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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · River cruise

German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

Five-day Rhine Christmas markets river cruise from London via Eurostar

Illustration of German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

Vacations By Rail's German Christmas Markets of the Rhine is a 5-day, 4-night escorted river cruise that departs London on Eurostar, traveling through Brussels and Cologne to board the MS Amadeus Amara, Riva, Star or Silver II for an upstream journey along the Rhine. The cruise sails through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock, with days spent exploring Christmas markets in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne. Each day brings guided tours, market strolls, and onboard festive traditions: a gingerbread-making demonstration, Christmas-themed gala dinner, and afternoon tea. All meals and drinks at dinner are included, as are excursions and rail transfers. An experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director lead throughout. The low Mobility Rating 1 and ship-based itinerary suit couples and travelers seeking guided comfort with minimal walking, particularly those who enjoy food and wine experiences and the holiday season.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price excludes flights and airport transfers; travel insurance is optional and arranged separately
  • Accommodation is in one of four ship stateroom types with varying sizes and deck positions; your specific ship is not confirmed at booking
  • The itinerary requires comfortable walking through outdoor Christmas markets in December weather

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Ship

    To our luxurious ship in Cologne

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras and travel to Brussels on the Eurostar, continuing by train to Cologne. Welcome cocktail as you board the cruise ship; first dinner onboard as it sets sail upstream along the lower Rhine.

  2. Day 2overnight: Ship

    Through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim

    Sail through the Rhine Gorge (UNESCO World Heritage site) past the Lorelei Rock; afternoon arrival in Rüdesheim for its Christmas markets and the Drösselgasse.

  3. Day 3overnight: Ship

    To historic Koblenz

    Sail back through the Rhine Gorge with an onboard gingerbread-making demonstration. Free time in Koblenz at the Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress or its Christmas markets. Christmas-themed gala dinner onboard this evening.

  4. Day 4overnight: Ship

    The cultural cities of Bonn and Cologne

    Guided tour of Bonn (Beethoven monument, Hofgarten Park, the minster and Christmas markets), a Christmas-themed afternoon tea onboard, then free time in Cologne to visit its seven Christmas markets, including the one by the Gothic cathedral.

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    Cruise ends after breakfast; travel by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where the vacation concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, past the Lorelei Rock to Rüdesheim
  • Day 3Onboard gingerbread-making demonstration while sailing back through the Rhine Gorge, followed by a Christmas-themed gala dinner
  • Day 4Guided tour of Bonn including the Beethoven monument, Hofgarten Park, and the minster, plus free time to explore Cologne's seven Christmas markets near the Gothic cathedral

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by an experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 4-night cruise onboard the MS Amadeus Amara, Riva, Star or Silver II
  • Five-Star service onboard from English-speaking crew
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • 1st & Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • A superb choice of excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes Eurostar (1st and Standard Class) from London St Pancras through Brussels to Cologne and return, plus all local rail and coach travel throughout the tour.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. An experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team travel with you throughout the entire 5 days.
What is included in the cruise cost?
The 4-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Amara, Riva, Star or Silver II includes all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), drinks with dinner each night, a gala dinner, Wi-Fi, a gingerbread-making demonstration, guided tour of Bonn, and access to Christmas markets in Cologne, Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Bonn.
When does this cruise operate?
The evidence indicates this is a December Christmas markets cruise. Specific departure dates are not listed in the operator's published information; contact Vacations By Rail for 2024-2025 availability.
What is the walking or activity level?
Mobility Rating 1. Walking is limited to strolling through Christmas markets and guided city tours; the ship serves as your floating hotel for each night.
Which Christmas markets are included?
Free time or guided access is provided in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne, including Cologne's seven Christmas markets by the Gothic cathedral.

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