Cologne and Bonn Premium Christmas Markets  2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. Our journey continues by First Class rail to Cologne for a three night stay at the 5-star Le Meridien Dom Hotel. A welcome glühwein reception on the hotel's balcony overlooks the market and cathedral, which are just steps away from the hotel. (E,D)

Today you are free to enjoy a relaxing day exploring Cologne's many varied Christmas Markets. Located on the hotel's doorstep is the Christmas Market at the Dom, which features the largest Christmas Tree in the Rhineland and as many as 160 decorated stalls. A short wander towards the Rhine brings you to the Old Town's narrow alleys and squares, and the Christmas Market at Alter Markt. A little further afield is Neumarkt, which hosts the oldest Christmas Market in Cologne, now themed as the 'Market of Angels'. The Rudolfplatz Christmas Market, found on the Hahnentor, one of Cologne's old city gates, has a fairytale theme. The floating Christmas Market on the MS Wappen von Köln adds to the city's impressive collection of Christmas Markets, which has made Cologne the unofficial 'Christmas Markets capital of Europe'. (B)

A short ride away by regional train (Standard Class) is Bonn, an attractive university town that shot to the forefront of German history when it was chosen as the capital of West Germany, a position it held from 1949 until reunification in 1990. Bonn's main squares are filled with 170 Christmas Market stalls, with warming glühwein and chestnuts, Rhineland specialities, beeswax candles, cribs, arts and crafts. During the day we also visit Beethoven Haus, the birthplace of the composer, where we enjoy a guided tour. (B,D)

We leave Cologne by First Class train as we make our way home. We change trains in Brussels, boarding the connecting Eurostar service to London. Travelling in Standard Premier Class, we enjoy a light meal and drinks on board before our arrival at St Pancras International. (B,E)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday