Medieval Treasures Rhine Cruise from Basel, 28 April 2027 (7 nights)

A stunning Swiss city sitting on the Rhine, and the borders of both France and Germany, Basel is truly unlike anywhere else in the world. Considered the cultural capital of Switzerland, this city boasts a charming historic centre, a dynamic modern art scene with museums of all kinds to enjoy, a culinary landscape you’ll want to spend time exploring, and a lively atmosphere fostered by the confluence of Swiss, German, and French cultures. It’s somewhere where tradition is held in high regard, but innovation is encouraged. No matter what type of traveller you are, you’ll find something to enjoy in Basel; and, when you leave, you’ll have fond memories of your time here. For those looking for an unrivalled view of the surrounding scenery, a trip up one of the towers on Basel Cathedral is a must; or, for the best views along the river itself, a stroll over Mittlere Brücke is not to be missed. Beyond that, a plethora of incredible cultural experiences await – whether you’re spending time exploring the Kuntsmuseum Basel, checking out Basel Zoo, or even spending some time soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the local cuisine in one of the riverside buvettes.

Sitting across the Rhine from the German town of Kehl, Strasbourg is an eclectic French city with an intriguing history, a unique culture that bridges this region’s past and present, and a significant role in modern international relations; it’s one of the de facto capitals of the European Union alongside Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. Right on the border between France and Germany, Strasbourg encapsulates everything great about the region on either side of the Rhine, boasting a charming old town full of half-timbered buildings and interesting historical monuments alongside a progressive modernity that will ensure everyone visiting will find something to their liking. If you’re a fan of unique museums, you’ll find an abundance of them among the interesting sites littering this city; the engaging Museum of Seismology and Earth Magnetism sits in the Jardin du Palais Universitaire (University Palace Garden), which is just a stone’s throw from an incredible Planetarium and not far from the picturesque Parc de L’Orangerie. You’ll also find plenty of museums and galleries dedicated to both modern and fine art alongside an abundance of restaurants and cafes giving you the chance to sample the unique blend of French and German cuisines found here. It might be just a bridge away from Kehl, but Strasbourg is a striking city unlike any other; with an addictive lively atmosphere, yet ample opportunity to take a laid-back approach to your visit, this is one destination you’ll want to return to – time, and time, again.

Sitting just across the Rhine from Mannheim, Ludwigshafen is one of the most fascinating destinations on a Rhine river cruise; it’s somewhere shaped by the chemicals industry and modern art, but also by its rich history and vibrant culinary scene – all while boasting a laid-back atmosphere, something you don’t often find in cities of this size. So, whether you’re here looking for an authentic cultural excursion or a more modern experience, you’ll be well looked-after in Ludwigshafen. One thing that highlights the uniqueness of this destination is its approach to modern art; you’ll find impressive paintings and murals almost everywhere you look, outside the most historic areas of the city, and the museums and galleries here are home to some spectacular works worth taking the time to see. Hemshof, Ludwigshafen’s oldest district, is also one of its most innovative, with an incredible culinary scene centered around this incredible part of the city. And, you’ll also find a fantastic blend of boutique shopping experiences and modern retail opportunities here, making this port of call perfect if you’re looking to pick up a souvenir – or anything else you might want or need while in Germany. If, though, you’re looking for something a little different, this port of call is the perfect place to embark on an adventure to Heidelberg: a picturesque town just half an hour from Ludwigshafen. One of the most beautiful places in the region, Heidelberg is home to impressive medieval ruins, authentic cuisine, relaxing riverside walking routes, and luscious landscapes. For those who don’t mind adding a little more travelling to your time in Ludwigshafen, this is a stunning addition to everything already on offer in this remarkable destination.

Boasting narrow cobblestone streets lines with half-timbered houses, historic castle ruins with fascinating histories, and a vibrant forest-green backdrop, Miltenberg on the Main river is a quintessential Bavarian town; with a population fewer than 10,000 people, this well-preserved medieval town is the perfect place to get a taste of authentic German culture and cuisine; it’s also the ideal base if you’re looking to explore the Odenwald mountain range nearby, though there’s more than enough to enjoy in the town itself. Relish in the calm atmosphere of Miltenberg as you indulge in wine tastings, explore the charming boutiques and cafes spread throughout Miltenberg’s Old Town, or hike up to Miltenburg Castle and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery; however you want to spend your time in this remarkable destination, you’ll have a fantastic time.

A German city known for its blend of lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, interesting history, charming culture, and incredible Franconian wine, Würzburg is one destination in Bavaria with a lot to offer visitors. On both banks of the river Main, amid a host of idyllic vineyards, the sightseeing opportunities here are endless – whether you’re hoping to admire the natural beauty of the region, or the remarkable landmarks littering the city centre. You’ll also find a lively atmosphere here, with almost a third of the population actually students of the three colleges based here. That being said, Würzburg caters to those who prefer to take things at a slower pace too. The hustle and bustle of this vibrant city is there if you want it, but it’s by no means the only way to experience this incredible destination. Everyone will be able to enjoy their time here, however they want to spend it.

Eltmann is a hidden gem on the banks of the Main River, offering river cruisers a more laid-back destination among the larger towns and busier cities in the region. Somewhere surrounded by stunning countryside, Eltmann is an ideal port of call for anyone looking to spend some time exploring the great outdoors; whether you’re looking for a calm riverside route to wander, a cycling trail where you can soak up the local scenery, or a hike into the hills for sweeping views of the region, this destination has it all. It’s also a fantastic place to indulge in the region’s cuisines, with a variety of restaurants and local taverns to take advantage of; with a rich agricultural heritage, it’s safe to say that Eltmann takes its food and drink very seriously. Despite the town’s smaller size, you’ll also find several interesting historical sites here, as well as a few museums to spend your time. Although, those of you looking for a more comprehensive look at the region’s history may want to consider venturing further afield, to one of the larger cities neighbouring Eltmann; Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Würzburg are all within a reasonable distance for day trips. While they’re all worth visiting, though, don’t let the allure of these larger cities take away from what Eltmann offers. This is a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of these busier destinations and somewhere where you can really take time to appreciate the unique culture and breathtaking landscapes of Bavaria.

Nuremberg is a quintessential medieval German city, with imposing 12th-century city walls, iconic red-tiled roofing, and narrow cobblestone streets littered with charming spots to soak up the city’s culture. It’s somewhere you can’t help but want to explore, and thankfully there’s a lot worth seeing. While famous for being the site of the Nuremberg Trials in 1945, where numerous surviving Nazi officials were tried for their crimes, this city is far from defined by such a dark moment – although, it’s easily the best place to visit if you want to learn more about the event, with extensive documentation and permanent museum exhibits here. No, throughout the Renaissance and Early Modern period, Nuremberg was a centre for the arts and culture; it proved instrumental in the advancement of astrology, and resident Martin Behaim is even credited with creating the world’s first globe in 1492 – something it’s hard to imagine the world without today. When you couple this with the impressive medieval architecture found throughout the city, the numerous restaurants perfect for indulging in authentic German cuisine, and the variety of excellent breweries and bierkeller, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy here. How you spend your time in Nuremberg is up to you, but you can rest assured knowing it will be a memorable experience.