Part beautifully preserved medieval gem, part unofficial capital of Europe and one of the most important modern cities on the continent; Strasbourg – the glorious capital of France’s beautiful Alsace region – is as cosmopolitan and captivating as they come. The city’s cultural centre is particularly appealing, with its eye-catching old and glittering European quarters boasting an array of diverse architectural treasures.

At the very heart of Strasbourg’s cultural centre is Grande Île. This section of the city is the most popular tourist spot here and for good reason too; it was the first city centre to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in recognition of its magnificent medieval architecture and displays of Franco-German culture. No time spent in Strasbourg is complete without exploring Grande Île to the full. Here you can marvel at the mesmerising 15^th century gothic cathedral, the world’s fourth largest church; visit the ancient churches of St Thomas, St Pierre-le-Vieux, St Pierre-le-Jeune, and St Étienne; take in the rows of charming half-timbered houses and medieval fortifications within ‘Petite France’; and stop-by Palais Rohan, the former residence of the prince-bishops.

The contrasting sights of the thriving European quarter are well worth a look too. This energetic district, situated in the north section of the city centre, is home to many of the continent’s most important and iconic buildings including the impressive European Court of Human Rights and the European Parliament building.

Elsewhere in the city you’ll discover fine examples of art nouveau architecture, such as Palais des Fêtes; and contemporary architectural delights such as the Musée d'Art moderne et contemporain and Hôtel du Département. Don’t miss the eclecticist designs of the Neustadt (German Quarter) too. Strasbourg is also home to a collection of fantastic museums and galleries, as well as several beautiful parks such as Parc de l'Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle – built around the remains of a 17^th century fortress near the Rhine – and the Jardin botanique de l'Université de Strasbourg. 

Compact, picturesque and beautifully well-preserved, stunning Speyer always makes for a rewarding stop while cruising along the beautiful River Rhine. Easily explored on foot, the city is perfect for a few hours of relaxing sightseeing in the sunshine. Having survived the Second World War largely unscathed and unspoilt – something which can't be said about many settlements strategically situated on the banks of Germany's waterways – Speyer is a 'living museum' of magnificent monuments and landmarks exhibiting several centuries of incredible history.

The main attractions include the soaring neo-gothic Memorial Church – the tallest structure in the entire Rhineland-Palatinate – which was built between 1893 and 1904 to commemorate the city's imperial protests in the 16th century; the Old City Gate and the 'normal foot', remnants of Speyer's fortifications from the Middle Ages; and reminders of the city's remarkable Jewish heritage, such as the ruins of the medieval synagogue and the 12th century Jewish ritual bath. The late Baroque architecture of the stately City Hall is worth a look too.

Off all the city's impressive sights, the UNESCO-listed cathedral is without doubt the crowning glory. This mighty architectural wonder has loomed large over Speyer for nearly 1000 years, having been founded by Konrad II in the 1020s, extended by Henry IV in the 1080s and extensively rebuilt in the 18th century after the Palatine War. Today it stands proud as the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe.

Compact, picturesque and beautifully well-preserved, stunning Speyer always makes for a rewarding stop while cruising along the beautiful River Rhine. Easily explored on foot, the city is perfect for a few hours of relaxing sightseeing in the sunshine. Having survived the Second World War largely unscathed and unspoilt – something which can't be said about many settlements strategically situated on the banks of Germany's waterways – Speyer is a 'living museum' of magnificent monuments and landmarks exhibiting several centuries of incredible history.

The main attractions include the soaring neo-gothic Memorial Church – the tallest structure in the entire Rhineland-Palatinate – which was built between 1893 and 1904 to commemorate the city's imperial protests in the 16th century; the Old City Gate and the 'normal foot', remnants of Speyer's fortifications from the Middle Ages; and reminders of the city's remarkable Jewish heritage, such as the ruins of the medieval synagogue and the 12th century Jewish ritual bath. The late Baroque architecture of the stately City Hall is worth a look too.

Off all the city's impressive sights, the UNESCO-listed cathedral is without doubt the crowning glory. This mighty architectural wonder has loomed large over Speyer for nearly 1000 years, having been founded by Konrad II in the 1020s, extended by Henry IV in the 1080s and extensively rebuilt in the 18th century after the Palatine War. Today it stands proud as the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe.

Situated at the famous ‘Deutsches Eck’ where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and the magnificent Hunsrück, Eifel and Westerwald mountain ranges converge, it’s no wonder Koblenz is considered one of the most picturesque cities in Germany. The appeal of Koblenz isn’t just skin-deep however; over 2,000 years of history and an abundance of cultural and historical monuments ensure this ancient city is always a memorable and rewarding stop on a German river cruise.

While Koblenz’s beginnings date back to Roman times, the Franks, the French, the Prussians and of course, the Germans have all controlled and heavily influenced the city over the years. Many centuries-old fortifications and castles, impressive palaces and sculpted parks, which offer an insight into Koblenz’s fascinating past, highlight this rich and diverse history. The magnificent 19th century Stolzenfels Castle, watching over the Rhine on the left bank of the river; Alte Berg, the former electoral castle built in the 13th century; the Prussian Electoral Palace, where the Prussian Crown Prince and Kaiser Wilhelm I once resided; and the neo-romantic Prussian Government building are all among the highlights. Also not to be missed is the ancient Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached via the Koblenz cable car and offers stunning views of Koblenz and the surrounding river scenery from 118 metres above the city.

It’s also well worth taking the time to venture into the charming Altstadt district, where pretty squares, ornate churches such as Liebfrauenkirche and St Castor Basilica, and the iconic Vier Türme towers await. In the old town you’ll also find a number of friendly bars and restaurants serving the finest local flavours.

Situated at the famous ‘Deutsches Eck’ where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and the magnificent Hunsrück, Eifel and Westerwald mountain ranges converge, it’s no wonder Koblenz is considered one of the most picturesque cities in Germany. The appeal of Koblenz isn’t just skin-deep however; over 2,000 years of history and an abundance of cultural and historical monuments ensure this ancient city is always a memorable and rewarding stop on a German river cruise.

While Koblenz’s beginnings date back to Roman times, the Franks, the French, the Prussians and of course, the Germans have all controlled and heavily influenced the city over the years. Many centuries-old fortifications and castles, impressive palaces and sculpted parks, which offer an insight into Koblenz’s fascinating past, highlight this rich and diverse history. The magnificent 19th century Stolzenfels Castle, watching over the Rhine on the left bank of the river; Alte Berg, the former electoral castle built in the 13th century; the Prussian Electoral Palace, where the Prussian Crown Prince and Kaiser Wilhelm I once resided; and the neo-romantic Prussian Government building are all among the highlights. Also not to be missed is the ancient Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached via the Koblenz cable car and offers stunning views of Koblenz and the surrounding river scenery from 118 metres above the city.

It’s also well worth taking the time to venture into the charming Altstadt district, where pretty squares, ornate churches such as Liebfrauenkirche and St Castor Basilica, and the iconic Vier Türme towers await. In the old town you’ll also find a number of friendly bars and restaurants serving the finest local flavours.

Today, Bonn is often overlooked for its nearby larger neighbour, Cologne, but its unique charms are undeniable. It’s famous for being the birthplace of Beethoven – and of Haribo! – as well as its former position as the capital of West Germany before reunification in 1990. [ReadMoreMob]

As you’d expect from a seat of power, Bonn has scores of historical monuments to explore, including Bonn Minster cathedral and the opulent Holy Stairs of Kreuzbirgkirche. The federal quarter is full of modern buildings of glass and steel, and the “Museum Mile” has diversions aplenty; The Museum Koenig natural history museum is beautiful inside and out, while the Haus der Geschichte tells the story of German history from the end of World War II to the present day.

There are also vast parks and stately residences within easy reach of our docking location, such as the Electoral Palace and Hofgarten. Slightly further out – but with plenty of time in port to visit – are the Botanical Gardens of Poppelsdorf Palace.

Today, Bonn is often overlooked for its nearby larger neighbour, Cologne, but its unique charms are undeniable. It’s famous for being the birthplace of Beethoven – and of Haribo! – as well as its former position as the capital of West Germany before reunification in 1990. [ReadMoreMob]

As you’d expect from a seat of power, Bonn has scores of historical monuments to explore, including Bonn Minster cathedral and the opulent Holy Stairs of Kreuzbirgkirche. The federal quarter is full of modern buildings of glass and steel, and the “Museum Mile” has diversions aplenty; The Museum Koenig natural history museum is beautiful inside and out, while the Haus der Geschichte tells the story of German history from the end of World War II to the present day.

There are also vast parks and stately residences within easy reach of our docking location, such as the Electoral Palace and Hofgarten. Slightly further out – but with plenty of time in port to visit – are the Botanical Gardens of Poppelsdorf Palace.

Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the Middle Ages. In recent years the city has been extensively rebuilt and restructured, and is now one of the most important historical and cultural centres in Europe.

With such a rich history and heritage, Cologne is a picture book of fascinating highlights and experiences. The city’s most iconic site is without doubt the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which has long been considered Germany’s single most popular attraction. The soaring gothic spires of this incredible 13th century structure can be seen from all over the city, however visiting the cathedral is a must to marvel at its spectacular architecture up-close and uncover the treasures within.

The city’s many other must-visit sights and attractions include the impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine near the cathedral; a collection of 12 glorious Romanesque churches including St Kunibert, St Severin and St Andreas; the beautiful Forstbotanischer botanical garden; and several galleries and museums such as the Fragrance Museum and Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the Europe’s finest Picasso collections. For a taste of the local culture – and of the local brew – be sure to stop by Altstadt district, where bustling pubs and beer halls serve the city’s famous sweet pale ale, Kölsch.

Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the Middle Ages. In recent years the city has been extensively rebuilt and restructured, and is now one of the most important historical and cultural centres in Europe.

With such a rich history and heritage, Cologne is a picture book of fascinating highlights and experiences. The city’s most iconic site is without doubt the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which has long been considered Germany’s single most popular attraction. The soaring gothic spires of this incredible 13th century structure can be seen from all over the city, however visiting the cathedral is a must to marvel at its spectacular architecture up-close and uncover the treasures within.

The city’s many other must-visit sights and attractions include the impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine near the cathedral; a collection of 12 glorious Romanesque churches including St Kunibert, St Severin and St Andreas; the beautiful Forstbotanischer botanical garden; and several galleries and museums such as the Fragrance Museum and Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the Europe’s finest Picasso collections. For a taste of the local culture – and of the local brew – be sure to stop by Altstadt district, where bustling pubs and beer halls serve the city’s famous sweet pale ale, Kölsch.