How much does it cost?

From £995 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,344 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes. The lead-in price includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels and on to Cologne, plus a regional train to Aachen. A cheaper 'Join & Leave at Cologne' option is available if you arrange your own travel there.

Yes, with an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager throughout, based at one hotel in Cologne.

The Maritim Hotel in Cologne, for all three nights.

What meals are included?

Breakfast daily, plus 2 evening meals across the three nights.

Yes, independently. The evidence notes an optional rail trip of about 30 to 40 minutes to see Beethoven House, the House of German History, and Bonn's Christmas Market, at your own cost.

One departure is scheduled, in December 2026, priced from £995 per person including Eurostar.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Rhine Lights & Christmas Delights 2026

Cologne and Aachen Christmas Markets tour by Eurostar

Railtrail Tours runs this four-day escorted Christmas tour based at the Maritim Hotel in Cologne, Germany, with an experienced Tour Manager throughout. Eurostar from London St Pancras via Brussels reaches Cologne on day 1, where a guided walking tour takes in the city's Christmas Markets. Day 2 includes a guided tour of the Farina Fragrance Museum, home of the original Eau de Cologne, with the rest of the day free to explore. On day 3, a regional train reaches Aachen for a guided tour of its cathedral, Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by free time at the Aachen Christmas Market. Travellers who want more can arrange an independent side trip to Bonn to see Beethoven House and its own Christmas Market. This short, single-hotel trip suits first-time rail travellers and history lovers looking for a festive city break rather than a long touring itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

The £995 lead-in price includes Standard Class Eurostar travel from London St Pancras; joining and leaving the tour at Cologne yourself instead costs from £775.
A visit to Bonn, for Beethoven House, the House of German History, and its Christmas Market, is optional and independent, at your own cost and using your own rail journey of about 30 to 40 minutes.
Only one departure is scheduled, in December 2026.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Maritim Hotel, Cologne
London to Cologne by Eurostar
Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards to Cologne and our hotel for three nights, the Maritim Hotel. Here, we check in and meet our guide for a walking tour of the city including Cologne's magical Christmas Markets. This evening, we enjoy our first evening meal together at a local restaurant.
Day 2overnight: Maritim Hotel, Cologne
Farina Fragrance Museum and free time in Cologne
After breakfast this morning, we visit the Farina Fragrance Museum, the home of the original Eau de Cologne, for a fascinating guided tour. We will learn the history of this iconic perfume and its global legacy, discover the creation process, and sample fragrances plus the opportunity to treat ourselves to a special souvenir. The remainder of the day is free to explore Cologne further, perhaps visit the iconic Cathedral or stroll the festive markets. Alternatively, you may wish to travel independently to Bonn to visit Beethoven House, the House of German History, and the Bonn Christmas Market.
Day 3railovernight: Maritim Hotel, Cologne
Aachen Cathedral and Christmas Market
Today, we travel by train to Aachen for a guided tour of the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we will discover the history of the cathedral from our knowledgeable guide, explore the choir hall, and visit the royal throne. This afternoon, we have time at leisure to explore the Old Town and visit the famous Aachen Christmas Market. We can soak in the festive atmosphere and stroll the stalls full of crafts and gifts plus a brilliant selection of warming, festive food and drink ahead of our return to Cologne in time for our final evening meal together.
Day 4rail
Return to London
We bid farewell to Cologne and to Germany, returning by rail to Brussels, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1A guided walking tour of Cologne takes in the city's Christmas Markets on arrival.
Day 2A guided tour of the Farina Fragrance Museum, the home of the original Eau de Cologne, followed by free time in the city.
Day 3A guided tour of Aachen Cathedral, Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by free time at the Aachen Christmas Market.

Included

3 nights bed & breakfast plus 2 evening meals
Eurostar and rail travel to and from Germany in the class of your choice
All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £995 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,344 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes. The lead-in price includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels and on to Cologne, plus a regional train to Aachen. A cheaper 'Join & Leave at Cologne' option is available if you arrange your own travel there.
Is it escorted?: Yes, with an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager throughout, based at one hotel in Cologne.
Which hotel is used?: The Maritim Hotel in Cologne, for all three nights.
What meals are included?: Breakfast daily, plus 2 evening meals across the three nights.
Can I visit Bonn?: Yes, independently. The evidence notes an optional rail trip of about 30 to 40 minutes to see Beethoven House, the House of German History, and Bonn's Christmas Market, at your own cost.
When does it depart?: One departure is scheduled, in December 2026, priced from £995 per person including Eurostar.