River Cruises
Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets River Cruise
From €1,349pp including flights
- Depart From
- Fly from Dubllin, cruise from Cologne
- Departure Date
- Departures December 2026 & 2027
- Duration
- 5 days
- Destination
- Germany
- Price
- From €1,349pp including flights
River Cruise Route: Cologne; Rhine Gorge; Rüdesheim; Koblenz; Bonn; Cologne
Fly into Cologne and cruise the legendary River Rhine over the course of a week, visiting the iconic Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Bonn, before returning to Cologne.
This great value package includes fights, transfers, drinks package, 6 experiences plus Christmas Market visits, and much more!
Discover the magical ambience of Germany's traditional Christmas markets with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas, plus the stunning Rhineland on this splendid winter river cruise. Cruise through the world famous and dramatic Rhine Gorge before arriving in the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim and spending the afternoon wandering this charming spot.
Explore Koblenz, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers, on a guided tour with free time to browse its lovely Christmas market. Discover Bonn on a guided tour of Germany’s historic former capital before arriving back in Cologne, where the rest of the day is free to discover one (or all) of its seven Christmas markets.
- Enjoy visits to four Christmas markets, including Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne.
- Explore Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides.
- Discover the historic city of Koblenz, dramatically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
- Visit the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven, Bonn.
- Enjoy free time in Cologne to explore more than 160 festive stalls at the Cathedral Christmas market and sample a glass of warming Glühwein.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free Superior drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Cruise Director and Concierge
Fact File
- Currency: Euro
- Flight Time: Approx. 1 hr 25 mins to 2 hrs
- Eurostar time: Approx. 2 hrs
- Language: German
- Time Zone: GMT+1
- Country: Germany
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.
Visa Information
Irish Citizens do not require a visa to enter Europe however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit the DFA website. We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
Riviera Plus
Upgrade to a deluxe or superior suite, or an upper deck cabin and benefit from the luxury of Riviera Plus (subject to availability).
Transfers
All transfer times are approximate, and dependant on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
- MS Geoffrey Chaucer
- MS Oscar Wilde
- MS Thomas Hardy
- MS George Eliot
Price per person is based on 2 adults sharing and includes:
- Return flights from Dublin
- Airport transfers
- Checked Luggage
- 4 night Rhine River Festive Cruise onboard a 5* ship
- Full board
- Drinks package included
- 6 included experiences plus Christmas market visits
- Expert Cruise Director & Concierge
- Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
- All port charges & airport taxes
Please ask us about:
- Travel Insurance
- Extending your holiday with a European City Break before or after your cruise
Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking. Departures throughout December 2026 & 2027.
For more information please call us on 021 493 5806 or 0818 300 205, email cruise@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.
- DAY 1: Arrival in Cologne
- DAY 2: Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
- DAY 3: Rhine Gorge & Koblenz
- DAY 4: Bonn & Cologne
- DAY 5: Departure
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