Your festive itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MAINZ Today, after travelling to Mainz by rail via Eurostar from London St Pancras, you’ll come on board the stunning four-star MS Serenity and enjoy a relaxing first evening with a welcome drinks reception.
DAY 2: MAINZ – RUDESHEIM Medieval Mainz is where the Rhine and Main rivers meet and after breakfast you can enjoy the day exploring the atmospheric Christmas markets here. The historic main square turns into a stunning spectacle of lights and the aroma of gingerbread, chestnuts and mulled wine lingers in the air. Try printing your own cards in the Gutenberg Museum (which honours the inventor of the printing press) or admire the nine-metre high rotating musical box with 18 hand-carved angels.
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EXPERIENCE: As the ship sets sail for Rüdesheim, Bake Off winner Jo Wheatley will host an exclusive Christmas Bakes and Canapes workshop** on board, giving you some great ideas to take home.
DAY 3: RUDESHEIM – KOBLENZ This morning you’re free to explore the quaint town of Rüdesheim. The Christmas markets here are held in the chocolatebox pretty old quarter, which includes the famous Drosselgasse. As part of the Rüdesheim Delights excursion (included), you’ll get a free mug of gluhwein and the chance to keep the mug as a souvenir as well as visit the wonderful Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. After lunch, you’ll cruise along the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge and past the famous Lorelei rock, to reach Koblenz.
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EXPERIENCE: Koblenz has wonderful Christmas markets held in six of its picturesque squares. Here, wine expert Ewan Lacey will put the merry into Christmas with a brilliant workshop** and tasting of his favourite Christmas tipples. . DAY 4: KOBLENZ – BONN – COLOGNE Your festive cruise on the Rhine continues with a visit to beautiful Bonn, Beethoven’s birthplace. It has an architectural heritage of more than 2,000 years and a fantastic museum for classical music lovers. You’ll then continue your cruise to Cologne which is dominated by its beautiful Gothic cathedral. This is your final stop and home to one of Germany’s biggest Christmas markets so it’s your last chance to browse the maze of stalls offering everything from pretty decorations to unique handmade gifts. In the evening, you’ll join the captain for a farewell party – and one last gluhwein – on board.
DAY 5: RETURN TO THE UK Bid farewell to your crew this morning and disembark the ship for your return journey by rail to the UK.