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Home>River Cruises>Festive Markets & the Magical Rhine Valley

Festive Markets & the Magical Rhine Valley

December 2022

6 days from £699pp

Discover some of Germany's very best Christmas markets and this festive, fun-filled River Cruise!

See the spectacular Cologne Cathedral at Christmas time
Visit Bonn, birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven
Explore the 130 decorated stalls at the Koblenz Christmas Markets
Spend time in Düsseldorf, visiting the magical Christmas Markets

When it comes to Christmas markets, nowhere does it quite like Germany and the city of Cologne is no exception – in the shadow of its magnificent gothic cathedral, festive stalls spread out into several areas around the city to create one of the best markets in Europe, offering a fantastic range of quality gifts. Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest cities is transformed into a Christmas paradise, and then there’s Düsseldorf, which opens its “gingerbread houses” to the Christmas markets each year. Our cruise along the river Rhine takes you to all of these wonderful destinations, where you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the festive markets; and with our ship close by, you can just wander back when you’re ready to relax in the cosy lounge and enjoy a warming drink - seasonal shopping at its best!

Day 1: UK – Cologne
We travel to Cologne and settle aboard our ship for a relaxing evening.
Day 2: Cologne – Bonn
After breakfast we visit the beautiful city of Cologne. The hive of festive activity takes place around the cathedral and the old town, where you will find a maze of pretty stalls offering outstanding arts and crafts. There are also a number of smaller markets to enjoy including the Harbour Christmas Market held on the Rhine. We rejoin the ship for lunch and continue cruising down the Rhine to Bonn, the former capital of Germany and birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city’s rich architectural heritage, not forgetting its magical Christmas markets. Relax onboard this evening as we berth overnight in Bonn.
Day 3: Bonn – Koblenz – Boppard
This morning we cruise down river to Koblenz, which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. We’ll arrive around lunch time and this afternoon is free for you to visit the Koblenz Christmas markets, which feature over 130 festively decorated wooden stalls offering a range of handmade gifts and Christmas decorations. Enjoy a glass of red or white glüwein whilst listening to festive music playing and explore the city’s quaint lanes and atmospheric squares filled with beautiful old buildings. We return to the ship later this afternoon for an early evening sailing to Boppard, where we berth overnight.
Day 4: Boppard – Oberwesel – Andernach
Admire the scenery as we continue our cruise to Oberwesel this morning. On arrival you can join our optional excursion to Rüdesheim for a visit to the wonderful Mechanical Music Museum of Siegfried and a glass of glüwein before enjoying some free time in the delightful Christmas markets which are held in the town’s chocolate box old quarter. Later this afternoon we’ll rejoin the ship in Andernach. For those not joining the optional excursion you are free to relax on board as we sail to Andernach where we berth overnight.
Day 5: Andernach – Düsseldorf
We sail this morning to Düsseldorf, where we arrive just after lunch. Divided by the Rhine, Düsseldorf’s old town sits on one side of the river and its modern city is situated on the other. Here you are free to explore the city’s Christmas markets which run throughout December. At this time of year, the city is illuminated with sparkling lights and hosts over 200 decorated wooden stalls selling glittering Christmas tree decorations, handcrafts and seasonal treats. Enjoy a final evening on board as we berth overnight in Düsseldorf.
Day 6: Dusseldorf – UK
This morning we bid farewell to our captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.

Rudesheim Delights

The quaint town of Rüdesheim holds a particular charm during the winter months, with the streets bustling with seasonal festive fayre. In Rüdesheim’s most captivating, inclined street called the Drosselgasse, you can seek out a souvenir bottle or two along with some local Asbach brandy. A highlight of our excursion is a visit to the marvellous Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, where fascinating examples of early 1900 mechanical music making systems can be viewed. Topping off our visit will be the off er of a complimentary mug of Glühwein, with the invitation to keep our mug as a souvenir.

Price: £33 per person

Listed below are our flexible travel options that give you the choice of different ways to travel to your cruise.

South East - coach via Dover

Picture of - South East - coach via Dover

For those who live in the South East, you can join our coach from one of over 30 complimentary pick up points. You can also make your own way to Dover, where parking is available.

Alternatively, travel the day before your departure and enjoy an overnight stay, with complimentary parking for the duration of your cruise, before being collected after breakfast the following morning. We also offer complimentary transfers from central London, to our overnight hotels, for those who wish to make their own arrangements by train or coach.

North West & Yorkshire - coach via Hull

Picture of - North West & Yorkshire - coach via Hull

For those who live in the North of England, you can join our coach from one of our many complimentary pick up points in the North West and Yorkshire. You’ll be transferred to Hull Docks for an overnight ferry to Rotterdam. Alternatively you can make you own way to Hull Docks where car parking is available for the duration.

On board you can enjoy a fantastic range of entertainment and leisure facilities with en-suite cabin accommodation included. You can also book a meal package, which includes dinner and breakfasts, each way, for £59 per person.

Scotland & North East - coach via Newcastle

Picture of - Scotland & North East - coach via Newcastle

For those who live in Scotland and the North East of England, you can join our coach from one of our many complimentary pick up points. You’ll be transferred to Newcastle Docks for an overnight ferry to Holland. Alternatively you can make you own way to Newcastle Docks where car parking is available for the duration.

Meet us at the ship

For complete flexibility, make your own transport arrangements to and from the ship. We will provide you with times and locations as well as some useful information for you to make your own arrangements to join your cruise.

If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Central London FREE Shuttle Service

Picture of - Central London FREE Shuttle Service

Travel independently to Central London the day before your cruise and take advantage of our complimentary shuttle to Ashford for an overnight stay. Our coach will then collect you after breakfast the following morning.

Pick ups are available from London Euston, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington Station, Waterloo, St Pancras and Victoria Coach Station.

Call our friendly Holiday Advisors for me information.

Join at Port

You can choose from a wider choice of departure points if you join at the departure port. Leave your car in a secure car park, close to the port of departure and be collected/returned by our coach.

Car parking at Dover Eastern Docks is £9 per day, we can pre-book parking for you at Dover.
Newcastle £12 per day, Hull £8 per day, payable upon departure from the car park.

Please speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information.

Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford

Picture of - Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford

For an even more relaxed start to your European holiday, why not stay overnight in Dover or nearby Ashford the night before your cruise from only £65pp? All our quoted prices include car parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise and cooked breakfast the following morning. Our coach will collect you and return you to the hotel on its way to/from the port of Dover. And if you don’t want that holiday feeling to end, why not do the same on your return journey?

Overview

Captain Wido and Arena River Cruises are thrilled to introduce you to the newest addition to our fleet: the MPS Calypso. Sailing along the Dutch and German Waterways, Captain Wido’s stunning new ship sets sail in 2021.

See more Ship info

Festive Markets & the Magical Rhine Valley

December 2022

6 days from £699pp

Your Accommodation

MPS Calypso

Overview

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