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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Bavarian Christmas Markets

Five-day escorted Christmas markets tour from London through Bavaria by rail and coach

Illustration of Bavarian Christmas Markets

Great Rail Journeys' five-day Bavarian Christmas Markets tour departs London St Pancras and travels via Eurostar Plus to Brussels, then by German rail through Frankfurt to Nuremberg. Based in the charming medieval city for four nights, the tour includes a guided walking tour of Nuremberg featuring the Kaiserburg castle overlooking the historic marketplace, plus visits to the Christmas markets in the picturesque towns of Regensburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. A coach journey on the Romantic Road rounds out the itinerary. Days blend structured sightseeing with substantial free time to wander market stalls, sample mulled wine and local specialities such as schneeballe, and shop for gifts. A UK Tour Manager guides the group throughout. The itinerary balances rail travel with coach excursions and suits repeat rail travellers seeking a festive escorted experience with plenty of independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 1,799) is substantial compared to the double price (GBP 1,399); single travellers pay a 28.5% premium
  • Maximum group size is 30 passengers
  • Optional castle entries and the horse-drawn stagecoach tour are not included and must be paid separately on site or booked online

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Nuremberg

    By rail from London to Nuremberg

    Your festive holiday begins this morning by meeting the Tour Manager and travelling group at London St Pancras, joining the Eurostar to Brussels and enjoying a light meal at Plus class seats. In the Belgian capital, we change trains to travel via Frankfurt to Nuremberg. Upon arrival in Bavaria this evening, we walk the short distance to our modern hotel. Tonight is free to explore the wonderful market stalls and dine independently.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal

  2. Day 2railovernight: Nuremberg

    Exploring Nuremberg on a guided walking tour

    Our day begins with a guided walking tour of Nuremberg, including the imperial Kaiserburg castle overlooking the Altstadt marketplace. The rest of the day is free to explore the Christmas markets, wander through twinkling lights, savour mulled wine and delicious treats. Optional visits include the castle or the German Railway Museum (both payable on entry), or a horse-drawn stagecoach tour of the Old Town.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Nuremberg

    Soaking in the seasonal spirit of Regensburg

    After breakfast, an hour's rail journey transports us to the picturesque Bavarian town of Regensburg. Renowned for its charming medieval architecture and festive markets, you're free to explore, sample the local cuisine and enjoy the holiday spirit. Highlights include St Peter's Cathedral and the historic Wurstkuchl (Sausage Kitchen). In the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Nuremberg.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Nuremberg

    Along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg

    We drive along the picturesque Romantic Road to the charming walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, often referred to as the 'Jewel of Germany'. Explore perfectly preserved half-timbered buildings, the chiming clock tower, and the festive Christmas market. Try the local speciality schneeballe (fried dough confections). At the end of the afternoon, we are transferred back to Nuremberg by coach. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    After our final hotel breakfast, we take the train from Nuremberg to Cologne, continue to Brussels, and join the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Brussels with light meal, then German rail via Frankfurt to Nuremberg, arriving in Bavaria to explore the Christmas markets
  • Day 2Guided walking tour of Nuremberg includes the Kaiserburg castle overlooking the Altstadt marketplace, followed by free time at the Christmas markets
  • Day 3One-hour rail journey to Regensburg to explore its medieval architecture, St Peter's Cathedral, and the historic Wurstkuchl (Sausage Kitchen), returning to Nuremberg the same afternoon
  • Day 4Coach drive along the Romantic Road to the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to visit its Christmas market and sample the local specialty schneeballe

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus First & Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 dinner
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Plus First and Standard Class from London St Pancras to Brussels, German rail from Brussels to Nuremberg and return to Brussels, and the local rail journey to Regensburg
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London throughout the tour
Where will I stay?
The NH Collection, a four-star hotel in Nuremberg, for all four nights
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, Eurostar light meals on days 1 and 5, and one dinner on day 4
When does the tour run?
November 2026 and December 2026
How much free time is there?
Day 2 afternoons and evenings are free after the morning guided tour. Day 3 afternoon is free in Regensburg. Evenings on days 1, 2, and 3 allow market exploration

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