Group Tour Operator for Holidays to Northern Spain
Little Trains and Boats of the Pyrenees (based on the Costa Brava)
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Núria Valley, Pyrenees
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Canal du Midi, Pyrenees, France
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Fishing boats at a harbour in Cadaques, Costa Brava in Spain
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Roses Express in Cap de Creus, Spain
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Canal du Midi, Pyrenees, France
See the Highlights of the Picturesque Pyrenees!
Forming the natural border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees mountain range is largely unexplored. The little trains that traverse these jagged peaks, with their colourful carriages and panoramic windows, are a fantastic way to take in the area’s beauty from a unique persepective.
Discover the beauty of the Pyrenees from your base in the beautiful region of the Costa Brava which boasts unspoiled coves and spectacular seascapes as well as charming seaside towns. A perfect example of this dramatic landscape is the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve, which hosts number of rugged rock formations. Furthermore, view this stunning coastline from the sea as you take a boat ride to Cadaqués and explore this charming town with its winding paths and pretty pebbled beaches. Another wonderful piece of the Pyrenees is the Núria Valley, discovered aboard a rack railway.
Popping across the border into France, there are more wonderful parts of the Pyrenees to unveil. Head to Villefranche-de-Confluent and discover the fascinating little medieval village before rattling through miles of scenery on board the famous Little Yellow Train. Another French delight is the Canal du Midi, which you can sail serenely while enjoying lunch.
The trains and boats of the Pyrenees allow you to experience the area’s intoxicating beauty.
Dates
On request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue south, through France, stopping for an overnight in the Orléans area. Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Spain
After breakfast, continue through France into Spain and travel to your hotel located in the resort of Roses. After check-in there may be time to explore the hotel or the surroundings before having dinner together.
Roses, one of the main villages on the Costa Brava is in the province of Girona and gives its name to one of the most beautiful bays in the world, an honour endorsed by UNESCO.
Day 3
Roses Express and Cap de Creus Nature Park (driver’s rest day)
After breakfast, board the charming Roses Express cultural tourist train through the Cap de Creus Nature Park. Enjoy magnificent panoramic views and Mediterranean landscapes of the Bay of Roses, charming coves with crystal-clear water and sea caves in natural sites of national interest and the fully protected nature reserve of the Cap de Creus nature park. Admire the rugged beauty of this rocky coastline and the barren landscape of curious rock-formations which inspired Salvador Dalí to feature in his surrealist paintings. Also, on the journey, you will learn about the ancient history of Roses and will see its points of historic and cultural interest as well as the information about the Cap de Creus nature park.
The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore Roses, relax at the hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 4
Little Yellow Train
Today, cross the border into France and enjoy some time at leisure in the fortified village of Villefranche-de-Confluent, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Furthermore, this medieval village features on the list of France’s most beautiful villages. Wander its picturesque streets to see ramparts, complete with fortified doors, and attractive pink-coloured stone houses built around the 13th century. Then, board the Little Yellow Train for a journey across the high plateau of Cerdanya. Climb through the hills, cross bridges and pass through tunnels. The scenery is spectacular. Reaching Mont Louis, disembark and meet your coach for your return journey to Roses.
Dinner at the hotel and evening at leisure.
Day 5
Cadaqués
A scenic boat journey to Cadaqués gives you the chance to take in the beauty of this coastline. Arriving in Cadaqués, the allure of this whitewashed village is immediately evident. On a rocky bay above cobalt waters, this village has an abundance of pebble beaches and winding lanes, in addition to its pretty harbour. A short guided tour will allow you to discover the delights of this little town, before some time at leisure. Return to Roses to spend the afternoon enjoying the town at leisure before dinner in the hotel this evening.
Day 6
Núria Valley
Embark on a scenic journey through Núria Valley. Pine forests, rugged hills and dramatic dales surround you as you venture into this enchanting place. Board the rack railway to travel up to Núria and take in the landscapes en route, as the train rattles past lichen-wrapped rubble, miniature waterfalls, patches of forest, and gaping valleys. At your destination, visit the beautiful sanctuary, Santuari de la Mare de Déu, and enjoy a tasting of local produce.
Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 7
Canal du Midi
Venture into France and travel to breathtaking Beziers. From there, board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Canal du Midi. As you glide along the waterway, past remarkable scenery, enjoy a typical lunch on board. This is a relaxing way to enjoy the French countryside.
Return to Roses for a final dinner and evening at the hotel.
Day 8
Depart Spain
Start the return journey, travelling into France, heading north with an overnight stop en-route. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 9
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to the ferry port for the short sea crossing over to Dover, and home.
