5-Day Break

• Day 1 Travel from your local joining point for a Channel crossing and then onward to your hotel in Belgium.
• Day 2 Included visit to the grand city of Cologne to see the Christmas Markets. Cologne features no fewer than six Christmas markets – four main markets taking place at the Cathedral and on the Alter Markt, Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. There is also a medieval Christmas market (small charge) outside the Chocolate Museum and a floating Christmas market onboard MS Wappen von Mainz (KD Riverboats), moored alongside the old quarter from late November. Each of Cologne’s Christmas markets has its own distinctive appeal. There is also plenty of entertainment on offer as Christmas approaches, with a variety of Christmas concerts, nativity scene displays and a huge temporary ice rink on Heumarkt. After time in the city, continue to your hotel in the Rhine Valley. B,D
• Day 3 Included excursion to the majestic Rhine Valley. You will visit riverside villages and towns in this picturesque area of Germany. Enjoy an optional cruise along the River Rhine, before spending time at the Christmas Market in Rüdesheim. The festively decorated Christmas stalls offer handmade arts and crafts, many created right in front of you – candles, decorations, wood figures, wood carvings, glass engravings, ‘schwibbogen’ arched candles, mangers, pewter casters and dolls. Of course, festive dishes from the region, and the famous mulled wine, will also be available. B,D
• Day 4 Optional excursion (included on Silver Service) to the old city of Frankfurtam-Main. The Frankfurt Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets, which can be traced back to the 14th century. The entire Römerberg old town centre is transformed into a festive marketplace during the pre-Christmas period. The scent of glazed apples, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine fills the crisp winter air, while international choirs recite Christmas carols from faraway countries. The beautifully-decorated stalls, the historical backdrop of the Romerberg and St. Paul's Square and the gigantic Christmas tree, combine to make this a Christmas experience that will stay with you for years to come. B,D
• Day 5 Homeward bound to the U.K. B

B=Breakfast D=Dinner

Accommodation

You will stay for three nights at the well appointed 3-star superior Hotel Alte Bauernschanke in the charming village of Assmannshausen in the Rhine Valley. The hotel is typically ‘Rhineland’ in style with an atmosphere to match. There is a lift, restaurant and large bar area. All bedrooms have T.V. and telephone. We will also use the adjacent sister hotel, the Vis a Vis or the Rheinhotel Lamm. Both are 3-star hotels in Assmannshausen. Overnight in Belgium is in a city-style hotel.