Touring Europe By Rail 2019

G rand T our by R ail – T he T ranspyren

The Red Train, the Yellow Train and the Blue Train can be found in many itineraries, but only Railtrail takes you through the heart of the Pyrenees, staying in local hotels and getting to know the region both sides of the border. Our grand tour stays in the foothills and valley stations, primed for spectacular excursions. Add in the Tren del

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Leaving London St Pancras by Eurostar, we race through Kent and northern France. Changing stations in Paris, we head southwards to Brive for two nights at the Grand Hotel Terminus. (D) DAY 2 By staying in Brive we are well located for today’s excursion. Heading south towards the Dordogne , we enjoy a brief visit to the Chemin de Fer du Haut-Quercy’s railway museum, before joining the ‘Truffadou’ train itself for a one hour steam round- trip. Carved into the cliffs above the River Dordogne, trains were used to transport truffles, hence the name ‘Truffadou’. Closed in 1980, the railway has been preserved since the 1990s by enthusiasts. (B,D) DAY 3 Our rail adventure heads south to Toulouse, changing for the ‘Transpyrenean Line’ . We leave the train at Foix , a charming town overlooked by a majestic château. After a little free time we transfer by coach to the Vayamundo Resort at Quillan for four nights, beginning with a winetasting of the local Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine . (B,D) ★ ★ Steam through the Dordogne on the ‘Truffadou’ Truffle Train ★ ★ Visit Foix and Ax-les-Thermes, charming towns in the foothills ★ ★ Explore the delightful medieval core of Mirepoix ★ ★ Taste Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine ★ ★ Trundle past mysterious Cathare Castles on the ‘Train Rouge’ ★ ★ Visit the perfect medieval walled city of Carcassonne ★ ★ Experience a cross border rail adventure to Spanish Catalonia ★ ★ Soar up from the valley on the Vall de Nuria rack railway (Blue Train) ★ ★ Visit exciting Barcelona, the proud capital of Catalonia ★ ★ Explore the whole of the ‘Petit Train Jaune’ line ★ ★ Relax in the Mediterranean resort of Argeles- sur-Mer ★ ★ Visit enchanting Collioure Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Ciment, a stay on the Catalan coast and the ‘Truffle Train’ through the Dordogne for a fortnight’s adventure not found anywhere else.

Fares From £2095

Truffadou truffle train

© cfthq-photos

DAY 4 Today we enjoy a half-day excursion to beautiful Mirepoix . Explore ‘Les Couverts’, one of the finest medieval arcaded market squares , flanked by half- timbered medieval houses and the stunning cathedral. Back at Quillan, relax in the leisure facilities or maybe enjoy one of the signposted walks. (B,D) DAY 5 A short transfer to Axat brings us to the Train Rouge , which in June operates its ‘Viaducts’ route to St Paul de Fenouillet. A particular highlight of this scenic journey is the sight of the Château de Puilaurens, perched on a cliff high above the valley, like many of the other Cathar castles. (B,D) DAY 6 Our destination today is Carcassonne , where we enjoy free time to experience one of the world’s most incredible medieval fortified towns . Carcassonne’s citadel is entirely encircled by an impenetrable city wall, all turrets, towers and battlements. Explore the quaint

alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage protected site before we return to Quillan. (B,D) DAY 7 We transfer back to the ‘Transpyrenean Line’ by a different route, with a short break at the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes . Winding through remote terrain of rugged beauty, we reach Latour de Carol-Enveitg , one of the great border stations and the terminus of three lines. We continue into Spain by local train to Ribes de Freser , where we spend three nights at the Catalunya Park Hotel. (B,D) DAY 8 Our direct regional train takes us from Ribes to the regional capital of Barcelona . Here we enjoy an orientation drive to introduce the city, including Gaudí’s masterpiece, the extraordinary Sagrada Familia and the viewpoint at Mont Juïc. Free time in the city allows you to explore Las Ramblas , before we return to Ribes. (B,D)

Train Rouge

Foix, France

© AdobeStock

© TCPF

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