Europe's Heartland

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

Les Andelys is a town in the Haute-Normandie region in northern France, located on the west bank of the Seine River, between Paris and Le Havre. It lies in a tight bend of the Seine, the valley being shaped by the river, forming white cliffs. A walk on the riverside offers beautiful views of the ruined castle Château-Gaillard, the old houses of Petit-Andely, and the Seine valley. Read more about Les Andelys, 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

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

The delightful town of Caudebec is located in the Haute-Normanie region of northern France. It lies on the northern bank of the Seine River close to its estuary, and is just 50 km from Le Havre. Of special interest is the historic main square that is home to intriguing architectural sights. Read more about Caudebec, 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

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

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

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

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

The Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany, known for its dramatic landscapes, castles, and historic towns along the Rhine River. Read more about Rhine Gorge, Germany

The Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany, known for its dramatic landscapes, castles, and historic towns along the Rhine River. Read more about Rhine Gorge, 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

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

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

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

Passau is a town in Lower Bavaria, Germany, at the junction of three Rivers: the Danube, the Inn from the South, and the Ilz coming out of the Bavarian Forest to the North. During the Renaissance and early modern period it became one of the most prolific centres of sword and bladed weapon manufacture in Germany. Today it is notable for its gothic and baroque architecture. Read more about Passau, Germany

Durnstein, a hamlet and much visited tourist destination, lies nestled within Austria’s vineyard-rich Wachau Valley 80 km west of Vienna. Crowned by the ruins of a castle fortress, the cobblestone streets, the baroque monastery, the 15th century Parish Church (with one of the finest Baroque towers in Austria), the old burgher and townhouses dating back from the 16th and 18th C, and visitors feel they are strolling through history. Wander along the banks of the Danube where small shops invite you to buy, with virtually every shop offering free samples of brandy, liqueur, or schnapps. Read more about Durnstein, 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

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

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