Cologne's Wonderful Markets

We embark on a guided tour this morning to discover the many highlights of Cologne, home to a number of elegant squares and beautiful Romanesque churches. During our explorations, we admire the tall and narrow pastelcoloured houses set out along the winding streets of the city's Old Town, as well as the incredible twin-spired Gothic cathedral, which was one of the tallest buildings in the world at one point. Our tour ends at one of the many traditional brewery taverns close to the Rhine, where we sample the excellent Kölsch beer - unique to Cologne.

Later, you are free to enjoy the wonderfully festive atmosphere of Christmastime in Cologne. The city is Europe's unofficial Christmas market capital, boasting seven individual Christmas markets, each with its own unique character. Festive chalets offer a special selection of gifts, decorations, arts and crafts as well as traditional stalls selling sausages, waffles, wine and beer. Perhaps make visits to the Maritime-themed market, next to the Rhine and the city's Chocolate Museum, the market at Rudolfplatz, held at the Hahnentor city gate, or the market in Roncalliplatz beneath the cathedral, which has the biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.

• Breakfast

A short ride away by regional train is the elegant city of Bonn, famous as the birthplace of Ludwig Van Beethoven, Classical and Romantic composer. Our visit here features a guided city tour which reveals the many sites of significance in Bonn such as the birthplace of Beethoven, the wonderful Bonn Minster and charming town square. This city was known as the capital of West Germany after the Second World War, and as such, its history tells a fascinating story which we learn during our time here. You are free after the tour, perhaps take in the impressive Christmas markets on offer here. Upon our return to Cologne, we enjoy a meal together in a traditional brauhaus on the banks of the Rhine.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Cologne and make our journey home, travelling by high speed train to Brussels. On arrival, we join up with our connecting Eurostar service which will transport us back to London St Pancras International.

• Breakfast