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Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets River Cruise

Resort:Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets River Cruise
Operator: Riviera Travel
Destination: Europe, Germany
Price From: £789.00

Overview

Discover the magical ambience of Germanys traditional Christmas markets with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas, plus the stunning Rhineland in its wintry splendour.

Cruise through the world famous and dramatic Rhine Gorge before arriving in the renowned wine town of Rdesheim. Spend the afternoon wandering the Christmas markets of this charming spot. Explore Koblenz, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers, on a guided tour with free time to browse its lovely Christmas market. Discover Bonn on a guided tour of Germanys historic former capital before arriving back in Cologne, where the rest of the day is free to discover one (or all) of its seven Christmas markets.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE

ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Dsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels from London St Pancras International. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in historic Cologne, whose skyline is dominated by the spires of its magnificent cathedral. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, theres time to familiarise yourself with this splendid ship.

Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets River Cruise route map Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets River Cruise route map

DAY 2RHINE GORGE & RDESHEIM

RHINE GORGE & RDESHEIM

To really get in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board to find youre already cruising through an entrancing winter wonderland. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax on board while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their seasonal glory. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air as we pass through the outstandingly beautiful Rhine Gorge, where the river flows a little faster, the vineyard-covered valley sides are steeper and ruined castles sit atop rocky crags. Tales of mysterious happenings here have been passed down over the generations, most famously of all the legend of the Lorelei the maiden said to have enticed sailors onto the rocks with her irresistible songs.

The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. The historic Yuletide markets here are the ideal places to soak up the spellbinding atmosphere while seeking out unusual presents for friends and family back home. After lunch on board we arrive in Rdesheim, whose quirky, crooked houses and tiny streets provide the perfrect chocolate-box setting for its Christmas market. As you wander the myriad stalls, glistening in the glow of hundreds of fairy lights, stop perhaps for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. And dont forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop: open year-round, its a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ships excellent restaurant.

Warming mulled wine Warming mulled wine

DAY 3RHINE GORGE & KOBLENZ

RHINE GORGE & KOBLENZ

During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular mornings cruising. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.

As we arrive in the historic city of Koblenz, dramatically located at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, take in the views over another delicious lunch in the ships restaurant. Koblenz is a romantics dream; forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. Enjoy a guided tour, seeing the principal monuments, discovering ancient squares, admiring beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.

Located in the atmospheric old town, Koblenzs Christmas market is one of the largest in the Rhineland. As you browse its enticing stalls, the aroma of hot chestnuts and mouth-watering sausages fills the air; dont forget to pay a visit to the Christmas bakery, making the famous Stollen the delicious bread made with candied and dried fruit, nuts and marzipan, traditionally eaten at this time of year. As the fairy lights glow brighter in the cool evening air, its time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ships lounge for an aperitif before the Captains Dinner is served, as we sail on to historic Bonn, arriving later this evening.

Gingerbread love hearts Gingerbread love hearts

DAY 4BONN & COLOGNE

BONN & COLOGNE

Rising refreshed, after breakfast theres the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating city, which served as the capital of the West German state from 1949-1990, until the reunification of Germany which restored Berlin as the countrys capital. Whilst it lost the battle to retain the parliament, Bonn still holds the status of a secondary governmental seat, so many government ministries and public bodies still have their headquarters here.

But behind its official facade lies a historic and fascinating city and this morning you will enjoy a guided tour of the main sights around the old town, centred around its two spacious squares. See the citys most prominent landmark, the soaring spire of the huge Romanesque minster, one of the oldest churches in the country and the attractive pastel pink Rococo old town hall, with its gleaming silver and gold trim, from where an endless list of politicians throughout the decades have appeared on its sweeping staircase.

Bonn is also famous for being the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the house where he was born is one of the few old buildings in the city not to have been damaged during the war. Together with the house next door, it now houses a museum dedicated to one of the greatest composers of all time. Youll have some free time to wander the seasonal market, centred around the old town; the old town halls windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar and an imposing Christmas tree takes centre stage. Classical music floats on the air, along with the delicious smells of gingerbread and baked apples simply magical. No visit would be complete without sampling a glass of warming Glhwein, or mulled wine. This delicious concoction is usually made with red wine heated with citrus zest and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. Sometimes its drunk mit Schuss, meaning a shot of rum or brandy has been added for extra punch!

Back on board for lunch, we make our return to Cologne as the ever-changing river scenery drifts silently by. As the towering spires of Colognes cathedral come into view on the wintry skyline, we moor in the shadow of this ancient monument once again. Christmas creates a special atmosphere here and you have free time to immerse yourself in the citys seven Yuletide markets, each with its own unique theme. Every year a huge number of visitors are drawn to the more than 160 tastefully decorated festive stalls of the Cathedral Christmas market, impressively set against the spectacular backdrop of the imposing cathedral, where the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, illuminated with 50,000 LED lights, is a magnificent glittering sight to behold. Theres also plenty of live entertainment to enjoy.

After browsing the market and its Aladdins cave of festive gifts and foods, return to the ship to enjoy a final delicious dinner this evening.

Cologne market and cathedral at night Cologne market and cathedral at night

DAY 5RETURN HOME

RETURN HOME

Transfer to the airport for your return flight or to Brussels to connect with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras International.