Friday 27^th November

We travelled as a group of seventeen in leisure select (Business) class on the Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels, we enjoyed an A-la Carte meal and before we knew it we had arrived into Brussels.

The next three hours we’re spent looking around the Grand Palace in Brussels before we boarded a regional train, which took us in to Cologne.

After arriving in Cologne we took a 35-minute coach transfer to the Rhineland town of Konigswinter – a pretty town nestled between the Drachenfels Mountains. We checked into the 4* Maritim hotel Konigswinter enjoyed a delicious evening meal, a quick nightcap in the Piano bar, before heading off to bed.

Saturday 28^th November

After a lavish breakfast at the Maritim we walked to the train station which took us to Cologne. The train station in Cologne is superbly situated right beside the Cathedral. We then walked around the City with a knowledgeable tour guide. The Cathedral is particularly interesting and there are a number of tours you can choose from.

In Cologne there is a Christmas Market around every corner, where you are able to enjoy the local specialities of sausage, and Gluehwein.

A visit to the Lindt chocolate museum is worth a visit, just try not to spend too much in the chocolate shop on exiting the exhibits.

Our time in Cologne was nearly up but before getting the train back to our hotel, we we’re spoiled with a typical hearty evening meal at one of Cologne’s famous brewery taverns, which also gave us the opportunity to sample the local Kolsch beers.

Sunday 29^th November

We all enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and the use of the indoor swimming pool and sauna before we caught the local train to St. Goarshausen, where we met our KD Cruise ship that transported us upstream to Rudesheim.

The journey along the Rhine was extremely scenic, with the vineyards on the hills, and the quaint riverside villages with Castles sitting in pride of place.

We we’re treated to a wonderful three course lunch on board as we passed the Loreley Rock.

Arriving in Rudesheim we shopped to our hearts content at the Christmas Market of Nations, a large market containing over 120 stalls from 12 different countries. We sampled various local specialities before making our journey back to Konigswinter.

Monday 30^th November

We checked out of the Maritim hotel, taking the regional train to Cologne, a change onto the high speed ICE train, which reached speeds of 149 mph. We then checked in for our Eurostar train from Brussels back to St Pancras, and our German Christmas Market weekend had come to an end.

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed travelling by rail, and was extremely impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of rail throughout Germany. The Christmas markets offer it’s visitors a little taste from around the globe, and definitely help put you in a Christmas mood.

All in all I had a great weekend away which was made possible thanks to the fantastic team at Great Rail Journeys.

If you are interested in travelling by rail on your next holiday then please contact us at Cathedral City Travel, and we will be more than happy to assist you.