Abu Simbel is an archeological site in Egypt consisting of two massive rock temples. It is located on the banks of Lake Nasser, where it was moved in the 1960s to avoid the rising Nile waters due to the construction of the Aswan Dam. Together with other Nubian monuments, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Aswan Dam was constructed during the period between 1958 and 1970 and was named for President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who initiated the project.
The monument’s original name was “Temple of Rameses, Beloved of Amun.” It was built in the 13th century BC, but eventually fell into disuse and was buried beneath desert sands for centuries. Tour guides at the site say that the name “Abu Simbel” is that of a young local boy who guided European explorers to the site of the buried temple which he had seen from time to time in the shifting sands. The temple was rediscovered and excavated in the early 19th century.
City of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, Rembrandt and van Gogh, Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands that are connected by 1,500 bridges, a massive project that was financed by the wealth the city acquired during the Dutch Golden Age, when Holland was the wealthiest nation in the world. Prosperity poured into the country in many forms, but most famously from the Dutch East India Company, which developed trade relations with the Far East. Today, the legacy of those successful merchants lives on in the gilded manses that line Amsterdam’s canals and in the grand portraits and lush paintings that adorn the galleries of the Rijksmuseum - many of them financed by nobles of the day. Today, discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot, following tranquil grachten, or canals, past gable-roofed houses, many of them built with narrow fronts and steep stairways as residents were once taxed on the width of their property. Linger over pankoeken, the classic Dutch pancake, in a city square (or splein), or take a stroopwafel to go as you window shop in the restored Jordaan District or people watch in the central Dam Square.
Built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is the most iconic portion of the Hindu temple complex located in Angkor, Cambodia. It served as the state temple and capital city and is perhaps the best-preserved of the many temples at Angkor. It is an undisputed source of great national pride for Cambodians, who have depicted it on their national flag since 1863.
As a relic of the ancient Khmer, Angkor Wat is an awe-inspiring structure that epitomizes the grand classical style of Khmer architecture. It has been a significant religious center since its creation for not only the Hindu religion, but Buddhists as well. Archaeologists have carried out extensive restoration work in recent decades and there have been continuous conservation efforts. Angkor Wat is the region’s most-visited tourist destination and provides invaluable support to Cambodia’s economy.
A cosmopolitan city, Antwerp is one of the world’s major seaports. Its unique atmosphere is derived from the contrast between commitment to commerce and love of the arts. The old city area is filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings. Here stands the Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of Belgium’s finest and largest Gothic buildings, as well as the Grand Palace. Antwerp was also home to 17th-century painter Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens’ works may be seen in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the Church of St. James, where the painter is buried.
Arbanasi is a village in the Veliko Tarnovo province of central northern Bulgaria. Set on a high plateau between the larger towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovitsa, it is known for its rich history, large number of historical monuments and Bulgarian National Revival architecture. The earliest written document that makes reference to Arbanasi was a royal decree by Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent offering Arbanasi and other lands to his son-in-law, the Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha, as a gift. Although part of Bulgaria, Arbanasi was a stronghold of Greek culture for centuries. Sights include various monasteries, churches and 18th-century merchant houses.
In the last days of the Roman Empire, this city was the capital of Roman Gaul. Indeed, it was known as the “Little Rome of Gaul,” and boasts many Gallo-Roman ruins including Les Arènes, an ancient amphitheater seating 20,000 that is still used today for bullfights and plays. The town is frequently bathed in the strong Mediterranean sunlight that inspired legendary impressionist Vincent van Gogh to paint a number of works, and many of the town’s sights are immortalized in his paintings.
A lovely town nearly destroyed during World War II, Arnhem is now filled with a collection of beautiful parks and gardens. One of Arnhem’s main attractions is the Netherlands Open Air Museum, an 18-acre park established in 1912 to maintain the country’s architectural and cultural heritage. The grounds feature a collection of houses, windmills and workshops depicting the region’s rich history and culture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Aswan is an Egyptian market town located in Upper (southern) Egypt; its historic name was Swenet, meaning “trade.” It is well located on the east bank of the Nile at the “first cataract.” More like rapids than waterfalls, the cataracts formed natural barriers to navigation, so for trade purposes Aswan was the first Egyptian town at the country’s southern end. Aswan is one of the driest places on earth; it is not unusual for several years to go by without any rainfall. Aswan includes Elephantine Island.
Egypt’s ancient stone quarries were located here, where copious quantities of granite were mined and used to make large statues, shrines, obelisks, stelae and the pyramids.
The Aswan Dam was built here in the 1960s, causing the formation of Lake Nasser. Some temples were submerged, but the colossal twin temples bearing the likenesses of Rameses I and Nefertari were relocated to Abu Simbel. The structure was originally built in the 13th century BC; eventually it fell into disuse and was covered by desert sands. It was rediscovered in 1813 by a Swiss orientalist and excavated. Moving the structure was an absolutely monumental project involving cutting it into 20-ton blocks, moving the pieces and reassembling them in their new position up and away from the river.
There are many other Nubian monuments in the area, and the Nubia Museum has on display many priceless artifacts salvaged from temples before they were submerged. On display are items from Geological, Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras; royal mummies; a model of a Nubian-style home and terraced gardens with cascading waterfalls.
Sheltered by medieval walls, Avignon’s maze of narrow streets is filled with churches, museums and palaces tracing the history of this ancient, vibrant city. Visitors can capture a bird’s-eye view of the city and surrounding Rhône River valley from the top of Cathedral Hill. Avignon is known as the “City of Popes,” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled here. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a fortress, church and palace, was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377 seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d'Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge. In all likelihood, people actually danced under the bridge on the Île de Barthelasse, once a popular recreation spot.
One of the oldest and most important spa resorts of the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany, this beautiful resort city lies nestled in a picturesque valley among lush hills and deep gorges. This port town is also the starting point for tours to the Saxon Switzerland region with its rugged dramatic sandstone cliff formations.
One of the most fascinating sites in the world, Bagan is an ancient city in the Mandalay region of Burma. Bagan was once the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, the first kingdom to unify the regions that would become modern Burma. During the kingdom’s heyday, between the 11th and 13th centuries, more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains—of which the remains of more than 2,200 temples and pagodas can be seen today. The landscape, featuring the distinctive stupas (spires) of the region, is quite striking at any time of day—the area is noted not just for the number of structures but for their distinctive and beautiful architecture. The technique of creating a vaulted ceiling—a special challenge in this earthquake-prone area—seems to have developed in Bagan, as did the pentagonal floor plan for Buddhist temples. Bagan is a must-see on any Burma river cruise.
Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and specialty, “smoke” beer. The city’s winding streets are filled with baroque patrician houses and are home to the breathtaking 11th-century Cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II, housing his tomb and that of Pope Clement II. Be sure to see the old bishop’s houses—16th-century Alt Residenz (Old Residence) and 17th-century Neue Residenz (New Residence).
With a population of more than 8 million in the city center and nearly 15 million in the metropolitan area, Bangkok is Thailand’s largest and most populous city. It occupies 600 square miles in the Chao Phraya delta and is the country’s official capital, as well as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Bangkok traces its roots to a small trading post during the 15th-century Ayutthaya Kingdom. This trading post grew in size and, by the 18th century, was the site of two capital cities: Thonburi and Rattanakosin. Within the next century Bangkok subsumed these two cities and became an important capital of what was then Siam. Toward the end of the 20th century many multinational corporations located their Asian headquarters in Bangkok; now the city is a major international business hub with all the modern accoutrements plus an exotic appeal and world-class shopping. Accelerated growth led to haphazard city planning which in turn led to traffic problems, so the city is now in the process of implementing rapid transit lines. Additionally, there are buses, taxis and water transport, including ferries and the famous longtail boats.
The name Bangkok may mean “island on a stream” or it may refer to the makok, a plant bearing olive-like fruit. The city’s full name is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit, a Pali/Sanskrit phrase meaning “City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s behest.” This name is quite difficult to learn, even for native Thai speakers; it was used as the lyrics of a popular song of 1989 to help people remember it. The seal of the city shows the Hindu god Indra riding in the clouds on Airavata, a divine elephant who may have given the Irrawaddy River its name.
The city is quite modern, with an impressive cityscape of skyscrapers, but it retains its traditional low-rise districts as well. Historic areas include the Grand Palace and important Buddhist wats (temples) like Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The Grand Palace is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which meanders through the city and serves as a mode of transport for certain citizens and businesses. Flooding can be a problem and the city has a complicated water management system in place to manage water levels. The density of the city is broken up by several parks and green zones. There are art museums and galleries, performing arts including traditional dance, stadiums for soccer and Muay Thai (Thai boxing).
The majority of Bangkok’s residents are Thai but there are significant populations from China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia. There are sizeable Indian and Muslim neighborhoods, as well as small Japanese, North African and Korean communities.
Barca d’Alva is a quaint Portuguese river port near the Spanish border. This tranquil town is shadowed by mountains and surrounded by miles of gorgeous countryside filled with vineyards and orchards. This tiny port is your gateway to the Quinta do Seixo, a historic port wine–making facility typical of the Douro region.
Located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel reflects a fascinating blend of cultures. Straddling the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, its alluring cluster of Old Town buildings huddle around Market Square, where guild houses recall the Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor. The red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece here and more than 40 museums give the city a refined air. To sample Basel’s cultural variety, travelers would do well to linger over cheese fondue or croissants.
Dating back more than 2,000 years, Beaune has become the trading center for Burgundy’s fine wines. Beaune served for a short period as the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. One of the highlights of this city is Hôtel Dieu, a beautifully preserved hospice in the French Gothic style.
Beijing dates back more than 3,000 years and was a grand imperial capital from the 10th century A.D. until it became the capital of the new Communist nation in 1949. In the center of the city lies Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, with the capacity to accommodate over one million people. Just opposite the square is the entrance to the Forbidden City with its acres of elegant palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens. Outside Beijing is the magnificent Summer Palace, a 700-acre garden and complex of buildings used by the Imperial Court to escape the summer heat of Beijing. Also outside the city lie the sacred burial grounds of the Ming emperors. Walk along the Sacred Way, a long avenue lined with massive sculptures of elephants, lions and camels leading to the tombs. In the nearby Badaling Hills is one of the most impressive and best-preserved sections of the fabled Great Wall of China, with breathtaking views of the Chinese countryside.
Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Since ancient times, it has been an important city due to its location at the intersection of Eastern and Western Europe. Highlights include Kalemegdan Fortress, the Cathedral and St. Sava Temple.
This resort town sits at the foot of 200-million-year-old sandstone rock formations. Stop at Belogradchik Castle, built by Ottoman conquerors in a maze of rock columns and pillars; walk around the compound and enjoy superior views of the caves and whimsical rock shapes from its many terraced courtyards.
Germany’s vibrant capital, Berlin, lies on the flatlands at the confluence of several rivers and lakes. Highlights in and around Berlin include the baroque Charlottenburg Palace and 13th-century St. Nicholas Church. The Berlin Wall, built after World War II to divide the city, was finally torn down in 1989, but reminders such as Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie still exist as haunting monuments. Berlin boasts many theaters and museums, including the Pergamon Museum with its collection of classical antiquities including the famed Greek Altar of Zeus.
“The Pearl of the Moselle,” Bernkastel’s medieval town square is centered around the fountain of St. Michael and is also the location of the famous “Pointed House.” Built in 1416, the house is well-known for how very narrow and small it is. In this charming town, wine lovers can delight in some of the finest wines produced in Germany.
Bitetos is a tiny port nestled in the Douro River valley. This former Roman village exhibits its ancient origins in ruins and in the older areas of town where antiquated architecture still stands. Its most popular tourist attraction is the 11th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada, which allows visitors on a limited basis and doubles as a restaurant. Viking River Cruises guests spend an evening there enjoying the cuisine and port wines and exploring the monastery’s furnishings and exhibits.
Blaye is located on the Gironde estuary, just north of Bordeaux. Its ancient Gaulish name was Blavia. There was once a Gothic château there where Charibert II, King of Aquitaine, was buried in 632 A.D. A basilica was later built at the site, which is said to be the burial place of 8th-century Frankish hero Roland, one of Charlemagne’s most capable generals who has taken on mythic qualities in the centuries since his death.
In the 17th century Louis XIV approached his military engineer, Sébastian Le Prestre de Vauban—generally known simply as Vauban—and ordered him to strengthen the fortifications at Blaye to protect the city of Bordeaux, upstream on the Garonne River. Vauban created the current Citadelle de Blaye, incorporating the old château, the basilica, a parade ground, a monastery and several army barracks. The entire arrangement, including the citadel and two forts, comprises a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Resting on Norway’s coast just north of the Arctic Circle, Bodø was built upon herring fisheries that flourished in the 1870s. The fisheries also provided the basis of growth, as Bodø gradually emerged to become an administration center, regional financial hub and the urban city it is today. Its centerpiece is the beloved Gothic cathedral, with its impressive organ and honeycomb bell tower. The city’s “Swedish Town” is a cherished remnant from post-war times, when Sweden built this housing as temporary shelter during rebuilding. But it might best be known for Scandinavia’s largest museum dedicated to air flight: the Norwegian Aviation Museum, a remarkable collection of historic civil and military aircraft. Near Bodø, one of nature’s most amazing natural phenomenons rolls in every six hours. The world’s strongest tidal current rushes through the strait of Saltstraumen, creating whirlpools of up to 32 feet wide and 16 feet deep.
Bordeaux is a port city with a population of about 250,000 on the Garonne River in southwestern France. The name comes from that of the Celtic settlement in the area, Burdigala, circa 300 B.C. The city became the capital of Roman Aquitaine, which it remained until 276 A.D. when it was sacked by Vandals. In the 5th century it was again attacked by Vandals, then by Visigoths and Franks; later there was trouble with the Andalusian Muslims, the Basques and even the Vikings. In the 12th century the city’s fortunes improved when the duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine married Count Henri Plantagenet, who soon became King Henry II of England. Bordeaux flourished, largely due to its wine trade, and was eventually incorporated into the Kingdom of France.
The 18th century was considered a golden age for Bordeaux; many of the buildings in the downtown area date back to this era. Parts of Paris are said to be modeled after Bordeaux, and Victor Hugo is quoted as saying, “Take Versailles, add Antwerp and you have Bordeaux.” During World War II the French government relocated to Bordeaux briefly before moving to Vichy.
Today Bordeaux, known as the “City of Art and History,” is a gracious place for river cruisers to sojourn. There are beautiful boulevards, graceful bridges, historic monuments, Gothic and baroque churches, museums of art and history and lovely parks and gardens to enjoy, plus many wide squares like Esplanade des Quinconces and the Place de la Bourse with its spectacular reflecting pool. There are also the world-famous local wines—enjoy both the drier reds and whites and the sweet Sauternes dessert wines.
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is filled with lovingly restored baroque city palaces and dominated by an enormous castle 300 feet above the Danube. After decades of communist rule, Bratislava is transforming itself into one of central Europe’s most vibrant cities. See St. Martin’s Cathedral in historic Old Town and Michael’s Gate, as well as centuries-old squares filled with shops and cafés.
This charming little town lies just above Koblenz on the Rhine River. Its medieval fortifications include St. Barbarakirche, built in the 14th century, and Martinskapelle, which dates from the 9th century. Marksburg Castle, built in 1200, sits above the town and is the only Rhine castle to survive undamaged through the centuries.
Breisach’s most prominent landmark is the Cathedral of St. Stephanus. Visible from any part of the city, this landmark towers high above the Rhine. Breisach is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, next to Alsace, which is famous for its wine-growing. It is also the gateway for your tour of Germany’s famous Black Forest.
This town, beloved by tourists, is filled with picturesque houses and canals. Take the time to explore one of the oldest towns in Flanders the best way—by canal boat.
The small Norwegian coastal town of Brønnøysund has a Viking heritage that dates back to the 13th century, when a Viking chieftain held court on the nearby island of Torget. Today, that island is home to one of Norway’s great natural curiosities: the mountain of Torghatten. Not only is this giant mound of rock shaped like a troll’s gigantic hat; the hat seems to have been pierced by an arrow, at least that’s how the legend goes. In truth, it was erosion that created this natural tunnel. Of course fairy tales are easy to come by in this magnificent landscape of the Sami people, riddled as it is with 13,000 islands and a rich rural past that lives on at historic farms, fish farms, home-tended gardens and a winery.
Nicknamed “Little Paris of the East,” Bucharest is Romania’s cultural capital. The first written appearance of the name Bucharest dates from 1459, when it was recorded as “Bucharesti” in a document of the ruler of Walachia, Vlad III the Impaler. The fortress of Bucharest, the first of many, was built to protect the Walachian state from the Turks. Bucharest developed rapidly as the main economic center of Walachia and became the capital in 1659. Noteworthy buildings include the Palace of Justice, Arch of Triumph and Antim Monastery.
Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube and is divided into two distinct parts, traditional “Buda” and more modern “Pest.” Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters. The old city features amazing examples of architecture such as Buda Castle, Parliament building, Chain Bridge and Matthias Church, where the coronation ceremonies of Hungarian kings were held. Gellért Hill, high above the city, offers not-to-be-missed views.
Cadillac is a small commune in the Gironde department of Aquitaine, France; its population is only about 2,400. It is located near Sauternes, known for the sweet dessert wines it produces under the Cadillac AOC designation. The name of the commune was adopted by Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, founder of Detroit and Governor of Louisiana, on his arrival to what is now the U.S. The Cadillac division of General Motors, and Cadillac, Michigan, are named after him.
Cairo is the capital city of Egypt. With a population of approximately 8 million people in the city and nearly 18 million in the greater metropolitan area, it is the most populous city on the African continent and one of the world’s largest. Founded by Fatimid caliphs in 969 AD as a royal enclosure, its Arabic name is Al-Qahirah, “the victorious.” The name had to do with an appearance by the planet Mars, the “destroyer planet,” at the time the city was established. There is also a Persian word, carro, meaning an army encampment.
The country’s capital had been Alexandria, then was moved to Fustat, which was near Cairo and was soon absorbed by it. Cairo became the administrative capital of Egypt in the 12th century after Fustat was destroyed to prevent its capture during the Crusades and, after occupation by Mamluks, Ottomans, the French and the British, remains the capital to this day.
Visitors to Cairo can see its many sights, including the Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali, tour the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, shop in traditional souks, enjoy colorful folkloric music and dance, and tour many beautiful mosques, Coptic churches and synagogues. And travelers will not want to miss a trip out to nearby Sakkara, home of the step pyramid of Djoser, and Giza, where they will find the three Great Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx. These artifacts comprise part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Memphis and its Necropolis.
Considered an important center for the wine trade, Chalon-sur-Saône lies at the entrance to France’s famed Dijon region. The city’s quays border the Saône at its junction with the Canal du Centre. The two lofty steeples of the 17th-century Church of St. Pierre can be seen from anywhere in the city. Other architectural treasures include the crypt of St. Benigne and the 13th-century Church of St. Vincent.
Located on the edge of the fertile Red Basin, Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China. The city is more than 2,000 years old and has always been called Chengdu; the name is said to mean “becoming capital” after the Chinese saying, “It takes one year to form a community, two years to form a town, and three years to form a capital.” In the past it has been known for its hibiscus trees and for production of brocade cloth; it is also thought to be the birthplace of the world’s first widely circulated paper money. With 14 million inhabitants, today’s Chengdu is an important modern center of economic, transportation and communication activities; it still produces silk brocade, as well as cotton, wool and satin.
Travelers to Chengdu will see a very modern city, but there are still outposts of traditional culture. Visit one of the city’s charming traditional teahouses, very popular with the locals, who may play rousing games of mahjong there. Also highly recommended is Sichuan opera, a highly ritualized form that began during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) and is performed in the local dialect. Those interested in the ancient history of the Chengdu area can visit the Sanxingdui Museum, housing artifacts from nearby archeological sites that date back to the Neolithic, Shang and Zhou periods. Study pottery made on a wheel nearly 5,000 years ago; highly sophisticated gold, bronze and jade objects from 3,000 years ago; and spectacular Shang and Zhou bronze pieces.
Chengdu has established a world-renowned breeding and research base for giant pandas. The giant panda and other rare animals, such as the red panda and the golden monkey, are cared for and bred at the at the Panda Research Base, founded in 1987 with six rescued giant pandas, a population that has grown to nearly 100.
Perched on steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and its major tributary, the Jialing River, Chongqing is the gateway for Yangtze River cruises. This proud mountain city was the capital of China during World War II when the American Volunteer Air Group, the “Flying Tigers,” was based here. Today Chongqing, with a population of nearly 30 million (compared with New York City at just over 8 million) and a Manhattan-style skyline, is China’s most important inland industrial city, and is particularly lively at night with its neon-lit Liberation Monument.
By contrast, approximately 37 miles outside the city is an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dazu Stone Carvings, comprising 75 protected areas with some 50,000 statues and more than 100,000 carved Chinese characters dating as far back as 650 A.D. These carvings provide unprecedented insight into China’s culture and ways of life from the Tang through the Song Dynasties. Fortunately these carvings survived the Chinese Cultural Revolution; they have been open to Chinese visitors since 1961 and have only been accessible to foreign visitors since 1980. According to the UNESCO listing, “…their aesthetic quality, their rich diversity of subject matter, both secular and religious, and the light that they shed on everyday life in China during this period. They provide outstanding evidence of the harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.”
A fascinating town for any traveler to explore, Châu Ðôc is a pleasant town that lies on the border between Cambodia and Vietnam in the Mekong Delta region. It is home to sizable Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities and is culturally diverse—mosques, temples, churches and pilgrimage sites can all be found here. As a popular river crossing, Châu Ðôc has a wonderful river market and a serene waterfront setting.
Perched on a hilltop above the city and the Moselle River, the 1,000-year-old Cochem Castle is the city’s signature landmark. Timber-framed houses, St. Martin’s Church, the market square and a former monastery now serving as an arts center are all well preserved in the lively old quarter of town. You might want to taste some of the award-winning mustard from the 200-year-old mustard mill, the last one of its kind in Europe.
An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne’s modern plazas and Hohe-Strasse, a pedestrian-only shopping zone, provide a variety of stores, lively bars and enticing restaurants. Of particular note is the city’s 14th-century Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spared Allied bombs during World War II, the Cathedral’s lacy spires are visible for miles, and its stained-glass windows fill the interior with brilliant colored light.
Located in the northwestern suburbs of Paris, Conflans is named for its location at the confluence of the Oise and Seine Rivers. This lovely waterfront town boasts cobbled streets and charming architecture. Enjoy views from the town’s medieval hilltop tower and Church of Saint-Maclou. Or, travel to nearby Versailles and marvel at the luxurious palace and gardens of Louis XIV.
Located between Sa Dec and Châu Ðôc, Cu Lao Gien was once a vitally important monastic complex that housed more than 1,000 people and included an orphanage, a school, a hospice and a leprosy center. Today, Cu Lao Gien is mainly a retreat for retired nuns. Take the opportunity to visit the Catholic monastery, built on the island in 1875 by the French nuns of Saint Paul de Chartres.
Though Częstochowa has medieval origins, the Polish city’s main attraction for travelers is the Pauline monastery of Jasna Góra, the nation’s holiest shrine. Within this hallowed sanctuary, the painting of the Black Madonna is said to have miraculous powers, even saving the monastery from a Swedish invasion in 1655. In truth, it was the valiant monks and townspeople who warded off the Swedes during the 40-day siege, changing the course of Polish history. But the divine power of the painting, known to have bled when lashed by the sword of a thief 200 years earlier, had been well established. The image’s history before its arrival in Poland is equally shrouded in mystery. Some believe that St. Luke himself painted it on a cedar table belonging to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Later, St. Helena discovered it and delivered it to her son, Constantine the Great, in his newly conquered city of Constantinople. It could have passed through many hands before, according to legend, Prince Ladislaus was traveling past Częstochowa in 1384. His horse suddenly stopped and refused to go on. The prince later was told in a dream that he must leave the painting here. During your visit, you may see many pilgrims approaching the shrine on their knees. Certainly, this is not required of all visitors. But etiquette does call for a reverential silence.
Located in the Tien Giang Province, Cái Bè is a town composed of both river- and land-based areas. Along the river are docks that handle passengers and goods, and it is famous for its bustling floating markets. This type of town is typical of the area—enjoy taking pictures and shopping for bargains.
Dessau was the capital of the Dukes of Anhalt-Dessau from 1603 to 1918, and until 1945, capital of the Free State of Anhalt. During World War II, it was nearly destroyed by bombs because it was the site of the Junkers Aircraft Plant, but some of its castles and parks survived. Dessau is the starting point for tours of Wörlitz Castle’s stunning grounds, considered by many to be Germany’s first landscaped park. The many English-style gardens feature canals, lakes, pavilions, grottoes and statuary.
The culinary center of France, Dijon boasts splendid Gothic and Renaissance treasures that recall its heady days as the capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During medieval days, Burgundy grew to encompass a vast and wealthy region from the Mediterranean to the Low Countries of Belgium and The Netherlands. What once was a kingdom is now a province in eastern-central France, and Dijon remains its capital, a treasure trove of half-timbered houses and grand churches dating to its most prosperous period. Skirted by the Ouche Rive and a côte, or hillside, of lush farmlands and vineyards, the city is home to some of the finest chefs in the world with access to one of France’s most fertile regions. Beef bourguignon is a famed local dish, and its eponymous mustard, created here in 1856, crowds the market stalls. For oenophiles, all roads lead to Burgundy and Dijon, and one in particular—the Route des Grands Crus—is the address of eight of the 10 most expensive wines in the world. There is much to raise your glass to in Dijon, a gracious city of welcoming plazas, magnificent architecture topped with the city’s typical toits bourguignons (multi-colored polychrome roofs) and the beautifully preserved Ducal Palace, home to today’s Town Hall and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, a splendid fine arts museum.
Straddling the Dnieper near the confluence of the Samara River, Dnepropetrovsk was established as a fortress settlement in 1783 by Catherine the Great’s lover, the Russian statesman Prince Potemkin. Gently rolling hills and vast open landscapes lead us to its banks; in Potemkin’s day, this tranquil setting inspired him to offer the land to the tsarina as her summer residence. He named it Ekaterinoslav after her. Renamed in 1926, Dnepropetrovsk offers a patchwork of green parks, pedestrian ways and grand historic and cultural buildings such as the cathedral, theaters, the Museum of History and the 9th-century Byzantine monastery on Monastyrsky Island in the Dnieper, part of the vast Shevchenko Park. Nearby, in the small folk-art center of Petrykivka, residents paint their houses and belongings in a rich and symbolic style of decorative painting lush with flowers and other natural elements. It’s a tradition that has endured for centuries, based in the belief that such colorful artistry chases away sorrow and evil. The custom is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Culture Heritage.
Dresden, Germany’s remarkable city risen from the ash of World War II, lies in the broad basin of the Elbe River. Before the war, it was a thriving center of modern art and culture, hosting composer Richard Strauss and debuting the operas of Richard Wagner in grand concert halls that stood alongside ornate, baroque churches. Today, its stunning architecture and world-class museums stand once again, earning Dresden the nickname Elbflorenz, or “Florence of the Elbe.” Perhaps inspired by the natural mountainous beauty of nearby Saxon Switzerland, more than 60% of modern Dresden is parkland, making it one of Europe’s greenest cities. Adjacent to the Elbe, the 18th-century Zwinger Palace, a fine example of Germany’s rococo architecture, is a museum complex of art, porcelain and mathematical instruments. At the renowned Green Vault, the Saxon monarchs’ dazzling crown jewels are on display. In the finely re-crafted Old Town, the Semper Opera stands like a baroque three-layer cake. The city’s most glorious restoration, the Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, is a magnificent and ornate work of Protestant sacred architecture. It is a glorious centerpiece of Neumarkt square, a gathering of more baroque buildings.
Edfu is a city located on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt. It is the home of a temple dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus; the temple was built between 237 BC and 57 BC during the Ptolemaic era. As a relatively young Egyptian temple, it is rather well preserved. It has a grand entrance, carved hieroglyphics, rows of lotus-capitaled columns and statues of the falcon-headed god.
The area is also the site of an ancient settlement near the temple site. Although not as grand, Tell Edfu is filled with interesting artifacts that have told archeologists much about life in the area as far back as the Predynastic Period prior to 3100 BC.
About three miles north of Edfu there are remains of ancient step pyramids estimated to be from the Third Dynasty.
Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century; despite that, the Union of Crowns moved it to London in 1603. Make no mistake: there is no capital quite like Edinburgh with its gorgeous setting on green rocky hillocks and splendid views of the sea. The mighty Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and a trove of medieval treasure, looks over the city from Castle Rock, and the Royal Mile unfolds Edinburgh’s architectural gems in all their finery, from Canongate to St. Giles Cathedral to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Scottish residence of British royalty. The crown also had a palace outside Edinburgh, on the Royal Yacht Britannia, an easy drive from the city. And if it is golf royalty you’ve come to Scotland for, look no further than St. Andrews, where the “long walk spoiled” was invented.
Esztergom has played a crucial role in the history of Hungary. With its location on the Danube in the region’s rich Pannonian Basin and across the river from Slovakia, it served as a border town of the Roman Empire. In the 10th century, it rose to prominence as the Hungarian capital, with Magyar Prince Géza as its ruler, a status it maintained until the mid-13th century. But the city is most beloved as the birthplace of St. Stephen, Géza’s son and the last of the grand princes. Indeed, Esztergom has a holy air from the moment you lay eyes upon its green-domed basilica, keeping watch over the currents of the Danube. This classical masterpiece is the largest church in Hungary, standing 234 feet tall at its peak. The nation’s great composer Franz Liszt famously wrote a mass for the church’s opening. You can summon the spirit of Liszt during a stroll through Víziváros, or Watertown, an inviting cluster of red-roofed medieval buildings that drape along the river from the basilica and adjacent castle. This district was named for the hot springs that still feed spas and baths. Further along the Danube, Slovakia’s Transdanubian Range and Hungary’s North Hungarian Mountains rise up to guide the river into a dramatic curve south toward Budapest. This Danube Bend, as it is known, is one of the river’s most scenic and fertile stretches. Perhaps you’ll pause during your Esztergom visit for a slice of Dobos Torte, a decadent sponge cake with chocolate buttercream filling.
Originally located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, Fengdu is a 2,000-year-old community with a special cultural relationship to ghosts and the afterlife. According to Taoism, when people die, their spirits gather at a local hill called Ming Mountain. There are 75 Buddhist and Tao temples there, all built during the Western Jin period (265-420 A.D.) and rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1386-1911 A.D.). It is also said that Fengdu gained its reputation from two supernatural beings—Wang Fangping and Yin Changsheng—who lived in the area during the Han Dynasty. They merged their families names to form the phrase Yin Wang, which means “ruler of hell,” reinforcing Fengdu’s reputation as a mystical and terrible place of spirits. Due to the Three Gorges Dam project, much of Fengdu town is in the process of being submerged; the community has been relocated to a brand-new town built on the southern bank of the Yangtze. However, much of the Ming Mountain ghost city sites will remain above the new water level. Another of the area’s attractions that will remain accessible to visitors is the Snow Jade Cave, filled with brilliant white stalactites.
With an urban population around 700,000 and an area population of more than 2.3 million, Frankfurt am Main, more commonly known as Frankfurt, is the fifth-largest city in Germany. The largest financial center in continental Europe, Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank as well as many of Germany’s largest commercial banks; its international airport and central train station are both very busy, making it a center of transportation as well. The area has artifacts from ancient Roman settlements; Frankfurt was an important city in the Holy Roman Empire and was hosting trade fairs as far back as the 12th century. The city today is an attractive blend of old and new, with landmarks like the Gothic Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral, where emperors were crowned from the 16th to the 18th centuries; Saint Paul’s Church, a Protestant facility that was also the seat of the first democratically elected German Parliament; the Archeological Garden where fragments of ancient Roman settlements can be seen; and the charming Römerberg, a complex of nine former residences that form Frankfurt’s city hall. Also noteworthy is the Alte Oper or Old Opera, built in 1880 and refurbished 100 years later, and the iconic 15th-century Eschenheimer Tower, which originally served as a gate to the city.
Nestled among the towering peaks of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the small village of Geiranger is the gateway to some of coastal Norway’s most magnificent natural treasures. The Seven Sisters Waterfall tumbles 1,000 feet into the fjord’s water below, while directly across the fjord The Suitor waterfall looks on. The overlook known as Eagle’s Bend towers 2,000 feet above the village, accessed via a winding mountain road with 11 hairpin turns. And the Norwegian Fjord Center puts all this natural splendor into perspective with fascinating exhibits. Closer to shore, the village’s octagonal church is a delightful gem with wonderful views of the fjord.
This quaint Belgian town along the Lys River is your gateway to Bruges, a town beloved by tourists and filled with picturesque houses and canals. Take the time to explore one of the oldest towns in Flanders the best way—by canal boat.
Giurgiu is a Romanian port on the Danube River; it is well situated just across from the Bulgarian city of Russe. It is connected to Bucharest by roadway and railway and is surrounded by fertile grain-growing areas. This shipping capital exports timber, grain, salt and petroleum as well as coal iron and textiles.
This area alongside the Danube was densely populated at the time of the Dacians, around 2,000 years ago. This was the site of Theodorapolis, a city built by the Roman emperor Justinian in the 5th century A.D.
The city of Giurgiu was probably established in the 14th century as a Danube port by merchants from Genoa trading in silks and velvets. They named the city San Giorgio (known in English as Saint George), after the patron saint of Genoa. It appears in Codex Latinus Parisinus as of 1395, during the reign of Mircea I of Wallachia; in 1420 the Ottomans took the city to establish control of Danube River traffic and commerce. Once fortifications were built, Giurgiu played an important role in the struggle for control of the lower Danube by Turks, Russians and others. The city was burned in 1659. The fortifications were finally razed in 1829, leaving only a castle on the island of Slobozia, connected by bridge to the shore.
In the 1950s, the U.S.S.R. helped build the Friendship Bridge across the Danube linking Giurgiu, Romania with Russe, Bulgaria.
This small town was home to famed impressionist Claude Monet, who lived here from 1883 to his death in 1926. The painter based many of his masterpieces on the stunning gardens and lily ponds surrounding his home. He designed the flower-filled Clos Normand and water garden in Japanese style. The stone farmhouse where he lived and worked still stands and has been lovingly restored.
Giza is a town on the west bank of the Nile River, near Cairo. With a population of over 2.5 million people, it is considered one of the world’s largest suburbs. Giza is famous because it is the home of the Giza Plateau, site of the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx and several other important ancient Egyptian pyramids and temples. The monuments were all built at a time when the Nile flowed right into the Giza Plateau; they overlooked the river and the ancient capital of Memphis. Memphis and its Necropolis, including the pyramid fields at Giza, comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site: “The capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt has some extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas [flat-roofed tombs], temples and pyramids. In ancient times, the city was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.”
Dating back to 200 B.C., Guilin is a cosmopolitan city noted for its extraordinarily beautiful setting. The city is located on the Li River, a semitropical area surrounded by breathtaking limestone rock formations. A cruise on the Li River reveals dramatic, serene scenes of Chinese life that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.
Hanoi—no other destination better represents all the contrasts that exist in modern Vietnam. A French-conceived colonial city, Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. It boasts one of the most beautiful panoramas in the region and has more cultural sites than any other city in Vietnam, featuring more than 600 pagodas and temples. Many are drawn to its numerous lakes; in particular West Lake (Hô Tây), which is the largest lake in Hanoi and a popular gathering place. Hanoi’s Old Quarter displays the original streets and the predominant style of architecture from the early 20th century. Its colonial history is evident in buildings such as the Grand Opera House, State Bank of Vietnam and Presidential Palace. Home to several museums and many theaters, cinemas, karaoke bars and dance clubs, Hanoi is filled with entertaining sights and exciting experiences. You can even catch a glimpse of recent history by visiting the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh—or “Uncle Ho” as locals refer to him—was laid to rest.
Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg is situated in the Neckar Valley just east of the Rhine. Known as the cradle of the German Romantic movement, it also boasts beautiful baroque architecture. Heidelberg is most famous as the site of the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent red sandstone ruin perched 330 feet above the river and the home of the Palatinate princes until it was partially destroyed by fire in the 17th century.
Ho Chi Minh City has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village called Prey Nokor—with a population of about 7.2 million people, it is now Vietnam’s largest city. During French occupation it became Saigon, which is still commonly used by the Vietnamese and can be seen on shop signs throughout the city; in the north, however, it is strictly referred to as Ho Chi Minh City. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the Gia Ðinh province and two neighboring districts were combined with Saigon to create Ho Chi Minh City, honoring the Communist leader who had died in 1969.
Ho Chi Minh City is a seamless blend of history and modern commercial energy; it is no wonder that the city’s population grows by 200,000 each year. From the enduring, narrow alleyways to the wide, historic boulevards, Ho Chi Minh City has an identity that is all its own. Historic French architecture adorns much of the city and prominent landmarks, such as Reunification Palace or Notre-Dame Cathedral, can be found in its jewel-like city center. Ho Chi Minh City’s beauty and vitality are infectious.
Long an important Chinese port, Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 until 1997, when it was returned to China. Today it remains a vibrant, bustling free city; an important financial center; popular tourist destination and one of the world’s busiest ports. Visitors enjoy riding the tram up to Victoria Peak, visiting the floating city of Aberdeen and strolling along the beach at Repulse Bay.
The small Magerøya island town of Honningsvåg overlooks a pristine bay of the Barents Sea. It is an unassuming enclave that grew mainly on the fishing industry, like so many villages in this remote region. The town of Honningsvåg has plenty of rich charms, including a rich Sami culture and a deep love of the birdlife that lives here and migrates to its cliff-strewn islands. But it’s the surrounding beauty that draws visitors: starkly beautiful tundra dotted with mountain birch trees, distant rocky islands and rolling slopes that ascend into mountains. One of Europe’s most stunning natural sights, Nordkapp, or the North Cape, rises on the island’s rugged northern coast and offers breathtaking views over the sea from a 1,000-foot plateau. Gigantic wonders exist under the sea, too, as the region’s King Crab fishermen will attest.
Founded in 1300, Hoorn was named for its horn-shaped harbor along the Ijsselmeer. The city was the 17th-century headquarters of the Dutch East India Company and a center of trade and exploration. It was the birthplace of Dutch navigator Willem Corneliszoon Schouten, who rounded the southern tip of South America in 1616 and named it “Cape Horn” after his birthplace.
Jingdezhen is known as “the porcelain capital of the world,” boasting a history of 1,700 years of porcelain-making dating back to the Song Dynasty. Most of the world’s porcelain is now produced in this city, and during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Jingdezhen was the only place where Chinese imperial porcelain was made.
In parts of rural China, village life goes on much as it has for centuries. To help bring education to the more remote villages, Viking River Cruises has sponsored a much-needed elementary school here. As Viking River Cruises passengers, you will have an exclusive tour of the village and school, where you will be warmly greeted by the children and staff.
More than 1,000 years old, Kalocsa is a quaint town filled with culture. Famed for its paprika, commonly known as “red gold,” the town boasts the world’s first Paprika Museum. Because it is also a cultural center, Kalocsa is a great place to see Hungarian crafts, and highlights include the House of Folk Arts and cathedral.
The capital city of the Kampong Cham province, kampong translates to “the river side” with Cham being a reference to the Champa ethnicity (descendants of ancient Malay and Polynesian settlers). The third largest city in Cambodia, it is accessible by both land and water. It has an pleasant French colonial charm and is known for its quaint, relaxed atmosphere. The people in Kampong Cham are mostly ethnic Khmer, but there is a large community of Cham in the provincial towns, as well as Muslims and Christians. Visit Nokor Wat, an Angkorian temple dating back to the 11th century; enjoy the daily performances of traditional Cambodian dances; or cross the Mekong via a beautifully built bamboo bridge and visit Koh Paen island, where entire Khmer and Cham villages are mounted on stilts in anticipation of seasonal rising water levels.
Situated midway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Kampong Thom is a bustling commercial center (kampong means “village” or “river side” and thom means “great”). It features picturesque architecture and friendly people, and is surrounded by grasslands and rice fields—this area is pivotal for wildlife conservation. Kampong Thom province is the second largest in Cambodia. Many visitors use Kampong Thom as a base from which to explore the pre-Angkorian Chenla capital of Sambor Prei Kuk, or visit the remote temples of Preah Khan and Prasat Preah Vihear.
Set on the green and fertile banks of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, the fishing and farming village of Kan Ne seems untouched by the passage of time. This riverside hamlet is Burma at its most authentic. Located upstream from the university town of Pyay, it is among the Irrawaddy River’s several modest settlements forgotten by the rice, tobacco and cotton crops that brought growth to the larger towns and cities. As such, the people of Kan Ne enjoy the riches that come with a simple way of life that has endured on the Irrawaddy banks for centuries.
Travelers to Kan Ne experience this simplicity up close. Here, the community farm provides fresh food and houses are topped with palm-leaf roofs. A primary school educates children from this and other villages and the devout congregate at a modest monastery to worship under the guidance of a parish monk. Visiting here is akin to stepping foot into the earliest days of Burma.
Kasr Ibrim is an archeological site in Egypt, south of Aswan. It was originally a major city built on a cliff overlooking the Nile, but the creation of Lake Nasser made it an island and flooded the city’s outlying areas. Because of its elevated location, it is the only Nubian archeological site to have survived past Nile floods relatively unscathed.
Human habitation in the area goes back to the Late Kingdom, but the most interesting thing to see here is the Fortress of Kasr Ibrim. (Kasr, also spelled Qasr, means “castle.”) The Romans built on what was originally a pharaonic site, using New Kingdom materials found in the area. There is a stele here honoring Amenhotep the I, a temple structure dedicated to Taharqa (a 25th-dynasty pharaoh from the 7th century B.C.), ruins of a Christian Byzantine cathedral and memorial chapels dedicated by various viceroys of Kush (Nubia, now northern Sudan). Many items from this area were moved to either Wadi el Seboua or New Kalabsha at Aswan to save them from the rising waters.
Kehl is a small, picturesque city in Germany just across the Rhine River from Strasbourg. Established in the Middle Ages, Kehl was taken over by the French in the late 17th century for defensive reasons; they built a fortress there, designed by the architect Vauban. On May 7, 1770, Marie Antoinette was officially handed over by Austria to France on an island in the Rhine near Kehl. In 1915, the city was returned to Baden, and the fortress was dismantled at that time. During the 20th century Kehl changed hands between the French and the Germans several times; it was finally returned to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1953.
The beautiful city of Kelheim is located at the confluence of the Danube River and the Main-Danube Canal. The first residence of the Wittelsbach princes, it was granted town rights as early as 1181. The city is the gateway for excursions through the dramatic scenery of the Danube Narrows. With its 400-foot cliffs, this is the river’s steepest, most constricted area and is known for its natural beauty. Nearby is Weltenburg Abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in Bavaria, founded in 610 A.D. and well known for its dark ale and a brewing tradition dating back to 1050 A.D.
Founded on the site of Fort Alexander-Schanz in 1778, Kherson is an important industrial center that today specializes in shipbuilding. Visitors should be sure to see the archaeological excavation site on the Kherson steppes, the remains of a 7th- and 9th-century B.C. ancient Scythian state.
The capital of Ukraine and one of Europe’s oldest cities, Kiev is called the “Mother of Cities.” Its history can be traced back to 882, the time of the Kievan Rus, who descended from Viking traders visiting the area. From the 9th century on, Kiev was the main trade center on the Dnieper River route from Scandinavia via the Black Sea to Constantinople. The old section of Kiev retains many historic buildings and monuments, including the lovely domed St. Sophia Cathedral. Completed in 1037, it contains fascinating frescoes and mosaics as well as the marble tomb of Yaroslav the Wise.
Kinderdijk is a village community in South Holland, which includes a set of 19 windmills and other ingenious technologies built in the 18th century to control flooding. It is located in a polder—a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments or “dikes”—and comprises the largest concentration of historic windmills in the Netherlands.
The name Kinderdijk means “child’s dike”; it is based on a 15th-century tale about a sleeping baby in a cradle floating, safe and dry, on flood waters after a terrible storm. The name also calls to mind the story of the heroic boy with his finger in a ruptured dike, which appeared in the 1865 novel Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates: A Story of Life in Holland, by American author Mary Mapes Dodge.
Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to Kinderdijk can tour an actual working windmill to see its pumping mechanism and living quarters.
The history of the Scottish Orkney Islands dates back millennia. Neolithic remains here, including the ancient site of Brodgar, predate Stonehenge and the Pyramids. The 13th-century Norse Orkneyinga Saga told of Vikings who ruled here in the early part of that millennium. Remnants of that rule remain in Kirkwall’s Romanesque St. Magnus Cathedral. However, the Bishop’s Palace was the last thing King Haakon IV saw before his death that marked the end of Norse rule. The earls took over, and the French Renaissance Palace that remains is a legacy to their grandeur. Another castle, Balfour, stands regally in a stark landscape. And lest you think only northern Europeans influenced this hauntingly beautiful archipelago, consider the Italian Chapel, built and hand painted by the hands of Italian prisoners who desperately needed a place to pray while consigned to work on the Churchill Barriers during wartime.
Situated at the north end of Lake Onega, Kizhi Island is home to the famed Open Air Museum of Architecture. Dozens of buildings, including wooden houses, windmills and two 18th-century wooden churches, illustrate Russia’s unusual and visionary architecture. Kizhi’s most famous building is the three-tiered, fairytale-like Transfiguration Church, dating from 1714. Also on the island are the 1862 octagonal bell tower and the Church of Intercession, built without a single nail.
Set at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz is filled with traditional German charm. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, it has grown to become the business and cultural center of the Middle Rhine Region. Its cobblestone streets, ancient market square and medieval churches remind tourists of yesteryear, although reconstruction has given the city a spacious, modern appearance. Highlights include the Residenz Schloss, one of Germany’s best examples of neoclassic architecture, and Ehrenbreitstein, Europe’s oldest fortress.
Kom Ombo is a small agricultural town in Egypt. Located north of Aswan, it is known for its Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual double temple. The temple is dedicated to both the falcon-headed god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek, a fertility deity. Great care was taken to ensure that the temple is perfectly symmetrical and equal honor is given to each of the two gods. The temple was constructed by a series of Ptolemaic pharaohs, from Ptolemy VI to Ptolemy XIII. Much of it has suffered from the effects of Nile flooding and earthquakes, and pieces of it have been scavenged for use in other construction projects, but a restoration effort was completed in the 1890s and it is very interesting to visit. It is possible to view a few of the 300 or so mummified crocodiles that have been discovered in the area.
Kostolac is a small Serbian town on the Danube River. In a 2002 census, Kostolac’s population was recorded as 9,313—6,912 Serbs, 1,756 Roma and 645 “others.” It is located where the ancient Roman outpost of Viminacium used to be. Destroyed by Huns in 440 A.D., rebuilt by Justinian I, then destroyed again by Avars in 584, the ruins of Viminacium, with their wide streets, spacious homes and public baths, are now open to visitors.
Dating to the 7th century, Kraków has long been a leading academic, cultural and artistic center of Poland. The city grew up around Wawel Castle, which stands on its namesake hill and was once the residence of kings. Today, behind the castle’s well-preserved defensive walls, the hilltop fortress hosts state institutions, including an art museum and the National Library that holds magnificent tapestries and original works by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. These priceless snapshots of history are just a fraction of the country’s official “Polish National Treasures” that make this site the most historically and culturally significant spot in the country. The adjacent Wawel Cathedral, 900 years old, has witnessed grand occasions, including royal coronations and the ordination of local priest Karol Wojtyła, who was elevated to become Pope John Paul II in 1978. Kraków’s vast, 13th-century Market Square is the largest medieval town square in Europe, and one of the continent’s most unique, thanks to the enormous Renaissance Cloth Hall that dominates its center. Traveling merchants once gathered here for trade and barter, delivering exotic imports such as colorful silk and aromatic spices through its doors. Still today, spices introduced here from Hungary or France may be used to flavor the ubiquitous pierogi, a potato dumpling. Kraków is often used as a base for visits to Auschwitz. The concentration camp that played a role in one of Europe’s darkest chapters is now a deeply moving Holocaust memorial and museum.
Settled by Cossacks in the 16th and 17th centuries, Kremenchug and Ukraine came under quick Polish influence in its early years, despite construction of its fortress in 1590. Tension between the two countries was eased somewhat by the Treaty of Kurukove, signed here in Kremenchug in 1625. As the city grew, it became an important stop on the trade route between Moscow and the Black Sea. The wealth that this brought to the region bolstered the city’s power and influence. Today, Kremenchug runs on industry, much as it did when the Kryukov Railway Car Building Works opened in 1869, one of the oldest railway repair and construction shops in Eastern Europe. The two-tier bridge across the Dnieper stands as a testament to the city’s ingenuity and ambition. Nearby, the Dnieper River runs wide, up to 20 miles across as it flows through the Kremenchug Reservoir. Life here is simple and moves to the rhythm of its industry, as you can learn while visiting a local family in their home over snacks and coffee.
Krems is a small Austrian town on the Danube River. Located in the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is surrounded by terraced vineyards. Its cobblestone streets, taverns, wine bars and coffeehouses have a timeless appeal; its most iconic image is the Steiner Tor, a city gate that is all that remains of the old city wall with its four gates. The “Art Mile of Krems” extends from the historic town center to the medieval village center of Stein, highlighting museums, concert venues and restaurants along the way.
Norway’s charming coastal town of Kristiansund was built on its fishing industry. The town’s many green parks are a haven for locals, visitors and birdlife, and its Kirkland Church is considered one of Norway’s architecturally daring church buildings. Outside Kristiansund, the Atlantic Ocean Road, one of Norway’s National Tourist Routes, traces the stunning coastline and connects several of the region’s scenic islands where both the Viking culture and the fishing industry once thrived. Other natural treasures include the Bergtatt Marble Caves and Mount Gulltanna.
The Shetland Islands may be remote, but history did not overlook them. At the excavation site of Jarlshof, brochs (tall roundhouses of stone made without mortar) date to the Iron Age and an ancient Norse longhouse tells of a Viking community. More recent history echoes through the streets of Lerwick, the islands’ sleepy capital founded by Dutch fishermen. The Main Island gets much of its beauty from its diversity. Farmland and dreamy meadows unfold toward seal-dotted beaches. Columnar sea stacks and rocky cliffs take a beating from the surf in the north. Medieval castles overlook valleys and lakes in the west, and Shetlands’ world-famous ponies can be seen grazing by the roadside or on the heathery hills. The Shetlands are, for many visitors, several destinations rolled into one splendid locale.
Set along the banks of the Seine, this small town is best known for the imposing castle overlooking the city. Built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart of England, who was also Duke of Normandy, Château Gaillard is considered the most dramatic sight anywhere along the Seine between the coast and Paris. The strongest and most magnificent castle of its age, it guarded the Seine River Valley approach to Normandy.
Lhasa, known as the “City of the Sun,” is the economic, spiritual and cultural center of Tibet. The city’s highlights include Barkhor Market; 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet’s most sacred sites; the Tibetan Museum; Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama; and Sera Monastery, an active Buddhist temple.
Lijiang is a prefecture in China’s northwest Yunnan Province. Its Old Town area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Visitors can stop in Yuhu village for a tour of the home and workshop of renowned botanist Dr. Joseph Rock, who came to the area in the early 1920s to study the region’s plants (camellias and rhododendron are thought to have originated here) and ended up making a comprehensive 27-year study of the area’s ethnic Naxi minority. The house provides a snapshot of the recent past, plus there are spectacular views of the nearby lake and mountains.
Lijiang’s 800-year-old Dayan Town area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It features traditional Naxi adobe houses, the Ancient Wall Gate and the Three Pagodas. Walk around the town’s narrow streets, lanes and picturesque canals and bridges. See the Baisha Fresco and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and visit Longquan Village, the traditional Naxi home. The dramatic layered sandstone peaks that surround the town are thought to have mystical properties.
Linz was originally Lentia, a Roman castle-settlement of the first century A.D. Today, Linz’s art, history and architecture make it an inspiring city to visit and a leading cultural center of Austria.
First settled during prehistoric times, Lisbon ranks as one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Its strategic position at the mouth of the Tagus River has long made it an ideal port for trade, and it was the object of bitter battles between the Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and later, Moors and Christians.
Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Lisbon was the center of the Age of Discovery. From these Portuguese shores, explorers from Bartolomeu Dias to Vasco da Gama sailed to the far reaches of the Earth, bringing back exotic spices, textiles, sugar and enormous wealth for the city’s merchants.
Today, the spirit of discovery is alive and well in Lisbon. This is a city ripe for exploration, where a rich past mingles with a vibrant present.
Lisbon’s architecture is rich and varied. Here, you’ll find grand examples of Romanesque, baroque, Gothic, Manueline, and modern structures.
A treasure trove for art lovers, the city is home to world-renowned art museums, including the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, and the National Tile Museum.
The whitewashed buildings and red roofs of the hillside Alfama district comprise one of Lisbon’s most picturesque sights. Take tram 28 to the top and enjoy exploring the narrow cobblestone streets, inviting shops and local color of the city’s oldest quarter.
Along the northern bank of the Tagus River stands Portugal’s Monument to the Discoveries, a towering sculpture commemorating the nation’s spirit of exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. The original Monument to the Discoveries was a temporary work intended as a showcase for the 1940 World Exhibition. It was destroyed after the exhibition closed. The monument you see today is a perfect replica of the original, built in 1960.
The Monument to the Discoveries looks out to sea from the city’s Belém district, a region that saw great wealth during the Age of Discovery. The nearby Jerónimos Monastery was built on that wealth. For its striking architectural features, this Hieronymite monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is considered one of Lisbon’s most noteworthy buildings. Belém Tower is also here, a fortified tower commissioned by King John II in 1513. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower was designed as part of Lisbon’s defense system. Then as now, it functioned as a ceremonial gateway to the city for those arriving via the Atlantic.
The Chiado district is one of Lisbon’s most stylish centers of commerce. In this historic neighborhood, you’ll find high-fashion boutiques and many local shops selling everything from handmade shoes to bespoke leather goods.
There are also ample opportunities to purchase the famed azulejo tilework for which local artisans have become known. The decorative tiles are a ubiquitous sight in Lisbon and throughout Portugal, typically found adorning the walls of churches, palaces and even railway stations. So prevalent are the tin-glazed ceramic tiles that they have become a significant element of Portuguese architecture.
Port wine is also central to Portugal. Produced in the Douro Valley in the country’s northern provinces, port is typically sweet and red and is often served as a dessert wine. For many, it’s an acquired taste. If you care to try or if you’re already a port lover, you’ll find ports of many varieties on any restaurant menu in Lisbon.
View Cruises to LisbonAt the confluence of the Elbe and Ohre Rivers, in the picturesque Ceské Stredohorí region, lies Litomerice, one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic. The surrounding countryside is often referred to as the “Garden of Bohemia,” and the same name is used for an annual fair held in Litomerice. Currently the city is home to about 26,000 people. Tourists have access to several remaining monuments of various styles and to collections in museums, galleries, and châteaux. This is supplemented by the beautiful Ceské Stredohorí landscape, which contains a number of castles. All of Litomerice, Ustek, and Terezin were made Historical Landmarks, as was the town center of Roudnice nad Labem. The total number of Historical Landmarks registered in this district exceeds 1,000.
Sited on the shores of beautiful Lake Lucerne, Lucerne is the gateway to central Switzerland and is surrounded by a glorious panorama of the surrounding Alps. Complete with gable paintings, the medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centerpiece of Lucerne’s townscape and this iconic feature is thought to be one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. Another landmark is the Museggmauer, a wall which, with the exception only of one of its towers, has been preserved in its original, well-fortified state.
Historic houses decorated with frescoes line the picturesque town squares and the ‘Weinmarkt’ square in the pedestrian-only Old Town area. Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland’s first sacral baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. The figure of a dying lion which was hewn from the face of rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792 is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland.
Luxembourg City is the capital of the nation of Luxembourg. Located in the southern region of the country, its population is approximately 76,000, making it the country’s most populous city. It is the seat of the country’s government and is also home to Grand Ducal Family as well as several EU institutions including the European Court of Justice. Within the city limits is the World War II-era American Cemetery and Memorial, which is the final resting place of more than 5,000 American military casualties, including General George S. Patton.
Luxor is a city in Upper (southern) Egypt; it was once known as Thebes (a Greek name). With the temples of Luxor and Karnak and the necropolis on the Nile’s west bank (Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens), Luxor is one of the world’s greatest open air museums, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Thebes was actually Egypt’s capital during parts of the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom dynasties, and was known as “the City of Amun” (a reference to the god Amon-Ra) at the end of the New Kingdom days. The name Luxor means “the palaces” and refers to the two important temples of Luxor and Karnak.
By the 11th dynasty (Middle Kingdom days, about 2000 BC) Luxor was an important center of art, education, religious supremacy and political power. The pharaohs from this area had dealings with people from Kush (today’s northern Sudan), Canaan, Syria and Phoenicia and people came from all over to trade and study here.
Eventually the desert sands covered the great monuments; the dry desert sands preserved them until they were rediscovered and unearthed during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings that archeologist Howard Carter made his famous 1922 discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, a young king that ruled during the 18th dynasty (1333 BC to 1324 BC), by far the most intact tomb ever found in the Valley of the Kings. Mr. Carter is also famous for finding the much grander remains of Queen Hatshepsut’s tomb nearby.
France’s third largest city, Lyon straddles the Rhône and Saône Rivers. After Paris, it is considered the country’s most significant cultural center. Magnificent views are at the top of Fourvière Hill, which is also the site of the massive Notre Dame Basilica. Adorned with lavish marble and mosaics, it was built during the end of the 19th century for the Virgin Mary after the bishop was convinced that she helped drive the Prussians away. Near the basilica, overlooks provide a great place to get a layout of the red-roofed cityscape, tree-lined boulevards and riverside promenades. But there’s nothing like losing yourself among the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). Though it shares status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several other areas of the city—including the 12th-century Presqu’île, which lies between the two rivers—Old Lyon boasts a rich collection of Renaissance architecture and the world’s first traboules, unique passageways through buildings that connect adjacent streets. Like Dijon, Lyon’s gastronomic cousin to the north, French cuisine is sublime here, with chefs like Paul Bocuse enjoying celebrity status. A simple salade lyonnaise with a glass of Beaujolais makes the perfect lunch.
Although heavy bombing in 1945 destroyed much of the city, Magdeburg today is a glorious example of a lively German town. The former seat of an archbishopric in 968 A.D., and later a member of the Hanseatic League, Magdeburg reveals its historic roots in its surviving architecture, from the 11th-century Church of Our Lady to the Cathedral of Marie and Catherine. The town also boasts the famous 1240 A.D. statue of Magdeburger Reiter (Magdeburg Rider), the oldest equestrian statue in Germany.
Magway (sometimes spelled Magwe) is the capital city of the Magway region of Burma. This small city’s maze of narrow streets lead visitors to the Mya-Tha-Lun Pagoda, a beautiful, well-kept red-and-gold stupa at the north end of the city. Said to be made of solid gold bricks, the temple features many shrines dedicated to the worship of nats, which are spirits (both saints and elements of nature).
Located in the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has played many historic roles. Due to its favorable location on the mouth of the Main River near the Nahe River, Mainz gained economic and political strength. Under Roman rule it served as a key northern defense, and during the Middle Ages it was a major trade center. Later, Mainz was home to Johannes Gutenberg, father of the printing press. Learn more about this invention with a visit to the World Museum of Printing or enjoy the Roman-German Museum. You may wish to walk through St. Stephen’s Cathedral to see Marc Chagall’s world-famous stained-glass windows.
Mandalay is the second-largest city in Burma, and was its final royal capital. Today, with a population of around one million, it is the economic hub of Upper Burma and is considered the center of Burmese culture, though an ongoing influx of Chinese immigrants are changing the city’s character.
The origins of Mandalay’s name are unclear but it seems apparent that Mandalay and mandala have a common origin in the Pali word for “circle.” The city is not nearly as old as some of the other settlements in the area: it was founded at the foot of Mandalay Hill in 1857 as a new royal capital by decree of the king. The location was chosen to fulfill a Buddhist prophecy concerning this particular spot. Mandalay remained the capital until 1885 at the end of the third Anglo–Burmese War when the British sent the royal family into exile and the capital was shifted to Yangon. Many of the palace treasures were taken by the British and some of these are still on display in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
Most travelers to Mandalay visit the picturesque, walled Mandalay Palace complex—rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire during World War II—and Shwenandaw Monastery, famous for its intricate wood carvings. There are several other pagodas of architectural interest. Not much remains of colonial-era structures due to fires in the 1940s and 1980s and redevelopment by Chinese immigrants, who are thought to comprise as much as 30% to 40% of the city’s current population.
Verkhnie Mandrogi, or “Upper Falls,” was once a small village on the banks of the Svir between Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. The town was ruined during World War II and disappeared from maps for many years. But in 1996 an enterprising Russian, Sergei Gutzeit, got the idea of reconstructing it as a sort of open air museum about traditional Russian villages for the benefit of travelers taking river cruises between St. Petersburg and Kizhi. It has a small hotel and several houses built of brightly painted pine logs, windmills, vodka and bread museums, craftspeople (potters, weavers, jewelers, etc.), a moose farm, a stable, an archery range, trout and carp fishing, and a small zoo featuring bears, raccoon dogs and other animals.
Located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the city of Mannheim is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. Mannheim was a medieval village until a fortress was built there in the early 17th century. The new city was destroyed shortly thereafter during the Thirty Years’ War but was rebuilt around the end of the 17th century and during the 18th century the monumental Mannheim Palace and the graceful Baroque-style Jesuit Church were built. These structures are still standing and, together with the city’s distinctive water tower and lovely Luisenpark (named for Princess Luise Marie Elizabeth of Prussia), are some of its major landmarks.
Surrounded by idyllic wine villages, Meissen dates back more than a thousand years. The city is dominated by the group of 13th- and 14th-century Gothic cathedral buildings and Albrechtsburg Castle, all of which sit high atop a hill. Meissen is world-famous for Meissenware, a fine porcelain produced here since the early 1700s. Utilizing the area’s rich deposits of china clay and potter’s earth, Meissen porcelain is still molded by hand; finished pieces feature the trademark blue crossed swords. Visitors can tour the Meissenware museum and factory to gain insight into the porcelain’s history and production process.
Set amidst an important wine-growing region with picturesque villages and hilltop castles, the charming city of Melk lies at the confluence of the Danube and Melk Rivers at the base of the Wachau Valley. An imposing 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a stunning example of baroque architecture, overlooks the town from its dramatic hilltop location. This architectural treasure has 365 windows, one for each day of the year. Its beautiful library houses medieval manuscripts and marvelous frescoes by Paul Troger, and its meticulously kept grounds are inviting and picturesque.
Melnik is a small town in the Czech Republic located at the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava Rivers, known for its winemaking. This is where you will embark/disembark your ship for your Elbe River cruise.
As you stroll along the cobblestone streets and among Miltenberg’s many timber-framed houses, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Today, this quaint Franconian town, located in the heart of one of Germany’s fine wine-producing regions, is lively and romantic.
Founded in 1147, the capital of Russia lies in the shallow valley of the Moskva River, a tributary of the Volga. Visitors should be sure to see the Kremlin with its crenellated red brick walls surrounding many towers, cathedrals and palaces. Tour magnificent Red Square; admire the Byzantine splendor of brightly colored St. Basil’s Cathedral. Built in the 1550s, each of the church’s amazing domes has a different design and color. Other famous sites include the pedestrian shopping street Arbat; the world-renowned Moscow Circus; and the Armory with its priceless collection of crowns, thrones and royal armor.
Munich is southern Germany’s celebrated center of culture. All things Bavarian converge in its grand and sprawling Marienplatz, or Old Town Square. Here, the splendid Gothic Revival New Town Hall, called the “Rathaus,” lures locals and visitors alike each morning at 11:00 as the Glockenspiel springs to life. As its 43 bells chime, 32 life-sized carved figures emerge from the facade’s inner workings to act out some of Bavaria’s most beloved fables. Another city treasure, Nymphenburg Palace, is a grand complex of manses, gardens and pavilions. Built as the summer residence of Bavarian rulers, today it attracts architecture, history and nature lovers with its 500-acre park, French and Italianate gardens, fountains and pretty lakes in a spectacular setting. Back in the city, visitors need not wait for Munich’s famed Oktoberfest to linger a while in its outdoor beer gardens. The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl has been pouring since 1589. More than one-sixth of the world’s breweries are in Bavaria, and there’s nothing like enjoying a stein or two with the rhythmic beat of oompah music washing over you.
Founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees who had fled Taiwan, My Tho is the capital of the Tien Giang province. Located near Ho Chi Minh City, it serves as a traditional gateway to the Mekong Delta. Visitors to My Tho enjoy views of the Mekong while exploring the quaint but busy waterfront. My Tho is an important market town whose economy is primarily based on tourism, fishing and the cultivation of rice and of local fruits and vegetables.
So named during the Ming Dynasty, Nanjing earned its fame as a Chinese capital as far back as 229 A.D. It is believed that Nanjing was the largest city in the world from 1358 to 1425 with a population of nearly half a million in 1400. Considered one of the most important historic and cultural cities of the world, the city still boasts remains of its ancient Ming Dynasty walls. At various times during the early part of the 20th century Nanjing was capital of China; the Japanese invaded and occupied it in 1937 and a “Nanjing Regime” was established there. It was eventually reabsorbed into the People’s Republic of China.
The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is filled with Gothic churches and traditional half-timbered houses. Although nearly destroyed during World War II, the remaining medieval city walls still feature some of the watchtowers and gateways. Nuremberg was well known historically for its metal and toy craftsmanship, and the city is infamous for its role in World War II, as both the site of Zeppelin Field’s Nazi rallies and as the site of the war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice, immortalized in the 1961 film, Judgment at Nuremberg.
A historically important Black Sea port, “The Pearl of the Black Sea” was built on the site of an ancient Greek colony, Odessos. It draws its rich history from the many different cultures that settled here including the Crimean Tatars, Turks, Russians and Germans. Odessa is particularly known for its beautiful architecture and popular beach resorts. A walk through the city reveals panoramic views and graceful historic buildings, including the Italian baroque Opera House. Another interesting attraction is the ornate Pasazh, a late-19th-century shopping mall with rows of baroque structures. Browse through one of the city’s many museums such as the Archaeology Museum or the Museum of Maritime History.
The fourth largest city in Croatia, Osijek is located near the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. It is the largest city and the economic and cultural capital of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia. Its name comes from the Croatian word oseka, or ebb tide; it was so named because it is located on high ground and thus protected from flooding. Osijek was a Roman settlement called Mursa Maior (“major”), and has also been part of the Ottoman Empire (which rebuilt it completely) and the Habsburg monarchy. The city has thrived during the 19th and 20th centuries in terms of both economic and cultural development, and is a popular tourist destination. Perhaps its most recognizable attractions are the 18th-century Austro-Hungarian baroque citadel of Tvrda, the oldest part of the city, and the Drava promenade with its beautiful suspension bridge over the river. Fortunately the city avoided heavy bombardment during the Croatian War of Independence, and has been able to repair most of the surface damage sustained.
Long a hub of French culture, cuisine and architectural splendor, Paris is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Walking along its tree-lined boulevards and along the banks of the Seine, it’s easy to see why this little corner of Europe is so admired and beloved.
The land that comprises Paris today has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Evidence of early settlements dates back nearly 11,000 years, when small bands of hunter-gatherers put down roots here to enjoy the bounty of the landscape.
During the Roman era, Emperor Julian the Philosopher wintered in Paris. His nickname was apt; he was a brilliant military strategist, but also an erudite man of letters. How fitting then, that he chose to make Paris his home.
A century after the fall of the Roman Empire, Clovis the Frank, a powerful and wise ruler, united the disparate Frankish tribes against invaders. Many outside forces laid siege to Paris, but the Franks were victorious and went on to create a center for learning and artistic expression.
From 1789 to 1799, the French Revolution brought catastrophic upheaval to the country, upsetting the societal and political norms that had long been in place. During this time, a tide of nationalism and desire for democracy surged in France, displacing the previous structures that once guided the country – namely the once-powerful monarchy and the church. And much of the movement was centered in and around Paris.
The victorious spirit in France has remained strong in Paris through the centuries and survives even today, despite wars and many political changes.
Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. Music, film, architecture, literature, dance, and the visual arts are all well represented in the museums, theaters, bookstores and remarkably preserved buildings of this magnificent city.
Parisians have a true appreciation for life’s finer pleasures. As the capital of France, one of the viticulture centers of the world, the city is never in short supply of some of the best wines produced anywhere. And in Paris, where there’s wine, there is also fine food. French cuisine seems equal parts science and art, from the affordable fare found at small, intimate cafés to the haute cuisine of the finest eateries.
High culture certainly abounds in Paris, which has a long and storied literary past, in no small part due to the city’s unrivaled status as a source of inspiration for writers and artists alike. Native Parisians such as Marcel Proust and Moliere, as well as expatriates like Henry Miller, have called the city home through the years.
All the alluring elements of Paris combine to create the most romantic city on earth. Its streets are lined with endless rows of elegant buildings. Stunning monuments to its heroes and history oversee wide-open plazas. The city begs to be explored at a slow and leisurely pace, from the banks of the Seine to the Champs-Élysées.
In Paris, an endless array of museums, monuments and masterpieces lines the Seine River. Perhaps none are so dramatic as the Eiffel Tower. When it was constructed in 1889, it was the tallest structure in the world, a title it held until New York’s Chrysler Building was erected in 1930. Even more awe-inspiring than the tower itself is the view from the top. From there, you can catch a grand panorama of the famed capital in all its splendor.
It’s an artistic splendor that graces the Louvre Museum, originally the private and ever-expanding art collection of King Francis I. The rulers who followed him all added their own objets d’art to the palace galleries. With the French Revolution, this previously exclusive collection became the property of the people. Here, you’ll find many of the most famous and inspired works of art in history, from the Venus de Milo to the Mona Lisa.
For more inspiration, turn to the Champs-Élysées, no ordinary thoroughfare. Painstakingly manicured chestnut trees frame its wide sidewalks, and it is the elite address of the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Presidential Élysées Palace and many of Paris’s finest retail and culinary establishments.
The small island occupied by Notre Dame Cathedral, the Ile de la Cité, has long been regarded as sacred ground. Paris was founded on this tiny island, so it is fitting that the city’s spiritual center is also here. Competed in 1345, Notre Dame stands as a breathtaking monument to the faith and dedication of its builders.
You’ll find more faith and dedication in Montmartre, one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Paris. The area has been a haunt of choice for bohemians and artists since the late 1700s. Perhaps its most famous landmark is the legendary Moulin Rouge, where Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec got his inspiration to paint his risqué showgirls.
Paris has something for everyone, from art lovers to architecture buffs to music aficionados.
Though the Louvre is the city’s most famous art museum, the Musee d’Orsay is its rival across the Seine. Even travelers who claim to have little interest in art leave its galleries in awe of its dazzling Impressionist collection. In this sparkling former train station, you’ll find works by Cezanne, van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Rodin and many others. Shop the fashionable boutiques or explore more of the artists’ district of Montmartre.
Just outside Paris, Château de Versailles began as a modest stone-and-brick hunting lodge commissioned by King Louis XIII. As his wealth grew, so did the lodge. After his death, its expansion continued under Louis XIV, who hired famed architects, horticulturists, and artists to create a baroque palace truly fit for a king. It was the envy of visiting royalty from far and wide, and it became the blueprint for regal luxury that all others would try to match.
Southeast of the Champ de Mars is the École Militaire, a vast complex of military training facilities established in 1750 by Louis XV to provide an academic college for cadet officers from poor families. Or, take a leisurely stroll through the Latin Quarter, filled with bistros and restaurants. It’s situated on the left bank of the Seine around the University of Paris, known as the Sorbonne.
Paris is a paradise for food-lovers. At Epicure, diners savor the lovingly crafted cuisine of chef Eric Frechon. This elegant eatery has earned three Michelin stars and provides a special dining experience. Bistrotters delivers a memorable French Bistro experience, with crispy pork belly, salmon terrine, and foie gras on the menu. At Oka Paris, enjoy a creative fusion of French and Brazilian fare. This much-lauded Parisian restaurant is a unique culinary experience, with food that is light and inspired, flavors that are complex and nuanced, and an immaculate presentation.
Paris also stands proudly as one of the style capitals of the world. Shopping is pure pleasure here, whether along the Champs-Élysées or in any boutique you happen to stroll past. All of the top designers have flagship stores in the City of Light, and you can lose yourself for hours in places like Boulevard Haussmann, Louvre-Tulleries, and the Marais district.
View Cruises to ParisSet at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades. Founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years ago, it is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Passau’s baroque St. Stephan’s Cathedral houses Europe’s largest pipe organ with more than 17,000 pipes.
Pauillac is a commune in the Gironde department of Aquitaine, France; its population is about 5,000. Though the town and its surrounding acreage are small, as home to Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild and other illustrious appellations, Pauillac is considered the undisputed capital of the Médoc wine region. River cruise visitors can explore the marina, see the Lafayette monument (commemorating the departure of the Marquis for the New World) or just sample the area’s excellent wines.
Once known as “the Pearl of Asia,” this bustling Cambodian capital is home to both charming French colonial architecture and the monumental Angkorian complexes for which Cambodia is revered. Admire Wat Phnom, the tallest religious structure in the city; the Royal Palace, the Cambodian kings’ residential complex; the National Museum, the country’s leading historical and archaeological museum that houses one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer artifacts; and the Independence Monument, a lotus-shaped structure suggesting the great Khmer temples of Angkor Wat. The city is characterized by warm, humid temperatures and is home to a population that is heavily clustered around the age of 15—making Phnom Penh a veritable well of youthful beauty and energy. Enjoy a park-like riverfront with plenty of cafés and restaurants, and take part in the fast-paced nightlife.
Located in the epicenter of the port wine–making area, the sleepy town of Pinhão is situated between the Douro and Pinhão Rivers. The climate and growing conditions in the area are perfect for port grapes and the surrounding landscape, festooned with vineyards, guarantees a serene experience as you sail along the river. During the annual grape harvest in autumn, the village comes to life, attracting workers and wine enthusiasts from around Europe.
Spend a pleasant morning exploring the town; be sure to visit the railway station, built in 1937 and decorated with 24 spectacular scenes depicted in azulejos (Portugal’s distinctive blue and white tiles).
Long overlooked by travelers to Europe, Poland has found its place on the maps of countless explorers. One thousand years of history stand behind its vibrant and diverse cities. Founded as a kingdom in 1025, it was closely tied to Lithuania for more than 700 years. The nation benefited greatly from the mercantile trade of the late medieval and Renaissance periods, erecting great trading halls and burgher houses that still stand today. In the late 18th century, Prussia, Russia and Austria moved in to divide Poland among themselves; the close of World War I gave it back its independence. Later, Poland found itself in the middle of World War II. Monuments and memorials to this turbulent period are everywhere—not the least in Warsaw, where architects and craftsmen rebuilt the ravaged Old Town to mirror its glorious original. Today, the nation is an inviting mix of rolling hills reminiscent of Tuscany; hilltop castles where kings and Teutonic Knights once held sway; modern-day cities preserving their past in delightful Old Towns; and the slow and mesmerizing flow of the Vistula River. Come mealtime, Polish cuisine is hearty and simple and drawn from the earth; even the dumplings are filling here, stuffed with potato and perhaps cheese.
Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, is a thriving economic center as well as a place of great traditional importance. The town lends its name to the port wine produced in the region and the nation as a whole. Porto, perched amid the rocky embankment carved by the Douro River, is filled with picturesque neighborhoods, fashionable restaurants and lively markets like Bolhão, where you can buy almost anything.
Like Lisbon, Porto has a long history—its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its romantic 16th- through 19th-century buildings are set among narrow cobbled streets dotted with baroque cathedrals. The harbor features graceful bridges and the small boats traditionally used to transport casks of port wine downriver. Porto is surrounded by small communities such as Foz, an old fishing village where some of Porto’s wealthy families keep summer homes.
Located on the southwestern border of Berlin, Potsdam is a beautiful town that is home to many architectural masterpieces. Among these is charming Cecilienhof Palace, where Allied leaders met during the 1945 Potsdam Conference. Other noted buildings include 18th-century Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, and Nikolai Church.
Celebrating more than 1,000 years of history, Prague is the Czech Republic’s enchanting capital, with architecture spanning many styles from classical to rococo. Rich in historic monuments and churches, Prague is known as the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Visitors can explore a wide variety of landmarks in Hradcany Castle, including the Golden Gate, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Golden Lane, a street of shops originally built as castle guards’ homes.
Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube. Founded by Marcus Aurelius over 2,000 years ago, Regensburg has many architectural highlights including the Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, and St. Peter’s Cathedral with its Romanesque tower inside a newer Gothic one.
The peaceful town of Peso da Régua, commonly known as Régua, overlooks the Douro River with the Serra do Marao mountains at its rear. The official center of the port wine–growing region, Régua is steeped in the history of winemaking culture. At Casa do Douro, administrative headquarters of the Port Wine Institute, the stained-glass windows are an homage in light and glass depicting the rich history of port wine and its cultural significance to the region.
Régua is your gateway to Lamego, a small town famous for its baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Our Lady of Remedies). The sanctuary dates back to the 14th century and is still used by pilgrims today. The shrine is decorated with exquisite tilework in the Moorish manner and there is a grand baroque staircase. One can also visit Lamego’s Gothic cathedal and the ruins of 12th-century Lamego Castle with its unusual vaulted cistern.
A charming town with a medieval flavor, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (on the Tauber River) lies along Germany’s Romantic Road between Würzburg and the Alps. Encircled by towered walls, Rothenburg is considered one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval villages. According to legend, during the Thirty Years’ War the town was spared destruction by the invading Catholic army when the mayor achieved the mighty task of draining a 3.5-liter tankard in a single draught. Der Meistertrunk, this epic drinking feat that saved the town, is depicted in the town’s animated clock and commemorated each year.
Lying at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways, Rotterdam is considered the world’s largest port. Arising from the ashes after World War II devastation, Rotterdam’s spacious new inner city was laid out with a river orientation. Visitors can take in spectacular views from the top of the 600-foot-tall Euromast or visit the Lijnbaan shopping district, Europe’s first pedestrian shopping precinct.
Founded by the Romans, Rouen is situated amidst the chalk cliffs along the Seine and filled with half-timbered houses and exquisite Gothic architecture. The old city on the right bank of the river is surrounded by a natural amphitheater of hills. Highlights include the Justice Palace and 15th-century Aître Saint-Maclou, a rich example of flamboyant Gothic architecture. The city is known for its role in the heroic tragedy of Joan of Arc, patron saint of France. Tried and condemned for heresy, she was burned alive at the stake in Rouen’s Old Marketplace in May 1431.
Located on the Rhine River, Rüdesheim is the chief center of Rhine winemaking. The famed Drosselgasse, a tavern-lined cobblestone street, attracts locals and visitors alike. Half-timbered medieval houses, narrow streets and old inns give the town the flavor of the Middle Ages. Visitors to the town may wish to see the 9th-century Bromserburg, the oldest castle on the Rhine, or Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of self-playing instruments.
Located in southern Vietnam, Sa Dec is a functioning river port as well as an agricultural and industrial trading center. Before the 19th century it was known as one of the largest cities in the Mekong Delta. Today, it attracts a large number of businessmen from the region to its industrial zones and has a population of more than 100,000.
Sa Dec was the childhood home of Marguerite Duras, one of France’s best-known authors. Her autobiographical novel, The Lover, describes her affair with Huynh Thuy Le, the son of a wealthy Chinese businessman, while she was a teenage girl in French colonial Vietnam. Visitors to Sa Dec have the opportunity to see the beautifully preserved courtyard home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le.
Saint-Émilion is a commune in the Gironde department of Aquitaine, France; with a population of just about 2,000, it is considered the capital of the Libourne wine-producing region. Named after the traveling monk and confessor Émilion, the town is set on gentle hills; its history dates back to prehistoric times and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can stroll through narrow streets to see Romanesque churches and Roman ruins.
When the Romans were in Saint-Émilion, in approximately the 2nd century A.D., they planted vineyards; the area continues to produce wines today. The local wines are typically a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties.
Founded by a Celtic tribe before the Roman Empire, Salamanca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to the beautifully preserved buildings in its Old City. Though large enough to offer the amenities of a modern city—including the oldest university in Spain—Salamanca retains the intimacy of a traditional Spanish village and can be explored on foot. It is a living museum that takes visitors back to the Middle Ages, yet it is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city with a large population of international students.
Viking guests ride through the Iberian countryside to Salamanca, then spend some time exploring the shops and cafés of the Plaza Mayor (Main Square). Lunch is at a local restaurant and features an unforgettable flamenco show. A guided city tour in the afternoon takes guests to the the 13th-century Salamanca University and other sites such as the Gothic House of Shells and the New Cathedral, built from 1513 through 1733. The Old Cathedral is still there and can be visited during free time, along with numerous other icons of Spanish architecture such as the 15th-century Tower del Clavero, the 16th-century Monterrey Palace and many beautiful churches and convents.
Because the local dialect is considered the purest form of Spanish, Salamanca is popular with tourists endeavoring to learn or practice the language.
The fourth-largest city in Austria, Salzburg is known for its great beauty, and for being the setting for the musical and film The Sound of Music. It is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose childhood home can still be seen there. The baroque Old Town area, dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress on the hill, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is possible to visit the von Trapp family home and other Sound of Music locations. Another famous person born in Salzburg was Christian Doppler, the acoustic theoretician best known for his discovery of the Doppler effect.
The terminus of the Moscow-Crimea rail line, the harbor city of Sevastopol is a treasure trove of architectural gems including the beautiful Byzantine St. Vladimir Cathedral set high on a hill above the city. Sevastopol Bay is a lovely natural harbor and the principal base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet since the early 19th century. Discover the city’s maritime history in the Museum of the Black Sea Fleet.
The largest city in China and one of the world’s most important ports began as a tiny fishing village 5,000 years ago; today, it is a modern metropolis. Travel along the Bund, the city’s elegant riverfront promenade containing many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses, and tour Old Shanghai. The old section retains the narrow lanes and street markets of times past. The renowned Shanghai Museum contains a wonderful collection of ancient Chinese art. Many of China’s famous acrobats also make their home here.
The capital of an identically named province in Cambodia, Siem Reap translates to “Siam defeated.” The name refers to a century-old battle between Cambodia and Siam—contemporary Thailand—an event commemorated in prominently displayed stone carvings.
Siem Reap is the gateway to the temples of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archeological sites in the world. During the 20th century, its popularity as a tourist destination grew steadily—Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy both visited the Angkor temple complex—until the late 1960s, when the Khmer Rouge put a stop to it. Today, tourism is back and bigger than ever, making Siem Reap Cambodia’s fastest-growing city with a large expatriate community.
The quiet German town of Speyer lies on the west bank of the Rhine. The city features a Romanesque cathedral, burial place of eight emperors including some of the most famous Holy Roman Emperors. Speyer was once a major Celtic center that traded hands several times between the Romans and the Huns. Six majestic towers still dominate the city’s skyline.
At the easternmost point of the Gulf of Finland lies St. Petersburg, Russia. Tsar Peter the Great established the city in the early 18th century after he recaptured this strategic expanse of land from Sweden in the Great Northern War.
Before envisioning his great metropolis, Peter had tried to transform Moscow into a more modern city, but the old guard of the Russian nobility discounted his radical ideas. Several attempts were made on his life as a result of his ambitions. So the Tsar moved his project northward, giving him the added benefit of quick access to the seas. He fashioned his grand capital after the greatest cities of Europe he had encountered on his travels and conscripted more than 40,000 peasants per year to build it. In addition, specialists of all types were brought in from throughout the European continent.
Today, St. Petersburg remains Russia’s most Western city and its cultural center. Home to more than a million people, it is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” for its many picturesque canals.
St. Petersburg has a rich tradition of classical music and ballet. Composer Dmitri Shostakovich called the city home and world-renowned dancers from Mikhail Baryshnikov to Rudolf Nureyev have performed here. The St. Petersburg Philharmonic is still known as one of the world’s finest orchestras. St. Petersburg also has a bustling film industry, with many studios making high quality movies that are showcased at several international film festivals here each year.
The people of St. Petersburg also cheer on several sporting organizations, including two professional football teams, several popular hockey teams, and a championship basketball team.
Viking Cruises offers several itineraries that feature overnight stays in St. Petersburg. From its ornate, onion-domed cathedrals to its green spaces, the city is an enriching center of Russian culture.
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is a masterpiece of classic Russian architecture, topped with onion-domes and adorned with stunningly ornate mosaics. A centerpiece of St. Petersburg, it is a highly decorative memorial to the assassinated Tsar Alexander II.
The glories of the Hermitage Museum are endless. Its vast collection of more than 3 million pieces—the legacy of art lover Catherine the Great—is spread over six buildings throughout St. Petersburg. Among its holdings are Peter the Great’s collection of Siberian gold, a diverse collection of works by the masters of Dutch, Italian, French and Spanish painting, and countless other priceless treasures.
The imposing Peter and Paul Fortress stands as St. Petersburg’s most historic site. This was the city’s original citadel and its first defense against the Swedish army that might have come calling to reclaim its land. The fortress was designed by architect Domenico Trezzini’s exacting standards, and completed in 1740.
Nevsky Prospekt is St. Petersburg’s wide, shop-lined boulevard where locals gather to browse the latest fashions and gossip at cozy cafés. It’s also one of the city’s most historic streets, framed with stunning architecture from centuries past. Here, you’ll find the city’s largest department stores, local boutiques, and a wide array of small tourist shops.
Though St. Petersburg is Russia’s cultural center, many of its residents have conservative dressing habits. You might not find international designers here, but the city has its own fashion scene whose top designers include Tatyana Parfinova, Sultanna Frantsuzova, and Leonid Alexeev.
Throughout the city, you’ll find shops with local souvenirs such as gzhel pottery, zhostovo metal trays, finely carved wooded goods, and Russian-made silverware and porcelain.
View Cruises to St. PetersburgThe multicultural city of Strasbourg exhibits both French and German influences due to its location along the Rhine River at the border of both countries. The old streets of “Petit France,” with wooden houses and picturesque canals, seem to make time stand still. The carefully restored Cathedral of Notre Dame contains a combination of architectural styles and is most recognized for its 465-foot-tall graceful spires. Another landmark is the 18th-century Château des Rohan, which houses three of the city’s major museums.
The 2,400-year-old Grand Canal, crowded with strings of barges and graced by delicate bridges, flows through Suzhou. Known as the city of silk, lush gardens and elegant canals, Suzhou is the same city that astounded Marco Polo. The Italian explorer reported that so much silk was produced in Suzhou that every citizen was clothed in it. At the silk spinning factory, see how silk is made from mulberry-munching silkworms to fine cloth. The Embroidery Institute showcases artisans who create works of art from silk thread. Suzhou is also known for its magnificent gardens. The Humble Administrator’s Garden, largest of Suzhou’s gardens, is filled with water features, graceful bridges, pavilions and serene halls. Master of the Fishing Net Garden, built in 1140, is one of the most exquisite gardens in all China and is best known for its famed peony courtyard.
Situated on the banks of the Elbe, Torgau played a key role in the Protestant Reformation. Fortified Hartenfels Castle, the most important early Renaissance palace in Germany, dominates the city. From 1485, it was the principal residence of the Ernestine Dukes, and it houses the first purpose-built Protestant church. Famous residents of the castle, five brown bears, are kept in the dry moat according to a centuries-old tradition. In the 16th century, Torgau was a hotbed of Protestant activity; the Torgauer Bund (Association of Torgau) was founded here in 1525 as a refuge for Protestants.
Tournon lies secluded between the Rhône River and granite slopes of the Hermitage. The surrounding landscape includes the famed St. Joseph vineyard, and Tournon’s 16th-century castle and hills offer stunning views over the town, river and surrounding vineyards.
A picturesque town surrounded by forests and vineyards, Trier is the birthplace of Karl Marx and a vibrant university town. Founded around 16 B.C., Trier is considered the oldest city in Germany. The city’s history can be seen in its architecture, starting with the Porta Nigra, the old city gate, dating back to Roman times.
Tromsø has long been considered the gateway to the Arctic. From the late 18th to the early 20th centuries, housing construction boomed, and today the city’s historic center boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway. With a rich array of French Empire, Swiss and neoclassical architecture also spread throughout the city, Tromsø exudes an air of sophistication that rivals some of its southern European neighbors. Its Arctic Cathedral, a stunning structure of soaring white rooflines and triangular peaks, has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. The city is also home to the northernmost Botanic Garden in the world, a rare collection of alpine and arctic plants, and the northernmost brewery. An active outdoor scene thrives here, with glacier walks, alpine peaks, sea kayaking and dogsledding opportunities nearby.
Tân Châu is a rural district in the Mekong Delta district of Vietnam; it was founded in the mid-18th century. With a population of about 185,000 people, the district was recently upgraded to the status of a town. It is famous for its high-quality silk, woven in traditional patterns and expertly dyed in bright colors; there is also a special black silk called “Heavenly Beauty,” dyed with mulberries. Another local industry is sedge grass weaving, producing mats and other useful items. Visitors can observe traditional cooking techniques as well.
Founded in 1148 along the Volga River, Uglich is a magnificent city to behold from the river. Its many colorful churches and cathedrals blanket the horizon, making Uglich one of Russia’s most adored cities. The magnificent Church of St. Dimitry on the Blood was built on the site where the body of Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year-old son, Dimitry, was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Other architectural monuments include the Kremlin Palace, Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John’s Church.
Vega de Terrón is a small port town on the Douro River; its most distinctive feature is the Chafariz dos Pretos fountain near the market square. Vega de Terrón serves as a Douro River gateway to the fascinating Spanish city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is also near Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small village with surrounding defensive walls, offering insight into life in the region as early as the 13th century, when Count Rodrigo Gonzalez de Girón signed the town over to the Portuguese king pursuant to the Treaty of Alcanices. Castelo Rodrigo has historically been a way station for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela; St. Francis of Assisi is said to have spent a night here while making the journey to the holy site.
This lovely old town was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1186-1393). Much of its medieval center and many of its stone houses have been restored since they were damaged in a 1911 earthquake. See Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle, then visit the wonderfully preserved nearby 17th-century village of Arbanasi.
Vernon, a little north and across the Seine from Giverny, is a charming provincial town. Its cobblestone streets are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, and some of the half-timbered houses feature magnificent wooden carvings. Highlights include the 11th-century Gothic church of Notre Dame, a beautiful mill built on the ruins of an old medieval river bridge, and the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), the city’s oldest house, dating back to the 15th century.
One of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, Vidin houses the only entirely preserved medieval Bulgarian castle. This fortress dates back to the 13th century and is called Babini Vidini Kuli (Granny Vida’s Towers). Vidin is largely an agricultural and trade center, renowned for its wines.
This capital city of Austria is filled with green parks, elegant stores, theaters and gracious boulevards. Known as the “City of Waltzes,” Vienna is considered the center of classical music, and here Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces. Any visitor to Vienna should be sure to stop in one of the city’s famous cafés to taste the delectable Sachertorte. Noted landmarks include the impressive Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House and lavish Schönbrunn Palace, the preferred residence of the Habsburgs.
Surrounded by steep hills and situated between France’s Burgundy and Beaujolais regions, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon’s countryside. Vienne’s history can be traced through its architecture, dating back to the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia; the town is rich in Roman and medieval buildings, including ancient market ruins. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-André-le-Bas.
Set in a mountainous province, Viviers was founded in the 5th century. Some buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and time seems to stand still here when one walks though the Old Town. Visit a fine example of Renaissance architecture, the beautiful Maison des Chevaliers.
Vukovar’s name means “the town on the Vuka River”; it is located in eastern Croatia where the Vuka and Danube meet. The river’s name comes from the Slavic word vuk, or wolf. The area was originally settled by Slavic tribes in the 6th century A.D. It was part of the Habsburg empire since the end of the 17th century and in 1918 became part of the newly formed kingdom that became Yugoslavia. The largest Croatian town and river port on the Danube, Vukovar was devastated during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, enduring almost unimaginable suffering and many attractive buildings were damaged. It is still struggling to restore its economy, based on farming, livestock, viticulture, manufacturing and tourism.
Warsaw, Poland’s cosmopolitan capital and largest city, sits gracefully on the beautiful waters of the Vistula River. One of Europe’s most inspirational cities, its Old Town—with its pastel facades, gabled roofs and domed spires—was completely rebuilt in its original medieval splendor after World War II. Historians and architects went to painstaking lengths to restore the streets, churches, burgher houses and other buildings—85% of which had been destroyed—using bricks and decorative elements salvaged from the rubble. So authentic was the reconstruction that the historic quarter was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Before its destruction, the city became a symbol of resistance during the Warsaw Uprising, the month-long battle against Nazis waged by Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto. But there’s more to Warsaw’s story than its phoenix-like, post-war resurgence. Though it has a decidedly modern cityscape streaked with skyscrapers, the city boasts impressive examples of Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and neoclassical architecture, particularly among its grand churches and opulent palaces; and green parks cover about a quarter of the city. Among its national heroes, composer Frédéric Chopin is the most beloved; his heart is entombed in the Holy Cross Church, and his statue in Łazienki Park inspires al fresco piano concerts accompanied by summer picnics of pączki, a dense sweet donut, and mead, a honey wine. Marie Curie, the first female Nobel Prize winner for her pioneering work on radioactivity, was also born here.
Situated at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers, Wertheim is a charming town filled with history. Highlights include the 12th-century castle’s impressive ruins, the Pointed Tower that has guarded the junction of the Main and Tauber Rivers for 800 years, and the Town Hall built in 1540. Known as a successful merchants’ town during the Middle Ages, today Wertheim is famous for its Franconian wines.
Birthplace of the Protestant Reformation, Wittenberg is encircled by a ring of public parks symbolizing the fortifications of ancient times. Key landmarks of the city include the home of Martin Luther, the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) where Luther posted his 95 Theses, his burial place and St. Marien’s Church, where he preached.
This capital of Hubei Province is noted as the most important site of China’s Republican Revolution and gateway city to the Yangtze Gorges. Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum with its collection of elaborately decorated bronze bells. The city also boasts the remarkable five-tiered Yellow Crane Tower and the elegant Guiyuan Buddhist Temple.
Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. Here is Germany’s most pristine example of baroque architecture, the great Residenz, built in 1744 by the Prinz-Bishops. Its sweeping staircase and amazing ceiling frescos by Tiepolo survived wartime bombs. Other landmarks include the medieval statue-lined Main Bridge and Marienberg Fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The round 8th-century church within the courtyard of the Fortress is one of Germany’s oldest churches.
Perched on the southern coast of Crimea, Yalta passed through many hands over the centuries before Russia took control in the late 18th century. The city center stretches from the eastern end of Yalta Bay, straddling the Bystra River. Explore Naberezhna Lenia, a waterfront promenade with palms, pebble beaches and art markets. Or visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautifully composed piece of neo-Byzantine architecture built at the turn of the 20th century.
Yangon is the second most recent capital of Burma; in 2006 the administrative capital was moved from Yangon to Naypyidaw. However, with a population of over four million, Yangon continues to be the Burma’s largest city and its most important commercial center. The population is quite diverse, with Bamar (ethnic Burmese), Indians/South Asians, Chinese and others living there, and the city is home to more than 20 universities and colleges.
Yangon, also known as Rangoon (“end of strife”) was founded as the small fishing village of Dagon in the early 11th century; centered around the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda. The city was seized by the British in the Second Anglo–Burmese War of 1852 and set about transforming it into the commercial and political hub of British Burma. Though many colonial-era buildings were demolished to make way for modern development, there are still a number of colonial-era buildings, and there is now a Yangon City Heritage List whose purpose is to preserve the city’s historic places. Downtown Yangon is known for its fin-de-siècle architecture but there is also a modern skyline. Many of the beautiful parks left over from the colonial days are still there and have remained popular with locals and visitors alike.
After World War I, Yangon became the center of the Burmese independence movement, and three nationwide strikes against the British Empire all began there. Yangon became the capital of the Union of Burma in January of 1948 when the country gained its independence from British rule.
Stretching 18 miles along both banks of the Volga amidst a region of forests, Yaroslavl was founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Kiev. During the next several centuries, Yaroslavl prospered as a trading port and textile-manufacturing center. Many buildings and architectural monuments of Yaroslavl’s colorful past highlight the city including the Governor’s Palace, the magnificent 13th-century Spassky Monastery, a group of majestic 17th-century cathedrals, and the Church of Elijah the Prophet situated in the central square. The artistry inside the church, including the frescoes on the walls and ornate vaulting, create a museum-like atmosphere.
In parts of rural China, village life goes on much as it has for centuries. To help bring education to the more remote villages, Viking River Cruises has sponsored a much-needed elementary school here. As Viking River Cruises passengers, you will have an exclusive tour of the village and school, where you will be warmly greeted by the children and staff.
Zaporozhye is more than 200 years old and stretches across both sides of the Dnieper River. The city encompasses the environmentally protected Khortitsa Island whose beauty, intrigue and charm have mesmerized artists, authors and poets for centuries. This impenetrable island was an important defense for the Cossacks in protecting themselves against invaders and was integral in the fight to reunite Ukraine with Russia.
Ålesund is a Norwegian city in a class by itself, a winning blend of coastal splendor, alpine magnificence and unique architecture. Its Art Nouveau architecture appeared after a fire destroyed much of the city in 1904. More than 50 architects and builders got to work designing the new city across several islands that stretch into the sea. The Jugend, or Art Nouveau, style was in vogue, which is why it graces Ålesund today. Much of its graceful beauty is within the confines of the Jugend quarter in the town center. But the city has retained its pre-fire heritage, much of it in the outskirts dotted with traditional wooden villas. For nature lovers, the city is a convenient base from which to take in a magnificent canvas of alpine splendor. Nearby mountains, fjords and waterfalls paint an astounding picture, and countless seabirds seem to agree as they jockey for position on rocky islets just offshore.