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Cologne's Wonderful Markets

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Seven charming Christmas markets, over 2,000 years of history and amazing culture to boot: Cologne, Germany is the focal point of this holiday journey.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
4 days Not yet on sale
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2023 Tour code: GR-KOMA-23

About the tour

Cologne offers a hub of culture, a wealth of history, an abundance of holiday cheer and a home to you for the next four days as you explore the Rhineland. This festive tour focuses on what Cologne does better than perhaps any other city in the world at Christmastime: markets. In this city alone, seven Christmas markets present the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas through local delicacies, spiced wine, and locally made wares. Our time here begins with a guided tour of the city, allowing a glimpse at the centuries-old architecture and colorful row houses before you commence your adventure through the city's seven unique markets. We also travel to the city of Bonn - the birthplace of Ludwig Van Beethoven and the former capital of West Germany - for even more history and holiday cheer. Ring in the most wonderful time of the year with German traditions this season.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cologne

Upon arrival in the city, make your way to the Hotel Mondial am Dom. The hotel is ideally located close to the railroad station, the Rhine, the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral and some of the city's most spectacular Christmas markets.

Day 2 - Cologne’s Christmas Markets

We embark on a guided tour this morning to discover the many highlights of Cologne, home to several elegant squares and beautiful Romanesque churches. During our explorations, we admire the tall and narrow pastel-colored houses set out along the winding streets of the city's Old Town, as well as the incredible twin-spired Gothic cathedral, which was one of the tallest buildings in the world at one point. Our tour ends at one of the many traditional brewery taverns close to the Rhine, where we sample the excellent Kölsch beer - unique to Cologne.

Later, you are free to enjoy the wonderfully festive atmosphere of Christmastime in Cologne. The city is Europe's unofficial Christmas market capital, boasting seven individual Christmas markets, each with its own unique character. Festive chalets offer a special selection of gifts, decorations, arts, and crafts as well as traditional stalls selling sausages, waffles, wine, and beer. Perhaps make visits to the Maritime-themed market, next to the Rhine and the city's Chocolate Museum, the market at Rudolfplatz, held at the Hahnentor city gate, or the market in Roncalliplatz beneath the cathedral, which has the biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Exploring Bonn

A short ride away by regional train is the elegant city of Bonn, famous as the birthplace of Ludwig Van Beethoven, Classical and Romantic composer. Our visit here features a guided city tour that reveals the many sites of significance in Bonn such as the birthplace of Beethoven, the wonderful Bonn Minster, and charming town square. This city was known as the capital of West Germany after the Second World War, and as such, its history tells a fascinating story which we learn during our time here. You are free after the tour, perhaps take in the impressive Christmas markets on offer here. Upon our return to Cologne, we enjoy a meal together in a traditional brauhaus on the banks of the Rhine.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Tour Conclusion

After breakfast this morning, our exploration of Cologne's delightful Christmas Markets comes to a conclusion. You are free to depart at leisure.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

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.

Hotel

Hotel Mondial am Dom

Hotel Mondial am Dom, Cologne

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