Day 1 – Join coach in Kent, ferry to Calais & embarkation in Cologne, Germany

Make your own way to Kent to join the coach before we head for the ferry to Calais and onwards to Cologne, where we board the A-ROSA AQUA 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 2 – 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 3 – 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 4 – 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 5 – 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 6 – Disembarkation in Cologne and 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.

Just Go brochure price in RED

Travel 55 discount price in BLACK

Tel Just Go reservations on 0333 234 2010 quote Travel 55 code PTR557

Important note

For operational reasons, we may occasionally need to use feeder vehicles to fulfil our tours. Similarly for operational reasons, it may be necessary to change your pickup point from your selected pickup point, but we will always notify you of these changes before you depart. Terms & Conditions apply.

.