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Travelsphere · Escorted tour

Little Trains of the Pyrenees

Eight-day escorted train journey through Pyrenees mountains, Spain and France

Illustration of Little Trains of the Pyrenees

Travelsphere's Little Trains of the Pyrenees is an 8-day escorted tour that showcases four heritage and narrow-gauge railways crossing the mountains between Spain and France. You depart Barcelona and stay seven nights in the beachside resort of Roses on Spain's Costa Brava, making day journeys by road train, vintage railway, and electric cog train into the surrounding valleys and towns. Day 2 takes you aboard the Trenet de Cadaques through the seaside village and its coves; Day 3 features the Yellow Train, built in 1903, climbing through forests and across viaducts in the Tet Valley to Mont Louis. Day 5 brings the Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat through vineyards and tunnels. Day 6 ascends by cog train into Núria Valley, where wildlife roams and hikers gather. You visit the medieval walled city of Thuir with its vineyards, explore the Salvador Dali Museum and Theatre in Figueres where the artist is buried, and tour Peralada Castle. A Travelsphere Holiday Director and local specialist guide accompany the group throughout, with all flights from London, transfers, half board meals, and porterage included.

What to know before you look closer

  • All seven nights are in the same hotel in Roses; the itinerary provides limited location variety despite the route across two countries.
  • Return flights depart from London only; travelers from other UK gateways must arrange their own connections.
  • Day 4 is entirely at leisure; the structure offers relaxation but no guided activities that day.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Roses

    UK - Barcelona

    Make your own way to the airport for your flight to Barcelona. On arrival we'll transfer you to the lovely resort of Roses, on the Costa Brava. The northernmost of Spain's Costas is home to some of the country's most charming towns, villages and beaches. Its stunning coastline stretches along the Mediterranean Sea for more than 300 kilometres and offers dramatic views of the famous Pyrenees, which tower up to 3,000 metres. Roses is renowned for its splendid wide beaches, all of which have earned Blue Flag status. As your hotel is located right on the seafront, why not take a stroll on the golden sands before dinner.

    Meals: D

  2. Day 2railovernight: Roses

    Trenet de Cadaques

    The Pyrenees mountain range divides Spain and France and offers spectacular opportunities for exploration, and that's what this holiday is all about! Today's journey is on a fun little road train, the Trenet de Cadaques, that passes through the narrow streets of Cadaques and Port Lligat. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the village and its coves with crystal-clear, deep blue water. This afternoon is free to do as you wish.

    Meals: B, D

  3. Day 3railovernight: Roses

    The Yellow Train

    You'll head into France today, with your explorations beginning in the medieval walled city of Thuir, famed for its vineyards and the Byrrh caves. Continue to Villefranche de Conflent to board the Yellow Train, constructed in 1903, for a journey through the Pyrenees and the Tet Valley with views of forests, streams, viaducts and bridges, disembarking at Mont Louis before returning to the hotel by coach.

    Meals: B, D

  4. Day 4overnight: Roses

    Roses - at Leisure

    Today you have a full day at leisure to do exactly as you please, using the hotel's facilities or relaxing on the nearby golden sandy beaches.

    Meals: B, D

  5. Day 5railovernight: Roses

    The Red Train

    This morning you will catch the Red Train and travel from charming Rivesaltes to the small town of Axat in France, admiring panoramic views past vineyards, through tunnels, and over bridges and viaducts.

    Meals: B, D

  6. Day 6railovernight: Roses

    Núria Valley Rack Railway

    You'll enjoy another fantastic rail trip in Spain today, this time an electric cog train that is the only form of transport into the Núria Valley, a haven for wildlife (deer, marmot) and a summer walking / winter ski destination.

    Meals: B, D

  7. Day 7overnight: Roses

    Figueres

    We'll explore the delightful town of Figueres today, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, including the Dali Theatre and Museum where the surrealist painter is buried under the stage. Your tour ends at Peralada Castle.

    Meals: B, D

  8. Day 8

    Barcelona - UK

    Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Trenet de Cadaques road train winds through narrow streets in the coastal village, passing coves with crystal-clear water.
  • Day 3The Yellow Train, built in 1903, climbs through the Tet Valley with views of forests, viaducts, and bridges to Mont Louis.
  • Day 5The Red Train travels from Rivesaltes to Axat past vineyards, through tunnels, and over bridges and viaducts.
  • Day 6An electric cog train ascends into Núria Valley, the only transport access to this wildlife haven and summer walking destination.
  • Day 7Visit the Salvador Dali Theatre and Museum in Figueres, where the surrealist painter is buried beneath the stage.

Included

  • Return flights from London
  • 7 nights in a 3-star hotel
  • Half board: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
  • Several iconic scenic rail journeys
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
  • Portable audio headset system on excursions

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the rail travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of £1,499 includes return flights from London, seven nights accommodation, half board meals, and all rail journeys on the Trenet de Cadaques, Yellow Train, Red Train, and Núria Valley Rack Railway, plus coach transfers.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Escorted. Travelsphere provides a Holiday Director throughout and a Specialist Local Guide. You travel with the group and do not make your own arrangements.
Where do I stay?
The Prestige Victoria Hotel & Spa Elit in Roses, for all seven nights. It is a 3-star resort on the Costa Brava.
What meals are included?
Half board: seven breakfasts and seven dinners, plus a welcome drink. Lunches are not included (day 4 is at leisure).
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. The itinerary includes walking tours in Cadaques and Figueres, plus access to villages and towns, but most days feature coach or train transport. One full leisure day allows you to rest at the hotel or beach.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish specific departure dates or seasons in the tour details. Contact Travelsphere to confirm availability.

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