Overview
A good rule of thumb when travelling just about anywhere is to get out of the big smoke, at least for part of your holiday. If you're planning a Euro trip for their summer, don't fall into the trap of hopping between capital cities and competing for selfie space with hundreds of other travellers — slow down a little, and dedicate the continent's magnificent countries the time they deserve. But we get it, finding those tucked away, untapped towns isn't as easy as it looks, so don't be ashamed to enlist some help. Opt for a boutique river cruise and you'll be plodding along from the capitals and onto a trail of some of Europe's quaintest riverside towns and cities. Here are five we recommend visiting.
ROUEN, FRANCE
If Europe is a landmine of historical gems, then Rouen boasts quite a unique collection. The capital of France's Normandy region is nestled along the Seine and best accessed via a cruise. As you drift towards this vibrant city, you will get a glimpse of the first landmark — the Notre Dame cathedral spire. An elaborate example of gothic architecture, the cathedral contains Richard the Lionheart's tomb and was the subject of a number of Monet artworks. Explore the city by foot to appreciate its picturesque cobblestone streets and timber-framed pastel houses dating back to the Middle Ages, and stop by the market square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Normandy beaches — the historical site of WWII's D-Day. But if you're not much of a history buff, Rouen's other big drawcard is food (you are in France, after all) — the gastronomic pleasures to be found in the city are as rich as its history. Take advantage by sampling the luxe butter, cream and some of the freshest fish.
COLOGNE, GERMANY
The biggest mistake you can make is thinking Berlin is the be all and end all of Germany. Dusseldorf, Heidelberg, Dortmund, Dresden, Rothenburg and Cologne will have you charmed by day, sleepless by night and desperate to drag out your Euro trip just that little bit longer — which is mighty easy on this cruise down the Rhine. If you have to pick just one German city to visit though, go with Cologne. It's a party-meets-history hub that gets far less credit than it deserves, and as such, loses a fair slice of the EU-tourist crowd. To get the full Cologne experience drink the city's Kolsch beer, eat hämmche (like corned beef, but pork knuckle) and make sure you check out a local gig.
PASSAU, GERMANY
For a city otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', the route to Passau seems fairly obvious. Cruise down the Danube, and the river will converge with two others close to the Austrian border: Inn and Ilz. At this intersection sits Passau's Altstadt (Old Town). It's best appreciated from up high, so pop on those walking shoes and hike to Veste Oberhaus ('Castle on the Hill') or the pilgrimage monastery Mariahilf on the opposite bank. Both spots offer panoramic views of the city's Baroque-style buildings, the domed towers of St Stephen's Cathedral and the surrounding Bavarian countryside. Head in to the Old Town to explore the romantic laneways, archways and squares until you stumble upon a classic Bavarian beer garden to rest those weary legs in.
DÜRNSTEIN, AUSTRIA
Interesting fact: right near Dürnstein, a roadside memorial marks a pivotal defeat of Napoleon I of France by a combined Russian and Austrian army. And it's hard to be even a little surprised at that fact — Dürnstein is like the first episode of Outlander on steroids (for the unfamiliar, this means abandoned castles, high walls, ruins galore, murals and trees older than your surname). Every cobblestone street leads to a different old and incredible building. It's an hour drive from Vienna, but so much easier to get to — and view — via the water.
HAARLEM, NETHERLANDS
Haarlem is the capital of North Holland, and, though only a 15-minute train from Amsterdam, is best approached by water (like on this cruise) so you can float by endless fields of tulips on your way into town. We recommend going towards the beginning of summer, or even better, in spring because there are two main things definitely worth seeing in this medieval town: the country's largest organ and the aforementioned tulips, tulips, tulips. Haarlem is in full bloom until the end of May, and boy do they celebrate in style — read: an annual flower parade through the streets. If you're after a day of strolling around in search of some A+ cheese and spectacular buildings, Grote Houtstraat is your spot. It's made up of dozens of side streets that peel off into the city's many quiet nooks and crannies.
This Euro summer, plan to head off the very beaten path with U by Uniworld and explore your way around some non-capitals.