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CATHERINE PALACE, RUSSIA is spectacularly ornate Rococo palace is located south of St. Petersburg and was once the summer residence of the Tsars, who left their mark in the form of signature Rastrelli design. e palace was created under Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine the Great during the 18th Century and was named after Peter the Great's second wife, its history pulling in tourists from far and wide. It boasts fabulous grounds, but it's the palace's interiors that really shine, with the Great Hall, the Arabesque Hall and the world-famous Amber Room with its decorative amber, mirror and gold leaf panels that leaves visitors dazzled. Guests travelling on the Waterways of the Tsars journey have the opportunity to appreciate the baroque architecture of Catherine Palace. CHRISTIANSBORG PALACE, DENMARK Located in the heart of Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace enchants with its 12th-century opulence, royal reception rooms exhibiting precious tapestries, expansive palace grounds and public galleries. At 106 metres tall, the Palace has the highest tower in the city – narrowly topping the city hall tower – offering views of the city's red rooftops that visitors can climb. Once home to monarchy, it is now the seat of the Danish Parliament and the house of the Queen's Royal Reception rooms. Take in the exceptional views over the city during an optional excursion to Christiansborg Palace on a Viking Homelands journey. 38 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | WINTER 2020/21 REICHSBURG CASTLE, GERMANY e castle that towers over the town of Cochem on the Moselle River has had a colourful history. Originally built to collect tolls from passing ships around 1100, it changed hands between various monarchies before falling victim to French troops in 1689. Standing tall but ruined for centuries, it wasn't until the late-19th Century that a wealthy Berliner snapped it up and restored it to its former glory. Take a tour to discover the 1,000 years of varying tastes that narrate its fascinating history and enjoy the expansive views. A visit to the ancient Reichsburg Castle is included on a cruise of the Moselle River with the Cities of Light itinerary. Scenic Scandinavia 46 VIKING 46 VIKING