Despite the fact that many UK cities now arrange Christmas Markets, we feel that the traditional markets found in Germany are still far superior to our own “imitations”. This new tour includes some of the best markets in the Rhine Valley, where you can shop for unusual presents, admire the myriad of twinkling lights, and enjoy roast chestnuts, toasted almonds and the famous German Gingerbreads. Add a warming glass of ‘Gluhwein’, and the experience is complete! Your Holiday Hotel The BEST WESTERN BELLEVUE HOTEL is an elegant 4-star family-run hotel situated on the riverside promenade in Boppard, and just a stone’s throw from the centre of this popular little town. The restaurant has great views over the River Rhine, and the Hotel is beautifully decorated in a “Belle Epoque” style, with gilded mirrors and artwork on the walls. Breakfast is buffet-style, and a three-course dinner (with a choice on each course) and tea/coffee is served each evening. The 93 bedrooms are bright and airy with all facilities including satellite television and hairdryer. There is a cosy bar and a lift. The Bellevue has a leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna and steam bath.


Itinerary Day 1 (Fri) A taxi will collect you from home. We drive to Folkestone for the fast and convenient crossing through the Channel Tunnel. From Calais it is a journey of some 300 miles to Boppard on the Rhine. Relax with your fellow travellers over a welcome drink before dinner. Day 2 (Sat) This morning spend some time relaxing at the Hotel, a good vantage point from where to watch the heavily-laden barges struggling against the strong currents, or exploring the town of Boppard with its pretty churches, shops and wine cellars. Later we join one of the KD Lines cruise boats for a journey downstream to KOBLENZ. The picturesque old quarter of the Town where the Rivers Rhine and Mosel join, has over 100 wooden stalls at its Christmas Market. You will discover all kinds of local food specialities, arts and crafts, jewellery and, of course, plenty of steaming mugs of gluhwein and hot chocolate. Return to Boppard by coach for dinner at the Bellevue. Day 3 (Sun) We take the scenic road along the banks of the mighty Rhine, travelling south through riverside villages and small towns like St.Goar. Crossing the River we arrive in the city of WIESBADEN. Picturesque Schlossplatz provides the setting for the “Sternschnuppermarkt”, the “Twinkling Stars” Christmas Market, with blue and gold stands selling local crafts. Don’t miss the manger, with its life-size wooden figures. After our visit we drive to RUDESHEIM, where the Christmas Market of the Nations adds an international flavour to the festive season. About 120 stalls occupy the area around the town’s chocolate-box old quarter and there is a magical atmosphere, with Europe’s largest Nativity scene. Drop in to one of the wine cellars in the famous Drosselgasse, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet or take the cable car to the Niederwald Monument, a huge bronze statue towering above the Rhine (admission charges not included). Day 4 (Mon) After breakfast we make our way to AACHEN for the last of our Christmas Markets. The stalls are situated around the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so even if you have had your fill of Christmas Markets there will be plenty to see. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some “Printen”, Aachen’s delicious gingerbread speciality. We return through Belgium for our train ride home through the Eurotunnel. On reaching Sussex taxis will be waiting to take you and your shopping to your door.



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