Christmas Rhine Cruise

Be the first to know Would you like to receive the latest updates, special offers and promotions from Radio Times? Sign up to our newsletter

By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy.

An unforgettable Christmas

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of an A-ROSA river cruise, as you spend a wonderful festive break exploring the southern Rhine’s finest medieval cities. As your A-ROSA river cruiser carries you away from Cologne overnight, you'll have time to unwind and enjoy all the benefits of your Premium Inclusive package. Whether that means cocktails and conversation at the bar, a leisurely meal from the gourmet buffet or treating yourself to a little extra luxury and a pre-booked private meal in the elegant dining room, your time will be yours to fill as you please. After a morning cruising south on the Rhine, you’ll spend an afternoon and evening exploring lively Mainz, before calling at historic Speyer, Germany’s oldest planned medieval town, the following day. Continuing your journey south, you’ll stop at Alsace capital Strasbourg, home to Europe’s oldest Christmas market. Make a final stop at picturesque Koblenz, which sits on the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine, as you head back to Cologne.

Holiday Highlights

Spend free time in historic Speyer and Alsace capital Strasbourg – home to Europe’s oldest Christmas market
Calls at medieval Mainz and pretty Koblenz
The chance to enjoy special festive meals and entertainment on board
Embark A-ROSA SILVA in Cologne

What's Included

Five nights' Premium Inclusive cruise accommodation
Return travel from the UK
Included coach transfers to the ship
A visit to Speyer
Free Wi-Fi on board
On-board activities and entertainment
Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
Flexible mealtimes
A FREE unlimited Premium 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
15 per cent off on a range of beauty and wellness treatments in the on-board spa, SPA-ROSA
The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew
All port taxes and surcharges

Itinerary

Day 1

Travel to Cologne, where you’ll board your sleek A-ROSA vessel at the quayside. Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll have time to explore the city of Cologne under your own steam, with its 2,000-plus years of fascinating history, famous twin-spired Gothic cathedral and lovingly restored Altstadt (old town), before your ship departs in the late afternoon. The historic Altermarkt square, with its festive market, is the perfect spot for a bit of people watching. When the time comes, board your ship, dine when you wish at the gourmet buffet, maybe enjoying a nightcap before turning in.

Day 2

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll arrive in the picturesque Rhineland city of Mainz around midday. Step ashore to discover this historic city on an included tour, which is capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate and the hometown of Johannes Gutenburg, the father of the printing press. Mainz is over 2,000 years old and home to a six-towered cathedral, Gutenberg Museum and a delightful Altstadt of half-timbered houses, which looks all the more impressive dressed in festive finery and with the historic market square transformed into a beautiful Christmas market. Later, dine on board, or spend a couple of enjoyable hours ashore in the city’s colourful Altstadt before you sail on in the late evening.

Day 3

By morning you will arrive in Germersheim. Here you will board coaches for the short transfer to ancient, riverside Speyer, once one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire, and which is still today dominated by the vast, 1000-year-old UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral, burial place of German kings and emperors. Speyer is actually Germany’s oldest planned medieval town and a delight to explore during the festive season. You’ll transfer back to the boat in the early evening, to enjoy a relaxing evening on board.

Day 4

This morning you’ll moor up at Alsace capital Strasbourg. Head into the heart of the city; perhaps discover and explore the ancient Petite France quarter, a maze of narrow streets of medieval buildings, criss-crossed by canals. Strasbourg is especially popular at this time of year thanks to its famous Christmas market, which is the oldest in Europe, started in 1570. Enjoy a day spent exploring this charming city of half-timbered houses, before transferring back to your ship in the evening.

Day 5

After lunch, you’ll tie up in Koblenz, which sits spectacularly at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle. A strategic stronghold for over 2,000 years, Koblenz is dominated by the imposing mass of the mighty Ehrenbreitstein fortress on the far bank. Step ashore to spend a wonderful evening exploring the riverside promenade to Deutsches Eck, where the rivers converge, or take a seat in a café or weinstube.

Day 6

Your A-ROSA experience ends this morning, as you arrive back in Cologne early, disembark and begin your journey home.

A-ROSA SILVA

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 views of crumbling castles, vineyard-clad hills and enchanting riverside towns and villages - perhaps with a drink from the rooftop bar - or enjoy a game of shuffleboard or giant chess with friends. Each river cruiser also has either a whirlpool or plunge pool, perfect for keeping cool on those warmer days. On fine days you'll find A-ROSA chefs on the top-deck, masterfully barbecuing, so you can enjoy a lunch with a view. As the sun sets, the top-deck is the perfect place to take in the day's end.

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.

Luggage

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

Itinerary changes

On rare occasions, the Captain may need to alter the Cruise Itinerary. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.

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.

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. In this case your payment will be refunded in full.

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.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in accordance with A-ROSA's conditions of use. You can request a login and password from reception. Internet reception is limited and will vary from location to location.

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 AQUA, and VIVA.

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 potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.

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.

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.

Holiday provided by

Read further information about our partner and full Terms and Conditions by clicking here

Title:
Firstname:		* required
Lastname:		* required
Email Address:		* required
Phone Number:
Address Line 1:		* required
Address Line 2:
Town:		* required
County:		* required
Postcode:		* required