7-Day Rhine Cruises
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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.
- 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
- Day 6
Return to Cologne
- 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
- 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.
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.
- 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)
- 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
- Day 6
Cologne
What people love about 7-day Rhine river cruises
- Christmas markets cruise MS Albertina
Crew were excellent, locations to disembark all great. Food good with excellent service, the overall organisation of the tour was very good. The room service very good with the quality of the rooms good. Overall for us this was a great experience.
- The romantic Rhine Valley and the rock of the Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)
An enjoyable and relaxing cruise. Staff were very helpful in making alternative arrangements to land excursions when I felt unable to participate in the proposed tours. The French Cuisine was excellent although at times lighter meals would have been preferable as a change during the hot weather experienced. Travelling companions provided jolly company.