Four new tours specifically designed for single travellers – including a Christmas market itinerary, two festive breaks and a snowy Swiss option – have been introduced for winter 2009 by Great Rail Journeys.

As well as being fully escorted by a Tour Manager, additional features of these holidays include sole occupancy of a personal own room, sociable meal arrangements and a full programme of excursions together as a group.

The five-day Rhineland Christmas Markets break, for example, takes in three of the region’s cities – Mannheim, Heidelberg and Speyer – together with their respective festive markets featuring a range of Christmas gifts and decorations, food – such as Bratwurst, roast chestnuts and gingerbread – plus mulled wine.

Available with departures on December 3rd, 10th and 14th, the cost is £795 per person including return First Class rail travel from St Pancras International, four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the Maritim Parkhotel in Mannheim, three dinners and all excursions as per the itinerary.

Alternatively, the nine-day Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter holiday takes in Switzerland’s alpine scenery with highlights including journeys on the GoldenPass Line, the Bernese Oberland and the Jungfrau Railways (reaching Europe’s highest railway station), a cable car ride to the summit of the Schilthorn and a sleigh ride through snowy forests.

Available with departures between January and April 2010, the cost is £1,598 per person inclusive of return First Class rail travel from St Pancras International, transfers, eight nights’ hotel – including six at the five-star Hotel Beau Rivage in Interlaken – some meals, Swiss Half Fare Card and all excursions as per the itinerary.

There are also Christmas and New Year departures on a similar nine-day itinerary to Switzerland and a six-day Festive Rüdesheim & the Rhine holiday.

Head over to Great Rail Journeys for more information.

Chris O’Toole