Catalonia and the Pyrenees by Rail
Train Seats Travel On all legs of the journey you have reserved seat and carriage numbers which are shown clearly on Passports your ticket.
Please ensure your 10-year British Passport is not out of date and is valid for a full six months beyond the duration of your visit. EU, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino or Switzerland Baggage valid national identification cards are also acceptable for travel to Spain. As with most trains, passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the Visas entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Pancras and Lille, but bags do need to be carried on British and EU passport holders are not required to to the platform. Porters are sometimes but not have a visa. always available at St Pancras.
For all other passport holders please check the visa Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery requirements with the appropriate embassy. service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase
can be picked up from your home before departure Spanish consulate: 20 Draycott Pl, Chelsea, London and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore SW3 2RZ; Tel (020) 7589 8989. Information Service: removing the worry about carrying your cases onto Tel (0891) 887 733, Fax: (020) 7581 7888. Opening and off the trains. hours: 0930-1300 Mon-Fri (except British and For further information: Spanish national holidays). http://www.thebaggageman.com
Labels Tickets Please use the luggage labels provided. It is useful You will be issued with a return Eurostar ticket. The to have your home address located inside your tour manager has a group TGV ticket. suitcase should the label go astray. Please take care not to lose your tickets and please check that the details on your tickets are accurate. Your ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable. Transfers No refund can be given for non-used portions. On arrival in Figueres, transfer by coach to Hotel Pirineos (approx. 10 minutes). Standard Premier on Eurostar tickets is indicated by two asterisks in the class type section in the top right-hand corner. A light meal will be served to passengers travelling Standard Premier on Eurostar. Special Requests Standard class Eurostar tickets do not include any If you haven’t already, please notify Travel Editions food or drink on board, although there is a buffet of any special requests as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to make the necessary car serving drinks and snacks. TGV tickets do not include any food or drink on arrangements. board, although a buffet car is available.
Accommodation Hotel Pirineos The four-star family run hotel in Figueres, situated Some restaurants will offer a set meal at a fixed – in the heart of Alt Emporda and is just a few menú del día – at lunchtime, generally good value minutes from the Dali Theater Museum and was for money. Usually, a discretionary service charge is recently renovated in 2016. Its 54 modern rooms, added to your bill in restaurants and bars, but it is some with balconies, and include private facilities customary to leave small change if good service is with either a bath or shower, AC, free safe, Wifi, flat provided. screen TV, telephone and a minibar with complimentary water. Generally speaking, mealtimes in Spain are much later than in the UK. Lunch is normally taken For more information please visit the hotel’s website: between 1400 and 1600; dinner is very often eaten https://www.hotelpirineospelegri.com/en any time after 2100 or even 2200.
Food Drink Catalonia is known for its proud artisan food With its generous year-round sunshine and production, as well as its interesting and modern excellent mountain soils, Midi-Pyrénées is blessed interpretations of traditional dishes. Meals in the with some truly magnificent wines. The region Catalan Pyrenees often include fresh vegetables, boasts 5 AOC (Appellation d'origine controlee) legumes, pasta, pork sausages, lamb, chicken, fish, wines, with the most well-known producers being and game. Another favourite ingredient of the Saint-Mont, Pacherenc, Madiran, Gaillac, Fronton entire Province of Catalonia, and especially the and Cahors wines. forests of Lleida, are the wide range of wild mushrooms. The most popular types of mushrooms Midi-Pyrénées is also famous for its Armagnac found here are: boletus, wild mushrooms, meadow brandies, which are distilled in the region between mushrooms, chanterelles, elms and gomphidus. Auch and Condom.
Local specialities include: Escudella, Putxero or Catalan sparkling wine, Cava, is produced rosé and Ollada - A thick soup, often made with vegetables, white, and comes, as champagne, from the dry brut chickpeas, pasta and meat, Confitat de porc -Pork to the sweet dulce. preserve, Trinxat - A traditional dish made from cabbage, potatoes and bacon, Coca or Coques - In elegant restaurants the wine list will be separate Savoury pastries with a pizza-like base, Cargols amb from the main menu, but in less opulent salsa,or Cargols a la llauna - Snails cooked in a sauce establishments will be printed on the back or along and spices, Esqueixada or "esgarrat" - Salted cod the side of the carte. The waiter will usually be glad salad mixed with tomato and onion, Mongetes amb to advise an appropriate choice. If in doubt, try the botifarra - Beans served with pork sausage, Pa amb house wine; this will usually be less expensive and tomàquet - Bread smeared with an olive oil, garlic will always be the owner’s pride. and tomato sauce. Meals included in the price of your holiday are: The region’s most famous sweet is the Crème Catalane (egg yolk, milk and sugar custard), enjoyed Breakfast – daily plain, with a thin layer of caramelised sugar and Dinner – on day 1 sometimes served with biscuits.
Coffee is served after the meal and will be black, in small cups, unless a café au lait (or crème) is requested.
Destination With its own language and unique local customs, since the Roman era. The name Besalú itself is Catalonia feels distinct from the rest of Spain, and, thought to derive from the Latin bisuldunum, beyond Barcelona, its four provinces unveil an meaning ‘fort on a mountain between two rivers’ astounding wealth of natural splendour. Pyrenean and refers to the ancient castle which is believed to peaks loom above meadows and glittering lakes, have stood on the site in the 10th century. plains are pock-marked with volcanic cones, rocky coves border sandy beaches and wind-blown capes For more information about Besalu, please visit: give way to serene seaside paths and fertile https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/discov vineyards. The Costa Brava’s shores are its biggest er-the-medieval-town-of-besalu-in-catalonia/ lure, though travellers will also uncover medieval architecture, Jewish history and culinary wizardry in Banyoles Girona, and Dalí's gloriously surreal 'theatre- Home to Catalonia’s largest natural lake, Banyoles museum' in Figueres. Sitges, on the Costa Daurada, has plenty to offer to visitors. Located around half fizzes with summer fun and Modernista mansions. an hour’s drive from both Girona and Dalí’s Places of interest included in the tour: hometown of Figueres, although it’s best known for its wonderful lake, Banyoles is also an interesting Figueres historic and cultural town. The historic centre is Fourteen kilometres inland from Catalonia's built around the Saint Stephen (Sant Esteve) glistening Golf de Roses lies Figueres. Birthplace of monastery, and you can enjoy wandering around Surrealist Salvador Dalí, Figueres is an attractive cobbled streets and squares, while you see the town with a wide, leafy boulevard lined with various buildings and the magical flow of water, outdoor cafés as its main thoroughfare. The that comes in the canals that originate in the principal attraction is Dali’s striking homage to famous lake. There’s also an archaeological Surrealism, the Teatre-Museu Gala (entrance museum in Banyoles, as well as the Darder included), which is suitably bizarre and houses an Museum. impressive collection of his work. Beyond its star attraction, busy Figueres is a lively place with a For more information about Banyoles, please visit: http://www.catalonia-valencia.com/banyoles-travel- couple of interesting museums, some good guide.html restaurants, pleasant shopping streets around Carrer de Peralada, and a grand 18th-century fortress. Girona Elegant and handsome Girona is a lively city with a For more information about Figueres, please visit: walled medieval quarter, which sits on a hill http://en.visitfigueres.cat/ overlooking the city, elegant river banks lined with brightly painted houses and plenty of excellent Besalu museums. Sights here include the Archaeological Walk that explores the city's Roman roots, the Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the distinctively-named Church of St Peter of the cock Garrotxa region, the small town of Besalú is one of Crows, the wonderfully preserved medieval Jewish Catalonia’s most stunning medieval sites. Famous quarter of El Call, the imposing Cathedral and 12th for its impressive Romanesque bridge and the century Arab Baths. vestiges of its Jewish past. Like many places in
Catalonia, the Jewish community lived in a relatively For more information about Girona, please visit: peaceful coexistence with the local Christian http://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/index.php community. There were a number of pogroms carried out against the Jews during the late 14th and early 15th centuries, however, unlike in many Ripoll other Catalan towns, in Besalú there was relatively Ripoll can claim, with some justice, to be the little bloodshed and it is believed that the local birthplace of Catalonia. In the 9th century it was the Jewish families were allowed to leave the city and power base from which local strongman Guifré el flee elsewhere.Located on the shores of the river Pilós (Wilfred the Hairy) succeeded in uniting Fluviá, there are traces of settlements in the area several counties of the Frankish March along the southern side of the Pyrenees. Guifré went on to artistic influence survives. Highlights here include become the first in a line of hereditary counts of the Château Royal, built by the Knights Templar in Barcelona. To encourage repopulation of the the 13th century, the 17th century Église de Notre- Pyrenean valleys, he founded (and now lies buried Dame-des-Anges and its famous bell tower, and the in) the Monestir de Santa Maria, medieval delightful narrow alley ways and colourful houses. Catalonia's most powerful monastery. For more information about Collioure, please visit: For more information about Ripoll, please visit: https://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/collioure- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripoll 2035.htm
Nuria Rack Railway Reading Suggestions The only means of transport that allows you to Michael Eaude, Catalonia: A Cultural History reach the Nuria Valley. The rack railway climbs a A vivid introduction to the fascinating history of this vertical distance of 1,000 metres along a 12.5- region, lodged between France and Spain. kilometre track. The history of the Núria rack railway dates back to a hundred years ago, when for John Payne, Catalonia: History and Culture the first time there was a need to develop a means Payne provides an engaging, lively history of this border of transport to link the valley to the town of Ribes area, highly informative and enjoyable to read. de Freser. It was not until 1928 that work started and finally in 1931 the rack railway was Catherine Plant, Dali (Taschen Basic Art Series). inaugurated. The Ribes-Enllaç and Vall de Núria An excellent, concise introduction to Dali and his stations, the start and end of the route, were built Surrealist art, accompanied by wonderful photographs of his work. during the Civil War and the post-war period, from
1933 to 1953. Tour manager For more information about the Nuria Rack Railway, Your tour manager will be on hand throughout the please visit: tour to ensure that everything operated according http://turistren.cat/index.php/fitxa/vall-de-nuria-rack- to plan. If you have any problems or questions railway/?lang=en please see him or her immediately – it is often possible to resolve complaints or problems very Perpignan quickly on the spot, and do everything to help you The lovely city of Perpignan, close to the Spanish enjoy your holiday. border, is a great base for this fascinating and varied tour. A thoroughly Southern city, Perpignan is the multicultural capital of the French Catalan region. The city’s small old town is a little rough- around-the-edges, but the vibrantly painted facades and palm tree lined boulevards make it feel wonderfully Mediterranean. Sights here include an Arab quarter, the 13th century Palais des Rois de Majorque, the Loge de Mer Maritime Exchange, the 14th century Hotel de Ville, the Gothic Cathédrale St Jean Baptiste, and the Musée Catalan of North Catalonian history.
For more information about Perpignan, please visit: http://www.perpignantourisme.com/gb
Collioure A picturesque seaside town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, backed by a series of ancient terraced vines, the colourful harbour town of Collioure is delightful. In the early 20th century the town became the meeting place of Fauve artists, including Matisse, Derain and Picasso, and their
Shops and museums – Smaller towns have quaint boutiques and beautiful markets. Department The Basics stores are open 0900-1830 Monday to Saturday. Most shops are closed between 1200-1430. Some Climate – The weather in Catalonia at this time of food shops (particularly bakers) are open Sunday year is likely to be pleasant, but there is the chance mornings, in which case they will probably close of the odd shower. Our best advice is to come Monday. Many shops close all day or half-day prepared. Monday.
Please note that most museums close on Mondays. Time – GMT +2 hours (Summer time Apr-Oct); GMT
+ 1 (Standard time Nov-Mar). Clothes & Shoes – You may like to bring a warm Language – Spanish and Catalan. sweater for cool evenings. Light rain wear for the Religion – Roman Catholic. occasional storm and good grip/flat walking shoes
are recommended. National holidays – New Year’s day (01 Jan); Easter
Monday; Labour day (01 May); Victory in Europe Camera – bring plenty of memory cards/film and day (08 May); Ascension day; Whit Sunday; Whit any spare camera batteries as these are not always Monday; National day (14 Jul); Assumption of Mary available. Please check with your guide before (15 Aug); All Saints’ day (01 Nov); Armistice day (11 photographing people. Nov); Christmas day (25 Dec).
Bath plugs – The hotel has plugs for basins, but it is Currency – Euro. €1 = 100 cents. Notes are in useful to carry a ‘universal’ one with you. denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, Telephones/mobiles – You should be able to use 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. your mobile phone in Spain, depending on your
operator and contract. Banks – Cashpoints compatible with international banking networks are located in all towns and cities, Tipping –To keep our tours affordable, we do not as well as airports, major train stations and other increase the tour price by adding in tips. However, spots. They usually offer an attractive exchange in the tourism industry, there is a certain level of rate. Those banks that still exchange foreign expectation that when receiving a good service, one currencies into local money will always charge a does award with a tip. Tour Managers, transaction fee, so withdrawing money from an Representatives, Guides and Drivers appreciate a ATM usually represents the most logical means of tip at the end of their involvement with the tour, obtaining euros. but this is entirely at your discretion. We believe in
allowing you to tip according to your level of Credit cards – American Express, Diners Club, satisfaction with their services, but for your MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted across the guidance about £2-3 per person per day for the tour country. If you’re eating at a restaurant, check prior manager is the norm. We would like to reiterate to the meal that your card will be an acceptable that tipping is an entirely optional payment and this form of payment. Even in cities, it’s advisable to information is given purely to answer any questions carry a supply of cash with you at all times. Varying you may have about it. amounts of commission can be charged.
Electricity – 220 volt, two-pin continental plug.
Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink.
(Although you’ll find a huge amount of bottled water for sale too)
Health
Doctor/Dentist/Chemist Please talk to your tour manager if you are feeling Insurance unwell and they will organise for you to see a To be covered under your Travel Insurance Policy, doctor. if you become ill, it is essential that you contact a Keep receipts for insurance claims. local doctor and also telephone the emergency number of your insurance company. You will NOT be covered for any claim unless this procedure is carried out. Your insurance company will then Hospital decide on the best course of medical attention. Your tour manager/hotel reception will arrange hospital transport. Keep receipts for insurance claims. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) The EHIC replaced the old E111 in 2006. Valid in all EEA countries, the card lets you get state General Health Advice healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for We suggest you take a good supply of your own free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed individual medicines with you and always keep to allow you to continue your stay until your some in your hand luggage in case you get delayed planned return. It also covers the treatment of or your luggage goes astray. General-purpose pre-existing medical conditions. supplies for bites, stings, or scratches, and your usual medication for headaches, or stomach Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to upsets are always recommended. Oral re- travel insurance. It will not cover any private hydration sachets are excellent for topping up salt medical healthcare or costs such as being flown and glucose levels. back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for more a valid private travel insurance policy. It is also generally information specific to the country you important to note that each country’s healthcare are visiting – www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk system is slightly different, so the EHIC might not cover everything that would be generally free on the NHS. Sun Protection Always ensure you take sufficient sun protection We strongly recommend that you take out an and moisturiser. A sun hat and sunglasses are also appropriate travel insurance policy when you advisable. travel abroad.
For more information about the EHIC please visit: Inoculations https://www.ehic.org.uk
You should check with your own doctor and take their advice as to which inoculations are required for the country you are visiting, as only they know your medical history and recommendations are liable to change at short notice.
Emergencies Should an emergency arise, please call our offices on: 00 44 20 7251 0045
Outside office hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1700), telephone our emergency staff on: 00 44 7841 023807
PLEASE USE THESE NUMBERS ONLY IN THE EVENT OF A GENUINE EMERGENCY.
If you find that you are in need of consular assistance during your holiday:
British Consulate Barcelona Avda Diagonal 477 – 13ª, 08036 Barcelona, Spain Tel: +34 933 66 62 00 [email protected] Mon to Fri: 0830 to 1330.
Travel Editions 3 Youngs Buildings, London, EC1V 9DB Tel: 020 7251 0045 Email: [email protected] www.traveleditions.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. IT IS MEANT AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR SUBSEQUENT CHANGES.
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