5Nights

Rhine Enchanting Christmas 2025

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise

To enjoy a relaxed Christmas on the Rhine is no fairy tale.

From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Germersheim (Speyer), Strasbourg (Kehl), Mainz, Loreley Valley and Koblenz to Cologne.

Il est né le divin enfant: “He is born, the Heav'nly Child,” intones the choir in the mighty nave of Strasbourg Cathedral. The Gothic arches seem to lead up into heaven to produce a scene that never fails raise the goosebumps. Christmas Mass in this world-famous Cathedral is an unforgettable experience. The medieval lanes of Mainz and Koblenz are somewhat quieter and more down-to-earth. Timbered houses, fairy lights and the aroma of baked apples warm the heart, while the wine punch warms the belly and the mind. But poor Lorelei sits on her wintry rock and looks out at the Danube. The best way to recount the legends about her is over baked Christmas delicacies and hot chocolate. With cream on top.

Strasbourg

At first, it is the sight of the cathedral in Strasbourg, built of pink sandstone, that captures you automatically. And as soon as the mighty bells begin to play and the choir starts singing its Christmas carols, it is finally there: a truly overwhelming Christmas feeling. Il est né le divin enfant: "The divine child has been born," intones the choir in the enormous nave. The Gothic arches seem to lead straight to heaven, and at this point at the latest, every listener has goose bumps. A Christmas Mass in this world-famous cathedral is unforgettable.

Koblenz

On 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.

Mainz

With 2,000 years of city history, Mainz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also a place where great history comes alive at every turn. Traditions are also fully celebrated at Christmastime! Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you.

Itinerary

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. 

Christmas Eve: Spend Christmas Eve in the centre of Rhine Romanticism, a place that once inspired both poets and musicians. Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. The most famous town in the Rheingau has a lot to offer in terms of culture, including historic courtyards and fortifications. And of course, on this day of your Christmas cruise on the Rhine, the coffee speciality ‘Rüdesheimer Kaffee’, which was invented here, is a must.

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:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Christmas Day: You will spend Christmas Day in Germersheim, not far from the over 2000-year-old city of Speyer. Speyer is considered to be the oldest standing town from the Middle Ages on German soil. The Speyer Cathedral is the most important building in Speyer, one of the most important Romanesque cathedrals in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trips

Immerse yourself in the past and experience the history of Speyer in a unique way. On a city walk with a tour guide in historical costume, you will be transported back to the time of emperors and kings. Stroll through the historic old town, where you will be guided through picturesque streets and past centuries-old buildings. The city's landmark is the majestic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monuments of Romanesque architecture. Listen to exciting stories and anecdotes from Speyer.

price:

€ 52.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Boxing Day: On Boxing Day, you will sail to the city of Strasbourg on your Christmas cruise on the Rhine. Here is where the major European politics unfold. Strasbourg is a unique place with its medieval half-timbered houses and elegant city palaces. A highlight: the Strasbourg Cathedral. From the observation deck, the half-timbered houses look like a miniature 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:

€ 69.00 per person

duration:

approx. 4 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Mainz

Arr 06:00 am Dep 12:00 pm

Mainz is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. 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:

€ 39.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Loreley Valley

Arr 01:00 pm

The Loreley Passage is a paradisiacal route along the Rhine known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance. Along this passage, steep cliffs and dense forests stretch while the river flows calmly. Legend has it that the Loreley, a beautiful nymph, once sat on the rocks and lured sailors to their doom with her singing - a myth that continues to captivate the imagination of visitors to this day.

Koblenz

Arr 06:30 pm Dep 09:30 pm

 Koblenz is where you’ll find Roman history, a high-tech research hub and a buzzing cultural scene all in one place. Don’t miss the delightful Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen, the southern part of the Rhine promenade. It was turned into a landscaped park with artistic historical monuments and sculptures between 1856 and 1861. If you fancy a treat, try Debbekooche. Originally eaten by those who couldn’t afford goose on Saint Martin’s Day, it is now considered a regional speciality and is traditionally served with apple sauce. Delicious! 

Trips

Let yourself be enchanted by the old town and the magnificent sights on this evening walk through Koblenz. Walk along the Moselle to the Deutsches Eck, where you can marvel at the monumental Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, as well as the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress opposite. Stroll through the romantic alleys into the old town, past the Schängelbrunnen, a monument to a rascal. Between the Romanesque churches of St. Kastor and the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) you will learn exciting information about the history of Koblenz.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 1.5 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Your festive Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you set off on your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to explore North Rhine-Westphalia and the city of Cologne? The imposing cathedral of Cologne is a must-see. 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 many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

  • Indulge all day, every day: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, embarkation refreshment and daily coffee time
  • Water, soft drinks, juices, draught lager, non-alcoholic lager, sparkling wine, and A-ROSA white and red wine during bar opening hours; tea, coffee and coffee specialities at breakfast and coffee time
  • A-ROSA Best Price for bookings made until 31 July 2026
  • Super-Early-Booking-Price for bookings made until 30 November 2026
  • Early-Booking-Price for bookings made until 28 February 2027
  • Kids up to 11 years of age cruise for free on deck 11
  • Children aged 12-15 accompanied by an adult pay a fixed child rate on deck 1: up to 5 nights € 60 per night and from 7 nights € 90 per night (except A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA, A‑ROSA CLEA)1
  • One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
  • Room service in every cabin grade (during bar hours)2
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Special prices for additional services on board, e.g. SPA treatments, workshops3
  • Free use of the onboard amenities such as sauna and gym4
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between the airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA5
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request


1 Children up to and including 11 years of age travel free of charge on Deck 1 when accompanied by at least one (2 adults in Cat. G) supervising adult. For children between 12 and 15 years of age a fixed price is charged on Deck 1 when accompanied by a superivising adult: cruises up to 5 nights € 60 per night/per child and from 7 nights € 90 per night/per child. From Deck 2 onwards, children up to and including the age of 15 accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to the age of 7 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 and 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 Drinks only according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
3 Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
4 No sauna on board A‑ROSA ALEA and A‑ROSA CLEA.
5 If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the details with your travel information.

PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between the railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.

Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus

Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 24.50 per night and person at the Premium All-Inclusive fare, you can enjoy 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 € 25 per person in Passau and € 30 per person in Cologne & Duisburg. The transfer service is only offered on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. For further information, please see your travel information.

Be quick and secure the best price for your dream holiday 2027:

  • A-ROSA Best Price: for bookings made until 31 July 2026

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices