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Roses, Cadaques and The Catalan Coast

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9 days From £1,999 £1,899 per person
4.4 stars(121 reviews)
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Uncover the hidden gems, coastal charm and appetising flavours of one of Spain’s most beautiful regions from the bay of Roses

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Save £100pp on selected Europe 2025 holidays when you book by 16th December 2024.

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Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: FCS25

About the tour

Based in the attractive coastal town of Roses, we explore the rugged Costa Brava and experience the region's cultural and gastronomic highlights.

Cruise around the Cap de Creus peninsula to the fishing village of Cadaqués, savouring local flavours with lunch at a vineyard. Explore Barcelona, which showcases the fantastic architecture of Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família.

Visit the ancient town of Besalú and uncover the surreal world of artist Salvador Dalí on a visit to his museum in Figueres. Finally, journey aboard the Little Red Train into France's Pyrenean foothills.

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Unforgettable experiences

Cruise around the coast to the pretty village of Cadaqués
Cruise around the coast to the pretty village of Cadaqués
Take a boat ride around the Cap de Creus peninsula to the coastal village of Cadaqués, a light-filled location that has inspired artists including Salvador Dalí.
Ride the Little Red Train through the French Pyrenees
Ride the Little Red Train through the French Pyrenees
Passing châteaux, sloping vineyards and dense forests, this 100-year-old heritage railway takes us on a beautiful journey to the Pyrenean foothills, with the option of enjoying the landscapes from open-air carriages.
Uncover Gaudí’s unique architecture in Barcelona
Uncover Gaudí’s unique architecture in Barcelona
See the extraordinary buildings of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, including his unfinished masterpieceLa Sagrada Família*, and walk along the vibrant street Las Ramblas on a tour of the Catalan capital. *please note, entrance not included
Discover Figueres and the Salvador Dalí Museum
Discover Figueres and the Salvador Dalí Museum
The classic Catalan town of Figueres contains the world’s largest surrealist object – the Dalí museum that hosts the largest collection of artworks by the town’s most revered son.
Visit the enchanting ancient town of Besalú
Visit the enchanting ancient town of Besalú
Spend time exploring Besalú, a beautifully-preserved example of a medieval town, reached through a gatehouse set on an arched stone bridge.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - From London to the Catalan coast

We meet at London St Pancras International and board the Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class. In the French capital, we take our seats in First Class carriages for a journey through the heart of France to the Spanish town of Figueres. Here, we transfer by coach to our hotel which overlooks Canyelles Petites beach in the delightful town of Roses.

Located in the north-eastern area of the Costa Brava, a wild and rocky stretch of the Spanish coastline, we are not far from the centre of Roses, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds - the peace and quiet of our secluded location and the town's attractions when you choose. On arrival this evening, we sit down to a three-course dinner.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Discovering Roses

Enjoy a free day to relax by the pool or bask in the laid-back atmosphere of the white-sand Canyelles Petites beach opposite our hotel. Alternatively, you could visit the centre of Roses.

Set within the beautiful Bay of Roses, the town is an authentic fishing port with typical Catalan charm and style - white-washed buildings contrasting with azure blue sea and sky. In the centre of Roses is the church of Santa María and an ornate Modernist house, Casa Mallol, while the bay has several blue flag beaches with a backdrop of distant Pyrenean peaks.

You may prefer to take a walk out of the bay to discover rocky coves and shingle beaches only accessible on foot or by boat. There is a good choice of restaurants where you could have lunch, the best of which are found along the coast. Some have terraces so you could sample freshly caught fish or tapas with a view.

This evening, dinner is served at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Ancient Besalú, Figueres and the Dalí Museum

This morning, we visit the medieval town of Besalú, at the foot of the volcanic Garrotxa Natural Park. Once the capital of an independent state, its cobbled streets and sand-coloured buildings still burst with history. Accessed by a 12th-century bridge, we enter a labyrinth of ancient buildings, pretty squares and cobblestone alleys. We have a morning to explore independently before boarding a coach to Figueres.

In Figueres, our first stop is the largest surrealistic object in the world - the Dalí Theatre-Museum. This joyous pink and gold building contains the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's works in the world, along with pieces by El Greco and Marcel Duchamp. Dalí was born in Figueres in 1904 and by the late 1920s was one of the best-known figures of the Surrealism movement.

After visiting the museum, there is time to wander round Figueres, a classic Catalan town with an impressive 11th-century church. The sheltered lanes of the town centre offer cafés, tapas bars and gelaterias, which open on to picturesque squares. We return to Roses in the early evening, in time for tonight's dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Cruising around the Cap de Creus to charming Cadaqués

This morning, we board a boat for a cruise along a beautiful stretch of the Cap de Creus National Park. This arid peninsula of towering cliffs has attractive bays accessible only by boat.

We disembark in Cadaqués, set in a cobalt blue bay, where you have time to look around. A picturesque fishing village of white-washed houses that inspired much of Salvador Dalí's work, you could visit the famous painter's former house and studio, once a bohemian retreat for other artists. Picasso was inspired by the incredible light and colour on display in Cadaqués. This picture-perfect town has drawn visitors to its narrow streets and shining seafront for decades.

Afterwards, we sail back to Roses where your afternoon is free to relax or head out for lunch. You may like to take a walk along the coastal path to Platja de l'Almadrava in the neighbouring bay, before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Barcelona and its unique architecture

Today, we travel by coach to Barcelona for a guided tour of the Catalan capital. We view the spectacular Sagrada Família*, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, from outside. Gaudí's work is synonymous with Barcelona, and this cathedral combines his signature style with Gothic and Art Nouveau forms.

On the Passeig de Gràcia, we see the colourful Casa Milà and the fantastical Casa Batlló. We continue to bustling Las Ramblas, a tree-lined boulevard that runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront. Here, on the city's most famous street, we can look out for a colourful mosaic by local artist Joan Miró and the vibrant La Boqueria market.

The afternoon is free to explore independently, and you may wish to indulge in some local cuisine. You could walk through the Gothic quarter to the paved Plaça Reial with its towering palm trees, or visit the Picasso Museum which houses some of the artist's finest work. You may like to take a stroll on the Rambla de Mar walkway beside the beach. In the early evening, we return to Roses for dinner.

*Please note, our tour does not include entrance to the Sagrada Familia. If you wish to enter the basilica, we would recommend booking tickets in advance.'

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – A day to explore Roses at leisure

Today is free for you to look around at your own pace. You could ride the 'Roses Express' road train along the seafront, up into the hills overlooking the Mediterranean, or visit the mighty Castell de la Trinitat at the head of the bay.

History abounds in Roses and at the other end of the town is the Ciutadella de Roses, the site of a fortress used by Greeks, Romans and Visigoths.

If you'd like to explore further, the medieval city of Girona is just a short journey away by local bus. Girona's well-preserved medieval streets are a treasure trove of winding alleys, colourful buildings and diverse galleries and museums. The Gothic cathedral is well worth seeing, and boasts the second-widest nave in the world - only St Peter's Basilica in Rome is larger. Tonight, dinner is served at our hotel.

Please note: On some departures, we will be travelling on the Little Red Train today, with a free day to explore Roses on Day 7

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - The Little Red Train into the French Pyrenees

Today we transfer by coach to Rivesaltes near Perpignan, France, where we board the fantastic Little Red Train. Known officially as the Train du Pays Cathare et des Fenouillèdes (TPCF), the line was constructed more than 100 years ago to connect Rivesaltes and Carcassonne.

Nowadays, tourists travel in red carriages into the dense green of the majestic Pyrenees on the remaining section of the railway, between Rivesaltes to the small town of Axat. This scenic trip takes us past vineyards, while verdant forests and rocky outcrops become more prevalent as the route climbs higher. Look out for historic Cathar fortresses, built into the mountaintops.

You could choose to sit in the open-air carriages to fully immerse yourself in the passing scenery; breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak up the views on this charming railway as it winds its way over hills and valleys.

You are free to look around and find lunch in the rural valley town of Axat, before we begin our return journey by coach. Back at our hotel, there is time to unwind before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - A vineyard brunch and a beachfront dinner

We embrace Catalan flavours today as we travel into the countryside by coach for a visit to a vineyard in the Empordà wine region. Our hosts are highly regarded for their produce which, in addition to wine, also includes olives. We enjoy a brunch of cold meats and local cheese served with wine produced on the estate. We then learn more about the wine-making process during a walk through the vineyards and olive trees, before visiting the winery.

On returning to Roses, the afternoon is free to spend some time in the charming town or relaxing by the pool. This evening, we take a short walk to a family-run seafront restaurant for tonight's dinner, and the final evening in Roses. Located right on the beach, we enjoy a selection of local specialities while looking out to the sea as the sun sets on the white-washed buildings that cluster beside the bay.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Homeward bound

This morning, we say 'adíos' to Roses as a coach takes us across the French border to Perpignan where we connect to Paris. Our route takes us through the Occitan region of France.

Our Catalonian holiday has taken us from the glistening coast around Roses to the foothills of the Pyrenees; we've also seen playful and thought-provoking art of Salvador Dalí and Antoni Gaudí - a real feast for the senses.

As our train reaches the Rhône, we dash through the heart of France to its capital. In Paris, we board the Eurostar in Standard Premier Class back to London St Pancras International, where we can say our goodbyes before heading home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Hotel Canyelles Platja, Roses

Hotel Canyelles Platja, Roses

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Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 121 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (63)
  2. 4 stars
    (51)
  3. 3 stars
    (4)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (3)

customer

5 stars

Submitted 28/Oct

An excellent holiday - superb hotel, lovely location and really interesting excursions. Our tour guide was marvellous. What a wonderful time, and thoroughly enjoyed by the whole group.

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WILLIAM RICHMOND

4 stars

Submitted 25/Oct

Nice hotel and lovely resort however slightly too far from main shopping area

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Anne Marie Bowen

5 stars

Submitted 21/Oct

A wonderful tour. Food and accommodation hotel was first class. Interesting day trips; with plenty of free time to enjoy Roses and surrounding areas.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Anne, Thank you for your review. It's great to hear you enjoyed your holiday! Many thanks, Alice
1 comment

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S Fiddler

4 stars

Submitted 20/Oct

Excellent hotel, with super position overlooking the bay. The staff and food were very good; with extra large first courses. Trips out were good, but couldn’t understand why early starts when most trips were finished by 2.00 p.m, apart from the Barcelona one. The vineyard tour was exceptional, with a very congenial host - Jose. Personally, the Red Train journey, although picturesque was spoiled by the fact Axat was ‘closed’. There was only one pizza restaurant open, which seated about 12 and owing to the fact two trains pulled into Axat, getting a seat was nigh on impossible. The station buffet bar staff were overwhelmed with the amount of tourists descending on the area. There was a 15 minute delay for a simple cheese and ham panini, with some being served undercooked. The only downside of the whole holiday was a 1 1/2 hour delay in Paris, no fault of GRJ. Would certainly recommend this trip.

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K Bridger

4 stars

Submitted 20/Oct

I thoroughly enjoyed our trip there this past October. The hotel we stayed in was top notch, outstanding cuisine and charming service. I went on most of the planned excursions but also explored the coastline and beaches on foot. Best day of the trip was the train journey through the Pyrenees and a close second was a day we organised for ourselves in Girona. I would have love to have seen more of Barcelona but a few hours there was more frustrating and tiring than pleasant. We travelled with a tremendous group of people and an enthusiastic tour organiser.

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K Bridger
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Poolie Bob

4 stars

Submitted 16/Oct

A very well organised tour expertly led by our Tour Manager Rob Clark. The hotel in Roses was excellent and the view was breath-taking (see photo). With all breakfasts and evening meal included, we were offered a good choice for each course and the desserts were to die for (not literally). (See photo - not of a lemon). Although the hotel is not in the main part of Roses, there is a local bus service every hour but that stopped at the end of September and on our tour, we had two free days and the second free day was in October. If you wanted to spend another day in Roses, then there was a 3km walk along the coastal path in both directions. Fortunately, our Tour Manager arranged an extra, optional trip for those who were interested and that was to Girona (one of his favourite places). This was well worth the extra cost and would recommend to anyone. Our tour of Barcelona was a bit of a let down as the coach trip there and back was over 2 hours each way and we really were only shown the Basilica of Sagrada Familia which is still being built. The enthusiastic local guide explained every facet of this building (see photo) but perhaps a tad too detailed as this reduced the free time that we had. We loved visiting Besalu, Figures and the Dali Museum, the Mediterranean cruise to Cadaques (ok, short boat ride but it was on the Med), Girona and the Little Red Train. Overall, this was a fascinating tour set at just the right pace and I would certainly recommend this to anyone but perhaps better if it were in the main season. Well done Great Rail Journeys and Rob our Tour Manager.

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Poolie Bob
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