We depart St Pancras after meeting at our exclusive Departure
Office, travelling by Eurostar to Brussels. On arrival, we continue
our journey to Cologne. Arriving in the city, we transfer to the
Hotel Mondial am Dom. The hotel is ideally located close to the
railway station, the Rhine, the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral
and some of the city's most spectacular Christmas markets.
Day 2 - Cologne’s Christmas 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.
Includes
Breakfast
Day 3 - Exploring Bonn
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.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - To Brussels and London
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.