The Roman commander Drusus founded Strasbourg as a military outpost in 12 BCE. Today it is a thriving metropolis that has maintained many small half-timbered houses and an historic old town. Even the briefest glance at Strasbourg Cathedral will tell you that you are standing before one of the most important of its kind in Europe – and one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world.
‘Hier bin ich Mensch, hier darf ich’s sein’ (‘Here I am man, dare man to be’). This quote by Frankfurt’s most famous son – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – actually comes from his play Faust (and the English translation by Bayard Taylor), but it is also a very fitting way to describe Goethe’s hometown. Frankfurt’s combination of modern skyscrapers housing major finance companies and the old town with its historic buildings and half-timbered houses is unique. And if you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle, you can take a leisurely walk along the lovely bank of the Main.
Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city 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. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture.
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.
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.
*alternatively Germersheim, depending on availability
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.
€ 459.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people
approx. 4.5 Hours
german tour guide only
Moderate
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.
€ 699.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people
approx. 4.5 Hours
Private Minivan
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
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.
€ 29.00 per person
approx. 2 Hours
walking
Moderate
Today your Rhine river cruise will call at Strasbourg – a centre of European policymaking. With its medieval half-timbered houses and its elegant city palaces, Strasbourg really stands out from the crowd. But the highlight is the cathedral. From its viewing platform, the city’s half-timbered houses appear as small as pieces from a model railway set. Enjoy your day in the French part of the Rhine region!
Discover the best of Strasbourg with your private English-speaking tour guide – whether you opt to explore the European quarter, the former tanners’ quarter Petite France or the cathedral. You’ll decide what you want to do, and your guide will tailor the tour to meet your individual requirements. Walking through Strasbourg is like travelling through time, and you can choose which eras you’d like to experience.
€ 399.00 per Reservation for max. 6 people
approx. 4 Hours
german tour guide only
Moderate
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Would you like to explore Strasbourg on your own while travelling in comfort? Then book a private people carrier for up to six people. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish. Whether you go alone, as a couple or with new friends you’ve made on your cruise, you’ll be able to discover the parts of Strasbourg that you’re most interested in.
€ 799.00 per Reservation for max. 6 people
approx. 4 Hours
Private Minivan
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Experience the picturesque city of Strasbourg on an exclusive excursion that perfectly combines culture and pleasure. On a walk through the historic old town, you will pass idyllic neighbourhoods such as the famous La Petite France with its numerous half-timbered houses. You will then stroll past Strasbourg Cathedral and stop off at a restaurant where you can sample the typical Alsatian speciality of tarte flambée. Accompanied by a glass of wine, you can savour the regional cuisine.
€ 1,399.00 per Reservation for max. 6 people
approx. 4 Hours
Minivan and walking
Moderate
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
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.
€ 69.00 per person
approx. 3.5 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
In 1931 the French writer Georges Duhamel described Colmar as the most beautiful city in the world. And there’s no denying that the self-proclaimed capital of Alsatian wine is a real gem. During a walking tour you’ll see architectural masterpieces spanning six centuries. The houses in the picturesque quarters such as Little Venice – the tanners’ district – are particularly attractive. After the tour you’ll have some time to explore on you own.
€ 79.00
approx. 5.5 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
The little town of Breisach perches on a steep cliff along the Rhine, to the south-west of the Kaiserstuhl hills. Its main landmark is the cathedral, Münster Sankt Stephan. Set high above the town on a hill (Latin name: Mons Brisiacus), the church overlooks the Rhine valley, housing an impressive collection of artworks. Geldermann, a well-known producer of sparkling wine, is also based here. A visit to Breisach is an absolute must during your Rhine cruise.
During a short guided tour you will first of all explore Breisach and the Münsterberg. Passing St. Stephansmünster, we continue our trip into the well-known champagne cellar Geldermann. Here you will go into the vault, learn a lot about the sparkling drink and taste three types of sparkling wine. You will then go back on board individually.
€ 32.00 per person
approx. 2.5 Hours
walking
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 over 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.
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.
€ 289.00 per Reservation for max. 4 people
approx. 3 Hours
Private tour guide
Moderate
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.
€ 629.00 per Reservation for max. 4 people
approx. 3 Hours
Private Minivan
Easy
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.
€ 599.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people
approx. 3 Hours
Private car
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
The carnival city of Mainz has a lot to offer. Discover the picturesque old town with its beautiful half-timbered houses, the Rhine promenade or the carnival fountain in a relaxed way with a rickshaw. Without much effort, you will experience the sights of the city and learn interesting facts about Gutenberg, the life and history of Mainz.
€ 259.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people
approx. 2 Hours
Rickshaw and walking
Easy
No rain protection. 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.
€ 39.00 per person
approx. 2 Hours
walking
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.
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!
€ 329.00 per Reservation for max. 4 people
approx. 3 Hours
walking
Moderate
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!
€ 459.00 per Reservation for max. 4 people
approx. 3 Hours
Private Minivan
Easy
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!
€ 429.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people
approx. 3 Hours
Private car
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Let the Frankfurt skyline pass by without much effort and marvel at the mighty bank skyscrapers and the quaint old town. Enjoy a relaxed rickshaw ride past Frankfurt's sights and learn interesting facts about the old opera house, St. Paul's Church and life in Frankfurt am Main.
€ 259.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people
approx. 2 Hours
Rickshaw and walking
Easy
No rain protection. This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Experience the vibrant metropolis on the Main during an evening excursion that perfectly combines culture and culinary delights. Frankfurt am Main is a city full of contrasts. You will pass historical sites and monuments such as St Paul's Church and the Römer. At the same time, you will discover the city's trendy and modern districts, which illustrate Frankfurt's role as a centre for culture, science and business in Europe. The excursion is rounded off with culinary delights in the new Old Town, where you can savour the city's traditional drink, cider.
PLEASE NOTE: A bus will be required for the excursion on 28 August 2025, therefore the excursion price will increase to € 59 per person.
€ 39.00 per person
approx. 2 Hours
walking
Moderate
After an exciting cruise on the Rhine, you will be docking back in Cologne today. 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. 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 If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.
PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between 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 € 19 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 € 30 per person in Cologne and Frankfurt. The transfer service is only offered on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. For further information, please see your travel information.
