Riverside Debussy: Cruises on the Romantic Rhine
Starting in November, Riverside Luxury Cruises will offer a romantic eight-day itinerary along the Rhine River, available through September 2025.
Riverside Debussy will visit four countries, beginning in Amsterdam and continuing to Germany with stops in Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Mannheim, then Strasbourg (France), before concluding in Basel, Switzerland. The picturesque landscapes along this impressive river feature castle ruins perched on cliffs, charming vineyards, meadows, and numerous historic cities.
The cruise begins in Amsterdam (the capital of the Netherlands), known for its canals, narrow streets, and rich artistic and cultural heritage. The historic city center was built on five million spruce logs, and there are plenty of historic monuments to visit, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. The city is also home to numerous galleries and theaters. The surrounding countryside offers many cycling and walking trails, as well as opportunities for water sports on its many lakes and canals. Amsterdam is also famous for its vibrant nightlife and countless cafés, making it a unique destination for many visitors.
Amsterdam – Riverside
Koln – Riverside
On the second day, the journey continues from Amsterdam to Utrecht, a historic city in central Netherlands. The Dom Tower, the Rietveld Schröder House, and the Museum Catharijneconvent are just some of the many historical monuments that make Utrecht renowned for its splendid architecture, rich cultural heritage, and lively student life. Utrecht also boasts several museums and galleries, such as the Centraal Museum and the Railway Museum, which showcases the history of Dutch railways.
The next stop is Köln (Cologne), Germany’s fourth-largest city with a population of over a million. Its history spans over 2,000 years, dating back to the Roman Empire when it was known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. It was founded in 50 AD by the Roman general Agrippa, named after Emperor Claudius, and quickly became an important trade and commerce center due to its strategic location on the Rhine.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Köln prospered as a key trade hub, holding a prominent position in the Hanseatic League. It also became a center of theology, with philosopher Tommaso D’Aquino studying at the University of Cologne in the 13th century. The city was severely impacted by wars and plagues in subsequent centuries, culminating in significant destruction during World War II. However, much of its historical architecture and cultural heritage was rebuilt and restored in the post-war period, including the famous Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tommaso d’Aquino
In the evening, Riverside Debussy will dock in Bonn, the capital of West Germany and the seat of government from 1949 until reunification in 1990. Bonn dates back to Roman times and has transformed into a modern and cosmopolitan city while preserving much of its historic charm and character, with winding cobblestone streets, charming old buildings, and centuries-old churches and cathedrals. Notable attractions include the Beethoven-Haus, the birthplace of the famous composer, and the Poppelsdorf Palace, an 18th-century estate now home to the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Halfway through the cruise, the ship will stop in Remagen, a town known for its pivotal role in World War II. The Ludendorff Bridge was a crucial transport and supply route for Allied forces crossing the Rhine into Germany. This bridge became famous as one of the few with intact spans over the Rhine in 1945. In the afternoon, there will be time to explore the winding streets of Rüdesheim, a Roman city influenced by various cultures and traditions. It is home to some of Germany’s finest vineyards, with the most famous being Riesling, made from grapes grown on the steep hillsides. A popular attraction is the cable car offering breathtaking views. With a 1.4-kilometer route, it takes visitors from the town center up to the 38-meter-high Niederwald Monument, which commemorates Germany’s unification in 1871.
Speyer – Riverside
The fifth day includes visits to Mannheim and Speyer. Mannheim, a modern city in southwestern Germany, is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine River. The Mannheim Palace, Luisenpark, Mannheimer Wasserturm, and the Kunsthalle gallery all contribute to the cultural richness of the city.
In the heart of Speyer is its cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture commissioned by Emperor Conrad II in the 11th century, symbolizing his power and authority. One of Germany’s most popular museums, the Technik Museum in Speyer, features a vast collection of vintage cars, airplanes, locomotives, and other technical marvels from different eras. The museum also includes a space exhibition, a maritime hall, and an outdoor area with several large aircraft on display.
Next, the ship docks in Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg boasts many historical monuments, such as the Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France district, and the Palais Rohan. The Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain and the Alsatian Museum, which explores the history and culture of the region, complete the city’s offerings. Strasbourg is also famous for its Christmas markets and numerous boutiques and department stores.
Orologio-a-cucu-piu-grande-al-mondo
Cascate-Tribergu
Returning to the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg, Breisach is rich in history dating back to Roman times. A main attraction is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral features a unique mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles and is considered one of the best examples of medieval architecture in the region. The surrounding area is known for its scenic beauty, dense forests, and picturesque villages. Notable attractions include the Triberg Waterfalls, among the highest in Germany, and the world’s largest cuckoo clock.
The cruise concludes on the eighth day in Basel, a picturesque Swiss city situated at the intersection of the Rhine and the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and France. The city dates back to Roman times but became a significant cultural and commercial center during the Middle Ages. Basel was home to the printing industry during the 15th century, and it was here that the first printed book in the world was published.
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