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Train Rouge

rand

our

ail

–

ranspyre

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)

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

Ciment, a stay on the Catalan coast and the ‘Truffle Train’ through

the Dordogne for a fortnight’s adventure not found anywhere else.

Truffadou truffle train

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★

Steam through the Dordogne on the

‘Truffadou’ Truffle Train

★

Discover Andorra’s capital, Andorra la Vella

★

Explore the delightful medieval core of Mirepoix

★

Taste Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine

★

Visit the charming towns of Foix and Ax-les-

Thermes

★

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

Argelessur-Mer

★

Visit enchanting Collioure

Fares

From

£2195

DAY 4

Today we enjoy a half-day excursion by coach to

the captivating town of

Mirepoix

which can only

be described as a ‘best kept secret’. 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

Foix, France

Also included in your Tour Fare:

★

Dinner every evening

★

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

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

. 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)