4Nights

Rhine Christmas Markets 2024

Weihnachten mit A-ROSA genießen
Frankfurt alte Oper
Mainz Dom Weihnachtsmarkt
SPA-Bereich A-ROSA Flusskreuzfahrten

Highlights of the River Cruise Rhine

A cruise that’s as festive as any sleigh ride.

From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt and Koblenz to Cologne.

Magical Christmas markets huddle together in narrow timber-framed streets. Rüdesheim is in the Christmas mood. Celebrate with a glass of punch! Or perhaps with one of the world-famous local wines? Frankfurt’s towering Christmas tree proves that the city is as good at Christmas as it is at finance. One of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets takes place every winter between the old Römerberg area and the historical St. Paul’s Church. The market and the rest of the city are overflowing with Christmas gift ideas for loved ones. And for yourself. Mainz’s Nikolose Market has a history stretching back more than 200 years. Today you can enjoy a mulled wine and Christmas baking in the market square in front of the mighty cathedral. As you do so, admire the lights twinkling around the colourful Renaissance façades of the historical buildings surrounding the market. The panorama of the Middle Rhine Valley – which, with its enchanting valleys and mountains dotted with knight’s castles, itself calls for a celebration – will accompany you onwards to Koblenz. Wrap up with a scarf and hat, and head out onto the ice! Experience the aroma of sugared almonds as you skate around the romantic rink in this old Roman city, with Christmas music accompanying the clip-clop of picturesque horse-drawn carriages. More Christmassy even than in Santa's grotto.

Rüdesheim mit A-ROSA entdecken

Rüdesheim

During your Christmas cruise you will visit the center of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians. For example, Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. From a cultural point of view, the most famous place in the Rheingau has a lot to offer, including historic aristocratic estates and fortifications. And of course, the coffee speciality "Rüdesheimer Kaffee", invented here, should not be missed on this day on the Rhine.

Skyline Frankfurt Abends

Frankfurt

Frankfurt proves that it can do Christmas as well as business with its tall 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. Market and metropolis offer on this Rhine cruise plenty of material for the gift shopping. Regional products such as Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry with almonds, or hot apple wine are particularly popular.

 Koblenz Ehrenbreitstein

Koblenz

The panorama of the Middle Rhine Valley, which is a celebration on its own with its enchanted valleys and medieval castle-adorned mountains, accompanies you all the way to Koblenz. Snuggle up in your scarf and hat - and hit the ice! On the romantic skating rink in the old Roman city, the smell of roasted almonds wafts through the air, and the patter of picturesque horse-drawn carriages mingles with the sounds of Christmas. We think: It doesn't get any more christmassy than on this Rhine cruise.

Itinerary

Map: Rhine Christmas Markets 2024
Map: Rhine Christmas Markets 2024

Here we start the contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine. But you should also get to know the cathedral city with its many buildings and attractions. The best way is to arrive already relaxed one day before your cruise or simply extend your stay after the cruise.

A-ROSA Sena in Köln

Rüdesheim

Arr 10:00 am Dep 04:00 pm

During your Christmas cruise you will visit the center of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians. For example, Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. From a cultural point of view, the most famous place in the Rheingau has a lot to offer, including historic aristocratic estates and fortifications. And of course, the coffee speciality "Rüdesheimer Kaffee", invented here, should not be missed on this day on the Rhine.

 Weinplantage Rüdesheim

Trips

Just before Christmas, the city of Rüdesheim glitters in matchless splendour. Come with us and stroll along the atmospheric Christmas market to the largest nativity scene in Germany and try the local mulled wine. During the guided tour, you will also experience the marketplace, the Oberstraße, the world-famous Drosselgasse and the Rhine promenade. And if you do not want to return to your A-ROSA cruise ship just yet, you can simply stay in the old town and enjoy the peaceful bustle.

price:

€ 25 per person

duration:

approx. 2 h

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Weihnachten mit A-ROSA

Mainz

Arr 07:00 pm Dep 11:59 pm

With 2,000 years of city history, Mainz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also a place where great history comes alive at every turn. Traditions are also fully celebrated at Christmastime! Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you.

St. Martin Dom in Mainz mit A-ROSA

Frankfurt proves that it can do Christmas as well as business with its tall 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. Market and metropolis offer on this Rhine cruise plenty of material for the gift shopping. Regional products such as Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry with almonds, or hot apple wine are particularly popular.

Frankfurt skyline

Trips

Frankfurt am Main is known as a financial and banking metropolis. The Frankfurt skyline is graced by skyscrapers, but Frankfurt has much more to offer. Explore the old town with your English-speaking tour guide, past the Römer and the Paulskirche. Or stroll along the Museum Riverbank and discover Frankfurt's museums. You determine the programme and we implement it for you!

price:

€ 329 per reservation for max. 4 people

duration:

approx. 3 h

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Frankfurt skyline

Let the skyline of Frankfurt with its skyscrapers pass by and experience the financial and banking metropolis. Enjoy a fantastic view over Frankfurt from the approx. 200 metre high Main Tower or discover the old town. We will take you to the highlights of the city in a relaxed atmosphere and according to your wishes!

price:

€ 459 per reservation for max. 4 people

duration:

approx. 3 h

transport:

Private Minivan

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Sonnenuntergang in Frankfurt

Known as a financial and banking metropolis, with a beautiful old town and the old opera house, Frankfurt has more to offer than skyscrapers. Explore the centre of Frankfurt at the Römer and the Paulskirche or drive to Alt-Sachsenhausen, where apple wine and historic half-timbered houses await you. Get to know the city in cosy togetherness!

price:

€ 429 per reservation for max. 2 people

duration:

approx. 3 h

transport:

Private car

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Frankfurt skyline

We take you on a private culinary excursion in Frankfurt am Main. The name La Fleur is reminiscent of the famous Château Lafleur vineyard in Pomerol. In this gourmet restaurant, you will get to enjoy a 5-course menu of international standard with wine accompaniment, combined with Mediterranean aspects and regional products. An evening of high-quality dishes prepared by star chef Andreas Krolik, as well as vistas of the Siesmayer flower parterre await you.

price:

€ 1699 per reservation for max. 2 people

duration:

approx. 4 h

transport:

Private car and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Gourmetgenuss in Frankreich genießen

Let the Frankfurt skyline pass by without much effort and marvel at the mighty bank skyscrapers and the quaint old town. Enjoy a relaxed rickshaw ride past Frankfurt's sights and learn interesting facts about the old opera house, St. Paul's Church and life in Frankfurt am Main.

price:

€ 219 per reservation for max. 2 people

duration:

approx. 2 h

transport:

Rickshaw and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

No rain protection. This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Rikscha Ausflug

With its modern skyline, handsome old town and traditional apple wine, Frankfurt doesn’t fit into any one category. And that’s a good thing, since this city’s contrasts are what makes it so interesting. This combined bus and walking tour will take you along modern boulevards, past imposing skyscrapers, into the quaint Sachsenhausen neighbourhood with its apple wine taverns, and to the historic Römerberg market square. The square is named after the Römer building complex, which has served as Frankfurt’s city hall since the 15th century. Other impressive sights include the baroque Hauptwache building, the splendid Alte Oper concert hall and the round, neoclassical Saint Paul’s Church, which forms part of the backdrop to Frankfurt’s largest Christmas market every year.

price:

€ 49 per person

duration:

approx. 3 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Weihnachten mit A-ROSA genießen

Frankfurt

Dep 02:00 am

Frankfurt proves that it can do Christmas as well as business with its tall 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. Market and metropolis offer on this Rhine cruise plenty of material for the gift shopping. Regional products such as Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry with almonds, or hot apple wine are particularly popular.

Frankfurt skyline

Koblenz

Arr 03:00 pm Dep 09:30 pm

On your journey to the most beautiful Christmas markets on the Rhine, you will explore Koblenz today. You can expect a variety of delicacies, the Christmas romance of the city and, of course, the smell of mulled wine. Delightful!

Rhein-Kreuzfahrten nach Koblenz

Your contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you start your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to look around further in North Rhine-Westphalia or to explore the cathedral city. Once in Kölle, you should also have visited the cathedral. Have a happy new year, see you soon and Ahoy!

A-ROSA Sena in Köln

A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus all transfers and many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

  • Full Board Plus: extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, additional embarkation snack and tea and coffee hour. On many cruises, seasonal supplements such as a midnight snack
  • High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks. Also besides the lunch and dinner hours. Exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne.
  • Super Early Booking Discount for bookings made until 31 October 2024
  • A-ROSA travel cancellation insurance (booking until 30 November 2023)
  • Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge on Deck 1.¹
  • Change booking one time free of charge up to 30 days prior to departure.
  • Half-day excursion included (from 7-night cruises)
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
  • Comprehensive service concept with guest relations management.
  • Destination Scouts will help you make the most of every city experience with insider tips and recommendations.
  • Complimentary room service in every cabin category.²
  • Free use of the on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room.
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise.
  • Transfer between railway station³ or airport and ship⁴
  • 15 % discount on treatments in our SPA-ROSA
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration⁵
  • Free WiFi (excluding streaming services)
  • Bathroom amenities and bathrobe in the cabin
  • On-board entertainment
  • Port charges

 

¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.

² Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA.

³Guests receive an extra voucher, valid for day of embarkation or disembarkation in Cologne and Engelhartszell. The transfer in Paris and Lyon is only included when booking the train tickets through A-ROSA.

⁴ The transfer is included when booking the flight through A-ROSA. You will receive an extra voucher with your travel documents.

⁵A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.

Book now your trip with the Premium All-Inclusive package until 31 October 2024 and you will benefit from our attractive Super Early Booking Discount (limited contingent).

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

Arrival & hotel

BY TRAIN TO COLOGNE - RAIL & CRUISE

Train operated by Deutsche Bahn from all German train stations to Cologne.

Train from € 179 per person (without BahnCard 2nd Class)

ARRIVE ON YOUR OWN - AND PARK SAFELY!

If you plan your arrival individually, we offer you a parking space in a guarded car park for the length of your cruise.

Price from € 81 per car (fenced parking lot)
Price from € 99 per car (roofed parking space)

OUTBOUND & RETURN FLIGHT TO/FROM COLOGNE, E.G. WITH LUFTHANSA, AIR FRANCE, SWISS

From Munich, Berlin, Vienna or Zurich incl. transfer Airport – Ship – Airport (incl. taxes).

Flights from € 309 per person

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

The Maritim Hotel Cologne is located directly on the Rhine, only a few steps away from the charming old town, the cathedral and the city centre as well as the central station. The hotel impresses with its extraordinary architecture and has 454 rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with a bathroom/toilet, mini fridge (unfilled), safe, radio, TV and a telephone. In the spacious, glass-roofed hotel lobby you will find a variety of boutiques and restaurants.

Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Double occupancy

€ 119 pp

Single occupancy

€ 179 pp

Double occupancy

€ 129 pp

Single occupancy

€ 209 pp

Double occupancy

€ 159 pp

Single occupancy

€ 279 pp

Luxury in the middle of the city center is what the Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Cologne offers you. The panoramic elevator with a view of the cathedral takes you to your chic room, which includes everything you need to work and relax. In addition, an exclusive fitness and wellness area (fee required) with glass-roofed pool and the chic Harry's New-York Bar await you.

Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotel Rhein

Double occupancy

€ 129 pp

Single occupancy

€ 189 pp

Double occupancy

€ 169 pp

Double occupancy

€ 209 pp

Excelsior Hotel Ernst – Cologne's only member of The Leading Hotels of the World – offers a unique combination of tradition and innovation. The hotel’s prominent location near Cologne Cathedral means that it is easy to get to, while the harmonious colour scheme and classic yet modern furnishings create a timeless atmosphere. All rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi for mobile devices and are equipped with SuitePad, the hotel’s digital concierge service. The Michelin-starred restaurant "taku" welcomes you with deliciously authentic East Asian masterpieces. And in the gourmet restaurant "Hanse Stube" you can experience French cuisine with local influences. Access to the hotel gym, sauna and steam bath, use of your hotel room’s minibar and a shoeshine service are all included in the price. Prices include culture tax. Offer not valid during certain trade fairs in Cologne.

We would be pleased to make you an offer based on daily updated rates.
For further information, please contact service@a-rosa.com

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Excelsior Hotel Ernst Grand Deluxe

The listed Steigenberger Hotel is located in the heart of the Rhine metropolis Cologne, just a few minutes away from historic sights. Within a few minutes you can reach Cologne Cathedral as well as the famous Rhine river promenade and other hotspots of the city.

The 305 modern rooms, some of which even have a view over the city Cologne, are more than just a hotel room. The comfortable furnishings of all rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, desk, free local calls, safe, minibar as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle for making tea. The bathrooms are equipped with shower or bathtub.

The Bar Bistro 19NullZwo offers the perfect atmosphere with modern colours and shapes for short breaks with delicious coffee specialities, snacks or a treat for body and soul.

We would be pleased to make you an offer based on daily updated rates.
For further information, please contact service@a-rosa.com

 

Steigenberger Köln

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA AQUA

A-ROSA Schiff Rhein

A-ROSA BRAVA

A-ROSA Schiff Rhein