 With fabulous rooftop pools, jacuzzies, and wellness programs, exquisite cuisine and delicious drinks available around-the-clock, it may be tempting to never leave the ship. But I know the main reason travelers choose a river cruise is because of the adventure—the amazing, breathtaking cities and towns along the way. With that in mind, the countries you’ll explore on the Rhine are historic, romantic and truly awe-inspiring. With so many incredible river cruise options throughout Europe, it can be a tough decision… but I know that we’ll find something that fits your budget, taste, travel style and sense of adventure. One popular option with my clients is the Rhine River. Let’s take a closer look at the destinations on this river and you’ll see why. SWITZERLAND A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is beautiful any time of year. It’s known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. Whether you’re taking a scenic train ride through the Alps or traveling the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you wondering if you’ve walked straight into a fairytale. Basel Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it perfectly easy to tour. Basel is a fantastic representation of Switzerland - situated right between France and Germany, two countries which have significantly influenced Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine. But why stop with Basel when there’s so much more of Switzerland to see. I’d recommend tacking on a trip to Lucerne or Zurich. Lucerne Lucerne is the ideal stop on your trek through Switzerland. Wandering through its majestic streets, you’ll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes and chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Book a ride on Lake Lucerne while you are there. Zurich The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich combines pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment. In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sight-seeing to do. From the Hauptbahnhof - Switzerland’s largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a short time. You can also explore the city’s incredible rivers and magnificent lake, which has superior water quality for swimming. Whether its fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure is waiting for you in Zurich.  FRANCE Parlez-vous français? Non? Well, no worries. A good translation app can do wonders to help you navigate the luscious countryside of France, and its mouthwatering cafes and menus. For its food, wine, and historic sights, we love this country for all the right reasons. Wine and Dine Wine and France go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a croque monsieur or a full 3-course French dinner, you will not be disappointed. A Rhine River cruise will have you visiting Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region and a charming city for a day trip. I recommend a wine tour of the region if you enjoy tastings. Leisure If wine tasting isn’t your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there is no shortage of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride. Shopping Are you looking for modern stores, local boutiques or street markets? You can find them all in Strasbourg. Most of Strasbourg’s old town is centered on Grande Île, an island in the middle of the city. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them any time of year. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, we recommend a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.  GERMANY Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich and other metropolitan areas. On a river cruise however, you’ll experience a whole new side of the country—one that is more traditional and inviting. Cruising the Rhine, you’ll see cultural hubs as well as quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne both offer a variety of entertainment including local musicians and museums, providing for a well-rounded German experience.  Rüdesheim Rüdesheim is a charming little city on the Rhine known for its production of Reisling wine. The first thing you’ll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rüdesheim. During the stop in Rüdesheim, you can choose between Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride or a wine tasting hike through the vineyards. One favorite way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship. Cologne A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area of Germany. Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city. The stop in Cologne offers the options of a Holy City walking tour and cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting or Cologne bike tour.  THE NETHERLANDS
What better way to start or end a cruise than right in the heart of the Amsterdam. A city known for its red-light district and overall carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. Cruising one of the world’s most elaborate canal systems will show you much of the beauty this city has to offer. If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral where Rembrandt was buried in 1669. The People The people in the Netherlands are truly some of the kindest and friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct and very prompt, don’t be surprised by how welcomed you feel in this city. The Food One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip Amsterdam is the food. If you’re craving something with a pinch of salt, we would recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup). After dinner, enjoy a variety of different sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes) or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey). The Creativity You will find more peculiar shops and art displays in Amsterdam than almost anywhere else in the world. From stores with cows on the ceiling to mouse mansions and displays dedicated entirely to tulips, entertainment in Amsterdam lies around every corner. These are just a few of the amazing destinations on a Rhine River cruise. Which country is calling your name? Give me a call today to talk about all the options available. I can be reach at 602.540.7338 or by email laurie@lakamatravel.com. Comments are closed.
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Laurie Marschall - Owner and Founder
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