Fairytale Christmas on the Rhine

There's a point where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet—that point is the Swiss city of Basel. By the Middle Ages, Basel was a center of culture and commerce, and by the 15th century, it was an epicenter for the printing industry. In fact, it was here that the world's first printed book was published. Today, Basel is known for its pharmaceutical industry, exciting art scene, impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral, and its annual Carnival celebrations that attract visitors from around the world each February.

Situated right on the border with France, Breisach is surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Black Forest, a region of Germany known for its hand-crafted cuckoo clocks, woodcarvings, and blown glass. Breisach also sits in the heart of the Baden wine region and is home to one of Europe's largest wine cellars. Town highlights include the 13th-century St. Stephan's Cathedral, one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the region.

If your travel Bucket List doesn't include Strasbourg, it should! From the stunning gardens of Parc de l'Orangerie to the European Quarter, there's something to see in every direction. This is where the EU Parliament, Council of Europe, and other international institutions are based, and where the Grande Île, the Old Town island framed by two river arms, leaves an unforgettable impression. The pink sandstone cathedral with its famous astronomical clock and canal-lined Petite France district are the very definition of Old World European magic.

Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, just 13 miles southwest of Heidelberg, Speyer was founded by the Romans and is one of Germany's oldest cities. At the heart of the city is its thousand-year-old cathedral, the largest preserved Romanesque cathedral in the world and a milestone in architectural history. It was here in the crypt that many German emperors and kings found their final resting place. The Baroque Rathaus (Town Hall) is also noteworthy, as well as the interactive Technik Museum with its spectacular land, air, water, and space exhibits.

Situated where the Rhine and Neckar Rivers meet is Mannheim, nicknamed the Square City for its grid layout (unusual in Germany) and the City of Inventions—birthplace of the automobile, bicycle, tractor, and more. Mannheim Palace, whose facade stretches the length of more than four football fields (437 yards/400 meters) is truly impressive, and is the second-largest Baroque palace after Versailles. Other highlights include the landmark water tower, Old Town Hall, St. Sebastian Parish, Mannheim Port, and more!

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.