Prague, Czech Republic

Before Christmas, Czechs buy carp live from markets at the center of town, then let them swim about in their bathtubs until Christmas Eve, when they fry them up for the holiday dinner. Tradition has it that if you carry a scale from the fish with you, you’ll have luck all year. On Christmas Eve, Czechs celebrate Christmas at home with their family. The rest of the season, you’ll find them ready to share a cup of Gluhwein (mulled wine) with you. Since the Czech Republic has its own currency, rather than the Euro, you may want to bring along a currency converter. Shop at the Christmas fair in the Old Town section of Prague, and enjoy opera, ballet or concerts at the magnificent Prague State Opera house.

Bern, Switzerland

Bern during the Christmas season looks like something out of a fairy tale. Christmas markets fill the streets, and there is a festive air throughout the city. Be sure to book ahead for dinner reservations during the holidays in Bern. Restaurants in this popular holiday destination fill up quickly. Enjoy a traditional graetimaa, a gingerman-type bread decorated with spun sugar and raisins, and don’t miss a visit to the clock tower at the center of the old town. Built at the turn of the 13th century, it still puts on an animatronics show every hour. A few minutes before the hour, a drum roll announces the appearance of a jester. Dancing bears and an old bearded king soon follow. Book in advance to tour the tower for free.

St. Petersburg, Russia

The Russian Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg celebrates Christmas on the January 7th, following the date set by the Julian calendar, but the city offers holiday-themed markets and theater throughout the season, including holiday ice shows. A Christmas market features products crafted from local designers, decorators and artists. St. Petersburg is home to the world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet company, which uses its former, more-recognizable “Kirov Ballet” name while touring. For many, a visit to see the ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre at Christmas time is a dream come true.

Bruges, Belgium

While the Christmas markets in Bruges are not unique, the town itself has enough charming little shops to keep holiday visitors engaged. Bruges is famous for its fine chocolate. At the main Christmas market, an ice rink is set up every year, and skating in the center of this picturesque town, surrounded by charming, historic architecture, is a real holiday treat.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has almost 60 Christmas markets, and they are enjoyed by tourists and local alike. One of the best-loved markets is located at Charlottenburg Castle. Featuring about 150 vendors from all over Germany, the castles and its park are lit up with colorful lights for 35 days running. The sweet aroma of gingerbread and fruitcake wafts through the air. You’ll find the best hand-carved wooden crafts here, from Christmas tree ornaments and nativity scenes, to a wide assortment of nutcrackers.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is another popular city in Germany during the holidays, in part due to the famous floating Christmas market. The beautiful Cologne cathedral, or Kolner Dom, presents an interesting ceremony on the Feast of the Epiphany, the day the Three Kings arrived to worship the Holy Infant. On this day, a side of the golden crypt within the cathedral is opened to reveal holy relics, believed to have belonged to the three kings. The display includes three skulls with crowns on them.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is steeped in Old World Christmas traditions during the holiday season. Masked actors play out tales of battles between good and evil in the streets. The city famed for its music shines during the holidays, with choirs and concerts everywhere. In the Children’s Christmas park in front of the Rathaus, the city’s town hall, the trees are decorated with lighted toys, hearts, candies and animals. A Christmas market is nearby, where the Advent Wreaths with its four candles are seen and sold everywhere. Visitors can enjoy rides on a horse-drawn carriage through the snowy streets, and then feast on roast goose for Christmas dinner. With so much to offer, Vienna might just win the prize for the best European city in which to spend Christmas.

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Europe’s Most Picturesque Christmas Cities

The Black Forest Highway K5370 to Oppenau–Germany

This spectacular stretch of road through Germany’s beautiful Black Forest is not heavily used by tourists, making it a safe and quiet road on which to drive. However, a drive on the K5370 to Oppenau is anything but boring. Although the route primarily runs through forestation, it is delightfully steep and features a lot of fantastic switch backs with numerous corners. One particular stretch boasts a 180 degree turn, making the driver feel as if he or she is navigating down the mountain vertically. However, the turn quickly comes back to a traditional stretch of highway through a fantastic corner by a historical wood structure. This route is a must-see for those planning to hire a car and visit Germany.

Susten Pass–Switzerland

Mountain pass style driving at its best can be found on Switzerland’s Susten Pass. The well maintained highway slowly sweeps its way up to the floor of a lovely scenic valley, then begins to gradually steepen and eventually hugs the valley’s granite walls. Its slow climb is accomplished with a series of outstanding sweepers and fabulous views of the trail ahead. Before the ride commences, the driver of the car rental must navigate a tight stretch of road, featuring some impressive switchbacks. After this, tourists will find themselves at the highest point of the drive where outstanding views of the Stein Glacier can be seen. Those who choose this route are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Cannobio Valley–Italy

Those in search of a genuine rugged run should consider a drive through the Cannobina Valley, where some of Italy’s most beautiful and unique scenery can be viewed. The trail runs just adjacent to the national Grand Valley Park, and then moves on to a secluded and rustic road along the valley’s unspoiled river gorges. Eventually, one will come upon the quaint town of Santa Maria Maggiore. This ride is a wise choice for anyone who is interested in finding a serene atmosphere, where he or she can commune with nature.

Simme River Valley–Bernese Oberland

Another beautiful valley style driving route one may wish to consider is the Simme River Valley in Oberland’s Bernese region. The road winds down to the towns of Gstaad and Saanen, after passing through some of the area’s most tranquil and scenic villages along the way. The scenery found on this route is quite diversified, beginning with somewhat heavy forestation, and moving on through steep valleys and lush green meadows. The highway’s surface is well-maintained and one will rarely even come across a bump in the road. However, there are a few more towns and villages situated on this road than one usually finds on a scenic highway, therefore the driver may discover that he or she must frequently slow down when passing through these communities. This route is definitely the best choice best for those who want to sit back and unwind from the every day stresses of life, and enjoy a peaceful drive through tranquil surroundings.

The Alsace Wine Highway–France

The Alsace Wine Route is a popular favourite of many French travellers, and follows a path through some of the most enchanting villages and vineyards of Alsace. It is one of France’s most popular wine routes, and winds its way through a seemingly limitless number of timbered houses and exotic vineyards. As the path veers up the Alsace mountains, one will observe amazing and diversified scenery, which includes colourful flower displays. This route is an ideal way to experience the atmosphere of the region and the wines for which it is famous.

The Transfagarasan Route–Romania

Those searching for a route to take their breath away will find it in Romania. The Transfagarasan Route, famous for its intricate hairpin turns and zigzags, takes motorists through Romania’s spectacular Fagaras Mountains. At its highest point, which is in the region of Moldoveanu, the route features an altitude of over 2,000 metres, therefore it is not for the fainthearted. At the top of the peak it links to Muntenia, and the neighbouring province of Transylvania. Dramatic scenery, wicked turns, and glorious heights make a drive on the celebrated Transfagarasan highway a trip to remember.

Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos–Spain

This highway is appropriately named “Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos,” which means the Route of the White Villages. This phrase certainly describes what one will experience on this scenic drive. The highway winds through a vast array of Andalusian villages and towns, all of which boast the bright white buildings and homes for which the region is famous. These picturesque structures remain quite dazzling, as they are whitewashed on a regular basis by their owners. This task is preformed in an effort to reflect the midday sun’s unforgiving rays, and this whitewashing creates a remarkable display that is extraordinary to behold.

The route captures Andalusia’s essence very well, and in each quaint community and village one can discover historical facts and catch an intriguing glimpse into the traditional Spanish way of life. The region is associated with both a Christian and Muslim past, which becomes evident when one views the architecture of the area’s various buildings.

The drive traditionally starts at historic Arcos de la Frontera, where many ornate ancient churches can be seen. The route passes through an impressive terrain of huge mountainous rocks, from where it eventually leads down to the magnificent Guadalete River and on to additional villages that pepper the lovely hillsides. For a non-commercial driving route that is unspoiled by tourism, one should hire a car and enjoy the experience of the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos.

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Seven Trips We’re Okay with You Not Taking the Train

1. Eiffel Tower

Paris, the City of Light and the capital and largest city in France is by no means cheap to visit. However, visitors don’t have to make extra money in order to afford to see one of the world’s most iconic structures, the Eiffel Tower. A Eurail pass will give travelers the savings and the flexibility they need to see all of France, including Paris. Even better, the Eiffel Tower is just one of the many wonderful landmarks to see while in Paris.

2. D-Day Beaches

Take the Eurail to Caen, a fun university town that’s home to the Caen Memorial, which provides an excellent overview of what happened before, during, and after D-Day. Caen is also the perfect place to explore the surrounding D-Day beaches.

3. Historic Old Town Lyon

The city of Lyon, with a metropolitan area second only to Paris, has an historic town center that has landed it on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Best of all, the rest of the city is the perfect place to explore on foot or bike, with a variety of charming shops, cafes, and restaurants.

4. Ancient Roman City of Cemenelum

For anyone interested in Roman ruins, Cemenelum is a must-see. Even better, the best way to get to these ruins is to take Eurail to Nice, France’s fifth-largest city on the beautiful Mediterranean. There’s plenty to see and do in this glitzy party city, and the nearby Roman ruins are just an added bonus.

5. City of Marseille

Marseille is a landmark in and of itself. As the oldest city in France, the city was founded by the Greeks back in 600 B.C., and has a variety of historic places of interest.

6. Roman Theatre and Ampitheatre

Arles is well-known as the place where Van Gogh had some of his most productive periods as an artist, but before Van Gogh was charmed by the city’s winding streets and brightly colored houses, the Romans had built a 12,000 seat theatre and a 20,000 seat ampitheatre. This theatre and ampitheatre are very well-preserved, and are a must-see for Roman architecture buffs.

7. City of Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its excellent and well-preserved historic architecture. The city is also home to a large university population and is known for its fantastic restaurants and wines, making it a great place to stop off on a Eurail adventure.

8. Palais des Papes

Located in Avignon, the Palais des Papes is a beautiful medieval fortress and papal palace. The city of Avignon is none too shabby itself. It’s a gorgeous university town with a famous bridge, the Pont d’Avignon.

9. Chateau de Amboise

Amboise is a delightfully charming town best known for its chateau, a former royal castle. After visiting the chateau, the town is a great place to relax and get a taste of small-town France.

10. Rouen Cathedral

The Rouen Cathedral is, not surprisingly, located in the city of Rouen in northern France. The cathedral was built in the 4th century and is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, due to damage and remodeling done over the years. The cathedral is famous for being painted by Claude Monet. Rouen is also where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Today, a field of wildflowers stands in the place where she was martyred.

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10 Landmarks to Checkout in France using Eurail

Eurail offers passes to non-European travelers through 22 countries. One pass validates multiple days of travel, in which you may take as many trains as you want within the country or countries designated on your pass. Many passes use a flexible schedule as well, where travelers do not have to use their travel days consecutively so long as they are used within a designated timeframe, giving Eurail passengers the freedom to plan their trip however they want. Do you want to spend most of your vacation in Zürich, but you would like to take a day trip to Bern as well? The Eurail pass makes it easy with flexibility of use and multiple departure times.

Eurail also makes your trip as affordable as it is easy to plan. Multi-day passes in a single country can start as low as $48 USD for passengers 12-25 years of age, and Eurail offers a variety of options for family passes that provide discounts for groups with children. Eurail also offers a Regional Pass providing travelers with access to two bordering countries, a Select Pass with lines in three to five bordering nations, and a Global Pass that services a staggering 22 European countries. Their 22-nation Global Pass starts at $489 for 15 unlimited days of travel, opening almost all of Europe to foreign visitors for less than the cost of a single transatlantic flight. The Regional Pass features a promotional offer, adding a free extra day of travel to Eurail passengers who book before the 30th of November.

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Eurail Makes European Travel Easy and Exciting

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Popular Eurail Destinations

The fine folks at Rail Europe have yet another deal for you brave winter travelers, this time it’s for France. Winter in Europe is something I always recommend for a few reasons: there are less tourists,things are a little cheaper and the magic of the holidays is something that warms my heart whenever I’m there in December. With this coupon you will get $50 off each online booking over $200 which includes a France Rail Pass, a France Day Pass or a France Rail ‘N Drive.

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$50 Off France Rail Passes With FRANCE50

The ski season is here and I’m pumped to hit the Swiss slopes this year, and even more pumped to tell you of the recent deals thanks to Rail Europe. I am lucky enough to live only a couple hours from North America’s most beautiful ski resort, a couple of mountains you may have heard of called Whistler Blackcomb. While I’ve sampled the best here, I cannot tell you how much you’d love skiing in Switzerland because of the impeccable powder, people and accommodations surrounding just about all the hot spots. So right now, your Swiss Rail Pass over $349 will get you free shipping so you can get your pass in no time at no extra cost.

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Swiss Rail Pass Discounts From Rail Europe

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Afrikaans, Oppad Parys toe vidie rugby op die Eurostar Train

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Eurostar trip 3rd May 1994 Part 3 - Eurotunnel terminal, Calais

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Eurostar high speed train - London to Paris