7Nights

Southern Rhine Experience 2026

Two couples stand on the sun deck of a river cruise ship, enjoying the view of the Rhine and the surrounding hilly landscape in sunny weather.
Steinbrücke über den Rhein mit historischen Gebäuden und Kirchturm in Basel bei Sonnenuntergang, Ufer mit Steinen im Vordergrund
In the afternoon, the A-ROSA SILVA sails along the Rhine past green, wooded hills on the shore; the sky is blue and slightly cloudy.

Highlights of the Southern Rhine Vacation

Experience your dream vacation on the Rhine!

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

The Rhine is the chameleon of the world’s rivers. Sometimes it seems wild; indeed, in the past it was dangerous, particularly at the Lorelei rocks. At other times it appears vast, as when it joins the Moselle in Koblenz. The romantic meadows of Rastatt invite you to picnic after an afternoon of rowing. And at other times human beings have tamed the river and turned it into an ornamental companion for elegant riverside promenades in cities such as Basle. It’s the perfect match for Baroque and Gothic architecture, and it looks amazing in photos. But its true home is between wild cliffs and dense forests, and between knights’ castles and winemaking villages whose vineyards it has made fertile over the course of its history.

The Mainz Cathedral St. Martin with its distinctive red sandstone towers and pointed roofs, surrounded by green trees and a blooming front garden under a blue sky

Mainz

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.

Old town of Strasbourg with half-timbered houses and canals, surrounded by green trees, under a blue sky.

Strasbourg

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.

Steinbrücke über den Rhein mit historischen Gebäuden und Kirchturm in Basel bei Sonnenuntergang, Ufer mit Steinen im Vordergrund

Basel

Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.

Itinerary

Route map Southern Rhine Experience with the ports Cologne, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Breisach, Basel, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz.
Route map Southern Rhine Experience with the ports Cologne, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Breisach, Basel, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz.

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.

Panoramic view of the city of Cologne with the Cologne Cathedral at sunset. In the foreground, the Hohenzollern Bridge, which crosses the Rhine.

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.

Vineyard in Rüdesheim am Rhein with green rows of vines, overlooking a church, the town, and hilly landscape in the background.

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 Speyer Cathedral in Speyer under a blue sky with a cobblestone square in the foreground where people are strolling.

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.

View from the Kaiserstuhl of Breisach with green vineyards in the foreground and the historic town with the distinctive St. Stephens Cathedral in the background.

Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.

*Breisach, if Basel cannot be reached in exceptional cases

Steinbrücke über den Rhein mit historischen Gebäuden und Kirchturm in Basel bei Sonnenuntergang, Ufer mit Steinen im Vordergrund

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!

Old town of Strasbourg with half-timbered houses and canals, surrounded by green trees, under a blue sky.

Mainz

Arr 06:00 am Dep 12:00 pm

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 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.

The Mainz Cathedral with its distinctive red towers and spires, surrounded by green trees under a blue sky

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.

Die Loreley-Felsformation am Rhein, umgeben von grünen Hügeln und einem klaren blauen Himmel, spiegelt sich im ruhigen Flusswasser wider.

Koblenz

Arr 06:30 pm Dep 09:30 pm

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.

A telescope at a vantage point overlooking the city of Koblenz and the Deutsches Eck, a cable car travels over the river under a clear sky.

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!

Panoramic view of the city of Cologne with the Cologne Cathedral at sunset. In the foreground, the Hohenzollern Bridge, which crosses the Rhine.

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.

  • Full BoardPlus: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with live-cooking stations, embarkation snack, as well as daily tea and coffee time
  • Special Welcome (5 nights and more) & Farewell dinners (7 nights and more)
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities for breakfast, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, as well as a selection of beer and wine included throughout the day, during bar opening hours
  • A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2025, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2025 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2026 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027.
  • Kids up to 15 years of age cruise for free on deck 1¹
  • 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
  • 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 e-bikes for independent exploration, subject to availability⁴
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between 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 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 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 A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
⁵ 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.

Be quick and secure the A-ROSA Best Price - our early booking levels: 

  • Until 31 July 2025 A-ROSA Best Price
  • Until 30 November 2025 Super Early Booking Price
  • Until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027

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

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category S with an extra bed on the A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in Category A on the A-ROSA FLORA and A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category E on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category F on the A-ROSA SILVA with balcony and french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category S with an extra bed on the A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in Category A on the A-ROSA FLORA and A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category E on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category F on the A-ROSA SILVA with balcony and french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category S with an extra bed on the A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in Category A on the A-ROSA FLORA and A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category E on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category F on the A-ROSA SILVA with balcony and french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category S with an extra bed on the A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in Category A on the A-ROSA FLORA and A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category E on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category F on the A-ROSA SILVA with balcony and french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category S with an extra bed on the A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in Category A on the A-ROSA FLORA and A-ROSA SILVA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category E on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

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, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.

Inside view of the cabins in category F on the A-ROSA SILVA with balcony and french balcony.

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.

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.

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

A modern hotel room at the Hotel Dorint in Cologne with a double bed, an armchair, a bench, a round table in front of a window with a view of a church with two towers.

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

€ 138 pp

Single occupancy

€ 208 pp

Double occupancy

€ 148 pp

Single occupancy

€ 248 pp

Double occupancy

€ 198 pp

Single occupancy

€ 328 pp

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA SILVA

In the afternoon, the A-ROSA SILVA sails along the Rhine past green, wooded hills on the shore; the sky is blue and slightly cloudy.