Christmas on the Rhine: Cologne & Strasbourg

Your festive holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group before boarding the Eurostar to Brussels.

On arrival in the Belgian capital, we continue by train to Cologne, where we are greeted with a welcome cocktail as we board our luxurious cruise ship.

Brimming with Christmas cheer, our brand-new ship, the MS Amadeus Amara, offers a warm and welcoming retreat as we begin our festive journey. With seasonal touches adding to the atmosphere, we settle in and enjoy our first dinner onboard. Tonight, we set sail upstream along the lower Rhine, bound for the historic city of Koblenz.

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we arrive in Koblenz. Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, history and relaxed charm.

Enjoy free time to soak up the seasonal atmosphere or admire landmarks such as the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which watches over the city from across the river. Take in views of the Deutsches Eck, the striking headland where the two rivers meet or simply enjoy a warming drink as you explore this riverside town.

Later, we return to our ship for lunch onboard. This afternoon we begin our cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep valleys, vineyards and medieval castles perched high above the river. With stunning scenery unfolding at every bend, it's one of the most scenic stretches of the Rhine and a true highlight of the journey.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you have the choice between exploring two remarkable cities: Heidelberg or Speyer. Considered to be one of Germany's most beautiful cities, Heidelberg is famed for its romantic charm and rich history. Wander the picturesque streets, admire the striking Gothic architecture of Heidelberg Castle or explore the Old Town's market square and take in the stunning panoramic views from the iconic Karl Theodor Bridge, spanning the Neckar River. Alternatively, you can choose to discover Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, where you can gain an insight into the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, visit the impressive Romanesque cathedral and stroll through atmospheric streets steeped in history.

As we continue sailing this afternoon, enjoy a selection of seasonal activities onboard. Savour a warming glass of mulled wine and get creative with a gingerbread-making session, a fun way to embrace the festive spirit as the breathtaking winter scenery of the Rhine drifts by.

This evening, there's time to relax and unwind before dinner is served onboard the ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed Christmas morning onboard, enjoying a leisurely breakfast and lunch as we sail, we arrive in the enchanting city of Strasbourg this afternoon. A short coach transfer takes us into the heart of the city, where French and German influences blend seamlessly in the architecture, culture and cuisine.

As we explore, take time to admire the awe-inspiring Strasbourg Cathedral, with its soaring spire and intricate façade, stroll through the fairytale-like Petit France district and soak up the charm of the city's elegant squares and historic streets. The seasonal atmosphere adds a magical layer of beauty to this city, with colourful half-timbered houses, shops and cobbled streets all aglow with Christmas lights.

This evening, we enjoy another highlight of the holiday - a Christmas-themed gala dinner onboard. You can choose between two menus: one with traditional German food, including duck consommé, braised goose leg, and pear and marzipan strudel. The other menu is traditional British food, including roast turkey, pigs in blankets and, of course, Christmas pudding with brandy butter.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Boxing Day begins with a guided walking tour of Mainz, where you'll soak up the city's old-world charm and rich heritage, before visiting the Gutenberg Museum, celebrating the birthplace of the printing press. The local 'Mainz feeling' captures a warm, laid-back spirit and a love for celebration, perfect for embracing the festive season.

After returning to the ship for lunch, we sail onward to Rüdesheim, a charming town renowned for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety.

Here, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the town's shops, sample a traditional Rüdesheim coffee, made with local Asbach Uralt brandy and topped with whipped cream, or take a leisurely stroll along Drösselgasse. This picturesque street is lined with half-timbered houses, cosy wine bars and quaint shops, offering a perfect spot to soak up the local ambience.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After sailing back to Cologne overnight, we head out on a morning walking tour of the city after breakfast. Marvel at iconic sights such as the stunning Cologne Cathedral, the charming Old Town with its colourful houses and the historic Hohenzollern Bridge, known for its countless love locks.

Afterwards, indulge your sweet tooth in a chocolate tasting that showcases Cologne's rich confectionary heritage, sampling a variety of artisanal chocolates.

Lunch is served back onboard before you enjoy a free afternoon to explore Cologne at leisure. You may choose to wander the Belgian Quarter, known for its boutique shops, art galleries and cosy cafés, where you can sample Cologne's famous Kölsch beer. Alternatively, stroll along the Rhine promenade and soak up the atmosphere and scenic river views.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We've explored picture-perfect towns and fascinating cities along the Rhine, from the historic streets of Mainz and Heidelberg to the scenic beauty of Rüdesheim and Koblenz. While soaking up the region's seasonal atmosphere, we've cruised past romantic castles and rolling vineyards, admiring the picturesque landscapes that define this iconic river.

After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive holiday concludes and you are free to make your own way home.

• Breakfast