Festive Cheer From Basel to Dusseldorf

There's a point where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet—that point is in Basel. By the Middle Ages, Basel was a center of culture and commerce, and by the 15th century, the world's first printed book was published here. Today, Basel and its international suburbs are home to vibrant Carnival celebrations, a thriving art scene, pharmaceutical industry, fish farms, and caviar production. French Basel serves as the arrival and departure point for Riverside's Luxury Rhine River cruise.

Kehl has a rich history that spans over several centuries. The city was founded in the 12th century, and it served as a strategic location for trade between France and Germany. Over the years, Kehl has been part of various territories, including the Duchy of Württemberg, the Margraviate of Baden, and the French Empire. During the Napoleonic Wars, Kehl was the site of several battles, and it was occupied by French troops for many years. In the 19th century, Kehl became an important railway hub, and it played a crucial role in the industrialization of the region. In the 20th century, Kehl was heavily damaged during World War II, and it took many years to rebuild the city. Today, Kehl is a vibrant city that combines its rich history with modern lifestyle.. The Kehl Canal, also known as the Grand Canal d'Alsace, is an important waterway that connects the Rhine River to the Rhone River. The canal was constructed in the mid-20th century to improve navigation and transport between the two rivers. The Kehl Canal is approximately 50 kilometers long, and it passes through several locks, tunnels, and aqueducts. The construction of the Kehl Canal was a significant engineering achievement.

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.

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.

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.

Bonn is a city in western Germany with a fascinating historical legacy that dates back to Roman times. However, perhaps its most significant historical feature is that it was once the capital of West Germany, serving as the seat of government from 1949 until reunification in 1990. During this period, Bonn was transformed into a modern, cosmopolitan city, with sleek new government buildings, bustling shopping districts, and a thriving cultural scene. Despite this, the city has managed to preserve much of its historic charm and character, with winding cobbled streets, charming old buildings, and centuries-old churches and cathedrals. Notable landmarks include the Beethoven-Haus, the birthplace of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and the Poppelsdorf Palace, a grand 18th-century estate that now houses the University of Bonn's Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

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.

Düsseldorf is a vibrant and modern city located in western Germany. It is known for its art and culture, its lively nightlife, and its stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, which features many well-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the St. Lambertus Church and the Schlossturm. The city is also home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. And for those who love shopping, Düsseldorf is a paradise, with numerous high-end boutiques and designer stores.