Treasures of Europe Grand Journey: Portugal to Switzerland

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Oporto - aka Porto - is Portugal's second city and capital of the region. It is located in the estuary of the Douro river in northern Portugal and is considered the economic and cultural heart of the entire region. Ribeira, the historic Centre of Oporto has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Read more about Oporto, Portugal

Read more about Entre-os-Rios, Portugal

Regua, formally known as Peso da Regua, is a charming town located in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, renowned for its viticulture and wine production. Positioned along the Douro River, Regua serves as a central hub for the port wine industry. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage with attractions like the Douro Museum, which showcases the region's wine-making history. Read more about Regua, Portugal

Regua, formally known as Peso da Regua, is a charming town located in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, renowned for its viticulture and wine production. Positioned along the Douro River, Regua serves as a central hub for the port wine industry. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage with attractions like the Douro Museum, which showcases the region's wine-making history. Read more about Regua, Portugal

Vega Terron - aka Vega de Terron, Muelle de Vega Terrón - is a river port located the municipality of La Fregeneda in the province of Salamanca. The new Vega Terrón dock is so named to distinguish it from the old pier built around 1860 to transport goods, mainly agricultural products on the Douro River. Read more about Vega Terron, Spain

Read more about Pocinho, Portugal

Pinhao is nestled in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley and is a charming village that is renowned for its stunning vineyards and scenic river views. Located along the banks of the Douro River, Pinhao is a key centre for the region's famed port wine production. The village's picturesque landscapes are dotted with terraced vineyards and historic quintas (wine estates), offering visitors a glimpse into traditional winemaking. Read more about Pinhao, Portugal

Pinhao is nestled in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley and is a charming village that is renowned for its stunning vineyards and scenic river views. Located along the banks of the Douro River, Pinhao is a key centre for the region's famed port wine production. The village's picturesque landscapes are dotted with terraced vineyards and historic quintas (wine estates), offering visitors a glimpse into traditional winemaking. Read more about Pinhao, Portugal

Oporto - aka Porto - is Portugal's second city and capital of the region. It is located in the estuary of the Douro river in northern Portugal and is considered the economic and cultural heart of the entire region. Ribeira, the historic Centre of Oporto has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Read more about Oporto, Portugal

Oporto - aka Porto - is Portugal's second city and capital of the region. It is located in the estuary of the Douro river in northern Portugal and is considered the economic and cultural heart of the entire region. Ribeira, the historic Centre of Oporto has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Read more about Oporto, Portugal

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in SW France. It is the world’s major wine industry capital, while the historic part of the city is on the UNESCO Heritage List due to its elegant18th century architecture. It has become a sought-after destination for both tourists and cinema production crews. Read more about Bordeaux, France

The French city of Libourne is located at the conjunction of the Rivers Isle and Dordogne, which is the meeting point for sea and river navigation. Today this busy town, renowned for its markets, is an important centre for the wine-growing business of the region. Its houses, rich like the quality of the fine wines that it exports, make it a ‘little sister’ town to Bordeaux. Read more about Libourne, France

Cussac Fort Médoc is a commune in southwestern France, known for the historic Fort Médoc and its vineyards producing renowned Bordeaux wines. Read more about Cussac Fort Medoc, France

Cussac Fort Médoc is a commune in southwestern France, known for the historic Fort Médoc and its vineyards producing renowned Bordeaux wines. Read more about Cussac Fort Medoc, France

Cadillac is a commune in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in SW France. It is situated directly across the Garonne river from Sauternes, and is known for producing sweet dessert wines. All around Cadillac you'll see parts of the old town wall that are integrated into everyday life. Read more about Cadillac, France

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in SW France. It is the world’s major wine industry capital, while the historic part of the city is on the UNESCO Heritage List due to its elegant18th century architecture. It has become a sought-after destination for both tourists and cinema production crews. Read more about Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in SW France. It is the world’s major wine industry capital, while the historic part of the city is on the UNESCO Heritage List due to its elegant18th century architecture. It has become a sought-after destination for both tourists and cinema production crews. Read more about Bordeaux, France

Bourg, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, is a picturesque village perched on the banks of the Dordogne River. Known for its charming mediaeval architecture, Bourg features narrow cobblestone streets, historic stone houses, and the impressive Chateau de la Citadelle. The village is surrounded by lush vineyards, producing renowned Bordeaux wines. Read more about Bourg, France

Bourg, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, is a picturesque village perched on the banks of the Dordogne River. Known for its charming mediaeval architecture, Bourg features narrow cobblestone streets, historic stone houses, and the impressive Chateau de la Citadelle. The village is surrounded by lush vineyards, producing renowned Bordeaux wines. Read more about Bourg, France

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in SW France. It is the world’s major wine industry capital, while the historic part of the city is on the UNESCO Heritage List due to its elegant18th century architecture. It has become a sought-after destination for both tourists and cinema production crews. Read more about Bordeaux, France

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is a town in the Haute-Normandie region in northern France, located on the north bank of the Seine River, in the NW suburbs of Paris just 24 km from the city centre. It is considered the capital of the French inland waterways, and historically has always been important to inland shipping. Be sure to visit the old city, a great place to absorb the city’s heritage and culture. Read more about Conflans-Ste-Honorine, France

Rouen lies on the River Seine in northern France and is the capital city of Normandy. It is possibly best known for being home to the site of Joan of Arc’s pyre where she was burnt in 1431, and which is now marked by the modern church of Saint Joan of Arc, situated in an historical square with buildings of fascinating architectural styles. Another very famous attraction is the Notre Dame Cathedral situated at the centre of the old city, with its unique Butter Tower and fabulous Gothic architecture. Read more about Rouen, France

Honfleur is a commune in the NW of France located on the southern bank of the estuary of the Seine across from Le Havre. A quintessential French harbour town, Honfleur is more than delightful. The fishing and sailing port is pretty and very dear to the Impressionists and more modern artists. Read more about Honfleur , France

Honfleur is a commune in the NW of France located on the southern bank of the estuary of the Seine across from Le Havre. A quintessential French harbour town, Honfleur is more than delightful. The fishing and sailing port is pretty and very dear to the Impressionists and more modern artists. Read more about Honfleur , France

Vernon is a town in the Haute-Normandie region of northern France. It lies on the banks of the Seine River, about midway between the cities of Paris and Rouen. Vernon is a very ancient town attested to by prehistorical, Celtic, Gallo-Roman and Merovingian remains. Read more about Vernon, France

Paris, situated on the river Seine in northern France, is the capital and largest city of the country. It is also the most visited city in the world, and the region is home to 3,800 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Interestingly, the earliest archaeological signs of permanent settlements in the Paris area date from around 4200 BC. Read more about Paris, France

Paris, situated on the river Seine in northern France, is the capital and largest city of the country. It is also the most visited city in the world, and the region is home to 3,800 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Interestingly, the earliest archaeological signs of permanent settlements in the Paris area date from around 4200 BC. Read more about Paris, France

Paris, situated on the river Seine in northern France, is the capital and largest city of the country. It is also the most visited city in the world, and the region is home to 3,800 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Interestingly, the earliest archaeological signs of permanent settlements in the Paris area date from around 4200 BC. Read more about Paris, France

Greenwich Pier on the River Thames in the London borough of Greenwich, UK, is upstream from the London Barrage, and downstream from the heart of London. The name says you are within walking distance of the historic Royal Observatory, Greenwich (now a museum), marking zero degrees longitude, where you can be photographed with one foot in the Eastern hemisphere and one foot in the Western hemisphere. View historic astronomic and navigational tools vital to Britain’s ships since 1675, railways since 1847, and the Prime Meridian since 1884. Read more about Greenwich, Great Britain

Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. Read more about Hamburg, Germany

Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. Read more about Copenhagen, Denmark

Gdansk lies on the southern edge of Gdansk Bay on the Baltic coast, and is Poland’s principal seaport. From a trading base for the once-mighty Teutonic Knights to the birthplace of modern Poland, the city drips history. Today Gdansk, with its painstakingly reconstructed and very charming Old Town, is perfectly located at the heart of the coast, and is the showpiece of Poland's north. Read more about Gdansk, Poland

Visby, on the island of Gotland that lies 90km off the SE coast of Sweden, is a medieval town of roses, ruins, narrow winding lanes, and an amazingly well preserved town wall with 27 of the towers still intact. There are also 200 medieval houses as well as several ancient churches, many of which were built in the 12th century. Another attraction is the beautifully restored Cathedral of St Mary’s. Read more about Visby, Sweden

Read more about Mariehamn, Finland

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, situated on both banks of the river Danube, with its 346 river cruise ships (2019). Originally with the cities of Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank, it became a single city with their unification in 1873. The city’s rich and colourful history, its extensive World Heritage Site including the Danube River banks, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, and the Millennium Underground Railway, have resulted in its becoming an important tourist centre in Central Europe. Read more about Budapest, Hungary

Vienna, Austria's capital city, has a population of around two million and is located to the east of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. Architectural styles range from classic to modern, and include some of the world’s best known examples of Art Nouveau. Fascinating features are the few high-rise buildings, and numerous parks and gardens, with many statues of famous people such as Mozart and Strauss. Read more about Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria's capital city, has a population of around two million and is located to the east of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. Architectural styles range from classic to modern, and include some of the world’s best known examples of Art Nouveau. Fascinating features are the few high-rise buildings, and numerous parks and gardens, with many statues of famous people such as Mozart and Strauss. Read more about Vienna, Austria

Krems is located at the confluence of the Krems and Danube rivers at the eastern end of the Wachau valley in the Walsviertel, about 70km west of Vienna. Its history dates as far back as 995 and today it is the fifth largest city of Lower Austria. The old town of Krems is definitely worth seeing as it was appointed UNESCO World Heritage in 2000. Read more about Krems, Austria

Regensburg is a city in Bavaria, Germany, situated at the junction of the Danube and Regen rivers. The large medieval centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to two thousand years of living history with some of Europe's most important architectural and cultural monuments, plus fascinating museums and art collections, make this an attractive place to spend some time. Read more about Regensburg, Germany

Nuremberg, is a city in the German state of Bavaria, situated on the Pegnitz River and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. In the Middle Ages the city expanded and increased in importance due to its location on a key trade route from Italy to Northern Europe. Nuremberg held great significance during the Nazi Germany era, as the site of huge Nazi Party conventions, and an important site for military production, including airplanes, submarines and tanks. Read more about Nuremberg, Germany

Bamberg is a town in Bavaria, Germany, located in Upper Franconia at the junction of the Regnitz and Main rivers. It is a disarmingly beautiful architectural masterpiece with an almost complete absence of modern eyesores. The town extends over seven hills, each crowned by a beautiful church, which has led to Bamberg being called the ‘Franconian Rome’. Read more about Bamberg, Germany

Wurzburg, aka Wuerzburg, is a city on the Main River at the northern tip of Bavaria, Germany. It is rich in history with evidence of a Celtic fortification having been built there back in 1000 BC. The city was severely bombed during WWll and the city centre, dating back to medieval times, was totally destroyed. Read more about Wurzburg, Germany

Wertheim is a town at the junction of the rivers Tauber and Main in SW Germany. It is one of the most beautiful city centres in Germany, with its numerous half-timbered houses - one more beautiful than the other - and which you can't take your eyes off. Some of them go back to the 16th century. Read more about Wertheim, Germany

Rüdesheim lies in the heart of the Rhine River area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. It is well known for the Drosselgasse, just 144m long, the pedestrian street at the heart of the city's old town. It is full of beautifully decorated restaurants, live band entertainment, and open air garden taverns that are always thoroughly enjoyed by visitors. Read more about Rudesheim, 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

Dusseldorf is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a key economic centre of Germany, situated on the River Rhine, and has a high population density. The city dates back to 1135 and flourished with a market square protected by city walls in all four directions. Read more about Dusseldorf, Germany

Cochem is a town on the west bank of the Mosel River and the capital of the district of Cochem-Zell, Western Germany. It is situated in the valley of the Mosel, surrounded by vineyards, and at the foot of a hill overlooked by the Reichsburg, a feudal castle that dates from 1051. The history of Cochem in Celtic, Roman, and early Middle Ages is unknown, but its location was ideal for farming and wine production with access to the Mosel river traders. Read more about Cochem, Germany

Bernkastel is a district of the town Bernkastel-Kues, a well-known wine growing centre that is over 700 years old, located on the Middle Moselle river in Rhineland, Germany. The town is a state-recognized health resort and the birthplace of one of the most famous medieval churchmen and philosophers, Nikolaus von Kues. His birthplace has been well preserved over the centuries. Read more about Bernkastel, 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

Rüdesheim lies in the heart of the Rhine River area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. It is well known for the Drosselgasse, just 144m long, the pedestrian street at the heart of the city's old town. It is full of beautifully decorated restaurants, live band entertainment, and open air garden taverns that are always thoroughly enjoyed by visitors. Read more about Rudesheim, 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

Strasbourg, France’s great north-eastern metropolis and the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace, is the ultimate European city. It has flavours of both France and Germany, and sits astride the border of the two countries. Today the residents have mixed feelings about their ‘Frenchness’ or ‘Germanness’, with many agreeing they are not either French or German, but a bit of both. Read more about Strasbourg, France

The German town of Breisach is situated along the Rhine River on the French and German border, about halfway between Freiburg and Colma. During WWII 85% of Breisach was destroyed and the early 13th century cathedral of St Stephansmünster was heavily damaged. Fortunately it is a great place to visit as it has since been restored with many of its remarkable features still intact. Read more about Breisach, Germany

Basel on the river Rhine is Switzerland's third most populous city, and located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Indeed, the river cruise ships berth within a stone’s throw of the triple intersection. It has suburbs in France and Germany, and interestingly the language spoken is called Basel German. Read more about Basel, Switzerland

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

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

Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg, on the banks of the Salzach river, at the northern boundary of the Alps. Earliest human settlements at Salzburg were by the Celts and in 15 BC they were merged into one city by the Romans. The name Salzburg literally means "Salt Fortress", and derives its name from the town’s tax revenue from the barges carrying salt on the Salzach river. Read more about Salzburg, Austria

Vienna, Austria's capital city, has a population of around two million and is located to the east of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. Architectural styles range from classic to modern, and include some of the world’s best known examples of Art Nouveau. Fascinating features are the few high-rise buildings, and numerous parks and gardens, with many statues of famous people such as Mozart and Strauss. Read more about Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria's capital city, has a population of around two million and is located to the east of the Alps in the Vienna Basin. Architectural styles range from classic to modern, and include some of the world’s best known examples of Art Nouveau. Fascinating features are the few high-rise buildings, and numerous parks and gardens, with many statues of famous people such as Mozart and Strauss. Read more about Vienna, Austria