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July 5, 2025

Riverside Luxury Cruises presents a new collection of river itineraries where each route is an invitation to rediscover Europe from a privileged perspective — that of the river — which flows past iconic cities and hidden villages, winds through vineyards and castles, and guides guests on a journey where nature, art, and culture blend harmoniously and authentically. 

Among the itineraries offered by Riverside Cruises, the Romantic Rhine Northbound stands out, a journey following the course of the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam, crossing a mosaic of historic towns and timelessly beautiful river landscapes. This itinerary captivates with its variety of stops, elegant ports of call, and the perfect balance between urban culture and natural atmospheres. 

The trip begins in Huningue, a small Alsatian gem overlooking the meeting point of three borders, then continues to Kehl, a privileged gateway to the city of Strasbourg. The first days open with a dialogue between France and Germany, featuring architectural glimpses that unite Gothic styles and Baroque influences — symbolic bridges between worlds that seem distant only at first glance. 

The navigation then heads northward touching Speyer and Mannheim, two cities that tell different eras of the same river: on one side, the Romanesque spirituality of the ancient imperial cathedral; on the other, a modern, industrial soul reflected in skyscrapers and contemporary museums facing the waters. 

The following day is dedicated to discovering Rüdesheim, with its sloping vineyards, cozy wine taverns, and the festive atmosphere enlivening the historic center amid notes of local wine. A stop in Cologne is essential, where the majestic cathedral dominates the city with its imposing Gothic architecture and stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of the entire itinerary. Here, the Rhine flows slowly beneath iron bridges and urban reflections, while city life pulses vibrantly along the banks. 

The landscape changes again as the journey crosses from Germany into the Netherlands, arriving at Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, where the river widens and Roman history blends with the relaxed vibe of waterfront cafés. 

The final stretch is dedicated to discovering Amsterdam, a city of multiple identities, with its intertwined canals, bustling flower markets, and elegant façades that tell centuries of commerce, art, and free spirit. The journey ends here, accompanied by the charm of the water that follows the visitor until the last glance. 

For those seeking an itinerary combining elegance, Mediterranean atmospheres, and a deep immersion in southern flavors, South of France Soirée offers a seductive and intense proposal focused entirely on the Rhône Valley. The journey starts in Avignon and slowly moves north, crossing the brightest Provence and the most authentic French wine regions, in a route alternating art cities, stone villages, and sun-sculpted landscapes. 

From the very first day, the navigation touches two symbolic locations of the region: Avignon, with its famous Palais des Papes and imposing walls enclosing centuries of ecclesiastical and cultural history; and Arles, where light is the protagonist and Van Gogh’s memory is alive among Roman ruins and countryside colors. The trip continues toward the Rhône delta, a wild and surprising natural area where flamingos and white horses inhabit the sandy expanses of the Camargue, offering a pause of silence and primordial beauty. 

From Tarascona to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, each port tells a different shade of Provence: small hilltop villages, fragrant markets, abbeys forgotten among the vineyards. The stops follow like a story: Viviers, suspended between medieval and Baroque times; Tain-l’Hermitage, home to great wine labels and a crossroads of French viticulture; and finally the cultural vibrancy of Lyon, the final destination and gastronomic heart of the country. 

Lyon marks the end of this emotion-filled itinerary, between soft lights and lingering flavors. A journey that goes beyond sightseeing to invite savoring, listening, and immersing oneself in the purest essence of southern France. 

Last but not least, Danube Capitals with Hungary National Day Fireworks is an offering that explores the most authentic face of the Hungarian Danube, with an itinerary developing between Vienna and Budapest, extending to the southern borders of the country. A journey alternating imperial cities, lively capitals, and towns nestled in the river countryside, offering a profound look at Central Europe’s cultural identity. 

The route begins in Vienna, a symbol of refinement and imperial power, where the notes of Austrian musical tradition blend with the magnificence of historic palaces. After a few hours of navigation, Bratislava is reached — a compact but character-rich capital, resting between hills and river, balancing medieval heritage and contemporary vitality. 

Entry into Hungary is marked by history and nature, with stops in Esztergom, the ancient seat of the Hungarian archdiocese, and Visegrád, dominated by the fortress overlooking the Danube’s bends. Here, the landscape becomes broader and more scenic, with forests and hills framing the river’s slow flow. 

Budapest reveals itself immediately in all its majesty: illuminated bridges, Baroque domes, and the charm of historic thermal baths welcome visitors with an elegance that unites East and West. But the itinerary does not end here: it continues south to Mohács, a town linked to the memory of great battles, and Kalocsa, renowned for its religious heritage and the lively tradition of paprika that colors both market and local cuisine with an intense red. 

Returning to Budapest closes the circle of a cruise that is both cultural experience and inner journey. Each stop becomes an occasion to reinterpret European history through art, architecture, and the everyday atmospheres of the places visited, while the Danube, silent protagonist, consistently and poetically accompanies every moment of the crossing. 

What unites these three itineraries, despite the diversity of landscapes and cultures crossed, is Riverside’s ability to offer an authentic travel experience, where the slow pace of navigation allows guests to live the places without rush, with attentive and sensitive eyes. 

Added to this is careful planning of stops, which does not limit itself to conventional visits but favors extended stays in the most interesting cities, even beyond sunset, to let guests experience the destinations in their truest dimension. 

Whether it’s the lights that illuminate Amsterdam’s canals, the scent of lavender lingering in Provençal evenings, or the music resonating in Viennese cafés, every detail contributes to making each Riverside itinerary an experience etched in memory. 

In a European summer that can prove crowded and hectic along conventional routes, the river becomes the ideal refuge, the narrative thread of an intimate and meaningful journey, where beauty is not sought but encountered along the way. 

Don’t miss further updates, news, and offers by Riverside Luxury Cruises on our website Cruising Journal. 

Mara Di Dio

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