Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

8-Day European Christmas Markets Rail Trip from Paris

Viewed by 454 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Paris, France

10:00 AM

Eiffel Tower

Start your Parisian adventure at the iconic Eiffel Tower, enjoying stunning views of the city.
Walk or take the RER from your accommodation.
25, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Champ de Mars

Stroll through the beautiful Champ de Mars gardens nearby, where you can take in more views of the Eiffel Tower.
5-minute walk from the tower.
0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Café de l'Homme

Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view of the Eiffel Tower in this chic café.
10-minute walk from the gardens.
35, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Louvre Museum

Explore the famous Louvre Museum, home to countless masterpieces including the Mona Lisa.
Take the Metro Line 6, then transfer to Line 1.
15, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Seine River Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise on the Seine River at sunset, taking in views of illuminated landmarks.
Walk to the boat dock (15 minutes).
20, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Le Procope

Dinner at the oldest café in Paris, serving classic French dishes in historical surroundings.
Take the Metro or taxi to Le Procope.
50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Paris

Day 2: More of Paris

Paris, France

9:00 AM

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Start your day in Montmartre, visiting the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoying the views over Paris.
Take the Metro to Anvers station.
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Breakfast at Café des Deux Moulins

Relish a classic Parisian breakfast featuring croissants and café au lait in this charming café.
Walk from Sacré-Cœur (15 minutes).
15, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Walk along the famous Champs-Élysées avenue, culminating with a visit to the iconic Arc de Triomphe.
Take the Metro to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile.
13, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Palais Garnier

Discover the opulence of the Palais Garnier, a monument to the world of music and dance.
Take the Metro back to Opéra station.
12, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy a classic French meal at this vibrant traditional brasserie, known for its delicious fare and affordable prices.
Take the Metro to Pigalle.
25, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Explore the Christmas Markets at La Défense

Venture to La Défense to explore a large Christmas market with an array of festive goods and food.
Take the Metro to La Défense.
0, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Paris

Day 3: Final Day in Paris

Paris, France

9:00 AM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Start your day at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, admiring its impressive architecture.
Take the Metro to Cité station.
0, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Sainte-Chapelle

Explore Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning stained glass windows.
5-minute walk from Notre-Dame.
11, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Enjoy a famous steak-frites lunch in an inviting Parisian bistro.
15-minute walk from Sainte-Chapelle.
30, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette

Wander through the Galeries Lafayette for some last-minute holiday shopping.
Take the Metro to Chaussée d'Antin – La Fayette.
0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Train to Strasbourg

Take a high-speed train to Strasbourg, the famed capital of Christmas markets.
Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg.
50, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at La Petite Mairie

Savor Alsatian specialties in a cozy restaurant in Strasbourg, perfect to warm you up after your journey.
Short walk from your accommodation.
35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Paris

Day 4: Strasbourg Magic

Strasbourg, France

9:00 AM

Strasbourg Cathedral

Start your day by visiting Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Walk from your accommodation.
0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

La Petite France

Wander through the enchanting district of La Petite France, with its half-timbered houses and charming canals.
15-minute walk from the cathedral.
0, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Au Tanneur

Enjoy traditional Alsatian dishes such as tarte flambée at this charming bistro.
5-minute walk from La Petite France.
20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Explore the famous Strasbourg Christmas Market, known for its festive ambiance and unique handcrafted goods.
Walk back to the market (10 minutes).
0, 2.5 hours

4:30 PM

Train to Zurich

Catch an evening train to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.
Strasbourg Train Station to Zurich.
30, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Feast on Swiss fondue and raclette in the heart of Zurich.
20-minute walk from your accommodation.
35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Strasbourg

Day 5: Zurich Delights

Zurich, Switzerland

9:00 AM

Niederdorf District

Start your day exploring the picturesque Niederdorf district, with its cobblestone streets and cozy atmosphere.
Walk from your accommodation.
0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely walk along Lake Zurich, enjoying the beautiful views of the Alps in the distance.
20-minute walk from the district.
0, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a lively atmosphere at this historic restaurant.
15-minute walk from the lake.
25, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Zurich Christmas Market

Explore Zurich's famous Christmas market located in the old town, filled with unique gifts and delicious treats.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Train to Lucerne

Travel to Lucerne, a lakeside town surrounded by mountains.
Zurich Train Station to Lucerne, direct train.
20, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Fritschi

Indulge in delicious Swiss dishes in a charming restaurant filled with local character.
Short walk from the station.
30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 6: Lucerne's Charm

Lucerne, Switzerland

9:00 AM

Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

Start your day at the iconic Chapel Bridge, adorned with festive decorations.
Walk from your accommodation.
0, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Lucerne while taking in the stunning scenery.
Board the boat near the Chapel Bridge.
25, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Stadtkeller

Experience Swiss dining with traditional music in this lively restaurant.
15-minute walk from the boat dock.
40, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lucerne Christmas Market

Explore the delightful Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz, filled with joy and festive spirit.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Train to Munich

Catch a train to Munich, entering the heart of Bavaria.
Lucerne Train Station to Munich, direct train.
30, 4 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Savor a hearty dinner featuring traditional Bavarian dishes, such as sausages and pretzels.
Walk from the train station to Hofbräuhaus (15 minutes).
25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lucerne

Day 7: Munich's Festivities

Munich, Germany

9:00 AM

Munich Christmas Market

Begin your day at the famous Munich Christmas Market, soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Walk from your accommodation.
0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Marienplatz

Visit the central square, Marienplatz, with its historical buildings and the impressive Glockenspiel.
5-minute walk from the market.
0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Käfer-Schänke

Indulge in a delectable lunch featuring local Bavarian dishes in an upscale setting.
s 15-minute walk from Marienplatz.
35, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Residenz Munich

Explore the magnificent Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs.
20-minute walk from the restaurant.
12, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Zum Augustiner

Experience a traditional Bavarian dinner, complete with freshly brewed beer in a local brewery.
20-minute walk from the Residenz.
30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Munich

Day 8: Nuremberg Wonders

Nuremberg, Germany

8:00 AM

Train to Nuremberg

Travel to Nuremberg in the morning to experience its famous Christmas markets.
Main Train Station to Nuremberg, direct train.
15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Delve into the delightful atmosphere of the Nuremberg Christmas Market, famed for its gingerbread and crafts.
Walk from the train station to the market (15 minutes).
0, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Nuremberg Castle

Visit the historic Nuremberg Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
15-minute walk from the market.
7, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Wöhrdersee Park Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with traditional bratwurst and sauerkraut at this well-loved spot.
15-minute walk from the castle.
15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Nuremberg Old Town

Wander around the picturesque Old Town, soaking in its medieval charm and architecture.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
0, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Train Back to Munich

Catch a late afternoon train back to Munich to conclude your journey filled with holiday cheer.
Nuremberg Train Station to Munich.
15, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Schneider Bräuhaus

Enjoy your last dinner in Munich at this cozy restaurant, known for its traditional Bavarian dishes.
Short walk from the train station.
30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nuremberg
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Christmas markets

Trip Packing List: 5 Days in Vienna + 7 Days in Germany (December)
Packing List
58-day Trip: New York → Chicago → UK (rugby) → Portugal → Europe by train → Budapest (Christmas markets) → Singapore (3 nights)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Christmas markets Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go