Rhine Highlights and Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and serves as a global center for banking and finance. It is located in the north-central part of the country, on the shores of Lake Zurich and at the foot of the Swiss Alps. The city is renowned for its high standard of living, clean environment, and vibrant cultural scene. Read more about Zurich, Switzerland

A town along the Rhine River across from Strasbourg, France, Kehl is known for its scenic waterfront and cross-border connection to Strasbourg. Visitors can explore parks, riverside trails, and experience German-French cultural influences. Read more about Kehl, Germany

Mannheim, in SW Germany, lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. Its nick-name ‘City of the Squares’ is due to the fact that, unlike other German cities, its central area is set out in a grid pattern just like most North American and Australian cities. Of interest is the Water Tower, just east of the city’s centre, the civic symbol of this city. Read more about Mannheim, Germany

Koblenz (aka Coblenz, Coblence) is one of the largest cities on the Rhine River in Germany and is situated on both banks of the Rhine at its junction with the Moselle. In 55 BC Roman troops commanded by Julius Caesar reached the Rhine, and the remains of a large bridge built by them in 49 AD are still visible. That the historical pattern of French occupation over the centuries has now completely ended, is encapsulated in the imposing William1st Monument that is a nationalistic declaration of the German refusal of any French claims to the area, and to German unity. Read more about Koblenz, Germany

Cologne, situated on the River Rhine and Germany’s fourth largest city, was recognised by the Romans as a major centre for their trade routes. Subsequently, considerable Roman remains can be found in contemporary Cologne, especially near the wharf area, where a notable discovery of a 1900 year old Roman boat was made in late 2007. Due to WWII air raids, today Cologne is notable for its simple and modest post-war buildings, but fortunately is still home to a few interspersed pre-war buildings that were reconstructed due to their historical importance. Read more about Cologne, Germany

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

The port of Dordrecht lies on a river delta system about 25 km upstream from Rotterdam, and 50 km from the North Sea. ‘Dordt’ is a well sheltered river harbour and was the first city in Holland to be given city rights, in 1220. Defined by its beautiful historic buildings, the docks, and the canals, the atmosphere is most welcoming. Read more about Dordrecht, Netherlands

Bruinisse is a village in the Netherlands, known for its fishing industry and charming coastal scenery. It is a popular spot for water sports and seafood cuisine. Read more about Bruinisse, Netherlands

In the region of Flanders the city of Antwerp, situated on the eastern bank of the river Scheldt and joined to the North Sea by an estuary, is a major destination of Belgium. It claims to be the ‘world's leading diamond city’ and it has every right to do so, as more than 70% of all diamonds are traded here. Due to its long and culturally rich history, the city houses buildings built in varying historical periods with an interesting variety of architectural designs. Read more about Antwerp, Belgium

Arnhem, capital of the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands, is located on both banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek, the Dutch part of the River Rhine. It lies 16 km from the German border. The two Battles of Arnhem (1944, 1945) are well known for their WW11 historical roles, and later the 1977 movie A Bridge Too Far. Read more about Arnhem, Netherlands

Hoorn is located on the IJsselmeer lake (formerly Zuiderzee), 35 kilometres north of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. During the 17th C it was a prosperous centre of the spice trade. The statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen in Hoorn reminds of the hometown’s renowned (and excessively violent) Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Read more about Hoorn, Netherlands

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands