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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Highlights of Catalonia & the Pyrenees by Rail

Eight-day Catalonia and Pyrenees rail tour from London, based in Roses

Illustration of Highlights of Catalonia & the Pyrenees by Rail

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day escorted journey through Catalonia and the French Pyrenees, departing from London St Pancras via Eurostar and TGV to Spain. You are based for all seven nights at the Prestige Victoria Hotel & Spa Elit in Roses, a Mediterranean coastal town on the Cap de Creus peninsula. The tour focuses on four distinct scenic railways: the Núria Valley Rack Railway, which climbs through gorges to a sanctuary accessible only by train; the Little Red Train through French Pyrenean vineyards and Cathar fortress country; the Roses Express to the mountain peak of Puig Alt; and the Yellow Train of Cerdagne, Europe's highest metre-gauge railway. Between rail journeys, you have free days to relax at the beachfront hotel or explore the historic town centre. A UK Tour Manager accompanies you throughout, meals include daily breakfast and four dinners with wine, and all rail and coach transfers are covered. This tour suits repeat rail travellers drawn to heritage railways, photographers capturing coastal and mountain vistas, and couples seeking leisurely coastal comfort with scenic excursions.

What to know before you look closer

  • All seven nights are spent at the same hotel in Roses; the tour does not relocate, so rail journeys are day trips from the base.
  • Four dinners are included over eight days; lunch and several dinners are your own expense.
  • Group size can reach 40 people; confirm final numbers before booking if you prefer a smaller party.
  • The pack does not specify which open-air days run on the Little Red Train; confirm seasonal carriage availability when booking for your dates.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Roses

    Arriving on the Costa Brava

    Your holiday begins at London St Pancras. Meet the Tour Manager and travel group, then board the Eurostar to Paris. Switch to the high-speed TGV train travelling south toward the Spanish border. Arrive in Figueres this evening, then a coach transfer takes you to Roses – a beautiful coastal town at the head of the Costa Brava in the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Check in and enjoy a light dinner buffet with an included glass of wine.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Roses

    A free day to get to know Roses

    Enjoy a leisurely free day in Roses. Relax by the pool, soak up the Mediterranean sun on the sun deck, or access the beach directly from the hotel. Explore the historic town centre on foot – once a Greek colony, Roses has monuments from Roman, medieval and Neolithic periods including Puig Rom (Visigoth fortress), Ciutadella de Roses and Trinitat Castle. Enjoy fresh seafood and tapas at local restaurants. Note: on the 17th September departure, Days 2 & 3 will be swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Roses

    Panoramic vistas from the Núria Valley Rack Railway

    Drive to Ribes de Freser to board the Núria Valley Rack Railway, which transports tourists and pilgrims up to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria through a vast Pyrenean valley. Spot deer or marmot en route through verdant mountains and rugged gorges. The railway is the only way to access Núria. At the top, the Sanctuary looks out onto a crystalline lake with Pyrenean peaks as a backdrop. Walk around the lake and explore the sanctuary grounds before reboarding for the return journey. Coach transfer back to Roses for dinner with a complimentary glass of wine. Note: for departures 5th April and 12th & 19th May, Days 3 and 4 have been swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Roses

    Discovering the French Pyrenees aboard the Little Red Train

    Transfer by coach to Rivesaltes, near Perpignan, France, to board the Little Red Train (Le Train Rouge / Train du Pays Cathare et des Fenouillèdes). Travel from Rivesaltes to Axat, high in the Aude valley, passing vineyards, forests, rocky outcrops and mountaintop Cathar fortresses. During summer (June–September), open-air carriages are available. On arrival in Axat, explore the rural valley village before boarding a coach back to Roses for dinner and a glass of wine.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Roses

    Journeying on the Roses Express

    Board the Roses Express land train, which has been transporting travellers through the Cap de Creus Nature Park for more than 30 years. Join the Puig Alt route, weaving through the landscape to the highest peak on the Cap de Creus peninsula. The two-hour round trip passes lush vineyards and reveals views of the French and Spanish coastlines. Savour 360-degree views of mountains, plains, sea and islands from the summit. Return to town with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Roses.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Roses

    A symbol of the Pyrenees, the 'Canary' train

    Coach transfer to Villefranche-de-Conflent, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town in the Pyrenees with ancient fortified walls dating to the 11th century. Free time through lunch to explore, then board the Yellow Train of Cerdagne (Train Jaune / 'Canary') – the highest metre-gauge railway in Europe. The bright yellow train travels at 18mph through lush Pyrenean landscape, passing bridges, viaducts and mountain views. Arrive at Font-Romeu station, then coach back to Roses. Note: on 5th April, 4th July, 22nd September and 1st October departures, Montserrat Monastery will be visited instead.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Roses

    Leisurely explorations of Roses

    A final free day on the coast to relax or explore at your own pace. Enjoy the hotel's outdoor spaces, spa and beachfront access. Explore nearby beaches and coves on foot, or walk along the palm-lined promenade beside the Bay of Roses. Stroll through the town centre to discover the Santa Maria church (18th century) and beautiful architecture. Return to the hotel this evening for a final group dinner in Catalonia.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    Coach transfer to Perpignan to catch the train connection to Paris, travelling through the Occitan region of France. In Paris, change to the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras International, where the holiday concludes on arrival.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Board the Núria Valley Rack Railway from Ribes de Freser and ascend through verdant mountains and rugged gorges to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria, accessed only by this train, where you walk around a crystalline lake with Pyrenean peaks as backdrop.
  • Day 4Day 4: Ride the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat through French Pyrenean vineyards, forests, and rocky outcrops; in summer, open-air carriages reveal views of mountaintop Cathar fortresses.
  • Day 5Day 5: Board the Roses Express land train for a two-hour round trip through Cap de Creus Nature Park to Puig Alt, the highest peak on the peninsula, with 360-degree views of mountains, plains, sea and islands.
  • Day 6Day 6: Travel on the Yellow Train of Cerdagne, Europe's highest metre-gauge railway, at 18 mph through lush Pyrenean landscape, passing bridges and viaducts, departing from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified town of Villefranche-de-Conflent.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day
  • 4 dinners
  • Glass of wine included with dinner
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All rail travel is included: Eurostar to and from Paris, TGV to Figueres, plus four heritage and scenic railways within the Pyrenees and Catalonia region. Coach transfers between rail stations are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is a fully escorted tour. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London throughout the eight days and leads all guided tours and excursions.
What accommodation is included?
Seven nights at the Prestige Victoria Hotel & Spa Elit, a 3-star hotel in Roses on the Costa Brava. You stay at this single base throughout the tour.
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, four dinners (with a glass of wine each), and a light dinner buffet on Day 1. Lunch and other dinners are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking in Roses and Villefranche-de-Conflent, stairs at stations and trains, a walk around the lake at the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria, and luggage handling at the hotel. Mobility-wise, this is a moderate Level 2 tour.
When does this tour run?
The pack does not list published departure dates. Contact Great Rail Journeys directly to check availability for your preferred dates. Note: the Little Red Train offers open-air carriages in summer (June-September).

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