5 Days Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets Solo River Cruise - MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Duration:
4 Nights
From €1,849
18 December 2025
Experience more with so much included
- Enjoy visits to four Christmas markets, including Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne.
- Explore Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides.
- Discover the historic city of Koblenz, dramatically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
- Visit the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven, Bonn.
- Enjoy free time in Cologne to explore more than 160 festive stalls at the Cathedral Christmas market and sample a glass of warming Glühwein.
Day 1 - ARRIVE IN COLOGNE
Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels. On arrival, transfer by coach 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 familiarise yourself with this splendid ship.
Day 2 - RHINE GORGE & RÜDESHEIM
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. The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. After lunch on board, we arrive in Rüdesheim for a guided tour. 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.
Day 3 - RHINE GORGE & KOBLENZ
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. 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. 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.
Day 4 - BONN & COLOGNE
BONN
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. 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. You’ll have some free time to wander the seasonal market, centred around the old town; the old town hall’s windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar and an imposing Christmas tree takes centre stage. Classical music floats on the air, along with the delicious smells of gingerbread and baked apples – simply magical.
COLOGNE
Back on board for lunch, we make our return to Cologne as the ever-changing river scenery drifts silently by. 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.
Day 5 - RETURN HOME
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and transfer to the train station in Brussels or the airport for your return journey home.
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free Superior drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights or Eurostar
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
Price is based on sole occupancy, No solo supplements*
