Water is primarily responsible for the positioning of the great cities of Europe. From Paris to Amsterdam or Budapest to Passau, the land-locked capitals of Europe were born drinking life-giving waters from the Seine, Danube, Rhine, and Douro.
Far from just sustaining physical life, the great rivers brought economy: the dynasties of Europe growing rich and powerful off the rivers’ currents. The great cities of Europe were initially created to be approached from these integral waterways, so there is no better way to discover them today than on one of our modern riverboat excursions through Portugal & Spain, France or Germany !
Lithely waltzing from the heart of Germany’s Black Forest through the great capitals of central Europe towards the Black Sea, the Danube River has long been a major player in the chronicles of European history.
The Rhine River, fox-trotting north from the Swiss Alps to Amsterdam and across Germany and France, gave life to the beautiful vineyards, farms, hamlets and major urban cities you’ll see from her shores. The exquisite fairy-tale castles visible from the Rhine add to her distinctive charm.
With the seductive movements of the flamenco, the golden river of Spain and Portugal, the Douro River, flows pristine through country-side filled with castles, manor houses, farms and plentiful vineyards.
In playful strides similar to those of a Bohemian Schottische, the Seine River travels around historic Paris, highlighting her old bridges, monumental homes and landmarks. On her way north, the river gives a unique perspective on the beautiful countryside which inspired the art of the impressionist movement.
