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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Barcelona Christmas Markets by First Class rail on daytime trains

Four-day First Class rail journey from London to Barcelona Christmas markets

Illustration of Barcelona Christmas Markets by First Class rail on daytime trains

Planet Rail's Barcelona Christmas Markets package combines four days of First Class daytime rail travel with three nights in Barcelona's central Hotel Roger de Llúria. You depart London St Pancras aboard a Eurostar train at speeds up to 186 mph, cross Paris by taxi transfer, and then travel direct on a TGV to Barcelona, arriving in time for dinner. Days two and three are yours to explore the city independently: the itinerary highlights the Fira de Santa Llúcia, a Christmas fair running since 1786 with over 300 stalls selling handcrafted decorations, gifts, and the traditional Catalan caganer figure, as well as the life-size Nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume near the Cathedral. Day four is the return journey by the same route. This package suits repeat rail travellers and couples seeking a short, unescorted getaway timed for the December festive season.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent, unescorted package; no tour guide accompanies you in Barcelona.
  • The itinerary focuses entirely on Barcelona; no other Spanish destinations are included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Barcelona

    London to Barcelona by First Class rail on daytime trains

    From the stunningly restored St. Pancras International station travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph, with a light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class. On arrival at the Gare du Nord your taxi transfer takes you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue by direct TGV through France into Spain, arriving in Barcelona in time for dinner or tapas. Settle into the comfortable, traditionally-styled and highly-rated Roger de Lluria Hotel (4 star), ideally located in the centre of the city, for 3 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona & its Christmas Markets

    After breakfast explore this magical city and visit the most famous of its Christmas Markets. The Fira de Santa Llúcia dates from 1786, a traditional Christmas fair of more than 300 stalls selling handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts, along with mistletoe, poinsettias and Christmas trees. Look out for the curious Catalan figure of the caganer and the caga tió, a log with a friendly face that is an important part of Catalan Christmases.

  3. Day 3overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona & its Christmas Markets

    Wander the 'Artesania' section of the market with stalls selling hand-made and artisan products such as jewellery, toys, leather goods and ornaments. There is a Nativity scene contest, musical parades and exhibitions, including the popular life-size Nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume. The market feels particularly Christmassy in the evening, when its lights glisten against the backdrop of the impressive Cathedral.

  4. Day 4rail

    Barcelona to London - Homeward bound

    After breakfast make your way to Barcelona Sants station for your First Class journey to London. Travel north on the superfast TGV to Paris, where your private transfer takes you across the city to the Gare du Nord. Join the Eurostar service home, relaxing with a light meal and drinks before arrival into London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras at 186 mph, then direct TGV carries you through France into Spain, arriving in Barcelona for dinner.
  • Day 2The Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market displays over 300 stalls of handcrafted decorations, gifts, and the traditional Catalan caganer and caga tió figures.
  • Day 3Browse the Artesania section for jewellery, toys, and leather goods; visit the life-size Nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume as market lights gleam against the Cathedral.

Included

  • First Class Rail travel throughout your journey
  • 4 star accommodation throughout your holiday (3 nights, Roger de Lluria Hotel, Barcelona)
  • Taxi transfers across Paris between Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. First Class rail is included throughout: Eurostar from London to Paris in Standard Premier, then TGV Paris-Barcelona direct in First Class, with the return journey the same route.
Is this trip escorted?
No. Planet Rail offers this as a tailor-made, independent package. You receive taxi transfers between Paris stations and hotel accommodation, but no tour guide accompanies you in Barcelona.
What is included in the price?
First Class rail travel, three nights at the 4-star Hotel Roger de Llúria in central Barcelona, and taxi transfers across Paris between Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon.
Which Christmas market does the itinerary feature?
The Fira de Santa Llúcia, a traditional fair running since 1786 with over 300 stalls selling handcrafted decorations, gifts, trees, and seasonal items. The itinerary also mentions the Nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking to explore Barcelona and visit the Christmas markets. The itinerary does not specify distances, so confirm details with Planet Rail before booking.

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