The Catalan Coast

London to Roses

You meet your group and Tour Manager at Rail Discoveries' dedicated Departure Office at St Pancras International today, before boarding the Eurostar for Paris. In the French capital, change trains and continue on the high speed TGV, enjoying views of the French countryside as you make your way directly to Figueres in Spain. At Figueres, board a coach for the short journey to Roses, set within the beautiful bay of the same name, on a rugged stretch of the Costa Brava.

Roses is an authentic Spanish fishing port which has retained its original charm and style. A fine sandy beach sweeps around the Bay of Roses, set against a backdrop of the wild Cap de Creus National Park. After checking into the hotel, enjoy dinner, after which you may like to take an evening stroll along the promenade.

Roses at leisure

You have a free day to relax and explore Roses today. Roses is an authentic Spanish fishing port which has retained its original charm and style. A sandy beach sweeps around the Bay of Roses, set against a backdrop of the wild Cap de Creus National Park.

Coastal cruise to Cadaqués

Today enjoy a cruise to Cadaqués. As a protected National Park, the headland remains a beautiful stretch of untouched, untamed coast between Roses and the pretty fishing village of Cadaqués. You have free time to explore Cadaqués and its charming white-washed houses - the inspiration for much of the work of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. You could also visit the Church of St Maria to see its ornate interior.

Barcelona and at leisure in Roses

This morning, travel by coach to the magnificent city of Barcelona. The Catalan capital is filled with unique and intriguing architecture, and is a stylish city bursting with life and culture. A guided tour shows you the main sights, including the unfinished Sagrada Familia. This stunning Antonio Gaudí masterpiece has a predicted completion date of 2026 (the centenary of Gaudí's death) but has already earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Its soaring, mosaic-tiled towers bring a modern feel to a traditionally Christian iconography, yet maintains significant religious symbolism; inside, the light from its stained-glass windows flood the stonework with bright colours, representing, in Gaudí's eyes, the beauty of life and faith.

Afterwards, you are free to explore. Perhaps visit the remarkable Picasso Museum in the 'Barri Gotic' - the Gothic Quarter - or take a stroll along Las Ramblas, the beating heart of the city filled with street performers and lined with pavement cafés, bars, and stalls selling all manner of curiosities.

Day 5 is another free day in Roses. In the town itself, you could visit the mighty Castell de la Trinitat at the head of the bay. You could also ride the 'Roses Express' road train along the bay and up into the hills overlooking the Mediterranean.

If you wish, take the bus and visit the medieval city of Girona. This compact city is filled with fascinating buildings and architecture, particularly in the Old Town where a thousand years of history are packed into just a few streets. Modern day Girona offers museums, stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and a wealth of delicious restaurants.

Girona also boasts Catalonia's largest and best-preserved 'Cali', or medieval Jewish quarter. You could also visit the Museu d'História dels Jueus de Girona, which explores the rich history of Catalonia's Jewish community. Alternatively, Girona's beautiful cathedral is well worth a visit. Boasting a Baroque façade and 12th-century Romanesque cloister, its main feature is its large Gothic nave, one of the widest in the world.

Figueres, Dalí and Besalú

This morning, travel by coach to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. Visit the fascinating Salvador Dalí Foundation, a large museum designed by the artist himself. You then have time to continue exploring Figueres at leisure, perhaps discovering the pentagonal Sant Ferran Castle and the Gothic Church of St Peter. You could also visit Salvador Dalí's birth house on Monturiol Street, and see where the famous artist grew up. Figueres has its own Las Ramblas, filled with local shops and restaurants.

Afterwards, continue to the historic town of Besalú, dominated by a magnificent 11th-century fortified bridge built in Romanesque style across the River Fluvia. Perhaps visit the remains of the monastery of Sant Pere. Belonging to the Benedictine order, it was founded in 977, and was built in Basilica style. There are several other churches and synagogues for you to explore, or you may want to hop on the tourist train for a scenic tour of Besalú.

Return to London

After breakfast, leave Rosas by coach for Figueres and board the high-speed TGV directly to Paris. Cross the French capital by coach, then connect with the Eurostar for London St Pancras.

Please note

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

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.