Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Bavarian Christmas Markets

Five-day escorted Christmas market tour from London via Eurostar to Bavaria

Illustration of Bavarian Christmas Markets

Vacations By Rail operates this five-day escorted Christmas markets tour that departs from London on Eurostar Plus class, crossing to Frankfurt and onward to Nuremberg. You remain based in the four-star NH Collection hotel in Nuremberg for all four nights, providing a stable home from which to explore three distinct Christmas markets: Nuremberg itself, reached on foot from your hotel; Regensburg, a medieval Bavarian town accessed by a one-hour train journey; and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a walled half-timbered town reached by coach along the Romantic Road. A professional tour manager accompanies the group throughout, and a guided walking tour of Nuremberg's castle and marketplace is included, leaving other days free for shopping, dining independently on traditional festive treats, and sampling local attractions. Breakfasts are provided daily, and one group dinner is included. This tour suits escorted-group travellers and rail enthusiasts seeking a seasonal European experience without constant packing and moving hotels.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (USD 2,199) covers the tour package; Eurostar fares from your home city to London are booked separately.
  • Only one dinner is included; most meals are independent, though breakfasts are provided.
  • All accommodation is in the NH Collection hotel in Nuremberg; Regensburg and Rothenburg are day trips rather than overnight stays.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Nuremberg

    By rail from London to Nuremberg

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St. Pancras and join the Eurostar in Plus class to Brussels, changing trains via Frankfurt to Nuremberg; free evening to explore the Christmas market stalls and dine independently.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Nuremberg

    Exploring Nuremberg on a guided walking tour

    Guided walking tour taking in the Kaiserburg castle and the Altstadt marketplace; rest of the day free to explore the Christmas markets, the castle or the German Railway Museum (both payable on entry), or a horse-drawn stagecoach tour of the Old Town (bookable online).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Nuremberg

    Soaking in the seasonal spirit of Regensburg

    An hour's rail journey to the Bavarian town of Regensburg to explore its medieval architecture, Christmas markets, St. Peter's Cathedral and the historic Wurstkuchl (Sausage Kitchen); return to Nuremberg for a free evening.

  4. Day 4overnight: Nuremberg

    Along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg

    Drive along the Romantic Road to the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, exploring its half-timbered buildings, chiming clock tower and Christmas market; transfer back to Nuremberg by coach for dinner together at the hotel.

  5. Day 5rail

    Traveling home

    Final hotel breakfast, then train from Nuremberg to Frankfurt, continuing to Brussels to join the Eurostar back to London St. Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar Plus class journey from London St. Pancras to Nuremberg via Brussels and Frankfurt, arriving for an evening at the Christmas markets.
  • Day 2Guided walking tour of Nuremberg's Kaiserburg castle and Altstadt marketplace, followed by free time to browse Christmas market stalls.
  • Day 3One-hour rail journey to Regensburg to explore its medieval architecture, St. Peter's Cathedral, and the historic Wurstkuchl (Sausage Kitchen).
  • Day 4Coach drive along the Romantic Road to the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and its half-timbered buildings and Christmas market.

Included

  • Expertise of a 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 your tour
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day, 1 dinner
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, Eurostar Plus First and Standard Class travel from London to Nuremberg and return is included, as well as the one-hour rail journey to Regensburg. Flights to London and airport transfers are not included.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is an escorted tour led by a professional tour manager from start to finish. Guided tours of Nuremberg are included; other times you have free time to explore.
What is included and what costs extra?
Included are four nights at the NH Collection in Nuremberg, breakfasts, one dinner, all rail and coach travel, guided walking tours, and entry to the three Christmas markets. Extra costs include entry to Kaiserburg castle, the German Railway Museum, and optional horse-drawn stagecoach tours in Nuremberg.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates this Mobility Rating 2, which includes guided walking tours in Nuremberg, exploration of medieval towns, and uneven historic architecture.
Where do I stay and for how many nights?
You stay four nights at the four-star NH Collection hotel in Nuremberg. Regensburg and Rothenburg are visited as day trips.
When does this tour run?
The tour runs during the Christmas market season, typically November and December. Confirm exact departure dates with Vacations By Rail.

Similar journeys