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Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees

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The sparkling coast of Catalonia and shimmering peaks of the Pyrenees

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
8 days From £949 £849 per person
Operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries
Last-Minute Savings

Various savings on last minute getaways, for selected bookings made within 110 days of departure date.

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2023 Tour code: 23FRS

About the tour

Experience the sparkling coast of Catalonia and the shimmering peaks of the Pyrenees as you take in the stunning natural scenery of both France and Spain, on this enchanting holiday.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - London & Roses

Meet your group at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Paris, continuing to Figueres. Transfer to your hotel and home for the next seven nights, charming Roses, set within the beautiful bay of the same name on a rugged stretch of the Costa Brava.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Roses

Today you're free to explore the lovely coastal town of Roses, between the Mediterranean sea and the mountains. Once a Greek colony, the town has a fascinating history, with monuments from the Roman, medieval and even neolithic periods. You might walk up to La Ciutadella, a Renaissance-style fortress or stroll along the coast to the Trinitat Castle and lighthouse at Poncella Point. In the town centre is the church of Santa María and a Modernist house, Casa Mallol. There are several blue flag beaches and beautiful clear swimming coves in the Bay of Roses. The best restaurants and bars are along the coast, some with terraces, so you could enjoy lunch with a panoramic view.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Little Red Train

Journey on the fantastic Little Red Train today, travelling in cheery red carriages which stand out against the dense green of the majestic Pyrenees. You enjoy a scenic trip from Rivesaltes to the small town of Axat. Maybe head to the open-air carriages to fully immerse yourself in the passing scenery; breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak up the views on this charming railway. In Axat, after this exhilarating journey, join a coach back to Roses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Girona

We travel by coach to Girona, on arrival you are free to explore Girona. A well-preserved example of a Spanish medieval town, Girona is an eccentric maze of winding alleys, colourful buildings and diverse galleries and museums. Perhaps visit the Jewish Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow streets, packed with ancient synagogues and cafés, as well as the city's cathedral, which was used as a mosque by Moorish rulers before being re-purposed as a church. While you're here, maybe try some classic Spanish dishes and authentic tapas, including a Catalonian speciality called 'pa amb tomàquet' - crispy bread topped with tomato and drizzled with olive oil and salt.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Núria Valley Rack Railway

Today features a journey on the Núria Valley Rack Railway which takes you into the Núria Valley itself. Twinned with the Jungfrau Express in Switzerland, this rack railway offers spectacular views of the steep slopes and mountains. The Núria Valley Rack Railway is the only way to access this remote valley, and its car-free status makes it an oasis of calm, with charming sailing boats bobbing on the lake against a magical backdrop. This isolated destination offers the perfect opportunity to admire the impressive natural beauty of the Pyrenees.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Roses

Today you have another chance to explore beautiful Roses, an authentic Spanish fishing port. You could head to one of the sandy beaches on the Bay of Roses, set against a backdrop of the wild Cap de Creus National Park for a day of relaxation. Or, perhaps find a quiet café on the promenade or in one of the town's squares, where you could soak up the atmosphere with a coffee or a cool glass of wine.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Figueres

Today takes you to Figueres, a classic Catalonian town with an impressive 11th-century church. Here you visit the eccentric Salvador Dalí Foundation. Perhaps the best-known figure within the surrealist movement, Dalí was born in Figueres at the beginning of the 20th century. An iconic painter and sculptor, his most famous work, the 'Persistence of Memory', depicts melting clocks with a background inspired by the coastline near Figueres. The foundation displays much of his work and that of contemporary artists from around the world. Later, visit the historic town of Besalú, with its striking 11th-century bridge, cobblestoned lanes, winding staircases and pretty churches.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Roses & London

Leaving Roses, you travel by rail to Paris where you join the direct Eurostar to London St Pancras.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Hotel Mediterraneo Park

Hotel Mediterraneo Park, Roses

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Trains

Eurostar
Nuria Valley Rack Railway
The Red Train

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