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German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
5 days From $2,095 $1,895 per person
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Experience a Christmas cruise along the Rhine, indulging in the landscapes of the Rhine Gorge and exploring festive markets in towns and cities like Rüdesheim and Koblenz

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Save up to $500

Offer Ends February 12th.  Save up to $500 Per Person on 2025 River Cruises.

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2025 Tour code: RLM26

About the tour

Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savor the flavors that define the season.

On board, soak in the natural beauty of the Rhine landscapes and enjoy festive treats, from traditional German delicacies to international Christmas favorites. Join us in a celebration of festive cheer on this five-day cruise.

Unforgettable Experiences

Exploring Rhine Christmas markets
Exploring Rhine Christmas markets
Soak in the festive atmosphere and Christmas markets of Cologne, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, and Bonn, visiting town squares and indulging in the scents and tastes of Christmas.
Visiting Koblenz
Visiting Koblenz
Enjoy a guided tour of Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, as we discover its stories and cultural heritage.
Touring Bonn
Touring Bonn
Explore the city of Bonn, the famous birthplace of Beethoven, as we wander its picturesque streets.
Gingerbread demonstration
Gingerbread demonstration
Take part in a gingerbread baking demonstration and take home the skills to recreate Christmas magic in your own kitchen.
Celebrating with mulled wine
Celebrating with mulled wine
Sip on a glass of mulled wine while festive carols fill the air aboard our ship, creating a perfect blend of warmth and merriment.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - To Cologne to board our luxurious ship

Meeting at London St Pancras, we board the Eurostar service to Brussels, continuing by train to Cologne, Germany. Here, we board our luxurious cruise ship, which is bedecked in Christmas finery. We enjoy a welcome cocktail on board ahead of dinner. Tonight, we set sail upstream through the lower Rhine towards charming Rüdesheim.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The enchanting Rhine Gorge and delightful Rüdesheim

Sailing through the landscapes of the Rhine Gorge during breakfast this morning, there's time to relax and soak in the views. Admire centuries-old castles, emerald forests, and the legendary Lorelei rock, which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, and we hear of them 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 vibrant street in the Old Town lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and wine bars.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Picturesque Koblenz

We leave Rüdesheim behind 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, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the town's most famous sights. We see Deutsches Eck, where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. After our tour, there's time to explore at your own pace. You might like to visit one of the popular taverns or explore the Christmas markets.

We enjoy a highlight of our vacation this evening - a Christmas-themed gala dinner on board. We 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 a traditional British feast, including roast turkey, 'pigs in blankets', and, of course, Christmas pudding with brandy butter.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Vibrant Bonn and cultural Cologne

During a relaxed breakfast, we set sail for Bonn, the birthplace of 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 lovely Hofgarten Park. We continue to the Minster - one of Germany's oldest churches - beneath which are Bonn's lovely Christmas markets. The markets are delightful, casting 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.

Back on board, we enjoy lunch as we sail back to Cologne. This afternoon, we enjoy a Christmas-themed afternoon tea, sampling festive classics including mince pies, stollen, gingerbread, British 'pigs in blankets', turkey and stuffing sandwiches, and mulled wine.

On arrival in Cologne, you have free time. There are seven markets to choose from, however the most popular is the Cathedral Christmas Market. 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 delicious local delicacies.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end and we leave the ship, saying farewell to the crew.

From Cologne station, we travel by rail to Brussels, joining the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, where your exploration of Germany's Christmas markets concludes.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

Eurostar

Ships

MS Amadeus Riva
MS Amadeus Silver II
MS Amadeus Silver III

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