The Roman commander Drusus founded Strasbourg as a military outpost in 12 BCE. Today it is a thriving metropolis that has maintained many small half-timbered houses and an historic old town. Even the briefest glance at Strasbourg Cathedral will tell you that you are standing before one of the most important of its kind in Europe – and one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world.
‘Hier bin ich Mensch, hier darf ich’s sein’ (‘Here I am man, dare man to be’). This quote by Frankfurt’s most famous son – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – actually comes from his play Faust (and the English translation by Bayard Taylor), but it is also a very fitting way to describe Goethe’s hometown. Frankfurt’s combination of modern skyscrapers housing major finance companies and the old town with its historic buildings and half-timbered houses is unique. And if you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle, you can take a leisurely walk along the lovely bank of the Main.
Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture.
Here is where we embark on our exciting Rhine cruise. You should definitely get to know the city of Cologne with its many monuments and attractions. The best way to do this is to arrive one day before your cruise or simply extend your stay after the cruise.
Welcome to the Upper Rhine. Speyer is over 2,000 years old and occupies a strategic location on a low terrace beside the river. It 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. You are sure to have an enjoyable day in Speyer.
*alternatively Germersheim, depending on availability
Today your Rhine river cruise will call at Strasbourg – a centre of European policymaking. With its medieval half-timbered houses and its elegant city palaces, Strasbourg really stands out from the crowd. But the highlight is the cathedral. From its viewing platform, the city’s half-timbered houses appear as small as pieces from a model railway set. Enjoy your day in the French part of the Rhine region!
The little town of Breisach perches on a steep cliff along the Rhine, to the south-west of the Kaiserstuhl hills. Its main landmark is the cathedral, Münster Sankt Stephan. Set high above the town on a hill (Latin name: Mons Brisiacus), the church overlooks the Rhine valley, housing an impressive collection of artworks. Geldermann, a well-known producer of sparkling wine, is also based here. A visit to Breisach is an absolute must during your Rhine cruise.
Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city, makes it easy for non-locals to settle in and helps visitors to enjoy their stay here. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.
Welcome to Goethe’s birthplace! Here’s another historical fact while we’re at it: this is where the first German national assembly met in 1848. Today, the metropolis on the Main is home to the headquarters of major banks and is also one of Germany’s most important centres of business and commerce. Frankfurt is also known for its many futuristic-looking high-rises. You’ll get a closer view of them when your Rhine cruise takes you along the Main river.
After an exciting cruise on the Rhine, you will be docking back in Cologne today. However, before you set off on your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to explore North Rhine-Westphalia and the city of Cologne? The imposing cathedral of Cologne is a must-see. See you soon and ahoy!
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.
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 If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.
PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.
Be quick and secure the A-ROSA Best Price - our early booking levels:
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, free use of the mini bar, fresh fruit, laundry service.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, free use of the mini bar, fresh fruit, laundry service.
