Timeless Traditions of the Moselle & Upper Rhine

Trier is one of Germany's oldest cities and is steeped in history. Visitors can explore the city's Roman past by visiting the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, and the impressive Roman amphitheater. The city also boasts many other historic landmarks, such as the imposing Trier Cathedral and the Electoral Palace, which was once the residence of the prince-electors of Trier. For those looking to unwind, Trier's many parks and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the bustling market squares and shopping districts are perfect for a day of shopping and people-watching.

Another pearl of the Moselle is Cochem: with only 5,000 inhabitants, it has a lively atmosphere. The best thing to do here is to stroll along the riverbank, climb up to the vineyards, sit on a bench, gaze at Germany and think: How beautiful this place is! Of course, there is also much to see in Cochem itself, its medieval streets and houses and, above all, the castle which dates back to the year 1000 and, after the French destruction, was bought in ruins by the rich Berliner Louis Ravené and rebuilt as a private residence. Its hidden doors lead to secret passages, and stag antlers hang from the walls. In 1942, Ravené's descendants were forced to sell it to the Nazis. Today the castle belongs to the town of Cochem and can be visited on a guided tour (about 40 minutes).

Rüdesheim, wtih its historic buildings, winding streets and surrounding vineyards, is a popular destination. The towns history dates back to the Roman era, and over the centuries, it has been influenced by various cultures and traditions. One of the highlights of Rüdesheim is its wine culture. The town is home to some of the finest vineyards in Germany, and is particularly famous for its Riesling wine, which is made from grapes grown on the steep slopes of the nearby hills. A popular attraction is the Rüdesheim Cable Car, which offers breath-taking views. The cable car route is 1.4 kilometers long and takes visitors from the town center up to the Niederwald Monument, a 38-meter tall monument that commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871. Don't miss a taste of the famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a specialty coffee drink that is made with Asbach Uralt, a type of German brandy, and topped with whipped cream.

Mannheim is a modern city located in the southwestern part of Germany. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine River. Visitors can explore the city's many landmarks, such as the Mannheim Palace, the Luisenpark, and the Mannheimer Wasserturm. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Kunsthalle Mannheim, which features modern and contemporary art, and the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, which showcase the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Mannheim is famous for its many boutiques and department stores.

Speyer is located in southwestern Germany that boasts a rich history. At the heart of the city lies the Speyer Cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture that stands as one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. Commissioned by Emperor Conrad II in the 11th century, the cathedral serves as a symbol of his power and authority. Visitors to the cathedral can explore its grand interior, which features intricate vaulted ceilings, ornate stained-glass windows, and a grand organ that dates back to the 18th century. In addition to the cathedral, Speyer is home to the Technik Museum Speyer, one of the most popular museums in Germany. The museum showcases an extensive collection of classic cars, airplanes, locomotives, and other technical marvels from different eras. Visitors can explore the different sections of the museum, which includes a space exhibition, a maritime hall, and an outdoor area with several large aircraft on display.

Strasbourg is a historic city located in the northeastern part of France. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Ill River. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France district, and the Palais Rohan. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, which features modern and contemporary art, and the Alsatian Museum, which showcases the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Strasbourg is famous for its Christmas markets and numerous boutiques and department stores.

Breisach is a town located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It sits on the banks of the Rhine River, near the border with France, and is surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Black Forest. Breisach has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. One of the main attractions in Breisach is the St. Stephan's Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral has a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles and is considered one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the region. Breisach is also known for its wine production. The town is located in the heart of the Baden wine region, which is famous for its white wines and sparkling wines. The Black Forest, which surrounds Breisach, is a mountainous region in southwestern Germany known for its scenic beauty, dense forests, and picturesque villages. Some of the top attractions in the Black Forest include the Triberg Waterfalls, which are among the tallest waterfalls in Germany. The region is also home to many traditional crafts, such as cuckoo clocks, woodcarvings, and glassblowing, which can be found in the many charming villages and towns scattered throughout the area.

Basel is a picturesque Swiss city located at the intersection of the Rhine river and the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and France. The city dates back to the Roman era, but it was during the Middle Ages that Basel became an important cultural and commercial center. The city was also an important center for the printing industry during the 15th century, and it was in Basel that the first printed book in the world was published. Today, Basel is known for its world-renowned pharmaceutical industry, as well as its thriving art scene, with several world-class museums and galleries. The city is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including the impressive Basel Minster, a 13th-century cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture. Basel is also famous for its Carnival celebrations, which take place every year in February, and attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.