German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich (Eastbound)

Basel, which lies in the northwest region of Switzerland, near its French and German borders, is a delightful city with a rich history, intriguing medieval quarter, fabulous art galleries and stunning architecture. It also boasts a lively social scene, much of which focuses on the city's most important asset, the meandering Rhine River. The mighty river first becomes navigable at Basel, which makes the city the nearest thing landlocked Switzerland has to a seaport, and residents really make the most of it. The river banks are lined with restaurants and hotels (which charge extra for a river-view room). Many residents use little tow-lined ferries rather than bridges to travel between Grossbasel (Big Basel, home to the medieval Old Town) on the south bank and Kleinbasel (Little Basel, centre of the city's lively social scene) on the north bank. Basel is an important turnaround port for Rhine riverboats, many of which run between there and Amsterdam on weekly rotations. Because it's an embarkation and debarkation port, many river cruise passengers spend at least a day in Basel , which is no hardship, considering it's not only a fascinating city but also a gateway to Alsace and Germany's Black Forest region.

The capital of Alsace, France's smallest region, is also known as the principal city of Europe because it's the official seat of European Parliament and home to important institutions like the European Court of Human Rights, but there's much more to Strasbourg than politics and officials in gray suits. While the city reigns as a political powerhouse, it also represents a perfect blend of cultures.

Built along the Rhine and located close to trading routes, Strasbourg borders Germany and Switzerland in the northeast of France and possesses a unique cultural and architectural heritage. Even dedicated Francophiles are often surprised how different the city is from the rest of the France. Once part of Germany, it offers the "best of both worlds," a combination that's most deliciously illustrated in its cuisine, which reflects a happy marriage of French flair and German heartiness.

With a history stretching back over 2,000 years, an obvious first stop for cruisers is Grande-Ile, the city's UNESCO-listed Old Town centre. Visitors can admire Strasbourg's landmark lopsided cathedral, the beautiful Petite France neighbourhood and the gateway to river cruises and streets chock-a-block with half-timbered Renaissance buildings. Many churches also went up in the Middle Ages, including Saint-Etienne, dating to the 12th century, and Saint-Thomas, which was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and ranks as the largest in size after the Strasbourg Cathedral.

Strasbourg is a town made for walking, but energetic visitors can also turn to pedal power and hop on a bike like the locals. Even the most haphazard stroll will take you past a wealth of well-preserved buildings, luxury shops and designer boutiques. More affordable buys can be found in Rue des Grandes Arcades, which is Strasbourg's main shopping area and features a variety of clothing stores.

Cruising through the Rhine Gorge is a captivating experience that transports you into a fairy-tale-like setting. As the river meanders through lush vineyards and enchanting medieval castles, the landscape unveils its timeless beauty. The towering cliffs, adorned with terraced vineyards, create a picturesque backdrop for the journey. With each passing bend, the waterway reveals a new sight to behold – from the legendary Lorelei Rock to the charming riverside towns. The soothing melody of the Rhine lulls you into a state of pure tranquillity. It's a voyage where nature, history, and serenity seamlessly blend, leaving an indelible mark on your heart.

Located on the scenic banks of the Rhine River in Germany, Boppard is a charming town with a rich history. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic St. Severus Church and Electoral Castle, attracts visitors. Boppard is also renowned for its vineyards, offering delicious wines and picturesque hiking trails along the Rhine Gorge.

Frankfurt am Main ("Frankfurt on the Main," the city's full name) is Germany's banking and financial powerhouse. It's home to banks from around the world, as well as the European Central Bank. Many are housed in the sleek, modern skyscrapers that define Frankfurt's skyline. (These buildings have even spawned nicknames for the city, including "Main-hattan" and "Bankfurt.") As an international business centre, Frankfurt attracts expats from around the world, so it's a very cosmopolitan place. It ranks as Germany's fifth-largest city, with a population of 717,000. Behind the modern gloss, Frankfurt's roots run deep. Charlemagne is celebrated as the city's founder, although the ancient Romans were here, too. Unfortunately, much of the city was destroyed in World War II, by fires that resulted from Allied bombing. Some historic buildings and monuments have been rebuilt or restored, but most of Frankfurt's old half-timbered houses were lost. The city is still in the process of restoring some districts with a mix of modern and old-style architecture. Frankfurt straddles the Main (pronounced "mine") River, with the Old Town and performing arts venues located on the north side, and many museums lining the south bank. Museum buffs are definitely in for a treat, and can enjoy several art museums, plus others focused on history, film, architecture, Jewish culture, porcelain, applied arts, archaeology and more. You'll also find parks and botanical gardens, a wide variety of restaurants, and plenty of shopping. If you've flown to Europe much, you've no doubt passed through Frankfurt's airport -- one of the busiest in the world. Its huge train station is also a major European hub, with more than 350,000 passengers using it every day. As a transportation centre, Frankfurt provides easy access to and from the rest of Germany and beyond.

Cruising the Main-Danube Canal is a remarkable journey through the heart of Europe. This engineering marvel connects the North Sea and the Black Sea, offering breathtaking views of scenic landscapes, charming villages, and historic cities. Experience the tranquillity of the waterways while immersing yourself in the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Located on the Main River between Nuremberg and Frankfurt, Wurzburg was devastated by bombs and firestorms during World War II. Its major historic monuments have been restored, but since 90 percent of it was destroyed during the war, much of the city is distinctly modern, with a bit less charm than other Bavarian towns. Wurzburg is home to Germany's second-oldest university, and about a quarter of its 130,000 residents are students. That academic atmosphere has produced 13 Nobel Prize winners. The city was once ruled by prince-bishops, who held both religious and political power. The main attraction is their Residenz palace, built in the late 18th century. Some river cruise lines offer an included or optional excursion to the nearby town of Rothenberg from the port.

When an entire town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you know it must be something special. Bamberg, in the Franconia section of Bavarian Germany, has held its UNESCO designation since 1993 due to the beautifully preserved structures dating from the 11th to 19th centuries. It serves as a port stop on any river cruise that sails the Main River. Laid out over seven hills and located at the confluence of the Regnitz and Main rivers, Bamberg is divided in half with old and new sections. To reach old Bamberg, visitors must walk through the Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall), built on a small man-made island in the middle of the river because the prince bishop who ruled the city in the mid-14th century would not give the residents permission to build a city hall on any of the land he owned (which, at that time, included the entire city). In Bamberg, visitors will find shops, taverns (all offering the city's trademark smoked beer), a handful of museums and lots of great photo opportunities.

Visiting Munich is an enchanting experience that combines rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This bustling city in Bavaria, Germany, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Start your journey at Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, adorned with stunning Gothic architecture. Explore the iconic Nymphenburg Palace and its sprawling gardens, or delve into the city's past at the fascinating museums like the Deutsches Museum. Indulge in Bavarian delicacies and world-renowned beer at lively beer gardens like the Hofbräuhaus. Munich truly captivates with its warm hospitality and captivating charm.

Visiting Munich is an enchanting experience that combines rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This bustling city in Bavaria, Germany, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Start your journey at Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, adorned with stunning Gothic architecture. Explore the iconic Nymphenburg Palace and its sprawling gardens, or delve into the city's past at the fascinating museums like the Deutsches Museum. Indulge in Bavarian delicacies and world-renowned beer at lively beer gardens like the Hofbräuhaus. Munich truly captivates with its warm hospitality and captivating charm.

Visiting Munich is an enchanting experience that combines rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This bustling city in Bavaria, Germany, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Start your journey at Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, adorned with stunning Gothic architecture. Explore the iconic Nymphenburg Palace and its sprawling gardens, or delve into the city's past at the fascinating museums like the Deutsches Museum. Indulge in Bavarian delicacies and world-renowned beer at lively beer gardens like the Hofbräuhaus. Munich truly captivates with its warm hospitality and captivating charm.