Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River

Upon arrival, transfer to the port and embark your 5★ luxury river ship

Sail through the famous Rhine Gorge on our way to Rüdesheim.

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. 

After lunch on board, we arrive in Rüdesheim. The quirky, crooked houses and tiny streets provide the perfect chocolate-box setting for its Christmas market. 

As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurant before delighting in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music and dancing with a live performance on traditional instruments.

★INCLUDED EXCURSION: Guided tour of Rüdesheim and visit to a Christmas market

During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular morning’s 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.

Enjoy another delicious lunch in the ship’s restaurant as we sail past Koblenz, dramatically situated on the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, with the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress towering above. We’ll soon arrive in Bonn.

This afternoon there’s 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 country’s capital.

You’ll have some free time to wander the seasonal market, centred around the old town; the old town hall’s 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.

With the ship moored here overnight, perhaps step ashore again after dinner to experience the town sparkling under its Christmas lights.

★INCLUDED EXCURSION: Guided tour of Bonn with a visit to the Christmas market

Sail back to Cologne where we learn more about the old town on a guided walk, then you are free to explore the many Christmas markets.

During breakfast, we make our return to Cologne as the ever-changing river scenery drifts silently by. As the towering spires of Cologne’s cathedral come into view on the wintry skyline, we moor in the shadow of this ancient monument once again.

Arriving in Cologne mid‑morning, we meet our local guide for a walking tour of the old town, focusing on the historic quarter surrounding the magnificent cathedral. Afterward, you may like to return to the ship for lunch on board, or choose to stay out a little longer and sample some of the tempting regional specialities from the nearby Christmas market stalls.

After browsing the market and its Aladdin’s cave of festive gifts and foods, return to the ship to raise a festive toast with newfound friends before a final delicious dinner this evening. 

INCLUDED EXCURSION: Visit to Cologne and its Christmas markets

The romantic Rhine River flows down from the Swiss Alps and meanders through central and Western Europe until it reaches the North Sea.