Enchanting Christmas Markets - Amsterdam & Festive Rhine River Cruise

Welcome to Amsterdam! You will be met at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and transferred to your hotel, where you can meet up with your Tour Director.

Depending on your time of arrival you could go for a stroll in the vicinity of your hotel. In the evening you have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome drink and enjoy your first dinner together at a nearby restaurant.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a full day tour of Amsterdam, the unofficial capital of the Netherlands - the official seat of the government is in The Hague. Blessed with great infrastructure this easy-going city is east to navigate and an excellent place to discover on foot, by bike, by tram or via the intricate and interesting canal network.

Our first stop is a well known monument, Anne Frank Huis. Although she only spent 25 months of her short life hidden in the secret annex, during the Second World War, her diary became one of the world's most read books in the world. A visit to the house will leave you with mixed emotions, and it's an experience you will never forget.

Afterwards, sail the canals of Amsterdam as we travel to lunch - it is by far the best way to discover the city.

After lunch, we travel on foot and by tram to Het Rijksmuseum. The famous art museum’s collection offers an impressive overview of Dutch art and history, including works by 17th- century Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals.

Our last stop of the day will be The Diamond Museum. Let yourself be enchanted by glittering gemstones, admire the wonderful collection and learn about 400 years of diamond history in the only diamond museum in Europe.

After the rest of the afternoon at leisure, we head for dinner together.

Today we'll visit De Zaanse Schans, an authentic village not far from Amsterdam, an open-air cultural heritage museum where people still live and work.

Here discover life in the 17th -18th century Holland. You can visit authentic wooden houses, take pictures of a colourful collection of lovingly restored windmills, pass by the bakery museum with its enticing freshly baked bread and biscuits. You could also visit the dairy farm and try to discover what makes Dutch cheese so special.

You'll also pass by one of the last existing clog factories in The Netherlands. At the end of the 19th century, special machines were built to manufacture clogs and they are still in use today. Enjoy the demonstration and maybe buy yourself pair of clogs! De Zaanse Schans is a perfect place to pick up some Christmas gifts or souvenirs.

After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure for you to discover Amsterdam at leisure, before re-joining for dinner this evening.

Today we will visit The Hague, the third largest city in the Netherlands, seat of the Dutch government and the official capital city.

We start our guided tour at Het Binnenhof. This centuries-old complex includes the parliament and government buildings and originated from the hunting lodge of the Counts of Holland, dating back to the 13th century. Since then, the Binnenhof has been the residence of monarchs and governments up to the present day.

We'll enjoy lunch and continue on to the Mauritshuis, one of the most beautiful museums in the Netherlands. It hosts a magnificent collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings including works by Vermeer.

In the afternoon we head back to Amsterdam, where you have the rest of the afternoon off,until we meet up again for dinner in the evening.

Today we say Tot Ziens (Goodbye) to Amsterdam and accompanied by our guide we make our way to Germany. For the journey you will be given a small packed lunch with some typically Dutch foods to enjoy en-route.

Upon arrival in Cologne, it is time to say goodbye to your local Dutch guide as you pass into the capable hands of the river cruise crew and board your vessel.

The A-ROSA SILVA is a small vessel, offering many modern amenities such as sauna, fitness area, pool, and spa.
The dress code aboard is casual, even when dining. The whole atmosphere on board is relaxed and above all, festive!
Throughout the day, hot and cold drinks, as well as soft drinks, beers, cocktails, and a wide selection of excellent German wines are included, and the on-board Chefs create dishes that reflect the area through which you are sailing.
In the evenings, enjoy nightly entertainment in the onboard lounge.

Our cruise has sailed south along the mighty River Rhine to the quaint town of Rüdesheim. The bustling riverside town is well-known for its vineyards, which produce the famous Riesling wines, as well as its “Christmas Market of the Nations”.
Rüdesheim is also the centre of Rhine Romanticism, and inspired many poets and musicians, such as Brahms who composed his 3rd Symphony there. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes and was protected by four castles.
Enjoy time to explore the town and its markets at leisure or join one of the optional organised excursions. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar’ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral!
Whilst in Rüdesheim, you should also try a Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a coffee which also contains Asbach Uralt brandy and sugar cubes. First made in 1957 by the German television chef, Hans Karl Adam, it is still popular today and will definitely warm you up!
Later it is time to re-board your cruise as it sails to the next destination.

Today, your cruise will be sailing along the Upper Rhine. Depending on the port availability, we will discover Germersheim or nearby Speyer.

The German king Rudolph von Habsburg gave the historic town of Germersheim its city rights back in 1276. According to legend, the King, when he was sick, rode from Germersheim to Speyer, just 20km away to die there instead.

Nearby Speyer is Germany’s oldest planned medieval town - over 2,000 years old! Speyer’s most prominent monument is its cathedral. As one of the country’s most important High Romanesque cathedrals, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, the natural surrounds are some of the most picture-perfect you'll see on your river cruise, with terraced vineyards, expansive forests, high peaks, and nature trails just waiting to be explored.

Today's port, Kehl, lies on the border with France and the historic town of Strasbourg, in France’s Alsace region. The border here has passed many times between the two countries, hence a grand affinity between both sides.

Since 1949, Strasbourg has been the official seat of many European institutions, such as the European Parliament or the European Court of Human Rights. It also played an important part in the Protestant Reformation, and it was one of the first centres of the printing industry.

A visit to Strasbourg is not to be missed during the Christmas season - it is home to France’s oldest Christmas Market. Strolling through the Old Town, with its interesting Franco-German architecture, you will pass timber-framed houses, and of course, the world-famous Strasbourg Cathedral. Started in 1015 and finally finished in 1439, it was the world's tallest building for many years and as of today it's still the sixth tallest church in the world!

Today we visit Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany. Located on the left-bank of the Rhine, it lies opposite another great river, the Main, from which it gets its name. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, Mainz is full of history and the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable printing press.

Due to its waterfront location, the climate in Mainz is fairly mild, creating an ideal location to cultivate wine. It is surrounded by Germany's largest wine-growing region 'Rheinhessen'. On an optional excursion, discover the heart of Mainz's old town, the historic Christmas Market on the Domplatz, towered over by the illuminated and imposing Mainz Cathedral, and have the chance to try regional wines during a wine tasting session.

Our next place to visit is Koblenz. The city dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest. It is also one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes, and romantic corners.

Tonight, it is sadly our final evening aboard the river cruise, as we dine together and enjoy the onboard festivities.

Sadly, this morning it is time to disembark our river cruise after breakfast and you will be transferred back to land and to our hotel in Cologne.

Upon arrival at the hotel, after check-in, we will enjoy a walking tour of the historic centre. The rest of the day is at leisure for a final trip to the city’s famous Christmas Markets. If you are still looking for souvenirs, next to the cathedral you can find over a hundred Christmas stalls!

Sadly, this morning it is time to disembark our river cruise after breakfast and you will be transferred to your hotel to Cologne.

Upon arrival at the hotel, after a brief time to freshen up, you will enjoy a guided tour of Cologne's Old Town. The city is known for its famous fragrance, Eau de Cologne 4711, produced since around 1709. Not to be overlooked is Cologne's imposing Gothic Cathedral, the third tallest church and tallest cathedral in the world. Next to the cathedral at the Roncalliplatz you can find over a hundred Christmas stalls.

This afternoon and evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore Cologne further. You might like to visit some of Cologne's many museums, such as the Museum Ludwig or Chololate museum, or galleries, and purchase some final souvenirs at the end of your festive adventure.