German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

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.

• Dinner

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.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

• Breakfast