Let the train take the strain of visiting Christmas markets at home or abroad.
Great Rail Journeys and sister company Treyn offer a varied selection of train holidays in both the UK and Europe. Some of the tours still have availability, and include picturesque destinations such as York and Harrogate, as well as Cologne, Heidelberg, Valkenburg and Liege, with prices from £245 per person for a four-day holiday.
YORKSHIRE CHRISTMAS MARKET http://www.greatrail.com/tours/yorkshire-christmas-market.aspx Based in the spa town of Harrogate, experience the Christmas Markets in York, enjoy two vintage steam rail journeys with a festive theme and visit the historic house of Castle Howard in its full Christmas glory. Departs 28 Nov, 5 and 13 Dec, the five-day tour is priced from £315 per person and includes rail travel for excursions from Harrogate, four nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, a guided tour of York, with free time to explore the Christmas Market, an excursion on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, visit to Castle Howard, steam trip on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, visit to the Brönte Parsonage, four dinners and the services of a professional tour manager from arrival in Harrogate.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF COLOGNE & RUDENSHEIM http://www.railholidays.com/tours/cologne-christmas-markets.aspx– This tour includes Germany’s most famous festive markets. From the traditional markets of Cologne to the ‘Christmas Market of Nations’ at Rüdesheim, Germany truly is the home of exciting festive celebrations. Set against some of the country’s finest scenery, these Christmas markets open up every year and sell everything from unique handmade gifts to delicious local delicacies and warming Glühwein. Areas of natural beauty such as the incredible Rhine Gorge and the mighty River Rhine are seen on these tours as well as many other seasonal and cultural highlights. Priced from £375per person to include return rail travel from St Pancras International, three nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, visit to Cologne’s Christmas markets, excursion to Rüdesheim and its Christmas Market plus the services of a tour manager. (availability: 13 and 18 December)
CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF VALKENBURG & LIEGE – http://www.railholidays.com/tours/liege-christmas-markets.aspx- Enjoy Christmas shopping with a difference and embark on an escorted holiday to delectable Belgium and the charming town of Valkenburg in the Netherlands. This seasonal short break takes you to some of the most delightful festive markets in Belgium, including Liege Christmas Markets. You will also visit the quaint hilltop town of Valkenburg, with its stalls flowing through the underground tunnels and caves beneath the town. The walls of the cave markets are decorated with carved murals and offer a unique environment for you to peruse the twinkling stalls. This four-day tour is priced from £319 per person and departs from St Pancras International on 7 and 14 December. Price includes return rail travel, three nights’ hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast, the Christmas Market in Liège, visit to the Christmas Market in Valkenburg and the services of a tour manager.
