Bavarian Christmas Markets by Train
Bavaria has a special charm in December. Christmas Markets brighten the old towns, early evenings feel welcoming, and trains take us effortlessly from one festive place to the next. After flying into Munich, we travel to Nuremberg which serves as our base for six nights, allowing us to explore southern Bavaria at a relaxed pace. During our week there, we will visit Christmas Markets and other historic attractions in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Coburg and Wurzburg.
This Bavarian Train Tour of Christmas Markets is a small group, with days planned so everyone has time with the group and on their own. In the markets especially, everyone has the freedom to wander, try a few local treats, browse the stalls and take in the atmosphere at their own speed. After exploring the region from Nuremberg, we return to Munich to visit several Christmas Markets and explore this spectacular city for two days.
The entire tour has an easy rhythm, allowing everyone to settle in, enjoy each town, let the trains link one Christmas market to the next, and take in the quiet winter magic that Bavaria offers at this time of year.
DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: $4,480
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,310
TYPE: TrainTour
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP: Max 12 Guests (6 Spaces Remaining)
DURATION: 9 days (8 nights)
Begins in Munich: Wed Dec 2, 2026
Ends in Munich: Thu Dec 10, 2026
Cities & Christmas Markets
Munich
Munich is a lively and welcoming city with a stunning historic center. As our first stop, it gives us our first taste of Bavaria. We'll explore Munich’s old town on a walking tour, visit the Christmas Market, and enjoy free time to take in the festive atmosphere.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is one of Bavaria’s most historic cities, known for its old town and impressive castle. While here, we visit the Imperial Castle and other historic sites. Everyone will also have plenty of opportunities to visit their famous Christmas Market.
Coburg
Coburg is a smaller Bavarian town with royal history and an impressive fortress overlooking the area. We visit the town’s Schloss (palace) and explore the hilltop Veste (castle) with its wide views. Afterwards, we enjoy the Christmas Market in the central square and the relaxed feel of the town.
Wurzburg
Wurzburg is known for its grand Baroque architecture and its setting along the Main River. We tour the Residenz, one of the most remarkable palaces in Germany. Then we stroll to the nearby Christmas Market to enjoy a bit of seasonal cheer.
Rothenburg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany, full of cobblestone lanes and old towers. We explore the old town and walk along parts of the medieval walls. The Christmas Market here is especially lovely, and you have time to enjoy it at your own pace.
Bamberg
Bamberg is a beautiful riverside city with a cathedral, old bridges and a gentle, historic feel. We visit the cathedral and the unique city hall set above the river. Then we spend relaxed time in the Christmas Market and enjoy the charm of this UNESCO listed town.
Daily Agenda
Day 0 (Tue Dec 1)
DEPART HOME: Begin Journey to Bavaria
Today, guests will depart from their home airport and begin their journey to Bavaria. While this Land Package does not include flights, TravelMaven is happy to help book those. For those departing Toronto, we recommend Air Canada's direct flight which departs in the evening and arrives in Munich the following morning.
Day 1 (Wed Dec 2)
ARRIVE IN BAVARIA: Welcome to Munich!
Barry will meet the flight from Toronto and take guests to the Drie Loewen Hotel downtown. After dropping off bags, Barry will take everyone for a walking tour through the central Christmas Market. After returning to the hotel to check-in, we will enjoy our Welcome Dinner at a Bavarian restaurant.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 (Thu Dec 3)
MUNICH DAY: Walking tour, Free Afternoon
This morning, we’ll meet a local guide for a walking tour of Munich, exploring the city’s historic squares, landmarks, and festive streets. The afternoon is free for guests to enjoy shopping, museums, or stroll through the Christmas Market.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 (Fri Dec 4)
TRAIN TO NUREMBERG: Christmas Market
We’ll check out of our hotel this morning and take the train to Nuremberg, enjoying views of the Bavarian countryside along the way. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we will begin to explore the largest Christmas Market in Germany. Guests will have time to relax at the hotel before returning to the market in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 (Sat Dec 5)
COBURG DAY: Schloss, Veste & Christmas Market
We’ll meet in the hotel lobby this morning and head to the train station for our journey to Coburg. After arriving, we’ll visit the elegant Ehrenburg Palace and the impressive Veste Coburg fortress before spending time at the Christmas Market in the town square. In the evening, we’ll return by train to Nuremberg for a relaxing night.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 (Sun Dec 6)
WURZBURG DAY: Residenz & Christmas Market
This morning, we’ll take the train to Wurzburg for a day of sightseeing. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the magnificent Wurzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its grand architecture and frescoes. Afterward, we’ll enjoy time at the Christmas Market in the city square before returning by train to Nuremberg in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 (Mon Dec 7)
ROTHENBURG DAY: Old Town, Old Walls & Christmas Market
We’ll gather in the hotel lobby this morning and make our way to the train station for a day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the charming Old Town, stroll along the medieval city walls, and browse the enchanting Christmas Market at the town square. After a full day of sightseeing and shopping, we’ll take the evening train back to Nuremberg.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 (Tue Dec 8)
BAMBERG DAY: Cathedral, City Hall & Christmas Market
We’ll meet in the hotel lobby this morning and walk to the train station for our trip to Bamberg. After arriving, we’ll take a short bus ride to the Bamberg Cathedral, then enjoy a relaxed walk back through the city. Along the way, we’ll stop at City Hall and end the afternoon at the Christmas Market before returning by train to Nuremberg in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8 (Wed Dec 9)
NUREMBERG DAY: Castle, Nazi Museum & Christmas Market
Today, we’ll spend the day exploring the highlights of Nuremberg. In the morning, we’ll visit the Imperial Castle before an optional visit to the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Christmas Market, before we gather for our Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 (Thu Dec 10)
DEPART BAVARIA: Train to Frankfurt & Fly to Toronto
Guests will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and catching a train to Frankfurt Airport to catch our late afternoon flight home. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time in Bavaria and take home wonderful memories of the Christmas season in Germany.
Meals Included: Breakfast