Festive Europe with Christmas in Germany

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!

The city of Utrecht is an underappreciated whose ancient city center features structures dating back to the High Middle Ages. It has been the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century, and was the most important city in the Netherlands until the Dutch Golden Age, when it was surpassed by Amsterdam. Today, Utrecht is a city of lovely parks and canals, lively cafes, and remarkable historical buildings and museums. And no visit here is complete, of course, without the 465-step climb up the cathedral tower for incredible views over the city.

The electric atmosphere of 2,000-year-old Cologne is undeniable. Its strategic location on the Rhine quickly elevated the city as a vital trade center that grew into a hub of industry by the 19th century. Even plagues and wars couldn't damper Cologne's tenacious spirit. During WWII, nearly 90% of the city center was destroyed, but a massive rebuilding effort restored much of its cultural heritage, including its famous Gothic cathedral. Highlights include the four preserved gates in the city wall, and Kölsch—the beer that’s been brewed here since the 17th century!

Deep in the heart of the Rhine Gorge is the romantic wine village of Rüdesheim, one of the river's most popular ports. Home to some of Germany's finest vineyards, Rüdesheim is particularly famous for its Riesling, as well as its signature coffee made with German brandy, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Highlight attractions include the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, which commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871, and the atmospheric Drosselgasse, lined with gorgeous Old World architecture, boutiques, and countless cozy wine taverns.

Mainhattan—it's a nickname that Frankfurt am Main has earned as home to more than 300 international credit institutions, the European Central Bank, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. But today's bustling city has humble roots reaching back over 2,000 years, and a turbulent fate during WWII that saw bombing of much of its historic architecture. Post-war, Frankfurt rebuilt and is now a blend of modern skyscrapers and rebuilt treasures.

Miltenberg boasts some of Germany’s finest half-timbered architecture. Enter through Schwertfeger Gate to a lively market square framed by pink sandstone façades. Overlooking the town is Mildenburg Castle, while Hotel zum Riesen, one of Germany’s oldest inns, recalls both historic witch trials and centuries of hospitality. The town is also known for its Bavarian wines, beers, hearty game, sausage, and breads.

Bavarian Würzburg has layers of history. Magnificent Marienberg Fortress, for example, stands on a Roman fort and a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age castle. The first church where Würzburg Cathedral now stands was built as early as 788. During WWII, nearly 90% of the city was destroyed in a British air raid, but efforts later transformed the rubble into accurate restorations. Highlights include the Würzburg Residenz, one of Europe's most magnificent palaces; Marienberg Fortress; the statue-lined Old Main Bridge; and the Käppele pilgrimage site on Marienberg hill.

One of Germany's true masterpieces, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg dates back to the 9th century, extending over seven church-capped hills. A lovely medieval Old Town features a grand, four-towered cathedral, founded in 1004; fishermen's huts lining the canal in the Little Venice district; and the unusual Old Town Hall, built in the middle of the river by residents in 1386 when the bishop refused to grant land for its construction! Bamberg is also famous for its signature smoked beer, brewed locally for centuries and part of the town's cultural heritage!

Tucked between the Main and Tauber Rivers on the famous Romantic Road, this small, northern Bavaria town is known for its Old Town, a showcase of meticulously preserved half-timber houses, atmospheric alleyways, inviting squares, and Franconia's narrowest house! Standing proudly in the amidst of it all is the castle, one of Germany's largest and most beautiful ruins. Other highlights include the 14th-century Stiftskirche, red sandstone Engelsbrunnen, Glass Museum, and Kittsteintor, one of the preserved city gates with flood markings from 1595 onward.