The Southern Rhine To Switzerland

Itinerary

Description

Fall in love with Europe’s greatest river as we sail on the Rhine from Cologne, through Strasbourg and onto Basel in spectacular Switzerland. Discover the history and beauty of the Rhine Valley with its scenic landscapes, castles and legends, delve into German wine culture, explore stunning gems along the river, enjoy a guided walking tour of lovely Koblenz or take an optional excursion; how about a champagne cellar in Breisach? There’s plenty to enjoy on board too, including entertainment, a luxurious spa and vast sun deck, the perfect spot to sit back and relax as we drift through panoramic scenes of fairytale towns, impressive peaks and rolling terraces.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Overnight stay

Check in to our hotel in 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 seven-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. A major trading centre since Roman times, this impressive city perfectly merges the old and the new. We enjoy a welcome dinner on board this evening.

Day 3 - Rüdesheim

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. Be sure to take a walk through the charming little streets of the Old Town, home to Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar’.

Day 4 – Germersheim (Speyer)

Today we sail through the historical heart of Europe, enjoying some of the most picture-perfect sights of our Rhine cruise with terraced vineyards, expansive forests and high peaks. Spend the day in the relaxed riverside town of Germersheim 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 – Breisach

Cameras at the ready for picturesque Breisach, which is perched on a steep cliff above the Rhine with pastel-hued buildings and set in beautiful rolling vineyards. Nestled in the point where the Black Forest spills into the Alsace region, this German town shares a lot with its French neighbours; its love of delicious food and good wine among them. Take an optional guided walking tour including a visit to a local champagne cellar, complete with tastings.

Day 6 – Basel, Switzerland

Uniquely positioned where France, Germany and Switzerland meet, Basel retains a strong and proud identity, with a thriving arts scene and bilingual culture. Spend the day exploring its pretty Old Town and the awe-inspiring cathedral, dipping in and out of the excellent museums along the way. Optional excursions enable us to explore more of picturesque Switzerland.

Day 7 – Strasbourg

The capital of the Grand Est region, formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg sits on the border (the river itself being the border) with Germany. We moor up in Kehl on the German side; it’s a leisurely stroll across the bridge into Strasbourg, or take a local bus, taxi or optional excursion. Explore the Old Town with quaint colourful houses and twisting alleys, the canals of Petit France and the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral. For 227 years, this imposing sandstone structure was the tallest building in the world and at its summit the views stretch as far as the Black Forest, some 30km away.

Day 8 – Mainz, the Lorelei Valley & Koblenz

Today we visit Mainz in the Rhineland's wine-growing region, famed for its Riesling wines. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and lose yourself among half-timbered buildings, housing colourful bars and traditional shops. Visit the impressive 1,000-year-old Mainzer Dome, a masterpiece of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles and the impressive Gutenberg Museum, celebrating Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. An A-ROSA Destination Scout is on hand in Mainz to help us get the most from our visit.

We continue sailing through the scenic Lorelei Valley, one of the highlights of our cruise. Head to the sun deck and admire the views of steeply-terraced vineyards plunging down towards the river, picture-perfect villages, fairytale castles perched on hilltops, rugged cliffs and lush green forests. Our cruise director also brings to life the legends that make this part of Germany so fascinating, with a glass of included sparkling wine in hand.

We then arrive in Koblenz for our final evening. Located at the confluence of the mighty Rhine and the Moselle rivers, is a delight to explore. Highlights include the Baroque town hall, the Old Town and the cable car ride with wonderful views over the Rhine. We also enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz, which includes the impressive Kaiser Wilhelm monument at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and the unique Schängel Fountain. As we stroll through the romantic lanes between the Basilica St Kastor and the Church of Our Lady with their striking Romanesque two-tower façades, we hear fascinating details about the city’s history. In the evening, we are treated to a farewell dinner on board our ship.

Day 9 – Disembarkation in Cologne & ferry home  

We arrive back in Cologne where we disembark and head to Calais for our return journey. The coach drops us back at the hotel in Kent for you to make your 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.

Coach Bullets

• Return coach transfers
• Return ferry crossings with included access to Club Lounge
• First night at a selected hotel in Kent (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 7-night round-trip cruise from Cologne, Germany on a premium all-inclusive basis:
• Breakfast, lunch & gourmet buffet or à la carte dining
• Special welcome & farewell dinners
• Regional specialties(includes Alsace evening, al fresco German-style dining & Swiss evening)
• Afternoon tea & snacks
• Free room service
• Tea, coffee & water available all day & evening
• High-quality drinks (11am-11pm): 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 & slippers in the cabin
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna & fitness room
• Use of on-board e-bikes for independent exploration
• On-board entertainment (includes up to two cultural performances)
• Guided walking tour of Koblenz
• Free A-ROSA app to help you explore & A-ROSA Destination Scout in Mainz
• Services of an on-board Guest Relations Manager
• Port taxes

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

Search Bullets

• First night at a selected hotel in Kent (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 7-night round-trip cruise from Cologne, Germany on a premium all-inclusive basis:
• Breakfast, lunch & gourmet buffet or à la carte dining
• Special welcome & farewell dinners
• Regional specialties(includes Alsace evening, al fresco German-style BBQ dining & Swiss evening)
• Afternoon tea & snacks
• Free room service
• Tea, coffee & water available all day & evening
• High-quality drinks (11am-11pm): 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 & slippers in the cabin
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna & fitness room
• Use of on-board e-bikes for independent exploration
• On-board entertainment (includes up to two cultural performances)
• Guided walking tour of Koblenz
• Free A-ROSA app to help you explore & A-ROSA Destination Scout in Mainz
• Services of an on-board Guest Relations Manager
• Port taxes

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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, cooking demonstrations, afternoon tea and snacks. Relax in the panoramic lounge and bar area, enjoy the nightly entertainment and up to two cultural performances during our 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 on Deck 1 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.