Wondrous Europe

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

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

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

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

Lyon (or Lyons) is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France, located at the junction of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, between Paris and Marseille. The city is known for its historical architectural landmarks at the Historic site, so that UNESCO recently listed Vieux Lyon, including the Croix-Rousse and Presqu'île areas, as a world heritage site. This is well deserved as the Gothic and Renaissance district is famous for its maze of narrow streets with quaint cathedrals, churches and buildings of historical importance that feature architecture from the 12th century to modern times. Read more about Lyon, France

Lyon (or Lyons) is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France, located at the junction of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, between Paris and Marseille. The city is known for its historical architectural landmarks at the Historic site, so that UNESCO recently listed Vieux Lyon, including the Croix-Rousse and Presqu'île areas, as a world heritage site. This is well deserved as the Gothic and Renaissance district is famous for its maze of narrow streets with quaint cathedrals, churches and buildings of historical importance that feature architecture from the 12th century to modern times. Read more about Lyon, France