Riverside Debussy, 6 Night The Moselle with Rhine Treasures River Cruise ex Frankfurt to Dusseldorf

You may well hear "WOW" several times when the Riverside Debussy reaches Sooneck Castle behind Bacharach. It looks almost too beautiful to be real. Some of the walls really do date back to the Middle Ages. But Sooneck is only one of many highlights on this trip, which begins in beautiful Frankfurt, and thanks to Trier, Cochem and Bernkastel, guests will be sure to savour many new experiences and Instagrammable moments.

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.

COCHEM, GERMANY
OK. Another pearl of the Moselle. Cochem. Only 5,000 inhabitants and yet pleasantly lively. The best thing to do here is to stroll along the riverbank, take a walk up into the vineyards, sit on a bench, look down on Germany and think: It’s so beautiful here! Of course, there is also plenty to see in Cochem itself. Medieval streets and houses – and, above all, the castle. It dates from the year 1000 and, after French destruction, was bought as a ruin by the wealthy Berliner Louis Ravene and rebuilt as a private residence. Hidden doors lead to secret passages, deer antlers hang on the walls. In 1942, Ravene’s descendants were forced to sell it by the Nazis. Today, the castle belongs to the town of Cochem and can be visited on a guided tour (about 40 minutes).

TRIER, GERMANY
UNESCO has long held this historical gem under its protection. Trier is the oldest city in Germany. It was already a recognised city in Roman times. Proud town houses are grouped around the market square, and the market court once met under the arcades. Trier’s landmark is the city gate Porta Nigra from the 2nd century. By the way, the amphitheatre and the remains of the Roman bathhouses are just as old. And just like Speyer, Trier once had a Jewish community, 300 Jews already lived in the city in the Middle Ages – many of them in the “Judengasse” right behind the cathedral. Today, a memorial with a bronze suitcase commemorates their deportation during the Second World War. Incidentally, the Christian presence in the city is not only evident in the cathedral: The Episcopal Seminary owns 34 hectares of land for vineyards, and the wine – mainly Riesling – is pressed and distributed by the Bischofliche Weinguter Trier. I wonder if that’s one of the reasons the city is so popular among students?

BERNKASTEL, GERMANY
Bernkastel is a charming town located in the heart of the Moselle wine region in Germany. It is famous for its picturesque half-timbered houses and its role in the production of some of the world's finest Riesling wines. Visitors can explore the town's historic center, where they will find the beautiful Market Square, the St. Michael's Fountain, and the ruins of the Landshut Castle. And for those who enjoy wine, there are many wineries in and around Bernkastel offering tastings and tours.

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.

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.