5 days sailing roundtrip from Cologne, Germany
- Four nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views
- Four visits and tours including guided tours of Bonn and Koblenz; and visits to Rüdesheim and Cologne
- All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure (except one lunch), including the Captain’s Dinner and farewell drinks
- Superior drinks package
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
- Services of a Riviera River Cruises cruise director
Available 2025 dates, starting prices
(Emerald, lower deck), based on double occupancy:
- December 1-5, MS Oscar Wilde, $1,449 PP
- December 3-7, MS George Eliot, $1,449 PP
- December 5-9, MS Oscar Wilde, $1,449 PP
- December 6-10, MS Geoffrey Chaucer, $1,449 PP
- December 7-11, MS George Eliot, $1,449 PP
- December 9-13, MS Oscar Wilde, $1,449 PP
- December 10-14, MS Geoffrey Chaucer, $1,449 PP
- December 11-15, MS George Eliot, $1,449 PP
- December 13-17, MS Oscar Wilde, $1,399 PP
- December 14-18, MS Geoffrey Chaucer, $1,399 PP
- December 15-19, MS George Eliot, $1,399 PP
- December 17-21, MS Oscar Wilde, $1,199 PP
Discover the magical ambience of Germany’s traditional Christmas markets with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas, plus the stunning Rhineland in its wintry splendor.
Cruise through the world famous and dramatic Rhine Gorge before arriving in the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim. Spend the afternoon wandering the Christmas markets of this charming spot. Explore Koblenz, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers, on a guided tour with free time to browse its lovely Christmas market. Discover Bonn on a guided tour of Germany’s historic former capital before arriving back in Cologne, where the rest of the day is free to discover one (or all) of its seven Christmas markets.
EMBARK IN COLOGNE
Make your way to your five-star cruise ship moored in historic Cologne, whose skyline is dominated by the spires of its magnificent cathedral. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarize yourself with this splendid ship.
To really get in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board to find you’re already cruising through an entrancing winter wonderland. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax on board while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their seasonal glory. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air as we pass through the outstandingly beautiful Rhine Gorge, where the river flows a little faster, the vineyard-covered valley sides are steeper and ruined castles sit atop rocky crags. Tales of mysterious happenings here have been passed down over the generations, most famously of all the legend of the Lorelei – the maiden said to have enticed sailors onto the rocks with her irresistible songs.
The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. The historic Yuletide markets here are the ideal places to soak up the spellbinding atmosphere while seeking out unusual presents for friends and family back home. After lunch on board, we arrive in Rüdesheim, whose quirky, crooked houses and tiny streets provide the perfect chocolate-box setting for its Christmas market.* As you wander the myriad stalls, glistening in the glow of hundreds of fairy lights, stop perhaps for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop: open year-round, it’s a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurant.
During breakfast, the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular morning’s cruising. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skillfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.
As we arrive in the historic city of Koblenz, dramatically located at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, take in the views over another delicious lunch in the ship’s restaurant. Koblenz is a romantic’s dream; forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. Enjoy a guided tour, seeing the principal monuments, discovering ancient squares, admiring beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.
Located in the atmospheric old town, Koblenz’s Christmas market is one of the largest in the Rhineland. As you browse its enticing stalls, the aroma of hot chestnuts and mouth-watering sausages fills the air; don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas bakery, making the famous Stollen – the delicious bread made with candied and dried fruit, nuts and marzipan, traditionally eaten at this time of year. As the fairy lights glow brighter in the cool evening air, it’s time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for an aperitif before the Captain’s Dinner is served, as we sail on to historic Bonn, arriving later this evening.
Rising refreshed, after breakfast there’s the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating city, which served as the capital of the West German state from 1949-1990, until the reunification of Germany which restored Berlin as the country’s capital. Whilst it lost the battle to retain the parliament, Bonn still holds the status of a secondary governmental seat, so many government ministries and public bodies still have their headquarters here.
But behind its official facade lies a historic and fascinating city and this morning you will enjoy a guided tour of the main sights around the old town, centered around its two spacious squares. See the city’s most prominent landmark, the soaring spire of the huge Romanesque minster, one of the oldest churches in the country and the attractive pastel pink Rococo old town hall, with its gleaming silver and gold trim, from where an endless list of politicians throughout the decades have appeared on its sweeping staircase.
Bonn is also famous for being the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the house where he was born is one of the few old buildings in the city not to have been damaged during the war. Together with the house next door, it now houses a museum dedicated to one of the greatest composers of all time. You’ll have some free time to wander the seasonal market, centered around the old town; the old town hall’s windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar and an imposing Christmas tree takes center stage. Classical music floats on the air, along with the delicious smells of gingerbread and baked apples – simply magical. No visit would be complete without sampling a glass of warming Glühwein, or mulled wine. This delicious concoction is usually made with red wine heated with citrus zest and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. Sometimes it’s drunk mit Schuss, meaning a shot of rum or brandy has been added for extra punch!
Back on board for lunch, we make our return to Cologne as the ever-changing river scenery drifts silently by. As the towering spires of Cologne’s cathedral come into view on the wintry skyline, we moor in the shadow of this ancient monument once again. Christmas creates a special atmosphere here and you have free time to immerse yourself in the city’s seven Yuletide markets, each with its own unique theme. Every year a huge number of visitors are drawn to the more than 160 tastefully decorated festive stalls of the Cathedral Christmas market, impressively set against the spectacular backdrop of the imposing cathedral, where the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, illuminated with 50,000 LED lights, is a magnificent glittering sight to behold. There’s also plenty of live entertainment to enjoy.
After browsing the market and its Aladdin’s cave of festive gifts and foods, return to the ship to enjoy a final delicious dinner this evening.
After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the ship ready for your onward journey.
Prices are per person based on two people in a twin occupancy cabin. The price includes:
- Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- 4 visits & tours
- Morning/afternoon tea and coffee
- Superior drinks package
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- The services of a cruise director and concierge
The following items are not included in the cruise pricing quoted:
- International flights (please ask if you would like assistance booking your flights)
- Pre- or Post-cruise extensions (hotel, activities, meals, transportation to/from airport)
- Travel protection insurance
- Baggage check fees charged by the airline
There's no better way to explore Europe than on a luxury river cruise. Fall in love with some of the world's most scenic rivers, passing charming landscapes and cityscapes. Add to that a well-timed, well-chosen glass of wine or classic cocktail (best enjoyed at sunset, up on deck) – and the temptation becomes too great to resist.
Over lunch in our restaurants enjoy unlimited drinks from a choice of:
- Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic
- Draught beer, including non-alcoholic
- A selection of soft drinks and juices
Then from 6 pm until midnight in our bar and restaurants, enjoy all of the above, plus unlimited drinks from a choice of:
- Our cocktail and mocktail of the day
- House spirits and mixers (including gin, vodka, rum and whisky)
- A recommended regional wine during dinner
- Martini & Sherry pre-dinner
- Port & Brandy after dinner
Suites on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square meters (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Limited availability for single occupancy with no supplement.
Suites on the Ruby (middle) Deck have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!
Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite? Substantially larger at 23 square meters (247 sq. feet) and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings.
Enjoy a room to yourself with this Single Occupancy Suites on the Emerald Deck.
Suites on the Diamond Deck have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!
What is the required deposit?
A deposit of $400 per person, non-refundable, is required to secure your reservation.
Do I require a passport?
It is essential for US citizens to possess a full passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return air ticket. For details on how to obtain a passport log onto https://usps.com/international/passports.htm or inquire at your nearest Post Office.
Do you recommend travel protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We’ve partnered with USI Travel Insurance Services to offer a Tour Protection Plan designed just for our travelers. This optional plan provides insurance coverage for not only additional expenses incurred from trip cancellation or interruption, but also emergency medical coverage and emergency evacuation coverage. The Plan also includes 24/7 Travel Assistance – a non-insurance benefit that gives you access to assistance in your language for anything you may need before or during your trip, from help with refilling a lost prescription, to locating a doctor away from home or replacing a lost passport or other critical documents. Ask us for more details about the Tour Protection Plan, including the full policy.
How can I pay for my booking?
All payments must be made in US Dollars. Payments can be made by either debit/credit card through your Travel Advisor, Amber Hayes.
How do I cancel my booking?
If you wish to cancel your booking, please inform us as soon as possible by email at Amber@HayesTravelGroup.com. Please note you will be liable to pay the cancellation charges detailed in our Booking Conditions.
How do I make a booking?
Complete the Booking Request form by clicking "Contact Us". We will send you cabin stateroom options and pricing for the itinerary you select.
How do I make a change to my booking?
If you wish to amend your booking, simply send an email to Amber@HayesTravelGroup.com. I must have all requested changes in writing (email). Feel free to call to discuss your situation, but ultimately I will need any changes requested by email to document your decision.
What documentation will I receive after making my booking?
You will receive an email following confirmation of your payment. Along with your confirmation, you will receive a passenger information form, which contains all the information that you have provided at the time of the booking, as well as space to provide additional information such as passport details and emergency contact. It is important that you carefully check the information on this form and return the form with any missing information completed. You will receive your final travel documents 7-10 days prior to departure by email.
What is my baggage allowance?
Please check with your airline carrier for baggage requirements and restrictions while flying.
What should I do if I don’t receive my travel documents?
Your travel documents should arrive 7-10 days prior to departure by email. If you haven’t received your documents three (3) days before you are due to travel, please call 888-838-8820.
What should I do if I lose my travel documents?
Contact us as soon as possible 888-838-8820 and we will provide replacements or advise on what to do.
When will I pay my balance?
Final payment is due 101 days before travel.
Will I require a Visa?
Please check carefully if you need a visa to travel to Europe as we cannot accept responsibility for the cancellation of a cruise due to the non-granting of a visa. If you are unsure whether you require a visa, please contact your relevant embassy or consulate for more information. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html