Xmas Market River Cruise Tour
24 November – 5 December 2023
WOMEN ONLY
R10 000 non-refundable deposit to book your place
- INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
- Airport transfers
- 4* accommodation Cologne, Bonn, Frankfurt and Zurich
- Breakfasts (except for Bonn and Zurich) and Welcome dinner
- 5 days river cruise – full board
- Andre Rieu tickets
- Train tickets as per itinerary
- Transfers to and from the cruise
- Gratuities
TOUR DESCRIPTION
The Adventurous Ewe takes a small group of women on a magic Christmas markets’ tour with a difference – a river cruise on the river Rhine, Germany. Arrive in Cologne where we explore the city and Christmas markets and attend the André Rieu Concert. Train trips to Bonn, Frankfurt and Zurich. Join the river cruise for five days with ample time to relax and soak in the captivating riverscape, stopping at medieval towns with timber houses, fairy lights and sampling delicious sausages, gingerbread cookies and mulled wine. We end the tour in Zurich, arriving at the train station which has one of the biggest Swarovski Crystal Christmas trees in the world.
Our Tour
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Cologne
Arrive in Cologne which is a 2000 year old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany. Explore some of the landmarks such as the twin- spired Cologne Cathedral.
Welcome dinner in a traditional German restaurant where we get to know each other on this woman only small group tour.
DAY 2
Cologne
Spend the day exploring the Christmas Markets and sampling delicious Christmas fare, whether you are in the mood for sweet or savoury, Bratwurst, gingerbread, glühwein, flammkuchen and so much more. Tonight we attend the Andre Rieu concert at the Lanxess Arena.
Breakfast
DAY 3
Bonn
Bonn is a city located in western Germany on the banks of the Rhine River. During the holiday season Bonn transforms into a magical winter wonderland with its renowned Christmas markets. The city comes alive with festive decorations, twinkling lights and the enchanting aroma of mulled wine and seasonal delicacies.
DAY 4
Cologne
Train journey back to Cologne. Spend the rest of your time at your leisure.
Breakfast
DAY 5
River Cruise
Time to board your river cruise. A Rhine river Christmas market cruise is a festive and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season in Europe. Many of the medieval towns and cities along the Rhine host traditional Christmas markets.
Lunch and dinner
DAY 6
Rüdesheim
Our small group tour will spend the second day of your Christmas cruise in the centre of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians – Rüdesheim. It is a charming town nestled between rolling hills covered with vineyards. Its medieval old town is lined with narrow cobbled streets, timber framed houses and quaint shops and has world-renowned wines. The coffee speciality “Rüdesheimer Kaffee”, invented here, should also not be missed!
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
Speyer
Welcome to the Upper Rhine – Germersheim is only about 20 km from the city of Speyer, which is over 2000 years old. Speyer is Germany’s oldest planned medieval town where its cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8
Strasbourg
Today the Christmas Market river cruise we will stop off at Strasbourg with its medieval half-timbered houses and elegant city palaces, Strasbourg really stands out from the crowd. The highlight is the cathedral. From its viewing platform, the city’s half-timbered houses appear as small as pieces from a model railway set. Enjoy your day in the French part of the Rhine region! French Christmas markets offer so many different options to the German markets.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 9
Mainz and Koblenz
With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also a place where great history comes alive at every turn. Traditions are also fully celebrated at Christmas time! Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you. Koblenz also dates back over 2000 years. Marvel at the palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 10
Frankfurt
Our Christmas River Cruise ends in Cologne where we say goodbye to our cruise crew and friends we have made while onboard. Catch the train to Frankfurt passing through several small towns and villages along the way. One of the highlights of the journey is crossing the iconic Cologne Bridge over the Rhine River, which offers stunning views of the city and its skyline. The Frankfurt Christmas Market is held in the reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town) at the site of Römerberg, a square that hosts an annual Christmas market.
Breakfast
DAY 11
Zurich
Our last train ride. We are treated to the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. The train passes through several tunnels, including the famous Goffhard Base Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the world. We arrive in Zurich at the train station which has the biggest Swarovski Crystal Christmas Tree in the world. The night is yours!
DAY 12
Zurich
Departure day. We say farewell to our friends and head home with wonderful memories and plenty of photos to celebrate our adventure with The Adventurous Ewe and a small group of women.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Tips for meals
- All personal drinks including any alcoholic beverages (applicable both on the cruise and tour)
- Any optional activities not part of itinerary
- Room service requests
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Euros in cash and bank card.
- Black pen in hand luggage
- Notebook
- Camera and cell phone with chargers and batteries
- Plug types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Weather – chilly, with average temperatures hovering between 0°C and 5°C. Rainy days are also more frequent, and the daylight is limited to eight hours.
- Clothes – proper winter jacket, gloves, woollen hat, warm scarves, boots, hiking boots for walking, winter socks and layers. You will also rest easier if your winter jacket can double as a raincoat, otherwise umbrella as there may be more than a few rainy days.
- Reading glasses
- Backpack/shoulder sling bag