Little Trains of the Pyrenees

We depart for Barcelona, where we will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel in Roses, a seaside town on the French-Spanish border.

On arrival, we will meet our fellow travellers and our guide who will share tips and information to make the most out of our holiday.

This evening, we will enjoy our first meal together at the hotel.

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure in Roses. You can:

• Relax and take in your surroundings
• Stroll along the beach
• Spend some time unwinding by the pool with a coffee

This afternoon, we will board the Roses Express for a scenic journey through the beautiful Cap de Creus Nature Park, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean.

• Travel by a tractor-pulled tourist train
• Enjoy panoramic views across the Bay of Roses, with its white sandy beaches and sparkling blue waters
• Pass by colourful coves including Murtra, Rustella and Jòncols
• Admire the views from the clifftop overlooking Jòncols Cove

The train journey lasts approximately 2 hours and covers around 30km.

Today we cross the border into France to explore the French side of the Pyrenees. Our first stop is the fortified town of Villefranche-de-Conflent:

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built during the reign of Louis XIV
• Explore its impressive fortifications, designed by the renowned French engineer Vauban
• Wander through the medieval streets 

This afternoon, we will experience a journey through the French Pyrenees with a ride on the Little Yellow Train, named for its distinctive colours that reflect the Catalan flag.

• Enjoy views of forests, tunnels and ravines 
• Admire impressive viaducts, including the Pont Gisclard suspension bridge and the Séjourné viaduct with its striking double-decker arches
• Our journey ends in the mountain village of Mont Louis before we return to our hotel by coach

Train duration: 1.15 hrs (approx. 29km)

Please note: The Little Yellow Train timetable is subject to change by the operator. If the train is unable to operate, this excursion will be replaced with a visit to the medieval town of Besalú, including a journey on the little town train and an afternoon visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting. The Little Yellow Train does not operate in April and October, so this alternative excursion will be offered during these months.

Today, you can enjoy a full day at leisure in the seaside town of Roses. The day is yours to explore at our own pace, whether you choose to:

• Relax by the beach
• Browse the local shops
• Enjoy an al fresco drink or lunch in the Spanish sunshine

Today we explore the Spanish side of the Pyrenees with a visit to the magnificent Nuria Valley and a journey on the Nuria Rack Railway.

With no road access, the railway is the only way to reach this peaceful mountain destination and pilgrimage centre, home to an image of the Virgin Mary.

• Sit back and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery
• The railway climbs almost 1,000 metres towards the remote town of Nuria
• During our visit, we will have time to explore the Sanctuary 
• Sample some of the local produce from the valley too
• At the end, we return down the mountain by train

Train duration: 1 hr (approx. 25km)

Today we board the Train du Pays Cathare et du Fenouillèdes, also known as the Red Train, for a scenic journey through the French Pyrenees.

• We will be travelling from Rivesaltes to Axat along a historic 100-year-old railway line
• We will pass vineyards, castles, tunnels and impressive viaducts along the route
• The train includes stops for photographs, allowing us to take in the surrounding mountain landscapes

On arrival in Axat, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and gorges, we will have some time to explore before returning to our hotel by coach.

Train duration: 2:45 hrs (approx. 60km)

Today we travel to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, to visit the Dalí Museum:

• Widely recognised as the home of surrealism
• Dalí’s creative work spanned film, sculpture and photography,
• The museum houses the largest and most diverse collection of his works
• The building itself was once the Figueres town theatre where Dalí’s first exhibitions were held when he was young

This afternoon, we return to Roses where you can enjoy some final free time. Perhaps you will:

• Take a last stroll along the beach 
• Enjoy a refreshing drink with some tapas
• Pick up a few final souvenirs before our journey home

Today we say goodbye to Spain and our fellow travellers as we transfer from our hotel to Barcelona or Girona airport for our flight home.