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A German school trip to Cologne’s Christmas markets is much more than a fun, festive treat – it’s a great way to get your students talking!

This cathedral city offers eight different Christmas markets, each with its own special atmosphere providing some unforgettable opportunities for your German students to practise their language skills and experience German culture. The oldest market is located on the Neumarkt, and other highlights include the fairy tale market at Rudolfplatz and the Alter Markt in the heart of the city's historic centre.

Another popular market among our school groups is the Harbour Christmas market which is right next to one of our top visits in Cologne – the Chocolate Museum!

Suggested Itinerary (2 days, 1 night)

Day 1/2

Morning

Morning

Arrive in Cologne and visit the famous Gothic Cathedral and Treasury before exploring the Christmas markets in Domplatz

Buy/eat lunch from the various food stalls

Afternoon

Afternoon

Walk along the Rhine to the Altstadt and enjoy ice-skating on the open-air rink

Evening

Evening

Evening meal at accommodation

Day 2/2

Morning

Morning

Explore Cologne on foot - visit the Chocolate Museum and explore the Harbour Christmas markets

Afternoon

Afternoon

Depart and travel back to Calais for Channel crossing

Evening

Evening

Arrive back at school

What's included?

  • tick icon1 night's half-board accommodation
  • tick iconComprehensive travel and medical insurance
  • tick iconDetailed information pack
  • tick iconFree staff place ratio 1:8
  • tick iconItinerary planning service
  • tick iconMotorway tolls and taxes
  • tick iconReturn Channel crossings
  • tick iconReturn executive coach travel
  • tick iconVamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
  • tick iconVAT at current rates to tour operators

Educational activities and visits

Cologne City Museum

Cologne City Museum

The Kölnisches Stadtmuseum is set in a large old building with exhibition space of 2,000 sq. metres and provides an… Read More

Olympic and Sport Museum

Olympic and Sport Museum

Next door to the Chocolate Museum, this museum tells the story of the Olympic Games from ancient Greece to the… Read More

Roman-Germanic Museum

Roman-Germanic Museum

The Roman mosaic with scenes from the world of Dionysos (around 220/230 A.D.) and the reconstructed tomb of the legionary… Read More

Cultural activities and visits

Chocolate Museum (Imhoff-Stollwerck)

Chocolate Museum (Imhoff-Stollwerck)

Quite simply this is one of the best attractions in Cologne! The first part of the exhibition is a history… Read More

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral

Köln Cathedral took more than six hundred years to build, but when it was finally completed in 1880 it was… Read More

Cologne Christmas Market

Cologne Christmas Market

Every year during the Christmas period people from countries far and wide are enticed by the radiance and festivity of… Read More

Hard Rock Cafe Cologne

Hard Rock Cafe Cologne

The Hard Rock Cafe Cologne opened in 2003 and was a welcome addition to the city. Try it for some… Read More

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) Boat Trip

Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) Boat Trip

Köln-Düsseldorfer Line’s river cruises offer a unique perspective on two of Germany’s most scenic river valleys. Most towns and villages… Read More

Phantasialand

Phantasialand

Phantasialand is one of Europe’s top entertainment parks. Situated in Brühl near Cologne, in the heart of the Rhineland, it… Read More

Accommodation

a&o Cologne Neumarkt
DJH Köln Deutz
DJH Köln Riehl
a&o Cologne Neumarkt

After a complete renovation this former office building welcomes you with its modern and friendly features. A&O hostel Cologne is well located in the southern part of the town, from here you can visit the Cologne Cathedral or enjoy a trip on the River Rhine. All the important sights are within easy reach.The hostel offers modern, comfortable rooms; students will be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms and staff in twins. There is an internet corner, souvenir shop, bar, tv area, games, table football etc. This hostel also offers access to a teachers' lounge.

DJH Köln Deutz

With its modern, fashionable décor, Köln-Deutz Youth Hostel welcomes increasing numbers of groups each year. Students are accommodated in multi-bedded rooms, and staff in twins (for single rooms, a supplement applies). All rooms are en-suite and WiFi is available in the reception area.Seminar rooms, games rooms, table tennis and a disco make this youth centre a favourite among school groups.

DJH Köln Riehl

The DJH Köln Riehl is located on the west bank of the river Rhine and is ideal for school groups. This accommodation has 116 rooms with a total of 369 beds. Students will be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms and staff in twins. If single rooms are required please let us know as soon as possible as a single room supplement will apply. All rooms have a shower, WC and individual lockers. There are conference and seminar rooms, a bistro with television and a disco/party room.

Supporting you every step of the way

1 Creating Your Perfect Trip

We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements

2 Launching your trip to parents and students

Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials

3 After you've booked

Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip

4 While you're away

You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help

5 After your trip

Head back to our resources section to continue the learning

Need help?

Gail Biggins — Tour Adviser

Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.

Gail Biggins
Excellent trip. Would thoroughly recommend Halsbury Travel and our coach drivers who were brilliant with us and the students. — Tytherington School

Your School Trip is Fully Protected

As a fully-accredited school travel company, booking with Halsbury Travel offers you complete peace of mind. Our accreditations are your guarantee that:

  • Your school trip will be fully financially protected
  • Your group’s safety will be prioritised
  • Your trip will be a quality educational experience

Safety prioritised

As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.

As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.

Financial protection

Our Accreditations

Our ABTA bond means all our school trips are financially protected. Plus, all air tours and flights arranged by us are also ATOL protected.

Quality educational experiences

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge is your reassurance that Halsbury Travel is committed to offering LOtC activities that are safe and beneficial to learning.

The Halsbury Difference

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Rewarding loyalty scheme

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!