Christmas Markets - Cologne Premium markets

A luxurious break by rail with plenty of opportunity to eat, drink and be merry. Shop for traditional wood toys, candles, decorations and local provender and enjoy a river cruise to the wine town of Rüdesheim.

Day 1 - First Class rail to Cologne

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels in First Class. Our journey continues to Cologne for a four night stay at the 5-star superior Hotel im Wasserturm, situated in a quiet location but only a short walk from the city's markets. (E,D)

Day 2 - Cologne’s Christmas Markets

After a relaxing start to the day you are free to explore the varied and wonderful festive markets of Cologne. Nearby you will find the Christmas Market at Neumarkt, Cologne's oldest market, with more than 100 wooden stalls.Rudolfplatz, also close to the hotel, has a fairytale theme and 60 stalls in front of the city's historic Hahnentorburg Gate. The Alter Markt Market in the Old Town and the market beneath the spectacular cathedral are both also within easy reach, offering lovely settings in which to sample the aromas and flavours of Advent in Germany. (B)

Day 3 - Cruising the Rhine Gorge

For a wonderful contrast to Cologne's festive markets we make the journey into the scenic Rhine Valley by coach, where we meet a KD Rhine Cruises' ship in St Goarshausen.Travelling upstream past the Lorelei Rock of legend and unspoilt little villages nestled beneath vineyards and hilltop castles, we enjoy lunch on board before arriving in Rüdesheim. Here you have some free time to browse around the 120 stalls of the Christmas Market along the Drosselgasse. A ride on the cable car up through the vineyards is also a must in good weather for a bird's eye view of the Rhine Gorge. We return to Cologne by coach, where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 4 - Koblenz Christmas Market

Hugging the Rhine by rail (Standard Class), today we travel to the town of Koblenz, situated at the point where the famous river meets the Moselle. Koblenz has a lovely Old Town which is transformed in the run-up to Christmas by more than 130 festively decorated stalls, each offering an array of seasonal gift ideas and tasty treats. (B)

Day 5 - The journey home by First Class rail

We leave Cologne by train for Brussels. Here we join the connecting Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B,E)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

Accommodation

Hotel im Wasserturm, Cologne
Our base in Cologne is the 5-star Hotel im Wasserturm. Built between 1868 and 1872 as a water tower, the building is now protected. The hotel boasts two restaurants, and a bar. Other facilities include sauna, solarium and massage treatments. The hotel offers modern luxury, coupled with individual service, within the walls of a landmark building. Rooms include air conditioning and television.

Extras

Cancellation, medical & travel insurance: from £23
Supplement for single occupancy throughout: £140

2013 Christmas Markets

Cologne Premium Markets