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Great Rail Journeys · River Cruise

German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

Five-day Rhine cruise from London through German Christmas markets

Illustration of German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day Rhine Christmas cruise, starting with Eurostar from London St Pancars and arriving in Cologne by rail to board MS Amadeus, a luxury river ship. The journey sails through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge, stopping at the wine town of Rüdesheim, the historic confluence city of Koblenz, and Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven, each decorated with Christmas markets. You spend four nights aboard in five-star comfort, enjoying all meals and evening drinks, a gingerbread-making demonstration, a Christmas gala dinner with traditional German or British menu options, and guided tours of Bonn's festive streets and monuments. The cruise is fully escorted and all-inclusive, ideal for couples and luxury travellers who want Christmas cheer without planning logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 1,199 / USD 1,601) is for Standard Class rail; First Class Eurostar Plus upgrades cost more
  • Single supplement is GBP 1,899, significantly higher than half the double rate, reflecting limited cabin availability
  • The itinerary shows onboard entertainment and leisure time; not all days include shore excursions

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus (onboard ship)

    To our luxurious ship in Cologne

    Your festive holiday begins by meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, ready to travel to Brussels on the Eurostar. On arrival in the Belgian capital, we continue by train to Cologne, where we are greeted with a welcome cocktail as we board our luxurious cruise ship. Decked out in its Christmas finery, we can look forward to sailing through stunning seasonal scenery. As we settle in to begin our journey, we gather in the onboard restaurant to enjoy our first dinner on the ship. Tonight, we set sail upstream along the lower Rhine.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus (onboard ship)

    Through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim

    Sailing amid the landscapes of the Rhine Gorge during breakfast this morning, there's chance to relax and soak up the views. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dotted by centuries-old castles, dense forests and stepped vineyards. Look out for the legendary Lorelei Rock, which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This afternoon, we arrive in the town of Rüdesheim, famous for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Unique Christmas markets are found in the town's historic centre and offer a variety of goods from across 12 nations. You have time to wander amongst the stalls shopping for gifts or maybe sample a Rüdesheim Coffee made with local Asbach Uralt Brandy and served with whipped cream. You could stroll along the Drösselgasse, a charming street in the Old Town lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and wine bars.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus (onboard ship)

    To historic Koblenz

    We leave Rüdesheim this morning to set sail for Koblenz. Cruising back through the enchanting Rhine Gorge, we enjoy a gingerbread making demonstration in the lounge. On arrival in Koblenz, there's time at leisure to explore this historic city. You could admire the Deutsches Eck, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Alternatively, explore the Christmas markets or visit one of the popular taverns. We enjoy a highlight of the holiday this evening - a Christmas-themed gala dinner on board. You can choose between two delicious menus: one with traditional German food, including duck consommé, braised goose leg, and pear and marzipan strudel. The other menu is traditional British food, including roast turkey, pigs in blankets and Christmas pudding with brandy butter.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus (onboard ship)

    The cultural cities of Bonn and Cologne

    During a relaxed breakfast, we set sail for Bonn, the birthplace of world-renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven. On arrival, we step back in time with a guided tour of the history-filled streets. We see the Beethoven monument and Hofgarten Park and continue to the minster - one of Germany's oldest churches - beneath which are Bonn's Christmas markets. The markets cast the city in the golden glow of fairy lights. In December, the town hall is transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar with a different window lit up each day throughout the month. Back on board, we enjoy lunch as we sail before a delightful Christmas-themed afternoon tea of mince pies, stollen, gingerbread, pigs in blankets, turkey and stuffing sandwiches, with mulled wine. On arrival in Cologne, you have free time to enjoy Cologne's magnificent markets. There are seven to choose from, each with a unique character, with the most popular being near the cathedral. This market has a dramatic backdrop of Cologne's Gothic cathedral and hosts around 160 festive stalls, selling everything from charming wood-carved gifts to local delicacies.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    The famous Christmas markets of towns and cities along Germany's Rhine have revealed their seasonal charm as we soaked up the festive atmospheres in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne. Throughout the cruise, we have marvelled at the idyllic scenes of the Rhine Gorge and the fairytale castles and towns that dot its banks. After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive holiday concludes.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Sailing through the Rhine Gorge at breakfast, passing the legendary Lorelei Rock rising almost 500 feet from the water
  • Day 3Gingerbread-making demonstration in the ship's lounge while cruising back through the Rhine Gorge
  • Day 4Guided tour of Bonn including the Beethoven monument, Hofgarten Park, and the historic minster church with Christmas markets glowing below

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 4-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Amara, Riva, Star or Silver II
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First & Standard Class rail options available
  • Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
  • A superb choice of excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes. The from-price includes Eurostar (Standard or First Class) from London St Pancras to Brussels, train to Cologne, and all coach transfers. First Class rail requires the Eurostar Plus upgrade.
What is included in the cruise?
Four nights onboard MS Amadeus, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, drinks with dinner, complimentary Wi-Fi, luggage service from home to ship and back (one case per cabin), and a choice of excursions. A gala dinner features traditional German or British menus.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. An experienced Tour Manager meets you at London St Pancras and travels with the group throughout, supported by a Cruise Director onboard.
Which Christmas markets are visited?
The ship stops at Cologne, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, and Bonn. Each has Christmas markets; a guided tour of Bonn's markets and historical sites is included on Day 4.
When does it depart?
Great Rail Journeys operates two departures in 2026: November and December.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance. Beverages other than wines and drinks served with dinner are not included onboard.

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