Little Trains of the Pyrenees
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Holiday Highlights
Travel with Travel Department to experience the Spanish and French sides of The Pyrenees on this incredible 7-night guided holiday. Each of our train journeys will offer a different and extraordinary experience of The Pyrenees. We’ll take the Little Yellow Train and travel from the historical town of Villefranche to Mont Louis. On the Núria Valley Rack Railway, we will climb 1000m and be rewarded with stunning views of the mountains. On the Red Train of the Pyrenees, we’ll pass through vineyards and castles on a 100 year old railway line. We’ll also enjoy a day trip to Figueres, the birthplace of the surrealist artist Salvador Dali and home to the Dali Museum. In addition to sightseeing through this historic region, this holiday also includes plenty of leisure time to relax in the stunning seaside town of Roses on the Costa Brava.
What's Included
Return flights
7 nights 4* Half Board
Fully escorted
^ Please note this From price was correct at todays date 14/04/22 and is subject to change. We reserve the right to change our product's prices at any time.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 8
Day 1: Today depart for Barcelona, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Roses, a seaside town on the Spanish coast close to the French-Spanish border. Upon arrival at the hotel, meet your fellow travellers for a welcome drink and meeting where your guide will provide lots of tips and information to help get a great holiday under way. This evening enjoy your first meal at your hotel.
Day 2. Morning: Enjoy this morning at leisure in Roses. Relax and enjoy your surroundings, we recommend to take a walk by the beach, or just relax by the pool with a coffee. The choice is yours! Afternoon: Today all board the Roses Express! Take a ride on this tractor pulled tourist train around the marvellous scenery of the Cap de Creus Nature Park where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. Enjoy the panoramic views of the bay of Roses with its white beaches and blue sparkling water. You will also pass by its beautiful coves with contrasting colours, such as Murtra, Rustella, and Jòncols, where you will stop to see the Jòncols cove from the top of the cliff and admire the views. Don't forget your camera! Train duration: 2 hours (approx. 30km).
Day 3. Morning: This morning cross the border into France where you will spend the day exploring the French side of the Pyrenees. First visit the fortified town of Villefranche-de-Conflent, a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will have some free time to explore the fortifications built during the time of Louis XIV and designed by the French engineer Vauban and wander the medieval streets lines by pink coloured stone houses. Afternoon: Afterwards ride the Yellow Train, its colours reflecting the colours of the Catalan flag, for an unforgettable journey through the French Pyrenees. Admire the scenery from the comfort of your carriage as the train winds its way up into the Tet valley, passing through forests and tunnels and across ravines and viaducts, including the Pont Gisclard suspension bridge and the Séjourné viaduct with its dramatic double-decker arches. Finish this scenic journey at the small village of Mont Louis before returning to your hotel by coach. Train duration: 1.15 hrs (approx. 29km)
Day 4: Have the day at leisure in the seaside town of Roses. Relax by the beach, do some souvenir shopping and perhaps enjoy an al fresco drink or lunch in the Spanish sunshine. The choice is yours!
Day 5: Today spend the day exploring the Spanish side of the Pyrenees and the magnificent Nuria Valley with a trip on the Nuria rack railway. Sit back and relax as you pass through this mountain resort, climbing almost 1000m before arriving at the remote town of Nuria. Railway is the only form of access to this small town and pilgrimage centre, home to an image of the Virgin Mary. Visit the Sanctuary and taste some of the local produce of the Valley, before returning down the valley on the train once more. Train duration: 1 hr (approx. 25km).
Day 6: Today board the Train du pays Cathare et du Fenouillèdes, or the Red Train. Travel from Rivesaltes to Axat along the 100-year-old line, passing castles, vineyards, viaducts and tunnels on the way. Don’t forget your camera as the train will stop for photos and give you a chance to admire the views. On arrival in the pretty town of Axat, which is surrounded by mountains and gorges, you’ll have some time at leisure before heading back to your hotel by coach. Train duration: 2:45 hrs (approx. 60km)
Day 7: Today you will travel to the town of Figueres to visit the Dalí Museum, widely regarded as the home of surrealism. Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres and has an eccentric artistic repertoire including film, sculpture and photography. The heart of the museum is the building that housed the Figueres town theatre when Dalí was a child and is where the young Dalí’s first exhibitions were showcased. The museum now displays the largest and most diverse collection of his works. Your last afternoon in Roses will be at leisure. Why not take a stroll on the beach, enjoy a cool drink and a few tapas, and perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping?
Day 8: Return Home
Hotel Monterrey
This hotel is located on the beach in the seaside resort of Roses on the Costa Brava. The modern rooms all come with their own balcony and offer a great space to relax after a busy day exploring the nearby Pyrenees mountain range. Make sure you try some local and international cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant or take a swim in the pool and most of all enjoy your stay.