DESTINATIONS FESTIVE BREAKS |ROAD, RIVER, RAIL
Bernina Express, Switzerland
INSIDER insightinsight
Rob Payne, chief commercial officer, Great Rail Journeys “Festive departures always see early
interest, with searches for ‘Christmas’ surging after December 26. Last
year, interest peaked on January 28 – and customers often book
immediately. It’s always gratifying to see clients coming back year after year. Most of our Christmas and New Year tours for 2024-25 are fully booked. However, we’ve added a limited amount of extra capacity and departures for a couple of
By rail
Strasbourg, Colmar and Basel RAILBOOKERS There’s a certain magic about seeing Europe by train. Anna Davies, Railbookers’ director of partnership marketing, says: “It’s a great way to seamlessly connect multiple cities in one trip, with some spectacular scenery on the way.” This itinerary takes in two cities in France’s German- influenced region of Alsace. In Colmar, think cookery demonstrations and wine tastings, with six markets offering 180 stalls to peruse. Strasbourg, meanwhile, has a Christmas market dating back more than four centuries. Then it’s on to Basel, in Switzerland, for riverside raclette
and traditional gingerbread. Book it: The five-night trip costs from £1,599 per person, departing December 19. The price includes train travel, B&B accommodation, listed excursions and a BaselCard.
railbookers.co.uk
North European Markets BYWAY TRAVEL Flight-free operator Byway offers an enticing festive itinerary that combines some of Europe’s most enchanting wintry cities. After arriving in Brussels via Eurostar, clients can wander the Belgian capital in search of festive fun, which ranges from curling rinks to sound and light shows. Next up is Berlin, where the Christmas markets reflect the city’s diverse character – from LGBTQ+ markets with stage shows on Nollendorfplatz to Nordic stalls with a Viking vibe at Schloss Britz. Last call is Amsterdam, where customers can skate on lakes if the
weather dips below freezing. Book it: The four-night trip is priced from £612 per person, based on a December 16 departure, including all travel, accommodation, breakfast and a journey leader.
byway.travel
TW 50 17 OCTOBER 2024
bestselling tours, so there are still opportunities for agents to snap up a spot. Some Christmas bookings for December 2025 are also already available.”
Glacier Express All-Inclusive at Christmas GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS Switzerland’s snowy landscapes aren’t just for skiing – they’re also perfect for a truly white Christmas. Setting off on December 23, clients will travel via Eurostar, before ascending into glitzy St Moritz on Christmas Eve. On the big day, they’ll ride the Bernina Express across canyons and past iridescent icy lakes on the way to Tirano, where they can sample Italian festive delicacies such as ravioli in a rich broth and perfect panettone. The next few days are spent exploring snow-covered Swiss villages – suggest a fondue feast to warm up from the chill – before boarding the glass-
covered Glacier Express for a festive finale. Book it: The seven-night trip starts at £2,099 per person, departing December 23. The price includes all travel, most meals, selected drinks and a Swiss Travel Pass.
greatrail.com
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Shutterstock/Guitar photographer
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