Rhineland Christmas Markets Cruise

To Cologne

We meet at St Pancras to board the Eurostar to Brussels. We continue by train, travelling to Cologne, and here, we board our excellent vessel, the Amadeus Silver. After we are settled into our cabins, we are treated to a welcome cocktail before dinner later tonight. The ship sets sail overnight.

Koblenz and the Rhine Gorge

This morning, the ship arrives into charming Koblenz where you are free to head into the town and discover the half-timbered houses, the ornate municipal buildings and of course, the shimmering Christmas Market. You can also join an optional walking tour here, taking in the highlights such as the cathedral and the town hall. After we return to the ship, we set sail through what is one of the highlights of the cruise: the Rhine Gorge. This ancient valley is truly beautiful, the winding river forming a perfect bend through the valley walls which are lined by vineyards. We drift pass the enormous Lorelei Rock, a famous natural structure, said to be looked over by the ghost of a woman who lures sailors to their doom. We continuing sailing overnight to Speyer.

Exploring Speyer

This morning, we dock in Speyer. This is a classic Rhine town, and is watched over by a rather impressive cathedral which dates all the way back to 1030. You are at leisure here, and the Christmas Market beckons, with a dazzling array of festive goodies on offer including the excellent Glühwein or mulled wine which is famous across Germany. Return to the ship for lunch, and enjoy an afternoon to enjoy the sights of the Rhine as they float by.

Discovering Strasbourg

We arrive into Kehl this morning after sailing overnight. Across from this small German town, the enchanting city of Strasbourg leaps into life for Christmas, with its colourful houses rendered brighter and more cheery than ever with Christmas lights and decorations of all shapes and sizes. Here you can enjoy an optional Strasbourg city tour, or venture out into the beautiful Alsace region on a 'Winterly Alsace' excursion. Alternatively, use your time here as you wish, perhaps to visit the fantastic Christmas Market.

Festive Mainz and return home

Sailing into Mainz this morning, you have the whole day to uncover this traditional German town and its chocolate-box Christmas market. You may wish to join an optional walking tour featuring the town's highlights, which include the famous Gutenberg museum.

On Day 6, the ship returns to Cologne, where we disembark and transfer to the station. We board our train to Brussels and then change for the Eurostar to London.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.