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or E-mail: jan@europeanbarging.com

Cologne to Cologne
7 Night North Rhine Cruise

 

From Cologne to Ijsselmeer, Hoorn, Zaanstad, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Gent, Antwerp and Nijmegen to Cologne. The mighty Rhine's final act is a stunning one. Before it joins the North Sea, it splits into five branches and spreads through the untouched countryside like a vast fan. It's now in a rush to leave behind its famous cities with their people, culture, museums and incredible architecture. As you breathe in the incomparable air, you can understand why the river's in such a hurry. Gusts of wind whistle around you and are those seals you see? You are filled with an indescribable sense of freedom. And yet at the same time, you are pleased to spot one of the old Dutch fishing villages with its quaint stepped-gable roofs and colourful sailboats

 

Day	Port	Arr	Dep	Comments
1	Cologne Germany)		5:00pm	Embarkation 2:00pm
2	Cruising on the Ijssel Sea			Cruising on the Ijssel Sea
	Hoorn (Netherlands)	1:00pm	10:00pm
3	Lelystad (Netherlands)	02:00am	10 :00pm
4	Rotterdam (Netherlands)			Afternoon Rotterdam harbor tour
	Kinderdijk (Netherlands)	1:00pm	7:00pm
5	Ghent (Belgium)	07:00am	6:30pm	Optional city tour with free time
	Late evening cruise to Antwerp
6	Antwerp (Belgium)	03:00am	6:00pm
7	Nijmegen (Netherlands)	8:00am	12:00pm	Optional tour
8	Cologne (Germany)	06:00am		Disembarkation 8:00am

- subject to changes -

 

 

DAY 1: Cologne, Germany (Embarkation)

Cologne, the old Cathedral city, is also one of the most important traffic hubs and commercial centres in Germany, with world famous trade fairs and a busy shipping traffic. Cologne developed out of a Roman colony and looks back on a history of more than 2000 years. In the Middle Ages it was one of the leading towns in Germany. The Second World War destroyed most of the inner city; these parts were rebuilt in a modern style. The landmark and emblem of the city is the Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other tourist attractions are the town hall, the Malakoff Tower, the St Martin Church and the old abbey.

DAY 2: Hoorn, Netherlands

The delightful little town of Hoorn lies on the Ijsselmeer, towards the northern Rhine. Back in the 16th century, Hoorn was one of the Netherlands’ thriving ports playing an important part in the country's Golden Age. Today, many of its buildings still bear witness to this heyday. Expect to see tranquil canals crisscrossed by pretty bridges, tall townhouses with rooms stacked on top of one another crowned with ornate gables and an attractive town square lined with impressive buildings. A day here is well-spent strolling around the open green park which fringes the Ijselmeer, taking a seat at one of the cafes and watching the gentle hum of laidback Dutch life, or visiting one of the museums and exhibitions that celebrate the rich history of this Dutch treasure.

DAY 3:  Lelystad, Netherlands

Lelystad may be youthful compared to its Golden Age counterparts, but there's no denying the innovative and physical nature of this place. The capital of Flevoland, the world's largest land reclamation project, Lelystad was born on the 1st January 1986, along with Holland's newest province. On what was once the floor of the Zuidersee, locals now thrive in a creative city no less than six metres below sea level. This unique spot is also a gateway to a truly spectacular natural paradise. A hotbed of migratory animals and plant life, islands marooned on dry land and nature parks like Oostvaardersplassen will make this leisurely cruising destination hard to forget.

DAY 4: Morning Harbour Tour Rotterdam, Nerhterlands - Kinderdijk

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, after the country's capital Amsterdam. Known as ‘Manhattan on the Maas’, it has a more international, urban atmosphere than elsewhere in the country. Over the past few decades, Rotterdam has become renowned for architecture – its large uniquely-designed houses testament to the city’s modernity. This afternoon, with a little luck, you’ll have the opportunity to spot other river and ocean cruise ships during your day in Rotterdam, since Europe’s largest maritime port is a major transport hub.

Kinderdijk is a village in the municipality of Molenlanden, in the province of South Holland and is famous of it's 19 windmills system, which was built around 1740. This group of mills is the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. The windmills of Kinderdijk are one of the best-known Dutch tourist sites and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

DAY 5:  Ghent, Netherlands

Our next port of call in the Low Countries takes you along the northern Rhine towards Ghent in Belgium. Here you’ll 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 fairy tale-like castle enclosed by a moat. And in the old town, amble its atmospheric streets and find the perfect place to sample traditional delicacies and watch as laidback local life passes you by.

This evening you'll 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 6:  Antwerp, Belgium

Port city, capital of cool and a haven for culture-loving foodies, this unique stop offers you a treasure trove of delights to explore. Starting from its Medieval heart where cobbled lanes bustle with treat-filled cafes, the riverside fortress that looks as though it's been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale, and a truly remarkable cathedral, you'll quickly fall in love with the city's historic highlights. There's so much more to Antwerp though. Long renowned as a hotspot for the jet set and the epicentre of the diamond trade, this progressive place showcases a superb entertainment and arts scene, as well as world-class shopping (just remember your credit card!).
The old harbour area is a fantastic place to take a stroll. It is now a trendy, modern district, with lofts, theatres and night clubs occupying converted warehouse buildings, and luxury yachts from all corners of the world moored at the quay.

DAY 7:  Nijmegen, Netherlands

Did you know that Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands? You only need to cross the Waalburg arch bridge into the centre to understand why the 160,000 inhabitants are so proud of their city: the Waalkade wharf and the silhouette of the city-centre buildings combine to form a truly impressive sight. In this Hanseatic city, tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Discover this wonderful spot directly from your A-ROSA ship during your Rhine cruise.

DAY 8:  Cologne (Disembarkation)

Your cruise comes to an end this morning as you disembark in Cologne after breakfast.

 

REGULAR Rate includes: cruise and port taxes, listed INCLUDED excursions, and a beverage package - Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee specialties, Beer, sparkling white wine, Cremant and Prosecco (in a glass), as well as open wines and daily recommendations from the wine menu (by the glass), Cocktails and long drinks throughout the day and evening. Sightseeing excursions are not included and can be booked onboard.

 

3 Deck Ship

	Deck 3 Cabins are Cat D with French Doors
	Deck 2 Cabins are Cat C with  French doors
	Deck 1 4 back cabins  are Cat S Other cabins are Cat A

 

4 Deck Ship

Deck 4 Deck 3 Green Cabins are Cat D with French doors, Lite blue is Jr Suite with French Doors and Dark blue are suites with balconies Deck 2 Cabins are Cat C with  French doors Deck 1 2 yellow cabins  are Cat S Other cabins are Cat A