Cologne to Cologne
4 night Rhine Christmas Markets

There's only one remedy for the stressful lead-up to Christmas: to head for the river. The Rhine has seen so many Christmases that nothing can disrupt its tranquillity. At its own leisurely pace, it will carry you past castles, palaces and abbeys to old cities that have spruced themselves up for the Christmas season. Take your time as you browse for presents and get yourself in the Christmas mood with baked apples, punch and seasonal brass music. And there?s one more Christmas miracle to amaze you: Strasbourg Cathedral.

DAY 1: Arrive Cologne and transfer to ship

Transfer from the Cologne train station to the ship. The A-Rosa ship will depart Cologne at 5pm and you can enjoy your first dinner on board as the ship heads south along the Rhine.

DAY 2: Cruise to Rudesheim and Mainz

During your Christmas cruise 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.

Mainz

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 3: Cruise to 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 4: Cruise to 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 5: Ship arrives in Cologne

Your contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you start your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to look around further in North Rhine-Westphalia or to explore the cathedral city. Once in Kölle, you should also have visited the cathedral. Have a happy new year, see you soon and Ahoy!