Cologne to Cologne
4 night Rhine Christmas Markets

Now, at the end of the year, the vines around Ruedesheim are only waiting for one thing: the first frost, so that soon there will be the best ice wine. Then a Riesling! Between Roemerberg and the historic Pauls Church, Frankfurt proves with one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany that it can do more than just business. The market and the metropolis offer plenty of Xmas shopping for the loved ones. In Mainz, you can indulge in mulled wine and pastries on the traditional market square in front of the cathedral and admire Renaissance facades in the sparkle of lights. The enchanted valleys of the Middle Rhine Valley then accompany you to Koblenz. Here, while ice-skating - accompanied by the scent of roasted almonds - you can fully immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere by clattering with picturesque horse-drawn carriages

DAY 1: Arrive Cologne and transfer to ship

We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.

DAY 2: Cruise to Rudesheim and Mainz

In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town.

Mainz

Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city, makes it easy for non-locals to settle in and helps visitors to enjoy their stay here. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.

DAY 3: Cruise to Frankfurt

Frankfurt is undergoing something of a metamorphosis, so expect to find a booming city rubbing shoulders with classic traditional German charm here on the banks of the Main. After suffering serious damage in WWII, Frankfurt has risen from the ashes as one of Europe's premier financial centres. So expect glittering skyscrapers dominating the cityscape, earning the city one of its new monikers, 'Mainhattan'. With a cluster of distinct neighbourhoods to explore, wander beautiful botanical gardens, cobblestone streets and dip into cafes, boutiques and museums. The dining scene here is delicious too, influenced by Frankfurt's melting pot of cultures and nationalities, there's everything from vegan cuisine to cosy German cookery. Head to the restored Altstadt (Old Town) and see the reconstructed and newly-built timber-framed houses so synonymous with this region, centred around the lively Romerberg Square for a taste of something completely authentic.

DAY 4: Cruise to Koblenz - Passing Lorelei in the afternoon

Here, at the heart of Europe, you’ll find the true centre of Rhine Romanticism: the Middle Rhine Valley. With vine-clad slopes, palaces and castles scattered across hills, and villages nestled along the riverbanks, it is clear why this area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. This stretch of the river is also where you’ll find what is perhaps the most famous slate rock in the world: the Lorelei. In 1801, Clemens Brentano wrote the ballad Zu Bacharach am Rheine about an enchantress who was able to bewitch any man. Heinrich Heine later also referred to this legend in Die Lore-Ley – probably his best-known poem.

What do you get when you cross modern rationality with southern nonchalance? Koblenz. This is where you’ll find Roman history, a high-tech research hub and a buzzing cultural scene all in one place. Don’t miss the delightful Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen, the southern part of the Rhine promenade. It was turned into a landscaped park with artistic historical monuments and sculptures between 1856 and 1861. If you fancy a treat, try Debbekooche. Originally eaten by those who couldn’t afford goose on Saint Martin’s Day, it is now considered a regional speciality and is traditionally served with apple sauce. Delicious!

DAY 5: Ship arrives in Cologne

Your exciting Rhine cruise ends in Cologne, but your wonderful memories will last forever. Before you start your journey home, use the day to take a further look around North Rhine-Westphalia or explore the city. The magnificent cathedral of Cologne is an absolute must-see. See you soon and Ahoy!