Christmas market breaks by rails

Experience the Christmas markets of Germany, Belgium and France by rail on a selection of four and five-day breaks – with departures between late November and mid December – courtesy of Treyn Holidays, the specialist in inspiring escorted holidays by rail.

The four-day Cologne & Rüdesheim Christmas Markets break is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the wonderful traditional Christmas markets of Germany. Visit Cologne’s six different festive markets – including the Neumarkt with its beautifully decorated stands and mouth-watering fare; the Alter Markt – a firm favourite with children with its fairground rides, puppet theatre, Santa’s grotto and toy stands; and the market in Roncalliplatz - located in front of the cathedral it has the biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.

An excursion to Rüdesheim’s Christmas market provides the chance to explore the 120 stands from 12 nations which offer their specialities in a beautiful atmosphere.

Available with selected departure dates between 27 November and 15 December, the price is £295 inclusive of return rail travel from St Pancras International, three nights’ two-star hotel half-board accommodation in Remagen and the above excursions.

Alternatively, explore the Christmas Markets of the Moselle. Highlights include a visit to Koblenz’s traditional Christmas market with over 130 decorated stalls offering an extensive range of hand-made goods, Christmas decorations and a huge range of seasonal gift ideas; and time at the Christmas Market in Trier located in front of the magnificent Cathedral.

Available with selected departure dates between 27 November and 11 December, the cost is £320 inclusive of return rail travel from St Pancras International, three nights’ four-star hotel half-board accommodation in Cochem and the above excursions.

Or head to Belgium on the four-day Ghent & Bruges Christmas Markets tour. Visit historic Bruges to see the festive stalls laden with Christmas goodies, which form a ring around an open-air ice rink; and explore Ghent’s Christmas Market with gifts available in wooden chalet-style huts.

Available with selected departure dates between 11 and 18 December, the cost is £280 inclusive of return rail travel from St Pancras International, three nights’ two-star hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast in Ghent and the above excursions.

Travel to France and discover the beautiful illuminated Christmas Markets in Mulhouse and the renowned Alsace Christmas Market in Colmar, on the four-day Christmas Markets of Colmar & Mulhouse tour.

Available with selected departure dates between 30 November and 16 December, the cost is from £345 inclusive of return rail travel from St Pancras International, three nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and the above excursions.

Or embark upon a five-day Rhine Christmas Markets cruise. Following a morning in Cologne and ample time to enjoy the Christmas markets, the tour embarks upon a four-day cruise along the Rhine with ports of call in Koblenz, Rüdesheim and Mainz with time to experience the seasonal festivities.

Available for departure on either 23 or 27 November, the cost is £520 inclusive of return rail travel from St Pancras International, four nights’ accommodation on board the MS France river cruise including all meals, and the above excursions.

All prices are per person, twin-share and also include transfers, and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

For more information and reservations, log on to Treynholidays.co.uk.