This Luxurious Holiday Train Journey Takes You to Europe’s Best Christmas Markets

The thought of a winter train ride feels inherently magical: steaming engines weaving through snowy mountains, cozy seating next to frost-bordered windows, lights twinkling in distant villages. Add pit stops at bustling holiday markets to the mix, and you’ve got a full-blown fantasy come true.

One travel company is turning up the yuletide enchantment with a 12-day adventure that brings the holiday train dream to life. Railbookers’ Christmas Markets of Central Europe trip will whisk passengers through Budapest, Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich, stopping for some of the season’s most sought-after experiences along the way.

The journey begins with two nights in Budapest, where guests will get the chance to explore the city’s numerous holiday markets, plus tour landmarks like the Royal Palace, St. Matthias Church, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Then, it’s all aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Expressa glamorous 50-passenger train that aims to provide the luxury hotel experience on wheels. Elegant cabins include private bathrooms, 24-hour service, and gourmet dining. Deluxe cabins have two twin beds that can be turned into armchairs for easy viewing during the day, while superior deluxe cabins feature a queen bed capable of converting into a sofa. A private brass band will perform at the departure to see guests off in style.

Vienna is the first stop on the railway journey. Passengers will enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and tasting Austria’s famous Pirker gingerbread during the two-day stay. There will also be plenty of time to shop the city’s many Christmas markets, including one in the picturesque Maria-Theresien-Platz square. The next stop, Salzburgwill be an extra-special one for Christmas market fans: one festive market is located in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Two days in Munich gives travelers the opportunity to soak in Germany’s famed Christmas markets. One of the country’s biggest is in Marienplatz, a central square that’s been home to holiday trading since the 17th century.

The trip’s Paris leg includes a gourmet dinner experience on the Seine and a pass to skip the lines at the Eiffel Tour. In-between the tour’s official excursions, passengers can hop around the French capital’s many Christmas marketsenjoying mulled wine, light shows, and more than 300 stalls at the biggest locations.

Finally, the enchanting journey ends in Amsterdam with a walking food tour of family-run restaurants.

The 12-day trip starts at $12,769 per person, which includes two nights of hotel accommodation in each city, excursions, meals, and all gratuities.

If you don’t want your journey to stop at skipping through Central Europe, Railbookers offers a number of other alluring itineraries to brighten up the winter months, including a route through medieval towns and one to Switzerland’s most iconic alpine destinations.