This Luxurious Holiday Train Journey Takes You to Europe's Best Christmas Markets

"The thought of a winter train ride feels inherently magical: steaming engines weaving through snowy mountains, cozy seating next to frost-bordered windows, lights twinkling in distant villages. Add pit stops at bustling holiday markets to the mix, and you've got a full-blown fantasy come true. One travel company is turning up the yuletide enchantment with a 12-day adventure that brings the holiday train dream to life."

"Then, it's all aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a glamorous 50-passenger train that aims to provide the luxury hotel experience on wheels. Elegant cabins include private bathrooms, 24-hour service, and gourmet dining. Deluxe cabins have two twin beds that can be turned into armchairs for easy viewing during the day, while superior deluxe cabins feature a queen bed capable of converting into a sofa."

"Vienna is the first stop on the railway journey. Passengers will enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and tasting Austria's famous Pirker gingerbread during the two-day stay. There will also be plenty of time to shop the city's many Christmas markets, including one in the picturesque Maria-Theresien-Platz square. The next stop, Salzburg, will be an extra-special one for Christmas market fans: one festive market is located in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site."

Passengers embark on a 12-day Central Europe itinerary visiting Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Amsterdam, and Paris with stops at seasonal holiday markets. The trip begins with two nights in Budapest featuring markets and tours of landmarks such as the Royal Palace, St. Matthias Church, and St. Stephen's Basilica. Travelers board the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a 50-passenger luxury train offering private bathrooms, 24-hour service, gourmet dining, and cabin configurations converting beds to seating. Vienna offers horse-drawn carriage rides, Pirker gingerbread tastings, and markets at Maria-Theresien-Platz. Salzburg features a market in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Munich hosts large markets like Marienplatz.

Read at Travel + Leisure