Southern Rhine Christmas 2026

Our cruise starts in the vibrant city of Frankfurt am Main. In addition to its imposing skyscrapers, the Finance, Business and Euro metropolis also has picturesque alleyways with a special historical atmosphere.

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.

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.

Wiesbaden, a city of elegance and joy, where magnificent architecture, green parks, and vibrant city life intertwine to create a harmonious whole. Immerse yourself in the world of spa houses and thermal springs, stroll along the magnificent boulevards, and let yourself be enchanted by the relaxed atmosphere of this charming city.

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!

Discover the historic city centre of Strasbourg, which is characterised by picturesque half-timbered houses, narrow alleyways and impressive historic buildings. The most iconic landmark is certainly Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral with an impressive façade and a 142 metre high tower from which you can enjoy a fantastic view over the whole city.

As you sail along the southern Rhine during your river cruise, you will also learn about the many faces of Mannheim, the multicultural heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. Welcome to the compact city. From the Neckar to the palace, the city centre is laid out in grid formation. The streets here have no official names, and the area is instead divided into squares.

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.

Your journey ends in Frankfurt am Main, also known as "Mainhattan". Before you start your journey home, use the day to take a further look around to stroll past the impressive skyline with its modern skyscrapers.