School Christmas Markets Trips to Cologne
Full of timeless tradition and pre-Christmas magic
Where half-timbered stalls stand aglow with pre-Christmas magic, a school Christmas Markets trip to Cologne is full of timeless tradition. A spectacle of twinkly lights, vintage merry-go-rounds and cinnamon-scented delights – all set against Cologne’s Gothic cathedral – makes this a winter scene that’s tough to beat. Discover the history behind Heinzelmannchen (house gnomes), overindulge on roasted almonds and browse a never-ending collection of handmade trinkets and German gifts.
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Our Recommended Itinerary
Here’s what your trip could look like
Day 1
Coach and Channel crossing
Coach and arrive into Cologne
Evening stroll around the Christmas Markets
Day 2
Visit Cologne Cathedral
Head to the Chocolate Museum
Explore the Christmas Markets
Day 3
Last minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping
Coach and Channel crossing
Arrive home
- Coaching for the duration of your tour
- Return Channel crossings
- B&B accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Free staff place ratio 1:10
- 24/7 support
- Vamoos travel app & info pack
- Tailor-made itinerary
- Motorway tolls and taxes
- VAT
- Excursions:
- Cologne Christmas Markets
- Cologne Cathedral
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
Optional Extras
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- Hoodies and Polo Shirts
Excursions in Cologne
Browse a selection of our favourite excursions
Accommodation
Popular places to stay in Cologne
- Located in the Neustadt Sud district and Stadtgarten
- 750 yards from Neumarkt Square and a 14-minute walk from Volksgarten Park
- En-suite rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Shared lounge/TV room
- Snack bar
- Wi-Fi
- Relax in the shared lounge and watch TV
- Grab a drink in the snack bar
- Go shopping in Neumarkt Square
- Explore Volksgarten Park
- Family-run hotel located on the Moselle in Brodenbach
- Swimming pool and sun terrace
- Bowling alley
- Ballroom
- Swimming pool and sun terrace
- Sauna and solarium
- Bowling alley
- 2 bars and panoramic café with terrace
- Private winery
- Ballroom
- Go for a swim in the pool
- Relax in the sauna and solarium
- Enjoy an evening of bowling
- Enjoy scenic views with a drink in the panoramic café
- Spend an evening in the ballroom
Additional Information
Your journey doesn’t have to end here! See what else we can offer to help you get the most out of your tour. From dedicated Tour Managers to Party Leader Launch Packs, we’ll go above and beyond to support you and your students.
Discover more about this tour
FAQs about this tour
Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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Do you provide risk assessments for the visits you offer?
You can download our Generic Risk Management Handbook which will help you complete your risk assessment for your school or Local Authority. The aim of the handbook is to provide all tour leaders with supportive suggestions to help raise awareness to risk, suggest control measures to help mitigate the risk and manage risk pro-actively. For further assistance, please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to help.
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Can I talk to Rayburn Tours whilst out on tour?
Yes, a 24-hour emergency phone number will be provided in your final documents pack and one of our experienced members of staff will be happy to help with any problems you have whilst out on tour.
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Are seatbelts provided on foreign coaches?
This depends on the country where you are visiting and their local laws. However, we will always endeavour to use coach companies who use coaches fitted with seatbelts.
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What do I need to do to ensure safe travel for my group?
Information is available from your Local Authority on what is expected from party leaders on a trip. In addition, we are happy to assist you in ensuring that you have all of the necessary information to successfully assess risks and ensure a safe trip for you and your group. Further advice and information can be found on the OEAP National Guidance website.

Travel in safe hands
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us and we monitor the safety aspects of all of our tours to ensure you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons.
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