscape, this region offers a cultural feast, with many must-see destinations to add to your itinerary. Begin in Mainz, where you can admire the Dom St. Martin (a breath-taking Romanesque cathedral) and the Mainz Synagogue (designed by Manuel Herz), as well as visit the fascinating Gutenberg Museum to learn more about the history of the printing-press. Koblenz is another highlight, a heritage destination at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, while in Trier you can visit Roman ruins and the engaging Karl Marx Museum. Finally, in the north of the state lie the Eifel Mountains and the Palatinate Forest, which is home to more than 50 castles (such as Eltz and Cochem).
Heidelberg offers romance and historical intrigue in equally large measure as it rests on the banks of the Neckar River in southwestern Germany. As the home of countless lively beer gardens, Germany’s oldest university, and, of course, the world’s most famous castle ruins, this remarkable city offers a virtually unrivalled variety of culture and entertainment. The highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, which towers majestically above the Neckar Valley, offering panoramic views of the exquisite baroque Old Town and the surrounding forested hills. Venture beyond the tourist hotspots, and discover an array of beautiful old monuments and churches interspersed with exclusive boutiques, cosy student pubs, breweries and wine bars at every turn. This lively metropolis, with its picturesque scenery and pleasant climate, appeals to various tastes and satisfies almost any interest.
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.
