Rhine Gems

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.

Koblenz, Germany, is located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, at one end of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley -- a scenic stretch of river known for its castles and vineyards. The city dates back to Roman times, has been under French and German rule, and has a delightful Old Town to explore.

Around every corner is a bit of whimsy: the face under the clock on the Mittelrhein Museum building that sticks out its tongue on the hour; the boy in the Schängelbrunnen Fountain who spits water across the courtyard at random; and the myriad statues that dot the squares and street corners. Climb the steps up to the statue of Emperor Wilhelm I at the Deutsches Eck, ride a cable car across the river to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, or sample local vintages at the Wine Village, built for the 1925 German Wines exhibition. Some river cruise lines also offer tours from Koblenz to the medieval town of Cochem.

Mannheim, Germany offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it an enticing destination for visitors. The city's rich heritage is reflected in its architectural wonders, including the Baroque-style Mannheim Palace and the impressive Jesuit Church. Art enthusiasts can indulge in the renowned Kunsthalle Mannheim, housing an extensive collection of masterpieces. Mannheim's vibrant music scene, birthplace of the iconic Mannheim School, continues to thrive with concerts and festivals. With its picturesque location on the Rhine River, visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the promenade and explore charming parks. Mannheim's dynamic atmosphere, coupled with its cultural gems, makes it a must-visit destination.

In Kehl enjoy a delightful blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Start your adventure by strolling along the picturesque banks of the Rhine River, where you can rent bicycles or take a relaxing boat tour. Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage by exploring landmarks like St. Stephen's Church and the Historical City Hall. Indulge in the vibrant culinary scene, savouring traditional German dishes at local restaurants. For an unforgettable experience, cross the nearby Rhine Bridge to Strasbourg, France, and explore its charming streets, stunning cathedral, and famous Petite France district. Kehl offers a captivating and diverse experience for every visitor.

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.

Breisach, nestled on the Rhine in Germany's Black Forest region, offers a charming blend of history and picturesque scenery.  With its impressive cathedral, medieval architecture, and vineyards producing excellent wines, Breisach is a delightful stop for those exploring the Rhine Valley.

One of the oldest towns in Germany, the former Roman settlement on the Rhine is famous for its mighty landmark Speyer Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the largest Romanesque church in Europe. Speyer is also noted for its Jewish heritage and the mikveh, the traditional bathhouse, which was built in 1128; it's included in most guided walking tours. Other attractions include the Old City Gate dating to the 13th century, Sea Life centre with more than 3,000 marine creatures housed in 40 displays and a wide pedestrian-only shopping street -- directly opposite the cathedral -- with restaurants, cafes and shops selling souvenirs and authentic German clothing. From the docking point for river ships, it's a pleasant 10- to 15-minute walk through a leafy park to the cathedral and town centre. The large Alter Hammer beer garden, overlooking the river, is a lovely spot to stop for a drink on the way back to the ship; just watch the time as stops in Speyer are generally only a few hours.

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.