Amsterdam, Netherlands
An inviting city of tree-shaded canals, arched bridges, colorful flower stalls, 17th- and 18th-century buildings and a treasury of museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, whose collection of Rembrandts and other Dutch masters is world famous. Amsterdam is a major air gateway for northern Europe and a convenient base for exploring the rest of Holland.

Antwerp, Belgium
A town built upon the legend of an ogre who inhabited a castle where the city now stands. You can learn about the history of Antwerp in tapestry in the 16th century Town Hall. An important harbor since early times, by the mid-1500s, over 100 ships a day visited the city, whose population exceeded 100,000. The waterfront is huge and offers delightful promenades. Visit the National Maritime Museum and the Cathedral of Notre Dame Belgium's largest Gothic building. Some of Rubens' masterpieces are hung in the transept and choir.

Arnhem, Netherlands
Immortalized in the World War II book and film, "A Bridge Too Far," Arnhem is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. Stroll the charming pedestrian mall within walking distance of the ship. The Kröller-Müller museum in nearby De Hoge Veluwe National Park offers a magnificent art collection of 280 Van Gogh paintings and drawings, among other priceless works by late 19th and early 20th century artists.

Bad Schandau, Germany
The old spa town and resort in "Saxon Switzerland" lies near the border with Czechia, amidst the unique scenery of the "Elbsandsteingebirge".

Bad Wimpfen, Germany
Romantic medieval spa with many sights and a wonderful old town with half-timbered houses.

Basel, Switzerland
Gateway to the Swiss Rhineland, Basel is ideally situated on the Rhine at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland. As you walk the cobblestone streets of the Old City, retrace the steps of the brilliant scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, where you'll see the paintings of Picasso, Dali, Kadinsky, and Mondrian, among others. Then relax at a quaint terrace cafe beside the Rhine. The breath-taking view from the Wettstein Bridge is not to be missed.

Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, the economic and cultural capital of Serbia, is situated on the bank of the Danube and Save Rivers. In its long history, the city was destroyed and rebuilt several times. See the Kalemegdan fortress, the Orthodox cathedral, the tomb and monument to General Tito as well as the new town of Belgrade.

Bernkastel-Kues, Germany
One of the prettiest towns in Germany, with gabled, half-timbered houses surrounding the marketplace and other cobbled squares, a late Renaissance guildhall, beautiful fountains and magnificent wine taverns, all preserved practically intact from medieval and Renaissance times.

Boppard, Germany
A lovely riverside promenade (the Rheinallee) makes a pleasant walk in this town, which lies in the largest loop of the Rhine. Parts of its medieval enclosing walls, gates, and towers still stand.

Bratislava, Slovak Republic
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Visit 13th Century Bratislava Castle, which offers a breathtaking view of three countries and the Gothic cathedral of St. Martin, site of the coronation of many Hungarian kings and queens. Explore the Old Town Hall and the stunning Mirbach Palace.

Braubach, Germany
Handsome half-timbered houses and inns recall prosperous medieval days. Marksburg Castle, the massive fortress that dominates the village, is the only such castle on the Rhine untouched by warfare, a museum of military life from the 13th Century on.

Brugge, Belgium
One of Belgium's most historic and beautiful cities, canal-laced Brugge is often called "Venice of the North". This old capital of Flanders was a powerful trading center for centuries, until silt changed the shoreline and it could no longer call itself a port city. The main square has a magnificent weathered-brick covered market and belfry with superb views over the city. Some of Europe's most perfectly preserved northern Renaissance architecture is found here.

Brussels, Belgium
Noted for its museums and other cultural events, this capital of Belgium was founded by St. Géry, the man who brought Christianity to the country in the late 500's. The heart of the city's sightseeing is the Grand Place, a collection of beautiful Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The all-time favorite photo from Brussels is the statue of the Manneken Pis. Brussels is also the site of Waterloo, the famous battle where Napoleon's army was defeated by Wellington's in 1815.

Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has only been in existence since 1873 as the towns of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest amalgamated to form one large city. Today, more than 2 million people live in this city, which can be traced back to a Roman military camp. Settlements by Slavs and Magyars caused the town to grow rapidly before it was conquered by the Turks and ruled by the same for more than a century. The Habsburger Prince Eugene of Savoy defeated the Turkish army in 1686. The huge Buda Castle (or the Royal Palace) and Matthias Church were built on Castle Hill. Budapest gained its present structure around the turn of the century; the numerous magnificent avenues, the Parliament Building which is 879 feet long, the Fishermen's Bastion, the unique Chain Bridge, etc.

Cochem, Germany
Its setting is probably the most famous in the Moselle Valley, vineyards rising in terraces to a splendid hilltop castle, the Reichsburg Cochern built in 1029. A baroque town hall stands amid winding streets, cobblestone courtyards and towers.

Cologne, Germany
The millenia meet on the Domplatz, a broad square edged with sidewalk cafes. On one side is the city's landmark, the twin-spired gothic cathedral, begun in the 13th century and completed in the 19th, on the other the Roman-Germanic Museum housing a mosaic dating from the 2nd century, when Cologne had been a Roman outpost for 200 years.

Constanta, Romania
This Romanian harbor city, on the coast of the Black Sea, is the most important commercial center of the country. The city can be reached from the Danube via the Danube-Black Sea Canal.

Delft, Holland
Delft has a delightful little harbor. The city tour ends at Willemsplein landing stage, which is also the departure point for the world's largest harbor.

Dessau, Germany
The former capital of the Free State of Anhalt-Dessau was made famous by the "Bauhaus", built here by Walter Gropius in 1925/26. The College of Design played a dominant world role in the development of town planning, architecture and design.

Dietfurt, Germany
This small village situated in the romantic Altmühltal is the starting point or destination point of our Danube cruises. A stroll through the old alleys of the village is really worthwhile.

Dordrecht, Netherlands
Ancient Dordrecht sits picturesquely between two branches of the Rhine, and was the inspiration for many painters in the 17th & 18th centuries. Attractive Voorstraats Haven, the main canal, winds through the town's center, and the main shopping street, lined with handsome houses and tiny shops, follows along its banks.

Dresden, Germany
The history, architecture and flair of Dresden make a visit here the highlight of any trip through Eastern Germany. The Old Town with the Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, the baroque cathedral, the Royal Stables, the ruins of the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), and the Brühl Terrace, are particularly impressive. Despite the very heavy damage suffered during the air raid of February 13-14, 1945, Dresden still reflects the glory and elegance of the days when it was surely the most beautiful capital city in Europe (1694-1783).

Durnstein, Austria
Here in the heart of the beautiful Wachau wine region where vineyards lace softly rolling hills lies Durnstein. See the ruins of Kuenringer Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was reputedly held prisoner. You can also visit the former Collegiate Church. A stroll through medieval cobblestone streets reveals old burgher houses, wine taverns, and quaint 16th and 18th century townhouses. A wine-tasting in one of the many charming taverns would be the culmination of your visit.

Düsseldorf, Germany
A stylsh metropolis whose heart is the Konigsallee, an elegant boulevard shaded by chestnut trees and lined with smart shops and sidewalk cafes. Squeezed between the "Ko" and the Rhine, the Altstadt (Old Town) is a concentration of pubs, restaurants, discos, art galleries, and boutiques.

Eberbach, Germany
An ancient town of the Staufer which lies amidst the nature reserve of Neckartal-Odenwald with its charming medieval and modern center.

Edam, Netherlands
Famous for its wonderful cheese, this charming city has an enchanting quality with its narrow canals, wooden bridges, its historic Weigh House and a museum with a floating cellar in the form of a boat.

Enkhuizen, Netherlands
A beautifully preserved village with cobblestone streets and a rich maritime past, Enkhuizen retains its ramparts, harbor, and many beautiful Dutch buildings. Visit the exceptional Zuider Zee Open Air Museum, a detailed replica of an old Dutch harbor town between 1880-1932.

Esztergom, Hungary
Esztergom boasts some of the most magnificent monuments in the country. Marvel at the cathedral, a replica of St. Peter's in Rome, and the remains of the Romanesque Royal Palace. An optional overland excursion to Szentendre and Visegrad features a drive along the picturesque Danbube Bend. In Szentendre, tour the museum of Margit Kovacs, exhibiting works by this famous 20th Century artist.

Frankfurt, Germany
Set on the Main River, a tributary of the Rhine, the air gateway to the heart of Europe is Germany's financial center, an affluent city full of fine restaurants, well stocked shops, and outstanding cultural institutions. The Romer, a group of three Gothic buildings, houses the reconstructed coronation site of Holy Roman Emperors. Goethe House was the birthplace of the poet.

Ghent, Belgium
Visit the Cathedral of St. Bavo, which dates from the 12th Century, but whose construction was extended over a period of 600 years. One of the most notable buildings is the famous Cloth Hall, constructed between 1425 and 1444. It is located close to the 95-meter-high belfry which, with its 52-bell carillon, is the symbol of the Free City of Ghent. A tour takes you past the Church of st. Nicholas and Gravensteen, one of Europe's finest moated castles. Today, it is a museum where you can also see instruments of torture.

Grein, Austria
This lovely Gothic city dates back to the 11th Century. The Greinberg Castle, Town Hall, Franciscan Monastery, and St. Giles, built in 1147, are popular attractions. Visit the oldest theater in Austria.

Harlingen, Netherlands
This bustling port, known for its 16th-18th century houses, serves as a quaint introduction to the lush farming province of Friesland and its beautiful Lake District. This part of Holland, heavily influenced in the past by its Germanic neighbors, has its own anthem, flag, and language. Wide pastures dotted with ancient windmills and black-and-white Fresian cattle evoke another age. Enjoy the beauty of this unique region as you explore the lively little towns along the way.

Heidelberg, Germany
Destination of a shore excursion from many KD Rhine cruises and all Neckar cruises, Heidelberg is the site of an old university celebrated in poetry and song, most notably Romberg's operetta, "The Student Princes". The magnificent ruins of a red sandstone castle built in the 6th century stand high above the city and the Neckar River.

Hirschhorn, Germany
One of the most beautiful little towns along the Neckar River with its Karmeliter church dating back to the late Gothic times and the castle of the Lords of Hirschhorn.

Hoorn, Netherlands
Old Dutch sailing ships and pleasure craft have replaced the fishing boats of yesteryear. This picturesque harbor was headquarters for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. The town's seafaring history is displayed in the Westfries Museum housed in the impressively ornate State Council building. The tip of South America, Cape Horn, was named after a Dutch explorer who lived in this city.

Kalosca, Hungary
Kalosca, situated on a terrace overlooking the Danube and surrounded by the Sarkoz swamps, was in 1009 the home of the archdiocese. Visit the bishop's palace with its art treasures and the Visky art museum with handicraft exhibits of the region.

Kampen, Netherlands
Chartered in 1230, this provincial Dutch town was once an important Hanseatic city. It retains a medieval atmosphere with its protective towers and turrets alongside the river. Located near the mouth of the River Ijssel, traditional Dutch sailing ships can be seen along the quayside, and the 14th century old town gates have been preserved.

Koblenz, Germany
The city stands at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle, the point marked by the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), which juts between the two rivers. Across the Rhine is massive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, whose origins go back to the 10th century.

Königswinter, Germany
Situated at the foot of the romantic Drachenfels crag, this old town is one of the most visited on the Rhine. The cogwheel railway that runs up the rock was the first in Germany, built in 1883. Castle Drachenburg, a magnificent structure, dates from the 19th century.

Lauenburg, Germany
An attractive old town on the Lower Elbe with pictutesque 16th and 17th century half-timbered houses.

Linz, Germany
Charmingly painted half-timbered buildings dating from the 5th to the 19th centuries line the cobbled streets of Linz and surround its market square and castle square, where the 14th century burg Feith stands. Two towers remain from walls that enclosed the town in medieval times.

Litomerice
Litomerice is the terminus station for all our Elbe cruises to or from Prague.

Luthertown/Wittenberg, Germany
The ancient university town of Wittenberg was made world famous by Martin Luther, who lived and preached here. The Luther House, with its exhibition on the history of the Reformation, the Castle Church where Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door, and the Parish Church (St. Marys), with a fine 16th century altar by Lucas Cranach, give considerable insight into Luther's life and his work. The marketplace features a splendid 16th century renaissance town hall.

Maastricht, Netherlands
Known as the "Paris of the Benelux" for its charm and elegance, this city was founded in the dawn of Christianity by Roman legions in search of a place to bridge the river. The city's remarkably preserved fortifications churches, chateaux, and canals trace the emergence of civilization in the 11th century.

Magdeburg, Germany
The old cathedral city was badly damaged during the war and has still not been completely reconstructed. Of particular interest are the mighty 13th century cathedral, the Abbey Church of Our Lady, and the old market square with the impressive renaissance Town Hall.

Mainz, Germany
Set at the meeting point of the Rhine and Main rivers, Mainz was the birthplace in 1398 of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. The Gutenberg Museum is housed in a Renaissance building in the oldest part of the city. The imposng Romanesque cathedral dates from the 10th century.

Mannheim, Germany
Germany's second largest inland port, at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. A baroque palace dating from the 18th century houses university and judicial offices. On the fountain-splashed Friedrichsplatz is Mannheim's landmark, an elaborate 19th-century water tower.

Meissen, Germany
Meissen, "City of the White Gold", has been home to world-famous pottery since the early 18th century. A visit to the factory takes in the museum, a most impressive collection of porcelain produced in Meissen through the ages, as well as a demonstration of how it is made. The old town is dominated by the cathedral and Albrechtsburg Castle.

Melk, Austria
Gateway to the Wachau Valley, Melk is world-renowned for its magnificent Abbey. One of the most splendid examples of Baroque architecture in Europe, the Abbey dominates the town from high above the Danube River. Admire the splendor of the famous Melk Cross, the Abbey library and the Collegiate Church.

Merzig
This town on the Saar River, old enough to have been inhabited by the Romans, is the point of departure or the end of some of our four-river cruises. Many historical buildings, e.g. St. Peters Church and the historical Town Hall, among others, are worth seeing.

Mettlach
Today, Mettlach is mainly famous for the ceramic company Villeroy & Boch. The charming little town where the Saar River loops also offers many sights worth seeing, such as the Old Tower, the former Benedictine Abbey, the ruins of Montclair Castle and Ziegelburg Castle. Unique is also the great loop of the Saar River, which is close by.

Miltenberg/Wertheim, Germany
Two medieval towns on the Main with many sights. The inn "Zum Riesen" in Mitenberg is the oldest inn in Germany.

Orsova, Romania
Orsova, at the bank of the "Iron Gate", is famous for its ancient medicinal springs evidenced by many Roman baths. Today "Hercules Spa" is still revered and serves as a modern-day resort.

Passau, Germany
One of Germany's oldest and most picturesque cities, Passau is ideally located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers. This city, with its charming cobblestone streets and graceful arcades, is perfect for exploring. Begin with the impressive St. Stephan's Cathedral. Among its lavish interior is one of the largest pipe organs in the world.

Prague, Czech Republic
The Baroque splendor of the Czech capital, an hour and a half from Litomerice by coach, has charmed musicians and poets, princes and commoners for centuries. Crowning the skyline is Hradcany Castle, the home of Czech kings since the 9th century and the seat of Czech presidents since 1918. Wencesles Square, actually a boulevard, leads to the Old Town, a dense cluster of handsomely restored buildings. The Prague Ghetto, dating back to the 10th century, is one of the oldest in Europe.

Rotterdam, Netherlands
The world's largest port, in terms of goods handled, and a streamlined, prosperous city that was almost completely rebuilt after World War II. The rebirth is symbolized by the sleek Euromast, which rises 600 feet above city and harbour. A magnificent art collection, with masterpieces from every school, is in the Boymans-Van Beuningen Museum.

Rüdesheim, Germany
An ancient little town in the heart of the Rheingau that is renowned not only for outstanding Rieslings but for places to drink them; one narrow street, the Drosselgasse, is lined solidly wth pubs and wine taverns. The colossal Niederwald monument above the town was build in 1877-83 to commemorate the unification of Germany.

Russe, Bulgaria
Russe, an industrial city and the biggest river port in the country, was once garrison of the Roman Danube fleets. In 1866, the first railway of the Ottoman Empire to Varna was inaugurated here.

Saarburg
The small medieval town on the Saar River is the metropolis of Saar viniculture. Towered over by the Saarburg Fortress from the 10th century, the town still offers many historical sights even today, like St. Laurentius Church, the Kuno Tower, the city fortifications, etc. Our tour takes you to the most important sights.

St. Goar, Germany
This charming little town is situated exactly opposite the Loreley Cliff. It is dominated by the Rheinfels Fortress, one of the mightiest and largest fortresses of the 13th century. Destroyed in 1797 by French troops, and then misused as a quarry for the fort of Ehrenbreitstein, parts of the castle were subsequently rebuilt.

Strasbourg, France
A red sandstone cathedral, famous for its stained glass windows is the landmark of Strasbourg (known as "La Petite France"), capital of the French province of Alsace. See Mansard-roofed buildings in Louis XV style give the city a Gallic air, and visit the oldest section, where half-timbered houses face peaceful canals.

Stuttgart, Germany
The capital city of Baden-Württemberg is one of the richest and most beautiful cities of Germany. Industry and art are equally present. Stuttgart, which once was residence of the sovereigns of Württemberg, from the touristic point of view is also today a highly interesting destination.

Tangermünde, Germany
The appearance of the hanseatic town of Tangermünde has changed very little since the Middle Ages. The Old Town is dominated by gothic buildings and half-timbered houses.

Torgau, Germany
Once a favoured residence of the Saxon princes. Torgau became famous as the place where the Russian and American armies met on April 25, 1945. Hartenfels Castle is a well-preserved example of early renaissance architecture.

Trier, Germany
The western terminus of KD-Moselle cruises is at least 2,000 years old. The Romans made Trier the capital of their western empire and their legacy is crowned by the massive Porta Nigra, the largest stone gate they ever built and the finest Roman relic in Germany. Trier's Imperial Baths were among the largest in the Roman Empire. The Imperial Palace is now a basilica.

Vienna, Austria
A wealth of treasures awaits you in Vienna - one of Europe's most dynamic cities. A center of classic music, art, theater, and history, Vienna is the city of the waltz. The Spanish Riding School, Sacher Torte, and the famous Vienna Boys Choir. A number of excursions allow you to capture the spirit of this elegant city. Visit the graceful Ring Boulevard, and Vienna's landmark, St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or step back in time with an optional tour of the splendid Schonbrunn Palace, summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa, and the Habsburgs. See the 12th Century castle of Liechtenstein and Baden, an old Roman spa, in the southern woods.

Volendam, Netherlands
You'll love this charming old fishing port with its wealth of little shops, bakeries and typically Dutch handicrafts. The local people still dress in traditional costumes - baggy woolen trousers for men, and for women, flowered dresses, striped pinafores and the famous winged lace cap (on Sundays and holidays).

Wörlitz, Germany
This little town near the Elbe became a popular excursion destination because of its large palace park, the first in Germany to be built in the English style.

Worms, Germany
The former town of the Celts and Romans became world-renowned by the "Nibelungenlied". During the Middle Ages Worms was once the scene of action of more than 100 Imperial Diets, on one of which Martin Luther had to defend his 95 theses.