We know it's very early to ask this . . . we just returned from 3wks in Italy (with a RS tour and time on our own) - and you all were so helpful with that trip - that we are already planning our next trip.
We have booked a Xmas Market Rhine River Cruise 2016 (TAUCK). The Cruise ends in Cologne - we plan to stay a couple extra days there on our own, but we have a week till we need to be back home. We would appreciate any suggestions you all have. Should we plan 2-6 nights in Cologne and then come home OR we had thought about 2-3 nights in Cologne and then maybe Brussels (we've read they have a nice Xmas Market) - we don't mind staying in Germany - we just don't want to spend too much time on a train as an all day event). We have done the Xmas Markets along the Danube - so we've seen Passau, Regensburg, Nurnburg. Just wondering if there is somewhere else within a reasonable distance to Cologne to spend a week or if we should consider Brussels or somewhere else on the way back home? Thanks!
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
I could see Cologne and Brussels. Mainz (south of Cologne on the Rhine) or Trier (near Luxembourg, both with nice Christmas markets AND other interesting sights) could also be good options in lieu of Brussels for a few days. The train trip to Trier would take you along the Mosel River Valley, a most scenic place also dotted with villages and castles and one that you bypassed on your cruise.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you're headed from Köln to Brussels, consider a stop in Hasselt. Their yearly Winterland market/carnival is quite impressive, especially at night.