Soak up the Christmas spirit on this superb rail break discovering Switzerland's largest Christmas market in Basel and the winter magic of the Black Forest.
Day 1 - London to Basel on the Eurostar
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, and continue on the new high-speed TGV-Est line into Switzerland. We arrive in Basel this evening for our four night stay at the Hotel Victoria, located next to the station. On arrival this evening, we enjoy dinner together in the hotel. (D)
Day 2 - A guided tour of Basel and its Christmas Market
This morning we take a guided tour of Basel's beautiful Old Town. At this time of year the city is very much focused on Christmas; Basel has both Switzerland's largest and most traditional Christmas Market, and Europe's longest illuminated Christmas street. We include a coffee and cake stop in the world famous Johann Wanner Christmas Shop which supplies hand-made decorations to the Vatican and the White House, amongst others. Your afternoon is free to soak up the wonderful atmosphere and explore the Christmas Market. (B)
Day 3 - Freiburg and the Black Forest
From Basel, we head north by coach through the lush woodlands and wintry landscapes of the Black Forest to the fairy tale city of Freiburg, well known for its ancient university and gothic cathedral. The delightful Christmas Market, on the Rathausplatz and in Franziskanerstrasse, islocated in the very heart of the beautiful historical quarter. We have some time to explore, and perhaps pickup some Christmas gifts before returning to Basel late afternoon. (B)
Day 4 - A day at leisure exploring Basel
Your day is free to further explore Basel, perhaps using the tram pass we include, which gives free travel throughout the city centre on the wonderful tram network. Alternatively, take the train to charming Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Switzerland's tiny capital city.Wander the perfectly preserved medieval streets and visit Bern's Christmas markets, one of which is set in the shadow of the city's majestic Gothic Cathedral. Alternatively, why not travel to Zurich, home to Europe's largest covered Christmas Market which is held in the main railway station. Delightful markets can also be found in the picturesque Old Town and the Bahnhofstrasse, selling everything from trinkets to traditional gifts. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together at a charming and traditional local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 5 - By train to Paris and the Eurostar to London
We depart by high-speed TGV train to Paris. There, we join our Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday
