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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Bruges Christmas Markets by First Class Rail

Four-day Christmas markets escape to medieval Bruges by First Class rail from London

Illustration of Bruges Christmas Markets by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Bruges Christmas Markets by First Class Rail is a 4-day, 3-night tailor-made escape for travellers seeking festive charm without a guide. You depart London St Pancras on Eurostar Standard Premier Class, crossing the Channel with a light meal and drinks before transferring to an InterCity First Class train to Bruges, arriving at a 4-star hotel in the heart of the medieval city. Day 2 opens with a walking tour that orients you to Bruges' Flemish masterpieces, including works by Van Eyck and Memling, and the seasonal Christmas Markets. Day 3 offers your choice: a coach trip to Ypres to visit the Menin Gate and In Flanders Field Museum, or indulgent visits to artisan chocolate-makers and the renowned Belgian brewery museum. On day 4, you retrace your journey by First Class rail, returning to London refreshed. This package suits independent couples and first-time rail travellers who appreciate art, history, and festive European cities without the structure of a guided group.

What to know before you look closer

  • Taxi from Bruges station to the hotel is not included and must be paid locally
  • The itinerary offers optional activities on day 3; confirm which excursion interests you when booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bruges

    London to Bruges

    Your short break begins at iconic St Pancras International, where the Eurostar service speeds you to Brussels in a spacious Standard Premier Class seat with a light meal and drinks. In Brussels change onto the InterCity train to Bruges, then take a taxi (payable locally) for the short journey to your hotel for the next 3 nights, ideally located in the heart of medieval Bruges.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bruges

    Bruges and its Christmas Markets

    Two full days in Bruges. Get your bearings on a walking tour and uncover the fascinating history of this medieval masterpiece, and enjoy the Bruges Christmas Markets at this festive time.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bruges

    Bruges and its Christmas Markets

    Journey further afield to Yprès and the monuments of the First World War, including the Menin Gate and the In Flanders Field Museum, or indulge in Belgium's celebrated chocolate and beer traditions with a visit to an artisan chocolate-maker and the renowned brewery museum.

  4. Day 4rail

    Bruges to London

    Return to Bruges station and travel by InterCity train to Brussels, where you join the Eurostar service back to London, 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 in Standard Premier Class with light meal and drinks, arriving Brussels to connect onward by InterCity First Class to Bruges
  • Day 2Walking tour of medieval Bruges and exploration of the Christmas Markets at this festive time
  • Day 3Choice of a day trip to Ypres and the Menin Gate and In Flanders Field Museum, or visits to Belgian artisan chocolate-makers and the brewery museum
  • Day 4InterCity First Class return journey from Bruges to Brussels, then Eurostar Standard Premier Class back to London St Pancras

Included

  • Eurostar Standard Premier Class between London and Brussels with light meal and drinks
  • First Class rail on the InterCity train between Brussels and Bruges
  • 3 nights at a 4 star hotel in the heart of medieval Bruges (Hotel Aragon, Hotel Dukes' Arches or Grand Hotel Casselbergh)

Not included

  • Taxi from Bruges station to your hotel (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Eurostar Standard Premier Class from London St Pancras to Brussels and InterCity First Class between Brussels and Bruges are included in the package price.
Is this tour escorted?
No. This is a tailor-made, self-guided package. Planet Rail arranges the rail and hotel; you explore independently, though a walking tour is mentioned on day 2.
What hotels are available?
Hotel Aragon, Hotel Dukes' Arches, or Grand Hotel Casselbergh, all 4-star properties in the heart of medieval Bruges for three nights. The first two start from £895 per person; the Casselbergh from £1,035.
How much walking is involved?
A walking tour is included on day 2. Day 3 offers optional day trips by coach or to local museums. Most movement is self-directed through the city.
When does this trip run?
This is a Christmas Markets package, implying seasonal operation. Contact Planet Rail for exact departure dates and availability.

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