Euroventure
France and Spain Wine Tour
8 daysfrom $2,264
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Highlights of Catalonia & the Pyrenees by Rail
Embrace the beauty of Catalonia and the Pyrenees while discovering the picturesque region by rail, riding on the Jaune, Rouge, Núria and Roses Express trains
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
