Itinerary
DINING & DRINKS
Raise a glass with premium and local-branded spirits served around the clock: including specialty teas and coffees, soft drinks, beers, spirits and a selection of wines cocktails and mocktails
Expansive gourmet buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a la carte option in the evening
Special welcome and farewell dinner
Al fresco BBQs
Regional specialities, afternoon tea and snacks
Cooking demonstrations
EXCURSIONS, ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Guided tour of Koblenz and a special culinary evening experience on board
Up to two cultural performances during your cruise
Nightly entertainment in the lounge
Discover like a local with help from insightful A-ROSA Destination Scouts
Enhance your journey with the info-packed A-ROSA App
FREE use of bikes and e-bikes for independent exploration
Wide range of optional excursions
SPA-ROSA, ON-BOARD FACILITIES AND MUCH MORE
Use of all on-board facilities including SPA-ROSA with sauna, whirlpool, relaxation room and gym, plus a 15% discount on spa treatments
Services of on-board cruise manager
FREE Wi-Fi
All port taxes
Bathrobes and slippers in your cabin
Itinerary
FLY TO MILAN AND TRANSFER TO LAKE LUGANO, SWITZERLAND
Fly to Milan Airport where you will be met and transferred to a well-reviewed 3* hotel in Lugano for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis (opt to upgrade to a 4* at additional supplement). The rest of the day is at leisure in this picturesque lakeside city.
Day 2 AT LEISURE IN LAKE LUGANO OR OPT TO VISIT LAKE COMO
Today you can relax and enjoy Lugano, offering a wonderful relaxed Mediterranean ambiance, with a mild climate, street cafes, palm trees and ornate squares in Italianate Lombardy style. Located on the shores of scenic Lake Lugano, take a boat trip, explore the Belvedere Gardens or perhaps visit the
Taste the destination
We’ll complement our delicious international dining with the very best authentic regional cuisine. Here's a sample of what to expect...
TRADITIONAL FLAVOURS
Alsace evening with French onion soup, grilled beef with Paris butter, and Creme Brûlée.
THE MAIN EVENT
German style BBQ evening on the sun deck.
Bon appetit!
SOMETHING SWEET
Toblerone and chocolate mousse. It doesn’t get much more quintessentially Swiss!
If you’d rather, you can take opt for a private excursion to Lake Como where you will an included funicular railway journey Brunate, a village known as ‘the balcony Alps’, with stunning views overlooking lake. Also included is an Italian lunch in In the afternoon, return to your hotel in
COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND
Includes private transfers at every point so you don't have to worry about a thing
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Day 3 THE BERNINA EXPRESS TO CHUR
This morning, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Tirano train station where you take your window seat on the Bernina Express for an exhilarating 4-hour journey across the Alps to Chur.
For many, the Bernina Express is the most scenic rail journey in the world. Your route takes you through the famous Brusio spiral viaduct, across the shores of Lake Poschiavo and high up into the mountains at over 2,000 metres. At Alp Grum, you can view the Palu Glacier as you continue to the mystical Bernina Pass. As you descend towards Chur, travel through the 6km long Albula Tunnel and the dramatic Landwasser Viaduct – it is a truly spectacular experience.
On arrival in Chur, you will be met and transferred to the 3* Sommerau Hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis (opt to upgrade to a 4 or 5* at an additional supplement). The rest of the day is at leisure in charming Chur.
Day 4
TOP TIP
Look out for our arrival and departure times. When you're not discovering a new destination, you'll be soaking up the glorious views as you meander down the river.
Day 6
MAINZ
ARRIVE 06.00, DEPART 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. Visit the historic Gutenburg Museum named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, and home to two near 600-year-old Gutenberg Bibles.
Arrive in...
LORELEI VALLEY AND KOBLENZ
The Lorelei Valley is Rhine River scenery at its most romantic, so this morning's sailing is sure to be one of the highlights of your cruise. We recommend letting one of our waiters 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 as you drift along this stunning valley.
Arrive in...
BY TRAIN TO BASEL AND EMBARK
Morning at leisure to explore Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, dating back 5,000 years. Enjoy the wonderful car-free old town with its cafe-lined cobbled streets, Bishop’s Palace, cathedral and three regional museums.
You will be collected from your hotel for a private transfer to Chur station for your journey to Basel arriving mid-afternoon. You will be met in Basel for a private transfer to the port where you will embark the A-ROSA AQUA for your cruise on a Premium All-Inclusive basis. The rest of the afternoon is free to discover the medieval old town and gothic cathedral, or you might choose to explore your new home, A-ROSA AQUA. With a peaceful spa and sociable sun deck, A-ROSA AQUA is the perfect way to meander the beautiful Rhine
Day 5
STRASBOURG
ARRIVE 11.30, DEPART 18.00
Discover Alsatian Strasbourg. Visit its charming old town, with its cute colourful houses and twisting cobbled alleys, and head down to the canals of Petit France where you can hole up in one of the traditional cosy winstubs, or Alsatian taverns. A must visit is the Strasbourg Cathedral – the former tallest building in the world.
Day 7
KOBLENZ 18.30, DEPART 21.30
INCLUDED EXCURSION & CULINARY EVENING
You arrive in Koblenz, where you’ll find the confluence of The Rhine and The Moselle. It is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the gorgeous scenic surrounds and rich history of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Enjoy a guided tour of Koblenz Old Town and a special culinary evening experience on board with local specialities of the season created by our top chefs.
COLOGNE
ARRIVE 05.00, DEPART 18.00
Today, you’ll arrive in Cologne. Lined with a bustling wide promenade and criss-crossed with bridges, your first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne is destined to be a memorable one. A major trading centre since the Roman times, this impressive city merges the old and the new perfectly. You'll find ancient walls and medieval churches rubbing shoulders with modern quarters, a fantastic selection of quality museums and the calling card of the city, its famous cathedral, dominating the skyline.
Day 8
WILLEMSTAD, NETHERLANDS ARRIVE 11.00, DEPART 22.00
Welcome to picture-perfect Willemstad. With a beautiful old harbour presided over by a stately windmill, the town sits in spectacular star-shaped fortifications making it one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. You can spend today ambling through historic streets, walking the city’s ramparts, discovering a clutch of fascinating museums and monuments or simply sitting in one of the lovely pavement cafes and watching the world go by.
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Day 9
INCLUDED IN YOUR CRUISE
GHENT, BELGIUM
ARRIVE 07.00, DEPART 13.30
Our next port of call in the Low Countries takes you along the northern Rhine towards Ghent in Belgium. This enchanting city is sure to be a highlight of your cruise. Take a romantic canal cruise through the beautiful flower-lined waterways, raise a Belgian beer in an atmospheric square and shop for gifts in gleaming chocolatier’s windows. Ghent’s treasures include the baroque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen, a huge fairy tale-like castle enclosed by a moat.
We continue sailing in the afternoon towards Antwerp. This evening you'll cruise past the Westerschelde, the estuary of the Scheldt River and the ideal vantage point to explore the Netherlands' unique relationship with water.
Arrive in...
Day 10
ANTWERP, BELGIUM 22.00
ANTWERP DEPART 14.00
Spend a wonderful day navigating Antwerp’s treasure trove of delights, from its medieval centre, Grote Markt, with cobbled lanes, to its treat-filled cafes, gift shops, and boutiques. Visit the riverside fortress Het Steen dating back to the 13th century and the magnificent baroque Cathedral of our Lady. Art lovers will enjoy time at Rubens House, or head to the diamond district to see what gives the city its famous sparkle. We recommend a trip to the architecturally spectacular MAS Museum which offers panoramic views across the city from its perch on the city’s harbour. Ten floors of engaging exhibitions showcase the fascinating history of Antwerp from Golden Age to modern day – finish by raising a glass at the tenth floor bar with stunning 360-degree vistas.
Day 11
DISEMBARK AMSTERDAM AND FLY TO THE UK
ARRIVE 08.00
You’ll arrive in Amsterdam for the final day of your voyage. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, or extend your stay for a few days.
Exclusive guided tour of Koblenz followed by a highlight dinner and drinks on board. During the cruise, you will also enjoy two on-board cultural experiences like live music performances or traditional dancing.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS AND EXPERIENCES
Once you have booked, you can pre-register for the following optional excursions: (All pre-registered excursions are payable on board, subject to availability. Prices below are the current guide prices per person which may change depending on the exchange rate.)
DAY 1 - ROMANTIC BASEL TOUR £21
Get to know Basel’s history with the help of expert guides.
DAY 1 - BORDER TRIANGLE & BASEL BIKE TOUR £43
Guided cycle tour through the historic centre soaking up the beautiful riverside scenery of the tri-border area of Switzerland, Germany and France.
DAY 2 - STRASBOURG CITY TOUR £59
Get to know Basel’s history with the help of expert guides.
DAY 2 - STRASBOURG BIKE TOUR £49
Cycle through Strasbourg’s old quarters before leaving town for spectacular views of the Rhine and surrounding countryside.
DAY 2 - COLMAR'S CAPTIVATING ARCHITECTURE £69
Explore this beautiful Alsatian gem as you are guided through over 600 years of architectural history.
DAY 3 - WALKING TOUR OF MAINZ £20
Discover the ‘golden city’ of Mainz on a guided walk.
DAY 4 - WALKING TOUR OF COLOGNE’S OLD TOWN £21
Lose yourself in the pastel-painted riverside old town and pay a visit to the mighty Gothic Cathedral.
DAY 5 - HISTORIC WILLEMSTAD £72
Visit this famous fortress town and learn about its strategic history.
DAY 6 - A BOAT TOUR OF GHENT £29
Experience Ghent from its best angle – the water! Sail under romantic bridges studded with bloom-filled flower boxes and spot grand medieval houses.
DAY 6 - PICTURESQUE BRUGES £65
Travel by coach and explore the history-steeped old town and undeniable charm of this lovely city.
DAY 7 - TOUR OF ANTWERP £55
Explore Antwerp’s incredible past as you visit the beautiful UNESCO listed Cathedral of Our Lady and its world-famous diamond district.
DAY 8 - COACH TOUR OF AMSTERDAM £49
Let us show you the main sights of this vibrant city before free time at the famous Flower Market.
PAGE 8 A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - THE BERNINA EXPRESS & THE RHINE
PAGE 9 A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES THE BERNINA EXPRESS & THE RHINE
With over 20 years’ experience sailing Europe’s most beautiful waterways, A-ROSA River Cruises have crafted the art of uniquely relaxed and flexible journeys to spectacular cities, charming towns and awe-inspiring natural gems.
Expect the perfect balance of scenic sailing and longer days and overnight stays in port allowing you to immerse yourself in each of the expertly hand-picked destinations. On board your spacious and modern A-ROSA ship, the atmosphere is warm and cosmopolitan with an attentive crew and leisurely atmosphere which you’ll see in touches like the expansive gourmet buffet dining served without set times and table sizes.
There’s a great value Premium All-Inclusive package included on every cruise with an extensive drinks menu serving up everything from freshly-mixed cocktails to specialty coffees. Raise a glass to unforgettable moments and complete enjoyment on board your next holiday with A-ROSA River Cruises.
Make it yours
Choose to add extra time in Milan, Lake Lugano or Amsterdam and make your holiday completely unique. We can tailor-make your entire experience with a fantastic choice of hotel stays before or after your cruise so you can enjoy our favourite destinations for a little longer.
PACKING TIPS
One of the most exciting things about a river cruise is the variety of destinations you’ll visit.
On board your ship, the dress code is relaxed which means you can enjoy the public areas and restaurants in the clothing you feel most comfortable in.
On shore, we recommend packing for a variety of weathers depending on the time of year you plan to travel.
A-ROSA AQUA is a comfortable, welcoming ship offering the perfect relaxed way to explore the Rhine.
With space for 209 passengers, A-ROSA AQUA plays host to a wide range of cabin options, all with river views. Choose to upgrade to a Juliet balcony and enjoy the river panoramas from your own private space.
- SHARON WILSON -
The generous sun deck is ideal for al fresco dining and even has a small putting green. There’s an elegant lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows framing passing scenery. In the daytime, it’s a great spot for a speciality coffee as you sail along the river, by night, expect music and occasional entertainment.
The main restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with buffet dining and live cooking plus outdoor seating and a café and wine bar a short amble away. SPA-ROSA is the ship’s wellness hub.
You will find a relaxation room, sauna, gym and professional treatment rooms. There’s a whirlpool at the very front of the ship too.
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