Rhine Lights & Christmas Delights 2026

Duration

4 Days

Departure Dates

8th December 2026

Prices from

£995 Per person

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Experience the magic of Christmas on this delightful tour to Germany staying in the heart of Cologne. Discover the festive spirit of Cologne, tour the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, and visit the fascinating Farina Fragrance Museum plus enjoy free time to immerse yourself in the warming, festive atmosphere of fantastic Christmas Markets in Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen.

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Cologne ©Shutterstock

4 days from £995

DEPARTS

Tuesday 8 December 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Soak in the festive atmosphere of traditional Christmas Markets
Explore the historic city of Cologne on a guided tour
Visit the Farina Fragrance Museum, home to the iconic Eau de Cologne
Tour the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, beautifully decorated for Christmas
Discover Aachen’s Old Town and famous Christmas Market
Enjoy free time in Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen

Also included in your Tour Fare:

3 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 2 evening meals
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards to Cologne and our hotel for three nights, the Maritim Hotel. Here, we check in and meet our guide for a walking tour of the city including Cologne's magical Christmas Markets. This evening, we enjoy our first evening meal together at a local restaurant.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we visit the Farina Fragrance Museum, the home of the original Eau de Cologne, for a fascinating guided tour. We will learn the history of this iconic perfume and its global legacy, discover the creation process, and sample fragrances plus the opportunity to treat ourselves to a special souvenir. The remainder of the day is free to explore Cologne further, perhaps visit the iconic Cathedral or stroll the festive markets. Alternatively, you may wish to travel independently to Bonn* to visit Beethoven House, the House of German History, and the Bonn Christmas Market.

*The rail journey to Bonn is approx. 30-40 minutes with frequent service to/from Cologne. This is optional and is payable locally.

DAY 3

Today, we travel by train to Aachen for a guided tour of the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we will discover the history of the cathedral from our knowledgeable guide, explore the choir hall, and visit the royal throne. This afternoon, we have time at leisure to explore the Old Town and visit the famous Aachen Christmas Market. We can soak in the festive atmosphere and stroll the stalls full of crafts and gifts plus a brilliant selection of warming, festive food and drink ahead of our return to Cologne in time for our final evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 4

We bid farewell to Cologne and to Germany, returning by rail to Brussels, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Maritim Hotel, Cologne

Located on the banks of the Rhine close to the railway station, old town, and cathedral, the Maritim Hotel offers four restaurants serving delicious, locally sourced dishes, a stylish piano bar, and a wellness centre including a swimming pool, sauna, and fitness room. The comfortable bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

From London St Pancras International:
Standard Class rail travel to/from Germany, including Eurostar Standard	£995
Supplement for Eurostar Plus upgrade	£250
First Class rail travel to/from Germany, including Eurostar Plus	£1,395
Join & Leave at Cologne	£775
Single Traveller Supplement	£200
Deposit	£150

3 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 2 evening meals

Eurostar and rail travel to and from Germany in the class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
8th December 2026	£995 Per person	Book Now	Callback

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Maritim Hotel, Cologne

Visit Cologne

Farina Fragrance Museum

Visit Bonn

Visit Aachen

Aachen Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral ©AdobeStock

Cologne Christmas Market ©Shutterstock

Farina Fragrance Museum1 ©Farina Duftmuseum

Farina Fragrance Museum2 ©Farina Duftmuseum

Farina Fragrance Museum3 ©Farina Duftmuseum

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