Railtrail Annual Brochure 2021

nean

La Sagrada Familia Barcelona

© Shuttersock © Shuttersock

DAY 8 Our direct regional train takes us from Ribes to the regional capital of Barcelona . Free time in the city allows you to explore Las Ramblas , Gaudí’s masterpiece - the extraordinary Sagrada Familia and the viewpoint at Mont Juïc before we return to Ribes. (B,D) DAY 9 Two fascinating rail experiences await today. The ‘Tren del Ciment’ begins in the charming Catalan village of La Pobla de Lillet, which boasts the oldest bridge spanning the River Llobregat. The diesel powered former industrial railway covers a distance of 3.5km on its way to the former Asland Cement Factory, which now houses a museum. Back in Ribes, we board the Vall de Nuria Rack Railway , which climbs a height difference of more than 1,000 metres on a journey over 12 km in length. (B,D) DAY 10 Today we transfer to Andorra for a lunch-time look around the capital city, Andorra la Vella , the highest capital city in Europe. Returning to the rails, at Latour de Carol, we take our first adventure by ‘Train Jaune’. Travelling through the scenic Cerdagne region, we climb to Font Romeu, where we have booked a night at the convenient, family-run 2-star L’Oustalet Hotel. (B,D) DAY 11 Our ‘Train Jaune’ experience continues today, climbing to Bolquère-Eyne, the highest station in France and crossing the Pont Gisclard suspension bridge on our descent to Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains. Our coach awaits here to transfer to the Hotel du Lido in Argelès-sur-Mer on the French Mediterranean. (B,D) DAYS 12 A day at leisure to relax in Argelès-sur-Mer . Relax on the hotel’s private beach or maybe explore the region further. (B,D)

Train Jaune

14 DAYS

© Shuttersock

DAY 13 Today head south towards the Spanish border along the stunning ‘ Vermillion Coast ’, where the region’s expansive beaches develop into a series of charming coves, backed by vineyards and the Albères mountains. We stop at the simply stunning coastal village of Collioure . It is not difficult to see why the Fauvist art movement was drawn to Collioure, with its special light, beautiful bay, lighthouse and fort. (B,D) DAY 14 After breakfast we transfer to Perpignan, joining the TGV to Paris, where we join the Eurostar to London St Pancras. (B)

DEPARTS

Saturday 29 May 2021 Saturday 18 September 2021

FARES From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel including Standard Eurostar Supplement for Standard Premier Eurostar upgrade return

£2295

£199

First Class rail travel including Standard Premier Eurostar £2595 Join at Brive & Leave at Argelès-sur-Mer £2050 Single Traveller Supplement £265 13 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal Rail travel in class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager GUARANTEED FARE

Carcassonne

© Shuttersock

Mirepoix

HOTELS

© Shuttersock

Grand Hotel Terminus, Brive Brive’s railway hotel, the 3-star Grand Hotel Terminus, sits opposite Brive-la-Gaillarde train station. Built in 1907 and fully renovated in 2016, it offers modest accommodation just a ten minute walk from the centre of Brive. Vayamundo Resort, Quillan In a region with few hotels, the 3-star Vayamundo Resort is located on the outskirts of Quillan in the foothills of the Pyrenees. A former vineyard has been transformed into the beautiful holiday village with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a lake and signposted walks. The resort is busy with families in July and August, but we expect it to be peaceful during our stay in early June. Our accommodation is in studio apartments with balcony and small kitchenette. Breakfast and dinner are provided in Le Brantalou restaurant on site.

Hotel Catalunya Park, Ribes de Freser We have chosen the 2-star Catalunya Park for ease of access to our excursions. This family-run hotel in the heart of Ribes boasts an outdoor pool in a large garden. L’Oustalet, Font Romeu One of very few hotels close to the ‘Train Jaune’, the family-run 2-star L’Oustalet is set in a beautiful, natural setting and offers an outdoor swimming pool, a traditional restaurant and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Hotel du Lido, Argelès-sur-Mer The 3-star Hotel du Lido has a fabulous beachside location, with its own private beach, surrounded by a shady park. The hotel boasts a restaurant, bar and heated outdoor pool. We have deliberately chosen an arrival date to enjoy pleasant weather, yet away from the hordes of high summer.

Ax-les-Thermes

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

47