London & German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

As you arrive in London today, enjoy a private taxi transfer to your four-star hotel on Euston Square for a two-night stay. Hotel check-in starts from 3:00 p.m., so if you arrive early, you can leave your luggage before setting out into the city to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Your time in London is unescorted and filled with opportunities, with many attractions and museums within walking distance. The holiday season also adds a cozy atmosphere to this world-class city. You might like to explore the West End's attractions, such as Piccadilly Circus, or pre-book admission to the British Museum, home to more than eight million objects that tell the stories of humanity.

As evening falls, Oxford Street's twinkling lights are switched on, and it becomes one of Central London's best spots to soak up Christmas cheer. After getting a taste of the season's wonders, you might like to explore London's eclectic dining scene, with restaurants serving everything from traditional fish and chips to global cuisine. Overnight London.

The day is yours to get to know England's history-filled capital, and after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you can set out at your own pace. You might like to visit Leicester Square's West End, or seek out famous London landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament or Big Ben.

Beginning in November, Christmas markets open up throughout the city, with each offering its own interpretation of the season. The city's largest market is set in Hyde Park, and here, you can explore more than 100 stalls, enjoy seasonal activities, such as ice skating at the outdoor rink, and even ride roller coasters. Elsewhere throughout the city, you could visit the Leicester Square market or the Covent Garden market, famous for its giant Christmas tree.

With more than 10 markets from which to choose, each with various dates of opening, you can make them the main event of your day, or visit them in between sightseeing at London's vast array of attractions. Overnight London.

• Breakfast

Leaving London behind to begin your river cruise this morning, a coach transfers you to London St. Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travelers. Together, we board the Eurostar to Brussels, where, on arrival, we switch trains, enjoying the changing views as we head east. Our train crosses the German border and eventually arrives in Cologne, situated on the River Rhine.

A final coach transfer takes us to the shore, where we step aboard our opulent Amadeus ship, which has been decked out in its Christmas finery. We can look forward to sailing through stunning seasonal scenery from this upscale setting as we enjoy a welcome drink and settle in to begin our journey. We gather in the onboard restaurant to enjoy our first dinner together, and later, set sail upstream along the lower Rhine. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Eurostar light meal, Dinner

Sailing through the Rhine Gorge this morning, you have time to relax onboard and soak up the views. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dotted by centuries-old castles, dense forests and stepped vineyards. Keep watch for the legendary Lorelei Rock, which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This monument has inspired countless myths and legends - some of which we hear as we sail.

This afternoon, we arrive in the town of Rüdesheim, famous for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Unique Christmas markets are found in the town's historic center and offer a variety of goods from across 12 nations.

After traveling into Rüdesheim's center on the Winzerexpress land train, you have time to wander amongst the stalls, shopping for gifts, or maybe sample a Rüdesheim Coffee made with local Asbach Uralt Brandy and served with whipped cream. You could also stroll along the Drösselgasse, a charming street in the Old Town lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and wine bars before returning to the ship in time for mulled wine and dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Enjoy breakfast onboard as we set sail for Koblenz. Cruising back through the enchanting Rhine Gorge, we enjoy a gingerbread-making demonstration in the ship's lounge.

On arrival in Koblenz, there is time to discover the city's most enchanting landmarks at your own pace. You could admire the Deutsches Eck, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, where there are inspiring vistas at every angle, including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Alternatively, explore the Christmas markets or visit one of the popular taverns.

We enjoy a highlight of the vacation this evening: a Christmas-themed gala dinner on board. You can choose between two delicious menus: one with traditional German food, including duck consommé, braised goose leg, and pear and marzipan strudel. The other menu is traditional British food, including roast turkey, pigs in blankets and, of course, Christmas pudding with brandy butter. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During a relaxed breakfast, we sail toward Bonn, the birthplace of world-renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven. On arrival, we step back in time with a guided tour of the history-filled streets. We see the Beethoven monument and Hofgarten Park and continue to the minster - one of Germany's oldest churches - beneath which are Bonn's Christmas markets.

There is some time to wander amongst the stalls before we return to the ship, enjoying lunch as we sail and a Christmas-themed afternoon tea of mince pies, stollen, gingerbread, pigs in blankets, turkey and stuffing sandwiches, and mulled wine.

On arrival in Cologne, you have free time to enjoy the city's magnificent markets. There are seven to choose from, each with a unique character, with the most popular being set against a dramatic backdrop of Cologne's UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral. This market hosts around 160 festive stalls, selling everything from charming wood-carved gifts to local delicacies.

Returning to the ship for dinner, we have our final dinner on board and enjoy a calm night moored in Cologne. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The famous Christmas markets of towns and cities along Germany's Rhine have revealed their holiday charm as we soaked up the festive atmospheres in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne. Throughout the cruise, we have marveled at the idyllic scenes of the Rhine Gorge and the fairytale castles and towns that dot its banks.

After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive vacation concludes.

• Breakfast, Eurostar light meal