Discovering the enchanting allure of the Cologne Christmas Market is an experience not to be missed. Departing from Amsterdam, this captivating day tour invites travelers to explore the historic cathedral city and enjoy the festive spirit. With a focus on personalized exploration, the tour promises an intimate encounter, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of traditional German cuisine and indulge in a spot of shopping. As the day unfolds, the scenic journey along the Rhine River sets the stage for a truly memorable adventure. Whether you’re seeking a festive getaway or simply a chance to experience Cologne’s renowned charm, this tour promises to delight and inspire.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Christmas Experiences In Amsterdam.
Key Points
- This day tour from Amsterdam takes visitors to explore the enchanting Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany, with a duration of 12 hours.
- The tour includes a visit to the iconic Cologne Cathedral, time to wander through the city’s historic Old Town, and optional shopping.
- Transportation is provided via a private minivan with a maximum group size of 15 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
- The tour offers multilingual guidance in English, Chinese, and Spanish, catering to diverse language preferences.
- Participants can indulge in traditional German cuisine and beverages, and discover unique, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs at the Christmas markets.
Tour Overview
The Cologne Christmas Market Day Tour offers a convenient and immersive experience for travelers, providing a guided exploration of Cologne’s festive markets and historic landmarks.
Priced from €3,763 per person, this 12-hour tour departs from Amsterdam, with transportation by private minivan. The group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Offered in English, Chinese, and Spanish, the tour also features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include a visit to the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, a stroll through the charming Old Town, and optional activities such as shopping and a visit to the Cologne Chocolate Museum.
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Itinerary Highlights
Departing from the Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, the tour takes approximately 3.67 hours by bus/coach to reach Cologne. Once there, you will have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral for 45 minutes, exploring its impressive Gothic architecture. Afterwards, the group will spend 1 hour exploring the charming Old Town of Cologne. During the free time, guests can opt to go shopping in Cologne’s vibrant streets and arcades for 2 hours, or visit the Cologne Chocolate Museum for 30 minutes. A photo stop along the Rhine River is also included for 30 minutes, allowing participants to capture the scenic views.
Itinerary Highlights | Duration |
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Visit Cologne Cathedral | 45 minutes |
Explore Cologne Old Town | 1 hour |
Optional Shopping | 2 hours |
Cologne Chocolate Museum | 30 minutes |
Rhine River Photo Stop | 30 minutes |
Experience and Activities
In an article titled ‘From Amsterdam: Cologne Christmas Market Day Tour’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Experience and Activities’.
Participants can explore Cologne’s festive Christmas markets, savoring the aromas of glühwein (mulled wine) and authentic German fare. A guided tour leads them through the themed markets, allowing ample free time for shopping along the vibrant streets and arcades.
The tour offers a captivating experience:
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Discover the magical ambiance of Cologne’s Christmas markets.
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Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional German cuisine and beverages.
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Explore the city’s charming Old Town and historic landmarks.
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Set out on a shopping spree for unique, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs.
Pricing and Inclusions
From €3,763 per person, the tour offers a round trip in a private Mercedes-Benz minivan, a professional driver, and a friendly live guide, as well as pick-up and drop-off at a central location.
Meals, personal expenses, and gratuities aren’t included.
With a group size limited to 15 participants, the Cologne Christmas Market Day Tour ensures a personalized experience.
The tour features a visit to the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, exploration of the Old Town, and optional activities like shopping and visiting the Cologne Chocolate Museum.
Travelers can enjoy the festive atmosphere, savor traditional German delicacies, and enjoy the guided tour through the themed Christmas markets.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyGroup Size and Languages
The Cologne Christmas Market Day Tour typically limits its group size to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience for each traveler. The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Spanish, catering to the diverse needs of international visitors.
This small group size allows for:
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More personalized attention from the guide.
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Easier navigation through the bustling Christmas markets.
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Opportunities for deeper culture and conversations.
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A more enjoyable and memorable experience overall.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, the Cologne Christmas Market Day Tour provides a unique and inclusive way to explore the festive spirit of this beloved German destination.
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Duration and Travel Time
The tour spans a total duration of 12 hours, with the travel time from Amsterdam to Cologne taking approximately 3.67 hours by bus or coach. Participants can expect to spend 45 minutes exploring the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, followed by 1 hour to discover the city’s historic Old Town. Optional activities include 2 hours of shopping in Cologne, a 30-minute visit to the Cologne Chocolate Museum, and a 30-minute photo stop along the Rhine River.
Itinerary Segment | Duration |
---|---|
Travel to Cologne | 3.67 hrs |
Cologne Cathedral | 45 mins |
Old Town Cologne | 1 hr |
Optional Shopping | 2 hrs |
Chocolate Museum | 30 mins |
Rhine River Stop | 30 mins |
Departure and Meeting Point
The tour departs from the main entrance of the Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, where the friendly live guide will meet participants outside. From this central location, the group will embark on their journey to the festive Cologne Christmas Markets.
The departure provides an easy and convenient starting point for the day-long adventure:
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No hassle with finding the meeting spot – it’s right at the hotel’s main entrance.
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The guide is there to greet the group, ensuring a smooth and organized start to the tour.
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Comfortable pick-up from a centrally located hotel in Amsterdam.
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Effortless transition from the city to the iconic Christmas markets in Cologne.
Important Considerations
Certain visitors may find this tour unsuitable, as it’s not recommended for children under 12, individuals with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a valid passport or ID card, as these will be required during the tour.
The tour includes walking through the historic streets of Cologne, as well as potentially navigating uneven terrain at the Christmas markets. Guests should also be mindful of the weather, as the outdoor activities may be affected by rain or snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Different Group Size?
Yes, the tour can accommodate different group sizes. The maximum group size is limited to 15 participants, but smaller groups can also be arranged based on availability and customer needs.
Do I Need to Pre-Book the Optional Activities?
No, the optional activities like shopping in Cologne and visiting the Chocolate Museum are not required to be pre-booked. Participants can decide on the day which optional activities they’d like to join during their free time.
Is It Possible to Modify the Departure Location?
Yes, it is possible to modify the departure location. The tour operator allows participants to select an alternative pickup location, as long as it is within the Amsterdam city center and arranged in advance with the tour provider.
Can I Request a Different Language for the Tour?
Yes, you can request a different language for the tour. The tour is available in English, Chinese, and Spanish, so you can choose the language that best suits your needs when booking.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
There is no discount for children or seniors on this tour. The tour is not suitable for children under 12, and it does not provide any age-based pricing options.
Recap
The Cologne Christmas Market day tour from Amsterdam offers a magical experience for visitors.
Explore the stunning Cologne Cathedral, wander through the charming Old Town, and learn about the festive atmosphere.
With a personalized experience, traditional German cuisine, and beautiful sights along the Rhine River, this tour is a must-do for those seeking the essence of the Cologne Christmas Market.
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