Little Boats & Trains of the Mediterranean

Roses is the largest resort on the rugged northern stretch of Spain's Costa Brava. Steeped in history with origins going back to the 8th century BC when the first settlers arrived here from ancient Greece, today, this picturesque old fishing village has been transformed into a modern holiday destination, enjoying a year-round mild climate. The town is particularly popular for its splendid west facing beaches where you can experience spectacular sunsets across the Gulf of Roses. This wonderful holiday explores the region of Catalonia, neighbouring France from a very different perspective - enjoy spectacular views from a coastal cruise, a historic rack railway, a fun road train or from your hotel balcony!

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Stay on the Bay of Roses
Please note that this tour involves some walking and requires a reasonable degree of mobility in order to be able to get on and off boats and trains

Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue via the auto-routes of France to the overnight stop in central France. BB

Day 2 - Lots to see today as you journey over the border into Spain on the way to your holiday base in Roses. Enjoy a welcome drink as porters take your luggage to your room and then settle in for your 6-night stay by the sea. DBB with a glass of wine and water included each night with the buffet dinner

Days 3 - 7 - At leisure in Roses with four included excursions and one full free day (or join the optional excursion)

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
ROSES EXPRESS
Enjoy a trip on the Roses Express (little road train) today which stops directly at your hotel. The round trip takes in the magical bay of Roses, recognised as one of the most beautiful bays in the world by UNESCO since 2011. The route (approx. 1hr 30m - 2hr) includes the Cap de Creus nature park and the magnificent views of the entire bay of Roses can be seen from various vantage points. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy the hotel or explore the town

CADAQUéS BY BOAT
Today walk the short distance from the hotel to board the morning boat trip along the coast to Cadaqués. Facing the Mediterranean Sea at the head of a crystal-clear bay, Cadaqués was a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí who were drawn to the area's incredible light and sea breezes. Cadaqués remains a favourite spot for artists and is very popular with weekenders from Barcelona and visitors from further afield. The town has been developed carefully over the years and retains its charm and it is right on the edge of the Cap de Creus Peninsula, where the Pyrenees Mountains meet the sea. Meet up with your local guide in Cadaqués who will walk you around this pretty little town with its whitewashed buildings and special charm where after a little free time you re-board the boat to return to Roses to arrive back around lunch time. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Roses

LITTLE RED TRAIN
An early start today as you meet your local guide to head off into France to the Train du Pays Cathere et du Fenouilledes, affectionately known as the 'Red Train' due to its bright red and white carriages. Part of this historic railway have been operating since 1901 and your panoramic journey starts in charming Rivesaltes where you will board the cheery red carriages and from here, the TPCF slowly climbs for 60km. Take in the crisp mountain air and admire the mossy cliffs, deep valleys and noble peaks for which this region is justly famous and vineyards and castles until you arrive at the small village of Axat. (NB Carriages may be open top depending on the weather). There will time for a spot of lunch before the coach drives you back to Roses and the hotel

NÚRIA VALLEY RACK RAILWAY OF THE PYRENEES
Another adventure today as you head to the Núria Valley together with a local guide to take a journey on the Núria Valley Rack Railway. This rack railway offers spectacular views of the steep slopes, breath-taking mountains and unmissable landscape and it's the only way to access this remote valley. The Rack Railway climbs over 1000m over a journey of 12.5 km in 40 minutes. The Núria Valley a car-free oasis of calm, with charming sailing boats bobbing on the lake against a magical backdrop and the isolation offers the perfect opportunity to admire the impressive natural beauty of the Pyrenees. The railway's end station is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria, a place of pilgrimage and meditation at an altitude of almost two thousand metres and your local guide will give you an insight into the roots and traditions of this spiritual sanctuary and the lives of the priests who reside there

OPTIONAL EXCURSION
GIRONA
Girona is a fabulous mix of museums, galleries and Gothic churches around a tangle of cobbled lanes and medieval walls. Its historic centre is dominated by medieval buildings and a maze of narrow lanes and within the walled enclosure of La Força Vella, the old Jewish quarter (El Call), one of the best preserved medieval Jewish quarters in Europe, is a treat for the eyes and the soul. Your driver may be able to offer a guided walking tour to give you an insight into Girona's fascinating history or you may prefer to explore on your own.

Day 8 - Adios to Spain as you head northwards to the final stop in the Central France area. Bed & breakfast

Day 9 - After breakfast, travel back through France to Calais for the return to England

Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 6 nights with breakfast & buffet dinner- Glass of wine & water with dinner in Spain- Porterage & welcome drink at main hotel- Overnight hotel for 2 nights with breakfast- Return boat Roses - Cadaqués- Guided walking tour of Cadaqués- Round trip on the Roses Express (road train)- Little Red Train ride Rivesaltes to Axat with local guide- Núria Valley excursion with local guide- Return journey on the Núria Valley Rack RailwayHotel Prestige Victoria Elit, Roses





3* Hotel Prestige Victoria is located on the seafront overlooking Santa Margarita Beach, about 2km from the centre of Roses.

There is an outdoor pool as well as spa with heated indoor aqua therapy pool, gym, a hydromassage bath and beauty treatments (additional charge).

There is free WiFi throughout the hotel. Rooms in the Victoria have satellite TV, hairdryers, air-conditioning, mini-safe and wooden floors.
All rooms have a partial sea view (side) and a balcony or terrace. Breakfast and dinner are taken in the buffet restaurant which offers a variety of Mediterranean and international dishes.

There is also a bar, terrace and lift