Hops & Heritage on the Rhine

Cruising through Centuries of Brewing Craftsmanship

This exciting Rhine River journey takes a fresh and fun look at one of Europe’s most popular beverages: beer! During the eight-day cruise, guests will delve into the age-old histories and unique traditions of beer in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as the future trends such as the booming craft beer scene, increased demand for low-and non-alcoholic options, a focus on sustainability, quality, health-conscious ingredients and innovative flavours.  Led by a seasoned beer sommelier, James Kellow, enjoy beer-focused talks, tastings, and food pairings on board, including recommendations integrated into the Waterside restaurant’s daily menus, as well as an exclusive beer-focused dining event. For an additional fee, guests can book the Vintage Room, a seven-course dining experience pairing regional beers with locally inspired dished, created by Kellow in partnership with the ship’s executive chef.  On shore, as part of your excursion program, guests will visit local breweries, pubs, and establishments that highlight each port’s connection to beer over the centuries, including Amsterdam, which has been brewing its own form of “liquid bread” for 750 years! 

Riverside will also extend beer programming throughout August 2026 and guests sailing on the Rhine during that month will have access to Kellow-curated brewery tours in port, along with a bar stocked with regional beers, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions.

Hops & Heritage: Cruising through Centuries of Brewing Craftsmanship
8 days Basel to Amsterdam aboard Riverside Debussy
July 29 – August 5, 2026

Day 1 - Basel / Huningue                                     
There's a point where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet—that point is in Basel. In the Middle Ages, Basel was a centre of culture and commerce and today, Basel and its international suburbs are home to vibrant Carnival celebrations, a thriving art scene, pharmaceutical industry, fish farms, and caviar production. Huningue, the French suburb of Basel, serves as the arrival and departure point for Riverside's luxury cruises.

Day 2 - Kehl                                                    
Founded in the 12th century, Kehl served as a strategic location for trade between France and Germany. During the Napoleonic Wars, Kehl was the site of several battles, and was occupied by French troops for many years. In the 19th century, Kehl became an important railway hub, playing a crucial role in the industrialization of the region. The city was heavily damaged during World War II, and it took many years to rebuild it. Today, Kehl is a vibrant city that combines its rich history with modern lifestyle. The 50-kilometres long Kehl Canal, also known as the Grand Canal d'Alsace, is an important waterway that connects the Rhine to the Rhône River, and passes through several locks, tunnels, and aqueducts, making it a significant engineering achievement.

Day 3 - Speyer                    
At the heart of the city lies the Speyer Cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture that stands as one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. Commissioned by Emperor Conrad II in the 11th century, the cathedral serves as a symbol of his power and authority. Visitors to the cathedral can explore its grand interior, which features intricate vaulted ceilings, ornate stained-glass windows, and a grand organ that dates back to the 18th century. In addition to the cathedral, Speyer is home to the Technik Museum Speyer, one of the most popular museums in Germany, showcasing an extensive collection of classic cars, airplanes, locomotives, and other technical marvels from different eras. 
                                                
Day 3 - Mannheim                                                    
Nicknamed Quadratestadt (Square City), for its grid pattern unusual among German cities, Mannheim is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine River. Explore the city's many landmarks, such as the Mannheim Palace, the Luisenpark, and the Mannheimer Wasserturm, a water tower built in 1886. 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 showcases the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Mannheim is famous for its many boutiques and department stores.

                    
Day 4 - Rüdesheim                                                    
With its historic buildings, winding streets and surrounding vineyards, Rüdesheim is a popular destination. The town's 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, taking visitors from the town centre up to the Niederwald Monument, offering breath-taking views.  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.

                                               
Day 4 + Day 5 – Koblenz                                                     
With its origins dating back to Roman times when it was known as "Confluentes," a Latin term meaning "the confluence of two rivers”, the city was strategically located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, making it an important trading hub and military stronghold. Throughout its history, Koblenz has been the site of many battles and conflicts. During the Middle Ages, the city was heavily fortified, and many of the structures from that period, such as the city walls, towers, and gates, can still be seen today. Renowned for its stunning river scenery, picturesque castles, vineyards, and historic buildings, the city has a wealth of historic architecture to explore. Visitors can marvel at the striking Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the impressive Deutsches Eck monument, and the charming Old Town, which boasts beautiful half-timbered houses and narrow streets.

 
Day 5 - Cologne                                                    
Köln, also known as Cologne in English, is the fourth largest city in Germany with a population of over one million people. Founded in the year 50 AD by the Roman general Agrippa, the history of Köln dates back over 2,000 years to the Roman Empire when it was known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.  It quickly became an important centre of trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Rhine river, thriving through the Middle Ages and becoming a major trading centre and a key player in the Hanseatic League. In the 19th century, it became a major industrial centre 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. It was rebuilt and restored in the post-war period, including the famous Köln Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

                                                
Day 6 - Arnhem                                                    
Known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine river, visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the John Frost Bridge, the Eusebius Church, and the Museum Arnhem. The city is also home to the Netherlands Open Air Museum, which showcases the region's cultural history, and the Museum voor Moderne Kunst Arnhem, which features modern and contemporary art. And for those who enjoy outdoor activities, the surrounding countryside offers numerous hiking and biking trails that lead through the nearby forests and hills.

                                             
Day 7 + Day 8 - Amsterdam                                                    
Capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its stunning canals, rich cultural heritage, and lively arts scene. The city sits two metres (6.6 feet) below sea level and is built on soft peat and clay. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, as well as numerous galleries and theatres. While most European countries have at least one big homegrown beer brand, the Dutch can proudly claim to have the most popular. Founded in Amsterdam in 1864, Heineken now churns out almost 5.2 billion gallons of its amber nectar annually. While some brands find local brewers in each market to produce their beers more locally and save on shipping costs, Heineken produces every pint in-house. At the Heineken Experience, you’ll learn all about its history and how it’s made, and finish with a cold glass right from the source.

Claude Debussy’s compositions marked the beginning of a “new form of music,” and in that same spirit, the Riverside Debussy ushers in a new era of river cruising on the Rhine. This ship is both a luxury resort on water and a haven of tranquillity. The accommodation is all-suite and exceptionally comfortable, whether you choose an entry-level Melody Suite or the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Owner's Suite. Each suite features a king-size bed convertible into two twin beds, bed linens made from the finest cotton, height adjustable dining/coffee table, a sofa, bar area with a minibar, Espresso coffee maker, flat-screen HD TV, USB sockets, luxurious terry bathrobes, slippers, closet, high quality toiletries, in-suite safe, 220 volt electricity and the services of a Butler who takes care of your every request. Simply stay in touch via WhatsApp and relax. Additional inclusions such as laundry, ironing and complimentary limousine transfers on embarkation and debarkation days are available in the higher end suites. Roundtrip group transfers by coach are available for lower suite categories.

 
One of the highlights of your Riverside cruise will be your culinary discovery. The chefs will spoil you from breakfast to dinner, and in between, from the bread and jam made on board, to exquisite dishes based on the regions the ships are travelling through, using fresh, locally sourced produce. All dishes expertly paired with exquisite wines from the region you are sailing through. You will also have several dining venues and culinary concepts to choose from. Find delicious tapas at the Atelier, Michelin-inspired à la carte selections at the Waterside, grilled fish and juicy steaks at the Vista Bar & Grill paired with delicious wine and beer from the Rhine region and complete with picturesque views. You can also opt for a platter of grilled seasonal vegetables or a charcuterie board featuring local meats and cheeses as you watch the sun set. For the ultimate dining experience, try the elegant and exclusive Vintage Room. This private enclave dressed in fine linens, welcomes up to 10 guests for a seven-course wine pairing dinner on select nights.

Luxury Without Boundaries:
•    Expansive Suites with windows facing king-size beds
•    Panoramic French balconies
•    Personal Butler service for every guest
•    Fully stocked mini-bar
•    Michelin-inspired cuisine, prepared à la minute
•    All-inclusive premium spirits, Champagne, and cocktails
•    Multiple gourmet restaurants and 24-hour room service
•    Luxurious spa, indoor pool and a rooftop pop-up bar
•    Complimentary StarLink Wi-Fi
•    Choice of daily shore excursions
•    Complimentary bikes and ebikes
•    Gratuities, port charges, and airport transfers included
 

Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit here. 
Mention a promo code CATL2025 and enjoy €100 per person onboard credit applicable to all Riverside 2025/2026 cruises of 7 nights and longer booked by January 15’26.