We’ve posted a blog recently about the Christmas markets, and how enchanting they are across Europe. I wasn’t sure I’d really stressed enough quite how good they are, so I thought I’d take you through a typical itinerary. It’s not too late to book this year, so if you’re umming and ahhing, this might help you make up your mind.
I’ve chosen a four-night cruise with Shearings Holidays as my example but there are plenty of other cruise lines, itineraries and lengths of holiday that you could choose from. This is just one that jumped out at me. It’s a cruise on the Rhine, beginning with your travel to Cologne where you’ll board the MPS Rotterdam.
Now, you won’t begin sailing straight away, and that’s a good thing because Cologne is home to some of the best markets you could ever imagine. It’s a great city with a number of different markets, some of which are themed, and all of which are home to plenty of stalls packed with intricate gifts, along with food stalls selling delicious treats.
Overnight you’ll sail to Koblenz down the Rhine, with the morning spent seeing the markets of the town along with the famous advent calendar, which is actually made up of the windows of the town hall. It’s a fun way of injecting a bit of Christmas spirit into the area and one that makes for a great photo.
Later in the day you will sail to Boppard to spend the evening seeing the 4th century Roman fort, along with another excellent market where you’ll also be able to enjoy the various great wines for which the town is known.
Day three sees you sailing to Cochem via the Moselle locks, so if you have somehow managed to avoid spending all of your money so far at the markets you’ll have another to sample. It’s well-known for mulled wine (Gluhwein ), so make sure you sample a glass to warm you as you wander.
Day four is the most active as you begin with a trip to Bonn, renowned as the birthplace of Beethoven, so if you’ve worn out the markets so far you can explore some other attractions for a change. Then it’s back to Cologne for your final night, giving you the opportunity to see the markets that you missed on your first visit. On day five you’ll disembark and return home.
It’s a truly magical experience, and one I’d personally recommend, getting out there into Europe and cruising the Christmas markets. Don’t miss your chance.
By Ian Lewis
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