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Rail Escape

German Christmas Market Tour

Nine-day self-guided rail tour through Munich, Nuremberg, Cologne Christmas markets

Illustration of German Christmas Market Tour

Rail Escape's German Christmas Market Tour is a 9-day self-guided rail journey through three of Germany's most celebrated winter destinations. Beginning in Munich, you spend four nights exploring the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz, and the Tollwood Winter Festival. A day trip by train takes you to Augsburg's Renaissance Town Hall market. From Munich, you travel first-class to Nuremberg for two nights, where the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in Hauptmarkt square offers local Nuremberg sausages and Lebkuchen. Your final two nights are in Cologne, home to seven distinct Christmas markets, including the Cathedral Christmas Market framed by the cathedral itself. Throughout, you stay in four-star hotels with daily breakfast and airport transfers included. This tour suits independent explorers who prefer to wander at their own pace and couples seeking an unhurried holiday atmosphere, as well as food and wine enthusiasts eager to sample Bavarian traditions and Glühwein across multiple markets.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers accommodation, first-class rail, breakfast, and airport transfers; meals beyond breakfast, activities, entrance fees, and local transportation within cities are not included
  • This is a self-guided tour, not escorted; you navigate markets and sights independently
  • Some regional trains may offer only second-class seating despite the first-class rail inclusion

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Munich

    Arrive in Munich

    Welcome to Munich! After checking into your hotel for a four-night stay, head to the heart of the city at Marienplatz. Here, you'll find the main Christkindlmarkt spread out in front of the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall. Admire the towering Christmas tree, sip on some warm Glühwein, and soak in the festive atmosphere. For dinner, try some traditional Bavarian cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. [Night in Munich]

  2. Day 2overnight: Munich

    Explore Munich's Christmas Markets

    Start your day at the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz, enjoying its historical charm. In the afternoon, explore the Christmas Village in the Residenz’s royal courtyard. Later, visit the Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese, known for its international flair and eco-friendly focus. If you have extra time, explore the city at your leisure. [Night in Munich]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Munich

    Day Trip to Augsburg

    Take a short train ride to Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities. Explore the charming Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt in front of the Renaissance Town Hall. Don't miss the unique "Engelsspiel" (Angel Play) where figures of angels appear in the windows of the Town Hall. Return to Munich in the evening. [Night in Munich]

  4. Day 4overnight: Munich

    Munich Christmas Traditions

    After enjoying Munich's Christmas markets, today is about discovering the city's cultural gems. Start with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace and its stunning gardens. In the afternoon, explore the art collections at the Alte Pinakothek. As evening approaches, take a stroll through Marienplatz to admire the illuminated New Town Hall. If you wish, end the day with a cozy glass of glühwein at another Christmas Market or a local café. [Night in Munich]

  5. Day 5railovernight: Nuremberg

    Travel to Nuremberg

    After checking out of your Munich hotel, take a train to Nuremberg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Start your Nuremberg experience with the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in the Hauptmarkt square. Don't forget to try the local specialties: Nuremberg sausages and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). [Night in Nuremberg]

  6. Day 6overnight: Nuremberg

    Nuremberg Christmas Traditions

    After your breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Handwerkerhof (Crafts Yard), a small medieval-style village where you can watch artisans at work. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the atmospheric Old Town, beautifully decorated for the season. Don't miss a visit to the historic Nuremberg Castle, offering panoramic views of the city, and the impressive Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) on the Hauptmarkt. End the day exploring the Children's Christmas Market with its traditional merry-go-round and Santa's House. [Night in Nuremberg]

  7. Day 7railovernight: Cologne

    Travel to Cologne

    Check out of your Nuremberg hotel and catch a train to Cologne. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Start your Cologne Christmas market experience at the Cathedral Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. In the evening, visit the Heimat der Heinzel (Home of the Heinzelmännchen - Cologne's legendary house gnomes) at the Alter Markt and Heumarkt. [Night in Cologne]

  8. Day 8overnight: Cologne

    Explore Cologne's Christmas Markets

    Today, you can start at the "Christmas Market in the City" at Neumarkt or the Harbor Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum for a maritime feel. In the afternoon, visit the Angel's Christmas Market or opt for the relaxed atmosphere of the Stadtgarten Market. Alternatively, skip the markets and explore other city sights or just unwind at your hotel. [Night in Cologne]

  9. Day 9

    Depart Cologne

    On your final morning, take a last stroll along the Rhine promenade, perhaps picking up some last-minute gifts at the Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten. Bid farewell to the enchanting Christmas markets of Germany as you depart back home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Arrive in Munich and visit Marienplatz's main Christkindlmarkt in front of the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall with warm Glühwein
  • Day 3Day 3: Take a short train ride to Augsburg to explore the Christkindlesmarkt and watch the Engelsspiel angel figures appear in the Town Hall windows
  • Day 5Day 5: Travel by train to Nuremberg and visit the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in Hauptmarkt square
  • Day 7Day 7: Train to Cologne and experience the Cathedral Christmas Market set against the Cologne Cathedral

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, first-class rail travel throughout the itinerary is included, though some regional trains may offer only second-class seating
Is this a guided or self-guided tour?
Self-guided. Rail Escape states: 'This isn't a guided tour - it's your chance to explore at your own pace'
What is included in the price?
First-class rail travel, four-star hotel accommodation, daily full breakfast, welcome package, and airport transfers. Meals beyond breakfast, activities, entrance fees, and local transportation are not included
Which hotels will I stay in?
25 hours the royal bavarian in Munich (4 nights), Sheraton Carlton Hotel Nuremberg (2 nights), and Courtyard by Marriott Cologne (2 nights)
When does this tour operate?
The tour runs during the Christmas market season (November and December)

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