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and is at the point where Germany, France and Switzerland meet. Although the city is somewhat industrial, it does boast many the- atres and museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, home to the world’s oldest art collection accessible to the public. The next main stop is the French city of Strasbourg, the capital of the famous Alsace Region. Classified as a World Heritage site, the city centre is comprised of historic buildings, which date back The cathedral in Cologne took 632 years to build. to the 1400’s. The buildings resemble some- thing out of a fairytale book, complete with a stone bridge, which spans the Rhine. The city is quite cosmopolitan and features the oldest Christmas market in France, along with one of the country’s most spectacular cathedrals. We continue our trek up river to stop at Mannheim and visit its Romanesque water tower, the city’s landmark. | would recom- mend skipping most of the city, instead ven- turing on to Heidelberg, Germany’s warmest city with fig and almond trees. Heidelberg Castle sits high above the city and after a tour, which takes you back into medieval days; you can relax while taking in pictur- esque vistas of the city. Heidelberg’s main street is a pedestrian mall and stretches the entire length of the old city. Like all cities on the Rhine, Heidel- berg also boasts beautiful stone bridges, the oldest dating back to the 1700's. Many people are not aware that US Army General George Patton had an automobile accident in Mannheim, and later died in the Heidelberg hospital. Our next stop along the golden Rhine is the Lorelei, located just south of the town of Koblenz, where | would suggest staying over- night. The Lorelei is a massive rock on the Please turn to page 88 UNIWSRLD, Uniworld - the preferred choice for luxury river cruises As the world’s only authentic boutique river cruise line, Uniworld is renowned for one-of-a-kind ships, stylish décor, thoughtful personal touches, welcoming ambiance, Uniworld’s luxury river cruises are a truly unique experience, unlike any other journey in the world. BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION® — Upscale boutique vessels .... fascinating destinations .... spectacular views! 7 superb cuisine, and gracious service Fabulous 2014 4 Europe Cruises still available. Call Today! m TICO #4877532 virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca FOCUS - JULY 2014 87