4-Star Düsseldorf & Cologne Christmas Markets

Itinerary

22nd November 2024

• Day 1

  Local departure by coach, then to the Düsseldorf area for a three-night stay.

• Day 2 - Cologne Christmas Market

  Today we travel to the majestic city of Cologne on our included excursion. Cologne’s history traces back more than 2,000 years when it was founded as a Roman colony. Today it has developed into a beautiful cosmopolitan city.

  Advent magic spreads throughout Cologne at this time of year, when the idyllic Christmas markets open their gates to visitors. Festive stalls offer traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Wonderful spicy aromas of cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds will fill the air.

  Start at the ‘Christmas market in Kolner Dom/Cathedral Square’ with a huge, decorated fir tree. Admire the festive lights over Roncalliplatz and discover culinary delights and individually made arts and crafts.

  Not far away, the rustic ‘Heinzels Winter Fairytale’ Christmas market with old-world charm, dedicated to the legend of the ‘Heinzelmannchen’ (or elves) of Cologne – is situated in the heart of Cologne’s Old Town, spreading over the squares ‘Alter Markt’ and ‘Heumarkt’.

  In the centre of the larger shopping areas, the "Market of Angels" on Neumarkt presents itself under a magnificently illuminated starry sky. The illuminated wooden stars in the trees above the market provide a special atmosphere. Relax and browse for tasty food, gifts and arts and crafts.

  Next door on Rudolfplatz, young and old alike will enjoy the "Village of St Nicholas", a wonderful experience for the whole family. This market tends to have reindeer and elves and a huge advent calendar.

  ‘Cologne Harbour Christmas market’ at the Chocolate Museum is located in a picturesque backdrop directly on the river Rhine, right in front of the Chocolate Museum, with snowy white pagoda tents reminiscent of ships’ sails.

  Whilst visiting Cologne be sure to indulge yourself in some typical culinary delights such as the famous ’Christstollen’ yeast cakes, ’Lebkuchen’ soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections. Also try the mandatory ’Glühwein’ a hot spiced wine in mugs perfect to warm chilly hands.

  In the evening, return to Dusseldorf and time permitting, enjoy some free time to explore the city.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 3 - Valkenburg Christmas Market

  Included excursion to Valkenburg to enjoy the festive splendour of the Christmas market in the Town Cave (Gemeentegrot), the oldest underground Christmas market in Europe. The ancient galleries and the stylish dramatisation of an episode from Valkenburg’s rich history provide the perfect backdrop to this uniquely appealing occasion.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 4

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

4 Day Itinerary

• Day 1

  Local departure by coach, then to the Düsseldorf area for a three-night stay.

• Day 2 - Düsseldorf Christmas Market

  Our included excursion takes us into Düsseldorf centre to spend the day exploring all the city has to offer. During the festive season, Düsseldorf’s Christmas Market, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Germany, takes place in several locations within the centre.

  Enjoy free time meandering the merry stalls whilst sipping a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate. Be sure to see the 100 year old merry-go-round, which has lovingly been restored.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 3 - Cologne Christmas Market

  Today we travel to the majestic city of Cologne on our included excursion. Cologne’s history traces back more than 2,000 years when it was founded as a Roman colony. Today it has developed into a beautiful cosmopolitan city.

  Advent magic spreads throughout Cologne at this time of year, when the idyllic Christmas markets open their gates to visitors. Festive stalls offer traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Wonderful spicy aromas of cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds will fill the air.

  Start at the ‘Christmas market in Kolner Dom/Cathedral Square’ with a huge, decorated fir tree. Admire the festive lights over Roncalliplatz and discover culinary delights and individually made arts and crafts.

  Not far away, the rustic ‘Heinzels Winter Fairytale’ Christmas market with old-world charm, dedicated to the legend of the ‘Heinzelmannchen’ (or elves) of Cologne – is situated in the heart of Cologne’s Old Town, spreading over the squares ‘Alter Markt’ and ‘Heumarkt’.

  In the centre of the larger shopping areas, the "Market of Angels" on Neumarkt presents itself under a magnificently illuminated starry sky. The illuminated wooden stars in the trees above the market provide a special atmosphere. Relax and browse for tasty food, gifts and arts and crafts.

  Next door on Rudolfplatz, young and old alike will enjoy the "Village of St Nicholas", a wonderful experience for the whole family. This market tends to have reindeer and elves and a huge advent calendar.

  ‘Cologne Harbour Christmas market’ at the Chocolate Museum is located in a picturesque backdrop directly on the river Rhine, right in front of the Chocolate Museum, with snowy white pagoda tents reminiscent of ships’ sails.

  Whilst visiting Cologne be sure to indulge yourself in some typical culinary delights such as the famous ’Christstollen’ yeast cakes, ’Lebkuchen’ soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections. Also try the mandatory ’Glühwein’ a hot spiced wine in mugs perfect to warm chilly hands.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 4

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for three nights at the 4-star Wyndham Garden Düsseldorf Mettmann located 10km from the heart of Düsseldorf. The hotel provides the perfect base for exploring two of Germany’s finest cities.

Alternative hotels may also be used, such as the 4-star Mercure Düsseldorf City Nord or 4-star Dorint Dusseldorf-Neuss.