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Leger Holidays · Escorted tour

Cologne, Bonn & Koblenz Christmas Markets by Rail

Five-day Christmas markets rail tour from Cologne to Bonn and Koblenz

Illustration of Cologne, Bonn & Koblenz Christmas Markets by Rail

Leger Holidays operates this 5-day escorted rail journey from London to three of Germany's premier Christmas market destinations. You depart London on Eurostar to Brussels, then connect by train to Cologne, where you base yourself at the Courtyard by Marriott for four nights. An experienced Tour Manager accompanies you throughout. On Day 2, a local guide leads you through Cologne's historic streets before you explore the city's Christmas markets at your own pace, including the Harbour Christmas Markets along the Rhine. Day 3 brings a train journey to Bonn, birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, to visit its celebrated festive market. On Day 4, you travel by train to Koblenz to wander its markets spread across locations like Münzplatz and Am Plan, returning to Cologne for a farewell dinner. The route suits first-time rail travellers and couples seeking a structured holiday with free time to browse markets independently. Continental breakfast is provided each morning, with dinner on arrival and departure evenings.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 requires you to make your own way to London St. Pancras International; the Tour Manager meets you there, not before.
  • The package price is from GBP 1289 (approximately USD 1721) and covers the tour package; confirm final availability and single-supplement costs when booking.
  • Day 5 mentions returning via Paris for the Eurostar; the itinerary does not detail whether Paris is a stop or a connection point.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne, Germany

    Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Brussels. From here, we join the connecting train to Cologne. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Cologne, Germany

    Cologne Guided Walking Tour & Christmas Markets

    After breakfast, our local guide begins a two-hour walking tour of Cologne. The rest of the day is free to explore the many Christmas markets, including the Harbour Christmas Markets on the Rhine.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Cologne, Germany

    Bonn Christmas Markets

    This morning, we travel by train to Bonn to visit the famous Christmas market, birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. We return to Cologne by train.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cologne, Germany

    Koblenz Christmas Markets

    This morning, we travel by train to Koblenz to visit the Christmas markets, spread over locations including Münzplatz and Am Plan. We return to Cologne by train and enjoy a farewell dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5rail

    After breakfast, we retrace our route to Paris for our return journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Two-hour guided walking tour of Cologne, followed by free time to explore multiple Christmas markets including the Harbour Christmas Markets on the Rhine.
  • Day 3Day 3: Travel by train to Bonn to visit its Christmas market at the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, with return to Cologne by train.
  • Day 4Day 4: Train journey to Koblenz to explore Christmas markets spread across locations including Münzplatz and Am Plan, with return to Cologne and a farewell dinner.

Included

  • Return Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Brussels
  • Connecting rail journeys
  • 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 2 evening meals
  • Services of an experienced Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes return Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels, the connecting train from Brussels to Cologne, and day trips by train to Bonn and Koblenz.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Leger Holidays provides an experienced Tour Manager throughout the 5 days, and a local guide leads a two-hour walking tour in Cologne on Day 2.
Where do I stay?
The Courtyard by Marriott Cologne, a 4-star hotel in the city centre, for all 4 nights. Continental breakfast is included each morning.
What meals are included?
Continental breakfast daily, dinner on Day 1 (arrival evening), and dinner on Day 4 (farewell). Other meals are not included.
When does this tour run?
The tour is designed around the Christmas market season, typically November and December. Contact Leger Holidays for specific 2024 and 2025 departure dates.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 includes a two-hour guided walking tour of Cologne. You will walk through outdoor Christmas markets on Days 2, 3, and 4. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

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