Twinkling fairy lights, charming wooden stalls and the inviting aromas of mulled wine, roasted almonds and spiced cider fill the air - there's nothing quite like a traditional Christmas market to spark festive cheer, and this cruise introduces you to some of Germany's finest.
Your journey begins in Cologne before you sail through the beautiful Rhine Valley, calling at Rüdesheim, the heart of Rhine Romanticism, Mainz, one of Germany's oldest cities, and Frankfurt, where an impressive Christmas tree dominates the festive scene.
Koblenz also features on your itinerary, home to what is widely regarded as one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets, offering the perfect opportunity to sample a tempting array of seasonal treats.
You'll cruise aboard the stylish A-ROSA AQUA, where you can relax and unwind with excellent on-board facilities, including a sauna and whirlpool, alongside extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a wide selection of drinks.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing an outer cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Full payment at the time of booking. Top branded drinks and champagne come at a supplement. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Please note in Frankfurt a daily tourist tax of €2 per person per day will be added to your on board account. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Arosa and TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Full payment at the time of booking. Top branded drinks and champagne come at a supplement. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Please note in Frankfurt a daily tourist tax of €2 per person per day will be added to your on board account. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Arosa and TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
You'll start your Christmas cruise on the Rhine today, boarding your premium all-inclusive A-ROSA ship. You'll be boarding your ship in Cologne. You might choose to arrive one day before your cruise so that you'll have time to see all the sights, or extend your stay at the end of the trip.
Today you will visit Rüdesheim, the centre of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians, including Brahms.
From a cultural point of view, the most famous place in the Rheingau has a lot to offer, including historic aristocratic estates and fortifications. Rüdesheim is also known for its winemaking, especially of aromatic Riesling wines. You may also want to stop off in one of the town's cafes to sip some delicious speciality Rüdesheimer Kaffee, an alcoholic coffee-based drink made with brandy and plenty of sugar.
You'll also visit Mainz today, a city with 2,000 years of history, making it one of the oldest cities in Germany. Traditions are fully celebrated at Christmastime at the historic Christmas market on the Domplatz, where you'll also spot the illuminated Mainz Cathedral.
Although Frankfurt is possibly better known for its business activity, it proves that it can do Christmas as well as with its tall, sparkling Christmas tree.
Between Römerberg and the historic Paulskirche down to the banks of the Main, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in Germany takes place every winter.
There's plenty of opportunity to sample local delicacies here, with regional products such as Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry with almonds, or hot apple wine being particularly popular.
Today you'll sail along the Middle Rhine Valley from Frankfurt to lovely Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. This stretch of the river is the true centre of Rhine Romanticism, with vine-clad slopes, palaces and castles scattered across hills, and villages nestled along the riverbanks. It is clear why this area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
On arrival in Koblenz you'll get to see why this city's Christmas market is considered one of the most beautiful on the Rhine. On Jesuitenplatz you'll find what is possibly the world's largest Advent calendar, made up of the colourfully-lit windows of the baroque town hall.
Your Christmas cruise comes to an end today as your ship docks once again in Cologne. You might wish to extend your trip before heading home full of the Christmas spirit.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing an outer cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Full payment at the time of booking. Top branded drinks and champagne come at a supplement. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Please note in Frankfurt a daily tourist tax of €2 per person per day will be added to your on board account. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Arosa and TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Full payment at the time of booking. Top branded drinks and champagne come at a supplement. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Please note in Frankfurt a daily tourist tax of €2 per person per day will be added to your on board account. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Arosa and TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).