Ffestiniog Travel
Alsace, Black Forest & Swiss Jura
9 daysfrom $2,611
Planet Rail · Rail and river cruise holiday
A Southern Rhine Cruise - Germany to Switzerland
Sail the Rhine on a luxury cruise, exploring historic castles, charming villages and scenic landscapes from Germany to Switzerland.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Cologne
London to Cologne
Your holiday begins as you arrive at London St Pancras International. Admire the cathedral of steam before you join the Eurostar and travel to Brussels, enjoying the light meal and drinks served at your seat in Standard Premier Class as you reach speeds of up to 186 mph. In Brussels you change trains and continue into Germany, travelling to Cologne, where you check into the Hotel Mondial am Dom (4 star) or similar, located close to the station, for your overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Day 2overnight: On board A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
Free-time in Cologne and join your cruise aboard A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
This morning after breakfast you have time to explore Cologne at your leisure, including if possible a visit to the impressive Gothic cathedral. In the afternoon, embark the A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA. Set sail and enjoy a welcome dinner on board tonight.
- Day 3overnight: On board A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
Rüdesheim
After a morning sailing on the scenic Upper Middle Rhine we arrive at the town of Rüdesheim (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), for centuries renowned the world over for its outstanding wines. Take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town where you will find Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades known as The World's Longest Wine Bar.
- Day 4overnight: On board A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
Speyer
Today we sail through the historical heart of Europe, enjoying some of the most picture-perfect sights of your Rhine river cruise, with terraced vineyards, expansive forests and high peaks. Spend the day in Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities and once the centre of the Holy Roman Empire, whose delightful old town has romantic lanes leading to the imposing Cathedral, a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site.
- Day 5overnight: On board A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
Breisach
Have your cameras to hand to capture picturesque Breisach, perched on a steep cliff above the Rhine with its pastel-hued buildings set in beautiful rolling vineyards. Where the Black Forest spills into the Alsace region, this German town shares a love of good food and good wine with its French neighbours. Take an optional guided walking tour (supplements apply) including a visit to a local champagne cellar with tastings.
- Day 6overnight: On board A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
Basel
Uniquely positioned where France, Germany and Switzerland meet, Basel retains a strong and proud identity, with a thriving arts scene and bilingual culture. Spend the day exploring its pretty old town, the awe-inspiring cathedral and dipping in and out of the excellent museums. Optional excursions enable you to explore more of Switzerland.
- Day 7overnight: On board A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
Strasbourg
The capital of the Grand Est region, formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg sits on the border with Germany, the river itself being the border. Your A-ROSA ship moors on the France side: it is a leisurely stroll across the bridge into Strasbourg, or take a local bus, taxi or optional excursion. Explore the old town with quaint colourful houses and twisting cobbled alleys, the canals of Petite France and magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, for 227 years the tallest building in the world, with summit views stretching as far as the Black Forest. Strasbourg is also near Colmar, world-renowned for its Alsatian architecture, which you can visit on an optional excursion.
- Day 8overnight: On board A-ROSA ALEA or CLEA
Mainz, the scenic Lorelei Valley & Koblenz
Today we visit Mainz in the Rhineland's wine growing region, famed for its Riesling wines. Wander the cobbled old town among half-timbered buildings, visit the 1,000-year-old Mainzer Dome and the Gutenberg Museum celebrating the inventor of the printing press; the A-ROSA Destination Scout is on hand to help. We continue sailing through the scenic Lorelei Valley, one of the highlights of your cruise: steeply-terraced vineyards, picture-perfect villages, fairytale castles on hilltops, rugged cliffs and lush forests, with your cruise director bringing the legends to life, a glass of included sparkling wine in hand. Arrive in Koblenz at 18.30 for the final evening: enjoy an included walking tour of Koblenz and a speciality dinner on board.
- Day 9rail
Cologne to London, homeward bound
All too soon your cruise comes to an end. Enjoy your final breakfast on board before you travel back to Cologne's main railway station. You travel by German ICE train to Brussels and then on board Eurostar in Standard Premier Class back to London St. Pancras station and the final leg of your journey home.
Included
- Return First Class rail from London to Cologne (Standard Premier Class on Eurostar)
- Overnight stay in Cologne in a 4 star hotel on your outbound journey on a bed and breakfast basis
- 7-night cruise on a Premium All-Inclusive basis: S grade outside cabin with window and river views and private bathroom
- Extensive gourmet buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Option to enjoy waiter service at dinner
- Special welcome and farewell dinners
- Regional specialities and afternoon tea
- Tea, coffee and water available 24 hours
- Extensive menu of cocktails, mocktails, spirits, wines, beers, soft drinks and speciality teas and coffees served 11am to midnight as per the A-ROSA bar menu
- Included walking tour of Koblenz and speciality dinner on board ship in the evening
- Up to 2 cultural performances during the week
- Nightly entertainment in the lounge
- Use of all on-board facilities including the A-ROSA SPA, sauna, swimming pool, relaxation and gym
- 15% discount on spa treatments
- FREE Wi-Fi
- All port taxes
Not included
- Optional excursions (supplements apply)
- Spa treatments (15% discount applies)
