3Nights

Rhine Christmas Markets Mini Cruise 2026

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise

Good vibrations in the Rhineland.

From Cologne to Düsseldorf and Bonn to Cologne.

As soon as the first lights illuminate the riverbanks, the Rhine transforms into a world of Advent magic and festive joy. Cologne welcomes you with its cathedral backdrop, beautifully decorated shopping avenues, and brewery culture. Life pulses along the Rhine between the old town and modern skyline, creating an atmosphere that is truly infectious. Three cities, many perspectives. In just a few days, you will discover the region’s most beautiful Christmas markets and perhaps even find that one special souvenir. Urban flair, and relaxing hours aboard the A-ROSA SILVA come together during the most wonderful time of the year.

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf's Altstadt is the heart of the city and is also known as “the longest bar in the world”. The freshly tapped Altbier in the more than 300 pubs brings a wide variety of people together in harmony. But in fact, you can have fun in Düsseldorf even without alcohol. The luxury boulevards such as the "Kö" are the perfect place to buy Christmas presents, the green spaces, which are covered in a white blanket of snow in winter, and the beautiful Rhine promenade invite you to take a break - if it weren't for the wide variety of museums! Düsseldorf is just a place of art.

Cologne

Your exciting festive cruise begins here. Before you set sail, take the opportunity to discover the city and it's world famous buildings. We recommend arriving a day before your cruise, or simply extending your stay after the cruise to really take everything in leisurely.

Bonn

The charming city on the Rhine transforms into a festive winter wonderland during the Advent season. Bonn’s Christmas market stretches across Münsterplatz, Friedensplatz, and the historic lanes of the city center, enticing visitors with over 160 lovingly decorated stalls, festive scents, and regional delicacies. Illuminated facades, a giant Christmas pyramid, and atmospheric music create a cozy ambiance all around.

Itinerary

Cologne

Dep 06:00 pm

Here is where we embark on our exciting Rhine cruise. You should definitely get to know the city of Cologne with its many monuments and attractions. The best way to do this is to arrive one day before your cruise or simply extend your stay after the cruise.

Düsseldorf

Arr 09:00 pm

Whether you’re strolling along one of Germany’s leading luxury shopping streets, the ‘Kö’, enjoying an Altbier fresh from the tap in one of the old town’s more than 300 pubs or discovering one of the city’s many green spaces, Düsseldorf has almost everything you could wish for. Most of the city’s population seems to frequent the Uerige – the archetypical Düsseldorf brewery – even though the name of the establishment comes from a local word for ‘grumpy’. The Köbesse – as waiting staff are known here – are rather unfriendly, in keeping with tradition. 

Düsseldorf

Dep 01:00 pm

Whether you’re strolling along one of Germany’s leading luxury shopping streets, the ‘Kö’, enjoying an Altbier fresh from the tap in one of the old town’s more than 300 pubs or discovering one of the city’s many green spaces, Düsseldorf has almost everything you could wish for. Most of the city’s population seems to frequent the Uerige – the archetypical Düsseldorf brewery – even though the name of the establishment comes from a local word for ‘grumpy’. The Köbesse – as waiting staff are known here – are rather unfriendly, in keeping with tradition. 

Bonn

Arr 09:00 pm

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.

Bonn

Dep 12:00 pm

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.

Cologne

Arr 03:00 pm

Welcome to Cologne! The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple of glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. 

Welcome to Cologne! The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple of glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. 

A-ROSA BASIC

The tariff for flexible (or spontaneous) relaxation. For certain travel dates we offer the "A-ROSA Basic" tariff with a limited contingent at short notice.

The rate A-ROSA Basic incl. Full Board includes the following services:

  • Indulge all day, every day: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, embarkation refreshment and daily teatime snack (A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA and A‑ROSA CLEA: the main courses are served at the table)
  • Special Welcome & Farewell evenings
  • Culinary treats and regional delicacies
  • Kids Club available on family cruises and all year round on the A-ROSA SENA
  • Comprehensive service concept with guest relations management
  • Varied onboard entertainment programme
  • Water dispensers (Except on board A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA)
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Free use of the onboard facilities such as sauna and fitness room

Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus

Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 39 per night and person at the Premium All-Inclusive fare, you can enjoy tea, coffee and coffee specialities, the most popular cocktails, long drinks and spirits in addition to the already included premium drinks. (during bar opening hours)

Transfer railway station - Ship - railway station

You have the option of booking our transfer service from the railway station to the ship and back for € 28 per person in Passau and € 33 per person in Cologne. The transfer service is only offered on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. For further information, please see your travel information.

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).

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 (available on request at reception).

 

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 (available on request at reception).