Festive Season in the Heart of Germany

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.

Nuremberg, located 110 miles north of Munich, is the second-largest city in Bavaria, boasting a population of 500,000. Save for its significance during World War II, it doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves. Yet, once you set foot in the walled medieval Old Town, you'll realize what a treasure the city is, especially if you can snag one of its famous Lebkuchen, Christmas gingerbread cookies dating to the 13th century. Even better: If you're there during the holidays, you can visit Christkindlemarkt, the city's world-famous Christmas market.

Nuremberg, located 110 miles north of Munich, is the second-largest city in Bavaria, boasting a population of 500,000. Save for its significance during World War II, it doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves. Yet, once you set foot in the walled medieval Old Town, you'll realize what a treasure the city is, especially if you can snag one of its famous Lebkuchen, Christmas gingerbread cookies dating to the 13th century. Even better: If you're there during the holidays, you can visit Christkindlemarkt, the city's world-famous Christmas market.