Summary
Discover the magical ambience of Germany's 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 Rüdesheim and spending the afternoon wandering this charming spot, followed by an onboard folklore show this evening featuring traditional music and storytelling. Discover Bonn on a guided tour of Germany’s historic former capital with free time to browse its lovely Christmas market and after an excellent Chef’s dinner on board, you may choose to return to the markets to experience their magical evening glow. Arriving back in Cologne, explore the old town on a guided orientation tour, then the rest of the day is free to discover one (or all) of its seven Christmas markets.
Themes: History & Culture
Itinerary & Map
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural...
Full description
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural...
Full description
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural...
Full description
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural...
Full description
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural...
Full description
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural...
Full descriptionDAY 1
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.
Dates & prices
Flights included from London Heathrow
Departs
Tue 1 Dec 2026
MS Riviera Resplendence
from £2,949 pp
Enquire now Call 020 7590 0610Per person, based on two sharing, flights included. Updated daily and confirmed when you book. Flights from UK airports only.