9Nights - Rhine Experience & the Sea 2024

Rhine River Cruise Cologne, the old Cathedral city, is also one of the most important traffic hubs and commercial centres in Germany, with world famous trade fairs and a busy shipping traffic. Cologne developed out of a Roman colony and looks back on a history of more than 2000 years. In the Middle Ages it was one of the leading towns in Germany. The Second World War destroyed most of the inner city; these parts were rebuilt in a modern style. The landmark and emblem of the city is the Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other tourist attractions are the town hall, the Malakoff Tower, the St Martin Church and the old abbey.

"The capital of Curaçao, Willemstad, is almost as old as a more famous Dutch settlement—it was founded in 1634, just 10 years after New Amsterdam, later called New York. But while the Dutch control of New Amsterdam was relatively brief, Curaçao remains a part of the Netherlands to this day. Its historic center is a unique mixture of Dutch architecture and Caribbean pastels, its gabled row houses overlooking Sint Anna Bay, a waterway dividing the city in two and connecting the Caribbean to the protected Schottegat Bay. The entire historic center of Willemstad has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Willemstad's legendary days of yore can be explored at institutions like the Kura Hulanda and Curaçao Maritime Museum, this is a vibrant, living city too. Highlights of this multicultural melting pot might include a stop at its floating market and a visit to a curaçao distillery to taste the famous local liqueur. Natural wonders await as well: Some of the Caribbean’s most stunning diving and snorkeling spots are here. Finally, a meal in Willemstad will let you experience the diversity of the island through the surprising flavors of its cuisine, which reflects European, Caribbean and Latin American influences. "

Thanks to its port, Antwerp was an important centre of trade and commerce even before historical records began. In addition to its long established traditions in banking and insurance, the continual expansion and modernisation of the port has seen the emergence of a multitude of trades and industries. Today Greater Antwerp is the biggest industrial conurbation in Belgium. Antwerp’s international reputation is partly due to the diamond industry and the special role the city plays in the diamond trade worldwide. The city’s remarkable reputation does not just rest on its trade and industry, it is also the cultural capital of Flanders.

We will now head along the northern Rhine towards Ghent. Here you’ll find splendid architecture, artistic masterpieces, delightful landscapes and absolute tranquillity. The capital of East Flanders is part of a quartet of Flemish centres of art – the others being Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. Discover Ghent’s treasures, including the baroque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen, a moated castle. And in the old town, you’re sure to find a nice place to sample a good cup of coffee and some Belgian delicacies.

The city of Dordrecht, located in the province of South Holland, is known as the most ancient city in Holland. There is some controversy concerning the etymology of its name, but it essentially means a “thoroughfare.” This is due to the fact that the city is actually on an island and was historically a significant part of the shipping lines in the earliest days of its existence.

Lelystad is built on the seabed of the former Zuiderzee. About 6500 years ago this wetland was above high tide level and inhabited; the Netherlands have steadily subsided since. Near Lelystad at Swifterbant, the oldest human skeletons in Western Europe were discovered. Due to rising water levels and storms, the peatlands were washed away, and the Lacus Flevo (in Roman times) grew to be the Almere (Middle Ages) and became the Zuiderzee. The Zuiderzee (Southern Sea) was the main transport route from Amsterdam to the North Sea and the Hanseatic League cities. Due to the many shipwrecks in Flevoland, Lelystad now houses the National Centre for Maritime History, with a museum and the shipyard that has built the Batavia replica.

Lelystad is built on the seabed of the former Zuiderzee. About 6500 years ago this wetland was above high tide level and inhabited; the Netherlands have steadily subsided since. Near Lelystad at Swifterbant, the oldest human skeletons in Western Europe were discovered. Due to rising water levels and storms, the peatlands were washed away, and the Lacus Flevo (in Roman times) grew to be the Almere (Middle Ages) and became the Zuiderzee. The Zuiderzee (Southern Sea) was the main transport route from Amsterdam to the North Sea and the Hanseatic League cities. Due to the many shipwrecks in Flevoland, Lelystad now houses the National Centre for Maritime History, with a museum and the shipyard that has built the Batavia replica.

Take a deep breath. In Harlingen, in Friesland, you’re never far from the sea. The harbour reaches right into the city centre and the Wadden Sea is also close by. A stop in Harlingen is a fantastic opportunity to explore this typical Dutch region – don’t miss it. The city is something of a hidden gem on your Rhine cruise itinerary, since it’s Amsterdam and Antwerp that most people look forward to seeing. But Harlingen is proof that small is beautiful.

Take a deep breath. In Harlingen, in Friesland, you’re never far from the sea. The harbour reaches right into the city centre and the Wadden Sea is also close by. A stop in Harlingen is a fantastic opportunity to explore this typical Dutch region – don’t miss it. The city is something of a hidden gem on your Rhine cruise itinerary, since it’s Amsterdam and Antwerp that most people look forward to seeing. But Harlingen is proof that small is beautiful.

The delightful little town of Hoorn lies on the Ijsselmeer, towards the northern Rhine. Back in the 16th century, Hoorn was one of the Netherlands’ most important ports. Today, many of its buildings still bear witness to this heyday. A visit to Hoorn during your Rhine cruise is an activity not be missed.

The small beautiful town of Emmerich on the lower Lower Rhine gives you a nice time out on land during your cruise. Here you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the magnificent view of the Rhine while discovering the "Golden Gate Bridge of the Lower Rhine", a suspension bridge spanning over the Rhine, which, just like its role model, can be seen from afar in vibrant red. Definitely worth taking a souvenir photo!

Rhine River Cruise Cologne, the old Cathedral city, is also one of the most important traffic hubs and commercial centres in Germany, with world famous trade fairs and a busy shipping traffic. Cologne developed out of a Roman colony and looks back on a history of more than 2000 years. In the Middle Ages it was one of the leading towns in Germany. The Second World War destroyed most of the inner city; these parts were rebuilt in a modern style. The landmark and emblem of the city is the Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other tourist attractions are the town hall, the Malakoff Tower, the St Martin Church and the old abbey.