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Leger Holidays · Escorted tour

Little Trains of the Pyrenees by Rail

Four scenic Pyrenees narrow-gauge rail journeys from Roses, Spain

Illustration of Little Trains of the Pyrenees by Rail

Leger Holidays' 8-day Little Trains of the Pyrenees tour explores the mountain range that forms the border between France and Spain using four heritage railways. The journey begins with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then rail to Perpignan, before settling in the coastal town of Roses on Spain's Costa Brava. From this single hotel base, you board the colourful narrow-gauge trains: the Roses Express climbs into Cap de Creus National Park; the Yellow Train traverses the Tet Valley via historic suspension bridges and viaducts; the Núria Valley Rack Railway ascends over 1,000 metres with a local guide; and the Red Train winds 60 kilometres through vineyards and past castles to Axat. Day 4 is free to explore Roses itself, and Day 7 includes a coach excursion to Figueres and the Dalí Museum. An experienced Tour Manager escorts the group throughout. This escorted tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking a relaxed pace, and anyone wanting the convenience of organised transfers and most meals included.

What to know before you look closer

  • All seven nights are spent in the same hotel in Roses; Day 4 is unstructured leisure time
  • Escorted tour includes a Tour Manager but you handle your own arrival to London St Pancras on Day 1

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Roses, Spain

    Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. We then continue by rail to Perpignan, transferred by coach to our hotel near Roses on the Costa Brava.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Roses, Spain

    Roses Express

    Free morning to explore Roses; in the afternoon we walk towards the citadel and join the Roses Express, a little road train that climbs into the hills of the Cap de Creus National Park. Lunch and dinner included at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Roses, Spain

    The Yellow Train of the Pyrenees

    We travel by coach to Villefranche, then join the Yellow Train through the Pyrenees, via the Pont Gisclard suspension bridge and Séjourné viaduct, alighting at Mont Louis.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Roses, Spain

    Free Time

    Enjoy a day at leisure in Roses.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Roses, Spain

    Núria Valley Railway of the Pyrenees

    We travel by coach to the Núria Valley Rack Railway, twinned with the Jungfrau Rack Railway in Switzerland, climbing more than 1,000 metres, with a local guide.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Roses, Spain

    The Red Train of the Pyrenees

    We travel by coach to join the Train du pays Cathare et du Fenouillèdes (the Red Train), climbing 60 kilometres from Rivesaltes to Axat through vineyards and castles.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Roses, Spain

    Figueres & Dalí Museum

    Excursion by coach to Figueres, including entry to the Dalí Museum, dedicated to the town's most famous son, Salvador Dalí.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    After breakfast, we retrace our route to Paris for our return journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the Roses Express, a little road train, into the hills of Cap de Creus National Park above the town
  • Day 3Travel the Yellow Train through the Pyrenees via the Pont Gisclard suspension bridge and Séjourné viaduct to Mont Louis
  • Day 5Ascend the Núria Valley Rack Railway, twinned with Switzerland's Jungfrau railway, climbing over 1,000 metres with a local guide
  • Day 6Board the Red Train (Train du pays Cathare et du Fenouillèdes), climbing 60 kilometres from Rivesaltes to Axat through vineyards and castles

Included

  • Return Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris
  • Connecting rail journeys
  • 7 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • 1 lunch & 6 evening meals with wine and water
  • Coach transfers for excursions
  • Services of an experienced Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The from-price includes return Eurostar London to Paris, connecting rail to Perpignan, and all four Pyrenees rail journeys. Coach transfers connect the railways and provide excursions.
Is it escorted?
Yes, Leger Holidays provides an experienced Tour Manager throughout. You travel with a group on scheduled departures.
Which trains are included?
Eurostar (London to Paris return), the Roses Express, Yellow Train of the Pyrenees, Núria Valley Rack Railway, and the Red Train (Train du pays Cathare et du Fenouillèdes).
What meals are included?
Continental breakfast daily, one lunch on Day 2, and dinner on Days 2 through 7. Wine and water are included with evening meals.
What is the activity level?
Moderate. You must be comfortable walking 30 to 40 minutes, managing stairs and platform changes, and carrying your own luggage.
Is entry to the Dalí Museum included?
Yes. The Day 7 excursion to Figueres includes entry to the Dalí Museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí.

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