Yuletide Treasures

Arrive in Basel and be transferred to the ship.

Even with its international flair and reputation as an iconic center for progressive art and design, Basel’s medieval town center invites exploration by foot with an abundance of museums and galleries.

While antiquity may be Basel’s strong suit, two of its native sons – architects Herzog & de Meuron renowned design London’s Tate Modern Beijing’s Bird’s Nest – bring a modern flair to the city’s design along with other notable architects including Frank Gehry.

Between the supremely scenic towns of Freiburg and Colmar lies Breisach, gateway to the surrounding Black Forest.

There is much to keep travelers within the embrace of this lively city, too, including its Romanesque church with late-Gothic altar and cobbled streets lined by pastel-hued buildings.

Nearby, explore the star-shaped fortress town of Neuf-Brisach, or New Breisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is one of the world’s most photogenic towns.

It boasts a breathtaking Gothic cathedral and a remarkable charm that oozes from virtually every cozy corner of Grande Île, or “Large Island,” the first city center to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The name Benz is synonymous with automotive innovation, and here is where this legacy began. Also born here was the “man-powered running machine” (or bicycle), the Lanz Bulldog tractor and first rocket-powered aircraft, firmly establishing the city as the place for innovation and industry.

The university town is also alive with hubs of diverse food, drink and shopping, as well as a thriving art and musical culture.

If Rüdesheim’s scenic location on the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge doesn’t sweep you off your feet, then the town’s medieval Old Town with its half-timbered buildings and narrow lanes, especially the Drosselgasse overflowing with charming shops and taverns, surely will.

The region’s renowned Rieslings, produced here for centuries from vineyards dating to Roman times, promise to delight, too.

Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers and three mountain ranges meet, Koblenz’ scenery is unmatched. Add to that the city’s 2,000-year-old history, hilltop fortress and squares lined by classic Germanic architecture and you have a place ready made for photos.

Ambling along the town’s narrow lanes and river promenade, you might encounter medieval churches, flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes and perhaps a weinstube, or wine tavern, ideal for sipping Riesling and drinking in the atmosphere.

Dusseldorf a city whose history can be traced to the 7th and 8th centuries, Düsseldorf’s edgy art culture and innovative business landscape is all the more impressive.

The capital city of the North is decidedly posh, pushing the boundaries of high fashion and high-rise design, and a culinary and nightlife scene caters to the international elite who populate the city.

Banking and tech industries have brought the city great wealth, making Dusseldorf one of the world’s most livable cities.

People have been fighting over Arnhem for centuries. It’s no mystery, given its natural beauty, abundant parks and bicycle pathways, and lively scene of cafés and creative hubs. I

ts darkest hour came during World War II, when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, occupying the whole country within one week. In resistance, Arnhem became the site of the largest airborne military operation in history.

Today, this prosperous town is known as a center of fashion and design.

Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks.

For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles.

Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person.

Your festive journey has come to an end.