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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Roses, Cadaqués & the Catalan Coast

Nine-day Catalan coast tour from London via Eurostar and TGV trains

Illustration of Roses, Cadaqués & the Catalan Coast

Great Rail Journeys operates this nine-day escorted tour based in Roses, a coastal town on Spain's Costa Brava. You travel from London on the Eurostar in Plus class, then take a First Class TGV through the heart of France to Figueres, arriving at the four-star Hotel Canyelles Platja in Roses. From this single base, the itinerary includes a boat cruise around the Cap de Creus to the white-washed village of Cadaqués, visits to the medieval town of Besalú and the Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres, a guided tour of Barcelona's Gaudí architecture, and a ride on the heritage Little Red Train through the French Pyrenees. Four days are free for beach time, pool relaxation, and independent exploration. All breakfasts and dinners, guided tours, and transfers by coach are included, and a UK Tour Manager travels with the group throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The group size reaches 30 people, which is larger than many escorted tours.
  • Single supplement is GBP 760, roughly 42% of the double-occupancy base price.
  • Open-air carriages on the Little Red Train are only available June to September; other months travel in closed carriages.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Roses

    From London to the Catalan coast

    Meet at London St Pancras International and board the Eurostar to Paris in Plus class with a light meal at seats. In Paris, take First Class seats on a TGV through the heart of France to Figueres, Spain. Transfer by coach to the hotel overlooking Canyelles Petites beach in Roses. Three-course dinner on arrival.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Roses

    Discovering Roses

    Free day to relax by the pool or on Canyelles Petites beach, or visit the centre of Roses – an authentic fishing port with Catalan charm, white-washed buildings, the church of Santa María, Casa Mallol, and blue flag beaches. Optional walks to rocky coves. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Roses

    Ancient Besalú, Figueres and the Dalí Museum

    Morning visit to the medieval town of Besalú, accessed via a 12th-century bridge, with independent exploration of cobbled streets and historic buildings. Coach to Figueres to visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum – the world's largest surrealist object, containing the largest collection of Dalí's works plus pieces by El Greco and Marcel Duchamp. Free time in Figueres before returning to Roses for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Roses

    Cruising around the Cap de Creus to Cadaqués

    Board a boat for a cruise along the Cap de Creus National Park. Disembark in Cadaqués – a fishing village of white-washed houses that inspired Dalí's work, with the option to visit his former house and studio. Sail back to Roses; afternoon free. Optional coastal walk to Platja de l'Almadrava. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Roses

    Barcelona and its unique architecture

    Coach to Barcelona for a guided tour: view the exterior of La Sagrada Família, see Casa Milà and Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia, and walk along Las Ramblas. Free afternoon to explore independently – options include the Gothic quarter, Plaça Reial, Picasso Museum, or Rambla de Mar. Return to Roses for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Roses

    A day to explore Roses at leisure

    Free day at own pace. Options include riding the 'Roses Express' road train, visiting Castell de la Trinitat, exploring the Ciutadella de Roses, or taking a local bus to medieval Girona. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Roses

    The Little Red Train into the French Pyrenees

    Coach transfer to Rivesaltes near Perpignan, France, to board the Little Red Train (Train du Pays Cathare et des Fenouillèdes / TPCF). Scenic journey past vineyards, forests and rocky outcrops to Axat; open-air carriages available June–September. Free time and lunch in Axat before returning by coach. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Roses

    A vineyard brunch and a beachfront dinner

    Coach to a vineyard in the Empordà wine region for a brunch of cold meats and local cheese with estate wine, followed by a walk through vineyards and olive trees and a winery visit. Return to Roses; afternoon free. Evening olive-oil tasting at the hotel, then dinner at the beachfront restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9rail

    Homeward bound

    Coach across the French border to Perpignan, connecting to Paris by TGV through the Occitan region. Board the Eurostar in Plus class with a light meal at seats back to London St Pancras International.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St Pancras on the Eurostar in Plus class, then travel through France on a First Class TGV to Figueres, arriving at the Hotel Canyelles Platja in Roses
  • Day 3Cross the 12th-century bridge into medieval Besalú, then visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres
  • Day 4Cruise around the Cap de Creus National Park and dock in Cadaqués, the white-washed fishing village that inspired Salvador Dalí
  • Day 7Board the Little Red Train (Train du Pays Cathare et des Fenouillèdes) at Rivesaltes for a scenic journey past vineyards, forests and rocky outcrops to Axat in the French Pyrenees

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus class travel (with light meals at seat)
  • First Class rail travel on TGV
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • 1 brunch (vineyard visit)
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. The price includes Eurostar Plus class from London to Paris, First Class TGV from Paris to Figueres and return, the Little Red Train in the French Pyrenees, and all other rail, coach and boat travel.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager throughout the nine days.
What is included in meals?
Breakfast and dinner every day are included. Day 8 includes a vineyard brunch. Light meals are served at seat on both Eurostar journeys. Lunch is not included on most days.
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys offers departures in September 2026, October 2026, April 2027, May 2027, June 2027, September 2027 and October 2027.
How much walking is involved?
Days include independent exploration of medieval towns on cobbled streets, a guided walk along Las Ramblas in Barcelona, optional coastal walks, and a walk through vineyards. There is no hiking or high-altitude activity.
How many nights are in Roses?
All eight nights are in the Hotel Canyelles Platja in Roses, which overlooks Canyelles Petites beach.

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