Christmas markets

Visiting Christmas markets by rail can be a great idea if you don't fancy trawling the same old high street stores looking for festive gifts to give to your friends and family members.

They can also make for a fantastic break in themselves. Rather than having to go through the stresses that can be associated with travelling by plane, Christmas rail tours allow you to savour every element of your journey as you watch the world go by from the comfort of your train window.

Great Rail Journeys have vast experience of organising Christmas rail tours. So whether you're visiting markets in order to pick up those last-minute stocking fillers or plan on doing all of your Christmas shopping in a single session, Christmas markets by rail are sure to meet all your retail needs.

Visiting such markets gives you the chance to purchase handmade jewellery, arts and craft goods and other trinkets that you may be unable to find anywhere else.

You can also purchase hot food and drinks, perfect if you're visiting the markets in the evening and are looking to keep yourself warm from the winter chill!

Whether you've only got a few days in which to visit Christmas markets by rail or plan on incorporating such shopping into a longer holiday, we are bound to have an itinerary that will be suitable for you.

Where can I go on Christmas rail tours?

You can take in countries throughout Europe by visiting Christmas markets by rail, so whether you fancy seeing one of your favourite holiday destinations in the winter or simply want to visit somewhere new, we can help.

Indeed, you can visit Christmas markets in countries such as Austria, Switzerland and France. Alternatively, you may want to do a spot of Christmas shopping in Ljubljana. The capital of Slovenia contains a number of festive markets.

However, if you want to visit Christmas markets by rail that are a little closer to home you also have the option of doing this. For example, why not take in Yorkshire's numerous Christmas markets?

Alternatively, you can splash the cash on a shopping trip to Edinburgh. In addition to the festive markets, you can head to the numerous shops located along the Royal Mile as you search for Christmas gifts. While walking along this stretch of the Scottish capital, be sure to take in some of the numerous other attractions like Mercat Cross and St Giles Cathedral.

Of course you do not have to be limited to just one destination, by going on Christmas rail tours you can visit more than one city - and even multiple countries - in a single trip.

Visiting German Christmas markets

There are many Christmas markets by rail that you can visit, but one destination you may wish to consider for such a winter shopping experience is Germany.

German Christmas markets are located throughout the European country, making them an ideal place to visit, whether you're planning a big shop, want to try some continental cuisine or fancy a spot of sightseeing.

The choice of German Christmas markets is wide, however you may find that the range of Cologne Christmas markets to be particularly captivating.

Why not browse for bargains at Alter Markt? Situated along the banks of the magnificent Rhine, the Old Town district of Cologne gives you the chance to wander through numerous narrow alleys and squares as you look for the perfect present while on Christmas rail tours.

Meanwhile, Neumarkt - which is known as the Market of Angels - has the distinction of being the oldest Christmas market in the entire city.

But there are many other German Christmas markets that you may wish to explore. After you've had your fill of Cologne Christmas markets, why not hop on a train to Bonn? There are hundreds of stalls for you to take in while visiting German Christmas markets in the western city, so not only can you buy gifts for yourselves and loved one but you can also sample roasted chestnuts and mulled wine - which in Germany is known as gluhwein.

If you're keen to take in other German Christmas markets, why not head to Nuremburg? With the market square home to a number of brightly-coloured stalls, you can tuck into local delicacies like bratwurst while you shop.

Visiting Christmas markets by rail also allows you the chance to take in some stunning architecture. While on a visit to Wurzburg, be sure to check out the likes of the Alte Mainbrucke bridge and the Dom St Kilian Basilica, as well as the captivating German Christmas markets.

Organising Christmas rail tours

Here at Great Rail Journeys we have 25 years' experience of organising Christmas rail tours. Whether you want to visit German Christmas markets or see other Christmas markets by rail, contact us - we can be reached by email, telephone or in person at our head offices in York - to find out how can we help.