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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees

Eight-day escorted rail tour of Catalonia and French Pyrenees from London

Illustration of Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day escorted tour from London through the Catalonia region and French Pyrenees, beginning with Eurostar and TGV travel into Spain. The group bases itself in Roses, a coastal town on the Costa Brava with two miles of sandy beaches, for seven nights in a four-star hotel. The itinerary balances included excursions with free days: guided tours explore the medieval towns of Girona and Besalú and the surrealist Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, while specialty heritage rail journeys take in the Núria Valley Rack Railway through mountain gorges to an alpine sanctuary and the Little Red Train through Pyrenean vineyards and Cathar countryside. Days 2 and 5 offer leisure time to relax at the hotel or swim and dine on the coast. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group throughout. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily, and all rail, coach, and admission costs are covered, making this a comfortable choice for those seeking guided travel with secure accommodations and minimal planning.

What to know before you look closer

  • The group size can reach 40 people, which may limit spontaneity on free days in Roses and Girona.
  • The Roses Express train on Day 5 is optional and payable locally; it is not included in the package price.
  • Single travellers will need to confirm the single supplement cost, as the evidence does not state the rate.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Roses

    From London to Catalonia

    Meet the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar to Paris, then transfer to the high-speed TGV for a scenic journey through France to Figueres. Transfer to Roses, arriving late evening. Enjoy a light meal with the group after check-in.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Roses

    A day to explore beautiful Roses

    Free day to explore Roses, set between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. Visit the church of Santa María, Casa Mallol, the Ciutadella de Roses, Trinitat Castle, and enjoy the blue flag beaches. Excellent restaurants and bars along the coast offer fresh seafood and tapas.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Roses

    Riding the Núria Valley Rack Railway up the Pyrenees

    Drive to Ribes de Freser to board the Núria Valley Rack Railway up to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria. Spot deer or marmot along the way through verdant mountains and rugged gorges. Explore the sanctuary and crystalline blue lake before returning to Roses.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Roses

    Discovering the old town of Girona

    Drive to Girona for free time in this well-preserved medieval city. Explore the old Jewish Quarter, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona (second-widest nave in the world), colourful riverside buildings, and the Pont de les Peixateries Velles designed by Gustave Eiffel. Return to Roses for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Roses

    A free day to explore Roses at leisure

    Relax at the hotel with pools and pool bar, or explore two miles of golden sandy beaches along the palm-lined promenade. Optionally take the Roses Express train (payable locally) up to Puig Alt in the Cap de Creus peninsula.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Roses

    The Little Red Train into the French Pyrenees

    Coach transfer to Rivesaltes near Perpignan to board the Little Red Train (Train du Pays Cathare et des Fenouillèdes) from Rivesaltes to Axat. Pass vineyards, forests, rocky outcrops and Cathar fortresses. In summer (June–September), open-air carriages are available. Explore Axat before coaching back to Roses.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Roses

    Ancient Besalú and artistic Figueres

    Journey to Besalú, a medieval town accessed by a 12th-century Romanesque bridge, for a free morning. Continue to Figueres for an included visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Time to explore the town, including the 11th-century church and Sant Ferran Castle. Return to hotel for final dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    Coach transfer to Perpignan to catch the train to Paris, travelling through the Occitan region of France and along the Rhône. Change in Paris to the Eurostar back to London St Pancras International, arriving in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Núria Valley Rack Railway from Ribes de Freser up through verdant mountains and rugged gorges to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria, with views of a crystalline blue lake.
  • Day 6Ride the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat through vineyards, forests, and rocky outcrops, passing Cathar fortresses in the French Pyrenean foothills.
  • Day 7Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, described as the world's largest surrealist object, then explore the medieval town of Besalú accessed by a 12th-century Romanesque bridge.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Standard Class travel
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • 1 glass of wine included with dinner at the Mediterraneo Park Hotel
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Included visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Roses Express train (payable locally)
  • Optional extras such as Eurostar Plus Class upgrade
  • London hotel stays
  • UK rail connections

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Class from London to Paris, TGV travel to Figueres, the Núria Valley Rack Railway, the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat, and return TGV or intercity rail from Perpignan to Paris and Eurostar back to London.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is fully escorted. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London through to return.
What is the accommodation?
Seven nights in a four-star hotel in Roses, either Hotel Mediterraneo Park or Hotel Montecarlo Spa & Wellness.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner daily. One glass of wine is included with dinner at the Mediterraneo Park Hotel.
How much free time is there?
Days 2 and 5 are free days to explore Roses independently. Day 4 includes free time in Girona. Day 7 has a free morning in Besalú and free time in Figueres after the museum visit.
What is the price?
From GBP 1,099 (approximately USD 1,468) per person for the eight-day tour.

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