7-Day Rhine Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Rhine itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaRhine travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Rhine River Cruise Itinerary, incl. Cologne and Amsterdam

  A 6-day river cruise links 4 major cities across Germany and Netherlands, featuring 21m² balcony cabins on A-ROSA SENA. Full days explore Rotterdam's maritime port, Amsterdam's historic district with 7,500 listed buildings, and Utrecht's cathedral views and canal houses.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cologne, Germany

    Arrive early to explore Cologne before the 5:00 PM departure. Visit the Gothic Cathedral (Kölner Dom) right when it opens at 6:00 AM to avoid crowds. The dome viewing platform is best visited before 10:00 AM for shorter lines and better city views. You can store your luggage on the ship while exploring since most hotels have late check-in times.

    
  • Day 2

    Rotterdam, Netherlands

    You'll cruise the Rhine all morning and reach Rotterdam at noon with almost 12 hours to explore Europe's largest port city. Take a water taxi from the cruise dock to see the Cube Houses and Markthal food hall. Stay until evening departure to see Rotterdam's light art collection light up the Erasmus Bridge.

    
  • Day 3

    Amsterdam

    You'll have a full day in Amsterdam after arriving in the morning. Book Anne Frank House tickets online 2-3 months ahead since they sell out fast. Some ships dock in Lelystad instead, so plan for a 1-hour shuttle ride to central Amsterdam if needed. Skip Dam Square between 11 AM-4 PM when it gets packed with tour groups.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Utrecht

    Utrecht deserves the two-day stop. Take the first Dom Tower tour at 10 AM for the best city views without crowds. The canals here have unique wharf cellars and feel more local than Amsterdam's waterways. Just remember that local shops close early on Mondays.

    
  • Day 6

    Return to Cologne

    You'll arrive in Cologne around 4 AM. Planning to explore more? Store your bags at the Hauptbahnhof lockers (€5-8) and visit the chocolate museum when it opens at 10 AM for a nice end to your trip.

    

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• 7 Day Rhine River Christmas Markets Itinerary, incl. Cologne and Strasbourg

  

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  • Day 1

    Cologne, Germany

    Plan to arrive by 10:30 AM for boarding and settling in. Visit the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market when it opens at noon to avoid the afternoon rush. Stop by the Heimat der Heinzel market in the Old Town for local Kölsch beer and traditional lebkuchen cookies. It's less crowded than the Cathedral market and offers a more relaxed experience.

    
  • Day 2

    Koblenz & Middle Rhine Valley

    Visit the Deutsche Eck Christmas market in Koblenz when it opens at 10 AM. After lunch, enjoy a 3-hour scenic cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley. You'll see more than 20 castles and the famous Lorelei Rock. The sun deck offers the best views but bring warm clothes. December temperatures usually range from 35-40°F (2-4°C).

    
  • Day 3

    Speyer

    Arrive early morning in Speyer to visit the Christmas market by the UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral. Looking for the best Glühwein? Head to the stand near the Old Mint building. You can keep the special mug for a small deposit. If you're interested in midnight mass at the cathedral, arrive 45 minutes early to find seats.

    
  • Day 4

    Strasbourg, France

    A short 1.5-hour morning cruise takes you to Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas." Visit Place Broglie market before 2 PM when it's quieter. Check out the huge Christmas tree in Place Kléber and the covered market at Place de la Cathédrale. Take a walk through the small streets of Petite France to find unique Alsatian ornaments away from the crowds.

    
  • Day 5

    Mainz

    Start at the Gutenberg Museum at 9 AM before the Christmas market opens at noon. The market spans five town squares, with Domplatz offering the most beautiful views. Try the local specialty near the Dom: Weck, Worscht un Woi (bread, sausage, and wine).

    
  • Day 6

    Cologne

    Back in Cologne for a full day. Visit the cathedral in the morning before tour groups arrive. The Angels Christmas Market on Neumarkt looks particularly beautiful after 4 PM when they turn on the lights. Want a perfect photo? Head to the KölnTriangle viewing platform across the river around sunset (4 PM in December).

  • Day 7

    Cologne Departure

    On your final morning, you can store luggage at the central station for €5 per locker if you have a late departure. The Alter Markt opens at 11 AM for last-minute shopping. It's about a 15-minute walk from the river to the train station. Give yourself extra time if you're carrying shopping bags.

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• 6 Day Rhine River Christmas Markets Itinerary, incl. Cologne and Strasbourg

  A 6-day festive cruise stops at 6 destinations across Germany and France. Your route includes Cologne's Cathedral Market, Rüdesheim's famous Drosselgasse, and Strasbourg's Petite France quarter. A-ROSA SILVA sails through the scenic Loreley Valley.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cologne

    Kick off your journey in Cologne at the city's largest Christmas market, set against the stunning Gothic cathedral. Plan to arrive in early afternoon when crowds are thinner and lights begin to twinkle. Visit the Am Dom market first. The Alter Markt offers the most authentic experience and best Glühwein in town. Your ship leaves at 17:00, so budget at least 3 hours for market exploration.

    
  • Day 2

    Rüdesheim (10:00-18:00)

    You'll find a cozy Christmas market tucked into Rüdesheim's historic Drosselgasse. It's a short walk from the dock, but dress warmly for the chilly medieval lane. Try the local specialty, Rüdesheimer Coffee, made with brandy and topped with whipped cream. A previous visitor shared: "The mechanical music museum was an unexpected highlight - the ancient self-playing instruments performing Christmas carols created such a magical atmosphere."

    
  • Day 3

    Germersheim/Speyer (08:00-19:00)

    Take the included shuttle from Germersheim to Speyer's market (30 minutes). The UNESCO Romanesque cathedral creates an impressive setting. Plan to be there between 14:00-16:00 to catch local choir performances. Remember to bring cash since many vendors don't take cards.

    
  • Day 4

    Strasbourg (07:00-18:00)

    Welcome to the "Capital of Christmas" and its historic Christkindelsmärik, Europe's oldest Christmas market since 1570. Visit Place Broglie market early to avoid crowds that build up by noon. Save the lit-up streets of Petite France for after 16:00. Take the first shuttle into town to get ahead of tour groups.

    
  • Day 5

    Mainz, Loreley Valley & Koblenz

    Start in Mainz (06:00-12:00) at the Domplatz cathedral square market. Spend the afternoon cruising through Loreley Valley with a hot chocolate in the panorama lounge. End your day in Koblenz (18:30-21:30) at the Münzplatz market, known for local artisan crafts.

    
  • Day 6

    Cologne

    Return to Cologne early morning (05:00). If time allows before departure, revisit the markets you missed on Day 1. They open at 11:00 and are peaceful in the morning hours.

    

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