Riverside Debussy, German Christmas Traditions River Cruise ex Dusseldorf to Frankfurt

Embark on a captivating journey during the Festive Season to experience the best of Germany`s Christmas traditions. With Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets) in virtually every city, town, and village, this 4-day Rhine River cruise packs in a boatload of joyful experiences. Travel south from Düsseldorf, with stops in Rüdesheim, Mannheim, and Mainz. Savor the spirit-warming Glühwein (hot mulled wine) surrounded by Tannenbäume (Christmas trees) and cheery wooden stalls. You’ll also have time to relax and marvel at a special gift from Mother Nature herself as you travel through the castle-filled Rhine Gorge—a passage you`ll never forget. Bustling Frankfurt marks the endpoint of your jolly German adventure.

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.

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.