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Roses, Cadaqués & the Catalan Coast

 
4.4 stars(152 reviews)
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Duration
9 days
From per person
£2,199 £1,999
Tour code
FCS26
Mobility Rating 2
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Uncover the hidden gems, coastal charm and appetising flavours of one of Spain's most beautiful regions from the bay of Roses

Based in the attractive coastal town of Roses, explore the rugged Costa Brava and experience the region's cultural and gastronomic highlights. Cruise around the picturesque Cap de Creus peninsula to the fishing village of Cadaqués, savouring local flavours with lunch at a vineyard.

Explore Barcelona, which showcases the fantastic architecture of Antoni Gaudí, including viewing the exterior of La Sagrada Família. Visit the ancient town of Besalú and uncover the surreal world of artist Salvador Dalí on a visit to his museum in Figueres. Finally, journey aboard the Little Red Train into France's Pyrenean foothills.

Unforgettable experiences

Cruising around the coast to Cadaqués
Cruising around the coast to Cadaqués
Take a boat ride around the Cap de Creus peninsula to the coastal village of Cadaqués, a light-filled location that has inspired artists including Salvador Dalí.
Riding the Little Red Train through the French Pyrenees
Riding the Little Red Train through the French Pyrenees
Passing châteaux, sloping vineyards and dense forests, this 100-year-old heritage railway takes us on a journey to the Pyrenean foothills, with the option of enjoying the landscapes from open-air carriages in summer.
Uncovering Gaudí’s unique architecture in Barcelona
Uncovering Gaudí’s unique architecture in Barcelona
See the extraordinary buildings of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, including the exterior of La Sagrada Família, and walk along the vibrant street Las Ramblas on a tour of the Catalan capital.
Discovering Figueres and the Salvador Dalí Museum
Discovering Figueres and the Salvador Dalí Museum
The classic Catalan town of Figueres contains the world’s largest surrealist object – the Dalí museum that hosts the largest collection of artworks by the town’s most revered son.
Visiting the ancient town of Besalú
Visiting the ancient town of Besalú
Spend time exploring the narrow stone streets and historic architecture of Besalú, a beautifully preserved example of a medieval town, reached through a gatehouse set on an arched stone bridge.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1From London to the Catalan coast

We meet at London St Pancras International and board the Eurostar to Paris in Plus class with a light meal at our seats. In the French capital, we take our seats in First Class for a journey through the heart of France to the Spanish town of Figueres. Here, we transfer by coach to our hotel which overlooks Canyelles Petites beach in the town of Roses.

Located in the north-eastern area of the Costa Brava, a wild and rocky stretch of the Spanish coastline, we are not far from the centre of Roses, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds - the peace and quiet of our secluded location and the town's attractions when you choose. On arrival this evening, we sit down to a three-course dinner.

Includes
  • Eurostar Light Meal
  • Dinner
DAY2Discovering Roses

Enjoy a free day to relax by the pool or bask in the laid-back atmosphere of the white-sand Canyelles Petites beach opposite our hotel. Alternatively, you could visit the centre of Roses.

Set within the beautiful Bay of Roses, the town is an authentic fishing port with typical Catalan charm and style - white-washed buildings contrasting with azure blue sea and sky. In the centre of Roses is the church of Santa María and an ornate Modernist house, Casa Mallol, while the bay has several blue flag beaches with a backdrop of distant Pyrenean peaks.

You may prefer to take a walk out of the bay to discover rocky coves and shingle beaches only accessible on foot or by boat. There is a good choice of restaurants where you could have lunch, the best of which are found along the coast. Some have terraces so you could sample freshly caught fish or tapas with a view.

This evening, dinner is served at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3Ancient Besalú, Figueres and the Dalí Museum

This morning, we visit the medieval town of Besalú, at the foot of the volcanic Garrotxa Natural Park. Once the capital of an independent state, its cobbled streets and sand-coloured buildings still burst with history. Accessed by a 12th-century bridge, we enter a labyrinth of ancient buildings, pretty squares and cobblestone alleys. We have a morning to explore independently before boarding a coach to Figueres.

In Figueres, we discover the largest surrealistic object in the world - the Dalí Theatre-Museum. This joyous pink and gold building contains the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's works in the world, along with pieces by El Greco and Marcel Duchamp. Dalí was born in Figueres in 1904 and by the late 1920s was one of the best-known figures of the Surrealism movement.

After visiting the museum, there is time to wander around Figueres, a classic Catalan town with an impressive 11th-century church. The sheltered lanes of the town centre offer cafés, tapas bars and gelaterias, which open onto picturesque squares. We return to Roses in the early evening, in time for tonight's dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4Cruising around the Cap de Creus to Cadaqués

This morning, we board a boat for a cruise along a beautiful stretch of the Cap de Creus National Park. This arid peninsula of towering cliffs has attractive bays accessible only by boat.

We disembark in Cadaqués, set in a cobalt blue bay, where you have time to look around. A fishing village of white-washed houses that inspired much of Salvador Dalí's work, you could visit the famous painter's former house and studio, once a bohemian retreat for other artists. Picasso was inspired by the incredible light and colour on display in Cadaqués. This picture-perfect town has drawn visitors to its narrow streets and shining seafront for decades.

Afterwards, we sail back to Roses where your afternoon is free to relax or head out for lunch. You may like to take a walk along the coastal path to Platja de l'Almadrava in the neighbouring bay, before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5Barcelona and its unique architecture

Today, we travel by coach to Barcelona for a guided tour of the Catalan capital. We view the exterior of the spectacular Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Gaudí's work is synonymous with Barcelona, and this cathedral combines his signature style with Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. You could return to see the inside on your free time later in the afternoon (advance booking recommended).

On the Passeig de Gràcia, we see the colourful Casa Milà and the fantastical Casa Batlló. We continue to bustling Las Ramblas, a tree-lined boulevard that runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront. Here, on the city's most famous street, we can look out for a colourful mosaic by local artist Joan Miró and the vibrant La Boqueria market.

The afternoon is free to explore independently, and you may wish to indulge in some local cuisine. You could walk through the Gothic quarter to the paved Plaça Reial with its towering palm trees, or visit the Picasso Museum which houses some of the artist's finest work. You may like to take a stroll on the Rambla de Mar walkway beside the beach. In the early evening, we return to Roses for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY6A day to explore Roses at leisure

Today is free for you to look around at your own pace. You could ride the 'Roses Express' road train along the seafront, up into the hills overlooking the Mediterranean, or visit the mighty Castell de la Trinitat at the head of the bay.

History abounds in Roses and at the other end of the town is the Ciutadella de Roses, the site of a fortress used by Greeks, Romans and Visigoths.

If you'd like to explore further, the medieval city of Girona is just a short journey away by local bus. Girona's well-preserved medieval streets are a treasure trove of winding alleys, colourful buildings and diverse galleries and museums. The Gothic cathedral is well worth seeing and boasts the second-widest nave in the world - only St Peter's Basilica in Rome is larger. Tonight, dinner is served at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY7The Little Red Train into the French Pyrenees

Today we transfer by coach to Rivesaltes near Perpignan, France, where we board the fantastic Little Red Train. Known officially as the Train du Pays Cathare et des Fenouillèdes (TPCF), the line was constructed more than 100 years ago to connect Rivesaltes and Carcassonne.

Nowadays, tourists travel in red carriages into the dense green of the majestic Pyrenees on the remaining section of the railway, between Rivesaltes to the small town of Axat. This scenic trip takes us past vineyards, while verdant forests and rocky outcrops become more prevalent as the route climbs higher. Look out for historic Cathar fortresses, built into the mountaintops.

Between June and September, there is the option to sit in 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 as it winds its way over hills and valleys.

You are free to look around and find lunch in the rural valley town of Axat before we begin our return journey by coach. Back at our hotel, there is time to unwind before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8A vineyard brunch and a beachfront dinner

We embrace Catalan flavours today as we travel into the countryside by coach for a visit to a vineyard in the Empordà wine region. Our hosts are highly regarded for their produce which, in addition to wine, also includes olives. We enjoy a brunch of cold meats and local cheese served with wine produced on the estate. We then learn more about the wine-making process during a walk through the vineyards and olive trees, before visiting the winery.

On returning to Roses, the afternoon is free to spend some time in the charming town or relaxing by the pool. This evening, we take a short walk to a family-run seafront restaurant for tonight's dinner and the final evening in Roses. Located right on the beach, we enjoy a selection of local specialities while looking out to the sea as the sun sets on the white-washed buildings that cluster beside the bay.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
DAY9Homeward bound

This morning, we say 'adíos' to Roses as a coach takes us across the French border to Perpignan where we connect to Paris. Our route takes us through the Occitan region of France.

Our Catalonian holiday has taken us from the glistening coast around Roses to the foothills of the Pyrenees; we've also seen the playful and thought-provoking art of Salvador Dalí and Antoni Gaudí - a real feast for the senses.

As our train reaches the Rhône, we dash through the heart of France to its capital. In Paris, we board the Eurostar in Plus class with a light meal at our seats on the way back to London St Pancras International, where we can say our goodbyes before heading home.

Includes
  • Breakfast
  • Eurostar Light Meal

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

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 Canyelles Platja, Roses
Hotel Canyelles Platja, Roses
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Trains

More information about the different trains used on this tour.

Eurostar

The high-speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris and Lille in France as well as Brussels in Belgium.

TGV

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

Enhance your holiday

London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

Read more

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

Read more

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets
Door to door luggage service

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £199 per bag.

Read more

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag as your luggage will be delivered direct to your first destination hotel. The luggage service is not available where you are flying to or from your destination and you will need to take your own luggage with you on the flight.

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 152 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (83)
  2. 4 stars
    (59)
  3. 3 stars
    (6)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (4)

Stuart

5 stars

Submitted 4/Oct

Excellent tours and tour manager. ROSES Platja hotel was very good, particularly the buffet dinners with plenty of choice. Good location too. By contrast CANYELLES Platja hotel was poorer mealwise with the restricted a-la -carte dinners and full breakfast service not available at times until 30 minutes after the opening time.

Collected by Trustpilot

Peter Lunt

5 stars

Submitted 30/Sep

Hotel place and staff very good.

Collected by Trustpilot

C Dean

5 stars

Submitted 26/Sep

A very enjoyable and varied holiday; excellent Eurostar and TGV train journeys and all carefully looked after by Lorraine our tour manager.

Collected by Trustpilot

Steve Hipperson

5 stars

Submitted 25/Sep

Roses is a lovely resort, nice and quite although busy, the promenade and beach to the west is Travelling to Roses is very straight forward although a long day.very lively although to the east there is not a lot to do, the beach at Canyelles is very nice too,

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John Nix

5 stars

Submitted 25/Sep

This was our third consecutive annual holiday with Great Rail Journeys and we are already planning the next one. The Tour Manager (Lorraine) was excellent as were all the organised excursions, the variety of which were brilliant. The day trip coaches where reliable and arrived on the dot so there was never any waiting around. The drivers, without exception, were brilliant! I highly recommend this holiday for its variety and excellent Hotel Canyelles Platja.

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John Kaye

5 stars

Submitted 25/Sep

It was a great holiday, beautiful hotel, excellent food and service. The balance of trips with free time worked well all managed to perfection by Lorraine the tour manager

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