Traditional Trains of the Pyrenees

Itineraries

• Day 1 UK to Barcelona
• Today you’ll fly to Barcelona, transferring on arrival to the Catalan Pyrenees. The Pyrenees mountain range divides Spain and France and offers spectacular opportunities for exploration, as you will discover this week. Our first hotel is located in the Spanish mountain village of Camprodon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, before we get to know one another better over a welcome drink and dinner this evening.
• Day 2 Besal and La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
• After breakfast we’re going to make our way to Besal. It’s a lovely medieval town with some magnificent well-preserved architecture, including a delightful Romanesque bridge. After taking a stroll through the winding cobbled streets, there will be time to stop for lunch if you wish.

  Next we’ll head to the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, a beautiful natural landscape which is home to an array of wildlife. We’ll be visiting the town of Olot and will set off on a gentle walk to learn more about the area and admire views of extinct volcanoes. Later we will return to Camprodon.

• Day 3 Rack railway to the sanctuary of Nria
• This morning we’ll drive the short distance to the town of Ribes de Freser, where our journey to the sanctuary of Nria begins. This spiritual oasis is accessible only by train, so we’ll step aboard the rack railway for our ascent up the mountain. Winding our way through this beautiful area, we’ll take in spectacular views and get a real sense of the enormity of the valley. There will be time to admire the sanctuary, take a stroll and perhaps have a bite to eat, before we head back down the mountain and return to Camprodon.
• Day 4 The Little Yellow Train
• Today we’re going to cross the border into France and take another fascinating trip by rail. First we’ll spend some time in medieval Villefranche-de-Conflent. We’ll explore the town’s historic centre on foot and there’s time for lunch if you like. Then this afternoon we’ll step aboard the Little Yellow Train for a journey into the surrounding hills. Sit back, relax and take in the views as the train passes by forests, streams, viaducts and bridges en route to Mont-Louis. From here we’ll travel back to our hotel by coach.
• Day 5 Castellfollit de la Roca
• We’re saying goodbye to the Pyrenees and heading to the coast today. On the way we’ll stop and take a leisurely walk along a stretch of one of the few remaining Roman roads in the area. Then we’ll visit Castellfollit de la Roca, a beautiful medieval village perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. Finally, we’ll arrive at the pretty port of Roses on Spain’s Costa Brava. Our hotel is located on the seafront, close to the resort centre.
• Day 6 Roses
• After a busy few days, today is yours to relax and do as you please. Perhaps take a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool or soak up the sun on the nearby beach. If you want to carry on exploring, you could head out with your travelling companions and explore the citadel in Roses.
• Day 7 Trenet de Cadaques
• TheTrenet de Cadaquesis a fun little road train and we’re going to admire spectacular views as it takes us through Roses to Cap de Creus National Park. This is where the Pyrenees meet the sea in an area of rugged cliffs and hidden coves. It’s the last day of your holiday, so tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell get-together, a fitting end to our time in this beautiful part of the world.
• Day 8 Barcelona to UK
• After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

  Please note that the itinerary for 2020 will differ slightly from that shown here. On day 5 we have added a wine tasting in the classy setting of the Perelada Castle.