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.
Itinerary
You will spend Christmas Eve in the center of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians. For example, Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. From a cultural point of view, the most famous place in the Rheingau has a lot to offer, including historic aristocratic courts and fortifications. And of course, on this day of your Christmas cruise on the Rhine, the coffee speciality "Rüdesheimer Kaffee", invented here, should not be missed.
Trips
In the middle of the Rheingau along the Rhine lies a true gem. Rüdesheim has so much more to offer than the famous 'Drosselgasse'. During a short city walk you will pass the 'Brömserburg' from the 10th century, various Aldes courts and a beautiful half-timbered house from the 16th century - the 'Klunkhardshof'. At the end of our tour the famous street 'Drosselgasse' should not to be missed. Lined with wine taverns and bars with outdoor seating, it offers 144 metres of pure enjoyment. You’ll have the opportunity to stop off and try traditional wines or coffee specialities of Rüdesheim.
price:
€ 25 per person
duration:
approx. 2 h
transport:
walking
level:
Moderate
You will spend Christmas Day in Germersheim near the over 2000 year old city of Speyer. Speyer is considered the oldest planned city of the Middle Ages on German soil. The cathedral is the most important building of Speyer, one of the most famous High Romanesque cathedrals in Germany, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Trips
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:
€ 49 per person
duration:
approx. 3.5 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Moderate
From Germersheim it’s just a short bus ride to Speyer’s historical old town. The bus will stop near the imposing cathedral and the famous Technik Museum Speyer. The pedestrian precinct is just a stone’s throw from here, and you’ll have plenty of time to have a look around on your own.
price:
€ 35 per person
duration:
approx. 3.5 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Easy
On Boxing Day, you will reach the metropolis of Strasbourg on your Christmas cruise on the Rhine. This is where the big European politics take place. Strasbourg shines with its medieval half-timbered houses and elegant city palaces. Highlight: The Strasbourg Cathedral. From the viewing platform, the half-timbered houses look like a model railway landscape. Enjoy the day in the French part of the Rhine.
Trips
The capital of the Alsace region offers an exciting mix of tradition and modernity with a large portion of savoir-vivre. The tour will take you to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and continues to the historic centre known as 'Petite France'. You will explore this little gem with its historic buildings on foot, such as the Liebfrauenmünster (Strasbourg Cathedral). It is one of the world’s largest sandstone buildings.
price:
€ 69 per person
duration:
approx. 4 h
transport:
Bus and walking
level:
Moderate
Mainz
Arr 06:00 am Dep 12:00 pmMainz 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
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
Koblenz
Arr 06:30 pm Dep 09:30 pmOn your Christmas cruise discover the city of Koblenz with its sights and cultural offerings - one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Germany with over 2000 years of history. The castles, former aristocratic courts and stately town houses, narrow streets and romantic corners of the city are waiting for your visit. With our A-ROSA ship we sail directly past the famous Deutsches Eck.
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!
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 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 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.
Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.
Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.
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 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.
Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.
Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.
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