Riverside Debussy, Four Country Christmastime on the Rhine River Cruise ex Basel to Amsterdam

Spend some of the 12 days of Christmas in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands on this very special cruise along the Rhine River! Immerse yourself in the long-held holiday customs and traditions in each country as you visit Christmas Markets, big and small—many that have existed for centuries. From Switzerland’s Basel, travel to visit France’s storybook city of Strasbourg. In Germany, stop in Mannheim, the City of Inventions; bustling Frankfurt; regal Cologne; the quaint wine village of Rüdesheim; and other captivating ports. Even Mother Nature gets into the gift-giving spirit as you travel through the castle-dotted Rhine Gorge. Your adventure ends in Amsterdam, the glistening Venice of the North, where you can celebrate and wrap up the year the Dutch way!

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.

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.

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.

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.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY
The history of Frankfurt am Main dates back over 2,000 years, when the Romans established a military camp at the site. Over time, the city grew into an important commercial center, with trade routes connecting it to other major European cities. In the Middle Ages, Frankfurt became a free imperial city. During the Renaissance, Frankfurt played a significant role in the development of the printing press and the spread of the Reformation. It became an important center of learning, with the establishment of the University of Frankfurt in the 18th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Frankfurt experienced significant upheaval, including the devastation of World War II. The city was heavily bombed, leading to the loss of much of its historic architecture. However, Frankfurt was rebuilt quickly and emerged as a major hub of commerce and finance in the post-war era, with the establishment of the European Central Bank and other important financial institutions. The River Main is a significant feature of Frankfurt's geography and history. It runs through the center of the city, dividing it into two halves - the north and the south. The river has been an essential part of Frankfurt's development, as it provided a means of transportation for goods and people, and served as a source of water for drinking and other purposes.

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.

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.

GORINCHEM, NETHERLANDS
Gorinchem is a small fortified city located in the central part of the Netherlands. It is known for its historic landmarks, scenic location, and rich maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the Grote Kerk, the Tolhuis, and the Linge poort. The city is also home to several museums, such as the Gorcums Museum, which showcases the region's history and culture. And for those who enjoy outdoor activities, Gorinchem is a popular destination for boating and kayaking on the nearby rivers and canals.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Rotterdam is a vibrant city located in the western part of the Netherlands. It is known for its stunning modern architecture, rich cultural heritage, and busy port. Visitors can explore the city's many landmarks, such as the Markthal, the Euromast, and the Rotterdam Centraal Station. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, which features works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and the Kunsthal, which showcases contemporary art. And for those who love shopping, Rotterdam is famous for its fashion scene, with numerous high-end boutiques and designer stores.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and is known for its stunning canals, rich cultural heritage, and lively arts scene. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. The city is also home to numerous galleries and theaters, making it a hub for art and culture. And for those who enjoy outdoor activities, the surrounding countryside offers numerous biking and walking trails, as well as opportunities for water sports on the many lakes and canals. And let's not forget the famous nightlife and coffee shops that make Amsterdam a unique destination for many visitors.

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.