The Little Trains of the Pyrenees at Christmas
The Little Trains of the Pyrenees at Christmas
$1569
The Little Trains of the Pyrenees at Christmas
5 Days
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98475
From:
$1569
$1442 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Barrhead discount: -$127
NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Experience Catalonia as you’ve never seen it before with a voyage through the snow-capped southern Pyrenees.
Discover the region’s alpine treasures in the villages of Axat, Rivesaltes and La Jonquera as you enjoy an open-air ride through the mountains, courtesy of TPFC’s Little Red Train. With your hotel situated in Girona’s historic city centre, enjoy a Christmas break adorned in the region’s Catalan charm, culminating in a journey deep into the fabled Nuria Valley aboard the area’s famous rack railway.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Barcelona And Day At Leisure
You’ll fly to Barcelona airport and be welcomed by your friendly local tour manager before boarding a transfer to Girona. After you’ve checked into the centrally located hotel, you’re free to explore the city’s heart as well as the Christmas Markets in Plaça de la Independència (Liberation Square). Enclosed by restaurants, bars and bistros, this plaza draws hundreds of visitors every day and commemorates those who defended the city against French forces during the Napoleonic wars. Throughout December, though, the historic open-air square is inundated with artisanal market stalls, traditional Catalan fare, and festive decor.
Having settled into your new surroundings, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day Two – Christmas Eve – Included Journey Aboard The Little Red Train To Rivesaltes, Axat And La Jonquera
Begin your Christmas Eve with an early breakfast today and wrap up warm ahead of your first excursion into the Catalan mountains. Crossing the border into southern France, you’ll arrive in the town of Rivesaltes. As you await your day’s transport, the iconic TPFC Little Red Train, you’ll find no better place for a little festive indulgence than in the heart of Roussilon’s wine country. Why not experience Rivesaltes’ seasonal traditions with a glass of the region’s famed Christmas wine, Muscat de Noel? The sweet wine was originally prepared for Catalan nobles, visiting across the Christmas period, and is the perfect way to commence your festive celebrations.
Soon after you’ll be met by the Little Red Train, which will carry you deep into the Catalan mountains; a true winter wonderland complete with snow-dusted pine trees and frozen landscapes. Take in the natural splendour of the Pyrenees as you speed through the ever-changing alpine scenery in either the comfort of normal carriages or the brisk chill of the train's open-air options.
You'll then arrive in the picturesque Catalan Mountain village of Axat, where you'll experience life in the Aude valley at its authentic best. You'll have the chance here to explore the region’s dramatic vistas at your leisure and refuel with some lunch, payable locally.
After a morning in the mountains, it's time to return westward to your final destination for the day, La Jonquera. Here you'll have the chance to explore the Spanish border town, which offers outlet shopping as well as a host of nearby vineyards and historical ruins.
Once back in Girona, settle in for dinner at your own leisure in the hotel.
Day Three – Christmas Day – Day At Leisure And Optional Christmas Morning Service At Girona Cathedral
Merry Christmas! Enjoy this morning at your own pace or choose to join your tour manager for a scenic and gentle 35-mintue stroll to Girona Cathedral, also known as Catedral de Santa Maria. Located at the highest point in the city, this symbol of the city is where you can enjoy the Christmas Day service with the locals.
Settle back into the hotel as you’ll be treated to a special Christmas lunch alongside the other travellers.
You’ll then have the rest of the day to spend however you see fit; perhaps setting off on a stroll through the city’s illuminated streets.
After a relaxing day, return to the hotel for dinner.
Day Four – Boxing Day – Included To Aboard The Vall De Núria Rack Railway
On Boxing day, following breakfast, you’ll continue your mountain adventures by travelling to Núria Valley - a remote glacial valley steeped in folklore and tradition. From here, you’ll board the Vall de Núria Rack Railway, which dates back to 1931, and travel deep into the Catalan Pyrenees. The iconic railway spans over 12 kilometres, across an elevation of over 1,000 meters, making it the highest-running rail line in southern Europe.
You’ll travel high up along the tracks to Núria's Sanctuary, located at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres. This ancient refuge, completely untouched by motor traffic, encompasses a neo-Romanesque church, a hotel, Sant Gil chapel, and the nearby Sant Gil spring.
It’s believed that Sant Gil came to Núria in the 6th century and hid a hand-crafted carving of Mare de Déu (Mother of God) there. The relic was later found by a pilgrim, resulting in the location becoming a popular place of pilgrimage for Christians across the world.
While taking in the spectacular vistas, you’ll also have a chance to sample some local products from the region before taking advantage of free time to walk around.
After the day’s exploration, you’ll journey back to Girona for a final dinner with your new-found friends.
Day Five – Fly Back To The Uk
Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to idyllic Girona, transferring to Barcelona for your return flight.
What's Included
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Four nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Best Western CMC, Girona
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Four breakfasts, four dinners and one lunch
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Day trip in French Catalonia via Perpignan and Axat
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Two heritage train journeys aboard the TPFC ‘Little Red Train’ and the Vall de Núria Rack Railway
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Visit to La Jonquera
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Day trip to Núria Sanctuary with local product tastings
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Coach travel and transfers throughout
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Return flights to Barcelona
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2 hours.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
What to pack
Packing for the occasion will be key; from the frozen Catalan mountains to Girona’s warmer climate, you’ll experience a diverse range of weathers and temperatures, so it’s just as important to bring a good coat as it is shorts and t-shirts!
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2 hours.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
What to pack
Packing for the occasion will be key; from the frozen Catalan mountains to Girona’s warmer climate, you’ll experience a diverse range of weathers and temperatures, so it’s just as important to bring a good coat as it is shorts and t-shirts!
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Friday
Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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Terms and Conditions
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