Experience Catalonia's sparkling coast and shimmering peaks of the Pyrenees
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On this contrasting tour, experience both the sparkling coast of Catalonia and the shimmering peaks of the Pyrenees as you spend time in iconic France and eclectic Spain.
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.
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.
Today, cross into France and continue into the French Pyrenees. Enjoy an excursion to the historic walled city of Villefranche-de-Conflent. Sat under the gaze of the Pyrenees, this is a beautiful medieval town with much to discover along its narrow streets. Enjoy a little free time here before boarding the cheerful Little Yellow Train to Font Romeu.
Climbing through the Pyrenees, this train treks over ravines, through mountains, and across viaducts, providing an excellent opportunity to truly absorb the beauty of the Franco- Hispanic mountain range. Green pine forests line the tracks, and the rising hills give way to a 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Enhancing your tour
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Please note: This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
of travellers would recommend this tour
Tour Rating
based on 26 verified reviews
Problems with hotel at start of holiday
The holiday was exceptionally good. The places we visited were all very interesting and despite a few problems which were not Rail Discoveries fault everything went like clockwork.
Very good trips and time to do some things independently. Disappointed not to be able to go on the little yellowc train. Aldo there were no evening activities and because of the large number of your groups the dining experience was rathet chaotic.
Excellent holiday with an excellent courier. A good hotel right on the beach with good food: good choices. All the trips were well organised although long journeys some days.
Everything as described in the brochure but so much more as well. Excellent planning, right balance of tours and free time to wander, good hotel right on the beach and wide selection of food.
Interesting itinerary, efficient tour manager, superb hotel
Suffered sickness onholiday and some long journeys by coach.
I felt comfortable as soon as I got on the train. I was on my own. It was well organised and any changes were soon dealt with
Fabulous hotel ,very well planned itinerary, every thing was done for us.
This was an excellent and well organised holiday with good experiences throughout
Experience Catalonia's sparkling coast and shimmering peaks of the Pyrenees
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