Northern Rhine Experience
Cologne to Cologne
7 Night North Rhine Cruise

Cologne - Willemstad - Ghent Antwerp - Amsterdam - Nijmegen

 

The capital of diamonds is Antwerp. But Ghent, Willemstad and especially Amsterdam are real jewels too. Where else does a stranger feel like he belongs here? Where else are there crazy and lovely things on every street corner? Bicycle ringing mixes with music from open windows - and the excursionist from the A-ROSA ship with the locals in the pubs and restaurants. And between the cities: The wind whistles around your nose - and an incomparable feeling of freedom spreads. And then again it pleases the eye to see one of the old Dutch fishing villages with the rustic stair gables and the colourful cutters.

 

 

Day Port Arr Dep Comments
1 Cologne Germany)   6:00pm Embarkation 2:00pm
2 Willemstad (Netherlands) 11:00am 10:00pm  
3 Ghent (Belgium) 07:00am 1:00pm  
        Passing the Westerschelde
  Antwerp (Belgium) 11:00pm    
4 Antwerp (Belgium)   2:00pm  
5 Amsterdam (Netherlands) 08:00am   Optional city tour with free time
6 Amsterdam (Netherlands)   6:00am  
        Passing the Markermeer / Ijsselmeer
  Hoorn (Netherlands) 10:00am 6:00pm  
7 Emmerich (Netherlands) 9:00am 3:00pm Optional tour
8 Cologne (Germany) 06:00am   Disembarkation 8:00am

- subject to changes -

 

 

DAY 1: Cologne, Germany (Embarkation)

Lined with a bustling wide promenade and criss-crossed with bridges, your first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne is destined to be a memorable one. A major trading centre since the Roman times, this impressive city merges the old and the new perfectly. You'll find ancient walls and medieval churches rubbing shoulders with modern quarters, a fantastic selection of quality museums and, the calling card of the city, its famous cathedral, dominating the skyline.

Head into the charming Altstadt (Old Town) on the banks of the Rhine, and find yourself lost in narrow streets filled with traditional old houses, breweries, beer halls, cafes and shops. This is the place to come to experience a more traditional taste of Germany's fourth largest city, and the ideal way to kickstart your river cruise. Interested in exploring in detail? We'd recommend arranging an extra couple of days in the city at one of our partner hotels before you embark on your A-ROSA Rhine river cruise. That way, when you board your ship, you'll be relaxed, ready to go, and already have one fantastic city under your belt.

DAY 2: Willemstad, Netherlands

Willemstad is a city in the Dutch province of North Brabant. It is a small historical town with well preserved fortifications. It received city rights in 1585 and the Reformed Church was built in 1607 as the first new Protestant church building in the Netherlands.

DAY 3:  Ghent, Belgium

Our next port of call in the Low Countries takes you along the northern Rhine towards Ghent in Belgium. Here you’ll find enchanting architecture, artistic masterpieces, delightful landscapes and absolute tranquillity. The capital of East Flanders is part of a quartet of Flemish centres of art – the others being Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. Discover Ghent’s treasures, including the baroque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen, a huge fairy tale-like castle enclosed by a moat. And in the old town, amble its atmospheric streets and find the perfect place to sample traditional delicacies and watch as laidback local life passes you by.

This evening you'll cruise past the Westerschelde, the estuary of the Scheldt River and the ideal vantage point to explore the Netherlands' unique relationship with water, and how it has shaped this nation.

DAY 4: Antwerp, Belgium

Port city, capital of cool and a haven for culture-loving foodies, this unique stop offers you a treasure trove of delights to explore. Starting from its Medieval heart where cobbled lanes bustle with treat-filled cafes, the riverside fortress that looks as though it's been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale, and a truly remarkable cathedral, you'll quickly fall in love with the city's historic highlights. There's so much more to Antwerp though. Long renowned as a hotspot for the jet set and the epicentre of the diamond trade, this progressive place showcases a superb entertainment and arts scene, as well as world-class shopping (just remember your credit card!).
The old harbour area is a fantastic place to take a stroll. It is now a trendy, modern district, with lofts, theatres and night clubs occupying converted warehouse buildings, and luxury yachts from all corners of the world moored at the quay.

DAY 5:  Amsterdam, Netherlands

Today you'll arrive into what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your Northern Rhine river cruise, the colourful and historic Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Your docking location here will deliver you just footsteps from the city's iconic Centraal Station, gateway to the vibrant Damrak, the main road leading up to the centre of the city, Dam Square. The famous Canal Ring flows outwards from this area, and you'll soon find yourself lost in the city's pretty streets and 'gracht' (canals). Any tour of Amsterdam would not be complete without visiting its controversial Red Light District, but there's so much more to the country's capital too. With its famous and splendid wonky houses dating back to the Golden Age, the city has a huge amount of history under its belt. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum shine a light on the city's arty side, while a poignant visit to Anne Frank Huis tells the personal tale of a life lost to the Holocaust.
You'll normally find numerous markets lining different suburbs of the

DAY 6:  Amsterdam - Hoorn, Netherlands

There’s a lot to explore on your A-ROSA river cruise between the Frisian Wadden Sea and the open North Sea: small harbours, endless white sandy beaches and stretches of water as far as the eye can see. The IJsselmeer is the largest lake in the Netherlands, and cruising here today will feel very like being out on the ocean. Its shore is a fantastic place for mudflat walking – and with a bit of luck, you may even find oysters washed up at low tide. On dry land, you can explore towns full of rich history, inspiring art and a treasure trove of cultural attractions.

This unique inland lake was created by diking the Wadden Sea and the Zuiderzee bay. This is where you’ll find the lovely little town of Hoorn, a masterpiece of the Golden Age and like Amsterdam in miniature. Make sure you explore it during your cruise along the northern Rhine.

The delightful little town of Hoorn lies on the Ijsselmeer, towards the northern Rhine. Back in the 16th century, Hoorn was one of the Netherlands’ thriving ports playing an important part in the country's Golden Age. Today, many of its buildings still bear witness to this heyday. Expect to see tranquil canals crisscrossed by pretty bridges, tall townhouses with rooms stacked on top of one another crowned with ornate gables and an attractive town square lined with impressive buildings. A day here is well-spent strolling around the open green park which fringes the Ijselmeer, taking a seat at one of the cafes and watching the gentle hum of laidback Dutch life, or visiting one of the museums and exhibitions that celebrate the rich history of this Dutch treasure.

DAY 7:  Emmerich, Netherlands

The small beautiful town of Emmerich on the lower Lower Rhine gives you a nice time out on land during your cruise. Here you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the magnificent view of the Rhine while discovering the "Golden Gate Bridge of the Lower Rhine", a suspension bridge spanning over the Rhine, which, just like its role model, can be seen from afar in vibrant red. Definitely worth taking a souvenir photo!

DAY 8:  Cologne (Disembarkation)

It's little wonder that Cologne's residents think they're onto something special. This welcoming city can't fail to charm you. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel to this magnificent place feel at home right away and it's not unusual to get chatting to strangers and find yourself enjoying an ice-cold Kölsch with them. The main landmark – the dramatic Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at a staggering 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with a mesmerising view of the city and the Rhine spread out beneath you.


BOOK BY NOVEMBER 30, 2024 AND SAVE $500 PER PERSON

 

2025 Per Person Cruise Only Fares   

Departure Ship Cat (S) Deck 1
Back Deck
Cat (A)
Deck 1
Cat (C) Deck 2 French Doors Cat (D) Deck 3 French Doors Cat (E) Deck 3 Jr Suite with French Doors Cat (F) Deck 3 Balcony Suite
03-May-25 Aqua
$2,359
$2,484 $2,857 $2,981    
31-May-25 Aqua
$2,359
$2,484 $2,857 $2,981    
28-Jun-25 Aqua $2,111 $2,308 $2,608 $2,732    
02-Aug-25 Aqua $2,111 $2,308 $2,608 $2,732    
06-Sep-25 Aqua
$2,359
$2,484 $2,857 $2,981    

 

PRICE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH RATE EXCHANGE

 

REGULAR Rate includes: cruise and port taxes, listed INCLUDED excursions, and a beverage package - Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee specialties, Beer, sparkling white wine, Cremant and Prosecco (in a glass), as well as open wines and daily recommendations from the wine menu (by the glass), Cocktails and long drinks throughout the day and evening. Sightseeing excursions are not included and can be booked onboard.

 

 

A-ROSA Alea

3 Deck

 

 

Deck 4

 

Deck 3
Green Cabins are Cat D with
French doors, Lite blue is Jr Suite with French Doors and Dark blue are suites with balconies

Deck 2
Cabins are Cat C with 
French doors
Deck 1
2 yellow cabins 
are Cat S
Other cabins are Cat A

 

 

A-ROSA Clea

Cleo ship

 

 

Deck 4

 

 

 

Deck 3
Green Cabins are Cat D with
French doors, Lite blue is Jr Suite with French Doors and Dark blue are suites with balconies

Deck 2
Cabins are Cat C with 
French doors
Deck 1
2 yellow cabins 
are Cat S
Other cabins are Cat A

 

3 Deck Ship Aqua

Rhine DP

 

 

 

 

 

Deck 3

Cabins are Cat D with
French doors

Deck 2
Cabins are Cat C with 
French doors

Deck 1
4 back cabins 
are Cat S

Other cabins are Cat A