RDAU_10-11_Oct_Nov Issue

T here is a r emarkable intimacy to traveling through West- ern Europe by water. While modern railways speed between crowded terminals and distant capitals, the continents great rivers continue to offer the most poetic introduction to the heart of Europe. Chief among these ancient water- ways is the magnificent Rhine, a river that weaves together four captivating nations. From the quiet majesty of Switzerland and the ro- mantic wine villages of France to the storied valleys of Germany and the tranquil canals of the Nether- lands, an extraordinary tapestry of historic cities and picturesque towns unfolds naturally along a sin- gle journey. Places to Visit in Europe Special TRAVEL FEATURE reader ’ s digest 18   OctOber/NOvember 2026