We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. Our journey continues by train to Trier via Luxembourg, where we stay for the next four nights at the family-run Hotel Deutscher Hof. We enjoy a welcoming glass of punch on arrival and dinner at the hotel. (D)

Today we depart by rail to Cochem, the Moselle Valley's most visited town. Along with a small Christmas Market, Cochem features a magnificent 1,000-year-old fairytale castle towering above vine-covered hillsides. Cochem's Old Town is a quaint square featuring halftimbered buildings and charming shops. During this time of year, the Market Square is alive with shopkeepers selling everything from glühwein to handmade trinkets. We also enjoy tasting the region's famous wines. (B)

Today you have a day at leisure to explore Trier's Christmas Market - one of the best in Germany. Trier claims to be Germany's oldest town and features stunning Roman architecture. The Porta Nigra, the largest Roman Gate north of the Alps and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, is simply not to be missed. (B)

After a hearty breakfast, we depart by coach for a full day excursion to Bernkastel-Kues, the famous 700- year old wine town straddling the Moselle. Bernkastel features a lovely market square adorned with several fascinating fountains. Bibliophiles should be sure to visit the St Nikolaus hospital library, which houses many ancient books. We visit Bernkastel's Christmas Market and enjoy a second wine tasting before heading back to our hotel for dinner. (B,D)

We leave Trier by train for Brussels via Luxembourg. Here we join the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday