Colours & Coasts of the Pyrenees 2012 

We depart St Pancras International on the Eurostar service to Paris in Standard Premier Class, with a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board. After crossing Paris by coach we board the high-speed TGV service, travelling in First Class to Perpignan. Here we are met by a private coach for the final leg of today's journey to our base for the next three nights, the Mercure Centre Perpignan, ideally located on the Promenade Des Palmiers in the city centre. This evening we dine together in a local restaurant. (E,D)

This morning we set out on foot for a guided tour of the historical centre of Perpignan, taking in the cathedral and narrow lanes of the Saint-Jean quarter. Although a French town, Perpignan is the third largest city in Catalonia and has a distinct Catalan flavour, evident in its grand architecture and delicious local cuisine. The familiar red and yellow Catalan flag hangs outside many buildings, including the Castillet, a red-brick tower which was once a prison and is now a museum of all things Catalan, including traditional costumes and bagpipes. We continue by coach on an excursion to the delightful coastal town of Collioure. This picturesque seaside resort was a cultural hub favoured by the early 20th century Fauvist painters. Several trails lead past the places where artists such as Matisse and Derain painted many of their most famous works. After a pleasant afternoon here, we return to Perpignan. (B,D)

Today we take a scenic journey by narrow-gauge railway. First we travel by coach to Villefranche and join Le Petit Train Jaune for its wonderful panoramic journey through the steep Catalan Pyrenees. The train, lovingly referred to as the 'yellow canary' takes us on a journey up the slopes of the Têt Valley, clinging to narrow ledges and spanning torrents as we pass charming towns and villages on the route of this unique heritage railway. Upon arrival in Font Romeu, we continue by coach to Mont Louis, the highest fortified town in France and one of its finest examples of 17th century military architecture. We have lunch in a local restaurant, enjoying some traditional specialities, before we make our way back to Perpignan by coach, pausing along the way to explore some of the pretty mountain towns which we saw from our window on board Le Petit Train Jaune. (B,L)

We leave Perpignan by train for Toulouse (Standard Class), named the 'Ville Rose' because of its distinctive pink brick buildings. On arrival in Toulouse we check into the 5-star Crowne Plaza Hotel Toulouse for two nights. The hotel is set in an excellent location in the heart of the city on the vast, open central square, the place du Capitole, one of France's finest squares. We take a guided walking tour of the medieval city, taking us along the winding, narrow streets of the elegant Old Town, seeing the Basilica St-Sernin, an 11th century building regarded as the greatest Romanesque church in France, as well as other historic churches and buildings. We dine together in a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

A day at leisure in vibrant Toulouse gives you an unlimited choice of things to do. Toulouse offers some impressive art galleries, from the 19th century paintings in the Capitole building to the modern art of Les Abattoirs across the Pont d'Assézat, a fascinating old mansion. Alternatively, take a walk along the Garonne River or the Canal du Midi. (B)

A morning train journey (Standard Class) takes us from Toulouse to Bayonne. From here we continue with a short coach journey to Biarritz, where we arrive early afternoon for a two-night stay at the stylish Mercure Biarritz Centre Plaza. Your afternoon is free to explore this Victorian resort which boasts 6km of beaches and a wonderful sweeping promenade. Biarritz has been an incredibly popular destination for over a century. Former regulars include Napoleon III and Empress Eugenia, Queen Victoria, Frank Sinatra and Ernest Hemingway. You could spend your free time exploring the town and the old port, or alternatively by finding a spot overlooking the water, enjoying a drink and watching the world go by in a café. Other interesting sights include several museums, an aquarium, some fine Churches, a lighthouse and the famous casino. This evening we dine together at a local restaurant, overlooking the ocean. (B,D)

Today's highlight is the journey by classic rack-and-pinion mountain railway to the summit of La Rhune, which at nearly 3,000 feet (914m) offers a magnificent panorama over the Bay of Biscay and the Basque Pyrenees. The train's wooden carriages are period, lovingly restored by specialist craftsmen. At the bottom station there is a small museum where we can gain insight into the unique history of the line and the restoration of the train itself. Upon completion of our journey, we visit the coastal village of St Jean de Luz, pausing for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we return to Biarritz for a last chance to explore our beautiful surroundings. (B,L)

We transfer to Biarritz station by coach this morning to join the high-speed TGV service to Paris, travelling in First Class. After crossing the city by coach we join the Eurostar to St Pancras International. We make our final journey in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board before our arrival in London. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Where shown, meals are included in the price of your holiday