Germany Alps by Francisco Antunes

If you’re looking to explore rural Germany then using the country’s rivers as a guide is a great idea. The Rhine, Elbe and Danube are just three of Germany’s many waterways that snake through the 130,000 or so square miles within its borders. Whether you want to explore the rivers aboard a cruise boat, or simply follow them in the car, Germany’s waterways will take you through many of the countries most traditional rural areas.

The Elbe, for example, crosses the eastern corner of the country and the Elbe Valley is home to traditional castles such as Albrechtsberg Castle, Lingner Castle and Eckberg Castle, as well as a plethora of charming German villages such as Loschwitz and Pillnitz, and a large number of the country’s vineyards. If you were to choose to explore using the Danube river in the south of the country as your guide, this would take you through the Danube river valley with the steep white cliffs around Thiergarten, rural castles such as Burg Wildenstein and Schloss Werenwag, and the Obermarchtal, or the Upper March Valley.

Somewhere near St. Goar along the Rhine by ilovebutter

In the west of the country, the area around the Rhine is filled with castles, fortresses and ruins constructed along what was once one of the country’s major trade routes. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is now a World Heritage site and a visit here is just not complete without a stop off at the traditional markets of the area, the knight tournaments and festivals.

Another great way to explore the German countryside is to take the Alps as your reference point. The Alps touch Germany in the very south of the country and exploring this area will take you into some of the country’s most famous rural areas. The Bodensee, an area of three lakes, is located just at the northern foot of the Alps and is also known as Lake Constance. The lake is actually situated in three countries – Austria, Switzerland and Germany – and here you can climb up the wooden staircase of the Marienschlucht ravine, visit the bronze age settlement of the Pfahlbauten and wander around the impressive estate of Schloss Salem.

Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany by heatheronhertravels

The state of Bavaria also touches the Alps, which is home to the Franconia wine region, numerous beer gardens serving the local brews and well-known monuments, such as the Castle of Coburg and Linderhof Palace. Finally, an exploration of the area isn’t complete without checking out the Black Forest, where you can visit some of the best-known waterfalls in Germany – the All Saints Waterfalls and the Triberg Waterfalls – and the famous spa town of Baden Baden that sits at the foot of the Black Forest, as well as tucking into some of that infamous gateau, which is named after the cherry liqueur brewed in the region.

Whatever your idea of adventures, Germany has much more to offer than just its cities. Get out and explore the rural areas and broaden your knowledge of this traditional and fascinating country.

John is a travel writer based in the UK who writes for Alamo Germany – providing car hire across Germany to help you get out and really explore the country.

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Bray-Dunes, France by aimee daniells

A visit to the North Sea

While the southern beaches are great for those that like to enjoy the sun, do not neglect the North Sea from your route. Here, the weather is not as hot as on the French Riviera, so you can enjoy walking on the shores without fear of getting burned. During the nights, the temperature can get quite cold, so it is best to pack some warmer clothes with your luggage.

Some of the nicest resorts on the north coast are Zuydcoote and Bray-Dunes.

Visiting the English Channel

For families that love the quaint and the quiet part of France, there is no better place to embark on a vacation than the English Channel. Etretat is one of family friendly resorts that you can find in this area, especially known for the white cliffs and the white sand beaches that can be found nearby. Honfleur is a resort ideal for visiting historical places, as the local port and house are filled with history.

Other great family resorts along the English Channel are Perros-Guirrec, Berck on Sea and Granville.

Taking your family on the Atlantic Coast

When you want a bit of action and hotter weather, you can take your family with you on the Atlantic Coast of France. Some of the best known resorts here is Biarritz, a place where celebrities often meet. However, if you do not like the hustle and bustle of the trendiest resorts, you have plenty of others to choose from. Les Sables d’Olonne is famous for its beaches and for its boats.

Biarritz, France by Emmanuel Dyan

La Trinite-sur-Mer and La Baule are also great picturesque resorts where you can take your family.

A trip to the Mediterranean Coast

A great thing about France is that it can offer all kinds of weather, due to its spread from the North Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Here the water is warmer and the weather is sweeter, which makes children really enjoy the many water activities that can be performed in the area.

Great family resorts on the Mediterranean Coast include Valras and Collioure.

Paris

If the beach and its attractions are not enough to complete a great vacation to France, there is always Paris. You cannot go wrong if you take your family on a trip to the famous capital. While seen as a trendy destination, Paris can also be very children friendly, with its Cite des Sciences (with a whole department dedicated exclusively to kids), and Centre Pompidou, with its Galerie des Enfants. The famous French deserts will definitely have your children beg you to stay more.

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The Navagio beach can only be reached by boat.

Access from the mainland is not possible, you have to take a boat at the island of Zakynthos. But you can ask also the local fishermen, who – at a lower price – also take you to the beach. Do not go there in the big waves. Then you can see the Navagio beach only from a distance of several hundred meters, because ships cannot enter the narrow inlets during the big waves.

From the cliff above the beach you can enjoy the view of the Navagio beach and surroundings. The most pictures are taken from this view point.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul Resh

The island has been and still is for his position, and especially for its beauty and uniqueness, the seat of the higher society and artists. E.g. the Swedish writer Axel Munte spend here some part of his life. His Villa San Michele is now open to the public as a museum. In Capri you can find such villas and residences on each corner. One of the most famous – Villa Jovis – was built by Emperor Tiberius as his summer residence.

From the higher part of the island you can find a picturesque view of the entire magical panorama, but also of the Augustus Gardens and the magnificent white cliffs – Faraglioni. Near the town of Anacapri is the highest peak of the island, Solaro.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Nenita Casuga

From the above mentioned information, it is clear that the island of Capri has a romantic beauty. But its uniqueness lies elsewhere – in the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) – the sea cave – magnet for the tourists. And indeed, when the lights switch off in a dark cave and you see the azure blue sea, you stop breath and enjoy a unique experience. The trip to the famous cave, although you will pay around 16Eur, is worth your visit. Tourists can reach the cave by bus or taxi from Anacapri; or by boat from Marina Grande.

Capri, it is not only the nature and beauty, but also a typical Italian countryside atmosphere. In the picturesque square in the Capri town you find many shops and boutiques selling souvenirs and other products of local production. Lovers of sea and water activities can visit the beach at Marina Piccola, or drive around the island tour on a boat ride (an experience for about 9 Euro).

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