Giver Rhine: 7 nights from Amsterdam with Dutch Grace
Aug 2, 2025

Utrecht

Koln

Cologne, Köln in German, is a large city in western Germany, located on the Rhine River. It is the fourth largest city in Germany and is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage and lively art scene. The city was founded by the Romans in 38 BC and became an important military and commercial center known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. The Roman heritage is still visible in various archaeological sites and artifacts.

Because of its rich history, Cologne is the ideal destination for history lovers. Its cultural heritage is visible in its beautiful churches scattered throughout the city. The city's symbol, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Its two twin spiers dominate the city skyline and house the Shrine of the Three Kings, an important religious relic. The city boasts numerous museums, including the Museum Ludwig, which houses an impressive collection of modern art, and the Romano-Germanic Museum, which exhibits artifacts from the city's Roman past.

If you like beer, Cologne is the best destination for you! Cologne is famous for its local beer, Kölsch, a light and refreshing beer served in small glasses. The city has numerous traditional pubs, called Brauhäuser, where you can enjoy this beer. If you love the Christmas atmosphere, you must visit the Christmas markets of Cologne. They are among the most popular in Germany and attract millions of visitors every year with their festive atmosphere, crafts, and culinary delights.

Koblenz

Magonza

Strasbourg

Prosperous and cosmopolitan Strasbourg is a large metropolis in north-eastern France and is the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace. Located a few kilometers west of the Rhine, the city is rightly entitled “city of roads”, its vital transport arteries that have linked Northern Europe with the Mediterranean since the Celtic era.

Strasbourg continues to serve as an important European crossroads thanks to the presence of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the Eurocorps, and a student population of approximately 48,000. Strasbourg is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in Europe. In the lively old city you will find restaurants, Winstub (traditional Alsatian restaurants), and the oldest pubs, a splendid area to explore on foot is the cathedral, a medieval wonder in pink sandstone. Nearby you will find one of the most beautiful ensembles of French museums.

Basel

The city of Basel is a Canton of Switzerland and crosses the Rhine. Its borders are a triple border, together with those of Germany (Land of Baden-Württemberg) and France (Alsace).

Rich in both parts, the area appears very particular. The dialect is still deeply immersed in the mixture of cultures. Surrounded by the hills of the Jura, the Vosges lakes and the fir trees of the Black Forest, Basel is a city immersed in greenery. The Botanical Garden and the numerous parks along the Rhine invite you to long walks. In the zoo, the Etoscha house gives spectacular wildlife insights.
With forty world-famous museums, the city has the highest concentration in the country. The large market square, the richly decorated town hall, and the Roman-Gothic cathedral are the historical symbols of the city. During a trip to the historic center you will discover small boutiques, antique bookshops, but also modern design businesses. We recommend a stop at the "Läckerli Huus" and taste the traditional honey sweets, which are really delicious.
In winter, the whole city warms up by participating in the carnival ("Fasnacht"), the most famous in all of Switzerland, opening the Lenten celebrations. Every Monday, after Ash Wednesday, the participants compete with each other for the best mask, accompanied by deafening "Guggenmusik" (popular carnival bands), together with the carnival Napoleonic armies. Basel is today the third largest city in Switzerland, made up of Zurich and Winterthur with the "golden triangle" of the Swiss economy.

Zurich

A mix of tradition and modernity, Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, has a rich and fascinating history that is visible in its architecture, traditions and culture. Founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, the city has gone through eras of economic prosperity and cultural development becoming an important European financial and cultural center. Its ancient historical monuments blend harmoniously with modern infrastructure, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Mild and pleasant climate: The climate of the city is ideal for exploring Zurich on foot or by bycicle. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are cold but not overly harsh. This temperate climate allows visitors to enjoy the city's many attractions in any season.

Attractions not to be missed in Zurich: Zurich is full of places to visit and offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all interests such as the picturesque old town with its cobblestone streets and old buildings and Lake Zurich that offers beautiful scenic views and water activities. Its renowned art museums, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the vibrant dining and shopping scene round out the city's tourist offerings.

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, boasts a rich and fascinating history that is reflected in its architecture, traditions, and vibrant culture. Founded by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, Zurich has gone through eras of economic prosperity and cultural development, becoming today an important European financial and cultural center. Its ancient historical monuments blend harmoniously with modern infrastructure, creating a unique atmosphere that fascinates visitors.

Zurich enjoys a mild and pleasant climate for most of the year, making it an ideal destination to explore on foot or by bike. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters are cold but not excessively harsh. This temperate climate allows visitors to enjoy the numerous attractions of the city in every season.

Zurich offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of every interest. From the picturesque old town with its cobbled streets and ancient buildings, to Lake Zurich which offers splendid panoramic views and water activities, the city is full of places to visit. Renowned art museums, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the vibrant gastronomic and shopping scene complete the city's tourist offer.

Zurich cuisine is a feast for the palate, offering traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue, raclette, zürcher geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in sauce), accompanied by sweet delicacies such as bircher muesli. The local markets offer fresh products such as artisan cheeses, Swiss chocolate, and freshly baked bread that will delight gourmets.

To enrich your visit to Zurich with a special touch, consider the opportunity to book a cruise that departs directly from the city. Sailing on the waters of Lake Zurich or along the Limmat River offers breathtaking views of the city and its main attractions. By booking a cruise from Zurich, you can experience an unforgettable experience that will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the city from a unique perspective.