Grand Tour - The Transpyrenean

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then onwards to Brive and our hotel for two nights, the Grand Hotel, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we head south towards the Dordogne to visit the unique collection of railway objects at the Chemin de Fer du Haut-Quercy railway museum before joining the 'Truffadou' Train. Carved into the cliffs above the River Dordogne, trains were used to transport truffles, hence the name 'Truffadou', and we enjoy a one-hour return ride behind steam.

DAY 3

Today, 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, and after a little free time, we transfer by coach to the Cartier Hotel in Quillan for our three-night stay. We indulge in a wine-tasting and enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 4

Today, we journey by road to visit the captivating towns of Mirepoix and Montségur which can only be described as a 'best kept secret'. Explore the Place des Couverts, the central square of Mirepoix flanked by half-timbered medieval houses, visit the stunning cathedral, view the castle at Montségur with its fascinating history, and explore the village and local museum. We return to Quillan and enjoy some free time before reconvening in time for our evening meal together.

DAY 5

After breakfast today, we travel to Axat for a remarkable journey on the Train Rouge through varied landscapes and over magnificent viaducts 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. Afterwards, we return to Quillan and enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 6

Today, our destination is Carcassonne, where we enjoy a guided tour of the city walls before we have some free time to explore one of the world's most incredible medieval fortified cities and walk the quaint alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage protected city. This afternoon, we transfer to the Hotel Aragon for our two-night stay and the evening is at leisure to explore our new surroundings.

DAY 7

After a leisurely breakfast and morning, we will reconvene in the afternoon for a trip along the famous waterway, Canal du Midi, one of the oldest canals still in operation in Europe. We will enjoy stunning flora and fauna vistas and impressive engineering structures before returning to Carcassonne for an evening at leisure.

DAY 8

Today, we journey to Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg, winding through remote terrain of rugged beauty to reach one of the great border stations and the terminus of three lines. We continue into Spain by local train to Ribes de Freser and, on arrival, we transfer to our hotel for the next three nights, the Catalunya Park Hotel, where we check in and enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 9

After breakfast, we transfer to the charming village of La Pobla de Lillet where we enjoy a fascinating rail experience aboard the Tren del Ciment through forests and landscapes to the former Asland cement factory, which now houses a museum. On return to La Pobla de Lillet, we have some free time for lunch before making our way to Ripoll and enjoying time at leisure to explore this historic town and visit the beautiful Monastery de Santa Maria. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel in time for our evening meal together.

DAY 10

This morning, we board the fantastic Vall de Núria Rack Railway for a journey through Núria's Valley with breathtaking views and climbing more than 1,000m over 12.5km. After our thrilling ride, the rest of the day is at leisure before we reconvene for our evening meal together.

DAY 11

After breakfast this morning, we leave Ribes de Freser and travel by road to Latour-de-Carol for a scenic journey on the Train Jaune through magnificent mountain scenery to Mont Louis. On arrival, we transfer to Le Clos Cerdan for our overnight stay and enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 12

Today, our Train Jaune experience continues as we climb to Bolquère-Eyne, the highest station in France, and cross the Pont Gisclard suspension bridge on our descent to Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains. Here, our coach awaits to transfer us to Argelès-sur-Mer and the Hotel du Lido for our three-night stay where we enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 13

This morning, we join the local coastal railway heading south along the stunning Vermillion Coast interspersed with rocky coves, delightful beaches, and charming fishing villages. We stop at the romantic village of Collioure and enjoy time to explore its beautiful bay, lighthouse, and fort before returning to our hotel in time for our evening meal together.

DAY 14

Today, we enjoy a day at leisure to relax in Argelès-sur-Mer, explore the region further or make use of the hotel's private beach before we reconvene for our final evening meal together.

DAY 15

We bid farewell to Argelès-sur-Mer and to France, returning by rail to Paris, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner