Riding the rails is the best way to have a slow-paced trip around this area of Europe with plenty of time to explore and shop.
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Europe’s Christmas markets are legendary, with snow-frosted wooden stalls, warming mulled wine, giant ice rinks and sensational decorations. To really ignite the festive spirit, visiting multiple destinations is recommended—and now there is a seasonal rail route that can help you do that.
The train trip, called Swiss Christmas Markets, is being run by holiday company Discover the World and has departures from late November up to Christmas. While exploring fairytale alpine landscapes and decoration-adorned cities, the new rail adventure gives travelers ample opportunities to tick off their Christmas shopping list by visiting some of Europe’s most authentic Christmas markets.
During the seven-night trip, passengers will stop off at Basel, Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux as well as ride the Golden Pass Express, Switzerland’s most scenic rail journey. The itinerary also includes stops in pretty towns and mountain villages in France and Switzerland, all aglow with Christmas cheer.
Riding the rails is the best way to have a slow-paced trip around this area of Europe with plenty of time to explore and shop. The Swiss Christmas Markets train journey starts in the French city of Strasbourg, before riding along the Rhine Valley to Basel, whose Christmas market dates back to 1917. Here, passengers can opt to take a thrilling trip on the cable car up Mount Pilatus with sweeping views of Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains.
The journey then moves deeper into the Alps for some mountain majesty at Lucerne with its breathtaking lakeside views. Here, there is another historic market where you can indulge in some top-class Swiss raclette.
Europe’s Christmas markets are legendary, with snow-frosted wooden stalls, warming mulled wine, giant ice rinks and sensational decorations.
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Then the train continues on to Interlaken for a full day to savor Swiss chocolate and cheese. At the Christmas market, you can see folk music performances and buy hand-crafted stocking fillers. Guests can choose to take a scenic train journey to Jungfraujoch—where they’ll find the highest railway station in Europe at 3,464 metres above sea level—to explore the Ice Palace and take in the Aletsch Glacier.
The next day you will board the famed Golden Pass Express to Montreux for the final leg of the festive journey with yet another sparkling market to explore on your arrival.
The trip is priced from £1782 ($2300) per person for the full rail journey, seven nights B&B accommodation and seat reservations on the panorama and international trains. There’s the option to fly into Strasburg and out of Geneva priced at £1570 ($2030) per person (excluding airfares).
