Giver Rhine: 8 nights from Breisach am Rhein with Dutch Grace
Aug 9, 2025

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.

Magonza

Koblenz

Cochem

Cochem is located about 40 km south-west of Koblenz, between the Eifel and Hunsrück mountains, in the heart of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine region. In this romantic village of 5000 inhabitants, on the banks of a meander of the superb Moselle valley, you will feel like you are living in a fairy tale.

With half-timbered houses, narrow and winding streets and its beautiful promenade on the banks of the Moselle, where you can taste the wines of the region, it owes its charm to the traces left by the Middle Ages. From the market square, made up of narrow angular stairs, you find yourself at the Capuchin convent built on a ledge of a mountain dominated by 1630. The castle of Chochem, which is not only well preserved from the outside, reveals the treasures of its history inside. This fortress is a popular attraction for tourists, but also a testament to the history of the region and the city. It was in 1000 that the site was built during the reign of Count Ezzo Palatine. After the count lost his rank, King Konrad III used it as a military base in 1151. It was destroyed in 1689 by a fire during a battle against the French, for the conquest of the Moselle and left in ruins. In 1868 it was bought by Louis Ravene and finally in 1978 the city took possession of it, creating the SARL Reichburg Cochem cultural and tourist site. The most popular attraction of the fortress is the visit to its particular places, of course, in addition to its restaurant which offers a refined and highly appreciated cuisine. The entertainment in medieval attire with combat weapons are very popular with the public, some of which are used every year. After crossing the fairy-tale castle of Reichburg, you can visit the town hall and then pass through the city gate of Balduinstor and finally the Church of San Martino, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, accompanied or followed by a walk on the banks of the Moselle.

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.

Haarlem

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a charming city with a particularly relaxing and serene atmosphere, despite its large size. The city has been a World Heritage Site since 2010 and has buildings dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited cities in the world.

The structure of the city is determined by a network of charming waterways. The historic center, which dates back to the 13th century, is surrounded by five concentric canals - the Grachtengordel - built in the 17th century as part of a perfectly successful expansion project designed to create a unique and refined urban environment.

It is here that the city's mercantile class built its characteristic gabled houses, with bright, gracefully decorated colors, whose romantic features are reflected in the olive-green waters of the picturesque canals.