The Catalan Coast

London to Roses

You meet your group and Tour Manager at Rail Discoveries' dedicated Departure Office at St Pancras International today, before boarding the Eurostar for Paris. In the French capital, change trains and continue on the high speed TGV, enjoying views of the French countryside as you make your way directly to Figueres in Spain. At Figueres, board a coach for the short journey to Roses, set within the beautiful bay of the same name, on a rugged stretch of the Costa Brava.

Roses is an authentic Spanish fishing port which has retained its original charm and style. A fine sandy beach sweeps around the Bay of Roses, set against a backdrop of the wild Cap de Creus National Park. After checking into the hotel, enjoy dinner, after which you may like to take an evening stroll along the promenade.

At leisure in Roses

You have a free day to relax and explore Roses today. You may like to venture down to the beach and enjoy the warm climate and sunshine. In the town itself, you could visit the mighty Castell de la Trinitat at the head of the bay.

Cadaques Cruise

Today enjoy a cruise to Cadaqués. As a protected National Park, the headland remains a beautiful stretch of untouched, untamed coast between Roses and the pretty village of Cadaqués.

Disembarking at this delightful fishing village, almost hidden within its own small bay, you can explore the charming white-washed houses - the inspiration for much of the work of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, who lived nearby. A statue of Dalí stands beside the small pebble beach. You have time to explore Cadaqués, perhaps visiting the Church of St. Mary's to see its ornate interior.

Barcelona

This morning, travel by coach to the magnificent city of Barcelona. The Catalonian capital is filled with unique and intriguing architecture and is a stylish city bursting with life and culture.

A guided tour shows you the main sights, including the unfinished Sagrada Familia. This stunning Antonio Gaudí masterpiece has a predicted completion date of 2026 (the centenary of Gaudí's death) but has already earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Its soaring, mosaic-tiled towers bring a modern feel to a traditionally Christian iconography, yet maintain significant religious symbolism; inside, the light from its stained-glass windows flood the stonework with bright colours, representing, in Gaudí's eyes, the beauty of life and faith.

You then have time to continue exploring, perhaps by visiting the remarkable Picasso Museum in the 'Barri Gotic' - the Gothic Quarter - or take a stroll along Las Ramblas, the beating heart of the city, filled with street performers and lined with pavement cafés, bars and stalls selling all manner of curiosities.

Day 5 is another free day in Roses. If you wish, visit the ancient, medieval city of Girona. One of the region's true hidden gems, this compact city is filled with fascinating buildings and architecture, particularly in the Old Town, where a thousand years of history are packed into just a few streets. Boasting Catalonia's largest and best-preserved 'Call', or medieval Jewish quarter, modern day Girona offers museums, stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and a wealth of delicious restaurants from which to choose from.

Perhaps visit the Museu d'História dels Jueus de Girona, which explores the rich history of Catalonia's medieval Jewish community. Alternatively, Girona's beautiful cathedral is well worth a visit. With its Baroque facade and 12th century Romanesque cloister, it boasts the second widest nave in Christendom.

Figueres, Dalí and Besalú

This morning, travel by coach to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, to visit the fascinating Salvador Dalí Foundation, a large museum designed by the artist himself. You then have time to continue exploring Figueres at leisure, perhaps discovering the pentagonal Sant Ferran Castle and the Gothic Church of St Peter, before visiting the historic town of Besalú, a grand old town dominated by a magnificent 11th century fortified bridge.

Day 7 is free for you to enjoy Roses at your leisure. Perhaps ride the 'Roses Express' road train along the bay and up into the hills overlooking the Mediterranean. Or you could simply spend your last day in Spain relaxing and taking advantage of the hotel's leisure facilities. With a lounge, indoor pool and poolside bar to enjoy, as well as a terrace and garden, two outdoor swimming pools and excellent proximity to the beach. It really is a wonderful hub from which to spend your day.

Return to London

After breakfast, leave Rosas by coach for Figueres and board the high-speed TGV directly to Paris. Cross the French capital by coach, then connect with the Eurostar for London St Pancras International.

Please note

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

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.