7Nights

Southern Rhine Christmas 2025

Evening view of the historic half-timbered houses and a church on the riverbank in Strasbourg with illuminated street lamps and reflections in the water.
Christmas market in Koblenz at night with a colorfully illuminated historic building, decorated Christmas trees, and a lit fountain with figures
Stylishly set restaurant area of the A-ROSA CLEA with windows, floral decorations, and dimmed lighting.

Highlights of the Southern Rhine Christmas Cruise

This year there will be no pre-Christmas stress with your dream holiday!

From Frankfurt to Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Wiesbaden, Speyer*, Strasbourg, Mannheim and Mainz to Frankfurt.

From the A-ROSA ship into the nave. One of the most beautiful: that of Strasbourg Cathedral. You're almost surprised that the Gothic arches don't tremble at the sound of the organ before you realise that they've been standing there for almost 600 years. A Christmas mass in this world-famous cathedral is unforgettable. The medieval streets of Mainz and Koblenz are more down-to-earth and cosy. Half-timbered houses, fairy lights and the aroma of roasting apples warm the heart and the vintner's punch warms the stomach and head. Only the poor Loreley sits on her cold winter rock and looks out over the Rhine. Her legendary stories are best told over biscuits and hot chocolate. With icing on the cake.

Christmas tree with many lights next to an illuminated historic building at Römerberg in Frankfurt at night.

Frankfurt

‘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.

Christmas market in Koblenz at night with a colorfully illuminated historic building, decorated Christmas trees, and a lit fountain with figures

Koblenz

Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.

Mother and child are looking at a shop window with a Santa Claus figure together, the child is holding a lollipop and the mother a piece of pastry.

Rüdesheim

Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.

Itinerary

Route map Course Southern Rhine Christmas with the ports Frankfurt, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Wiesbaden, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mannheim, and Mainz.
Route map Course Southern Rhine Christmas with the ports Frankfurt, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Wiesbaden, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mannheim, and Mainz.

Our cruise starts in the vibrant city of Frankfurt am Main. In addition to its imposing skyscrapers, the Finance, Business and Euro metropolis also has picturesque alleyways with a special historical atmosphere.

Die Alte Oper in Frankfurt bei Nacht und mit einem weihnachtlich beleuchteten Brunnen im Vordergrund. Es rieselt Schnee

Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.

Christmas market in Koblenz at night with a colorfully illuminated historic building, decorated Christmas trees, and a lit fountain with figures

Trips

When modern rationality mixes with southern German nonchalance, something wonderful is created. Koblenz itself is the best example! The excursion begins with the landmark of the city: the monumental Kaiser Wilhelm monument at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The second landmark is the Schängel Fountain, which depicts a cheeky boy. Stroll through the romantic lanes between the Basilica St. Kastor and the Church of Our Lady, both feature impressive Romanesque two-tower façades. You will hear exciting details about the city's history along the way.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Luftaufnahme der Festung Ehrenbreitstein mit Blick auf den Zusammenfluss von Rhein und Mosel in Koblenz bei Sonnenuntergang

Rüdesheim

Arr 04:00 am Dep 12:30 pm

The town describes its biggest attraction, the world-famous Drosselgasse, as ‘144 metres of joie de vivre’. This centre of Rhine Romanticism once inspired poets and musicians – it was here that Brahms composed his Symphony No. 3. Rüdesheim is the best-known spot in the Rheingau and has plenty of cultural attractions, including stately homes and fortifications. And no visit to the towns and countryside of this area of the Rhine would be complete without a Rüdesheim coffee, which was invented here.

Mother and child are looking at a shop window with a Santa Claus figure together, the child is holding a lollipop and the mother a piece of pastry.

Trips

Just before Christmas, the city of Rüdesheim glitters in matchless splendour. Come with us and stroll along the atmospheric Christmas market to the largest nativity scene in Germany and try the local mulled wine. During the guided tour, you will also experience the marketplace, the Oberstraße, the world-famous Drosselgasse and the Rhine promenade. And if you do not want to return to your A-ROSA cruise ship just yet, you can simply stay in the old town and enjoy the peaceful bustle.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Christmas market stall with several gingerbread hearts in the foreground

Wiesbaden

Arr 02:30 pm Dep 10:00 pm

Wiesbaden, a city of elegance and joy, where magnificent architecture, green parks, and vibrant city life intertwine to create a harmonious whole. Immerse yourself in the world of spa houses and thermal springs, stroll along the magnificent boulevards, and let yourself be enchanted by the relaxed atmosphere of this charming city.

Christmas market in Wiesbaden at night, with festively lit stalls and a church in the background while it is snowing.

Trips

Join us on an excursion through Wiesbaden and discover the pleasure of sparkling wine at Henkell Freixenet. A short walk takes you to the impressive Biebrich Palace with its breathtaking baroque façade. From here, a round trip on the little train takes you past the impressive sights of Wiesbaden. Past the Kurhaus, the town hall and the Sternschnuppenmarkt to your next destination. A fascinating cellar tour awaits you at Henkell Freixenet. Immerse yourself in the world of sparkling wine, learn interesting facts about its production and enjoy a glass. On the journey back you will pass the charming centre of Wiesbaden-Biebrich and return to Biebrich Palace, from where you can walk back to the ship.

price:

€ 89.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Train and walking

level:

Moderate

Several filled champagne flutes with sparkling champagne in front of a bottle and ice cubes.

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

Winterliche Stadtansicht von Speyer mit imposanten Dom im Hintergrund bei Nacht

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:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

The Speyer Cathedral under a clear blue sky, in front a street with pedestrians, historic buildings, and bus stops in the sunshine.

Spend Christmas Eve in the beautiful metropolis of Strasbourg. The first time seeing the monumental Strasbourg Cathedral, built from pink Vosges sandstone, is a memory to be treasured. And as soon as the mighty bells begin to ring and the choir strikes up its Christmas carols, the moment is complete: a truly stunning Christmas atmosphere.

A woman with a hat from behind in front of a Christmas market in Strasbourg at night, with festively lit stalls between historic buildings and a large, illuminated Christmas tree.

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. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Straßburger Altstadt mit Fachwerkhäusern und der Kathedrale im Hintergrund, umgeben von Bäumen und einem Fluss bei Sonnenuntergang.

Strasbourg

Dep 01:00 am

Discover the historic city centre of Strasbourg, which is characterised by picturesque half-timbered houses, narrow alleyways and impressive historic buildings. The most iconic landmark is certainly Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral with an impressive façade and a 142 metre high tower from which you can enjoy a fantastic view over the whole city.

Nächtlicher Blick auf die Kathedrale in Straßburg durch eine Gasse zur Weihnachtszeit. Die Gasse ist festlich beleuchtet.

Mannheim

Arr 10:30 am Dep 08:00 pm

The picturesque promenades along the river in Mannheim are ideal for a quaint winter stroll. You may even hear Christmas music playing, as the city is proud of its musical tradition and is known worldwide as the birthplace of the modern violin concerto.

Christmas market in Mannheim at night, with festively lit stalls and a large tower in the center.

Trips

Heidelberg was already sung about, painted and described by the Romantics. No wonder, given its location on the Neckar and the castle towering over the city! The city's landmark is one of the most famous ruins in Germany. The tour takes you, among other things, through the dreamy inner courtyard and to the famous Great Barrel. Afterwards, you will explore the baroque Old Town with the Old Bridge, the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit), which was completed in the 16th century, and the Haus zum Ritter. It is the most beautiful historic town house in the city. After the tour, you can look around individually before returning to Mannheim by coach.

price:

€ 69.00 per person

duration:

approx. 4 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Heidelbergs Kornmarkt at dusk, illuminated by street lamps, with the Madonna statue at the center, surrounded by historic buildings and Heidelberg Castle in the background.

Mainz

Arr 12:30 am Dep 12:30 pm

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 corner. Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on the cathedral square. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral is also a sight to behold.

View of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral at night, with the tip of a Christmas pyramid in front. In the foreground, bare trees adorned with string lights.

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

Zwei Weingläser mit Weißwein auf einem Tablett, im Hintergrund ein Fluss

Frankfurt

Arr 05:30 pm

Spend the second Christmas Day simply unwinding with a coffee or hot chocolate on board. Follow this up with a stroll along the wintry Main River or a visit to the Imperial Cathedral. It's wonderful how relaxing Christmas can be.

Christmas-decorated Römerberg in Frankfurt with festively illuminated buildings and a large Christmas tree in the center.

Trips

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.

price:

€ 39.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Platz in Frankfurt mit historischen Fachwärkhäusern bei Abenddämmerung

Your journey ends in Frankfurt am Main, also known as "Mainhattan". Before you start your journey home, use the day to take a further look around to stroll past the impressive skyline with its modern skyscrapers.

Christmas market in the old town of Frankfurt am Main at night, with festively lit stalls and a large, decorated Christmas tree and skyscrapers in the background.

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: breakfast and lunch buffets, in the evening you choose your starters and desserts from the delicious buffet, the main courses are served at the table.
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, as well as a selection of wines included throughout the day
  • Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.
  • Children up to and including 15 years accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount.¹
  • One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
  • Comprehensive service concept with Guest Relations Management
  • Varied onboard entertainment for cruises of 7 nights or more with local performers
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Free use of the on-board facilities such as whirlpool and fitness room
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request
  • 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 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.

A-ROSA Early Booking Price for bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.

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

Dates & Prices