Day 1: We travel to France via LeShuttle, arriving in Cologne mid-afternoon where we board our ship. After settling in to our cabins we set sail at 18:00 this evening and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2: Rudesheim, Germany – ARR 10.00. DEP 21:00.
After a morning of sailing on the scenic Upper Middle Rhine with its breath-taking river landscapes, we arrive in Rudesheim mid-morning. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this delightful town with its traditional half-timbered houses, backed by terraced vineyards. At the heart of the old town is the famous Drosselgasse a 15th century cobbled street dotted with quaint restaurants, cafes, wine bars and taverns serving regional dishes. Sample a glass of wine or two along the way whilst enjoying an abundance of live music. Perhaps catch the cable car to the Niederwald Monument and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the Rhine and the sweeping vineyards. Another popular attraction in the town is Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Music, showcasing more than 400 self-playing musical instruments spanning three centuries. We depart early this evening and cruise throughout the night.
Day 3: Germersheim, Germany ARR 08:00. DEP 21:00.
Today, you'll find yourself in Germany's enchanting Upper Rhine, nestled in the heart of Europe with some of the most awe-inspiring views you'll see from the river, with terraced vineyards, expansive forests, high peaks and nature trails just waiting to be explored. Our port today will be Germersheim, where you'll discover rich German hospitality and history. One of the town’s most notable and impressive landmarks is the Germersheim Fortress, dating back to the 17th Century and the town itself is the perfect place to spend a day of laidback discovery. Alternatively why not join an optional excursion* to nearby Speyer or to the ancient city of Heidelberg.
Day 4: Strasbourg, France (or Kehl, Germany). ARR 08:00. DEP 18:00.
Treading the tightrope between Germany and France, Strasbourg is a city straight out of the storybooks with the river itself forming the border of the two countries. The elegant capital of Alsace with its higgledy-piggledy, colourful houses and twisting streets offers a delightful blend of the two countries. Head down to the canals of Petit France and hole up in one of the traditional cosy winstubs (wine lounges), or Alsatian taverns, they're the perfect place to get your bearings of this quirky city before hitting the tourist trail. Strasbourg Cathedral is a must-see. For 227 years, this spellbinding sandstone structure was the tallest building in the world, and it's still well worth a trip to the top of the tower where views stretch as far as the Black Forest, some 30km away. Please note: If mooring in Kehl there is a short 10 minute tram ride to Strasbourg (to be booked and paid locally approx. 4euros).
Day 5: Mainz, Germany. ARR 06:00. DEP 12:00
At the very heart of the Rhineland's wine growing region, sophisticated Mainz is the perfect mix of history, culture and high-living. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and lose yourself among half-timbered buildings housing colourful bars, traditional shops and great eateries. This area is most famed for its fantastic Riesling and Silvaner wines, so it would be remiss not to sit, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a perfectly chilled glass of this top tipple. There's much more than just excellent vintages to this pretty city though. The Altstadt also plays host to the impressive 1,000-year-old Mainzer Dome, a masterpiece of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles, as well as the fantastic Gutenberg Museum, commemorating Mainz's illustrious printing past.
Sail the Lorelei Valley
Today is the highlight of our voyage through the Lorelei and UNESCO World Heritage Middle Rhine Valley. The Lorelei Valley is Rhine river scenery at its most majestic and romantic, so today’s sailing is sure to be a crowning point of your cruise. We recommend letting one of the crew bring you a coffee as you sit on the Sun Deck of your elegant A-ROSA ship and let the views unfurl in front of your eyes. And what views they are. Each gentle bend in the river delivers something new to admire, steeply-terraced vineyards plunging down towards the river, storybook villages replete with half-timbered houses and Gothic church steeples, fairy tale castles perched on hilltops, rugged cliffs and lush green forests. The Lorelei Valley is river cruising exactly as you imagined it.
Day 5: Koblenz Germany. ARR 07:00 DEP 12:00
Where the mighty Rhine meets the Moselle, Koblenz is the perfect pit stop for exploring the gorgeous scenic surrounds and rich history of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Its strategic location has made it the focus of battles over the centuries, with 2,000 years of glorious and bloody history under its belt. Sailing past its iconic headland, Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and famous Kaiser Wilhelm statue, with views of the majestic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, our final port of call is sure to be truly memorable.
Day 6: Cologne. ARR: 05:00
We disembark after breakfast this morning and travel through Germany and into France for our return journey back to the UK via LeShuttle.