Rhine River Cruise (2018)

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, which are a legacy of the city's 17th-century Golden Age.

Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking landscape of windmills set against the backdrop of lush green pastures and serene waterways. The site consists of 19 historic windmills, some dating back to the 18th century, which were ingeniously designed to control water levels in the surrounding polders.

Photos taken while cruising on the Rhine River.

Cologne, Germany is a historic city located in the western part of the country. It is known for its iconic Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city skyline.

Marksburg Castle is a stunning fortress that has stood the test of time for over 700 years! Overlooking the picturesque Rhine River, Marksburg Castle is the only hilltop castle along the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, including its watchtowers, battlements, and drawbridge, offers visitors a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to imagine what life was like during the Middle Ages.

Cruising the Middle Rhine River is a perfect way to take in the stunning beauty of Germany's picturesque countryside, charming villages, and towering castles. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks, the Middle Rhine region is a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing and scenic vacation.

Oberwesel is a charming little town nestled along the banks of the beautiful Rhine River. Known for its picturesque vineyards, historic architecture, and quaint cobblestone streets, it is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience traditional German culture. The town is surrounded by medieval city walls and towers, giving it a fairy-tale-like atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round.

Located in southwestern Germany, Heidelberg is known for its castle, old town, and picturesque setting on the Neckar River. The city is home to Heidelberg University, one of the oldest universities in Germany.

Strasbourg, also know as "La Petite France", is located in eastern France near the German border. It is a charming city with a unique blend of French and German influences. Known for its stunning architecture, particularly the iconic Cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, the city also boasts picturesque canals and half-timbered houses that make it feel like something out of a fairytale.

Breisach, a captivating town in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is nestled along the picturesque Rhine in the Rhine Valley. This charming town is perfectly positioned halfway between the vibrant cities of Freiburg and Colmar. A remarkable feature of the town is the bridge that gracefully spans the Rhine, connecting it to the enchanting Neuf-Brisach in Alsace.

This segment of our trip included a thrilling bus tour through the enchanting Black Forest in Germany on our way to the Hofgut Sternen Black Forest Village. This journey proved to be an unforgettable experience.

The Glacier Express is a scenic train journey known for its stunning views of the Swiss Alps and for crossing several dramatic mountain passes. The journey took about 6 hours to complete from Chur to Zermatt. Along the way, we enjoyed panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and onboard dining options.

Zermatt is a picturesque little town in the Swiss Alps, best known for being home to the iconic Matterhorn mountain. Zermatt is a car-free town which adds to the quaint charm of the town, with horse-drawn carriages and electric taxis whisking visitors around the cobblestone streets.

The journey from Zermatt to Geneva was by bus and took the better part of the day, especially since we took time to visit the Domaine du Daley winery. Along the way, we had stunning views of the Swiss countryside. We passed through charming villages, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains as we made our way towards Lake Geneva.

Geneva, located on the westernmost point of Switzerland, where the Rhone River exits Lake Geneva, is known for being a hub for diplomacy, as it is home to many international organizations including the United Nations and the Red Cross.