Day 3: Roses Express, Cap de Creus National Park & Falconera
The Roses Express is a charming little road train that starts its journey at the Citadel on the seafront. It climbs into the hills of the Cap de Creus National Park giving us spectacular views. We alight the train in Cala Montjoi, which is the start of our guided walk. Set against a backdrop of hillsides we’ll take the narrow, natural footpath as it follows the contours of the land along the rocky shoreline. When we reach Falconera, the Roses Express will be waiting to take us back to Roses. Dinner is served in the hotel’s restaurant this evening.
Moderate walk – Duration: approx. 2 hours, distance: approx 3 miles. Terrain: narrow, sometimes steep cliff paths with some steps.
Day 4: The Yellow Train of the Pyrenees
Today’s excursion takes us to neighbouring France and the historic walled town of Villefranche. Here we’ll step aboard the Little Yellow Train of the Pyrenees, considered one of the world’s great railway journeys. Opened in 1909, this historic, metre-gauge electric railway is a remarkable feat of civil engineering. Enjoy spectacular views of the rocky mountainous scenery as the train winds upwards passing through dozens of short tunnels, and over bridges and small viaducts. We alight in Mont Louis and return to Roses by coach where dinner served at our hotel.
Day 5: Núria Valley Railway & the Sanctuary of Núria Walk
Spain’s Núria Valley Rack Railway is the only means of transport into this breathtaking valley of alpine meadows surrounded by stunning mountain peaks soaring to over three thousand metres. Sit back and watch the spellbinding scenery unfold as the rack railway climbs more than a thousand metres in just twelve and half kilometres to Vall de Núria station. Join our local guide as we learn more about this remote region and enjoy a tasting of some of the local produce. We’ll embark on a leisurely walk seeing the rich and diverse flora and fauna. Our guide will tell us a little on the history of the Sanctuary of Núria before continuing our walk around the lake.
Easy walk – Duration: approx. 2.5 hours, distance: approx. 1.5 miles. Terrain: Natural paths, some steps and hills.
Day 6: The Red Train of the Pyrenees & the Refugee’s Trail
Today we step aboard the Train du pays Cathere et du Fenouillèdes for a journey on the 100-year old railway line running between the French village of Rivesaltes and the pretty town of Axat. Enjoy the stunning landscape as the train, affectionately called the ‘Little Red Train’, takes us through beautiful scenery until we’re high in the Aude Valley. Enjoy time at leisure before this afternoon’s guided walk. From Coll de Lli we walk the Refugee’s Trail, which follows one of the paths of exile taken by hundreds of thousands who, along with leaders of Catalonia’s Government, headed for the safety of the French border when Barcelona fell to Franco’s troops. We return by coach to Roses for dinner at our hotel.
Easy walk – Duration: approx. 2 hours, distance: approx 1.2 miles. Terrain: natural paths, some steps & hills.
Day 7: Roses
Enjoy a final day at leisure to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of Roses. This evening dinner is served at our hotel.
Day 8: Roses – London
We leave the Spanish coast behind and retrace our route to Paris where we take the Eurostar for the return to London.
Due to our late arrival in Roses on day one, lunch and dinner will be included on day two.