Rhine Christmas Market Cruise
Soak up the breathtaking scenery of the Rhine Valley whilst experiencing fantastic rail journeys and cruises.
Book NowSail the Rhine with Van Loon Cruises and journey through Germany's Christmas wonderland of traditional festive markets. Built entirely from scratch, every detail on board is brand new and it shows. The ship seamlessly blends state-of-the-art technology with a refined, contemporary design. It is an ideal setting to unwind and enjoy the moment. Relax in the sauna, indulge in a massage, or retreat to one of our modern staterooms.
Holiday includes: 1 night hotel DBB, 4 nights full board accommodation with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner and snacks. Drinks included on cruise, 3 nights entertainment, Channel crossings, executive coach travel, currency euro, Passport required.
Ship: The Nobleman, Van Loon Cruises
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 We leave Chelmsford early morning, cross the channel to Calais and head to Germany for our overnight hotel.
Day 2. Explore Düsseldorf's Christmas markets where the old town is transformed into a festive fairytale.Wander through the stall lined streets where the scent of almonds fills the air and everything is a mulled wine away. we Board our cruise from 3pm and sail at 9pm.
Day 3 Arrive Koblenz 12 midday. This market is surrounded by half-timbered houses with stalls stocked with unique Christmas tree decorations and traditional German Herrnhut stars. Koblenz sits at the confluence of two major European rivers, the Rhine and the Moselle, considered the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stretch famous for its hilltop castles and vineyards. Depart/sail 10pm
Day 4 Mainz arrive 7am. Set against the backdrop of the 1,000-year-old Mainz cathedral of St Martin, this Christmas market is one of Germany's most traditional with origins dating back to 1788. A glittery canopy of string lights is draped over the stalls, and the centre of the market features a nine-meter-high music box where 18 hand carved angel figures gently rotate. Depart/sail 2pm Arrive Rüdesheim 4pm
Known as the "Christmas Market of Nations," Rüdesheim offers a festive experience unlike any other in Germany. Here, stalls representing countries from around the world stand side by side, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry that goes beyond the regional focus of traditional German markets.
Day 5 Depart Rudesheim 9am / Arrive Cologne 6pm Cologne comes alive at Christmastime with a collection of themed markets scattered throughout the city, each offering its own unique charm. These Christmas markets are bursting with festive cheer and childlike fun. The markets are full of delicious food, soul-warming Glühwein in the most unique, collectible mugs, and a joy-filled community atmosphere Depart/sail 3am
Day 6 Arrive Dusseldorf 6am and disembark after breakfast. We re-board our coach and travel to Calais for our crossing back to the UK.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Angel | The Angel PH bus stop | View |
| Boarded Barns | Boarded Barns, United Reform Church | View |
| Bodmin Road | Lawn Lane, jct Bodmin Rd opp park | View |
| Brackenden Drive | Bus shelter top of Brackenden Drive | View |
| Castle Stores | Castle Stores, Sandford Road bus stop | View |
| Cherry Wood Grange | Cherry Wood Grange Bus Stop New London Rd | View |
| Chignal Road | Chignal Road Kennet Way Bus Stop | View |
| Crompton | Writtle Road jct Crompton Street | View |
| Days | Days Garage bus stop, Broomfield Road | View |
| Endeavour | Endeavour bus stop/All Saints Close | View |
| Galleywood Rd | Galleywood Road opp bus stop before Dorset Ave | View |
| Garage | Garage High Easter | View |
| Hedge | Writtle Road/Hole in the Hedge | View |
| Henniker Gate | Chelmer Village Way opposite Henniker Gate | View |
| Hungry Horse | Bus Stop Opp The Flyer PH North Melbourne | View |
| Ingatestone The Bell PH | The Bell PH Ingatestone | View |
| KEGS | Bus Stop outside Kegs, Broomfield Road | View |
| Lawn Lane | Lawn Lane bus stop opposite Waveney Drive | View |
| Linnet Drive | Galleywood Road bus stop jct Linnet Drive | View |
| Loftin Way | Loftin Way bus stop St Pauls Church | View |
| Longmead Avenue | Longmead Avenue jct of Tabors Avenue | View |
| Longstomps | Top of Longstomps Ave just before roundabout | View |
| Maldon Road | Maldon Road Opp Fire Station, Great Baddow | View |
| Mary Green Manor Hotel | Entrance to Mary Green Manor Hotel at Brook St | View |
| Meadgate Avenue | Meadgate Avenue, Whitehouse Crescent | View |
| Meadgate Shops | Meadgate Shops bus stop | View |
| Medical Centre | Lawn Lane Bus Stop Opp Medical Centre | View |
| Melbourne Ave Bus Stop | Melbourne Ave bus stop outside St Andrews Church | View |
| Melbourne Ave opp flats | Melbourne Ave opp flats | View |
| Miller & Carter | Miller & Carter Bus Stop Opp Goddard Way | View |
| Moulsham Lodge | Moulsham Lodge bus stop outside shops | View |
| Mount | Mountnessing Outside Prince of Wales PH | View |
| Patching Hall Lane | Patching Hall Lane roundabout adjacent park | View |
| Pertwee Drive | Galleywood Road, 100 yards past Pertwee Drive | View |
| Pollards Green | Bus stop opposite Pollards Green | View |
| Pump Lane | Pump Lane bus shelter, Mountbatten Way | View |
| Railway Station | Bus stop opp main entrance to Railway Station Chelmsford | View |
| Readers Corner | Dorset Ave opp Noakes Avenue bus shelter | View |
| Regency Close | Springfield Rd, Jct Regency Close | View |
| Sawkins Ave | Sawkins Ave Bus Shelter, Beehive Lane | View |
| Shenfield | Eagle & Child PH Shenfield | View |
| Skerry | Broomfield Road bus stop opposite Skerry Rise | View |
| Skinners Lane, Galleywood | Skinners Lane opposite bus shelter | View |
| Springfield Green | Springfield Green Bus Stop Nr Church | View |
| Star | Good Easter Cross Roads | View |
| The New London | London Rd bus stop opp New London PH (Queen St) | View |
| The Rose Shenfield | The Rose, Oliver Road, Shenfield | View |
| Toby Carvery Chelmer Vill | Toby Carvery Entrance to Dukes Park | View |
| Trent Road | Trent Rd Jct Thames Avenue | View |
| Vineyards | Bus Stop Opp The Vineyards, Great Baddow The Causeway | View |
| White Horse PH | Galleywood Rd Bus Stop Nr White Horse PH | View |
| Wilsons Corner | Wilsons Corner Bus Stop near Argos Brentwood | View |
| Woodhall | Patching Hall Lane opp Woodhall Road jct | View |
| Writtle | Writtle Village Hall Bus Stop | View |
| Writtle Road | Savernake Rd/Writtle Rd Layby | View |
