Europe Christmas Markets 2023: 10-Night Rhine Package

Our two, 10-nights packages commence with one night in Cologne, Germany before enbarking on a 4-night cruise on the A-ROSA AQUA visiting Rüdesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt and Koblenz.

Returning to Cologne, we transfer to the A-ROSA SENA for a 5-night cruise visiting Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Utrecht before cruising back to Cologne.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Cologne

After checking into your centrally located hotel, you have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. With 6 Christmas Markets and the world-famous Cologne Catherdral to explore, you will be spoied for choice. Overnight at Steigenberger Hotel (or similar).

Day 2: Cologne (Embark A-Rosa Aqua)

Morning at leisure in Cologne. This afternoon you will be transferred to the A-ROSA AQUA and have time to explore the ship before enjoying dinner onboard.

Day 3: Rüdesheim and Mainz

Today you will visit the center of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians. For example, Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. From a cultural point of view, the most famous place in the Rheingau has a lot to offer, including historic aristocratic estates and fortifications. And of course, the coffee speciality “Rüdesheimer Kaffee”, invented here, should not be missed on this day on the Rhine.

With 2,000 years of city history, Mainz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also a place where great history comes alive at every turn. Traditions are also fully celebrated at Christmastime! Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you.

Day 4: Frankfurt

Frankfurt proves that it can do Christmas as well as business with its tall Christmas tree. Between Römerberg and the historic Paulskirche down to the banks of the Main, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in Germany takes place every winter. Market and metropolis offer on this Rhine cruise plenty of material for the gift shopping. Regional products such as Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry with almonds, or hot apple wine are particularly popular.

Day 5: Koblenz

On your journey to the most beautiful Christmas markets on the Rhine, you will explore Koblenz today. You can expect a variety of delicacies, the Christmas romance of the city and, of course, the smell of mulled wine. Delightful!

Day 6: Cologne (Disembark A-ROSA AQUA / Embark A-ROSA SENA)

After disembaking fron A-ROSA AQUA we will board the A-ROSA SENA and continue our festivities as we head north towards The Netherlands!

Day 7: Rotterdam

Small but nice is the Christmas market in the center of Rotterdam – Christmas spirit comes easily even here. Marvel at the endless lights of the futuristic-looking city. Choose to warm up with one glass (or even more) of mulled wine, stroll contemplatively through the city center or eagerly search for gifts and small souvenirs.

Day 8: Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges, Christmas-lit houseboats bob along the canals. The creative Dutch outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter it glows, the better it is. In addition to ice rinks for skating and Dutch-style Christmas markets, many museums are mostly open for those who crave a contrast to angel choirs and tinsel.

Day 9: Utrecht

Utrecht is also transformed into a fairytale city during Advent and Christmas. Between the Christmas trees and warm lights you walk through the alleys of Utrecht, to the heart of the city – the cathedral, which stretches over the rooftops. And as you make your way along the canals, you’re sure to find a Christmas gift or two for your loved ones in the many small stores and boutiques.

Day 10: Utrecht

You have more free time to explore Utrecht this morning before we reboard our floating hotel and cruise downe the magnificant Rhine River back to Cologne.

Day 11: Cologne (Disembark)

Unfortunately, our Christmas Markets experience comes to and end after breakfaast this morning. You will disembark A-ROSA SENA with some fantastic memories (and quite possibly a suitcase full of souvenirs).