Romantic Rhine & Moselle & Unforgettable Douro

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Moselle Valley is a picturesque region along the Moselle River in Germany and France, famous for its wine production and scenic beauty. Read more about Moselle Valley, 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

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

Nijmegen is is situated on the Waal river, less than 10km from the German border. It is the oldest city in the Netherlands, celebrating its 2,000th year of existence in 2005. Its first mention in history was in the 1st century B.C. Read more about Nijmegen, 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

Veere is a picturesque village in SW Netherlands, located on Walcheren island in the province of Zeeland (‘Sealand’, large parts of which are below sea level; and has given its name to ‘New Zealand’). It lies close to the southern part of the North Sea, and 30 km north of Belgium. The city faces Veerse Meer inland lake that was blocked off in 1961 from the North Sea by Veerse Gat 5km to the north, built as part of the Delta Plan to prevent flooding following the disaster of 1953. Read more about Veere, Netherlands

Utrecht, the fourth largest city of the Netherlands, is located on the river Rhine at the eastern end of the Randstad. The ancient city-centre features many buildings and structures from the early Middle Ages and the city is viewed as the religious centre of the Netherlands. Read more about Utrecht, Netherlands

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

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

Salamanca, located in western Spain, is a vibrant city renowned for its stunning Renaissance architecture and prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe. The city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features magnificent landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor, the Old and New Cathedrals, and the Casa de las Conchas with its distinctive shell-adorned facade. Salamanca's University, founded in 1218, adds youthful energy and academic prestige to the city. Read more about Salamanca, Spain

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