Whether you’re looking to get away from the daily grind or want to experience some culture on a city break, travelling by rail is a great way to do this without the stress of dealing with an airport. This is even more beneficial with the busy periods experienced in UK airports in the lead-up to Christmas.
With the cold weather already approaching, we take a look at some of the finest rail holidays available from rail tour operator Great Rail this winter.
Rhine and Moselle Valleys Christmas Markets
Few nations around the world put on a Christmas celebration as big as Germany. This five day tour of its traditional Christmas markets combines an insightful glimpse of German culture with a stellar culinary and shopping experience.
One of the highlights of the trip comes on the fourth day, when passengers board a ship in the Lorelei Valley, allowing them an idyllic view of the castles which line the shores. Overall, this German adventure is sure to make for a memorable Christmas.
The Canadian at Christmas
The Canadian Rockies provides one of the most magical natural landscapes in the world, and this is even truer when Christmas comes around. This tour gives you a front row seat throughout.
Starting in Toronto, the tour will wind through the country before arriving in the spectacular Niagara Falls on the fourth day. As your journey continues, your train staff will be on hand to offer you information on the passing wildlife and scenery. After travelling through the Rockies, you will arrive in the city of Vancouver on Canada’s East coast, which was the host of the Winter Olympic Games in 2010.
New Year Alps of Lake Geneva
The Italian Lakes are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and picturesque regions in all of Europe. This journey will give you the finest possible view of them as you travel through the Italian Alps in winter time.
The latter part of the trip will take you through the well-known skiing resort of Chamonix aboard the famous Mont Blanc Express. This really is a magical experience as you wind between the towering snow-topped mountains.
USA Coast to Coast in Winter
The USA’s ever-changing landscapes as the seasons pass help to provide some wonderful, awe-inspiring scenery. This three week venture will take you from New York all the way west to San Francisco in Northern California.
Highlights of the trip include the unfathomable Grand Canyon and the ‘Coast Starlight’ journey which will take you up the West Coast of America from Los Angeles to San Francisco at the end of your time away. In Los Angeles, you’ll have the chance to sleep on the RMS Queen Mary – a ship with a stunning history.
