Riverside Debussy, Festive Cheer from Basel to Dusseldorf River Cruise ex Basel to Dusseldorf

Discover the twinkling lights and long-held traditions of Switzerland and Germany on this week-long Rhine Christmas cruise! Visit unique Christmas markets, where you’re free to shop at your leisure and sample authentic Glühwein (warm mulled wine) and scrumptious local holiday treats. Embark in Basel, the merry meeting point of Switzerland, Germany, and France, then cross into Germany, where highlights include Kehl, an intriguing city that has alternated between French and German control throughout its thousand-year history; Mannheim, home to one of the largest palace complexes in the world; Germany’s bustling financial hub of Frankfurt am Main; the former capital city of Bonn; the towering Christmas tree and iconic twin-spired cathedral in Old Town Cologne; and more...a very special trip!

BASEL, SWITZERLAND
No other city between Constance and Rotterdam has integrated the Rhine into its city life as grandly as Basel. Pretty art nouveau baths have been installed in the river, there are small restaurants and pubs and bars on its banks, pop concerts are held here, and the residents are all too happy to plunge into the waters for a swim. Another detail not to be missed in Basel is probably the most beautiful museum in Switzerland, perhaps even in the whole of Europe: The Fondation Beyeler, whose transparent building was designed by Renzo Piano. The best thing to do in the old town is just to drift along, and then at some point you will automatically come across the red cantonal town hall or the stately guild houses on Barfusserplatz, which got its name from the “Barfussler” monks.

KEHL, GERMANY
Kehl has a rich history that spans over several centuries. The city was founded in the 12th century, and it served as a strategic location for trade between France and Germany. Over the years, Kehl has been part of various territories, including the Duchy of Wurttemberg, the Margraviate of Baden, and the French Empire. During the Napoleonic Wars, Kehl was the site of several battles, and it was occupied by French troops for many years. In the 19th century, Kehl became an important railway hub, and it played a crucial role in the industrialization of the region. In the 20th century, Kehl was heavily damaged during World War II, and it took many years to rebuild the city. Today, Kehl is a vibrant city that combines its rich history with modern lifestyle.. The Kehl Canal, also known as the Grand Canal d'Alsace, is an important waterway that connects the Rhine River to the Rhone River. The canal was constructed in the mid-20th century to improve navigation and transport between the two rivers. The Kehl Canal is approximately 50 kilometers long, and it passes through several locks, tunnels, and aqueducts. The construction of the Kehl Canal was a significant engineering achievement.

MANNHEIM, GERMANY
Ok, it is a former Electoral Palatinate residential town. It is the second largest city in Baden-Wurttemberg and its port facilities are among the largest inland in Europe. Since the city was all but destroyed during the Second World War, it is not exactly considered the pearl of the country today. And yet it is worth a visit. Mannheim is young, also due to the students at the university and the State University of Music and Performing Arts. Incidentally, the city’s National Theatre hosted the premiere of Friedrich Schiller’s drama “Die Rauber” in 1782. Visitors are best advised to stroll along the main shopping street, called “Planken”, because wooden planks were once laid out there to get across the square on dry feet. The old town hall is a gem, and the largest synagogue in Germany is also worth seeing. The Jewish community was an integral part of Mannheim’s population from 1660 onwards. Today, a glass cube in the city commemorates the terrible deportation of the Jews during the Second World War. The 2,400 names of the Jews deported from the city are engraved on it.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY
Frankfurt, the first things that come to mind are the sausages, the banks and finance. A feature even more famous than the sausages is, of course, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was born in the house on Großer Hirschgraben. Here, he also wrote two of his important works, the original version of “Faust” and “Die Leiden des jungen Werther”. His birthplace can be visited today. It is one of a total of 39 museums on the city’s waterfront. An absolute must! And the old town with the Paulskirche, which became the seat of the first German National Assembly in 1848 and where the Peace Prize of the Frankfurt Book Trade is awarded every year, is also a must-see place. Frankfurt, anything else spring to mind? Right. The “Palm Garden” with the “Palm House” from 1869, as well as the “Butterfly House”. A green moment, whether summer or winter.

BONN, GERMANY
Bonn is a city in western Germany with a fascinating historical legacy that dates back to Roman times. However, perhaps its most significant historical feature is that it was once the capital of West Germany, serving as the seat of government from 1949 until reunification in 1990. During this period, Bonn was transformed into a modern, cosmopolitan city, with sleek new government buildings, bustling shopping districts, and a thriving cultural scene. Despite this, the city has managed to preserve much of its historic charm and character, with winding cobbled streets, charming old buildings, and centuries-old churches and cathedrals. Notable landmarks include the Beethoven-Haus, the birthplace of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and the Poppelsdorf Palace, a grand 18th-century estate that now houses the University of Bonn's Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

COLOGNE, GERMANY
Köln, also known as Cologne in English, is the fourth largest city in Germany with a population of over one million people. The history of Köln dates back over 2,000 years to the Roman Empire when it was known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. It was founded in the year 50 AD by the Roman general Agrippa, and was named in honor of Emperor Claudius. It quickly became an important center of trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Rhine River. Throughout the Middle Ages, Köln continued to thrive as a major trading center and was a key player in the Hanseatic League. It was also a center of art and learning, with the famous theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas studying at the University of Köln in the 13th century. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Köln was hit hard by wars and plagues, but managed to recover and continue to grow. In the 19th century, it became a major industrial center and played a key role in the development of Germany's chemical industry. Unfortunately, Köln suffered extensive damage during World War II, with nearly 90% of the city center destroyed. However, much of the historic architecture and cultural heritage was rebuilt and restored in the post-war period, including the famous Köln Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY
Düsseldorf is a vibrant and modern city located in western Germany. It is known for its art and culture, its lively nightlife, and its stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, which features many well-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the St. Lambertus Church and the Schlossturm. The city is also home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. And for those who love shopping, Düsseldorf is a paradise, with numerous high-end boutiques and designer stores.

Charming and poetic, the compositions of Debussy created a beautiful bridge between romanticism and the developing modern world. So too will your ship, the Riverside Debussy, deliver the rich history of Europe along with all the modern comforts that bring you joy. The best of both worlds await you on the romantic Rhine river, where we are creating unique journeys that will allow you to see the old world in an entirely new, and oh so luxurious way.

A river cruise touches the senses. It combines space and time to create a contemplative experience. Sitting on the upper deck in an intimate atmosphere, watching unspoiled, beautiful scenery pass by – these are moments you will never forget.

Marvel at the engineering prowess of the locks. Immerse yourself in the culture of Europe's most beautiful cities. Enjoy the culinary specialties of the regions the ship passes through. And you only have to pack your suitcase once. Yes, a river cruise in Europe with Riverside Luxury Cruises also means setting out to find yourself.