Christmas on the Rhine Cruise
Christmas on the Rhine Cruise
Tour Overview
Celebrate Christmas along the Rhine, calling at pretty German riverside port cities, illuminated by glittering lights and decked with traditional decorations.
Step aboard a Premium All-Inclusive cruise for a magical five-night journey along one of Europe’s most enchanting rivers. Embrace a schedule of festive on-board activities, indulge in gourmet buffets, sip cocktails in cosy lounge bars, and escape the winter’s chill for treatments in the spa.
Travelling along a southern stretch of the Rhine, you’ll stop off in picturesque Rudesheim, spend a special Christmas Eve in the ancient city of Speyer, with its UNESCO-listed cathedral, and an unforgettable Christmas in Strasbourg, complete with a guided walking tour. Time will also be enjoyed in medieval Mainz and old-world Koblenz, where you’ll embark on an atmospheric evening walking tour. Finally, you’ll glide through the spectacular Loreley Valley before you return to the cathedral city of Cologne.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Cologne, Germany
You can start your journey by acquainting yourself with the cathedral city of Cologne, which boasts a multitude of remarkable structures, enticing attractions and festive Christmas markets before boarding A-ROSA AQUA. To fully immerse yourself, consider arriving a day ahead of your cruise, or perhaps extending your stay after the cruise concludes.
Day Two – Rüdesheim, Germany
Today, you'll find yourself in the heart of Rhine Romanticism, Rüdesheim, a source of inspiration for poets and musicians. Notably, Johannes Brahms composed his renowned third symphony in this enchanting town. From a cultural perspective, the Rheingau region's most celebrated destination abounds with treasures, from historic aristocratic estates to ancient forts.
Take to the winding lanes of the old town by foot, heading to one of Germany’s most well-known streets, Drosselgasse. This avenue is fringed by lively bars, wine taverns and cafés. Why not sample the coffee speciality, Rüdesheimer Kaffee, which was invented here? You’ll also have time to explore the Christmas markets before they close for Christmas.
Day Three – Germersheim, Germany (Speyer) And Included City Tour
Christmas Eve will be celebrated in Germersheim, situated near the ancient city of Speyer, which boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years. Its crowning jewel is the magnificent cathedral, a showcase of High Romanesque architecture and one of Germany's most celebrated cathedrals, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll also head off on an included guided tour, learning about the city’s historic and architectural treasures as you explore, as well as enter the cathedral to observe its striking interior.
Day Four – Strasbourg (Kehl), France, Germany
Your cruise along the Rhine will bring you to the lively city of Strasbourg on Christmas day. This city enchants with its collection of medieval half-timbered houses and grand city palaces. A true standout is the Strasbourg Cathedral, offering a breathtaking vista from its observation deck, where the half-timbered houses resemble a model railway landscape. You can also cross Rhine Bridge, where you’ll be half in Germany (Kehl), and half in France (Strasbourg).
Embrace today in this French part of the Rhine, meandering around at your own pace and perhaps attending Christmas mass in the cathedral. This evening, you can enjoy some festive musical entertainment in the cruise lounge with a guest artist.
Day Five – Mainz And Koblenz, Germany And Included Evening Walking Tour Of Koblenz
The itinerary for Boxing Day features two beautiful stops. Your first call will be Mainz, a delightful city, home to half-timbered houses and sprawling medieval market squares. Experience the laid-back lifestyle of the residents as you stroll around one of Germany’s oldest cities, seeking out the Marktbrunnen, a striking Renaissance fountain, the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral and The Gutenberg Museum, which honours the inventor of the printing press.
In the afternoon, you’ll pass through the dramatic Loreley Valley before arriving at the next destination, Koblenz, another enthralling city with over 2,000 years of history. Venture along its labyrinth of cobbled streets, observing the stately town houses, castles and former historic courts along the way. From the A-ROSA AQUA ship, you can also see the famous Deutsches Eck, a promontory where the Mosel River joins the Rhine.
As you’ll be here after the sun has set, you’ll join an included evening walking tour through the old town. During this, you’ll pass the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, the Schängelbrunnen and the Romanesque churches of St. Kastor and Liebfrauenkirche.
Day Six – Cologne, Germany
As your cruise comes to an end in Cologne, consider making the most of your day before journeying home back to the UK.
What's Included
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Five nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
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14 meals
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A guided tour of Speyer
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An evening guided tour of Koblenz
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Return travel from the UK to Cologne (unless you select our Tour Only option)
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Included coach transfers to the ship (unless you select our Tour Only option)
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Free Wi-Fi on board
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On-board activities and entertainment
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Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
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Flexible mealtimes
Itinerary changes
Unnavigable rivers
Water levels can fluctuate on Europe’s rivers which may result in low or high water conditions in specific destinations. Please be aware that the situation can evolve rapidly, and it is impossible to predict if a cruise will be affected more than a few days in advance. Rest assured water levels are monitored very closely and we will contact you immediately if we are advised that there is likely to be any impact to your upcoming cruise.
Disruption - Delays during your cruise
If progress along the river is disrupted, we will endeavour to keep your holiday going, however the Captain may need to alter the cruise itinerary. This could include remaining moored in the same place extra nights, postponing the departure to the next day or arranging excursions to the itinerary destinations or equivalent alternatives by coach. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Sunday - Friday
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.