Fly from the UK to Frankfurt and transfer to your ship for the week, A-ROSA AQUA. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore this vibrant west-German city, where you'll find a wide variety of museums, art galleries and impressive churches to explore. 

Wake up along the banks of the Upper Rhine, with a stop in UNESCO-listed Speyer, Germany's oldest planned medieval town. Strategically important and well-placed along the Rhine's main trade routes, this former Roman city boasts a colourful history stretching back over 2000 years and is home to a number of interesting landmarks built throughout the Holy Roman Empire. A visit to Speyer Cathedral, the largest remaining Romanesque cathedral in the world, won't disappoint with its stunning architecture, ruined abbey and imperial burial grounds. 

The capital of the Grand Est region, formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg sits on the border (the river itself being the border) with Germany. Included excursion exploring the old town with quaint colourful houses and twisting cobbled alleys, the canals of Petit France, magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral - for 227 years, this imposing sandstone structure was the tallest building in the world and at its summit, the views stretch as far as the Black Forest, some 30km away.

The capital of the Grand Est region, formerly known as Alsace, Strasbourg sits on the border (the river itself being the border) with Germany. Included excursion exploring the old town with quaint colourful houses and twisting cobbled alleys, the canals of Petit France, magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral - for 227 years, this imposing sandstone structure was the tallest building in the world and at its summit, the views stretch as far as the Black Forest, some 30km away.

Uniquely positioned where France, Germany and Switzerland meet, Basel retains a strong and proud identity, with a thriving arts scene and bilingual culture. Spend the day exploring its pretty old town, the awe-inspiring cathedral and dipping in and out of the excellent museums. Optional excursions enable you to explore more of Switzerland.

Make sure you have your cameras to hand as perched on a steep cliff above the Rhine, admire picturesque Breisach with its pastel-hued buildings set in beautiful rolling vineyards. Where the Black Forest spills into the Alsace region, this German town shares a lot with its French neighbours - its love of good food and good wine among them. Take an optional guided walking tour including a visit to a local champagne cellar including tastings.

Today we visit Mainz in the Rhineland's wine-growing region, famed for its Riesling wines. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, and lose yourself among half-timbered buildings housing colourful bars and traditional shops. Visit the impressive 1,000-year-old Mainzer Dome, a masterpiece of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles and the impressive Gutenburg Museum, celebrating Johanes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press.

As we continue to sail, you can take your place on the sun deck and admire the views of steeply-terraced vineyards plunging down towards the river, picture-perfect villages, fairy tale castles perched on hilltops, rugged cliffs and lush green forests. Your cruise director will bring to life the legends that make this part of Germany so fascinating - a glass of included sparkling wine in hand.

Enjoy the evening aboard A-ROSA CLEA before a final dinner with your fellow guests. 

You'll wake this morning back in Frankfurt, as your unforgettable cruise on the Rhine ends. Disembark, and begin your journey home.