Cologne's Christmas Markets

Departing London St Pancras, travel by Eurostar to Brussels. On arrival, continue your journey to Cologne.

Embark on a guided tour, discovering the many highlights of Cologne, home to elegant squares and beautiful Romanesque churches. Admire the narrow pastel-coloured houses set out along the winding streets of the city's Old Town, as well as the twin-spired Gothic cathedral, which was once one of the tallest buildings in the world. Your tour ends at one of the many traditional brewery taverns close to the Rhine, where you sample the excellent Kölsch beer - unique to Cologne.

Later, you are free to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Christmastime in Cologne. The city is Europe's unofficial Christmas market capital, boasting 7 individual Christmas markets, each with its own unique character. Festive chalets offer a selection of gifts, decorations, arts and crafts as well as traditional stalls selling sausages, waffles, wine, and beer. Perhaps visit the Maritime-themed market, next to the Rhine and the city's Chocolate Museum. Or, head to the market in Roncalliplatz, set beneath the cathedral, which has the biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.

A short ride away by train is the elegant city of Bonn, famous as the birthplace of Ludwig Van Beethoven. Your visit here features a guided city tour which reveals the many sites of significance such as the birthplace of Beethoven, the wonderful Bonn Minster and charming town square. This city was known as the capital of West Germany after the Second World War, and as such, its history tells a fascinating story which we learn during our time here. You are free after the tour, perhaps take in the impressive Christmas markets.

Leaving Cologne, you travel by high speed train to Brussels. On arrival, join the connecting Eurostar to London St Pancras.