Day 1 - London to Cologne
We leave St Pancras International, and travel by Eurostar to Brussels. Here we join the high-speed service to Cologne, where we board our ship TC Bellevue. After time to settle in, we sail towards Koblenz. (D)
Day 2 - Koblenz
We enjoy today in Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your time here is free to explore. Deutsches Eck, which marks the meeting point of the two rivers, is well worth avisit, as is the grand Electoral Palace. But at this time of year, undoubtedly the main attraction is the colourful Christmas Market. Set in Koblenz's charming Old Town, more than 130 stalls present a range of decorations and gift ideas, as well as offering local cuisine. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Mainz & Rüdesheim
This morning we arrive in Mainz, a city best known for being home to printing pioneer Johannes Gutenberg, whose bible became the first major printed work. Along with the Gutenberg Museum, another of Mainz's highlights is the imposing Cathedral of St Martin, which has been the backdrop to Mainz's Christmas Market for at least 200 years. With more than 100 stalls to choose from, Mainz Christmas Market is a fantastic place to absorb the festive atmosphere, and perhaps enjoy a warming glühwein. We continue to Rüdesheim, where you are free to explore the town and its 'Christmas Market of Nations'. Here, over 120 stalls represent the traditions, specialities and customs of 12 countries. Held in the Old Town and along the famous Drosselgasse, there is an exciting array of produce on offer. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - To Brussels and London
We spend this morning cruising along the stunning Rhine Gorge. Our journey takes us past sleepy villages and the famous Lorelei Rock, as well as brooding hilltop castles, overlooking the vineyards sloping down to the river. This afternoon we reach Bonn, a town that shot to fame as the capital of West Germany, the position it held from 1949 until reunification in 1990. We have time to discover the Christmas Market, which sells many Rhineland specialities, as well as art and crafts items, and even beeswax candles. Otherwise, you may wish to visit the Beethoven House Museum. As the house where the famous composer was born in 1770, the museum resembles how it would have looked in his parents' lifetime. The museum displays much of Beethoven's material and a number his personal effects. We enjoy dinner on board our ship this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 5- To London
This morning we arrive in Cologne, where we disembark and take the high-speed rail service to Brussels. In the Belgian capital we connect with the Eurostar service to St Pancras International in London. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
Please note:
Itineraries may be subject to change by the cruise operator and may be affected by general river conditions.
