Fairy-Tale Christmas Markets On The Rhine
- Duration: 4 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU8969
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
4 days
Festive Markets
Siebengebirge! A mountain range full of myths, legends and fairytales. The great number of castles and fortresses is one of the reasons why there are so many ghost stories and myths rooted into the mindsets of the people living in the Rhineland. The Siebengebirge ("Seven Mountains") is a mysterious place that is the home of many myths and fairytales. Even its peaks tend to carry names that are shrouded in mystery such as Drachenfels ("Dragon's Rock) Famous fairytales of the Brothers Grimm are, often enough, based on more or less real occurrences of a bygone time. This includes the tale of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" a story with it's origins in the Siebengebirge.
Steeped in history and breathtakingly beautiful, Königswinter's fairytale castle - Drachenburg, the former German capital of Bonn and the Ahr Valley are the magical highlights on this wonderful four day break. Immerse yourselves in the festive spirit by taking a trip to visit three traditional German Christmas markets.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
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.Day 1 - Onwards to Dover for the crossing to France. Continuing via the auto-routes of France, Belgium and Germany to arrive in Königswinter early evening for a three night stay. 3 nights with breakfast & dinner on night 3 only.
Days 2 & 3 - At leisure in resort with 2 included excursions
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Bonn Christmas Market & Free Time in Konigswinter or Cologne Christmas Market.
A short drive to Bonn, the former German capital and the birthplace of Beethoven. Approximately 180 vendors set up their huts and stalls in Bonn's city centre for the annual Christmas market, framed by the historic Minster and the Bottlerplatz. The culinary treats here range from all-time classics such as Glühwein, roast chestnuts and battered cod, to more exotic foods and drinks including honey mead and Hungarian pastries.
Mid-afternoon return to Königswinter and the rest of the day is at leisure to explore. The Drachenfelsbahn, the oldest cog railway in Germany that will transport you up to the Drachenburg Castle. No other Christmas market in the region can quite compete with this setting. On Saturdays and Sundays during the advent season, the 19th-century Drachenburg Castle twinkles with fairy lights as visitors are transported back in time by storytellers and actors who re-enact Christmas tales. Approximately 40 vendors set up within the castle grounds to offer their goods and culinary treats! Indulge in local foods and warm up with mulled wine and hot chocolate. The castle is best visited after dark when it will be beautifully illuminated, therefore, we have not included dinner at the hotel this evening leaving you free to choose where and when you wish to eat. The Drachenburg market is subject to change as this itinerary has been planned well in advance.
The alternative for the afternoon/evening will be Cologne Christmas Market.
From Bonn a short drive to Cologne to enjoy the festivities here. Every year, the festively decorated "Cathedral City" invites visitors to take a Christmas stroll through Cologne during the holiday season.
Large, lavishly decorated Christmas markets shine in the city centre. Each market is devoted to a different theme and is well worth a visit. Arts and crafts from all over Europe, high-quality goods & culinary delights. Also discover a wide variety of smaller Christmas markets outside of the city centre, in the various city quarters Re-join the coach mid-evening to return to the Maritim Hotel, Konigswinter. Bed & Breakfast today.
Ahrweiler Christmas Market
Into the red wine region of the Ahr Valley for a visit to the Ahrweiler Christmas Market. Ahrweiler has a truly romantic atmosphere, truly picturebook Germany! This attractive medieval town encircled by a wall and criss-crossed by pedestrianised lanes lined with half-timbered houses, restaurants and shops. Returning to Konigswinter in time to freshen up before dinner.
Day 4- We depart after breakfast and retrace our steps back to Calais for the channel crossing and onward journey to interchange.
Back to topAccommodation
4 Star Hotel .
Maritim Hotel, Konigswinter
Located on the Rhine promenade in the bustling town of Königswinter, the Maritim Königswinter Hotel is a 4* hotel with glorious views of boats passing through the waters, the famous Drachenfels hill and the Siebengebirge uplands.
Enjoy free WiFi, access to the swimming pool and gym facilities and an ample buffet breakfast every morning.
Work out in the modern fitness studio, go for a swim in the indoor pool, or spoil yourself in the wellness and beauty area.
The Rheinterrassen restaurant and piano bar cater to all tastes. Lift to all floors.
About the location
Koenigswinter is located on the right bank of the Rhine and borders on the federal city of Bonn with the tranquil district of Bad Godesberg. In a picturesque idyll directly on the Rhine promenade - with a magnificent view of the shipping traffic, the Siebengebirge and the famous Drachenfels - the hotel welcomes you to the Maritim Hotel Königswinter. Besides the appealing location, the hotel also scores with numerous attractions of the region very close by. In just a few minutes you can be at Sea Life Königswinter and after only 1 km you can reach the Drachenfelsbahn, which takes you to Drachenburg Castle. However, you can also go exploring directly from the hotel and reach the Drachenfels on foot through the Nachtigallental valley.