Cologne - Christmas Market School Trip

Day 1 - Arrive in Cologne

Arrive in Cologne. Travel options include a ferry crossing from Dover, the Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle), and the Eurostar from St Pancras.

Check into your accommodation and head straight into the Old Town (Altstadt). Here you can explore the charming heart of Cologne, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and traditional breweries. Key sites include the historic Town Hall (Rathaus), the Romanesque Great St. Martin Church, and the picturesque Alter Markt (Old Market Square). Preserving the charm of medieval Cologne, the area is also home to numerous cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal place to pause after the day’s travel.

Before returning to your accommodation, walk on to the Hohenzollern Bridge. This iconic railway and pedestrian bridge spans the Rhine River and is known for the thousands of love locks attached to its railings. The bridge offers fantastic views of the Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral, especially at sunset. It provides a great vantage point for photographing the city’s skyline and will set the scene for the trip’s adventures.

Day 2 - Guided walking tour, Museum Ludwig, Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom)

This morning, meet your TCBC guide and embark on a guided walking tour of Cologne. You’ll meet at Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks, and get the opportunity to visit inside the Cathedral. Crossing the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can continue your walk along the scenic Rhine Promenade to see some of Cologne’s natural beauty. Stop by the Fish Market. This charming square is known for its colourful, historic buildings and quaint atmosphere. It’s a picturesque spot for photos and is located near the banks of the Rhine. The Fischmarkt is also home to a statue of a fisherman, symbolising Cologne’s historical connection to the river and fishing. Finish your tour at Rudolfplatz, one of Cologne’s vibrant squares, home to the historic Hahnentorburg, one of the city’s original medieval gates. The area is lively with shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it a great place to relax and have a little free time before the afternoon’s adventures.

After lunch, it’s time to visit the Museum Ludwig. This modern art museum is located near the cathedral and features an impressive collection of 20th and 21st-century art. Highlights include works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein, as well as an extensive collection of Pop Art and contemporary pieces.

As evening falls, it’s time to head to Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom). With over 150 stalls, this market offers a wide range of handmade gifts, crafts, and seasonal food and drinks. Students can find unique Christmas decorations, artisanal crafts, and delicious treats such as gingerbread, roasted nuts, and Glühwein (mulled wine). The market is known for its large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and festive music performances. This creates a cosy and joyful atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Day 3 - BayArena, Chocolate Museum, Harbour Christmas Market

This morning, you’ll visit the BayArena for a behind-the-scenes look at the pitch, players' tunnel, and VIP areas. You’ll get an exclusive look at the Schwadbud and press conference room on this 90-minute tour of Bayer Leverkusen’s home.

If the day wasn’t already sweet enough, from here it’s time to visit the Chocolate Museum. Students can learn about the history and production of chocolate while enjoying festive treats!

This afternoon, you’ll visit the Harbour Christmas Market. Not far from the Chocolate Museum and in the Rheinauhafen, this unique market has a maritime theme reflecting its riverside location. The stalls are designed like white sails, and the decorations emphasise nautical elements, making it a distinctive experience.

After dinner in the city, finish this fun day with glow-in-the-dark mini golf. A great end to a fantastic day.

Day 4 - Marksburg Castle and Alter Markt, or Phantasialand

Today you’ll take a coach trip out to Marksburg Castle, one of the most significant and well-preserved castles in Germany. Marksburg Castle is one of the only hill castles along the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. Built in the 12th century, it has remained intact through the centuries. You’ll explore the castle's original rooms, including the Great Hall, the castle kitchen, the armoury, the bedchambers, and the impressive knights’ hall. The guided tours are informative and engaging, providing a thorough understanding of the castle’s history, the significance of its architecture, and the evolution of castle construction techniques over the centuries.

This evening, visit Alter Markt. This market has a whimsical, fairy-tale theme with colourful wooden stalls and decorations inspired by Cologne’s folklore and legends. It’s an enchanting place where students can observe traditional crafts being made, such as glassblowing, woodcarving, and candle-making.

If you're looking for more high-speed thrills, then Phantasialand is a great alternative. Regularly voted one of the world’s best theme parks, you can ride Taron, the world’s third fastest multi-launch coaster, or enjoy the gentler aspects at this highly themed attraction.

Finish the day with dinner at one of the city's restaurants.

Day 5 - Souvenir shopping and ice-skating

Start your last day in Cologne with a leisurely walk through the city centre and some last-minute souvenir shopping. If time and mood allow, enjoy an hour of ice-skating at the open-air rink, soaking in the enchanting Christmas atmosphere of Cologne's Old Town.

From here, transfer by coach to the airport, concluding your magical Cologne Christmas markets trip.