Day 1 – Overnight stay
Make your own way to our hotel in Ashford, Kent, where we stay overnight on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2 – Ferry to Calais & embarkation in Cologne, Germany
Ferry to Calais and onwards to Cologne, where we board the A-ROSA AQUA for the start of our eight-day cruise. There’s also time to explore the city, well-known for its fine selection of museums, excellent botanical gardens and the famous cathedral which dominates the skyline. Lined with a bustling wide promenade and crisscrossed with bridges, our first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne is destined to be a memorable one. A major trading centre since Roman times, this impressive city perfectly merges the old and the new. During our cruise, we enjoy an included guided walking tour at one of the ports in the itinerary.
Day 3 – Willemstad, the Netherlands
After a morning sailing, we arrive at Willemstad, a city in the Dutch province of North Brabant. It is a small historical gem with well-preserved fortifications. It received city rights in 1585 and the Reformed Church was built in 1607 as the first new Protestant church building in the Netherlands.
Day 4 – Ghent, Belgium
Our next port of call in the Low Countries takes us along the northern Rhine towards Ghent in Belgium. Here we find enchanting architecture, artistic masterpieces, delightful landscapes and absolute tranquillity The capital of East Flanders is part of a quartet of Flemish centres of art – the others being Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. Discover Ghent’s treasures, including the Baroque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen, a huge fairytale-like castle enclosed by a moat.
In the Old Town, amble the atmospheric streets and find the perfect place to sample traditional delicacies and watch as laidback local life passes by. In the evening, we cruise past the Westerschelde, the estuary of the Scheldt River and the ideal vantage point to explore the Netherlands' unique relationship with water and how it has shaped this nation.
Day 5 – Vlissingen, the Netherlands
Vlissingen awaits, an ancient port city situated at the mouth of the Westerschelde. Take the chance to explore Vlissingen’s protected historic town centre, home to around 300 listed monuments and works of art in its public spaces, or stroll along the Scheldekwartier harbourfront with its lavish yachts.
Day 6 – Brussels, Belgium
We enjoy a full day exploring Belgium’s capital city. Brussels is rich in history, architecture, gastronomy, culture and so much more! As well as fascinating museums, highlights include the bustling central square of Grand Place, the stunning Royal Galleries, the delightful gardens of Mont des Arts and Leopold Park, a wonderful green space that recalls the days when the bourgeoisie moved in en masse from the vibrant heart of the city. The National Basilica is popular with many too; legend has it that the idea of building such a church in Brussels came to King Leopold II after a visit to the construction site of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. After all that exploring, don’t miss out on all the culinary treats of this city – fries, waffles and chocolate!
Day 7 – Gorinchem, the Netherlands
Our next stop of Gorinchem is a beautiful Dutch town, sitting pretty where the river Line flows into the Merwede River. It was founded in 1000 AD and fortified in the 13th and 14th centuries, with preserved ramparts and the largest, fully intact fort in the Netherlands. These days, the city also has a modern style with beautiful terraces and museums.
Day 8 – Emmerich, Germany
The small town of Emmerich on the lower Lower Rhine gives provides a wonderful time on land during our cruise. Here we can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the magnificent view of the Rhine while discovering the ‘Golden Gate Bridge of the Lower Rhine’, a suspension bridge spanning over the river, which, just like its role model, can be seen from afar in vibrant red. It’s definitely worth taking a souvenir photo! This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Day 9 – Disembarkation in Cologne & ferry home
We arrive back in Cologne where we disembark and head to Calais for our return journey. The coach drops us back at the hotel in Ashford, Kent for you to make your way home.
Optional Excursions
With A-ROSA, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring the local sights at your leisure or choosing from a range of optional excursions, which are bookable on board. From tours through ancient cities and trips through impressive landscapes to action-packed and fun-filled experiences, there is so much choice! In many cities, you have the opportunity to visit the country and its people with a guide and driver. Your on-board host will happily provide you with more information.
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