Touring Europe By Rail 2019

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N E W T O U R

La Sagrada Familia Barcelona

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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 Returning by rail to Latour de Carol, we switch gauges for 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* 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 12-13 A day at leisure to relax in Argelès-sur-Mer . Relax on the hotel’s private beach or maybe explore the region further. On Day 13 we join the local coastal railway, heading 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

Train Jaune crossing Pont Gisclard Suspension Bridge

14 DAYS

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 1 June 2019

FARE From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to/from France, including £2095 Standard Eurostar Single Traveller Supplement £250 13 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal Standard Class rail travel throughout

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

Mirepoix

© wikipedia

Carcassonne

© AdobeStock

HOTELS

Grand Hotel Terminus, Brive Brive’s railway hotel, the 3* 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 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, 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 appartments 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* 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* 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* 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.

Vall de Nuria rack railway

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

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