Christmas Markets of the Rhineland
The Rhine and her Tributaries
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No fly
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VIP on selected river cruises
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Full board
Enjoy the magical atmosphere of Advent
This festive mini cruise takes you on a scenic journey along the mighty Rhine to visit four magical Christmas markets, overflowing with beautifully hand crafted toys and colourful decorations, as well as a great variety of tempting culinary treats. Enjoy the aromas of roasting chestnuts, spicy gingerbread and hot mulled wine as you browse hundreds of traditional wooden stalls.
The cities of Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne and Düsseldorf provide a historic and beautiful backdrop to the winter wonderland and we’ll provide you with interactive maps and headsets to make exploring these cities independently even better. You’ll also have time to relax on board Spirit of the Rhine and watch the winter landscapes of the Rhine Valley drift by – it’s the perfect prelude to Christmas!
Including...
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Saga Team
Plus...
- Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All gratuities on board
- Return coach travel via Eurotunnel or ferry
Included excursions
- Bonn Christmas market
- Koblenz Christmas market
- Cologne Christmas market
- Dusseldorf Christmas market
Interactive maps and audio headsets for independent exploration
View Full Itinerary
Day 1 UK to Cologne

Travel to Cologne (a journey of approximately 3 hours 15 minutes by Eurostar from Brussels Station to Cologne; or 1 hour 30 minutes from Düsseldorf Airport to Cologne) where you embark Spirit of the Rhine.
Embarkation is from 4pm, if you arrive early you will have the opportunity to explore your surroundings and we will take care of your luggage.
Your ship will set sail for Koblenz this evening and will sail through the night.
Day 2 Koblenz to Bonn 🎧

This morning you’ll arrive in Koblenz, whose rich past is reflected in a wealth of monuments and historic buildings.
The picturesque old town, which is a short distance from the main shopping street, hosts the traditional Christmas Market. Over 100 highly decorated wooden stalls will tempt you with their festive goods, seasonal gifts and edible treats. Take your time to browse the fantastic array of merchandise and perhaps purchase a unique present or two.
You remain moored here until early afternoon, then your ship will cruise to Bonn, arriving in the evening for an overnight mooring.
Day 3 Bonn to Cologne 🎧

The illuminated facades of Bonn’s Münsterplatz provides a festive backdrop to the charming Christmas market that fills the streets.
The old town hall is transformed into a huge Advent Calendar, with a different window being lit up each day as they city counts down to the 25th. Browse the brightly lit stalls selling beautiful handcrafted gifts and perhaps treat yourself to a glass of warming glühwein. Concerts occur on a daily basis during Advent so your visit may be accompanied by live music.
After spending the morning in Bonn, Spirit of the Rhine will cruise to Cologne. Spend the afternoon in Germany’s fourth largest city, which is dominated by its mighty Gothic cathedral. The city is also famous for its eponymous brand of perfume, which has now become a generic term for men's aftershave.
During Advent, the air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine, hot chestnuts and gingerbread and you can often see pewter pourers, wreath binders and glassblowers demonstrating their art. Expect wooden toys, arts and crafts, colourful Christmas decorations and cheery Christmas music as you explore the market.
Your ship departs Cologne shortly before midnight and sails overnight towards Düsseldorf.
Day 4 Düsseldorf 🎧

You arrive in Düsseldorf early this morning.
This large city is a centre for trade fairs and exhibitions, and is considered the fashion capital of Germany.
During the festive period the city is home to a huge ice rink and impressive Christmas market. You’ll have the whole day to explore the sights before sailing late this evening to Cologne, where you ship moors overnight.
Day 5 Cologne to UK
Disembark your ship and begin your return journey to the UK (if travelling by Eurostar the journey time from Cologne to Brussels Station is around 3 hours 15 minutes, from Cologne to Düsseldorf Airport it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and the coach journey from Cologne to Calais takes around 5 hours 30 minutes plus comfort stops).
🎧 Interactive maps and audio headset tours available for exploring independently in Koblenz, Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
£699 per person
2 passengers
4 nights
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £20 if not requiredThe Rhine and her Tributaries
£699 per person
2 passengers
4 nights
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £20 if not required