Paris To The Swiss Alps

Basel on the river Rhine is Switzerland's third most populous city, and located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Indeed, the river cruise ships berth within a stone’s throw of the triple intersection. It has suburbs in France and Germany, and interestingly the language spoken is called Basel German. Read more about Basel, Switzerland

Strasbourg, France’s great north-eastern metropolis and the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace, is the ultimate European city. It has flavours of both France and Germany, and sits astride the border of the two countries. Today the residents have mixed feelings about their ‘Frenchness’ or ‘Germanness’, with many agreeing they are not either French or German, but a bit of both. Read more about Strasbourg, France

Speyer (aka Spires), located on the river Rhine, is one of Germany’s oldest cities dating back to pre-Roman times. The city is dominated by the architecturally significant Speyer Cathedral, where beneath the high altar are the tombs of eight Holy Roman emperors and German kings. Today it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more about Speyer, Germany

Mainz is a city in Germany located on the west bank of the river Rhine, across from Weisbaden. Lying just 35 km SW of Frankfurt, it shares much of its regional importance. Built as a Roman fort in the first century BC, and then in the 1450s having the first European books printed using movable type by Gutenberg, it is a fascinating destination. Read more about Mainz, Germany

Koblenz (aka Coblenz, Coblence) is one of the largest cities on the Rhine River in Germany and is situated on both banks of the Rhine at its junction with the Moselle. In 55 BC Roman troops commanded by Julius Caesar reached the Rhine, and the remains of a large bridge built by them in 49 AD are still visible. That the historical pattern of French occupation over the centuries has now completely ended, is encapsulated in the imposing William1st Monument that is a nationalistic declaration of the German refusal of any French claims to the area, and to German unity. Read more about Koblenz, Germany

Winningen is a charming village in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, is nestled along the banks of the Moselle River. Known for its steep terraced vineyards, Winningen produces some of the finest Riesling wines in the region. The village's picturesque setting, with half-timbered houses and narrow winding streets, exudes a timeless charm. Read more about Winningen, Germany

Cochem is a town on the west bank of the Mosel River and the capital of the district of Cochem-Zell, Western Germany. It is situated in the valley of the Mosel, surrounded by vineyards, and at the foot of a hill overlooked by the Reichsburg, a feudal castle that dates from 1051. The history of Cochem in Celtic, Roman, and early Middle Ages is unknown, but its location was ideal for farming and wine production with access to the Mosel river traders. Read more about Cochem, Germany

Bernkastel is a district of the town Bernkastel-Kues, a well-known wine growing centre that is over 700 years old, located on the Middle Moselle river in Rhineland, Germany. The town is a state-recognized health resort and the birthplace of one of the most famous medieval churchmen and philosophers, Nikolaus von Kues. His birthplace has been well preserved over the centuries. Read more about Bernkastel, Germany

Founded in 16 BC, Trier is the oldest city in Germany, situated on the banks of the Moselle River near the border with Luxembourg. Trier lies in a valley between low vine-covered hills of ruddy sandstone, in the important Moselle wine-growing region. Of great interest are the Roman amphitheatre, and the 2nd century AD Roman bridge across the Moselle River, which is the oldest bridge north of the Alps, and still crossed by traffic today. Read more about Trier, Germany

Founded in 16 BC, Trier is the oldest city in Germany, situated on the banks of the Moselle River near the border with Luxembourg. Trier lies in a valley between low vine-covered hills of ruddy sandstone, in the important Moselle wine-growing region. Of great interest are the Roman amphitheatre, and the 2nd century AD Roman bridge across the Moselle River, which is the oldest bridge north of the Alps, and still crossed by traffic today. Read more about Trier, Germany