The Romantic Middle Rhine Valley

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.

We head to Cologne for free time. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. Later, we board our cruise ship, the A-ROSA BRAVA, and begin our exciting Rhine cruise, heading south along the river.

We arrive in Rüdesheim, just before lunch. The town describes its biggest attraction, the world-famous Drosselgasse, as ‘144 metres of joie de vivre’. This centre of Rhine romanticism once inspired poets and musicians – it was here that Brahms composed his Symphony No. 3. No visit to the towns and countryside of this area of the Rhine would be complete without a Rüdesheim coffee, made with brandy and whipped cream.

Why not join our optional Rüdesheim Highlights Tour?

This morning we arrive in Nierstein, also known as Rieslingstadt because of its excellent wine culture. Surrounded by beautiful vineyards and wineries, it lies directly on the Rhine and looks back on a long history dating back to the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, Nierstein was an imperial town. Take a stroll through the town centre, where you can gaze at the numerous old noble courtyards.

Today your Rhine river cruise will call at Strasbourg – a centre of European policymaking. With its medieval half-timbered houses and elegant city palaces, Strasbourg really stands out from the crowd. But, the highlight is the cathedral; from its viewing platform, the city’s buildings appear as small as pieces from a model railway set.

Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city; it makes it easy for non-locals to settle in; and it helps visitors to enjoy their stay here. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany, it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.

Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and 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. Be sure to take in the views as we sail close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland!

Spend the day in Bonn, located at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, and former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. Experience the best of this 2,000-year-old city with a very eventful past. Highlights include the house where Beethoven was born, and the magnificent buildings that date back to the prince-electors’ era.

We disembark in Cologne and head home.