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Cruise Itinerary

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
22 Dec 2026	Frankfurt, Germany	Embark
23 Dec 2026	Miltenberg, Germany
24 Dec 2026	Wurzburg, Germany
25 Dec 2026	Bamberg, Germany
26 Dec 2026	Wurzburg, Germany
27 Dec 2026	Wertheim, Germany
28 Dec 2026	Mainz, Germany
29 Dec 2026	Mannheim, Germany
29 Dec 2026	Rudesheim, Germany		Overnight
30 Dec 2026	Rudesheim, Germany
31 Dec 2026	Rotterdam, Netherlands		Overnight
1 Jan 2027	Rotterdam, Netherlands
1 Jan 2027	Amsterdam, Rivers		Overnight
2 Jan 2027	Amsterdam, Rivers	Disembark

Have yourself a merry little Christmas—it’s easy on this 12-day luxury cruise! Begin in Germany, bathed in wondrous Gemütlichkeit (warmth and good cheer). Rub elbows with the locals at Christmas Markets, where the colorful decorations, heavenly flavors and aromas, and happy atmosphere are positively soul soothing. Visit the big, like Frankfurt; the small but charming, like Rüdesheim—and everything in between! Spend Christmas Eve in Würzburg, and Christmas Day in Bamberg, home to unique “smoked beer” for almost 900 years. Get a gift from Mother Nature in the Rhine Gorge, then ring in 2027 in Rotterdam as fireworks light up the Maas River. Arrive at last in Amsterdam to see its special highlights before the conclusion of your Christmas cruise adventure!

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.

MILTENBERG, GERMANY
Miltenberg, located in the Lower Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany, was founded in the 12th century and rich in history. The town has a picturesque medieval center with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and an impressive market square. Miltenberg's history is not without dark moments however. The town was one of the locations where witch trials took place during the early modern period. Miltenberg is home to two towers known as the "witch towers," which were used as a prison for suspected witches during the witch hunts of the 17th century. The prisoners were subjected to brutal interrogations and torture to extract confessions. Today, the "witch towers" serve as a reminder of Miltenberg's dark history. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. The towers also host exhibitions and events that shed light on the town's Witch trials and the persecution of women accused of witchcraft during this period. Despite this dark history, Miltenberg is still a popular destination for tourists who come to explore the town's historical significance and enjoy its proximity to the famous Franken wine region.

WURZBURG, GERMANY
Würzburg is a historic city located in the northern part of Bavaria, Germany. It is known for its stunning Baroque architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Main River. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the Würzburg Residence, the Marienberg Fortress, and the Saint Kilian Cathedral. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Mainfränkisches Museum and the Museum am Dom. And for those who enjoy outdoor activities, the surrounding countryside offers numerous hiking and biking trails that lead through the nearby vineyards and forests.

BAMBERG, GERMANY
Bamberg is a city in northern Bavaria, Germany, with a fascinating history that dates back to the 10th century. The city is situated on the Regnitz River, which flows into the Main River and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic city center. The city also plays a significant role as a port city due to its location as a gateway to the Main-Danube Canal. The canal connects the Main and Danube rivers, and it is a crucial transportation route between the North Sea and the Black Sea. The canal's construction began in the 1960s and was completed in 1992, and it has since become an essential component of Europe's inland waterway system. Bamberg has a distinctive medieval architecture that has been well-preserved, including the Bamberg Cathedral and the Altes Rathaus. One of Bamberg's unique cultural offerings is its signature beer, the Rauchbier or smoked beer. The beer is brewed using a unique method that involves drying the malted barley over an open flame, giving the beer its distinctive smoky flavor. The beer has been brewed in Bamberg for centuries and is a significant part of the town's cultural heritage.

WERTHEIM, GERMANY
Wertheim is a small town located in the northern part of Bavaria, Germany. It is known for its stunning timber-framed houses, historic landmarks, and scenic location along the Main River. Visitors can explore the town's many historic landmarks, such as the Wertheim Castle, the Stiftskirche, and the Glasmuseum. The town is also famous for its wine, with numerous vineyards and wine cellars offering tastings and tours. And for those who enjoy outdoor activities, Wertheim is a popular destination for hiking and biking in the nearby hills and forests.

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.

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.

RUDESHEIM, GERMANY
Rüdesheim, wtih its historic buildings, winding streets and surrounding vineyards, is a popular destination. The towns history dates back to the Roman era, and over the centuries, it has been influenced by various cultures and traditions. One of the highlights of Rüdesheim is its wine culture. The town is home to some of the finest vineyards in Germany, and is particularly famous for its Riesling wine, which is made from grapes grown on the steep slopes of the nearby hills. A popular attraction is the Rüdesheim Cable Car, which offers breath-taking views. The cable car route is 1.4 kilometers long and takes visitors from the town center up to the Niederwald Monument, a 38-meter tall monument that commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871. Don’t miss a taste of the famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a specialty coffee drink that is made with Asbach Uralt, a type of German brandy, and topped with whipped cream.

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.