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.
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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.
Originating from the Latin word ‘(ad) confluentes’, meaning ‘(at the) merging of rivers’, Koblenz is certainly an apt name for this ancient city resting at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers and the convergence of three low mountain ranges – the Hunsrück, the Eifel and the Westerwald. While many visitors use Koblenz as merely a gateway to the terraced vineyards and ruined castles of the Rhine Gorge, the city itself offers a rich abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings. Its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways as well as the relaxed atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz an attractive town that has continued to delight visitors for centuries. Don’t miss the Kurfürstliches Schloss (Elector's Palace), the romantic Schloss Stolzenfels (Stolzenfels Castle). the neo-classical Theater and the unique Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which is accessible by cable car and hosts some wonderful museums and cultural events.
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.
Situated near the France border in southwestern Germany’s Black Forest area, Baden-Baden is famous for its curative natural hot springs, its wealth of historic architecture and its numerous gorgeous parks. The town’s renowned mineral-rich waters are said to assist in healing all kinds of ailments, and visitors can either soak in them at the luxurious Caracalla Baths or drink the liquid at the fairy-tale-like Fettquelle Fountain and Trinkhalle. History enthusiasts have an overwhelming itinerary at hand, including the Old Town adorned with Baroque-influenced buildings, magnificent churches and antique shops, Roman Bath Ruins, Altes Schloss Hohenbaden Castle, and famous composer Johannes Brahms’s summer house. Beautiful and varied lush parks, often boasting elaborate fountains, provide an ideal wonderland for a leisurely day of picnicking.
The seat of European Parliament, Strasbourg presents an interesting fusion of cultures, from ancient to uber-modern. The medieval district contrasts sharply with the space-age architecture of its swanky EU quarter, while its rich traditions have not been diminished by its vibrant student population. Take some time to explore the city’s fairytale old town, with its cobbled lanes, exquisite stone cathedral and half-timbered medieval houses; visit the charming ‘Petite France’ neighbourhood on the Grand Isle; take an evening river cruise to see the city illuminated at night. To experience Strasbourg’s gastronomic delights, do a wine-tasting tour in the surrounding countryside and end the day sampling authentic Alsatian cuisine in a traditional ‘winstubs’.
Located in central Switzerland in the German-speaking part of the country, Lucerne is undeniably one of Europe's most enchanting cities. With its magnificent lakeside and mountain scenery, its remarkable variety of tourist attractions and its idyllic location at the northwest end of Lake Lucerne, the city is thought by many to be the epitome of 'true' Switzerland as well as the gateway to Central Switzerland. The landscape is a wonderland of snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of Edelweiss. The pedestrianised centre of the city is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with medieval-style buildings adorned with wonderful displays of colourful flowers. Presiding over the old town, the original city wall provides stunning views. One of the main attractions is crossing the Reuss River on the famous Chapel Bridge.
Tucked amidst the gorgeous Bernese Alps in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, the alpine village of Grindelwald is best known for its excellent skiing opportunities in winter and hiking opportunities in summer. Visitors can board Switzerland's famous cog railroad (the highest in the world), which climbs high into the mountains for a truly magnificent ride and view. Grindelwald also serves as the starting point for visitors ascending the iconic north face of Eiger Mountain. Other activities include: gondola rides up to the minor summit on Schwarzhorn, where visitors can attempt the thrilling First Cliff Walk, and hiking the magnificent six-kilometre Eiger Trail. Take the chance to view the Bachalpsee, a remarkable alpine lake, and explore the deep Gletscherschlucht, an otherworldly glacier canyon.
Zurich, or 'Zuri' as it is fondly known by its multicultural inhabitants, lies in northern Switzerland at the meeting point of a beautiful lake and river, with the magnificent snow-capped Swiss Alps standing guard high above it. This fairy tale city is renowned for its beauty, cleanliness, efficiency, and heritage. Explore medieval alleyways peppered with quirky corner cafes, steepled churches, trendy taprooms, and world-class galleries and restaurants. A day in Zurich can include browsing the unrivalled selection of luxury stores on it’s famous shopping strip, the Bahnhofstrasse; riding the Polybahn, the 19th-century funicular up a steep hill to admire the spectacular view; or ‘renting’ a free bike or skateboard to meander along the banks of picturesque Lake Zurich. The venerable palace of art at the Kunsthaus is also a major drawcard, containing numerous world-famous masterpieces.
