Spain - Boats & Trains of The Pyrenees

ITINERARY

Saturday - Early morning departure from Dorset for channel crossing to Calais and southwards through France for overnight stay near Dijon with dinner & breakfast.

Sunday - Continue through France and into Spain to arrive at Roses on the Costa Brava, your base for the next seven nights. Dinner includes a choice of menu and wine is included.

Monday - A morning at leisure in Roses, relax by the pool, stroll around the old town or enjoy the beach. This afternoon we have included a ride on The Roses Express - a delightful little land train that runs through the town and out into the Cap de Creus National Park with sensational views across Roses.

Tuesday - An excursion to Lake Banyoles, the largest natural lake in Catalonia and legendary lair of the Drac, a mythical dragon or serpent. We shall enjoy a boat cruise on its warm, clear and calm waters. Later we visit the historic town of Besalu located close to the Garrotxa volcanic park. Of all its landmarks none can outshine the spectacular 12th century bridge over the River Fluvia - an amazing viewing platform. We include a tour on the town's land-train to see the sights.

Wednesday - A free day at leisure in Roses. The narrow streets of the old town around the old church are full of small restaurants and shops where you can soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. The beautiful coast is a contrast of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs hiding tiny coves and can be explored on foot, or by boat cruises from the harbour.

Thursday - On the Spanish side of the mountains today we shall visit Vall de Nuria, a remote mountain resort with a unique wealth of nature and scenery. The only way to access this unique mountain landscape is by the rack railway which rises over 1000 metres in under 8 miles affording sensational views of mountains and meadows from the carriages. At the top is the Sanctuary-Basilica of St. Mary, a popular place of pilgrimage. We return down the same sensational railway route - the dizzying drop giving a whole new perspective!

Friday - A day into France. We make our way to Rivesaltes to join The Red Train on a scenic 37 mile journey to Axat. The route traverses a landscape of vineyards and castles as it slowly climbs into the mountains revealing new scenic delights after each tunnel and sharp turn.
Arriving in the pretty town of Axat, high in the Aude Valley and surrounded by lofty mountain peaks to rejoin the coach. Return to Roses by mountain roads.

Saturday - See historic Spain from the water with a morning sea-cruise to Cadaques. This lovely picturesque fishing village was transformed into an artist colony by the presence of Salvador Dali. The white-washed houses and fishing boats themselves paint a vivid picture of how the Costas have looked through the centuries.
A local guide will show us the sights and tell us the stories on a short walking tour. Return to Roses by boat this afternoon where there is free time to relax by the pool or explore the resort and beach.

Sunday - Leave Spain this morning and cross back into France heading northwards for our overnight hotel near Dijon.

Monday - Up to Calais where we join an afternoon channel crossing to Dover and so return to Dorset late that night.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner