We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.
Itinerary
The town describes its biggest attraction, the world-famous Drosselgasse, as ‘144 metres of joie de vivre’. This centre of Rhine Romanticism once inspired poets and musicians – it was here that Brahms composed his Symphony No. 3. Rüdesheim is the best-known spot in the Rheingau and has plenty of cultural attractions, including stately homes and fortifications. And no visit to the towns and countryside of this area of the Rhine would be complete without a Rüdesheim coffee, which was invented here.
Trips
Let the Winzerexpress take you on a tour through vineyards and right into the centre of Rüdesheim. Here, the little lanes are too narrow for our trusty vehicle, so you’ll explore the old town on foot. You’ll find one of Germany’s most well-known streets here: Drosselgasse. Lined with wine taverns and bars with outdoor seating, it offers 144 metres of pure enjoyment. You’ll have the opportunity to stop off here to learn how the traditional coffee speciality ‘Rüdesheim coffee’ is made – and you’ll be able to try it for yourself, of course.
price:
€ 39 per person
duration:
approx. 2.5 h
transport:
Winery Express and walking
level:
Moderate
Welcome to the Upper Rhine. Speyer is over 2,000 years old and occupies a strategic location on a low terrace beside the river. It is Germany’s oldest planned medieval town. Speyer’s most prominent monument is its cathedral. As one of the country’s most important High Romanesque cathedrals, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are sure to have an enjoyable day in Speyer.
Trips
The Palatinate is known for its laid-back atmosphere, its Mediterranean-style climate and its wonderful cuisine. If you like fine wine, good food and regional specialities, you’ve come to the right place. And, as if that wasn’t enough, there are also castles, palaces, museums and mining centres to explore. Your private tour guide will be happy to show you all of this: we recommend that you book a people carrier too, so that you can relax as you discover the beauty of the Palatinate.
price:
€ 459 per reservation for max. 5 people
duration:
approx. 4.5 h
transport:
german tour guide only
level:
Moderate
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Few routes are better known than the Palatinate region’s German Wine Route, which passes through picturesque towns such as Bad Dürkheim, Deidesheim and Neustadt. You’ll find a wealth of treasures of all kinds in this region, which has long been famous for its wine. Thanks to your private people carrier and your driver, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this stunning region in comfort. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.
price:
€ 699 per reservation for max. 5 people
duration:
approx. 4.5 h
transport:
Private Minivan
level:
Easy
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Experience 2,000 years of history in Speyer. This was once the centre of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation. In the historical old town you’ll come across traces of its remarkable past at every turn as you stroll down romantic lanes and cross busy squares. The mighty Speyer Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline. It is the largest Romanesque church today and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of your visit here there’ll be time to have a look around on your own: why not visit the crypt, which was consecrated in 1041 and boasts the largest Romanesque columned hall (admission costs approx. €4).
price:
€ 25 per person
duration:
approx. 2 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Moderate
Heidelberg was already sung about, painted and described by the Romantics. No wonder, given its location on the Neckar and the castle towering over the city! The city's landmark is one of the most famous ruins in Germany. The tour takes you, among other things, through the dreamy inner courtyard and to the famous Great Barrel. Afterwards, you will explore the baroque Old Town with the Old Bridge, the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit), which was completed in the 16th century, and the Haus zum Ritter. It is the most beautiful historic town house in the city. After the tour, you can look around individually before returning to Mannheim by coach.
price:
€ 75 per person
duration:
approx. 4.5 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Demanding
Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city, makes it easy for non-locals to settle in and helps visitors to enjoy their stay here. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.
Trips
Walk along the Rhine into the picturesque old town of Mainz with its half-timbered houses. Visit the outstanding Mainz Cathedral St. Martin, the Gutenberg Museum or the Heunensäule. Mainz has a lot to offer in terms of historical buildings and monuments, which you can discover on a walk with your private English-speaking guide.
price:
€ 289 per reservation for max. 4 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Private tour guide
level:
Moderate
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Mainz is famous for Fastnacht, the city's fifth season. The Mainz tradition is reflected in the city, for example in the Fastnachtsmuseum and the Fastnachtsbrunnen. In addition to this tradition, Mainz has a beautiful old town with historical monuments and buildings to offer. Whether it's a visit to a museum or a tour of Mainz's old town, we'll take you comfortably wherever you want to go.
price:
€ 629 per reservation for max. 4 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Private Minivan
level:
Easy
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Come with us to the city where book printing was revolutionised in the 15th century! Whether a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, a stroll through the old town or a short shopping tour. Your private driver will take you comfortably from A to B.
price:
€ 599 per reservation for max. 2 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Private car
level:
Easy
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Mainz is not only known for its 1000-year-old history. Culinary delights also play a major role in Mainz. Mainz is surrounded by Germany's largest wine-growing region 'Rheinhessen'. On this tour you will discover the heart of Mainz's old town and have the chance to try regional wines during a wine tasting.
price:
€ 45 per person
duration:
approx. 2 h
transport:
walking
level:
Moderate
Welcome to Goethe’s birthplace! Here’s another historical fact while we’re at it: this is where the first German national assembly met in 1848. Today, the metropolis on the Main is home to the headquarters of major banks and is also one of Germany’s most important centres of business and commerce. Frankfurt is also known for its many futuristic-looking high-rises. You’ll get a closer view of them when your Rhine cruise takes you along the Main river.
Trips
Frankfurt am Main is known as a financial and banking metropolis. The Frankfurt skyline is graced by skyscrapers, but Frankfurt has much more to offer. Explore the old town with your English-speaking tour guide, past the Römer and the Paulskirche. Or stroll along the Museum Riverbank and discover Frankfurt's museums. You determine the programme and we implement it for you!
price:
€ 329 per reservation for max. 4 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
walking
level:
Moderate
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Let the skyline of Frankfurt with its skyscrapers pass by and experience the financial and banking metropolis. Enjoy a fantastic view over Frankfurt from the approx. 200 metre high Main Tower or discover the old town. We will take you to the highlights of the city in a relaxed atmosphere and according to your wishes!
price:
€ 459 per reservation for max. 4 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Private Minivan
level:
Easy
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Known as a financial and banking metropolis, with a beautiful old town and the old opera house, Frankfurt has more to offer than skyscrapers. Explore the centre of Frankfurt at the Römer and the Paulskirche or drive to Alt-Sachsenhausen, where apple wine and historic half-timbered houses await you. Get to know the city in cosy togetherness!
price:
€ 429 per reservation for max. 2 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Private car
level:
Easy
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
The skyline, its old town, apple cider - Frankfurt does not fit into any one category. And that's great, because contrasts are exciting. This combination of a city walk and a bus tour takes you to modern boulevards and along the mighty bank skyscrapers, to the quaint district of Sachsenhausen with its apple wine taverns and the historic Römerberg (Roman Mountain). The eponymous 'Roman' has been the city hall since the 15th century. No less impressive is the Baroque Hauptwache (Main Guard House), the Old Opera and the magnificent neoclassical rotunda of St. Paul's Church.
price:
€ 49 per person
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Easy
Frankfurt
Dep 01:00 amWelcome to Goethe’s birthplace! Here’s another historical fact while we’re at it: this is where the first German national assembly met in 1848. Today, the metropolis on the Main is home to the headquarters of major banks and is also one of Germany’s most important centres of business and commerce. Frankfurt is also known for its many futuristic-looking high-rises. You’ll get a closer view of them when your Rhine cruise takes you along the Main river.
Koblenz
Arr 02:00 pm Dep 09:30 pmExperience New Year's Day in Koblenz. Enjoy the first hours of the year and let yourself be enchanted by the sights of the city. Back on board, the next culinary delights are already waiting for you. What a start to the new year!
Trips
Stroll along Koblenz's kilometre-long riverside promenade and discover the city's landmark, the Deutsches Eck with Kaiser Wilhelm I. There you can also see the beautiful confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and not far from the Deutsches Eck, the cable car takes you to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Discover the beautiful corners of Koblenz together with your private English-speaking guide!
price:
€ 299 per reservation for max. 4 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
walking
level:
Moderate
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Discover one of the oldest cities in Germany and one of the most many-sided. Your private people carrier will take you comfortably from A to B, whether to the old town or to the cable car to visit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. A visit to Stolzenfels Castle is also recommended. You decide the programme and we will implement it according to your wishes!
price:
€ 629 per reservation for max. 4 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Private Minivan
level:
Easy
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Experience the romance of the Rhine in Koblenz in the cosiness of your private car. Whether at the Deutsches Eck, in the old town or at the Electoral Palace. We design the programme according to your wishes. To get even closer to the history and life in Koblenz, we recommend an English-speaking guide. This can be booked on request.
price:
€ 599 per reservation for max. 2 people
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Private car
level:
Easy
Hint:
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
On this private culinary excursion, you will walk through the alleys of Koblenz's old town and learn exciting anecdotes about life in the historic city. Learn interesting facts about popular recipes around "Debbekoche", "Dunkes" and "kalde Ent" while strolling past the fascinating and historically well-preserved half-timbered houses. Experience the modern city and its architectural masterpieces and and stop off at various places to sample typical Koblenz specialities and small appetisers.
price:
€ 299 per reservation for max. 4 people
duration:
approx. 2 h
transport:
walking
level:
Moderate
Hint:
This excursion is not available in English.
When modern rationality mixes with southern German nonchalance, something wonderful is created. Koblenz itself is the best example! The excursion begins with the landmark of the city: the monumental Kaiser Wilhelm monument at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The second landmark is the Schängel Fountain, which depicts a cheeky boy. Stroll through the romantic lanes between the Basilica St. Kastor and the Church of Our Lady, both feature impressive Romanesque two-tower façades. You will hear exciting details about the city's history along the way.
price:
€ 0
duration:
approx. 2 h
transport:
walking
level:
Moderate
Hint:
This excursion is included on your cruise. Please book online in advance.
Bonn, located at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a seat of government, it is where many important policies were made. Make the most of the excursions on your Rhine cruise to experience the best of this 2,000-year-old city with a very eventful past. Highlights include the house where Beethoven was born and the magnificent buildings that date back to the prince-electors’ era.
Trips
Bonn used to be the capital of Germany – and there’s still a lot to see there nowadays. It’s Beethoven’s birthplace, a popular university city and home to the United Nations. Bonn has witnessed more than two thousand years of history, so there’ll be much to discover on this sightseeing tour. Afterwards, you can take a walk through the government district, where six federal ministries still have their headquarters. You’ll also see venerable buildings such as Villa Hammerschmidt and Palais Schaumburg here.
price:
€ 55 per person
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Moderate
Opposite Bonn on the other side of the Rhine lies one of Germany's most legendary nature reserves - the Siebengebirge. A lovely panoramic drive will show you this beautiful landscape and take you up to the Petersberg, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Rhine valley and the former federal capital. From here you also have a view of the Drachenfels, where Siegfried of Xanten is said to have once slain the dragon. After the Petersberg, you continue to the choir ruins before passing the northernmost vineyard in the Rhine Valley and returning to the ship.
price:
€ 59 per person
duration:
approx. 3 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Moderate
Bonn
Dep 03:00 amBonn, located at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a seat of government, it is where many important policies were made. Make the most of the excursions on your Rhine cruise to experience the best of this 2,000-year-old city with a very eventful past. Highlights include the house where Beethoven was born and the magnificent buildings that date back to the prince-electors’ era.
Cologne
Arr 06:00 amWe will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.
A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive
Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive.
Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus all transfers and many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.
- Full Board Plus: extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, additional embarkation snack and tea and coffee hour. On many cruises, seasonal supplements such as a midnight snack
- High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks. Also besides the lunch and dinner hours. Exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne.
- Super Early Booking Discount for bookings made until 31 October 2024
- A-ROSA travel cancellation insurance (booking until 30 November 2023)
- Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge on Deck 1.¹
- Change booking one time free of charge up to 30 days prior to departure.
- Half-day excursion included (from 7-night cruises)
- English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
- Comprehensive service concept with guest relations management.
- Destination Scouts will help you make the most of every city experience with insider tips and recommendations.
- Complimentary room service in every cabin category.²
- Free use of the on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room.
- A-ROSA App with information about your cruise.
- Transfer between railway station³ or airport and ship⁴
- 15 % discount on treatments in our SPA-ROSA
- Free e-bikes for independent exploration⁵
- Free WiFi (excluding streaming services)
- Bathroom amenities and bathrobe in the cabin
- On-board entertainment
- Port charges
¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
² Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA.
³Guests receive an extra voucher, valid for day of embarkation or disembarkation in Cologne and Engelhartszell. The transfer in Paris and Lyon is only included when booking the train tickets through A-ROSA.
⁴ The transfer is included when booking the flight through A-ROSA. You will receive an extra voucher with your travel documents.
⁵A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
Dates & Prices
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Arrival & hotel
You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.
The Maritim Hotel Cologne is located directly on the Rhine, only a few steps away from the charming old town, the cathedral and the city centre as well as the central station. The hotel impresses with its extraordinary architecture and has 454 rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with a bathroom/toilet, mini fridge (unfilled), safe, radio, TV and a telephone. In the spacious, glass-roofed hotel lobby you will find a variety of boutiques and restaurants.
Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 119 pp
Single occupancy
€ 179 pp
Double occupancy
€ 129 pp
Single occupancy
€ 209 pp
Double occupancy
€ 159 pp
Single occupancy
€ 279 pp
Luxury in the middle of the city center is what the Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Cologne offers you. The panoramic elevator with a view of the cathedral takes you to your chic room, which includes everything you need to work and relax. In addition, an exclusive fitness and wellness area (fee required) with glass-roofed pool and the chic Harry's New-York Bar await you.
Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 129 pp
Single occupancy
€ 189 pp
Double occupancy
€ 169 pp
Double occupancy
€ 209 pp
Excelsior Hotel Ernst – Cologne's only member of The Leading Hotels of the World – offers a unique combination of tradition and innovation. The hotel’s prominent location near Cologne Cathedral means that it is easy to get to, while the harmonious colour scheme and classic yet modern furnishings create a timeless atmosphere. All rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi for mobile devices and are equipped with SuitePad, the hotel’s digital concierge service. The Michelin-starred restaurant "taku" welcomes you with deliciously authentic East Asian masterpieces. And in the gourmet restaurant "Hanse Stube" you can experience French cuisine with local influences. Access to the hotel gym, sauna and steam bath, use of your hotel room’s minibar and a shoeshine service are all included in the price. Prices include culture tax. Offer not valid during certain trade fairs in Cologne.
We would be pleased to make you an offer based on daily updated rates.
For further information, please contact service@a-rosa.com
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
The listed Steigenberger Hotel is located in the heart of the Rhine metropolis Cologne, just a few minutes away from historic sights. Within a few minutes you can reach Cologne Cathedral as well as the famous Rhine river promenade and other hotspots of the city.
The 305 modern rooms, some of which even have a view over the city Cologne, are more than just a hotel room. The comfortable furnishings of all rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, desk, free local calls, safe, minibar as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle for making tea. The bathrooms are equipped with shower or bathtub.
The Bar Bistro 19NullZwo offers the perfect atmosphere with modern colours and shapes for short breaks with delicious coffee specialities, snacks or a treat for body and soul.
We would be pleased to make you an offer based on daily updated rates.
For further information, please contact service@a-rosa.com