Koblenz was founded by the Romans, who valued the city’s strategically important location where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Rebuilt from the rubble of the Second World War, modern Koblenz has a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, and serves as a gateway to the Romantic Rhine.

One of the prettiest towns in the Moselle valley, Cochem is a popular stop for river cruise ships. With an old town full of half-timbered houses and a castle perched on a hill it’s a quintessentially German scene, and the riverside promenade is lovely during the sunny summer months.

Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded by the Romans around 16 BC and home to no less than nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include the Cathedral of St Peter, the Church of Our Lady and countless Roman ruins, and Trier was also the birthplace of Karl Marx, whose childhood home is now a museum.

The pretty town of Bernkastel lies in the heart of the Moselle wine region, and is known for its excellent dry whites based on the Riesling grape. The picturesque half-timbered houses of the old town date back to the Middle Ages, and there are plenty of wine taverns where you can enjoy a glass or two.

One of the prettiest towns in the Moselle valley, Cochem is a popular stop for river cruise ships. With an old town full of half-timbered houses and a castle perched on a hill it’s a quintessentially German scene, and the riverside promenade is lovely during the sunny summer months.

Antwerp is a city bound up with the arts, once home to the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck, and more recently carving out a reputation as the fashion capital of Belgium. It’s also a magnet for shopaholics, with designer boutiques and jewellers galore.

Dordrecht was first granted a town charter in the 13th century, and its importance as a merchant city is reflected in the delightful historic architecture of the old harbour. Just outside the city is the watery expanse of Biesbosch National Park, a freshwater delta criss-crossed by walking trails and cycle paths.

One of the great ports of Europe, Rotterdam’s impressive skyline can be seen from far and wide. With great architecture both ancient and modern, fantastic exhibition and concert halls, theatres, pretty galleries and numerous museums, there is so much to do when you stay here.