Like so many of the rivers in central Europe, the Rhine begins its life as a stream high in the Swiss Alps. Once it reaches the city of Basel, the river widens and continues its course toward the North Sea. Since Roman times, the Rhine River has linked northern and central Europe; and as the Roman Empire grew larger and stronger, the river grew more important as a trade route. During the Romantic period, which lasted from the late 18th century to the mid- to late 19th century, the Rhine River valley became a popular subject of literary prose for the way it portrayed the natural world as untouched and wild. In fact, it was during this time that the Rhine River valley first became a popular tourism destination, and soon well-off entrepreneurs were rebuilding the castles that sat perched above the riverbanks. Today, a Scenic Rhine River cruise offers guests the perfect opportunity to explore this sought after region in luxury.