Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees

To Roses

Meet your Tour Manager today at London St Pancras International where you catch the Eurostar service from London to Paris, continuing on from here to Figueres. From here, you transfer to your home for seven nights, the charming town of Roses.

Girona

Visit fabulous Girona today, a city of storybook history and medieval might, full of eccentric museums and capped by an impressive Gothic-style cathedral.

You are at leisure here. Well worth a visit is the Jewish Quarter of the city, a labyrinth of narrow streets packed with fascinating religious buildings, ancient synagogues and cafés hidden away on mysterious street corners. While in this district, it is a good idea to check out the Jewish Museum which details the lives and cultural influence of the Spanish Jewish community across the entire nation.

Alternatively, you may wish to take the opportunity to try some of the classic Spanish dishes in any of the cafés or restaurants which ply their delicious trade here.

The Yellow Train of the Pyrenees

Today sees you cross from Spain into France and into the French Pyrenees. You begin your excursion with a visit to the historic walled city of Thuir. Sat under the gaze of an old castle in the midst of the Pyrenees, this is a superb walled town, with much to discover all along the narrow streets. Enjoy time here before travelling to Villefranche, where you board the magnificent Little Yellow Train to Fort Romeu.

Climbing through the ancient Pyrenees, this train treks over ravines, through mountains and across viaducts in bright yellow carriages. This journey provides an excellent opportunity to truly take in the stunning beauty of this Franco-Hispanic mountain range. Green pine forests line the tracks and the rising hills give way to a marvellous landscape of craggy peaks and crisp cyan lakes.

On some late season departures, the Yellow Train may not operate due to engineering works. On these departures, you enjoy an excursion on the captivating Montserrat Railway, which climbs to the breathtaking clifftop monastery of Montserrat.

The Núria Valley Rack Railway

After a day at leisure, Day 5 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 marvellous rack railway allows spectacular views of the steep slopes and the superb mountainscapes. The Núria Valley Rack Railway is the only way to access this remote valley and the lack of car traffic makes this the perfect oasis of calm with only sailing boats bobbing gently on the lake to distract from the almost magical surroundings. This isolated destination offers the perfect opportunity to admire the impressive natural beauty of the Pyrenees.

At leisure in Roses

Today is all yours to make the most of the spectacular views, pretty towns and glorious beaches that make this corner of Spain a delight to explore. Perhaps wander in to Roses and sample some classic Spanish food in a restaurant in one of the squares.

Alternatively, head to the beach and take a break, settling down on the white sand against a horizon of ocean blue

Figueres, Dalí & Besalu

Your excursion today takes you to the town of Figueres. Found in the province of Girona, Figueres is in many ways a classic Catalonian town and boasts an impressive 11th century church dedicated to St Peter.

Here, you pay a visit to the eccentric Salvador Dalí Foundation, a museum exhibiting many of the works of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. This iconic painter and sculptor was perhaps the best-known figure within the surrealist movement, and his works encompass paintings, film and writing. Dalí was born in Figueres at the beginning of the 20th century, and from this small seaside town, he spearheaded the surrealist movement alongside other notable artists including filmmaker Luis Buñuel and visual artist Man Ray. Dalí's most famous work is the Persistance of Memory painting, depicting a series of melting clocks, with a background inspired by the coastline near Figueres.

The foundation displays much of his work as well as that of contemporary artists from across the world, on a rotating exhibition basis. Afterwards you visit the historic town of Besalu, a grand old town dominated by a magnificent 11th century fortified bridge.

Return Home

Leaving Roses today, travel by rail to Paris. After crossing the French Capital, you then return to London on the Eurostar. Upon arrival here, your Spanish and Catalonian adventure comes to an end.

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.