Grand Tales of Europe: Central Europe & Portugal

Bucharest, located on the banks of the Dambovita River, is the capital city of Romania and its largest city. The city boasts wide, tree-lined boulevards and a range of architectural styles including Historical, Art Deco, as well as on-going Modern. Finding a 300 year old church, a steel-and-glass office building and Communist-era high rise apartment blocks next to one another is a common sight. Read more about Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, located on the banks of the Dambovita River, is the capital city of Romania and its largest city. The city boasts wide, tree-lined boulevards and a range of architectural styles including Historical, Art Deco, as well as on-going Modern. Finding a 300 year old church, a steel-and-glass office building and Communist-era high rise apartment blocks next to one another is a common sight. Read more about Bucharest, Romania

Brasov is a city in Romania, known for its medieval Saxon walls, cobblestone streets, and the towering Gothic-style Black Church. It is a gateway to the Carpathian Mountains. Read more about Brasov, Romania

Brasov is a city in Romania, known for its medieval Saxon walls, cobblestone streets, and the towering Gothic-style Black Church. It is a gateway to the Carpathian Mountains. Read more about Brasov, Romania

Bucharest, located on the banks of the Dambovita River, is the capital city of Romania and its largest city. The city boasts wide, tree-lined boulevards and a range of architectural styles including Historical, Art Deco, as well as on-going Modern. Finding a 300 year old church, a steel-and-glass office building and Communist-era high rise apartment blocks next to one another is a common sight. Read more about Bucharest, Romania

Silistra is a city and administrative centre of a Province in NE Bulgaria, located on the south bank of the Danube River at the country's border with Romania.There are many historical landmarks such as a very well preserved 4th C. Roman Silistra tomb with its vaulted sepulchre, and remains of the Medjidi Tabiya fortress completed in 1853, both of which are extremely interesting. In the fortress the rich mural painting of a geometrical design with animal and human figures, hunting scenes, and a family couple with their maid-servants, is of exceptional artistic and historical value. Read more about Silistra, Bulgaria

Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia, lying on two international waterways at the junction of the Sava and Danube rivers. Here is found the statue of Pobednik (Winner), one of the symbols of Belgrade. It is also the second largest city on the Danube River and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Read more about Belgrade, Serbia

Osijek, the fourth largest city in Croatia, is located on the right bank of the river Drava, 25 km upstream of its confluence with the Danube. The surroundings of Osijek provide excellent opportunities for angling on the Drava River and its backwaters. The exquisite dining offerings include traditional Slavonia-style specialities made from venison, and fish dishes such as the famous fish paprika stew. Read more about Osijek, Croatia

Mohacs is a Hungarian town in the SE part of Baranya County, on both sides of the river Danube. It is possibly best known for its Buso Carnival originating from Turkish times, which lasts for six days, when locals bury the winter and party before the start of Lent. Also of great interest are the Buso masks that, according to legend, helped locals scare away the Turks in the 16th century. Read more about Mohacs, 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

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

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

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

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