1st July, 2027 to 31st July, 2027 - 31 days
October transforms your northbound return into an entirely different experience, with autumn's fiery palette painting the Rhine Valley in spectacular colors. This carefully crafted alternative route introduces fresh destinations while the season's peak foliage creates a natural cathedral of gold and crimson along both riverbanks. Cool morning mists rise from the water as grape harvesters work the terraced vineyards, and cozy gasthaus fireplaces beckon with hearty regional cuisine.
Discover a different face of Rhine culture through smaller gems like Worms, where Martin Luther made his famous stand, and industrial marvels like Duisburg, Europe's largest inland port. October's harvest season means wine cellars open their doors for intimate tastings, while local festivals celebrate the year's bounty. The crisp air and dramatic autumn skies create perfect conditions for castle exploring and riverside walking.
As you drift northward, watch the landscape gradually flatten back toward the Netherlands' famous polders, where UNESCO windmills at Kinderdijk create some of Europe's most photographed vistas. The journey culminates in Amsterdam as the city prepares for winter's approach - canal-side cafés glow with warmth, museums beckon with world-class collections, and the pace slows to match your month of unhurried river travel. This return leg proves that the same river can tell completely different stories.
Day 31: Depart Basel (departure day)
Days 32-34: Mulhouse (3 nights) - French Alsace, industrial heritage
Days 35-37: Karlsruhe (3 nights) - Palace city, Baden wine region
Days 38-40: Worms (3 nights) - Luther heritage, Nibelungenlied legends
Days 41-43: Frankfurt (3 nights) - Financial district, cultural sites
Days 44-46: Würzburg (3 nights) - Residenz Palace, Franconian wines
Days 47-49: Bamberg (3 nights) - UNESCO World Heritage old town
Days 50-53: Nuremberg (4 nights) - Historic old town, castle
Days 54-56: Regensburg (3 nights) - Medieval bridge, Danube entry
Days 57-59: Passau (3 nights) - Three Rivers City, Austrian approach
Days 60-61: Vienna (2 nights) - Imperial palaces, cultural immersion
Mulhouse, nestled in the sun-drenched plains of French Alsace, has transformed its industrial soul into something extraordinary. Where textile mills once thundered with looms, Europe's greatest museums now celebrate humanity's love affair with machines.
Stand before the magnificent Bugatti Royales at the Cité de l'Automobile, where over 400 vehicles trace the evolution of automotive dreams. Lose yourself in the Cité du Train, a cathedral to the age of steam stretching across 50,000 square metres.
Wander into the historic centre where the colourful Place de la Réunion reveals Mulhouse's dual heritage—Germanic half-timbered facades beside French elegance.
Duck into a traditional winstub for tarte flambée, that perfect marriage of cream, onion, and smoky bacon that defines Alsatian comfort.
Mulhouse proves that industrial cities need not forget their past—they can celebrate it in spectacular fashion.
Karlsruhe unfolds as a meticulously crafted landscape, a testament to regal design and fertile lands. The city’s grandeur is evident in its imposing Schlossgarten – a sprawling park framed by historic buildings, a visual statement of power and elegance. Climb the Domtoren, offering a vantage point over the city’s meticulously planned layout. Wander the enchanting Pandhof courtyard, its intricate design a subtle nod to the city’s past. Discover the architectural spirit of De Stijl in the Rietveld Schröder House, a monument to the region's wine-growing heritage. Explore the historic core, a network of grand squares and canals, punctuated by the elegant architecture of the former palace district. It's a city where past and present dance in harmony, a perfect blend of royal history and wine-country charm.
Worms is a city woven with threads of history, a place where the echoes of the Reformation resonate through the ancient streets. The Domtoren rises from the heart of the old town, a beacon of religious significance. Lose yourself in the atmospheric Pandhof courtyard, a serene space designed to inspire contemplation. Discover the secrets of the De Stijl-inspired Rietveld Schröder House, a space with a profound connection to the Nibelungenlied, its design reflecting tales of heroic journeys and mythical beasts. Trace the footsteps of the former imperial city, explored through the sprawling ruins of the old town, and delve into the heart of the medieval stone bridge. Experience a city steeped in legend, where history and faith intertwine.
Frankfurt, a city of relentless ambition, rises as a titan of finance. The gleaming facades of the Stock Exchange, a pulse of modern activity, reflect the city’s economic prowess. Ascend the Domtoren for an unparalleled panorama of the sprawling urban landscape. Step into the enchanting Pandhof courtyard, a hidden oasis amidst the business district. Discover the revolutionary De Stijl architecture of the Rietveld Schröder House, a bold statement of artistic innovation. Explore the historic core, tracing the evolution of the city through the grand architecture of the former imperial palace. Frankfurt is where finance meets culture, a city that never rests on its laurels.
Nestled on the banks of the Isar River, Würzburg boasts a captivating blend of baroque and Romantic elegance. The Residenz Palace, a breathtaking masterpiece, dominates the city’s skyline. Climb the Domtoren for a magnificent vantage point. Wander through the enchanting Pandhof courtyard, a haven of tranquility. Discover the architectural legacy of the Rietveld Schröder House, subtly woven into the palace's design. Delve into the heart of Franconian wine-making, discovering the legacy of the region through its historical wine cellars and charming vineyards. Würzburg, a city where history and wine intertwine, offers a unique experience.
Bamberg, a jewel of the Danube region, is a living testament to a bygone era of artistic grandeur. The city's historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage site, an explosion of sandstone architecture.
Explore the Domtoren – a monument to the city's past. Wander through the captivating Pandhof courtyard, a serene space designed to evoke a sense of history.
Discover the revolutionary Rietveld Schröder House, a bold declaration of artistic vision. Trace the historic city's influence through the magnificent medieval stone bridge, a vital part of the city's identity.
Bamberg’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, preserving a unique cultural heritage. Bamberg's thousand-year-old townscape survived the war virtually intact, preserving a medieval cityscape built across seven hills like a smaller Rome.
The extraordinary Altes Rathaus perches on an island in the Regnitz, its walls adorned with remarkable trompe-l'œil frescoes defying architectural logic.
Wander through "Little Venice" where fishermen's houses lean over the water, visit the imperial cathedral with its mysterious Bamberg Rider sculpture, and discover Rauchbier in traditional breweries—the distinctive smoked beer found nowhere else in the world.
Nuremberg, steeped in a rich and dramatic past, exudes an undeniable sense of grandeur. The Domtoren offers an incredible panorama of the city. Lose yourself in the enchanting Pandhof courtyard, a hidden sanctuary brimming with history. Discover the architectural legacy of the Rietveld Schröder House, reflecting the city's story. Explore the historic core, a maze of medieval streets and opulent buildings, punctuated by the magnificent castle. Experience the city’s captivating heritage through its well-preserved old town and the imposing Nuremberg Castle. Nuremberg is a city that whispers tales of chivalry and rebellion.