Overview
Highlights of the Rhine Cruise
No wonder that the Rhine has so much to tell.
From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Germersheim (Speyer), Breisach, Strasbourg (Kehl), Mainz and Koblenz to Cologne.
The Rhine is the chameleon of the world’s rivers. Sometimes it seems wild; indeed, in the past it was dangerous, particularly at the Lorelei rocks. At other times it appears vast, as when it joins the Moselle in Koblenz. The romantic meadows of Rastatt invite you to picnic after an afternoon of rowing. And at other times human beings have tamed the river and turned it into an ornamental companion for elegant riverside promenades in cities such as Basle. It’s the perfect match for Baroque and Gothic architecture, and it looks amazing in photos. But its true home is between wild cliffs and dense forests, and between knights’ castles and winemaking villages whose vineyards it has made fertile over the course of its history.
Mainz : 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.
Strassburg : 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.
Basel : 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.
What's Included
- Return flights from the UK
- Airport taxes
- Cabin bag
- All inclusive cruise
- ATOL protection
- Drinks with meals
- Limited items open bar
- Hold Luggage
- One night stay at Flandrischer Hof, Cologne
- Breakfast included in Cologne
Highlights
- Cologne to Rüdesheim
- Germersheim (Speyer)
- Breisach
- Strasbourg (Kehl)
- Mainz and Koblenz
- Cologne.
Your Ships
Flandrischer Hof
Centrally located in the city centre, directly on the streets of Hohenzollern ring and Rudolfplatz, this hotel is just a 15 minutes' walk from the city centre. Accessibility to public transport is a mere 100 metres away ensuring that guests can travel with ease to and from the hotel.
Breath-taking views of the river Rhine and Bonn can be viewed at ease. It is a mere 20 minutes from Cologne/Bonn airport, whilst Düsseldorf airport is only 45 minutes from the hotel.
The simple, yet elegantly furnished hotel rooms are suitable to any traveller wishing to enjoy a restful and rejuvenating night's sleep. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant, which is known for its classy yet relaxed style, or may prefer to unwind with a refreshing drink in the inviting cocktail bar.
A-ROSA BRAVA
River cruise on the Rhine with A-ROSA BRAVA
Cruising on a river is certainly not the fastest mode of transportation. And the countless meanders of the Rhine, Danube and Rhône are not the fastest way to get from A to B either. But that’s precisely what we want to give you: a little time for you to relax and unwind. As you leisurely take in the breathtaking riverscape, you can really take time for yourself. Make yourself comfortable in your cosy cabin or simply daydream in SPA-ROSA and on the sun deck. If you like, you can also take part in our many exciting activities. Our A-ROSA BRAVA has been a popular choice among German-speaking guests in the past, but she offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all who seek to explore the beautiful Rhône and Saône Rivers.
Itinerary
Depart the UK and arrive in Cologne, self transfer to Hotel in Cologne
Free time and overnight at hotel
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.
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.
Welcome to the Upper Rhine. Germersheim is only about 20 km from the city of Speyer, which is over 2000 years old. Speyer 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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Gallery
More Information
Unless specifically stated as Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Optional Activities / Highlights
- Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included
3 June 2026 
