Cruising the Rhine Christmas Markets - JG Explorer

We arrive in Cologne, where we enjoy a walking tour. From the charming Old Town to the vibrant Rheinauhafen district, there is much to see in this stunning city, known for its stunning Gothic architecture. The market is in the shadow of the mighty UNESCO Gothic cathedral and a delightful setting for some Christmas shopping. There is time for lunch before we board for the start of our four-night cruise.

Located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rüdesheim marks the end of old merchants’ routes and is famed for its wine. We enjoy a walking tour with our Cruise Escort, taking in highlights like the Drosselgasse, a charming alley of half-timbered buildings known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar’ – ideal for sampling the region’s vintages. Visit the Rheingauer Weinmuseum or explore rustic taverns in the Old Town. At Christmas, the town glows with music, lights and glühwein.

Later, we arrive in Mainz to enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Old Town’s Christmas market. In the heart of the Rhineland wine region, Mainz blends history and culture. Wander cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, traditional shops, lively bars and cosy eateries in one of Germany’s oldest cities.

We enjoy a walking tour led by our Cruise Escort. Frankfurt is a city in transformation, where modern skyscrapers meet traditional German charm along the Main. Nicknamed 'Mainhattan', it offers distinct neighbourhoods to explore, from botanical gardens and cobbled streets to cafés, boutiques and museums. Or head to the Christmas market in St Paul’s Square, a festive wonderland of lights and cosy stalls.

Later, we sail into the Middle Rhine Valley. With vine-covered slopes, hilltop castles and riverside villages, it’s clear why this region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

We arrive in Koblenz in the afternoon – perfect timing to explore the Christmas markets in the Old Town, just a short walk from the ship. Don’t miss the Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen, a lovely stretch of Rhine promenade turned park, with monuments and sculptures from the 1800s. For a regional treat, try Debbekooche – once eaten by those who couldn’t afford goose on Saint Martin’s Day, now a beloved dish traditionally served with apple sauce.