Hops & Heritage: A Luxurious Journey Through Europe’s Brewing Legacy

What happens when five-star luxury meets centuries of brewing heritage? Riverside Luxury Cruises’ new Hops & Heritage sailing blends the best of both worlds: an intimate journey along the Rhine through Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, paired with expertly curated beer tastings, private brewery tours, and Michelin-inspired dining aboard the Riverside Debussy. Running July 29 – August 5, 2026, this 8-day itinerary offers a one-of-a-kind luxury experience where culture, cuisine, and craft beer come together—perfect for your discerning travelers, whether they are seasoned beer enthusiasts or simply curious about Europe’s brewing legacy.

Why a Beer-Themed Luxury River Cruise?
Beer is more than a beverage—it’s history in a glass. Germany alone is home to over 1,600 breweries, many dating back to the Middle Ages. Combine this with the Netherlands’ 750-year-old brewing traditions and Switzerland’s innovative craft scene, and your clients can explore a spectrum of brewing culture in one seamless, luxury itinerary.

Riverside Luxury Cruises delivers a travel experience that is intimate, all-inclusive, and designed for clients who seek depth of culture alongside the comfort and elegance of luxury accommodations.

Immersive Experiences Curated by a Beer Sommelier
Guiding the journey is acclaimed beer sommelier James Kellow, who will host private tastings, pairing dinners, and engaging discussions that explore Europe’s brewing legacy and emerging trends, including craft innovation, non-alcoholic brews, and sustainable brewing practices. On board, your clients can enjoy:

• Beer-inspired menus in the Waterside Restaurant, thoughtfully paired with regional flavors.
• Exclusive culinary events, including a seven-course beer-pairing dinner in the intimate Vintage Room (limited seating, optional upgrade).
• Specialized tastings and engaging talks that deepen appreciation for Europe’s brewing traditions.

Onshore excursions are carefully selected to bring travelers to historic breweries, vibrant pubs, and hidden gems where centuries-old traditions are celebrated. The journey culminates in Amsterdam, where brewing has been integral to the city’s culture for over 750 years.

The Journey: A Tapestry of History, Flavor, and Scenery (Basel to Amsterdam – 8 Days)

§  Basel & Huningue: A cultural crossroads of Swiss, French, and German heritage.

§  Kehl: French-German charm and contemporary vibrancy.

§  Speyer and Mannheim: Romanesque cathedrals, baroque palaces, and world-class museums.

§  Rüdesheim: Wine country complemented by castles, cable cars, and local taverns.

§  Koblenz and Cologne: Medieval fortresses and Cologne’s soaring Gothic cathedral.

§  Arnhem: Dutch art, culture, and natural beauty.

§  Amsterdam: Canals, world-class art, and a rich brewing history, including the iconic Heineken Experience.

Each port enriches the journey with local flavor, cultural insight, and an authentic connection to brewing heritage.

The Riverside Debussy: Redefining Luxury on the Rhine
The Riverside Debussy is the ultimate floating sanctuary, combining sophisticated design, spacious suites, and personalized service. Key highlights for discerning travelers include:

• All-suite accommodations with panoramic views and king-sized beds.
• Personal Butler Service, ensuring every detail is attended to with discretion and care.
• Michelin-inspired dining across multiple venues, from fine à la carte experiences to casual tapas.
• Unlimited premium wines, Champagne, cocktails, and spirits throughout the voyage.
• Wellness indulgences, including a spa, indoor pool, and rooftop pop-up bar.
• Enrichment ashore with daily curated excursions, complimentary bicycles and e-bikes, and private transfers*.

All gratuities, Wi-Fi, port charges, and select transfers are included, ensuring a seamless luxury experience.

Present Your Clients with a Distinctive Luxury Offering
Introduce your clients to the exceptional world of luxury river cruising. For more information on the Hops & Heritage sailing (July 29 – August 5, 2026)—or any of our curated European voyages—contact:

Peter Ouzounov
Senior Director of Sales, Canada
[email protected]
778-994-1833

Visit our Travel Advisor Portal

Become a Riverside Specialist: Master the Art of Selling Riverside Luxury Cruises

Reservations: [email protected] | 833-305-3313

For group inquiries and reservations: [email protected]

VIEW OUR BROCHURES

Elevate your clients' travel experiences with Riverside Luxury Cruises. Share our brochures to showcase the unparalleled luxury and adventure awaiting your clientele.

• General
• Riverside Mozart
• Riverside Debussy
• Riverside Ravel

About Riverside Luxury Cruises:

Riverside Luxury Cruises was established in September 2022 by the European-based, family-owned luxury hotel group Seaside Collection, which acquired the luxury river ships formerly owned by Crystal Cruises. These stunning ships were designed to capture the essence of ultra-luxury boutique hotels and are now operated by a company with over 50 years of hospitality expertise. Bringing the philosophy and exacting standards of a five-star luxury hotel to Europe’s rivers, Riverside delivers an experience that is deeply personal, exceptionally refined, and refreshingly distinct. The all-suites Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel, and Riverside Debussy offer the largest average suite size, all with king-size beds, highest staff-to-guest ratio, and up to five onboard restaurants. Guests can choose active tours from a menu of Riverside Choice excursions; take out a pedal- or e-bike, stored on board, for self-guided exploration; and bask in a rejuvenating treatment in the onboard FEHI Spa. On all itineraries, the ships stay late or overnight in some of Europe’s most captivating towns and cities, so guests can immerse in authentic cultures and the destination’s social life. Throughout, every member of Riverside’s exceptional staff and crew deliver intuitive and personalized service for an all-inclusive and luxurious experience. Every detail is designed for effortless luxury: butler service in every suite, gourmet cuisine made a la minute, premium wines and spirits, unlimited shore excursions, prepaid gratuities, complimentary StarLink Wi-Fi, and seamless transfers. Recognized by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2024 and Cruise Critic’s 2023 & 2024 Editors’ Pick for Best Dining, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers travelers an unforgettable experience and travel advisors a partnership they can trust

2025-09-25 15:53:56