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Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Germany's traditional Christmas markets, while exploring the breathtaking Rhineland on this delightful winter river cruise from Cologne, through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Bonn. This 5-day journey includes daily excursions, twin cabin accommodation, with full board meals and superior drinks package.

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• 4 nights in a lower deck standard cabin onboard MS Riviera Resplendence
• Full board dining from dinner on day of arrival until breakfast on final day
• Free Superior drinks package
• Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
• All visits and excursions in the itinerary
• Coach travel as mentioned
• Transfers from the airport to and from the port of embarkation
• English-speaking expert guides
• The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director

Day 1: Cologne Arrival

• Transfer you to your five-star cruise ship. Enjoy dinner once you have settled in.

Day 2: Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim

• After enjoying a leisurely breakfast this morning, wrap up and step onto the deck for a refreshing breath of frosty air as you sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge. Here, the steep, vineyard-covered valley sides and ruined castles perched on rocky crags create a breathtaking scene. Following lunch onboard, we arrive in Rüdesheim for a guided tour. The town's quirky, crooked houses and narrow streets offer a perfect chocolate-box setting for its Christmas market. As you explore the numerous stalls, sparkling under hundreds of fairy lights, perhaps pause for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rüdesheim coffee, complete with a shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. Don't forget to visit the Christmas shop, brimming with seasonal treasures, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. As evening falls, return to the ship to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the excellent onboard restaurant.

Included Experience: Guided tour of Rüdesheim

Day 3 Rhine Gorge & Koblenz

• Savour your breakfast as the ship sets off for a spectacular morning cruise. One of the highlights will be our return journey through the magnificent Rhine Gorge, offering stunning river views. Upon arriving in the historic city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, enjoy the scenery over another delicious lunch in the ship’s restaurant. Koblenz’s forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, while the lower slopes are adorned with charming, half-timbered buildings typical of the Rhineland.
• Take a guided tour to see the main monuments, beautifully restored historic houses, and quaint hidden passageways. In the atmospheric old town, Koblenz’s Christmas market, one of the largest in the Rhineland, awaits. As you wander through the inviting stalls, the air is filled with the tempting scents of hot chestnuts and savoury sausages. Be sure to visit the Christmas bakery, renowned for its Stollen – a seasonal favourite bread made with candied and dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan. As the fairy lights glow brighter in the cool evening air, return to the ship’s lounge for an aperitif before the Chef’s Dinner is served, as we sail on to historic Bonn, arriving later this evening.

Included Experience:Guided tour of Koblenz

Day 4: Bonn & Cologne

• After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Bonn, exploring the main sights around the old town, centred around its two spacious squares. Admire the city’s most prominent landmark, the towering spire of the grand Romanesque minster, one of the oldest churches in the country, and the charming pastel pink Rococo old town hall, adorned with gleaming silver and gold trim. Bonn is also renowned as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. The house where he was born, one of the few old buildings in the city that survived the war, now serves as a museum dedicated to this legendary composer. You'll have some free time to explore the seasonal market and marvel at the old town hall’s windows, transformed into a giant Advent calendar. The air is filled with classical music and the delightful aromas of gingerbread and baked apples. No visit would be complete without sampling a glass of warming Glühwein!
• As you enjoy lunch back onboard, we make our way to Cologne. The city takes on a magical atmosphere during Christmas, and you have free time to explore its seven unique Yuletide markets. Each market has its own theme, drawing countless visitors every year. The Cathedral Christmas market, with over 160 beautifully decorated festive stalls, is set against the stunning backdrop of the imposing cathedral and features the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland—a magnificent, glittering sight. There's also plenty of live entertainment to enjoy. After browsing the market and its treasure trove of festive gifts and foods, return to the ship for a final delicious dinner this evening.

Included Experience: Guided tour of Bonn

Day 5: Cologne Departure

• Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport.