LIMITED-TIME OFFER! Enjoy £200pp off with code AROSA200 until 8th May 2023. T&Cs apply.
Return coach travel and ferry crossings
First night at a selected hotel in Belgium or the Netherlands with dinner & breakfast
7 nights round-trip cruise from Cologne, Germany on a premium all-inclusive basis: Extensive breakfast, lunch & gourmet buffet dining (includes al fresco BBQ evening)
Special welcome and farewell dinners
Regional specialities
Afternoon tea & snacks
Cooking demonstrations
Free room service Tea, coffee & water available 24 hours
High-quality drinks (11am-midnight): soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks (exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne)
15% discount on spa treatments
Bottled water, bathroom products, bathrobe and slippers in the cabin
Free Wi-Fi
Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room Use of on-board e-bikes for independent exploration
On-board entertainment (includes two cultural performances)
Guided walking tour of Koblenz
Free A-ROSA app to help you explore each port & A-ROSA Destination Scout in Mainz
Services of an on-board cruise director Port taxes
Please note: there is no seating plan or dress code; free table times ensure a relaxed atmosphere among guests.
Day 1 – Ferry to Calais, France & overnight hotel stay
Ferry to Calais and onwards to our hotel in Belgium or the Netherlands, arriving in time for dinner and our overnight stay.
Day 2 – Embarkation in Cologne, Germany
We continue our journey, arriving in Cologne where we board the A-ROSA BRAVA for the start of our eight-day cruise. Lined with a bustling wide promenade and criss-crossed with bridges, our first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne promises to be unforgettable. A major trading centre since the Roman times, this impressive city merges the old and the new perfectly, with ancient walls and medieval churches nestled next to modern quarters, a vast selection of fascinating museums and the jewel of the city, its famous cathedral.
Day 3 – Rüdesheim
Located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes and is renowned for its wine. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar’, is one of Germany’s principal attractions and the perfect place to sample some of the region’s best vintages.
Day 4 – Nierstein
Also known as Rieslingstadt, Nierstein is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and wineries. Lying directly on the Rhine, it looks back on a long history, including its role as an imperial town in the Middle Ages. Why not enjoy a glass of Riesling in one of its noble courtyards?
Day 5 – Strasbourg
The capital of the Grand Est region and formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg sits right at the border with Germany. The Old Town, with its colourful houses and twisting alleys, truly give Strasbourg this picture-book feel. Head down to the canals of Petit France and hole up in one of the traditional cosy winstubs (Alsatian taverns), before discovering Strasbourg Cathedral. For 227 years, this imposing sandstone structure was the tallest building in the world. At its summit, the views stretch as far as the Black Forest, some 30km away.
Day 6 – Mainz
Sitting at the very heart of the Rhineland's wine growing region, sophisticated Mainz is the perfect mix of history and culture. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and lose yourself among half-timbered buildings houses, vibrant bars, traditional shops and tempting eateries. This area is most famed for its fantastic Riesling and Silvaner wines, so it'd be remiss not to sit, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a chilled glass or two. The Altstadt also plays host to the impressive 1,000-year-old Mainzer Dome, a masterpiece of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles which now houses the fantastic Gutenberg Museum. Named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, the museum boasts two near 600-year-old Gutenberg Bibles. An A-ROSA Destination Scout is on hand in Mainz to help us get the most from our visit.
Day 7 – Lorelei Valley & Koblenz
One of the highlights of the cruise awaits; the Lorelei Valley is Rhine River scenery at its most romantic. We recommend heading to the sun deck and letting the stunning views unfurl in front of our eyes! As we wind down the valley, admire steeply-terraced vineyards plunging down towards the river and chocolate-box villages replete with half-timbered houses and Gothic church steeples. Our sail through the incredible Lorelei Valley takes us to Koblenz - the perfect stop-off point for exploring the gorgeous surroundings and rich history of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. We recommend taking in the Baroque town hall, colourful Alstadt and the impressive hilltop Ehrenbreitstein fortress. A trip over the Rhine via cable car is a must, too! We also enjoy a guided walking tour of Koblenz, which includes the impressive Kaiser Wilhelm monument at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and the unique Schängel Fountain. As we stroll through the romantic lanes between the Basilica St Kastor and the Church of Our Lady with their striking Romanesque two-tower façades, we hear fascinating details about the city’s history. In the evening, we are treated to a specialty dinner on board our ship.
Day 8 – Bonn
Laidback Bonn is one of Germany's oldest cities and the former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. Soak up 2,000 years of history as we discover the renowned university, well-preserved buildings and charming landscape. How about spending some time in pretty Poppelsdorf with its ornate Wilhelminian-style quarter and cosmopolitan Bad Godesberg? A must-visit for music lovers is the Beethoven-Haus where the famous composer was born in 1770 and now pays homage to the largest Beethoven collection in the world.
Day 9 – Disembarkation in Cologne & ferry home
We arrive back in Cologne where we disembark and head to Calais for our return ferry 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.
Important note: For operational reasons, we may occasionally need to use feeder vehicles to fulfil our tours. Similarly for operational reasons, it may be necessary to change your pickup point from your selected pickup point, but we will always notify you of these changes before you depart. Terms & Conditions apply.
A-ROSA BRAVA
Relax on board A-ROSA BRAVA, with 99 outside-facing cabins featuring a TV, hairdryer, en-suite facilities and a bathrobe. There is plenty to keep us entertained on board; join in with fun-filled activities, including a putting green, shuffleboard and a giant chessboard or unwind in the whirlpool, gym and luxurious spa.
Dining is indoors and on the sun deck (weather permitting), while the bar and lounge provide the perfect space to enjoy nightly entertainment.
Price shown is based on two people sharing a twin outside cabin on Deck 1 with port holes. Single cabins on request. Cabin upgrades available (situated on higher decks and complete with Juliette balconies to enjoy watching the delightful riverscapes pass by). Subject to availability.
We also spend the first night of our tour in a well-appointed hotel in Belgium or the Netherlands. The comfortable rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.