Rudesheim and Rhine Valley Christmas Markets

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service then to our overnight hotel in Belgium.

We continue into Germany to the town of Koblenz, famous for being at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. We enjoy some free time to explore the town and its Christmas market before continuing to our hotel for the next four nights.

Join our included excursion to the historic spa town of Wiesbaden and see the twinkling Christmas market stalls in the bustling town square. Browse the crafts and gifts and try some of the wonderful seasonal foods, such as spiced wine and grilled meats. We continue to Rüdesheim, which is perched on the banks of the Rhine and home to a Christmas market and pretty narrow streets such as the Drosselgasse.

This morning, we depart for the town of Boppard located on the Rhine River. Here, we visit the markets located on the historic market square. Framed by beautiful old half-timbered houses, under the eyes of St. Severus Church, the festively decorated Christmas booths line up. Between fir trees and fairy lights decorated for Christmas everyone will find the missing present and some goodies. From Christmas accessories, gifts and souvenirs to traditional Christmas sweets and very practical things – there is always time for a glass of mulled wine in between. Then afterwards, we visit the markets in Cochem, set in the heart of the old town along the Moselle River. It is known for its intimate, festive, and intimate atmosphere, featuring traditional wooden stalls with mulled wine and local crafts, all set against the backdrop of the illuminated Reichsburg Castle.

This morning, we depart Osnabrück and travel to the majestic city of Cologne on our included excursion. Advent magic spreads throughout Cologne at this time of year, when the idyllic Christmas markets open their gates to visitors. More than 150 stalls offer traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Wonderful spicy aromas of cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds will fill the air and local wreath binders, glassblowers and blacksmiths will demonstrate their art. Start at the Christmas market in Cathedral Square where you will find a fascinating array of high-quality arts and crafts, many gift ideas, delicious food and drinks, and a huge Christmas tree. Continue onto the Old Town where the rustic ’Home of the Elves’ market takes place at the Heumarkt and Alter Markt. Traditional stalls and huts, pretty lanes and hidden Heinzelmännchen (house gnomes who are said to have done the work of the people of Cologne at night), and craftspeople demonstrating their skills, give this market its particular charm. At Neumarkt you will find the Market of Angels with its charming chalets, twinkling lights shining from the trees, and high-quality products. Just a ten-minute walk from Neumarkt is the Village of St Nicholas at Rudolfplatz. Here, the theme is the St. Nicholas Village, which makes this market particularly popular with younger visitors. In a picturesque setting overlooking the Rhine, the Cologne Harbour market at the Chocolate Museum will bring a maritime flavour to Christmas. With around 80 stalls this market is one of the largest in Cologne. Take in the lively atmosphere, and why not sample fish specialities or fine food and drink from around the world? Whilst visiting Cologne be sure to indulge yourself in some typical culinary delights such as the famous ’Christstollen’ yeast cakes, ’Lebkuchen’ soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections. Also try the mandatory ’Glühwein’, a hot spiced wine in mugs perfect to warm chilly hands. We then continue to our overnight hotel in Belgium.

Return home.