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
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
Walk along the Rhine to the Altstadt and enjoy ice-skating on the open-air rink
Evening
Evening meal at accommodation
Day 2/2
Morning
Explore Cologne on foot - visit the Chocolate Museum and explore the Harbour Christmas markets
Afternoon
Depart and travel back to Calais for Channel crossing
Evening
Arrive back at school
What's included?
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1 night's half-board accommodation
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:8
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Itinerary planning service
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Motorway tolls and taxes
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Return Channel crossings
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Return executive coach travel
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Vamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
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VAT at current rates to tour operators
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Festivals and traditions
- Aspects of German-speaking society
- Cultural heritage
- Individual research project opportunities
GCSE
- Food, drink and eating out
- Customs, celebrations and festivals
- Travel and tourism
- Understanding German culture and identity
Key Stage 3
- Exploring the town
- Food and drink
- Cultural traditions
Primary
- Exploring the town
- Food and drink
- Traditional crafts
- Festivals and celebrations
Educational activities and visits
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
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
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)
Quite simply this is one of the best attractions in Cologne! The first part of the exhibition is a history… Read More
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
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
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 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 is one of Europe’s top entertainment parks. Situated in Brühl near Cologne, in the heart of the Rhineland, it… Read More
Accommodation
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.
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.
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.
Excellent trip. Would thoroughly recommend Halsbury Travel and our coach drivers who were brilliant with us and the students.— Tytherington School
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