Christmas Markets of the Rhine - Dusseldorf to Mainz

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Dusseldorf, Germany

  Fly from selected UK airport to Dusseldorf and embark on your 14-night cruise on board Spirit of the Rhine

• Day 2: Cologne, Germany

  Founded by the Romans, Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities. Stroll around the historic monuments and picturesque squares in the old town; climb to the top of the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral; or ascend the Cologne Telecommunication Tower for city-wide views. Admire an extensive collection of Picasso works at Museum Ludwig and explore all things chocolate-related at Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum). Take a leisurely cruise on the Rhine or shop for bargains in the Belgian Quarter. Get close to wildlife at Cologne Zoological Garden, then take a trip out of the city to enjoy the thrilling rides at Phantasialand!

• Day 3: Cologne to Bonn, Germany

  Straddling the Rhine River, Bonn is a city in western Germany. It's most famous for the central Beethoven House; a memorial and museum in honour of the world-renowned composer's birthplace. Learn of contemporary German history, from the end of WWII to present, at Haus der Geschichte. Kunstmuseum Bonn is the city's fine arts museum and right beside it, Bundeskunsthalle, puts on the most breathtaking shows in art, science, technology, and commerce. Admire the 11th-century Bonn Minster and its typical Romanesque design and pause at the pretty building of Altes Rathaus; the old town hall. On your visit to Bonn, you must also visit the Baroque Poppelsdorf Palace to take in its charming French classical design.

• Day 4: Rudesheim to Mainz, Germany

  Step ashore at Rudesheim on the shores of the Rhine Gorge. Ride the cable car to the Germania monument and view the far-reaching vistas of the Rhine Valley. Stroll along the Drosselgasse with its many shops, taverns, and restaurants; of course stopping to sample one of Rudesheim's famous iced coffees! Admire the musical instruments at Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet or explore the world of wine-making at the Rheingau Wine Museum in Bromserburg Castle. Later today, the ship docks in Mainz on the west bank of the Rhine River. Wander through the streets and explore the ancient medieval architecture. Visit the Gutenberg Museum and St Martin's Cathedral. Meander through the city’s Old Town and browse the antique and art shops and sample German coffee and baked treats in a local cafe.

• Day 5-6: Mainz, Germany

  Located on the west bank of the Rhine River, Mainz Cruise Port is situated in the historical Mainz — capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate state. Wander through the streets and explore the ancient medieval architecture. Visit the city’s two most popular attractions: the Gutenberg Museum and St. Martin's Cathedral. You can also take a trip through the city’s Old Town and browse the antique and art shops or sample the local German coffee and baked treats in its manycafes. It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.