Day 1 - London to Cologne
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels in First Class. Our journey continues to Cologne for a three night stay at the 5-star Le Meridien Dom Hotel. A welcome glühwein reception on the hotel's balcony overlooks the market and cathedral, which are just steps away from the hotel. (D)
Day 2 - Cologne's Christmas Markets
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Cologne's many varied markets. Outside the hotel's door is the Christmas Market at the Dom, which features the largest Christmas Tree in the Rhineland, plus 160 decorated stalls. A short wander towards the Rhine brings you to the Old Town's narrow alleys and squares, and the market at Alter Markt. A little further afield is Neumarkt, which hosts the oldest Christmas Market in Cologne, now themed as the 'Market of Angels', whereas Rudolfplatz at one of Cologne's old city gates, the Hahnentor, has a fairytale
theme. For a different experience visit the Medieval Market at the Chocolate Museum or the floating market on the MS Wappen von Köln. (B)
Day 3 - Bonn Christmas Market & Beethoven Haus
A short ride away by regional train is Bonn, an attractive university town that shot to the forefront of German history when it was chosen as the capital of West Germany, a position it held from 1949 until reunification in 1990. Bonn's main squares are filled with 170 Christmas Market stalls, with warming glühwein and chestnuts, Rhineland specialities, beeswax candles, cribs, arts and crafts. During the day we also visit Beethoven Haus, the birthplace of the composer, where we enjoy a guided tour. (B,D)
Day 4 - To Brussels & London
We leave Cologne by First Class train for Brussels. Here we join the connecting Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday
