Cologne is host to no less than six Christkindlesmarkt, or Christmas markets, each with their own individual character and there is no more picturesque a time to visit than during the colourful weeks leading up to Christmas. Lantern-lit festive stalls are laden with hand-made decorations, toys and traditional Christmas fare and the crisp air hangs with the heady aroma of spices. Renowned for its unique collection of nativity cribs and dominated by the towering Gothic Cathedral, Cologne is a joyous place to begin the Christmas season.

Day 1 London • Cologne
We begin with a VIP Home Departure Service™ to London Heathrow airport and your direct scheduled British Airways or Lufthansa flight to Düsseldorf. On arrival, your coach will transfer you to your hotel in Cologne, the centrally located Intercontinental Hotel, where dinner is included tonight.

Day 2 Cologne
The day begins with a fortifying buffet breakfast, before setting off on a walking tour of the old town of Cologne. The capital of the Rhineland and situated on the west bank of the river, although Cologne was badly damaged in the Second World War there is nevertheless still much of interest to see. Roman remnants abound and the imposing Cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic structures in the world and took 700 years to build, have survived to watch over the city’s rebirth. This afternoon you may wish to further explore this diverse and vibrant city, or perhaps wander through the Martinsviertel, the district between the Alter Markt and the Rhine, which bustles with cafés and shops.

Days 3 - 4 Cologne
These two days are free for you to soak up the convivial atmosphere of Cologne at Christmas. Each of the markets has its own special ambiance and you will be enticed by the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts and marzipan. You may well be tempted into the Chocolate Factory, or make time to visit the many galleries and museums that go towards making this city so appealing. You must not, of course, neglect to buy your Eau de Cologne, the famous water once used as a medicine and banned by Napoleon, but now sold worldwide as eau de toilette. Weather permitting, you may also wish to take a boat trip on the Rhine, which is enchanting on a sparkling winter’s day.

Day 5 Cologne • London
After breakfast, your coach transfers you to Düsseldorf airport for your direct scheduled British Airways or Lufthansa flight to London Heathrow. On arrival, our staff will greet you and transfer your transport for your journey home to your own front door.