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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Cologne & Ghent Christmas Markets

Five-day Christmas markets rail holiday from London through Cologne and Ghent

Illustration of Cologne & Ghent Christmas Markets

Tailor Made Rail's Cologne and Ghent Christmas Markets holiday is a 5-day independent rail journey from London into two of Northern Europe's most festive cities. You travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then by high-speed ICE train to Cologne for a 2-night stay amid seven Christmas markets, including the renowned Cathedral Market set against the city's historic skyline. From Cologne, a regional train carries you back through Brussels to Ghent for another 2 nights exploring its medieval canals, cobbled streets, and Winter Festival ice rink. The package includes all standard-class rail travel, 4 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, seat reservations, and proactive rerouting if strikes or disruptions occur. Tailor Made Rail provides easy-to-follow travel documentation and email ticket despatch. An optional day trip to Bruges or Antwerp extends your Belgian experience. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, couples seeking a relaxed festive break, independent explorers, and budget-conscious travellers.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar'; the final accommodation depends on availability at the time of booking
  • The from-price of GBP 849 is per person based on a double room; single supplements will apply for solo travellers

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    London to Cologne

    Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then a high-speed German ICE service to Cologne. Check in at the CityClass Europa am Dom (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Seven different Christmas markets, from the Cathedral Market to the Harbour Christmas market near the Chocolate Museum. Views from the Cologne Triangle, or a brewery tour and a Rhine cruise.

  3. Day 3overnight: Ghent

    Cologne to Ghent

    A return journey to Brussels, then a regional service to Ghent; optional stop to see the Christmas markets around the Grand Place. Check in at the Ghent River Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ghent

    Ghent

    Ghent's canals and cobbled streets, its Christmas market and ice rink, or a train trip to Bruges or Antwerp.

  5. Day 5

    Ghent to London

    Return journey to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then high-speed ICE service to Cologne
  • Day 2Seven different Christmas markets in Cologne, from the Cathedral Market to the Harbour Christmas market near the Chocolate Museum
  • Day 3Regional train service from Cologne back through Brussels to Ghent, with an optional stop to see Christmas markets around the Grand Place
  • Day 4Ghent's canals and cobbled streets, its Christmas market and ice rink, or an optional train trip to Bruges or Antwerp

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 4 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Day trip to another Belgian Christmas market destination
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes all rail journeys in standard class on Eurostar, German ICE, and regional services, plus seat reservations where required.
Which trains will I travel on?
Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, high-speed ICE to Cologne, and regional services between Cologne, Brussels, and Ghent.
What hotels are included?
CityClass Europa am Dom (or similar) in Cologne for 2 nights, and Ghent River Hotel (or similar) in Ghent for 2 nights, both with breakfast.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
It is an independent rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides easy-to-follow travel documentation and tickets, but you explore at your own pace.
When does the trip run?
The trip operates during the Christmas market season, November and December.
Are there optional activities?
Yes. Optional activities include a day trip from Ghent to Bruges or Antwerp, a brewery tour and Rhine cruise in Cologne, and visits to the ice rink in Ghent.

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