Day 1 - UK - Cologne

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your journey to Dover, where we take a break before boarding our coaches for the Channel crossing to Calais and onward journey to Cologne. Upon arrival we board the ship where light refreshments are available and enjoy some time to get settled.

MS Charles Dickens (4-star) or MS Serenade 1 (4-star)

Day 2 - Koblenz

Koblenz is a beautiful town whenever you go, but in December, the half-timbered dwellings look even more romantic under the glow of Christmas lights. Located amongst some of the best vineyards in Germany, Koblenz offers some delicious wines, and equally delicious red or white glühwein to accompany your Christmas market experience.

The market is one of the largest in the area, and includes a bakery where German Christmas cakes and biscuits, including stollen, are available. Be sure to look out for the Schängel Fountain and see the baroque town hall, which is turned into a unique advent calendar.

You may like to join an optional excursion to Deinhard Cellar Museum for a tour and a tasting of their high quality sparkling wine (Sekt). We sail late evening.

MS Charles Dickens (4-star) or MS Serenade 1 (4-star)

Day 3 - Mainz - Rüdesheim

We arrive in Mainz around breakfast time. In modern times, Mainz is home to the parliament and the prime minister of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. But it also has a charming old town, full of winding alleys and beautifully crafted half-timbered houses. We take an included walking tour to learn about this 2,000-year-old town. At its centre sits the fairytale-like cathedral, surrounded by market stalls. Back on board our ship, we sail to Rüdesheim.

Docking early this afternoon, we’ll have the remainder of the day to explore this stunning, traditional town. Head to Drosselgasse; the popular cobbled lane in the heart of the half-timbered old town is full of traditional cosy wine taverns, shops and, at Christmas time, 120 stalls offering traditional gifts and foods from around the world, from Finland to Mongolia. Try a Rüdesheim coffee, made with locally distilled brandy and whipped cream, find traditional gifts of brightly painted nutcracker men and visit Europe’s biggest nativity scene on the market square. For fantastic views across the town, vineyards and river, take the cable car into the hills.

• Mainz walking tour (morning)

MS Charles Dickens (4-star) or MS Serenade 1 (4-star)

Day 4 - Cologne

We arrive in Cologne just after lunch, with the rest of the day free for you to explore this beautiful city. There are several Christmas markets to choose from throughout the city, including one in the shadow of the glorious Cologne Cathedral.

MS Charles Dickens (4-star) or MS Serenade 1 (4-star)

Day 5 Cologne - UK

After breakfast we board our waiting coaches for the return journey to Calais and Channel crossing. Upon arrival in Dover, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Arrive Home