Rhine Christmas Markets
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: All Inclusive
- Tour Ref: D2TNEW20904
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Air
4 nights. December 2024. From £1868.00.
Seasonal fun & freedom
Enjoy the choice and comfort of a Premium All-Inclusive A-ROSA package on this wonderfully festive cruise along the Rhine. Sailing from iconic Cologne’s famous market, sit back, relax and enjoy the casual-yet-stylish atmosphere on board your A-ROSA ship. Whether that means cocktails at the bar, an informal meal with friends from the gourmet buffet and live cooking stations, a little pampering at the on-board SPA-ROSA or an elegant dinner in the reserved dining room, you can be sure you'll be able to fill your time on board with fun and little luxuries to suit you. Soak up the glorious festive atmosphere of the Alsace capital, Strasbourg, and its 400-year-old Christmas Market, and enjoy an included tour of the famous wine producing town of Rudesheim. Other gems are a visit to Mainz, taking in its impressive cathedral and fascinating Gutenberg Museum. For many, the highlight will be a day spent in Germersheim and Speyer, where you can enjoy an included excursion.
What's Included
Five nights Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodationReturn travel from the UK (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Included coach transfers to the ship (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Free Wi-Fi on board
On-board activities and entertainment
Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
Flexible mealtimes
A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew
All port taxes and surcharges
Guided walking tour of Mainz
Holiday Highlights
Six ports of callIncluded excursion to Speyer
Special festive atmosphere on board
Sail south through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge from Cologne
Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the famous riverside wine town of Rudesheim
A call in Mannheim
Strasbourg, home to France's oldest Christmas Market
A walking tour of Mainz, capital of Rhineland-Palatinate
Embark A-ROSA SILVA in Cologne
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Germany and head down to the banks of the Rhine where your A-ROSA river cruise ship waits, close to Cologne, ready to get underway this afternoon.Day 2
You'll 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
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. Enjoy an included guided excursion in Speyer today.Day 4
You'll arrive in Strasbourg before breakfast, and will have the day and to explore this beautiful city. Marvel at the city's soaring Gothic cathedral, stroll through the winding alleys of the Petite France quarter past lovely half-timbered houses, and browse the festive stalls of its famous Christmas market.Day 5
Arrive early morning in Mainz, the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate, once the site of a Roman border fort, and the city where Johannes Gutenburg set up his first printing press in the 1450s. Explore the 100-or-so stalls of the city's Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you. Your A-ROSA ship cruises through the scenic Lorelei Valley in the afternoon, arriving in Koblenz at 6.30pm. You have the evening to walk ashore and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and markets in the delightful old town. A wonderful end to your festive journey.Day 6
Say goodbye to all your newfound friends, this morning, as you begin your journey home. Back to topFurther Information
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.Optional shore excursions
Optional excursions are available on all cruises. If the number of bookings needed to operate any excursion is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled.Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. At the end of the cruise you will find a tip box for the entire crew at the reception and the suggested amount is five Euros per guest per day. Of course, you are free to tip individual crew members at any time, should you wish.Disabled guests and guests in need of assistance
All ships have stairs, are not equipped with lifts, and may not be suitable for passengers with restricted mobility. Wheelchairs cannot be used on board.Dress code
The dress code on board and ashore is comfortable and casual; we recommend that you bring sturdy footwear for excursions. For the restaurant we recommend smart casual dress. Please remember to bring warmer clothes for evenings out on deck.Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in accordance with A-ROSA's conditions of use. You can request a login and password from reception. Internet reception is limited and will vary from location to location.Luggage
Where possible, we recommend non-rigid suitcases as these are easier to store within your cabin.Pool
A heated pool can be found on the sun deck of the following ships: A-ROSA DONNA, FLORA, SILVA and STELLA.Whirlpool
A heated Whirlpool can be found on the following ships: A-ROSA AQUA, and VIVA.Cabin facilities
In your cabin you will find a safe installed in the wardrobe, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, insect screens and pool towels. The power supply in your cabin is 220 V/50 Hz. All sockets are European two-pin, meaning you will need to bring an adapter.Air-conditioning
All A-ROSA vessels are air-conditioned throughout, with individual climate control in each cabin.Drinking water
The water on board potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.Itinerary changes
Unnavigable rivers Water levels can fluctuate on Europe’s rivers which may result in low or high water conditions in specific destinations. Please be aware that the situation can evolve rapidly, and it is impossible to predict if a cruise will be affected more than a few days in advance. Rest assured water levels are monitored very closely and we will contact you immediately if we are advised that there is likely to be any impact to your upcoming cruise. Disruption - Delays during your cruise If progress along the river is disrupted, we will endeavour to keep your holiday going, however the Captain may need to alter the cruise itinerary. This could include remaining moored in the same place extra nights, postponing the departure to the next day or arranging excursions to the itinerary destinations or equivalent alternatives by coach. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas. Back to top