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Christmas Markets of the Rhine

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You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
5 days From $3,275 per person
5.0 stars(2 reviews)
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Experience the warm ambiance of Germany’s traditional Christmas Markets and the dramatic vistas of Rhine Gorge on this holiday cruise vacation aboard the luxurious Amadeus Riva or Imperial

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2023 Tour code: RLM24

About the tour

The Rhine Gorge is a spectacular destination brimming with centuries of history and natural landscapes that put others in Europe to shame. Dense forests drape over sheer cliffs, and ancient castles dot the shores. There are wonderful cities and quaint villages, each of which offers a unique glimpse at the Rhine region's culture. As the holiday season approaches, these locales are adorned in traditional decorations and twinkling lights as the Christmas Markets arrive once more. This cruise tour through the Rhine Gorge presents the yuletide warmings of this time of year in four fantastic destinations along the river: Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne. Aboard your luxury Amadeus cruiser, navigate the beautiful Rhine, enjoying views of its passing scenery from your comfortable cabin and indulging in memorable onboard experiences, such as gingerbread making. Each day brings a new port of call and a fresh chance to experience the excitement and merriment surrounding this time of year. Enjoy guided city tours that dip their toes into history and showcase how destinations are brought to life through their holiday decor and time to wander through local holiday markets at your own pace. With spiced scents filling the air and the bounties of the Christmas spirit, there is no shortage of delights to behold on this holiday tour.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – To Cologne

We meet at St Pancras to board the Eurostar to Brussels. We continue by train, traveling to Cologne, and here, we board our excellent vessel, the MS Amadeus Riva or Imperial. After we are settled into our cabins, we are treated to a welcome cocktail before dinner later tonight. The ship sets sail overnight. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim

Today we set sail through what is one of the highlights of the cruise: the Rhine Gorge. This ancient gorge is truly beautiful, the winding river forming a perfect bend through the valley walls, which are lined by vineyards. We drift pass the enormous Lorelei Rock, a famous natural structure said to be looked over by the ghost of a woman who lures sailors to their doom. In the lounge, you are invited to learn how to decorate bredeles, tasty biscuits local to the region, by hand. This afternoon, we moor at pretty Rüdesheim where we pay a visit to the charming and eccentric Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, where we see over 350 mechanical instruments playing music by themselves. Back on board we enjoy mulled wine while listening to festive Christmas carol songing before dinner. You are free later to head to the fantastic Christmas market in Rüdesheim. 

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

We have a chance to watch a gingerbread making demonstration while sailing into Koblenz this morning, where you have a tour and then the rest of the day to uncover this traditional German town and its Christmas market. Our walking tour tells the story of Koblenz, and visits several important locations including the Basilika of St. Castor, Schängelbrunnen fountain and Munzplatz market square. You are free afterward to discover the Christmas market of Koblenz.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Discovering Bonn

We arrive into Bonn this morning after sailing overnight. Here you will enjoy a guided tour of the city before taking part in an afternoon Christmas themed tea as we sail on to Cologne.  Walk in the footsteps of the Romans and the Prince-electors of Cologne. The sights of the city centre are so close together that they can be easily visited on foot. Discover the haunts of the city's most famous son, Ludwig van Beethoven, and enjoy the imposing view of the Siebengebirge hills. The most important points of interest on the circular walk are the Beethoven monument, the Minster, the Electoral Palace - today the University - with the Hofgarten park, the Old Town Hall and the birthplace of the world-famous composer. 

After we enjoy lunch back onboard the ship as we sail to Cologne. Upon arrival feel free to set out on your own to admire the enchanting Christmas lights and decorations and browse a few of the Christmas markets set up across the city.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Return home

Today we disembark and transfer to the station. We board our train to Brussels and then change for the Eurostar to London.

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 Imperial

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Reviews

5.0 stars5.0 / 5 · 2 reviews

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BARDEN, PAMELA

5 stars

Submitted 21 Dec 2022

Exceptional trip. Guide was great and the accommodations were exceptional.

Collected by Trustpilot

PURNELL, KEVIN

5 stars

Submitted 16 Dec 2022

My wife and had a wonderful time, our tour guide as well as the crew were very good.

Collected by Trustpilot

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