Rhine, Christmas Markets River Cruise
Thompson Travel Holidays
Join us for an exclusive cruise on the Rhine to the beat of classic hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, along with many country and Gospel favourites.
Winter on the Rhine is the perfect time to see the sites on the river when the water levels are higher and the picturesque stops along the river are less crowded. The view from the river is completely different from that on the land. Meandering through lochs and gates along the Rhine you will pass through beautiful villages and get to stop in at least 4 places to enjoy the sites.
A river cruise is pretty much like a small floating hotel with a Hotel Manager and Captain in charge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a cosy, restaurant style setting. Meals are buffet style -giving you the option to eat as much or as little as you please. Afternoon tea and cakes are served in the lounge. All your meals plus some drinks are included (Tea, Coffee, Soft drinks, beer and wine)
River cruises can be a bit boring in the evenings, if you get a ship that is normally in a European language, meaning that entertainment can be limited. Not on our cruise – we have teamed up with Colin Elliott and Tom McConnell to give you country music on 2 evenings and one morning whilst sailing, in the lounge area. You can tap your toes to the sounds of George Hamilton IV, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and many more & more….
So, let’s look at the itinerary!
24 November 2025
Morning flight direct from Dublin to Dusseldorf. Transfer to Cologne, approximately 1hr. Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, it’s the region’s cultural hub. This old medieval city is a beautiful introduction to the Rhine. You will have some free time here before you transfer to the ship, A-ROSA AQUA, to depart at 5pm.
Dinner will be served on board and then Colin and Tom will provide some evening entertainment as you set sail along the river. All entertainment is free and entirely up to you if you wish to participate.
25 November 2025
As you awake and enjoy breakfast on the Rhine your first port of call (or haven) is Rüdesheim 10am – 4pm. Drosselgasse is a lane lined with shops, taverns and restaurants. Nearby, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum of automated musical instruments. Medieval Brömserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum, exhibiting wine paraphernalia from ancient times to the present. You can visit the Christmas markets during the day where vendors and craftspeople invite, offer goods, gifts and delights, in colours, spices, scents the comfort and joy of "Weihnachten am Rhein".
On board for dinner and you set sail for Mainz arriving at 7pm. As the ship docks here until 12am you can enjoy the city in the evening. Mainz is one of our favourites - It’s known for its old town, with half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. In the centre you can find the Marktbrunnen Renaissance fountain with red columns. You will be able to visit the beautiful Christmas market located in front of the cathedral in Mainz, perfect for an evening of festivities. The historical Christmas Market in Mainz creates a magical atmosphere with its 100 lovingly decorated and illuminated stands. A diverse program of concerts, workshops and plays guarantees a Christmas feeling. Handcraft lovers will be impressed by the artists' factory that serves all sorts of handmade pieces. Of course you must try the gluvine - a warm fruity wine.
26 November 2025
Frankfurt is your next port of call, and you will need the full day to explore this wonderful city (6am – 2am+1). Another beautiful German city on the river Main, the longest tributary of the Rhine. A major financial hub that's home to the European Central Bank. It's the birthplace of famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose former home is now the Goethe House Museum. Like much of the city, it was damaged during World War II and later rebuilt. The reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town) is the site of Römerberg, a square that hosts many events.
Take time off the ship at your leisure or join an organised tour of the city. The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany with origins that date back to 1393. This is worth a visit.
27 November 2025
This morning you can enjoy breakfast while you sail along the Rhine through the passage Lorelei – this is the narrowest part of the Rhine between Switzerland and the North Sea, giving you a close-up view of the little towns as you pass by. A light music session will be in the lounge area, or you can avail of the sauna, gym or spa area of the ship. After lunch you arrive in Koblenz at 3pm. You have free time here until the ship sets sail again at 9.30pm. Koblenz - Discover the Löhrstraße, a pedestrian zone and the pulsing main artery of the Rhine-Moselle city.
Enjoy your last night with Colin and Tom as you sail back to Cologne by night.
28 November 2025
Breakfast onboard and check out for your return flight to Dublin, landing at approximately 11:30am.
Price:
CAT A: DECK 1: INSIDE CABIN: £1095pp sharing
: £1275 single
CAT C: DECK 2: JULIETTE BALCONY: £1149pp sharing
: £1460 Single
CAT D: DECK 3: JULIETTE BALCONY: £1395pp sharing
: £1570 Single
*Early booking offer - £100 off 30 September 2024 for CAT D*
Price includes: - return flights, transfers, full board, entertainment on board.
Not included: personal insurance, excursions, premium drinks package, tips £30pp collected with final balance.
Deposit £200pp Upon Booking
2nd Payment £200pp by 23 December 2024
3rd Payment £200pp by 31 March 2025
4th Payment £200pp by 30 June 2025
5th Payment BALANCE by 17 August 2025
