Cologne to Cologne
5 night Rhine Enchanting Christmas Market Cruise

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

You will spend the 2nd day of your Christmas cruise in the center of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians. For example, Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. In cultural terms, the most famous place of the Rheingau has a lot to show, including historic noble courts and fortifications. And of course, on this day of your Christmas cruise on the Rhine, the coffee speciality "Rüdesheimer Kaffee", invented here, should not be missed.

DAY 3: Cruise to 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 4: Cruise to Kehl (Strasbourg)

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 5: Cruise to 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.

Koblenz

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 6: Ship arrives in Cologne

Your festive cruise comes to an end this morning as you disembark in Cologne after breakfast.