Rhine Christmas Markets
6days from
was£1,599
now£1,474*
per personOverview
Save up to £600 per couple on 2025-26 A-ROSA River Cruises until Thursday, 31 July.
Itinerary
- Travel to Germany - Travel to Germany and head down to the banks of the Rhine where your A-ROSA river cruise ship waits, close to Cologne, ready to get underway this afternoon.
- Rudesheim, Germany - You'll spend the 2nd day of your Christmas cruise in the center of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians. For example, Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. In cultural terms, the most famous place of the Rheingau has a lot to show, including historic noble courts and fortifications. And of course, on this day of your Christmas cruise on the Rhine, the coffee speciality "Rüdesheimer Kaffee", invented here, should not be missed.
- Germersheim/Speyer, Germany - 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. Enjoy an included guided excursion in Speyer today.
- Strasbourg, France - You'll arrive in Strasbourg before breakfast, and will have the day and to explore this beautiful city. Marvel at the city's soaring Gothic cathedral, stroll through the winding alleys of the Petite France quarter past lovely half-timbered houses, and browse the festive stalls of its famous Christmas market.
- Mainz, Lorelei Gorge and Koblenz, Germany - Arrive early morning in Mainz, the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate, once the site of a Roman border fort, and the city where Johannes Gutenburg set up his first printing press in the 1450s. Explore the 100-or-so stalls of the city's Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you. Your A-ROSA ship cruises through the scenic Lorelei Valley in the afternoon, arriving in Koblenz at 6.30pm. You have the evening to walk ashore and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and markets in the delightful old town. A wonderful end to your festive journey.
- Travel back to the UK - Say goodbye to all your newfound friends, this morning, as you begin your journey home.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Visit the beautiful city of Strasbourg, home to France's oldest Christmas market
- Sail south through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge from Cologne
- Join a guided excursion to Speyer - Germany's oldest medieval town
- Explore the 100-or-so stalls of Mainz's Christmas markets on the Domplatz
- Six ports of call
- Special festive atmosphere on board
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the famous riverside wine town of Rudesheim
Our Price Includes
- Five nights Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
- Return travel from the UK (unless you select our Tour Only option)
- Included coach transfers to the ship (unless you select our Tour Only option)
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- On-board activities and entertainment
- Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
- Flexible mealtimes
- A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
- Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
- Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
- The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
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Ship Information
Cruise Overview
Each of A-ROSA's elegant river cruise vessels has been built specifically for the river upon which it sails, offering spacious, contemporary public areas, light, bright cabins and a casual-yet-stylish cruising experience.Facilities
Relax on a comfy sun lounger, admiring views of crumbling castles, vineyard-clad hills and enchanting riverside towns and villages - perhaps with a drink from the rooftop bar - or enjoy a game of shuffleboard or giant chess with friends. Each river cruiser also has either a whirlpool or plunge pool, perfect for keeping cool on those warmer days. On fine days you'll find A-ROSA chefs on the top-deck, masterfully barbecuing, so you can enjoy a lunch with a view. As the sun sets, the top-deck is the perfect place to take in the day's end.Other Information
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Optional shore excursions
Optional excursions are available on all cruises. If the number of bookings needed to operate any excursion is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. At the end of the cruise you will find a tip box for the entire crew at the reception and the suggested amount is five Euros per guest per day. Of course, you are free to tip individual crew members at any time, should you wish.
Disabled guests and guests in need of assistance
All ships have stairs, are not equipped with lifts, and may not be suitable for passengers with restricted mobility. Wheelchairs cannot be used on board.
Dress code
The dress code on board and ashore is comfortable and casual; we recommend that you bring sturdy footwear for excursions. For the restaurant we recommend smart casual dress. Please remember to bring warmer clothes for evenings out on deck.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in accordance with A-ROSA's conditions of use. You can request a login and password from reception. Internet reception is limited and will vary from location to location.
Luggage
Where possible, we recommend non-rigid suitcases as these are easier to store within your cabin.
Pool
A heated pool can be found on the sun deck of the following ships: A-ROSA DONNA, FLORA, SILVA and STELLA.
Whirlpool
A heated Whirlpool can be found on the following ships: A-ROSA AQUA, and VIVA.
Cabin facilities
In your cabin you will find a safe installed in the wardrobe, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, insect screens and pool towels. The power supply in your cabin is 220 V/50 Hz. All sockets are European two-pin, meaning you will need to bring an adapter.
Air-conditioning
All A-ROSA vessels are air-conditioned throughout, with individual climate control in each cabin.
Drinking water
The water on board is potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.
Itinerary changes
On rare occasions, the Captain may need to alter the Cruise Itinerary. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
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 Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) - EES is the new electronic entry/exit system for European countries which will replace the physical stamping of your passport. The expected date for its introduction is 10 November 2024. From this date, it means that when you go through passport control on arrival, you will need to produce your passport for checking as you do now, but also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded. For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian) border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the ABTA website here.European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, 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.
Terms and conditions
Offers valid on new 2025-26 A-ROSA river cruise bookings made from 9:00am 10th April 2025 to 31st July 2025 inclusive, and cannot be retrospectively applied to bookings already confirmed. All offers are subject availability and may be withdrawn without notice at any time. Discount amounts are already included in advertised fares, these may vary on selected departures, are not combinable with any other offers and apply to full-paying passengers only. These offers do not apply to any other Newmarket Holidays products. Cruises are provided by A-ROSA river cruises. A-ROSA river cruises reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any cruise at short notice. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316.
Holiday code
N1700Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.