Christmas On The Romantic Rhine – 8 Days With Overnights

Itinerary

Description

Christmastime on the River Rhine is spellbinding. We float through a fairytale, frosted with impressive castles, charming villages and vibrant yuletide markets. From some of Germany’s oldest cities to the French town of Strasbourg, the sounds of Christmas Mass in world-famous cathedrals and the aroma of baked apples and mulled wine wafting from crooked half-timbered taverns makes this an unforgettable festive feast for all the senses.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Overnight stay

Make your own way to our hotel in Ashford, Kent, where we stay overnight on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 – Ferry to Calais & embarkation in Cologne, Germany

Ferry to Calais and onwards to Cologne, where we board the A-ROSAAQUA for the start of our five-night cruise. There’s also time to explore the city, well-known for its fine selection of museums, excellent botanical gardens and the famous cathedral which dominates the skyline. Lined with a bustling wide promenade and crisscrossed with bridges, our first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne is destined to be a memorable one. Take the chance to do some last-minute Christmas shopping at the wonderfully festive market in the shadow of the stunning cathedral.

Day 3 – Rüdesheim, Germany

After a morning sailing on the scenic Upper Middle Rhine we arrive at the town of Rüdesheim (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), renowned the world over for its outstanding wines and beautifully decorated with dazzling lights for the season. Be sure to take a walk through the little streets of the Old Town, home to Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar’.  Today is the last chance to visit this atmospheric Christmas market, bursting with festive cheer and seasonal delicacies.

Day 4 – Christmas Eve in Germersheim, Germany

On Christmas Eve we sail through the historical heart of Europe, enjoying some of the most picture-perfect sights of our Rhine cruise with expansive forests and frozen high peaks – the perfect backdrop for a Christmas card. Or opt to travel to nearby Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities and once the centre of the Holy Roman Empire. Traces of the past are still evident in the delightful Old Town, with its romantic lanes leading to the imposing cathedral, a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site.

Day 5 – Christmas Day in Strasbourg, France

On Christmas Day we enjoy time in the French part of the Rhine region as we visit Strasbourg. Located in the northeast nook of the country, the capital of Alsace is like stepping into a festive fairytale! With wonky medieval half-timbered houses reflected in the twisting canals plus glittering city palaces, Strasbourg is a delight to explore. Highlights include the Christmas market along with the imposing Gothic cathedral.  

Day 6 – Mainz, Germany

Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto; an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud! This sonnet of a city, with ordered streets and beauty at every turn, looks magical at Christmastime. The romantic timber-framed dwellings resemble giant gingerbread houses frosted and dripping with fairy lights and you’d half expect to bump into Hansel and Gretel as you sample a locally-made mulled wine in one of the quirky taverns.

Day 7 – Disembarkation in Cologne & return ferry

We arrive back in Cologne where we disembark and head to Calais for our return ferry journey. The coach drops us back at our hotel in Ashford, Kent, where you will stay overnight.

Day 8 – Make Your Own Way Home

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your own way home.

Optional Excursions

With A-ROSA, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring the local sights at your leisure or choosing from a range of optional excursions, which are bookable on board. From tours through ancient cities and trips through impressive landscapes to action-packed and fun-filled experiences, there is so much choice! In many cities, you have the opportunity to visit the country and its people with a guide and driver. Your on-board host will happily provide you with more information.

Self Drive Bullets

• Return coach transfers between Ashford & your river cruise ship
• Return ferry crossings with included access to Club Lounge
• First & final night at a selected hotel in Ashford, Kent (JG3 rating) with breakfast
• 5-night round-trip cruise from Cologne, Germany on a premium all-inclusive basis:
  • Breakfast, lunch & gourmet buffet dining
  • Afternoon tea & snacks
  • Water, tea & coffee available all day & evening
  • High-quality drinks (11am-11pm): tea, coffee & coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine & a selection of wines, cocktails & long drinks (exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges & champagne)
  • 15% discount on spa treatments
  • Water, bathroom products & bathrobe in the cabin
  • Free Wi-Fi
• Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna & fitness room
• Evening entertainment & dancing
• Port taxes
• Services of an on-board Guest Relations Manager

Please note: There is no seating or dress code; free table times ensure a relaxed atmosphere among guests.

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Search Results Coach

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Cabins

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Accommodation

A-ROSA AQUA

Accommodating up to 202 passengers, A-ROSA AQUA offers a relaxing and flexible way to explore the Rhine. The comfortable outside-facing cabins feature a private bathroom with shower, bathrobe, TV and hairdryer. Main deck cabins have a picture window, whilst upper decks have Juliette balconies. The spacious sun deck boasts a heated Jacuzzi, sun loungers, a putting green, a shuffleboard and a giant chess board. The restaurant offers all meals, either served or gourmet buffet dining, and there’s also the chance to enjoy al fresco dining, afternoon tea and snacks. Relax in the panoramic lounge and bar area, enjoy the nightly entertainment and up to two cultural performances during your cruise, or head to the relaxing A-ROSA SPA, fitness room and relaxation areas (spa treatments are available with a 15% discount).

Price shown is based on two people sharing an outside cabin with large port holes. Single cabins on request.

Cabin upgrades available (situated on higher decks and complete with Juliette balconies to enjoy watching the delightful riverscapes pass by). Subject to availability.

We also spend the first night of our tour in a well-appointed hotel in Kent (JG3 rating) such as the Holiday Inn or the Hampton by Hilton in Ashford. The comfortable rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.