For those interested in seeing Europe without the constant, hectic bustle of tourism, relaxing cruises on the Rhine River have proven to be a hit. In addition to a never-ending opportunity to learn to speak German, here is a list of several fun activities to partake in during a Rhine River cruise: Allstate: This town includes a medieval castle, a parish church dating to 1794, a historical museum, and numerous delicious restaurants. Glattfelden: Situated on the River Glatt just above its junction with the Rhine, this town is the hometown of Swiss writer Gottfried Keller and is frequently referred to in his novel “Der grüne Heinrich.” Over an old stone bridge is the nearby old town of Eglisau. Rheinfelden: A little town of 7,000 inhabitants situated on the left bank of the river, Rheinfelden is home to a popular salt-water spa, ancient walls and towers, the Fricktaler Museum, and St. Martin’s Church, which dates back to the 15th century. German Beer: Germans produce the best beer in th...
If visiting England's Oxford don't miss the Ashmolean Museum, Balliol College, Christ Church of Harry Potter fame, Bodleian Library, Botanic Gardens, and literary pubs. A day trip to Oxford from London is easy for overseas visitors, but there's so much to see and do in this university city that an overnight stay or a weekend break is even better. There's far more to see than just what's on this list, including several more historical and beautiful university buildings, but among the city's top visitor attractions are (in alphabetical order):
Ashmolean Museum
The city's main museum is also the oldest public museum in Britain. Elias Ashmole gave his collection to Oxford University, and highlights include a good collection of French artists such as Monet, Manet, Cezanne, and Renoir, ancient Egyptian mummies, and other items. Also has the Alfred Jewel, a crystal dating from the time of King Alfred and with a reference to Alfred carved on it. The Ashmolean is presently undergoing a restoration program, meaning parts of it are sometimes closed, so check in advance of a visit.
Balliol College
Founded 1263, and look for the burn marks by the cross on Broad Street from when the Protestant Archbishop Cranmer and two Bishops were burned alive during the reign of Queen Mary for their religious beliefs.
Bodleian Library
One of the most photographed buildings in Oxford is the Bodleian Library, housed beneath the early 18th-century dome known as the Radcliffe Camera. The Library is not open to the public but its Divinity School can be visited. Both the Library and the School have been used as film locations in Harry Potter movies.
Christ Church College
The largest and grandest Oxford college, with the largest quadrangle in the city and an 800-year-old chapel which is also Oxford's Cathedral. Its dining hall is the inspiration for Hogwarts School's dining hall in the Harry Potter films.
Literary Pubs
Oxford has numerous literary connections, like Shelley being expelled from University College (which Bill Clinton attended), and Lewis Carroll being a maths don at Christ Church. Today the children's author Philip Pullman is a notable resident. Famous Oxford literary pubs include the White Horse (52 Broad Street), which appears in several Inspector Morse TV episodes, and the Eagle and Child (49 St Giles), the famous haunt of J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis, amongst others.
Magdalen College
C.S. Lewis taught at Magdalen (pronounced 'maudlin'), which was founded in 1458 and has some beautiful cloisters and grounds. Oscar Wilde, John Betjeman, and P.G. Wodehouse was among its many famous students.
Museum of the History of Science
A fascinating collection of scientific instruments including some gruesome medical items in this 1638 building. Don't miss the restored old chemistry laboratory down in the basement.
Pitt-Rivers Museum
This is a wonderful surviving example of a Victorian museum, from the time when new parts of the world were being discovered and a vast array of exotic and unusual items brought to Britain and put on display.
Punting on the River
If the weather is fine then head for Magdalen Bridge on the River Cherwell or Folly Bridge on the Thames, where punts can be hired for a lazy time drifting on the water and perhaps having a picnic. Punting is trickier than it looks so consider hiring someone to punt you.
University of Oxford Botanic Gardens
This fascinating garden dates back to 1621 when it was established as a physic garden for the cultivation and study of medicinal plants. Today it houses some 7000 specimens, and garden lovers will want to spend hours here, especially on a sunny day.