Christmas Markets – Cologne 2024

Seven Markets, seven ways to celebrate Christmas spirit in this city on the Rhine. Bookings open Spring 2024

Winter 2024 – departures November 22, 29; December 6, or 13. Prices per person based upon 2 people sharing twin/double rooms.

Hotel Domstern, steps from the railway station, lies in Cologne’s historic old town; £345 (single room supplement £69; supplement for 1st Class Eurostar and rail travel, £99)

• Excelsior Hotel Ernst, is a full-service 5-star hotel opposite Cologne’s cathedral; £409 (single room supplement £166; supplement for 1st Class Eurostar and rail travel, £99)

All prices are based upon RoE of €1.20 = £1 and are subject to confirmation at time of booking, as are exact train times.

The towering spire of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral is echoed by the narrow, lighted Christmas tree at its base. Arranged around the tree, 160 lighted stalls lure Christmas shoppers with hand-crafted goods (in some stalls, you can watch artisans working), and holiday treats like mugs of steaming glühwein (mulled wine) or glühmost (hot apple cider) paper cones of roasted chestnuts, marzipan sweets, cakes and cookies. This sprawling, festive Alter Markt is only one of seven Christmas markets in Cologne, each with its own mood and attraction. From the angel-themed Neumarkt stalls to a Santa’s Village set up in Rudolfplatz and the maritime holiday celebrations in the tented stands at the city’s Rhine harbour, Cologne’s mood during the season is festive, inclusive and magical. Beyond the twinkling lights of the markets, the city’s charming cafes, museums and entertainment venues add to the experience of Christmastime in Germany. Fröhliche Weinachten!   

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Friday          

Depart London St. Pancras mid-morning on Eurostar service to Brussels, with ample time before the departure for Germany for arrival in Cologne mid-afternoon. Check  into your choice of hotels, Domstern *** or Excelsior Ernst ***** for 2 nights’ stay with breakfast included.

Day 2 – Saturday     

Enjoy breakfast and then spend your free day exploring the markets and streets of Cologne.

Day 3 – Sunday        

Pick up some last minute gifts before your mid-morning train back to Brussels, connecting with the Eurostar service which gets you back to London St. Pancras approximately 16:00 (4 p.m.)

Later departure times are available on both legs of the journey – details on request.

These tours are operated by Enthusiast Holidays’ parent company Italiarail Ltd.  26, Onslow Gardens, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 9AB   Tel. 020 8657 8649

info@enthusiasthols.com