German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

Your festive vacation begins by meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, ready to travel to Brussels on the Eurostar.

On arrival in the Belgian capital, we continue by train to Cologne, where we are greeted with a welcome cocktail as we board our luxurious cruise ship.

Decked out in its Christmas finery, we can look forward to sailing through stunning seasonal scenery. As we settle in to begin our journey, we gather in the onboard restaurant to enjoy our first dinner on the ship. Tonight, we set sail upstream along the lower Rhine. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

Sailing amid the landscapes of the Rhine Gorge during breakfast this morning, there's chance to relax and soak up the views. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dotted by centuries-old castles, dense forests and stepped vineyards. Look out for the legendary Lorelei Rock, which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, which we hear about as we sail by.

This afternoon, we arrive in the town of Rüdesheim, famous for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Unique Christmas markets are found in the town's historic center and offer a variety of goods from across 12 nations.

You have time to wander amongst the stalls shopping for gifts or maybe sample a Rüdesheim Coffee made with local Asbach Uralt Brandy and served with whipped cream. You could stroll along the Drösselgasse, a charming street in the Old Town lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and wine bars. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Rüdesheim this morning to set sail for Koblenz. Cruising back through the enchanting Rhine Gorge, we enjoy a gingerbread making demonstration in the lounge.

On arrival in Koblenz, there's time at leisure to explore this historic city. You could admire the Deutsches Eck, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Alternatively, explore the Christmas markets or visit one of the popular taverns.

We enjoy a highlight of the holiday this evening - a Christmas-themed gala dinner on board. You can choose between two delicious menus: one with traditional German food, including duck consommé, braised goose leg, and pear and marzipan strudel. The other menu is traditional British food, including roast turkey, pigs in blankets and, of course, Christmas pudding with brandy butter. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During a relaxed breakfast, we set sail for Bonn, the birthplace of world-renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven. On arrival, we step back in time with a guided tour of the history-filled streets. We see the Beethoven monument and Hofgarten Park and continue to the minster - one of Germany's oldest churches - beneath which are Bonn's Christmas markets. The markets cast the city in the golden glow of fairy lights. In December, the town hall is transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar with a different window lit up each day throughout the month.

Back on board, we enjoy lunch as we sail before a Christmas-themed afternoon tea of mince pies, stollen, gingerbread, pigs in blankets, turkey and stuffing sandwiches, with mulled wine.

On arrival in Cologne, you have free time to enjoy Cologne's magnificent markets. There are seven to choose from, each with a unique character, with the most popular being near the cathedral. This market has a dramatic backdrop of Cologne's Gothic cathedral and hosts around 160 festive stalls, selling everything from charming wood-carved gifts to local delicacies. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The famous Christmas markets of towns and cities along Germany's Rhine have revealed their holiday charm as we soaked up the festive atmospheres in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne. Throughout the cruise, we have marveled at the idyllic scenes of the Rhine Gorge and the fairytale castles and towns that dot its banks.

After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive vacation concludes.

• Breakfast