DAY 1: Düsseldorf.
Fly to Düsseldorf where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Düsseldorf for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Düsseldorf - Cologne - Königswinter.
Free time to relax or perhaps explore Düsseldorf's sights, including the Christmas Market. This afternoon transfer to Cologne and embark your river cruise ship, Viking Helvetia before setting sail for Königswinter. Arrive at this picturesque town, overlooked by the famous, castle-topped Drachenfels Rock, in the late evening. (B, D)

DAY 3: Königswinter - Koblenz - Boppard.
This morning, your ship arrives in Koblenz, the 2,000-year old city scenically located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers between the Ehrenbreitstein and Stolzenfels Castles. Enjoy a guided walking tour of its charming centre, visiting its impressive Roman Basilica and ornate St. Castor's Church. Afterwards, browse Koblenz' famous Christmas Market, one of the largest in the Rhine Valley. Stock up with gifts and mementos from the many wooden stalls filled with Christmas merchandise, arts, crafts and jewellery, and stop for a break over a glass of festive mulled wine. This afternoon, time to relax before sailing to Boppard, known as the 'Pearl of the Rhine'. Arriving in this delightful town in the evening, there's time for you to go ashore if you wish to soak up the sights and delights of this historic town. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Boppard - Rüdesheim.
Enjoy breakfast on board as we cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley, considered the most picturesque section of the river. Settle in the ship's comfortable lounge or wrap up on deck to enjoy the passing scenery of medieval villages, vine-clad riverbanks and cliff-top castles, many awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, arguably the Rhine valley's prettiest wine town, and explore its picture-postcard streets, even more enchanting during the festive season. The town's Christmas Markets will be in full swing and you'll enjoy plenty of time to stroll around and absorb their atmosphere. This evening brings a memorable trip by miniature train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, to experience its amazing self-playing antique instruments, which include music boxes and concert piano orchestrions. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Rüdesheim - Cologne.
Another morning of scenic cruising as your vessel glides downstream through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Passing beautiful, castle-dotted riverbanks, you'll see the fabled Lorelei Rock, where legend maintains sirens lured sailors to their doom. On arrival in Cologne this afternoon, enjoy a guided walk around this majestic city, the capital of the Rhineland, admiring amongst other sights, the soaring twin spires of its imperious Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, free time for you to explore Cologne's six glittering Christmas Markets, one of which is atmospherically staged in front of the Cathedral. Whichever you choose, celebrate your festive outing with a glass of Cologne's beer, Kölsch, or heart-warming mulled wine. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Cologne - Düsseldorf - UK.
This morning disembark your ship and transfer to Düsseldorf airport and your return flight to the UK. (B)