Southern Rhine Experience

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly or train to Frankfurt, Germany - Fly from the UK to Frankfurt and transfer to your ship for the week, A-ROSA CLEA. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore this vibrant west-German city, where you'll find a wide variety of museums, art galleries and impressive churches to explore. 

Day 2

Speyer, Germany - Wake up along the banks of the Upper Rhine, with a stop in UNESCO-listed Speyer, Germany's oldest planned medieval town. Strategically important and well-placed along the Rhine's main trade routes, this former Roman city boasts a colourful history stretching back over 2000 years and is home to a number of interesting landmarks built throughout the Holy Roman Empire. A visit to Speyer Cathedral, the largest remaining Romanesque cathedral in the world, won't disappoint with its stunning architecture, ruined abbey and imperial burial grounds. 

Day 3

Strasbourg, France - The capital of the Grand Est region, formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg sits on the border (the river itself being the border) with Germany. Included excursion exploring the old town with quaint colourful houses and twisting cobbled alleys, the canals of Petit France, 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 4

Huningue, France - Uniquely located where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet, Huningue is a quiet riverside town with a relaxed charm and a cross-border spirit. Stroll along the Rhine, cross the striking Passerelle des Trois Pays bridge, or enjoy time in the nearby Parc des Eaux Vives. Optional excursions take you easily into neighbouring Switzerland or Germany.

Day 5

Breisach, Germany - Make sure you have your cameras to hand as perched on a steep cliff above the Rhine, admire picturesque Breisach with its pastel-hued buildings set in beautiful rolling vineyards. Where the Black Forest spills into the Alsace region, this German town shares a lot with its French neighbours - its love of good food and good wine among them. Take an optional guided walking tour including a visit to a local champagne cellar including tastings.

Day 6

Mainz, Germany - 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 Gutenburg Museum, celebrating Johanes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. As we continue to sail, you can take your place on the sun deck and admire the views of steeply-terraced vineyards plunging down towards the river, picture-perfect villages, fairy tale castles perched on hilltops, rugged cliffs and lush green forests. Your cruise director will bring to life the legends that make this part of Germany so fascinating - a glass of included sparkling wine in hand. Enjoy the evening aboard A-ROSA CLEA before a final dinner with your fellow guests. 

Day 7

Day Eight – Return to the UK - You'll wake this morning back in Frankfurt, as your unforgettable cruise on the Rhine ends. Disembark, and begin your journey home. Back to top

Further 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 is potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.

Itinerary changes

On rare occasions, the Captain may need to alter the Cruise Itinerary. 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.

About A-ROSA

A-ROSA is a German based river cruise company. You’ll find a European vibe on board, with a mix of international guests and crew along with a welcoming atmosphere. While many guests are German-speaking, English is widely spoken on board, all announcements will be done in both German and English, you’ll have everything you need to feel right at home. It’s a great way to explore Europe with a bit of local flavour.

Terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions: Save up to £400 per couple offer is valid on new 2026 A-ROSA river cruise bookings made from 12am on 1st November to 1 December 2025 inclusive, and cannot be retrospectively applied to bookings already confirmed. All offers are subject availability and may be withdrawn without notice at any time. Discount amounts are already included in advertised fares, these may vary on selected departures, are not combinable with any other offers and apply to full-paying passengers only. These offers do not apply to any other Newmarket Holidays products. Cruises are provided by A-ROSA river cruises. A-ROSA river cruises reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any cruise at short notice. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316. Back to top