Classic Rhine Cruise to Switzerland

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Classic Rhine Cruise to Switzerland

The delights of the Upper Rhine

Enjoy the easy-going atmosphere and relaxed style on offer aboard A-ROSA CLEA, as you sail through Germany, France and Switzerland.The Premium Inclusive cruise aboard each A-ROSA ship guarantees enjoyment and relaxation. Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations, cocktails in the lounge bar, an on-board spa and much, much more will keep you entertained as you cruise the southern stretch of the Rhine, from Frankfurt and gently back again. We spend a day in gorgeous Speyer, one of the most historic cities in Germany, with its magnificent cathedral. We continue downriver to pretty Breisach and onto Basel, in Switzerland. After a day in this picturesque city, you'll turn north and head back downriver to Strasbourg where you will enjoy an included excursion. Round off your holiday with a visit to Mainz, a beautiful daytime cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge and a speciality farewell dinner.

Holiday Highlights

Nine ports of call
Three excursions
Cruise upstream to Mainz and enjoy a walking tour
An overnight stay close to Strasbourg
Enjoy a day in elegant Basel
A call in Breisach on the edge of the Black Forest
A daytime cruise through the Rhine Gorge
Embark your A-ROSA ship in Frankfurt
A day trip to UNESCO-listed Speyer

What's Included

Seven nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
Return travel from the UK to Frankfurt (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Included coach transfers to the ship (unless you select our Tour Only option)
On-board activities and entertainment
Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
Flexible mealtimes
Included Strasbourg city tour, walking tour of Mainz and tour of Breisach with visit to a champagne cellar.
Stop in UNESCO-listed Speyer
A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew
All port taxes and surcharges

Itinerary

2025

Departures

The following itinerary is for all 2025 departures.

Day 1

Fly from the UK to Frankfurt and transfer to your ship for the week, A-ROSA CLEA. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore this vibrant west-German city, where you'll find a wide variety of museums, art galleries and impressive churches to explore.

Day 2

Wake up along the banks of the Upper Rhine, with a stop in UNESCO-listed Speyer, Germany's oldest planned medieval town. Strategically important and well-placed along the Rhine's main trade routes, this former Roman city boasts a colourful history stretching back over 2000 years and is home to a number of interesting landmarks built throughout the Holy Roman Empire. A visit to Speyer Cathedral, the largest remaining Romanesque cathedral in the world, won't disappoint with its stunning architecture, ruined abbey and imperial burial grounds.

Day 3

The capital of the Grand Est region, formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg sits on the border (the river itself being the border) with Germany. Included excursion exploring the old town with quaint colourful houses and twisting cobbled alleys, the canals of Petit France, magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral - for 227 years, this imposing sandstone structure was the tallest building in the world and at its summit, the views stretch as far as the Black Forest, some 30km away.

Day 4

Day 5

Uniquely positioned where France, Germany and Switzerland meet, Basel retains a strong and proud identity, with a thriving arts scene and bilingual culture. Spend the day exploring its pretty old town, the awe-inspiring cathedral and dipping in and out of the excellent museums. Optional excursions enable you to explore more of Switzerland.

Day 6

Make sure you have your cameras to hand as perched on a steep cliff above the Rhine, admire picturesque Breisach with its pastel-hued buildings set in beautiful rolling vineyards. Where the Black Forest spills into the Alsace region, this German town shares a lot with its French neighbours - its love of good food and good wine among them. Take an optional guided walking tour including a visit to a local champagne cellar including tastings.

Day 7

Today we visit Mainz in the Rhineland's wine-growing region, famed for its Riesling wines. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, and lose yourself among half-timbered buildings housing colourful bars and traditional shops. Visit the impressive 1,000-year-old Mainzer Dome, a masterpiece of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles and the impressive Gutenburg Museum, celebrating Johanes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. As we continue to sail, you can take your place on the sun deck and admire the views of steeply-terraced vineyards plunging down towards the river, picture-perfect villages, fairy tale castles perched on hilltops, rugged cliffs and lush green forests. Your cruise director will bring to life the legends that make this part of Germany so fascinating - a glass of included sparkling wine in hand. Enjoy the evening aboard A-ROSA CLEA before a final dinner with your fellow guests.

Day 8

You'll wake this morning back in Frankfurt, as your unforgettable cruise on the Rhine ends. Disembark, and begin your journey home.

A-ROSA CLEA

Each of A-ROSA's elegant river cruise vessels has been built specifically for the river upon which it sails, offering spacious, contemporary public areas, light, bright cabins and a casual-yet-stylish cruising experience.

Facilities

Relax on a comfy sun lounger, admiring the views of castles, vineyard-clad hills and enchanting riverside towns and villages (perhaps with a drink from the bar), or enjoy a game of shuffleboard or giant chess with friends. Each river cruiser has either a whirlpool or plunge pool, perfect for keeping cool on those warmer days.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. At the end of the cruise you will find a tip box for the entire crew at the reception and the suggested amount is five Euros per guest per day. Of course, you are free to tip individual crew members at any time, should you wish.

Optional shore excursions

Optional excursions are available on all cruises. If the number of bookings needed to operate any excursion is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled.

Dress code

The dress code on board and ashore is comfortable and casual; we recommend that you bring sturdy footwear for excursions. For the restaurant we recommend smart casual dress. Please remember to bring warmer clothes for evenings out on deck.

Disabled guests and guests in need of assistance

All ships have stairs, are not equipped with lifts, and may not be suitable for passengers with restricted mobility. Wheelchairs cannot be used on board.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Luggage

Where possible, we recommend non-rigid suitcases as these are easier to store within your cabin.

Pool

A heated pool can be found on the sun deck of the following ships: A-ROSA DONNA, FLORA, SILVA and STELLA.

Whirlpool

A heated Whirlpool can be found on the following ships: A-ROSA CLEA, and BRAVA.

Cabin facilities

In your cabin you will find a safe installed in the wardrobe, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, insect screens and pool towels. The power supply in your cabin is 220 V/50 Hz. All sockets are European two-pin, meaning you will need to bring an adapter.

Air-conditioning

All A-ROSA vessels are air-conditioned throughout, with individual climate control in each cabin.

Drinking water

The water on board is potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.

Itinerary changes

Unnavigable rivers

Water levels can fluctuate on Europe’s rivers which may result in low or high water conditions in specific destinations. Please be aware that the situation can evolve rapidly, and it is impossible to predict if a cruise will be affected more than a few days in advance. Rest assured water levels are monitored very closely and we will contact you immediately if we are advised that there is likely to be any impact to your upcoming cruise.

Disruption - Delays during your cruise

If progress along the river is disrupted, we will endeavour to keep your holiday going, however the Captain may need to alter the cruise itinerary. This could include remaining moored in the same place extra nights, postponing the departure to the next day or arranging excursions to the itinerary destinations or equivalent alternatives by coach. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

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