When your Rhine cruise calls at Antwerp, you’ll quickly realise that this small Flemish port is no stranger to festive sparkle. In fact, sparkle was virtually invented there: this time-honoured commercial city is a major diamond centre, where precious stones are polished until they twinkle like stars. Antwerp itself is also a jewel – from the ship, you’ll have a wonderful view of its grand houses with their decorated stepped gables.
In Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges, Christmas-lit houseboats bob along the canals. The creative Dutch outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter it glows, the better it is. In addition to ice rinks for skating and Dutch-style Christmas markets, many museums are mostly open for those who crave a contrast to angel choirs and tinsel.
Düsseldorf’s old town – also known as ‘the world’s longest bar’ – is the heart of the city. Freshly pulled Altbier (the local beer) in over 300 pubs brings a wide variety of people together for friendly nights out. But you don’t need alcohol to have fun in Düsseldorf. Luxury shopping boulevards like Königsallee, Kö for short, are great places to buy Christmas presents, while snow-covered green spaces and the beautiful Rhine Promenade are lovely places to stroll while taking a break from the legion of wonderful museums in this city of art.
Here we start the contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine. But you should also get to know the cathedral city with its many buildings and attractions. The best way is to arrive already relaxed one day before your cruise or simply extend your stay after the cruise.
Will you receive a gift from your loved one today? In Antwerp is still the opportunity to get a Christmas gift or even explore the city. You will leave the diamond city when Santa Claus is on his way. You think you are safe from him after leaving on the Rhine? Wait and see... In any case, you will have a wonderful evening aboard the A-ROSA fleet!
Antwerp is not only known for being Europe's third-largest port. It is also the most important city in the world when it comes to diamonds – with most of the world’s diamonds traded here. Our bus will pass the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal). It is one of the highlights of Brabantine Gothic and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, you will take a stroll through the historic centre with the Grote Markt and the lavishly decorated Renaissance town hall. A small tour then takes you through Antwerp's diamond district.
€ 59 per person
approx. 4 h
Bus and walking
Moderat
On Christmas Eve you will be in Antwerp. Spend the day with your loved ones in the city or on board. No matter how, you will enjoy Christmas Eve. Experience Antwerp at Christmas and you will have plenty to talk about.
Let the old year come to an end in Europe's exciting capital. It’s a place that immigrants from all corners of the earth have made their home, bringing elements of their own cultures with them. It’s also where modern architecture meets historical pomp and splendour. As well as seeing the city’s landmarks such as the Atomium and Manneken Pis, you’ll visit the Grand-Place. With its baroque guild houses and Gothic town hall, it is considered one of the most beautiful squares of its kind in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And of course, Brussels is also known for its delicious chocolate. That's why our excursion also takes us to a chocolaterie that makes chocolate dreams come true.
€ 82 per person
approx. 6 h
Bus and walking
Moderat
On Christmas Day, Christmas-lit houseboats bob along the canals in Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges. The creative Dutch outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter it shines, the better it is. In addition to ice rinks for skating and Dutch-style Christmas markets, many museums are mostly open for those who crave a contrast to angel choirs and tinsel.
A canal cruise through Amsterdam's old town is something special. This trip on board a typical grachten boat will allow you to discover some of Amsterdam's countless interwoven grachten canals – a 100 km network still used to transport goods today – as well as the delightful houses and bridges that they pass by and under.
€ 49 per person
approx. 2 h
By boat and walking
Leicht
This excursion is not offered on tours where the excursion 'Historic park Keukenhof' is offered.
Düsseldorf’s old town – also known as ‘the world’s longest bar’ – is the heart of the city. Freshly pulled Altbier (the local beer) in over 300 pubs brings a wide variety of people together for friendly nights out. But you don’t need alcohol to have fun in Düsseldorf. Luxury shopping boulevards like Königsallee, Kö for short, are great places to buy Christmas presents, while snow-covered green spaces and the beautiful Rhine Promenade are lovely places to stroll while taking a break from the legion of wonderful museums in this city of art.
Explore the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia by bus. On your tour you will pass the city's landmarks, the old Renaissance town hall, the splendid courtyard garden, whose oldest parts were created in the 18th century, and of course the famous Königsallee, also called 'Kö'. Of course, we also go into the city centre to have a closer look at some sights. Afterwards you can enjoy the view over Düsseldorf from the Rhine Tower, which is not only a TV tower. At 240.5 m, it is the largest building in the city and has also the biggest decimal clock in the world.
€ 65 per person
approx. 3 h
Bus and walking
Moderat
Your contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you start your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to look around further in North Rhine-Westphalia or to explore the cathedral city. Once in Kölle, you should also have visited the cathedral. Have a happy new year, see you soon and Ahoy!
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.
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.
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.
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
