Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise
Enjoy the handicrafts and food at four Christmas markets on this four-night over-50s river cruise of the Rhine, visiting the historic and cultural centres of Bonn and Cologne on the way. The festive markets are overflowing with beautifully hand-crafted toys and colourful decorations, as well as a great variety of tempting culinary treats. Enjoy the aromas of roasting chestnuts, spicy gingerbread and hot mulled wine as you browse hundreds of traditional wooden stalls.
The cities of Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne and Düsseldorf provide a historic and beautiful backdrop to the winter wonderland and we’ll provide you with interactive maps and headsets to make exploring these cities independently even better. You’ll also have time to relax on board Spirit of the Rhine and watch the winter landscapes of the Rhine Valley drift by – it’s the perfect prelude to Christmas!
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
Included travel insurance
Return coach travel via Eurotunnel or ferry
ACCOMMODATION
4 nights aboard the Spirit of the Rhine
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
All gratuities on board
EXPERIENCES
Bonn Christmas market
Koblenz Christmas market
Cologne Christmas market
Dusseldorf Christmas market
FOOD & DRINK
11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
Day 1 UK - Cologne
Travel to Cologne by Eurostar from Brussels Station to Cologne; or 1 hour 30 minutes from Düsseldorf Airport to Cologne where you embark Spirit of the Rhine.
Your ship will set sail for Koblenz this evening and will sail through the night.
Day 2 Koblenz - Bonn
This morning you’ll arrive in Koblenz, whose rich past is reflected in a wealth of monuments and historic buildings.
The picturesque old town hosts the traditional Christmas Market.
You remain moored here until early afternoon, then your ship will cruise to Bonn, arriving in the evening for an overnight mooring.
Day 3 Bonn - Cologne
The illuminated facades of Bonn’s Münsterplatz provides a festive backdrop to the charming Christmas market that fills the streets. The old town hall is transformed into a huge Advent Calendar, with a different window being lit up each day as they city counts down to the 25th. After spending the morning in Bonn, Spirit of the Rhine will cruise to Cologne.
Spend the afternoon in Germany’s fourth largest city, which is dominated by its mighty Gothic cathedral. Expect wooden toys, arts and crafts, colourful Christmas decorations and cheery Christmas music as you explore the market.
Your ship departs Cologne shortly before midnight and sails overnight towards Düsseldorf.
Day 4 Düsseldorf
Your ship arrives in Düsseldorf early this morning. This large city is a centre for trade fairs and exhibitions, and is considered the fashion capital of Germany.
During the festive period the city is home to a huge ice rink and impressive Christmas market. You’ll have the whole day to explore the sights before sailing late this evening to Cologne, where you ship moors overnight.
Day 5 Cologne - UK
Disembark your ship and begin your return journey to the UK.
