Day 1 to day 9

Day 1 – Ferry to Calais & overnight stay

Ferry to Calais and onwards to our hotel in Belgium or the Netherlands, where we stay overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 – Embarkation in Cologne, Germany

We continue our journey, arriving in Cologne where we board the A-ROSA AQUA for the start of our eight-day cruise. There’s also time to explore the city, well-known for its fine selection of museums, excellent botanical gardens and the famous cathedral which dominates the skyline. Lined with a bustling wide promenade and criss-crossed with bridges, our first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne is destined to be a memorable one. A major trading centre since the Roman times, this impressive city perfectly merges the old and the new.

Day 3 – Willemstad, Netherlands

After a morning sailing, we arrive at Willemstad, a city in the Dutch province of North Brabant. It is a small historical gem with well-preserved fortifications. It received city rights in 1585 and the Reformed Church was built in 1607 as the first new Protestant church building in the Netherlands.

Day 4 – Ghent, Belgium

Our next port of call in the Low Countries takes us along the northern Rhine towards Ghent in Belgium. Here we find enchanting architecture, artistic masterpieces, delightful landscapes and absolute tranquility. The capital of East Flanders is part of a quartet of Flemish centres of art – the others being Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. Discover Ghent’s treasures, including the Baroque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen, a huge fairytale-like castle enclosed by a moat. In the Old Town, amble its atmospheric streets and find the perfect place to sample traditional delicacies and watch as laidback local life pass by. In the evening, we cruise past the Westerschelde, the estuary of the Scheldt River and the ideal vantage point to explore the Netherlands' unique relationship with water and how it has shaped this nation.

Day 5 – Antwerp, Belgium

The port city of Antwerp is an absolute must-see. Rich in art and culture, it is also known as the ‘Diamond City’ due to its important role in the diamond trade. Starting from its medieval heart where cobbled lanes bustle with treat-filled cafes, the riverside fortress that looks as though it's been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale, and a truly remarkable cathedral, there are plenty of historical highlights to discover. Antwerp is also particularly enjoyable for foodies, thanks to the many tasty Belgian specialties on offer there – including waffles, chocolates and frites.

Day 6 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Today we'll arrive at what will undoubtedly be a highlight of our cruise, the colourful and historic Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Our docking location is just footsteps from the city's iconic Centraal Station, gateway to the vibrant Damrak, the main road leading up to the centre of the city, Dam Square. An A-ROSA Destination Scout is on hand to help us get the most from Amsterdam, where there is so much to discover. With its pretty streets and crooked houses dating back to the Golden Age, the city has a huge amount of history under its belt. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum shine a light on Amsterdam’s arty side, while a poignant visit to Anne Frank Huis tells the personal tale of a life lost to the Holocaust.

Day 7 – Ijsselmeer Lakes & Hoorn, Netherlands

There’s a lot to explore on our A-ROSA river cruise between the Frisian Wadden Sea and the open North Sea. The Ijsselmeer is the largest lake in the Netherlands and cruising here today will feel like being out on the ocean. Its shore is a fantastic place for mudflat walking – and with a bit of luck, we may even find oysters washed up at low tide. On dry land, we can explore towns full of rich history, inspiring art and a treasure trove of cultural attractions. The delightful little town of Hoorn lies on the Ijsselmeer, towards the northern Rhine. Back in the 16th century, Hoorn was one of the Netherlands’ thriving ports playing an important part in the country's Golden Age. Today, many of its buildings still bear witness to this heyday. Expect to see tranquil canals crisscrossed by pretty bridges, tall townhouses with rooms stacked on top of one another crowned with ornate gables and an attractive town square lined with impressive buildings. A day here is well-spent strolling around the open green park which fringes the Ijsselmeer, taking a seat at one of the cafés and watching the gentle hum of laidback Dutch life. Or why not visit one of the museums that celebrate the rich history of this Dutch treasure? After a guided walking tour of the town, we enjoy a special Dutch dinner in the evening.

Day 8 – Emmerich, Germany

The beautiful town of Emmerich on the Lower Rhine offers a wonderful promenade with magnificent views of the river. Discover the ‘Golden Gate Bridge of the Lower Rhine’, a suspension bridge spanning over the river, which, just like its role model, can be seen from afar in vibrant red. Be sure to take a souvenir photo.

Day 9 – Disembarkation in Cologne & ferry home

We arrive back in Cologne where we disembark and head to Calais for our return journey home.

Optional Excursions

With A-ROSA, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring the local sights at your leisure or choosing from a range of optional excursions, which are bookable on-board. From tours through metropolises and trips through impressive landscapes to action-packed and fun-filled experiences, there is so much choice! In many cities you have the opportunity to visit the country and its people with a personal guide and driver. Your on-board host will happily provide you with more information.