Riverside Debussy, Holly Holiday in Germany, France & Switzerland River Cruise ex Dusseldorf to Basel

Christmas can be a hectic time of year, but it’s easy to keep the magic and joy in it when you take a break aboard this exceptional Rhine cruise! Embark in Düsseldorf, home to a stunning rococo castle, and head to Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Moselle in a “monumental” way. Explore the quaint wine village of Rüdesheim and enjoy unmatched scenery as you cruise through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge—a passage you`ll never forget. Additional stops in Mannheim and Speyer, Strasbourg in France, Basel in Switzerland, and other amazing cities provide great opportunities to experience some of Europe’s most famous Christmas Markets, where inviting wooden huts sell spirit-warming Glühwein and hand-crafted gift items (you might want to bring an extra suitcase for all the goodies you’re bound to find)! Add in the lively entertainment, gorgeous riverscapes, and traditional treats and this will be a Christmas to remember!

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY
Can office buildings dance? In Dusseldorf, the answer to this question is a resounding “yes”. The architect Frank O. Gehry designed it – its model must have been the Leaning Tower of Pisa. They are located in the city’s famous “Medienhafen” quarter, where other international architects have also immortalised themselves in style between quay walls and railway tracks. Definitely worth a visit. Just like the house where Heinrich Heine was born in the old town, the Hofgarten and right next to it the K20 art collection: Klee, Picasso, Matisse and Andy Warhol, all there! And if you want to let the art reverberate a little longer, take a stroll through one of Dusseldorf’s many green parks.

KOBLENZ, GERMANY
Koblenz is a city steeped in history, with its origins dating back to Roman times when it was known as "Confluentes," a Latin term meaning "the confluence of two rivers." The city was strategically located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, making it an important trading hub and military stronghold. Throughout its history, Koblenz has been the site of many battles and conflicts. During the Middle Ages, the city was heavily fortified, and many of the structures from that period, such as the city walls, towers, and gates, can still be seen today. The city is renowned for its stunning river scenery, which includes picturesque castles, vineyards, and historic buildings. The Rhine river, which is the longest river in Germany, offers a mesmerizing view of the city's skyline, while the Moselle river provides a quieter and more serene ambiance. The city has a wealth of historic architecture to explore. Visitors can marvel at the striking architecture of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the impressive Deutsches Eck monument, and the charming Old Town, which boasts beautiful half-timbered houses and narrow streets.

MANNHEIM, GERMANY
Mannheim is a modern city located in the southwestern part of Germany. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine River. Visitors can explore the city's many landmarks, such as the Mannheim Palace, the Luisenpark, and the Mannheimer Wasserturm. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Kunsthalle Mannheim, which features modern and contemporary art, and the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, which showcase the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Mannheim is famous for its many boutiques and department stores.

MAINZ, GERMANY
Mainz is a historic city located in southwestern Germany, situated on the banks of the Rhine River. The city is famous for its association with the printing press, which was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century. Gutenberg was born in Mainz and it was here that he developed his revolutionary printing technique, which used moveable type to produce books and other printed materials. The printing press had a profound impact on the spread of knowledge and information throughout Europe, allowing for the mass production of books and other materials for the first time. Gutenberg's invention is widely regarded as one of the most important developments in the history of human communication, and it cemented Mainz's reputation as a center of intellectual and cultural innovation. Today, Mainz is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors to the city can explore numerous museums and galleries, including the Gutenberg Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of books and printing materials.

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.

SPEYER, GERMANY
Speyer is located in southwestern Germany that boasts a rich history. At the heart of the city lies the Speyer Cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture that stands as one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. Commissioned by Emperor Conrad II in the 11th century, the cathedral serves as a symbol of his power and authority. Visitors to the cathedral can explore its grand interior, which features intricate vaulted ceilings, ornate stained-glass windows, and a grand organ that dates back to the 18th century. In addition to the cathedral, Speyer is home to the Technik Museum Speyer, one of the most popular museums in Germany. The museum showcases an extensive collection of classic cars, airplanes, locomotives, and other technical marvels from different eras. Visitors can explore the different sections of the museum, which includes a space exhibition, a maritime hall, and an outdoor area with several large aircraft on display.

STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is a historic city located in the northeastern part of France. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Ill River. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France district, and the Palais Rohan. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, which features modern and contemporary art, and the Alsatian Museum, which showcases the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Strasbourg is famous for its Christmas markets and numerous boutiques and department stores.

BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Basel is a picturesque Swiss city located at the intersection of the Rhine river and the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and France. The city dates back to the Roman era, but it was during the Middle Ages that Basel became an important cultural and commercial center. The city was also an important center for the printing industry during the 15th century, and it was in Basel that the first printed book in the world was published. Today, Basel is known for its world-renowned pharmaceutical industry, as well as its thriving art scene, with several world-class museums and galleries. The city is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including the impressive Basel Minster, a 13th-century cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture. Basel is also famous for its Carnival celebrations, which take place every year in February, and attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.

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.