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2026

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2027

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2028

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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2026

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Who is travelling?

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From
US $574 per person

Rhine Christmas Markets 2026

5 days
•
Start and end in Cologne
4.4 (14 reviews)
  • Illuminated fountain and buildings in Frankfurt
  • Illuminated fountain and buildings at night with snowfall.
  • Brightly lit fountain with a historic theater building at night.
  • Decorative metal star with warm glowing lights.
    View all

  • It's my first time on the River Cruise beyond my expectations. Love it and highly recommend to my friend.

    malee•traveled in November5.0
  • Couple relaxing on loungers in glass-walled spa area of river cruise ship
  • Illuminated cathedral tower and spinning Christmas pyramid carousel framed by winter branches at night.
  • Ferry on the Rhine River with Cologne Cathedral in the background.
  • Panoramic view of a confluence with a monument and a cityscape.
  • Street scene with a statue, people walking, and a historic cathedral in the background.
    View all
From
US $574 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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2026

Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

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Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Gold Operator
A-ROSA
River Cruise
Cruise scenic waterways for effortless exploration
Group Tour
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Other languages on request: German
Group Size 15 - 202
All Ages Welcome
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Cologne

    Cologne
    Meals
    Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations, tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine)

    Included Activities

    • Destination Scouts insider tips for independent exploration
    • Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)

    Optional Activities

    • Climb Cologne Cathedral tower for city and Rhine views
    • Visit local wine taverns or cafes
    • Explore city streets and chat with locals
    Landmarks
    Cologne Cathedral
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  2. Day 2

    Rüdesheim - Mainz

    Rüdesheim - Mainz
    Meals
    Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations, tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine)

    Included Activities

    • Destination Scouts insider tips for independent exploration
    • Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)

    Optional Activities

    • Sample local wines in rustic wine taverns in Rüdesheim old town
    • Explore Drosselgasse alley (known as 'The World's Longest Wine Bar')
    • Visit four medieval castles that once protected Rüdesheim
    • Stroll along Mainz riverbank
    • Visit Saint Martin's Cathedral in Mainz
    Landmarks
    Drosselgasse
    Saint Martin's Cathedral
    Upper Middle Rhine Valley
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Frankfurt

    Frankfurt
    Meals
    Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations)

    Included Activities

    • Destination Scouts provide insider tips for individual exploration ashore
    • Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)
    Landmarks
    Main River
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  4. Day 4

    Frankfurt - Loreley Valley - Koblenz

    Frankfurt - Loreley Valley - Koblenz
    Meals
    Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations)

    Included Activities

    • Destination Scouts provide insider tips for individual exploration ashore
    • Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore the Loreley Valley during the 10:00 AM - departure time slot
    • Visit Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen landscaped park in Koblenz
    • Try regional specialty Debbekooche served with apple sauce in Koblenz
    Landmarks
    Loreley Valley
    Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen
    Rhine River
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Cologne

    Cologne
    Meals
    Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations, tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine)

    Included Activities

    • Destination Scouts insider tips for independent exploration
    • Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)

    Optional Activities

    • Climb Cologne Cathedral tower for city and Rhine views
    • Visit local wine taverns or cafes
    • Explore city streets and chat with locals
    Landmarks
    Cologne Cathedral

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

A-ROSA

Gold Operator
Rating
4.0 (169 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
80%
Cancellation policy

A-ROSA Ship

  • A-ROSA BRAVA
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    Cruising on a river is certainly not the fastest mode of transportation. And the countless meanders of the Rhine are not the fastest way to… Read more
    Capacity
    202
    Built
    2011
    Guests
    Crew
    Length
    135 m
    Width
    11,4 m
    Suites
    Staterooms
    Registry
    Gross Tonnage
    Electricity
    Beam
    Cruising Speed
    max. 22 km/h
    Generators
    Engines
    Draft
    Cabin
    99 outside cabins
    Deck
    Deck with Cabins
    Country/Region
    Belgium, Netherlands, Germany
    Staterooms / SuitesDeck PlansDining

Traveler Moments

  • Festive stall in a Christmas market with gingerbread and decorations.
  • Tourists walking along the ruins of a historical structure.
  • View of a boat deck approaching a lock on a canal.
  • Plate of gourmet food with a sauce.
  • Mainz city square with historical buildings, trees, and a few pedestrians.
  • Riverside view with historic buildings and a church tower.
  • Buffet of desserts and pastries with holiday decorations.
  • View from a boat deck with a scenic town across the river.
  • Stately building by the riverside with cloudy skies.
  • Partially obscured text on a music bingo sheet.
  • Close-up of desserts on a table with Christmas decorations.
  • Dessert topped with ice cream and decorative elements.
  • Plate of assorted food with vegetables and meat.

Traveler Reviews

4.4
Overall rating based on 14 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.3
  • Transport
    4.0
  • Guide
    4.1
  • Accommodation
    4.5
  • Food
    3.9
  • Tour Operator
    4.0

Sort by

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Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • Walter3.0•December 2025
    The ship is nice, the cabins offer all facilities you expect and the daily cleaning is top. Do'nt understand why we...
    Show more
    • Stately building by the riverside with cloudy skies.
    • Festive stall in a Christmas market with gingerbread and decorations.
    • Plate of assorted food with vegetables and meat.
    • Riverside view with historic buildings and a church tower.
    • Partially obscured text on a music bingo sheet.
    • View of a boat deck approaching a lock on a canal.
    • Close-up of desserts on a table with Christmas decorations.
    • View from a boat deck with a scenic town across the river.
    • Tourists walking along the ruins of a historical structure.
    • Buffet of desserts and pastries with holiday decorations.
    • Plate of gourmet food with a sauce.
    • Mainz city square with historical buildings, trees, and a few pedestrians.
    • Dessert topped with ice cream and decorative elements.
    Traveled in December 2025
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Walter, many thanks for your feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a good time with us on board. We will be happy to pass on your suggestions for the future to the relevant departments. We hope to welcome you back soon! The A-ROSA Team
    Show more
  • malee5.0•November 2025
    It’s my first time on the River Cruise beyond my expectations . Love it and highly recommend to my friend .
    Traveled in November 2025
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Malee, thank you for your excellent review. We're happy you liked the cruise! We'd love you to come back and have another cruise with us soon. Best regards, A-ROSA Team
    Show more
  • Helen5.0•December 2024
    We had a lovely trip and thought the staff were excellent and looked after us very well. Sabrina was an excellent...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2024
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Helen, we are so pleased to hear about your great cruising experience. We hope you made many memories to treasure forever. Cruising from town to town and visiting the Christmas markets is truly magical. We would love to welcome you on board again! A-ROSA Team
    Show more
  • Helen4.0•November 2024
    The boat tour was great, staff fantastic my only problem is one of the markets they took us to was not open. But the...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2024
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Helen, thank you for leaving a review for your river cruise on the Rhine! We're sorry to hear that the weather was not the best but even a rainy day can be cozy with good food and a relaxing atmosphere on board. We hope to have you back on board soon, our lovely crew will be delighted to welcome you again! Best regards, A-ROSA Team
    Show more
  • Minnie5.0•July 2024
    Itinerary is comfortable. Walkable. Pier not far from sights.
    Traveled in December 2023
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear guest, we are very happy to hear about your pleasant cruising experience! Our central berths offer you the comfort of stepping off the ship and right into the heart of the cities and towns along the route! We hope to welcome you on your next river cruise soon. Best regards, A-ROSA team
    Show more
  • Anonymous5.0•July 2024
    Itinerary is comfortable.
    Traveled in December 2023
  • Marinette
    Marinette4.0•January 2024
    Predominantly German passengers on our cruise. There were 10 of us international english speaking passengers....
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2023
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Marinette, Thank you for going onboard with A-ROSA and taking your time to sharing your your kind words with us and the community. We are glad to hear that you had a delightful cruise experience along the Rhine! Exploring Christmas markets and experiencing the festive atmosphere must have been a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit. The fact that the towns along the Rhine were easily walkable and allowed for self-guided tours adds to the convenience of your journey. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, we are sure that you made the most out of this cruise. We would love to have you onboard again. Best regards, A-ROSA Team
    Show more
  • Avril3.0•December 2023
    Nice boat. Clean rooms. Buffet food not the best. Saw 2 Christmas markets only as other 2 were closed early morning....
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2023
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Avril, Thank you for your feedback on your cruise experience. It is encouraging to hear that, despite the mentioned issues, you still managed to have a good time overall. Christmas markets usually open from noon time till the evening. We tried our best to balance the shore time for our guests to visit Christmas markets and the cruising schedule. We hope you will cruise with A-ROSA again and see the improvements we've made. Your sincerely, A-ROSA Team
    Show more
  • HenryCW
    HenryCW4.0•November 2023
    The Rhine is romantic
    Traveled in November 2023
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Chi Wing Ho, thank you for taking your time to review your A-ROSA cruise. We totally agree. The Rhine is romantic and wonderful. Hopefully you have enjoyed it and took home unique memories. A-ROSA would love to welcome you on board again. Kind regards A-ROSA Team
    Show more
  • Sandra
    Sandra5.0•December 2022
    The cruise was great, awesome food comfortable cabin and public areas.
    Traveled in December 2022
    Reply from: A-ROSA
    Dear Sandra, Thank you for going onboard with A-ROSA and taking your time to share your review with us and the community. We are glad that you had a great Christmas experience with us on A-ROSA AQUA. We would love to have you onboard again. Best regards, A-ROSA Team
    Show more

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Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
  • From Tuesday
    24 Nov, 2026
    To Saturday
    28 Nov, 2026
    English, German
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    From:
    US $985 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Saturday
    28 Nov, 2026
    To Wednesday
    2 Dec, 2026
    English, German
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    From:
    US $904 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    2 Dec, 2026
    To Sunday
    6 Dec, 2026
    English, German
    Filling Fast
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    From:
    US $1,043 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Sunday
    6 Dec, 2026
    To Thursday
    10 Dec, 2026
    English, German
    Filling Fast
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    From:
    US $904 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Thursday
    10 Dec, 2026
    To Monday
    14 Dec, 2026
    English, German
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    From:
    US $985 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Monday
    14 Dec, 2026
    To Friday
    18 Dec, 2026
    English, German
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    From:
    US $846 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Friday
    18 Dec, 2026
    To Tuesday
    22 Dec, 2026
    English, German
    A-ROSA BRAVA
    From:
    US $846 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Tuesday
    23 Nov, 2027
    To Saturday
    27 Nov, 2027
    English, German
    A-ROSA SILVA
    From:
    US $754 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Monday
    6 Dec, 2027
    To Friday
    10 Dec, 2027
    English, German
    A-ROSA AQUA
    From:
    US $574 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Friday
    10 Dec, 2027
    To Tuesday
    14 Dec, 2027
    English, German
    A-ROSA AQUA
    From:
    US $574 per person
    Multiple Room Types

Want to read it later?

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    • Rated excellent on
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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • D

    Dean

    Asked on April 23rd, 2026

    I am looking for a 5 day Christmas market cruise 2026 to include Christmas Day. Ideally starting and finishing in cologne

    Tour Details
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written April 2026

      We understand you're looking for a 5-day river cruise, and while we couldn't find an exact match, we're excited to share two fantastic options that might just capture your imagination. First up is the "Rhine Christmas Dream 2027," a 6-day river cruise taking you on a magical journey from December 22nd-27th, 2026. Additionally, you might be interested in the "Rhine Christmas City Experience 2026," an 8-day delightful cruise from December 20th-27th, 2026. This adventure promises a memorable exploration of the bustling Christmas markets and picturesque towns along the Rhine. Both of these options include incredible Christmas Day celebrations onboard, making for an unforgettable holiday experience.

  • C

    Carolyn

    Asked on February 4th, 2026

    Can you tell me what the cost of the drink package would be on this December 2026 river cruise?

    Meals
    Price / Availability
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written February 2026

      The drinks package would amount to USD 121/- per person.

  • P

    Philip

    Asked on September 8th, 2025

    I would like the itinerary

    Tour Details
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written September 2025

      We are excited to have you travel with us. You may review the day-wise itinerary. The ship that will be sailing on the Nov 24, 2026 is known as the A-Rosa Aqua. Request you to kindly find the link to the ships cabin categories if you could have a look and reply back with your preferred cabin preference.

  • S

    Sam

    Asked on August 21st, 2025

    do you cater to PWD can't walk far

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written August 2025

      The operator is unable to provide any specialized help. But if you use a mobility device such as a walker you are welcome to bring that with you.

  • R

    Rose

    Asked on April 25th, 2025

    can you please advise on any relevant details ie cancellation policy Tour break down etc we are a family of 5

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written April 2025

      For the tour breakdown, everything is listed on our tour details page. You can click 'expand all' on each section to read the daily itinerary, and the details of the what's included and what's not included.

  • L

    Laia

    Asked on January 8th, 2025

    Are early luggage check-ins allowed?

    Flights / Transfers
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written January 2025

      Early luggage check-in can be arranged so you can explore before the cruise begins.

  • M

    Megan

    Asked on November 23rd, 2024

    Is transportation included in the tour cost?

    Transport
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written November 2024

      Transportation for designated stops is included in the tour package.

  • E

    Edwin

    Asked on September 28th, 2024

    How many Christmas markets will we be visiting?

    Tour Details
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written September 2024

      The tour includes visits to several Christmas markets across different cities.

  • I

    Ignacio

    Asked on September 10th, 2024

    Can we change the itinerary after booking?

    Tour Details
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written September 2024

      Changes to the itinerary need to be confirmed with customer support and may be subject to fees.

  • M

    Monica

    Asked on July 29th, 2024

    Are there any age restrictions for travelers?

    Age Range
    • A-ROSAOperator•Written July 2024

      Travelers of all ages are welcome, and children have specific discounts available.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at A-ROSA with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
US $574 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 243090

  • Currency
    €
    Euro
    Germany
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Germany. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before September 17th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 17th, 2026, a minimum payment of 40% is required to confirm your booking with A-ROSA. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • The following cards are accepted for "A-ROSA" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
  • People also viewed

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
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Nov
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