Sail on the rivers of Central Europe

Set your suitcase down once and for all and let yourself be rocked by the waters of a river. Sail from a natural site to a place full of history while watching a constantly changing spectacle. You are the passenger of a river cruise, a unique and exotic way of traveling. I have chosen to take you on a journey along the rivers of Europe, firstly the Rhine for its romanticism and the blue Danube.

I unveil the secrets of a powerful and legendary river, the Rhine. Before it flows into the North Sea, it travels around 1200 km. Along the water, it borders vineyards, passes by islands, or reveals medieval castles. Let's focus on the stretch that extends from Strasbourg to Koblenz. As we are in a city of art and history, let's make a stop here. Although Strasbourg is synonymous with Europe and modernity, the capital of the Grand Est still has a rich history. It was contested during the Reformation and the merchant republic became a free city. From that era, it has retained its Gothic cathedral and a spire. Climb up to its astronomical clock and embrace a panoramic view over the Rhine. 

La Petite France is truly enchanting. You discover canals lined with half-timbered houses and crossed by covered bridges. Additionally, Strasbourg has a navigation canal and a Vauban dam. Starting from Strasbourg, you set sail toward Mainz. That the small town feels familiar is no wonder, as it's a postcard scene. Additionally, you are in the birthplace of Gutenberg, and there is a museum dedicated to him onsite. If you have time to disembark, also aim for the Renaissance-style Marktbrunnen fountain flanked by red columns. 

Continuing your cruise, you reach the Lorelei Rock at Saint Goar. Do you know the legend? A Germanic water nymph would lure sailors with her enchanting songs, as told in Heine's poem. These beliefs are probably explained by the fact that the river's waters are particularly treacherous at this location and many boats have foundered there. Let's make a stop at Rüdesheim, where the Rhine forks. It is in Drosselgasse where Riesling is celebrated, not as a unique wine, but as a white grape variety. Thanks to a cable car, climb and observe the Niederwald monument topped by the statue of Germania. This symbolizes the unification of Germany in 1871. Let's then enjoy the unparalleled view from the top of this hill. 

If you like thrills, take the Hängebrücke suspension bridge, and you will feel like you are flying through the air. Speyer, a former imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire renowned for its madder flower used in dyeing cloth, makes a wonderful stop. This small French city of the Palatinate, Victor Hugo already mentioned it in his letters on the Rhine. Let's continue our cruise with an excursion to Heidelberg, the romantic capital of Baden-Württemberg. If the place rhymes with its university dating back to 1386 nonetheless! yet you will discover the red sandstone ruins of the castle and an old center. There, you can also taste a beverage, the Studentenkuss, stroll the philosopher's walk, or visit a lollipop factory or the Witch's Tower. 

We have now arrived at the end of our journey with the city of Koblenz located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle (Deutsches Eck). You will be mesmerized by the 2000 years of history of this town listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, including a neo-Gothic castle and especially a fortress accessible by cable car. Moreover, it forms the gateway to the surrounding vineyards and forests.

Opt for a cruise on the Danube and let the magic work its charm. Once the northern border of the Roman Empire, the river represents a significant waterway. Originating from the Black Forest, it washes through the capitals of Central Europe: Vienna, Bratislava, Belgrade... I propose we start our journey in Budapest, the Hungarian capital. It is the Danube that separates the two main districts of Buda and Pest, making it a pervasive element in the city, much like water in general. In Buda, you will inevitably visit the Chain Bridge, a suspension structure dating back to 1840, as well as the Castle Hill. 

From the Fisherman's Bastion with its 7 columns representing the 7 tribes that originally formed the nation, you will enjoy a sensational panorama. Perhaps you will start a game of chess at the Széchenyi thermal baths, an Ottoman tradition. Or perhaps you would prefer to luxuriate in the pools of the Gellért Hotel with its shimmering mosaics. Then you will remember iconic films like The Unbearable Lightness of Being! 

In addition to Hero's Square, the House of Terror is a must-visit for those fascinated by history as it traces the history of dictatorships. Wander through Varosliget Woods and if you plan to picnic in the summer, Margaret Island will delight you. Vienna is often symbolized by its Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) with its colorful tiles and tall tower. Climbing its 343 steps you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. 

You will not fail to be impressed by the Hofburg, the gigantic royal palace which houses the Sissi Museum. Nevertheless, you will also be charmed by the imperial family's summer residence, Schönbrunn with its grand gallery. Similarly, the baroque style Belvedere and its French gardens allow you to contemplate the famous The Kiss by Klimt and works by the painter Schiele. Personally, I admit having a soft spot for the Opera which was erected on the Ring or the Hotel Sacher where scenes from the film Woman in Gold were shot. Relax at the Prater, a real green lung right in the city. 

To conclude, stop in front of the contemporary, colorful houses of Hundertwasser. Then comes Melk and its baroque abbey topped with a superb bell tower. Perched on a rocky hill, it overlooks the waters of the Danube. Now the silhouette of Salzburg, the city of Mozart whose birthplace you can visit, emerges. Sometimes called the Rome of the North, it expresses the baroque spirit par excellence in the exuberance of its decor. The desired effect of this artistic movement from the 17th century was to move the viewer, to transport them to another universe.