Cologne and the Rhine Valley Christmas Markets Cruise – MS Johann Strauss

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Cologne where we join our ship. Enjoy a peaceful evening as we sail towards Rüdesheim.

Relax this morning as we cruise along the Rhine through the astonishing gorge, passing by the incredible landmark of Lorelei. In the early afternoon, we arrive into Rüdesheim where you have free time to enjoy the Christmas Market, a delightful event held in the town’s chocolate-box old quarter.

Alternatively, you can join our optional excursion, 'Rüdesheim Delights', visiting the wonderful Mechanical Music Museum of Siegfried before enjoying a delicious mug of glühwein. This evening, there is also the opportunity to join an optional excursion to a traditional wine cellar to sample some of the region’s delicious wine.

We arrive at the convergence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers - Koblenz. Enjoy free time at the Koblenz Christmas Market and visit the endless stream of exquisite wooden stalls offering a range of festive gifts and decorations whilst drinking a glass of glühwein. Or, explore the quaint lanes and atmospheric squares of the city, filled with lovely old buildings.

Today, we arrive in stunning Cologne, where the festivities are focused around the old town of the city. There, you will find the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cologne Cathedral, as well as a wide assortment of beautiful stalls selling exceptional arts and crafts. Held on the Rhine, there are also several smaller markets like the Harbour Christmas market, with its picturesque sights and lovely ambience.

We bid farewell to our captain and crew this morning as we disembark for the return journey to the UK.