4 Seasons With Railtrail 2018/19 Brochure

Frankfurt, Rüdesheim & Cologne Christmas Markets

N E W T O U R

From our base in the heart of the Rhine Gorge we visit Frankfurt’s fantastic Christmas Market, set within the historic reconstructed Old Town, Rüdesheim’s village Christmas Market and cruise the atmospheric Rhine Gorge to the legendary Loreley Rock. On our way home we stop in Cologne for our final evening to visit another of Germany’s finest Christmas Markets, set beneath the masterpiece Cologne Cathedral.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We depart London St Pancras by Eurostar to Brussels. Then by high speed train to Cologne, onwards to Koblenz and our destination Assmannshausen, with a welcoming evening meal at our hotel, the Rheinhotel Lamm. (D) DAY 2 Our first excursion is by train to Frankfurt for a taste of old and new. As Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt am Main’s modern skyline of skyscrapers has prompted the nickname ‘Mainhattan’, yet this was a city of historical significance in the history of Germany and the Holy Roman Empire. For over two centuries emperors were crowned in the Römerberg and the medieval Römer building has been Frankfurt’s town hall for over 600 years. In this attractive and historic square and neighbouring streets you will find one of Germany’s biggest and best Christmas Markets. Be sure to try the local speciality, ‘Ebbelwei’ or apple wine. (B,D) DAY 3 Today we make the short rail journey around the headland along the Rhine to Rüdesheim, where a short stroll from brings us to the KD ship mooring. Setting sail, we enjoy one of the classic holiday experiences, a cruise along the legendary Loreley Valley. Heading downstream, pretty villages nestle by the riverside, enveloped by proud ancient ★ ★ Standard Class rail travel to Germany and return ★ ★ Stay in the heart of the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site ★ ★ Visit Rüdesheim Christmas Market ★ ★ Cruise the Loreley Valley ★ ★ Discover Assmannshausen’s wines with a winetasting at your hotel ★ ★ Explore Frankfurt Christmas Market in its historic Old Town ★ ★ Spend your final evening at Cologne Christmas Markets

Fares From £645

5 DAYS

vineyards, with a new protective castle seeming to appear around every corner. Towards journey’s end we view the Loreley Rock before mooring in St Goarshausen. Returning by rail to Rüdesheim, we have free time at its Christmas Market, set in the Old Town and along the famous Drosselgasse alley, before returning to ship to Assmannshausen, where after dinner we enjoy a winetasting of local wines. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Returning northwards by train, we halt in Cologne for our final night at the Wyndham Hotel, with the afternoon and evening free for you to explore Cologne’s Christmas Markets. From the hotel it is a short walk to Cologne’s Gothic masterpiece cathedral, which overlooks the Christmas Market at the Dom, the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland and over 100 stalls selling wooden toys, hearty food, warming drinks and a myriad of Christmas decorations. A short walk further is the Christmas Market at the Alter Markt in the Old Town amidst pretty squares and Cologne’s famous brewery taverns. If you would like to venture further afield, a local road train connects you to Cologne’s other markets, including the ‘Market of Angels’ at Neumarkt and the Rudolphplatz Christmas Market at Hahnentor, one of the old city gates. On the bank of the Rhine, close to the Chocolate Museum, is the Maritime Christmas Market with a nautical theme. (B,D) DAY 5 We say goodbye to the Rhineland today and travel by train back to Brussels to board our Eurostar to London St Pancras. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 6 December 2018

HOTEL Rheinhotel Lamm, Assmannshausen The Rheinhotel Lamm is family run 3-Star hotel in Assmannshausen, close to the railway station and situated on the banks of the Rhine. En suite rooms are comfortably furnished and have a television, hairdryer and safe. Public rooms include a comfortable lounge and welcoming bar. The hotel also has a number of larger than usual double rooms with direct views of the Rhine at a supplement of £65 per person (double occupancy). Single Traveller Supplement £95 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal Eurostar Standard Class rail travel Standard Class rail travel to Germany and return All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager FARE From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to / from Germany, including £645 Standard Eurostar

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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