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Main Rhine | Riverside Debussy
  | 5 Days / 4 Nights

Germany`s Riveting Rhine With Rhine Gorge

TRAVEL HISTORY:
Day 1 Düsseldorf, DE
Day 2 Cologne, DE, Bonn, DE
Day 3 Bernkastel, DE
Day 4 Rüdesheim, DE
Day 5 Frankfurt, DE

Flowing from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the Rhine is one of Europe`s most remarkable rivers—and you`ll see why on this enjoyable 5-day jaunt through Germany. Spend a night aboard your ship in Düsseldorf before heading south and cruising through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Here, fairytale castles appear around every bend—sometimes, right in the center of the river! Visit grand cities and quaint villages along the way, including majestic Cologne, home to one of the world’s most magnificent twin-spired cathedrals; Bonn, capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990 and of reunited Germany from 1990 to 1999; and pretty Rüdesheim with its inviting wine taverns serving up the locally produced Riesling. Disembark in the bustling financial center of Frankfurt—a fully enriching trip!

DATES

11/22/2025 11/26/2025 Main / Rhine Riverside Debussy Germany`s Riveting Rhine With Rhine Gorge from 4,112.00 USD AVAILABILITY & PRICES

DESTINATIONS ON THE ROUTE

Day 1 - Düsseldorf

													

Proud international hub of business and finance, Düsseldorf is ranked the sixth-most-livable city in the world, but it wasn't always this way. It started as the marshland home of Germanic tribes before small farming and fishing settlements began cropping up in the 7th century. Today's highlights include the harbor, Gothic St. Lambertus Church with its twisted tower, the palace tower, and Germany's oldest inland navigation museum. Meanwhile, the 200-year Altbier tradition makes a taste of the copper-colored brew feel like sipping a piece of history.

Day 2 - Cologne

													

The electric atmosphere of 2,000-year-old Cologne is undeniable. Its strategic location on the Rhine quickly elevated the city as a vital trade center that grew into a hub of industry by the 19th century. Even plagues and wars couldn't damper Cologne's tenacious spirit. During WWII, nearly 90% of the city center was destroyed, but a massive rebuilding effort restored much of its cultural heritage, including its famous Gothic cathedral. Highlights include the four preserved gates in the city wall, and Kölsch—the beer that’s been brewed here since the 17th century!

Day 2 - Bonn

													

Although Bonn has a fascinating legacy dating back to Roman times, its most noteworthy era was as capital of West Germany and then unified Germany from 1949 until 1999. During that time, the city transformed into a modern, cosmopolitan hub of government, and cultural districts. It did manage to preserve much of its historic character, though, with winding cobblestone streets and centuries-old churches and cathedrals. Important landmarks include the birthplace of composer Ludwig van Beethoven and Poppelsdorf Palace, now part of the University of Bonn.

Day 3 - Bernkastel

													

Lying on the east bank of the Moselle River, Bernkastel charms with its striking half-timbered homes lining the medieval Market Square. Here, the narrow Spitzhäuschen (Pointed House) commands attention, as well as St. Michael's Fountain, which flows with wine during the annual fall wine fest; and Graach Gate, the only town gate still standing. For oenophiles, there is no shortage of local wineries—including the extremely steep vineyards of the Bernkasteler Doktor. The legend of just how the historic vineyard earned its doctor's degree is truly fascinating!

Day 4 - Rüdesheim

													

Deep in the heart of the Rhine Gorge is the romantic wine village of Rüdesheim, one of the river's most popular ports. Home to some of Germany's finest vineyards, Rüdesheim is particularly famous for its Riesling, as well as its signature coffee made with German brandy, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Highlight attractions include the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, which commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871, and the atmospheric Drosselgasse, lined with gorgeous Old World architecture, boutiques, and countless cozy wine taverns.

Day 5 - Frankfurt

													

Mainhattan—it's a nickname that Frankfurt am Main has earned as home to more than 300 international credit institutions, the European Central Bank, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. But today's bustling city has humble roots reaching back over 2,000 years, and a turbulent fate during WWII that saw bombing of much of its historic architecture. Post-war, Frankfurt rebuilt and is now a blend of modern skyscrapers and rebuilt treasures.