Four-Country Christmastime 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.

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.

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

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!

Dordrecht is the the oldest city in Holland. Its 800-year-old historic district has scarcely changed over the centuries, with more than a thousand monuments testifying to its one-time role as an important trade center. Highlights include the Grote Kerk, the ornate 14th-century Big Head's Gate (where three rivers converge), the old harbor, and a collection of splendid merchant homes with their traditional Dordtse facades. The city is also home to popular museums and galleries, such as the Dordrechts Museum, a showcase of regional culture and history.

From arches to unusual cube houses, few cities make an architectural statement like Rotterdam! Instead of rebuilding after the bombings of WWII, Rotterdam reinvented iteself with bold, modern architecture. Today, Europe's largest seaport sports an impressive skyline nicknamed the "Manhattan on the Maas". Skyscrapers tower over the harbor; the Erasmus Bridge ("The Swan") captivates with its asymmetrical design; and the soaring Euromast provides endless views over the city and its surroundings.

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!