Our two, 10-nights packages commence with one night in Cologne, Germany before enbarking on a 5-night cruise on the A-ROSA SILVA visiting Rüdesheim, Germersheim (Speyer), Strasbourg (Kehl), Mainz 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 SILVA)
Morning at leisure in Cologne. This afternoon you will be transferred to the A-ROSA SILVA and have time to explore the ship before enjoying dinner onboard.
Day 3: Rüdesheim
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.
Day 4: Germersheim (Speyer)
Welcome to the Upper Rhine. Germersheim is only about 20 km from the city of Speyer, which is over 2000 years old. Speyer is Germany’s oldest planned medieval town. Speyer’s most prominent monument is its cathedral. As one of the country’s most important High Romanesque cathedrals, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are sure to have an enjoyable day in Speyer.
Day 5: Strasbourg (Kehl)
Today your Rhine river cruise will call at Strasbourg – a centre of European policymaking. With its medieval half-timbered houses and its elegant city palaces, Strasbourg really stands out from the crowd. But the highlight is the cathedral. From its viewing platform, the city’s half-timbered houses appear as small as pieces from a model railway set. Enjoy your day in the French part of the Rhine region!
Day 6: Mainz and Koblenz
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.
Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.
Day 7: Cologne (Disembark A-ROSA SILVA / 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: Cologne (Disembark)
Unfortunately, our Christmas Markets experience comes to and end after breakfast this morning. You will disembark A-ROSA SENA with some fantastic memories (and quite possibly a suitcase full of souvenirs).
Click on the above pic to view ship details – including cabins
Click on the above pic to view ship details – including cabins
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