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.
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.
Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.
We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.
During your cruising day, enjoy watching the scenery drift by as you look forward to the next towns and cities. Our tip: the SPA-ROSA is a great place to unwind and pamper yourself during your day on the river.
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!
Discover the best of Strasbourg with your private English-speaking tour guide – whether you opt to explore the European quarter, the former tanners’ quarter Petite France or the cathedral. You’ll decide what you want to do, and your guide will tailor the tour to meet your individual requirements. Walking through Strasbourg is like travelling through time, and you can choose which eras you’d like to experience.
€ 399 per reservation for max. 6 people
approx. 4 h
german tour guide only
Moderate
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Would you like to explore Strasbourg on your own while travelling in comfort? Then book a private people carrier for up to six people. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish. Whether you go alone, as a couple or with new friends you’ve made on your cruise, you’ll be able to discover the parts of Strasbourg that you’re most interested in.
€ 659 per reservation for max. 6 people
approx. 4 h
Private Minivan
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
The capital of the Alsace region offers an exciting mix of tradition and modernity with a large portion of savoir-vivre. The tour will take you to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and continues to the historic centre known as 'Petite France'. You will explore this little gem with its historic buildings on foot, such as the Liebfrauenmünster (Strasbourg Cathedral). It is one of the world’s largest sandstone buildings.
€ 69 per person
approx. 4 h
Bus and walking
Moderate
Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.
Would you like to explore the city where Switzerland, Germany and France meet on your own rather than go on a group walking tour? Are you interested in a particular topic, or would you like to climb the cathedral tower or admire the famous Tinguely Fountain? Your private tour guide will show you the best of Basel based on your individual preferences.
€ 499 per reservation for max. 4 people
approx. 3 h
german tour guide only
Moderate
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Would you like to explore the city on your own while travelling in comfort? Then book a private people carrier for up to 4 people. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish. Whether you go alone, as a couple or with new friends you’ve made on your cruise, you’ll be able to discover the parts of Basel that you’re most interested in.
€ 599 per reservation for max. 4 people
approx. 3 h
Private Minivan
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Would you like to explore Basel individually with your partner or travel companion while travelling in comfort? Your driver can take you to museums, shops and the famous Town Hall. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.
€ 559 per reservation for max. 2 people
approx. 3 h
Private car
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Experience Basel's history up close! First, you will receive an overview of Basel’s centre - one of Europe’s most beautiful ones - on a short bus tour. Afterwards, you will discover the historic treasures within the city walls, erected in the 13th and 14th century, on foot. Be enchanted by romantic little lanes, picturesque guild houses, the market square with its town hall and the minster, both made of red sandstone. The minster, with its colourful roof tiles and two towers, is the landmark of the city.
€ 79 per person
approx. 3 h
Bus and walking
Moderate
Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.
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.
The Palatinate is known for its laid-back atmosphere, its Mediterranean-style climate and its wonderful cuisine. If you like fine wine, good food and regional specialities, you’ve come to the right place. And, as if that wasn’t enough, there are also castles, palaces, museums and mining centres to explore. Your private tour guide will be happy to show you all of this: we recommend that you book a people carrier too, so that you can relax as you discover the beauty of the Palatinate.
€ 459 per reservation for max. 5 people
approx. 4.5 h
german tour guide only
Moderate
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Few routes are better known than the Palatinate region’s German Wine Route, which passes through picturesque towns such as Bad Dürkheim, Deidesheim and Neustadt. You’ll find a wealth of treasures of all kinds in this region, which has long been famous for its wine. Thanks to your private people carrier and your driver, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this stunning region in comfort. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.
€ 699 per reservation for max. 5 people
approx. 4.5 h
Private Minivan
Easy
This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.
Experience 2,000 years of history in Speyer. This was once the centre of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation. In the historical old town you’ll come across traces of its remarkable past at every turn as you stroll down romantic lanes and cross busy squares. The mighty Speyer Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline. It is the largest Romanesque church today and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of your visit here there’ll be time to have a look around on your own: why not visit the crypt, which was consecrated in 1041 and boasts the largest Romanesque columned hall (admission costs approx. €4).
€ 25 per person
approx. 2 h
Bus and walking
Moderate
The town describes its biggest attraction, the world-famous Drosselgasse, as ‘144 metres of joie de vivre’. This centre of Rhine Romanticism once inspired poets and musicians – it was here that Brahms composed his Symphony No. 3. Rüdesheim is the best-known spot in the Rheingau and has plenty of cultural attractions, including stately homes and fortifications. And no visit to the towns and countryside of this area of the Rhine would be complete without a Rüdesheim coffee, which was invented here.
In the middle of the Rheingau along the Rhine lies a true gem. Rüdesheim has so much more to offer than the famous 'Drosselgasse'. During a short city walk you will pass the 'Brömserburg' from the 10th century, various Aldes courts and a beautiful half-timbered house from the 16th century - the 'Klunkhardshof'. At the end of our tour the famous street 'Drosselgasse' should not to be missed. Lined with wine taverns and bars with outdoor seating, it offers 144 metres of pure enjoyment. You’ll have the opportunity to stop off and try traditional wines or coffee specialities of Rüdesheim.
€ 25 per person
approx. 2 h
walking
Moderate
Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.
Your exciting Rhine cruise ends in Cologne, but your wonderful memories will last forever. Before you start your journey home, use the day to take a further look around North Rhine-Westphalia or explore the city. The magnificent cathedral of Cologne is an absolute must-see. See you soon and Ahoy!
The rate A-ROSA Basic incl. Full Board includes the following services:
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
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
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
