AmaWaterways: AmaCerto

The third-largest city in Switzerland, Basel stands on the Rhine at the point where the French, German, and Swiss borders meet. At the entrance to the Swiss Rhineland, Basel is the capital of the half-canton of Basel-Stadt. On its borders are the French Vosges, the German Black Forest, and the Swiss Jura Mountains. Grossbasel, or Greater Basel, lies on the steep left bank, and Kleinbasel, or Lesser Basel, is on the right bank.

The rich architectural heritage of Strasbourg makes it an excellent tourist city. It has always been a town of passage, and has all architectural styles. The past is written in its walls, and its streets have a timeless quality. Few people can resist the charm of its half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys. Discover the pretty colored facades and impressive portals. Strasbourg is a popular destination where one can forget his usual surroundings. The old city lies around the cathedral on an island formed by two arms of the Ill river. La Petite France is the district which is most reminiscent of old Strasbourg. It is home to many craftsmen and antiques dealers. Its narrow streets offer a series of half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with large inner courtyards and high sloping roofs. The exceptional warmth and hospitality of the people and the gastronomic reputation of Strasbourg makes tourists want to stay.

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Rüdesheim is located in the heart of the Rhine river area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. This romantic holiday town offers much to visitors seeking a fabulous German experience. As you cruise down the Rhine, if you listen carefully, you just might hear the siren calling as you pass the Rock of Lorelei. One attraction to visit is the Niederwald monument. Erected between 1877 and 1883, this huge monument symbolizes the re-establishment of the German Empire and unity. From Rudesheim, one can either take the foot path to the monument or the cablecar leading to the top. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Rudesheim is also famous for the Abbey of St. Hildegard. Some think the building is older than it is, but truly, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Other sites to see are the Wine Museum in Broemserburg Castle, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Instruments Museum and the Medieval Torture Museum, which boasts a wide collection of medeival relics.

Rüdesheim is located in the heart of the Rhine river area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. This romantic holiday town offers much to visitors seeking a fabulous German experience. As you cruise down the Rhine, if you listen carefully, you just might hear the siren calling as you pass the Rock of Lorelei. One attraction to visit is the Niederwald monument. Erected between 1877 and 1883, this huge monument symbolizes the re-establishment of the German Empire and unity. From Rudesheim, one can either take the foot path to the monument or the cablecar leading to the top. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Rudesheim is also famous for the Abbey of St. Hildegard. Some think the building is older than it is, but truly, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Other sites to see are the Wine Museum in Broemserburg Castle, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Instruments Museum and the Medieval Torture Museum, which boasts a wide collection of medeival relics.

Visit the historic market place "Schnatterloch" and the site of the set for the film "The pub in Spessart Forest". From here proceed to the nearby Amorbach, a romantic Baroque town, where you visit the Odenwald nature reserve.

Wertheim is an important city with a historic past that has remained true to its medieval roots. Wertheim's claim to fame is its fabulous castle ruins. Positioned on the cornerhills between the rivers, the Burg Wertheim appears quite striking on first glance, leaving little indication of the many times it has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt. The Pointed Tower (Spitzeturm) is the most prominent of the city towers still standing.

Part of the German state of Bavaria in the Franconia region, Kitzingen is surrounded by vineyards and produces the most wine in Bavaria. A 13th century leaning tower stands as Kitzingen's main landmark, and is said to have been caused by wine replacing water in the mortar. Kitzingen hosts an open-air wine festival, and is vibrant with Renaissance flair, such as the town hall and market square, whose old architecture remains indicative of the city's long history.

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Bamberg is a historical yet dynamic city. It is a town of complementary tradition and progress. The locals like to stress their city spreads across seven hills like Rome, has a network of waterways like Venice, and an old city which is at least as beautiful as Prague and on which the same architects left their unmistakable mark. Old Town Hall, which parts the flow of the River Regnitz, can only be reached by two stone bridges; the Romanesque/Gothic Cathedral is endowed with four unique towers; the picturesque fishermen's houses of "Little Venice" prop each other up on the river bank and the magnificent New Residence boasts a splendid baroque room known as the Emperor's Hall. In summer, Bamberg's beer cellars or "Keller" are a special attraction. The locals and tourists appreciate a locally brewed beer and savor a typical Franconian snack. Bamberg is lovely for those who also enjoy a stroll. The possibilities are many and include the Hain, an extensive wooded park on the periphery, or the pretty paths along the canals and the River Regnitz.

The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a glowing testament to medieval culture as evidenced in its historic monuments, Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Take a walk around the 13th-century city walls, complete with moats, watchtowers and gateways. Then experience "shopping" as it was in the Middle Ages at the Handwerker Hof, a charming "mediaeval mall". Don't forget to sample the city's famous Bratwürste annd Lebkuchen.

Suggested Private Excursions

Nuremberg: From history to Bratwurst and ginger bread