Gems of the Northern Rhine Plus Vines, Wines & Castles

Capital of the Netherlands, the magical Venice of the North is famous for its dazzling Golden Age of power and wealth during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, it is a bustling wonderland of things to see and do. No visit is complete without a cruise along the intricate network of more than 62 miles (100 km) of canals and time with the Dutch masters at the renowned Rijksmuseum. Other highlights include the Royal Palace, Anne Frank House, lavish 17th-century canal homes, Heineken Beer Experience, and the infamous red-light district!

Founded by fishermen and farmers in 1000 AD, the walled South Holland town of Gorinchem is a true gem! Its highlights include the legendary medieval Blue Tower, the last remaining city gate, the Great Church and St. John's Tower, and authentic working windmills. It's also home to the Hendrick Hamel Museum, which chronicles the Dutch East India Company accountant's shipwreck, lengthy imprisonment in Korea, and daring escape. From the experience, Hamel wrote the first Western account of Korea in the 17th century.

A historic city in the eastern Netherlands, Arnhem is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine River. Must-see sites for WWII enthusiasts include the John Frost Bridge, Eusebius Church, and the Museum Arnhem. The city is also home to the Netherlands Open Air Museum, a showcase of regional cultural history, and an assortment of wonderful hiking and biking trails through the nearby forests and hills.

One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, Nijmegen recently celebrated its 2,000th birthday! Located near the German border, it was the first Dutch city to fall into German hands during WWII and heavy bombings left Nijmegen with few remaining historic buildings. Among its treasures, though, are Valkhof Park, site of a palace ruin whose construction was started by Charlemagne in the 8th century; the 16-sided Sint Nicolaas Chapel; and De Waagh (weigh house), built in 1612 in the Dutch Renaissance style and still sporting a huge set of scales hanging inside the building.

Proud international hub of business and finance, Düsseldorf is ranked the sixth-most-livable city in the world, but it wasn't always this way. It started as the marshland home of Germanic tribes before small farming and fishing settlements began cropping up in the 7th century. Today's highlights include the harbor, Gothic St. Lambertus Church with its twisted tower, the palace tower, and Germany's oldest inland navigation museum. Meanwhile, the 200-year Altbier tradition makes a taste of the copper-colored brew feel like sipping a piece of history.

Koblenz, founded by the Romans as Confluentes (‘confluence of two rivers’), lies at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle. Its strategic position made it both a thriving trade hub and the site of frequent battles, prompting the construction of strong medieval fortifications that can still be seen today. Visitors are drawn to its river scenery, the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the Deutsches Eck monument, and the charming Old Town with its half-timbered houses

With just 5,000 residents, Cochem could easily be mistaken for a sleepy village, but this Moselle gem is full of surprises! From the ancient gate and old watchtower to the market square lined with half-timber houses, there's something to see in every direction! There's plenty of scenic beauty during riverbank strolls and vineyard hikes. Highlights include the hilltop castle dating back to 1000 AD and the chance to sample the red Moselle vineyard peach, the juicy "Persian apple" the Romans brought to the area in ancient times!

Lying on the east bank of the Moselle River, Bernkastel charms with its striking half-timbered homes lining the medieval Market Square. Here, the narrow Spitzhäuschen (Pointed House) commands attention, as well as St. Michael's Fountain, which flows with wine during the annual fall wine fest; and Graach Gate, the only town gate still standing. For oenophiles, there is no shortage of local wineries—including the extremely steep vineyards of the Bernkasteler Doktor. The legend of just how the historic vineyard earned its doctor's degree is truly fascinating!

Wine or the Romans—which shaped Trier more? The answer is both. The Romans introduced viticulture to the Moselle Valley around 30 BC and left enduring landmarks like the Porta Nigra, a massive sandstone gate and the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, along with the amphitheater, baths, and Germany’s oldest bridge. Later centuries added the grand cathedral and baroque Electoral Palace, giving Trier a rich blend of Roman heritage, medieval power, and wine culture that still defines the city today