European Rail Holidays 2022 - The Railway Touring Company

The Railway Touring Company European Rail Holidays 2022

Welcome Dear Customer, Welcome to our 2022 European Holiday Brochure.

Over the past few months, we have been busy planning, preparing and organising our European programme for 2022 and we are very pleased to be able to share our new European 2022 Holiday Brochure with you.

Europe is a fascinating place to visit, made up of many different cultures, histories and cuisines. The incredible scenery and landscapes are truly spectacular ranging from snowy-capped mountains to panoramic vistas providing an abundance of photo opportunities. You will be spoilt for choice!

We are sure that we have a holiday to suit all tastes, from the novice traveller to the seasoned adventurer.

Offering a wide range of destinations and locations, many of our tours include privately chartered steam trains, dinner cruises and mountain rack railways. Often visiting multiple countries during a single holiday.

We are also pleased to announce two brand new tours for 2022: The Isle of Man Adventure. Explore this beautiful little island and all it has to offer. Delve into its past and visit many of its attractions whilst enjoying half-board accommodation in Douglas. There is also the added benefit of a Tour Manager accompanying you throughout your holiday.

The Emerald Explorer. Immerse yourself in the rich history and awe inspiring scenery of the Isle of Ireland.

Discover the legends and stories that have made Ireland such an incredible place to visit. Truly, a holiday not to be missed.

With 25 years’ experience providing high-quality holidays, we are sure that we can give you an experience to remember for many years to come. Enjoying those once in a lifetime moments and making treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

We are members of the Travel Trust Association and ATOL so you can rest assured that by booking with us you will have financial protection.

Why not take a moment and begin planning your 2022 European getaway. My team and I are here to help and assist you every step of the way.

I look forward to welcoming you back in 2022.

Kelly Osborne Managing Director.

The Railway Touring Company.

25 EST. 1997

Front cover image: Georg Trueb

European Rail Holidays 2022

Tours Railways and World War II History in Poland

4–5

Spring Steam Gala

6–7

Spring Steam in Saxony

8–9

The Isle of Man Adventure

38 – 39

Highlights of Germany in Summer

40 – 41

Swiss Bernese Oberland

42 – 43

Swiss Bernese Oberland

44 – 45

Steam in Austria, Hungary and Czech Republic

10 – 11

The Black Sea Express

46 – 47

Tyrol and the Dolomites

12 – 13

Autumn in Saxony

48 –49

Swiss Bernese Oberland

14 – 15

The Emerald Explorer

50 – 51

Steam in Bohemia and Moravia

16 – 17

52 – 53

Swiss Bernese Oberland

18 – 19

Steam in Wolsztyn and North Western Poland

Cruising around the Austrian Lakes

20 – 21

Swiss Bernese Oberland

54 – 55

Swiss Bernese Oberland

22 – 23

Autumn in Alsace

56 – 57

The Isle of Man Adventure

24 – 25

Highlights of Switzerland in Autumn

58 – 59

Rail and Fjords of Norway

26 – 27

Autumn in Venice and Northern Italy

60 – 61

Lake Constance and Four Countries

28 – 29

Steam and Christmas Markets in Saxony and Silesia

62 – 63

Alpine Steam Express

30 – 31 32 – 33

64 – 65

Cruising and Steam in Northern Germany

Christmas and New Year in the Swiss and Italian Alps

The Emerald Explorer

34 – 35

Early 2023 Tours

66 – 67

Steam in Austria and Silesia

36 – 37

European Tours Information Booking Information Reservation Form

68 – 72 73

Visit our website, railwaytouring.net for online booking or to download printable booking forms.

THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, 14A TUESDAY MARKET PLACE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 • Fax: 01553 661 800 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • Website: www.railwaytouring.net

Railways and World War II History in Poland Saturday 5th March to Monday 14th March 2022 See some of the most important and fascinating WWII sites in the Polish cities and countryside, on a tour that combines history and culture with First Class railway travel, private tramway rides and scenic river cruises.

• An all new tour that takes you to the cities of Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw to see remarkable historical sites such as the Warsaw Ghetto, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Krakow’s Aviation Museum, the Gliwice Radio Tower and the ‘Great Escape’ Stalag Luft Prisoner Camp in Zagan .

• Visits to the Kazimierz Jewish quarter in Krakow and the re-opened synagogue and Holocaust remembrance site in Oświęcim, with an optional visit from the Oświęcim town centre to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

• Stay at centrally located hotels in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw, near to all the historic sites, with plenty of leisure time to see the other historic and cultural attractions. You will also be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket in all three cities, ideal to discover the expansive tramway networks.

• First Class point-to-point travel on PKP Intercity services between the different cities, including the Express Intercity Premium (EIP) high speed train between Warsaw and Krakow.

• Privately chartered river cruises in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw (the ‘Venice of Poland’), including complimentary refreshments onboard. Additionally, a privately chartered vintage tram ride in Wroclaw will give you an opportunity to sightsee at ease.

Saturday 5th March Arrive to Warsaw

Fly directly from London to Warsaw, before travelling by train from the airport to the city centre. Your hotel is located just outside of the landmark Warszawa Centralna railway station.

After a welcome lunch, you will be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket to use at leisure on the extensive tram and metro system. (L) Sunday 6th March

Warsaw Ghetto, Ghetto Museum and Uprising Memorial; Warsaw Old Town and River Vistula Sunset Cruise

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Today you visit the sites and remains of the former Warsaw Ghetto, including admission to the Warsaw Ghetto Museum. From there you travel to the Memorial and sites of the Warsaw Uprising, organised by the Polish Resistance in late summer 1944. Next up is the nearby Old Town, which was largely destroyed during the war, but comprehensively rebuilt afterwards.

Among the attractive sites are the Royal Palace and colourful main square with mermaid statue.

You have refreshments at E. Wedel, the city’s most famous Grand Cafe. After free time exploring, you rejoin the group for a sunset cruise on the River Vistula, with complimentary refreshments. (B L)

Monday 7th March

From Warsaw to Krakow, River Vistula sunset cruise

Travel in First Class on the flagship Express Intercity Premium (EIP) high speed train of PKP to Krakow, one of the most attractive cities in Europe and the cradle of Polish history.

You check into your centrally located hotel where lunch is served, before enjoying time at leisure.

In the late afternoon you enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Vistula, sailing past the hilltop Wawel Castle and other prominent landmarks.

Light snacks and complimentary drinks are included on the boat. (B L)

Tuesday 8th March

Kazimierz Jewish Quarter in Krakow and visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory in the former Krakow Ghetto

Today you see the vibrant Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, with the opportunity to explore inside several of the beautifully preserved synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. You can also visit the locally based municipal museum. Lunch is served at a traditional Jewish restaurant, before taking the tram across the river to to Krakow-Zablocie, the site of the former Jewish ghetto. Where the main district square has been turned into an evocative memorial with oversized, vacant chairs, commemorating the heroes of the Ghetto. Nearby is the site of Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory, where several hundred Jews were successfully employed and saved from death at the concentration camps. The story of Oskar Schindler was made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1992 feature film ‘Schindler’s List’.

Today, the factory has been turned into a museum, providing an immersive experience about the history of Oskar Schindler’s activities and life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation.

After the museum visit, you have more free time in the city. (B L) Wednesday 9th March

Trip to Oświęcim and optional visit of Auschwitz concentration camp

The town of Oświęcim is west of Krakow, you will travel by local train from Krakow to visit the restored town synagogue, which serves as remembrance site and Holocaust museum.

After a light lunch in the historic town centre of Oświęcim, there is an optional visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in the afternoon, which narrates first-hand the horrors of the Holocaust. You return to Krakow by train either in the afternoon or early evening, depending on the optional camp visit. (B L) Thursday 10th March

Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow and leisure in the city

The Polish Aviation Museum has one of the finest collections of 1930s and 40s aircraft in Europe, with countless iconic planes of Polish, German, French, British and American origin.

In addition to historic bi-planes, the architecturally impressive museum showcases 22 extremely rare war planes built before 1941.

After the museum visit, there will be more free time to individually enjoy Krakow. (B)

Friday 11th March

Visit to the Gliwice Radio Tower in Upper Silesia; Arrival to Wroclaw

You travel westbound from Krakow to Silesia on a direct PKP train to Gliwice. Located in the Silesian coal-mining region, Gliwice was German until 1945. Gliwice is the location of one of the most impressively engineered towers in Europe, the 118 m (387 ft) tall wooden Radio Tower built by German Reichspost in 1935. On 31 August 1939, the Nazi SS staged a fake ‘Polish’ attack on the Gliwice/Gleiwitz radio station, which was later used as justification for Hitler’s long-planned invasion of Poland. The transmitter tower was never destroyed and remains the tallest wooden structure in Europe, locally known as the “Eiffel Tower of Silesia”. After your visit, you travel by Intercity train to Wroclaw.

On arrival, you check into your centrally located hotel and enjoy a group dinner. (B D) Saturday 12th March

Discovery of Wroclaw by heritage tramway and River Odra Dinner Cruise

Wroclaw is one of the finest cities in Central Europe traditionally known as “The Venice of Poland” thanks to the urban landscape along the River Odra and numerous canals and pedestrianised islands. You sightsee the attractive centre of Wroclaw on a privately chartered heritage tram dating from the 1920s, before an afternoon at leisure. In the evening you rejoin your fellow travellers for a dinner cruise on the River Odra, which will take you past the impressive cathedral and several of the iconic bridges. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

Single supplement £285 Ground only £1295 (Warsaw – Wroclaw) Price includes: • 9 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels • Flights from London to Warsaw and Wroclaw to London • 5 lunches and 3 dinners • First Class rail travel on PKP Intercity services with seat reservations, Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available • All privately chartered river cruises and vintage tramway rides as detailed in the itinerary • Complementary public transport rover tickets in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw • Museum and site admissions to all the attractions and memorials as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

Sunday 13th March

A visit to the ‘Great Escape’ Stalag Luft prisoner camp in Zagan

You take a direct train westbound from Wroclaw to Zagan, on arrival there’s a short transfer to the Stalag Luft 3 prisoner camp site. Which has a well preserved museum with wooden prisoner barracks, guard towers and the famed “Harry” tunnel. The site was made famous by the 1963 Hollywood production “The Great Escape” starring Steve McQueen. You return to Wroclaw in the afternoon by train from Legnica. A farewell dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

£1395

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Monday 14th March Return to London

You have a return flight from Wroclaw to London in the late afternoon, giving you time to still enjoy the city and its attractions before the flight. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 10 Days

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Spring Steam Gala Tuesday 22nd March to Monday 28th March 2022 Combine ‘rare track’ with ‘rare traction’ on this unique European holiday tour with epic trips behind ancient 19th century steam locomotives on scenic secondary lines.

• You’ll be hauled by some of the most unusual steam locomotives in Continental Europe, including a beautiful 4-4-0 ‘American’ locomotive built for the Jura-Simplon Railway in 1891, plus a 137-year old tank engine.

• Ride on steam trains through serene landscapes ‘off the beaten path’, including the re-opened Wasen branch line in Emmental, the lake-side Seetalbahn between Lenzburg and Lucerne as well as the Bauma - Hinwil heritage railway in Zurich Oberland.

• See the extensive main line steam locomotive collection at the Brugg roundhouse and other depots, with private guided visits and locally-based engines in steam.

• Journey by private steam charter train on the busy SBB main line aboard the unique, vertical-boiler steam motor No. 31 dating from 1902.

• An included 4-day Swiss Travel Pass national network rover ticket in the class of your booking allows for flexible travel and individual discovery during ample free time on your tour.

Tuesday 22nd March

London to Basel by high speed rail

You travel from London St Pancras International via Paris to Basel SBB on Eurostar and TGV services, making the most of Western European high speed rail. On arrival in Basel you check into the elegant Hotel Victoria, opposite the station.

This will be your hotel for the duration of the tour, you will receive a complimentary public transport rover ticket valid to use in the Basel city zone. A welcome dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant in the evening. (D)

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Wednesday 23rd March

Brugg roundhouse visit with live steam and main line steam with SBB steam motor railcar

After a ride over the Bözberg line from Basel to Brugg, a private steam shuttle hauled by a 0-4-0 industrial tank engine takes you from Brugg to the local roundhouse for a guided tour of the roundhouse and steam workshop, which includes most of the Swiss national collection.

After turntable photography and lunch, you continue aboard the one-of-its-kind steam motor railcar on a circular main line tour via Lupfig and Lenzburg to Rupperswil, before reversing and returning via Holderbank to Brugg. From there you continue with the vertically-boiler steam motor railcar on ‘freight-only’ track via Baden

Oberstadt and the expansive Limmattal freight yard Zürich HB. There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way, allowing you to film the unique steam motor with its attractive dark green livery and single driven axle. Returning to Basel by SBB service train. (B L) Thursday 24th March

Steam in the Emmental over freightonly lines from Huttwil to Wasen

Your first day of steam action takes you to the pastoral farmland of Emmental, famed for its grazing cows and cheese. The Emmental is renowned for scenic railway routes and attractive bylines. After arriving in Huttwil by service train, you visit the local steam shed, which includes tank engines of Swiss and

German provenance. A special attraction is a unique box cab locomotive. You depart Huttwil on a Swiss-built tank engine from 1907 over the attractive byline to Sumiswald, before continuing on the recently re-opened branch line to Wasen.

All of these lines are freight-only. You have lunch at a typical Swiss inn at Wasen, before returning by steam to Huttwil. Run-pasts and photo stops will be staged on these beautiful lines. For your afternoon return to Basel, you will be free to make best use of your Swiss Travel Pass, on its first full day of validity. (B L) Friday 25th March

Steam with legendary 4-4-0 engine on an unusual branch line

Built in 1891 by the famous Emil Kessler works in Esslingen, Germany, the ‘American’ type steam locomotive Nr. 35 is a tank engine rather than a tender locomotive. This marvellous machine is a signature attraction of the tour and a core member of the Swiss national collection.

Originally built for the Transalpine Jura-Simplon Railway, today it will haul your private charter train, with equally impressive and opulent coaching stock, on the scenic branch line from Oensingen to Balsthal and back. Inclusive of a shed visit in Balsthal and lunch served on the train. After the private charter finishes, you have the rest of the day to explore the Swiss railway system using your Swiss Travel Pass. (B L) Saturday 26th March

Steam in the Zürich Oberland with the 133-year old tank engine “Schwyz”

More archaic 19th century motive power awaits you today, as you venture deep into the green hills of Zürich Oberland and travel on Switzerland premier standard gauge heritage railway from Bauma to Hinwil. Just recently, the Bauma station complex has been comprehensively redeveloped and now features an original, 4-bay station canopy dating from 1859, which was first built for Basel and then moved to Bauma.

This amazing structure lends great atmosphere to your steam train departure aboard a green

train of ancient four-wheeled coaches hauled by the railway’s oldest operating locomotive, the 0-6-0 tank engine “Schwyz”, from 1887.

This will haul your private charter train over the full length of the scenic secondary line to Hinwil, pausing for photos and run-pasts in some fantastic locations. You cross over the stone-arched viaduct at Neuthal before reaching the quaint village of Bäretswil for lunch. Once at the junction station of Hinwil, you can watch the locomotive take water, before you return by steam train to Bauma. For the return to Basel, you are once again free to choose your preferred route, perhaps opting for the scenic lines via Rapperswil, Samstagern and Lucerne. (B L) Sunday 27th March

Double-headed steam on the Seetalbahn with ancient tank engines

The Seetalbahn is a scenic secondary line between Luzern and Lenzburg, which passes two rural lakes in a long valley with vineyards and fruit orchards. Originally built with British capital by the ‘Lake Valley of Switzerland Railway Company’, the route opened in 1883.

The original locomotive, green tank engine No. 6 ‘Beinwyl, is still preserved and in running order. This attractive loco will haul your train from Hochdorf to the junction station of Emmenbrücke. Along the way some steep gradients will need to be overcome, with the support of No. 456, dating from 1894. With the nearby Alpine peaks in sight, this is main line steam at its best. Lunch is served in the train’s buffet car, after your final steam outing you are free to visit nearby Lucerne or use your Swiss Travel Pass for individual travel. (B L) Monday 28th March

Tour Summary First Class £2560 4-day Swiss Travel Pass in First Class Standard Class £2295 4-day Swiss Travel Pass in Standard Class.

First Class £2460 Ground only (Basel – Basel) 4-day Swiss Travel Pass in First Class.

Standard Class £2195 Ground only (Basel – Basel) 4-day Swiss Travel Pass in Standard Class.

Single supplement £275 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located, quality hotel in Basel • 5 lunches and 1 dinner • First or Standard Class rail travel from London to Basel and Return • All privately chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • 4-Day Swiss Travel Pass national rover ticket in the class of your booking • Local Basel tram ticket provided by hotel • Seat reservations (where possible) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

Return to London by high speed rail

After a great week of steam, outstanding scenery and hopefully sunny spring weather, you return to London St Pancras International, once again travelling via Paris on TGV and Eurostar services. (B)

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EUROPE TOUR – 7 Days

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Spring Steam in Saxony Thursday 7th April to Wednesday 13th April 2022 Enjoy inspiring landscapes, spectacular autumn colour and exhilarating steam travel on land and water on this magical holiday tour in Eastern Germany.

• Based in a centrally located 4-star hotel in Dresden for the tour duration.

• Enjoy steam travel by land and water in and around the city on narrow-gauge trains and genuine paddle steamers.

• Ample time to enjoy Dresden and its stunning landmarks and ambience using a complimentary issued travel rover ticket.

• Experience German ‘Plandampf on 4 different narrow-gauge railways on 2 different gauges, including the re-opened Weisseritztalbahn to Kurort Kipsdorf.

• Private steam charter at the 15-inch Dresden Park Railway with an iconic ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive.

• See the famed national park in the heart of ‘Saxon Switzerland’ on a private charter on the scenic Kirnitzschtal tramway.

Thursday 7th April London to Dresden

Travel by train from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Saxony’s capital city Dresden. On arrival you check in to a 4-star city centre hotel, which is your base for the tour.

On arrival you’ll receive a complimentary public transport ticket, valid on all local trains, trams, buses and ferries for the duration of your stay.

(D) Friday 8th April

Paddle steamer cruise to Pillnitz Castle; Vintage Monorail in Loschwitz

You’ll enjoy a sightseeing cruise of Dresden on a 19th century paddle steamer. You steam upstream on the River Elbe to Pillnitz Palace.

En route you pass vineyards, villas and the 1893 ‘Blue Wonder’ Loschwitz steel bridge. Stopping at Loschwitz on the way back you take the local 8

funicular to the summit for views of the city.

You descend back to Loschwitz by mountain monorail dating back to 1901. Afterwards you have time to explore Dresden’s local tram network using your public transport ticket or to visit the local museums and sights. (B) Saturday 9th April

Steam at the Dresden Park Railway and at the Lössnitz Narrow Gauge Railway

Today you visit Germany’s premier 15-inch line, the Dresden Park Railway. Travelling behind a classic 1920s 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive covering the entire 5.6 km long circular line within the ‘Grosser Garten’ park, pausing for several run-pasts. The visit concludes with a guided tour of the shed and workshop.

After free time in the city you visit the nearby 16.5 km Radebeul-Radeburg steam railway just outside Dresden, which passes the Moritzburg

castle. The local vineyards offer wonderful autumn colours at this time of year. At the Radeburg terminus, your locomotive takes on water before travelling back to Radebeul, continuing to downtown Dresden on either the scenic overland tramway route or by frequent DB service train. In late afternoon and evening you have time at leisure in the city. (B) Sunday 10th April

Steam at the Weisseritz Valley Railway

Another steam highlight awaits today on an excursion to the re-opened narrow-gauge Weisseritz Valley Railway. You’ll be steam-hauled through the region’s ‘canyon’ landscape from Freital-Hainsberg to Kurort Kipsdorf along the River Weisseritz, passing cliffs, narrow bridges and lakes on the way. Enjoy the panoramic views from your open-top observation car.

After the full round-trip you return to Dresden,

with free time to enjoy and explore the city once more. (B) Monday 11th April

Narrow-gauge steam in Zittau

Another narrow-gauge highlight awaits today on the Zittau steam railway in Saxony, on the German border with Poland and the Czech Republic. From Zittau the 12.2 km branch line runs to the resort town of Kurort Oybin.

There’s also a short 3.8 km long stub from the junction station of Bertsdorf to Kurort Jonsdorf to enjoy. Using a complimentary day-long rover ticket you can explore both lines and film the double departure from Bertsdorf. Impressive 2-10-2 tank engines run every day on the Zittau network with two or three in steam. Rocky cliff formations frame the line around Oybin. You return in late afternoon to Dresden by service train. (B D) Tuesday 12th April

Heritage Tramway in the ‘Saxon Switzerland’ National Park at Bad Schandau

This morning you make a quick transfer on a direct train to Bad Schandau and enjoy a private charter journey on the Kirnitzschtal tramway.

Travelling on an original 1920s tramway, the

route runs from the spa town of Bad Schandau to the waterfalls at Lichtenhain. Along the way there’ll be several photo stops staged in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. To cap the excursion, you enjoy a guided shed visit in Bad Schandau, before returning to Dresden on the scenic main line from Bad Schandau via Königstein on a direct service train. (B L D) Wednesday 13th April Return to London

You return to London St Pancras, travelling on high speed trains via Frankfurt, Cologne and Brussels. (B)

Tour Summary First Class

£1595

Standard Class

£1445

Single supplement £195 Ground only £1295 (Dresden – Dresden) Price includes: • First Class or Standard class rail travel from London to Dresden and return • 6 Nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast • 3 Dinners and 1 Lunch • Complimentary 7-day Dresden public transport ticket included • All rail trips and excursions as detailed in the itinerary • Paddle steamer cruise • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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EUROPE TOUR – 7 Days

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Steam in Austria, Hungary and Czech Republic Monday 16th May to Tuesday 24th May 2022 Travel behind some of the largest and most impressive main line steam locomotives in Central Europe against a backdrop of historic cities and outstanding landscapes on this exciting one-off tour.

• Enjoy an eclectic line-up of unique main line steam locomotives in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, including the recently overhauled 4-8-0 flagship 424.009 and on a circular trip out of Budapest.

• The ancient Hungarian 4-4-0 Nr. 204 from 1900 as well as the Austrian 4-4-0 tender locomotive 17c372 from 1891 are also signature steam attractions, including visits to the Budapest railway heritage park and the Strasshof depot north of Vienna.

• Discover the majesty and elegance of the popular Swedish-built NOHAB diesel locomotives on a private charter train with luxury coaches from Budapest along Lake Balaton and over unusual backcountry lines to the enchanting city of Pecs in southern Hungary.

• Enjoy a main line steam charter through the Moravian wine growing region in the south of the Czech Republic on a scenic branch line bash to Pohorelice behind the rugged main line tank engine 213.901 from 1954.

• Experience narrow-gauge steam with private charters at the Budapest Children’s Railway, the Prater 15 inch railway in Vienna and at the Mariazellerbahn Krumpe in rural Austria.

Monday 16th May

Arrive to Budapest, Dinner on the Danube

After an early morning flight to Budapest, you check into an elegant city centre hotel, here you’ll receive a public transport rover ticket.

Dinner is served on the “Kossuth” paddle steamer, moored on the River Danube, offering some of the best views in the city. (D) Tuesday 17th May

Steam with Nr.204 at Buda Roundhouse, Steam at Budapest Children’s Railway, Buda Rack Railway

After breakfast, you visit the famed Budapest railway heritage park with its iconic roundhouse.

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There the vintage 1900 4-4-0 tender locomotive Nr. 204 will haul your private steam charter train on the mile long branch line, staging run-pasts and a turntable show for filmers. Another private steam charter awaits at the Budapest Children’s Railway. From Hüvösvölgy you travel the 12 km Children’s Railway behind an historic tank engine. At the railway’s western terminus, you return back to Buda and transfer to the New York Palace in Pest, one of the most opulent historic grand cafes in the world. Here you’ll have lunch, before travelling on the castle funicular, designed

by British engineers dating from 1870, where you can enjoy views of the famous sites at the hilltop.

The rest of the day is free to make full use of your transport rover ticket. (B L)

Wednesday 18th May

Large circular main line steam trip with 424.009 to Cegled and Kecskemet

Today the 4-8-0 locomotive 424.009 hauls your private charter train, composed of luxurious First-Class coaches from the Austro-Hungarian era. Departing from Nyugati Station, built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel, your coal-fired steam train travels eastbound via Cegled to Kecskemet.

After visiting the nearby town and Art Nouveau buildings, your charter continues to Lajosmizse.

You complete a large circular journey before returning to Budapest Keleti. Lunch and dinner will be served in the dining car. (B L D)

Thursday 19th May

With a NOHAB along Lake Balaton and via unusual secondary lines to historic Pecs

Today you experience one of the iconic GM-designed, NOHAB-built 6-axle diesel locomotives, delivered to Hungary in the 1960s.

Tall and majestic with distinctive rounded noses, your NOHAB will pull your private charter train with luxurious Swiss Schlieren coaches and dining cars. Travelling along the southern banks of Lake Balaton, you traverse on to “rare track” and venture on scenic secondary routes via Fonyod and Kaposvar to Pecs. You’ll have free time to see the beautiful landmarks in the historic old town, before your charter returns to Budapest on the direct Intercity route via Dombovar. Lunch and dinner will be served in the dining car. (B L D) Friday 20th May

On to Vienna, City Sightseeing by private charter tram

Today you travel First Class from Budapest to Vienna, arriving into Austria’s largest city by mid-day and checking into your elegant hotel.

A privately chartered tramway takes you on a scenic sightseeing tour of the famed Ring Road and the historic city centre, past the Imperial Palace, Opera House and Neo-Gothic City Hall.

Alighting the tram you visit one of Vienna’s Grand Cafes for high tea. You’ll have free time to explore the city, making use of your transport rover ticket. (B L) Saturday 21st May

Steam at the Prater Railway, Steam at Strasshof and Prater Ferris Wheel

After breakfast you take an OBB service train to the famed Strasshof railway museum and steam shed. The site hosts one of the largest collections of preserved and operational steam locomotives in Central Europe and has many iconic tank and tender locomotives dating from the Austro-Hungarian era. The 4-4-0 tender locomotive 17c372 dating from 1891 will be in steam and provide cab-ride opportunities up and down the mile-long museum yard. In the afternoon you return to Vienna and ride the Prater 15 inch railway. This 4 km long line in Vienna’s largest park dates from 1928 and has two beautiful 4-6-2 “Pacific” steam locomotives.

You make a full roundtrip with picture opportunities, before riding the iconic Prater Ferris Wheel. Built by Royal Navy engineers in 1897 it was made famous by the British film “The Third Man” with Orson Welles.

On a clear day, the Ferris Wheel offers views as far as the Austrian Alps. (B L) Sunday 22nd May

Steam on the Mariazell Railway with Mh.6 from St. Pölten to Bischoffstetten

Tour Summary

Following breakfast you take a high speed train from Vienna to St. Pölten, the provincial capital of Lower Austria. There you join an exclusively chartered steam train on the spectacular Mariazellerbahn, Austria’s longest and most famous narrow gauge railway. Your private First Class carriages are hauled by the vintage 1908 0-8+4 articulated tender locomotive No. Mh 6. You steam from St. Pölten to the junction station Obergrafendorf and continue on the nonelectrified branch line to Bischofstetten.

This line only re-opened in 2019 and with no regular service trains on this line, it is possible to stage numerous run-pasts along the way.

After the private charter train returns from Bischofstetten to Obergrafendorf, there is a visit to the depot, before lunch is served at the local brewpub. In the afternoon you sample one of the Mariazellerbahn’s modern, Swiss-built electric trains to St. Pölten, where you continue on the high speed line back to Vienna. (B L)

Tour price

Monday 23rd May

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Main Line Steam in the Czech Republic through the Moravian Wine Country

The holiday concludes with steam in a third Central European country, as you take an international train from Wien Hbf to Brno and then join a private charter train to travel through the scenic South Moravian winegrowing region hauled by the rugged 1950s tank engine 213.901. Your journey starts at the city’s main station and travels south through vineyards and landscapes on the “freight only” branch line to Pohorelice. Along the way, several photo stops and run-pasts will also be staged. Lunch and complimentary drinks will be served in the bistro carriage of the train. After getting the best of Czech steam and railway culture, you return to Brno and from there take another international express back to Vienna. (B L)

£2395

Single supplement £395 Ground only £2295 (Budapest – Vienna) Price includes: • Flights from London to Budapest and Vienna to London • 8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 7 lunches and 3 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • Complimentary public transport tickets in Budapest and Vienna • All train and road coach travel as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager

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Tuesday 24th May Return to London

After a morning and afternoon to still spend at leisure in Vienna to enjoy all the city has to offer and to take advantage of your public transport rover to ride on the trams, you have a direct evening flight back to London. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

11

Tyrol and the Dolomites Tuesday 24th May to Thursday 2nd June 2022 Enjoy an inspiring mountain holiday to the beautiful regions of North and South Tyrol in Austria and Italy, travelling by steam train, mountain funicular and main line ‘Crocodile’.

• A new tour featuring many stunning mountain railways, including the Mendelbahn and Raschötzbahn in South Tyrol, plus the Ferrovia Trento-Malé-Mezzana in Trentino.

• Sample the very best of Austrian Alpine steam with iconic “Plandampf” trains on the Zillertalbahn and a private steam charter on the Pinzgau Railway with the elegant 2-6-2 tender locomotive 73-019.

• A day-trip to nearby Bavaria and the most spectacular railways in the German Alps is an added bonus, including the Karwendelbahn and Ausserfernbahn.

• Travel in First Class style and comfort over the mighty Brenner Pass, as you reach Italy by rail on a classic EuroCity train.

• Conveniently based in just two centres, at elegant hotels in Innsbruck and Bolzano, which showcase the very best of traditional Tyrolean hospitality.

Tuesday 24th May

Arrive to Innsbruck, mountain excursion on the Hungerburg funicula

You have a direct flight from London Gatwick to Innsbruck. After checking into your centrally located hotel, you make a round-trip on the impressively engineered Hungerburg funicular, which first opened in 1906 and rebuilt in 2007 in a new futuristic style. At the summit station of the funicular, enjoy breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountain ranges.

You return to the hotel for a welcome dinner. (D)

“high speed” steam loco 73-019 awaits to haul a private charter train on the Pinzgau narrow gauge railway through a mountain valley along the River Salzach. This elegant 2-6-0 tender locomotive was built in 1913 in Budapest and will take you along the 52 km long branch line to the terminus Krimml. Photo stops at the most scenic locations are included. After lunch there is time to see the remarkable Krimml waterfalls, before contining by mountain road over Gerlos Pass to Zell am Ziller and Jenbach, completing one of the top road trips in Austria. From Jenbach you return to Innsbruck by OBB train. (B L)

Wednesday 25th May

Steam in Zell am See at the Pinzgau Railway; Krimml Waterfalls, Gerlos Pass

Thursday 26th May

In the morning you board a loco-hauled OBB service train through the Tyrolean Alps to the famous resort town of Zell am See. There, the

Today you visit one of Austria’s most famous narrow gauge railways and enjoy the best of “Plandampf”, as you travel the full length of

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Steam at the Zillertalbahn

this mountainous branch line from Jenbach to Mayrhofen and back again by historic steam train. Along the way, the Ziller Valley is framed by high peaks and beautiful scenery that is quintessentially Tyrolean. Enjoy the acoustics of the hard-working steam as it hauls the train over the branch line. You return to Jenbach by steam train before returning to Innsbruck by OBB service. (B L) Friday 27th May

Alpine Railways of Bavaria with the Karwendelbahn and Ausserfernbahn

You venture to Germany and discover two lesser known standard gauge routes. First you board an ÖBB service train and journey on the formidably engineered Karwendelbahn via Seefeld to the German resort Garmisch.

Along the way, you will notice how this railway

dating from 1912 ascends steep gradients and travels along cliff edges, continuing on the remote Ausserfernbahn to Reutte, back in Austria. The Ausserfernbahn is almost 100 km long and was built in stages from 1895 to 1913.

From Reutte the railway continues to Kempten, the principal town in the Bavarian Allgäu region.

You return to Innsbruck by train, travelling via München and Starnberg, completing a fantastic circular journey. (B L D)

long and climbs gradients up to 47%. There are fantastic views of the valley below and once at the summit, there are grand impressions.

The funicular was recently modernised and features Swiss equipment. After enjoying free time for birdwatching or photography at the summit, you return down to the village of St. Ulrich/ Ortisei. Before your return to Bolzano, there is free time at the cathedral city of Brixen. (B L D) Tuesday 31st May

Saturday 28th May

Vintage tramway on the Stubaitalbahn; train over the Brenner Pass to Italy

Today you journey on Austria’s most scenic overland tramway, the Stubaitalbahn, which climbs steep gradients above the city and heads into the remote mountain valley to the south.

Along the 18 km long journey to Fulpmes in a vintage railcar dating from 1909, you travel over trestle viaducts and pause at the best vantage points. From the rural Stubaitalbahn, you have impressive views of the Brenner main line railway, over which you will then travel in the afternoon on a classic locomotive-hauled EuroCity train in First Class. The Brenner railway is one of the most important Transalpine routes and will serve as a fitting entry to Italy. You arrive in Bolzano and check into your centrally located hotel where dinner is served. (B D)

Mendelbahn mountain funicular, terraced vineyards and Ritten Railway

Today you visit Südtirol’s other iconic mountain funicular, the breathtaking Mendelbahn, which is located south of Bolzano, in an area famous for its fruit orchards and terraced vineyards.

The 2.3 km long Mendelbahn funicular has very steep 64% gradients. You enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before making an afternoon visit to South Tyrol’s only narrow gauge railway, the Rittnerbahn above Bolzano. This idyllic line runs on a sun-drenched plateau high above the valley and has historic, teak-bodied trains.

You will travel over the whole line, sampling both the modern Swiss trains, while also benefiting from a private charter with one of the old teak trains. In the evening, dinner is back at the hotel in Bolzano. (B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1999

Single supplement £325 Ground only £1895 (Innsbruck – Bolzano) Price includes: • Return flights from London • 9 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels in Innsbruck and Bolzano • 7 lunches and 7 dinners • All rail travel and transfers as detailed in the itinerary, including direct luggage transfer from Innsbruck to Bolzano • All privately chartered trains, steam journeys and other attractions as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

Wednesday 1st June Sunday 29th May

In the Trentino Alps on the Trento – Mezzana narrow gauge railway

Time to sample the best of Northern Italy, as you take an FS train from Bolzano south to Trento.

Here one of northern Italy’s longest and most scenic narrow gauge railways operates on a 66 km (41 mile) long branch line that leads through Trentino towards the Swiss border.

The railway was recently extended from the former terminus Malé to Mezzana. Enjoy the refinement and comfort of a private charter train and make a full return journey on this wonderful narrow gauge railway. Lunch will be provided and photo stops will also be included. Your charter train returns to Trento in the late afternoon, where you travel by service train back to Bolzano.

Dinner is served at the hotel. (B L D) Monday 30th May

Dolomite mountain magnificence at the Raschötzbahn funicular; culture in Brixen

The Raschötzbahn/Resciesa is located east of Brixen in the heart of the Dolomites. One of Italy’s most scenic yet less known mountain railways beckons. The funicular is over 2.5 km

Puster Valley main line through the Dolomites and Austrian charter train with a “Crocodile” locomotive

After breakfast you travel the full length of the Puster Valley railway from Fortezza via San Candido to Lienz in Austria. The Puster Valley main line connects Italian South Tyrol with Austrian East Tyrol and is particularly scenic.

Winding its way through the valleys shaped by the Rivers Puster and Drau, the railway line traverses the very heart of the Dolomite mountains. You make the first leg of the journey on an Italian service train. On arrival at the Austrian border station of Sillian, you transfer onto a private charter formed of classic Swiss Schlieren coaches hauled by the iconic “Austrian Crocodile” 1020.018 dating from the 1940s.

On the “Südbahn Express” you travel in style to Lienz, with photo stops along the way.

After lunch and free time in Lienz, you return by train to Bolzano for a farewell dinner back at the hotel. (B L D)

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Thursday 2nd June Return to London

You transfer by coach transfer to Verona airport for a direct flight back to London Gatwick. (B) EUROPE TOUR – 10 Days

13

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 25th May to Wednesday 1st June 2022 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

• Based in the mountain village of Wengen, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.

• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.

• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.

Wednesday 25th May

Thursday 26th May

Friday 27th May

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.

Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg.

You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrowgauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

After breakfast, you can either relax at the hotel and make use of its wonderful facilities or take a stroll through the village where the British allegedly ‘invented’ downhill ski racing. A more energetic option is to hike to one or more of the incredible local viewpoints. Another alternative is to use your Regional Pass to visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. Yet another option is to visit the car-free village of Mürren by cable and mountain railway from Lauterbrunnen, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Wengen by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)

London to Wengen via Basel

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Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

Saturday 28th May

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’.

You’ll travel on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe.The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.

The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.

There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Wengen you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg on to Grindlewald at your own leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D) Sunday 29th May

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

Today you travel by train to the Swiss capital, Bern, for a two-hour tour of the city by legendary steam tram. The metre gauge 0-6-0 tramway locomotive pulls a classic wooden carriage with open-ended balconies. You’ll pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower. In the afternoon there’s time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare. Later, you’ll take a service train to Thun to board a boat for the onward journey. Cruising along Lake Thun you have uninterrupted views of famous mountain peaks like the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau.

You then disembark at Interlaken West Railway Station and return by train to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. (B D) Monday 30th May

Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne.

The city is located on Lake Lucerne, in sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.

You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself. The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities. The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument, and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D) Tuesday 31st May

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Wednesday 1st June Return to UK

After breakfast in the hotel it is time to say your farewells and take local trains to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1795

Single supplement £115 Optional extra £35 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’ Price includes: • 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Today is free to use your Regional Pass.

Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

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Steam in Bohemia and Moravia Tuesday 7th June to Wednesday 15th June 2022 The historic cities of Prague and Brno and the rural landscapes of the Czech Republic create a superb backdrop to this unique tour, packed with main line and narrow-gauge steam highlights.

• Explore the ‘Golden City’ of Prague and Moravia’s capital Brno on private charter trips by luxury tram, classic car and vintage boat.

• Sample an eclectic line-up of unusual main line steam locomotives, including big tank engines that have only just returned to service after decades out of use.

• Experience lots of ‘rare track’ excursions with private charter trips on scenic countryside routes and unusual branch lines.

• Enjoy private sunset cruises aboard historic 1930s ships in Prague and the Moravian Wine Country south of Brno.

• Visit the Kolin and Mladejov narrow-gauge railways on private steam charters, including the recent track extensions on both.

• For a holiday rich in culture, nature and history, with luxury hotel stays in two convenient city locations, look no further than this relaxed steam tour of unsung European destinations.

Tuesday 7th June

Arrival in Prague; City Sightseeing on vintage cars; Sunset cruise on River Vltava

Following a direct flight to Prague you book into an elegant city centre hotel for a welcome lunch.

After a look around the Old Town, you enjoy a private sightseeing tour in delightful classic cars with open, convertible roofs. In the evening you then embark on a privately chartered sunset cruise on the River Vltava aboard an historic motor vessel dating from the 1930s. (L D) Wednesday 8th June

Classic Prague by luxury tram and steam at the Kolin Sugar Beet Railway

This morning you board a smart luxury tram for a sightseeing tour of Prague, with complimentary 16

drinks served aboard. See the city’s premier landmarks while criss-crossing the River Vltava on its famous bridges. The tour concludes near the hilltop Prague Castle, looking down on the rooftops and spires of the city, before you have lunch at an elegant Grand Café. In the afternoon you transfer from Prague’s historic main station on a service train to Kolin in Central Bohemia, where you ride the entire length of the reopened 600 mm narrow gauge railway, including the most recent extensions. This delightful railway runs through fields and forests and will also pause for run-pasts. Motive power is provided by a rugged industrial tank engine and, weather permitting, your private charter train will be formed of semi-open ‘fresh air’ summer coaches, providing excellent views of the passing scenery. After a visit to the local steam shed,

you return to Prague by service train to spend the evening at leisure in the city. (B L) Thursday 9th June

Main line steam off the beaten path in North Bohemia

Main line steam takes centre stage today, as you first steam through the rolling hills of North Bohemia past hilltop castles and impressive rock formations in the region known as ‘Czech Paradise’. Your private steam train is formed of traditional green coaches and hauled by an old tank engine dating from the Austro-Hungarian era. You travel steam-hauled over on the main line on ‘rare track’, taking the route from the junction station of Turnov to Jicin, then onwards to Kopidlno and on the freight-only line via Dolni Bousov to Bakov nad Jizerou and finally again

Turnov, thus completing a large circular journey for the day. Lunch and drinks will be served in the bistro car of the train. In the late afternoon you return to Prague. (B L)

‘Caroline’ at the local technical museum, although this can never be guaranteed in advance, so is therefore only a potential option.

A free evening caps a relaxed day in the city. (B)

Friday 10th June

Monday 13th June

Main line steam in Central Bohemia from Luzna to Kralovice

This morning you board a Czech Railways service train hauled by an impressive ‘Goggle’ type diesel locomotive. Travelling westward, you reach Luzna u Rakovnika, home to a large collection of steam locomotives at the Czech Republic’s premier railway museum. You have time to visit the roundhouse and grounds and see the collection, before a private steam charter takes you on the unusual line via Rakovnik to Kralovice. You have lunch at a typical Czech countryside inn and pause for plenty of photo stops. Traction today will either be provided by a Class 354 4-6-2 tank engine or a Class 423 2-8-2 tank engine. After arriving at Kralovice, you return by steam train to Luzna, before taking a service train back to Prague. (B L) Saturday 11th June

Steam in Moravia at the Mladejov narrow-gauge railway; arrival at Brno

Today you explore the other principal region of the Czech Republic, Moravia. You arrive in the town of Mladejov by service train and visit the local industrial museum, which holds an impressive range of tank engines. It’s also the base of the namesake 11 km long 600 mm narrow-gauge railway, on which you’ll enjoy a private charter in semi-open summer coaches through rolling fields, up several hills and into dense forests. You make the full-length return journey and have lunch at the museum grounds in Mladejov. Afterwards you travel by service train onward to Brno, arriving in Moravia’s principal city by early evening. You have dinner at a centrally located hotel, where your luggage has already been directly transferred. (B L D)

Main line steam in Moravia from Brno to Oslavany; Wine country sunset cruise

You return to the Czech main line on a private charter train behind the rugged 2-8-2 tank engine 433.001 from the late 1940s. You travel from Brno south-westward and cover the branch line to Oslavany, pausing along the way for photos and lunch. You return to Brno in the evening for a welcome sunset cruise with dinner on the local Nove Mlyny lake aboard a vintage vessel. This pretty reservoir is located in the heart of the South Moravian Wine Country, not far from the Austrian border and the Austrian Weinviertel wine-growing region. (B L D) Tuesday 14th June

Main line steam in Eastern Moravia with 525.101

A ‘big beast’ provides a fitting steam finale to your memorable tour, as you steam in Eastern Moravia from Veseli nad Moravou to the spa town of Luhacovice, hauled by your big 0-10-0 tank engine, only recently overhauled after decades out of service. Travelling through the tranquil rural scenery of Eastern Moravia, you once again get to experience the hallmarks of the picturesque Czech railway network.

Your train will stop as usual for photos along the way, while lunch will be taken in Luhacovice.

After returning to Veseli nad Moravou by steam train, you return to Brno on a service train. (B L) Wednesday 15th June Return to London

Tour Summary Tour price

£1995

Single supplement £325 Ground only (Prague – Brno)

£1895

Price includes: • Flights from London to Prague and Brno to London • 8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 7 lunches and 3 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All specially chartered trips on heritage trams and vintage ships • All train and road coach travel as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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You conclude your memorable Czech holiday with a direct flight back to London. (B)

Sunday 12th June

Vintage trams and leisure in Brno

After a lie in and a leisurely breakfast, you have time to have a look around the charming Old Town of Brno, framed by the hilltop Petrov Cathedral and Spilberk Fortress. There is much Viennese charm in this splendid city, located close to the Austrian border. In the early afternoon you enjoy a private sightseeing tour on a wood-bodied teak tram, covering the highlights of the city’s expansive tram network.

Every effort will also be made to secure a ride behind Brno’s famous steam tramway locomotive EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

17

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 8th June to Wednesday 15th June 2022 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

• Based in the mountain village of Wengen, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.

• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.

• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.

Wednesday 8th June

Thursday 9th June

Friday 10th June

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.

Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg.

You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrowgauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

After breakfast, you can either relax at the hotel and make use of its wonderful facilities or take a stroll through the village where the British allegedly ‘invented’ downhill ski racing. A more energetic option is to hike to one or more of the incredible local viewpoints. Another alternative is to use your Regional Pass to visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. Yet another option is to visit the car-free village of Mürren by cable and mountain railway from Lauterbrunnen, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Wengen by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)

London to Wengen via Basel

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Free day for exploration in and around Wengen

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

Saturday 11th June

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’.

You’ll travel on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe.The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.

The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.

There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Wengen you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg on to Grindlewald at your own leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D) Sunday 12th June

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

Today you travel by train to the Swiss capital, Bern, for a two-hour tour of the city by legendary steam tram. The metre gauge 0-6-0 tramway locomotive pulls a classic wooden carriage with open-ended balconies. You’ll pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower. In the afternoon there’s time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare. Later, you’ll take a service train to Thun to board a boat for the onward journey. Cruising along Lake Thun you have uninterrupted views of famous mountain peaks like the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau.

You then disembark at Interlaken West Railway Station and return by train to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. (B D) Monday 13th June

Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne.

The city is located on Lake Lucerne, in sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.

You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself. The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities. The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument, and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D) Tuesday 14th June

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Wednesday 15th June Return to UK

After breakfast in the hotel it is time to say your farewells and take local trains to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1795

Single supplement £115 Optional extra £35 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’ Price includes: • 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner June 2022 Mon

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Today is free to use your Regional Pass.

Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

19

Cruising around the Austrian Lakes Wednesday 29th June to Wednesday 6th July 2022 Paddle steamers, steam trains, mountain railways and, best of all, fantastic Alpine landscapes all feature on this wonderful holiday tour of the Austrian Lake District.

• Conveniently based in Salzburg throughout, you’ll enjoy a truly relaxed and refined tour itinerary, with ample time for personal leisure and travel exploration in the city included.

• Experience no less than six of Austria’s finest and most tranquil mountain lakes on private charter cruises featuring genuine paddle steamers, vintage motor vessels and elegant salon ships.

• Enjoy a fantastic river cruise aboard the Danube’s last operational paddle steamer, the majestic ‘Schönbrunn’ from 1912.

• Combine scenic journeys by water with mountaineering excursions on steam-powered rack railways, steep funiculars and panoramic gondolas, taking you to some of Europe’s most spectacular peaks.

• The iconic ‘little trains’ of Austria feature prominently on this holiday, and journeys on the idyllic Taurachbahn and Zillertalbahn narrow-gauge railways let you sample both ‘Plandampf’ and private charter travel with plenty of run-pasts and photo stops.

Wednesday 29th June

Thursday 30th June

Friday 1st July

After a direct morning flight from London to Salzburg you arrive in the birth city of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by mid-day. After a quick transfer to your comfortable centrally located hotel, you enjoy a light lunch and receive a Salzburg Card local transport rover ticket, allowing full access to the city’s local train and trolleybus network, as well as the popular fortress funicular and vertical elevator to the top of the Mönchsberg, from where you can enjoy some of the fine views of the spires and rooftops of this UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the nearby mountains. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend at leisure before returning to your hotel for a welcome dinner. (L D)

After breakfast you transfer by coach to Wolfgangsee, for an enchanting charter cruise on this serene Alpine lake aboard the historic 1873 paddle-wheeler Kaiser Franz Josef.

You then ascend to the summit of nearby Mount Schafberg by steam locomotive on its famed rack and pinion railway, the steepest steam-powered rack railway in Austria. From the top you’ll have stunning views of a myriad of glistening lakes and distant glaciers. You descend back down the mountain by steam train and then return to Salzburg in the afternoon, where dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

More cruises on tranquil lakes await today, as you venture south from Salzburg to the so-called Salzkammergut region. You first have a cruise on the idyllic Mondsee, including lunch aboard the ship, before venturing to Hallstatt for a private cruise on the namesake Hallstättersee. With its tall church spire and colourful houses, Hallstatt is a picture-perfect mountain village, probably the most-photographed small town in Austria.

You get the best of views of Hallstadt from the boat, but also have time to look around the town centre of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

In late afternoon you return to Salzburg with a scenic drive over pretty mountain roads. Dinner is served tonight in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Arrive to Salzburg; leisure in the city with rover ticket

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Paddle cruise on Wolfgangsee and steam at the Schafberg rack railway

Private charter cruises on the Mondsee and Hallstättersee

Saturday 2nd July

Tauernbahn scenic railway, cruise on Millstättersee, steam at Taurachbahn

After breakfast you board an OBB service train for the scenic southward journey on the Tauernbahn main line, comfortably accommodated in First Class. This is one of Austria’s most spectacular railway corridors and from the train windows you’ll have fabulous views of deep valleys, hilltop castles and long viaducts. After two hours, you arrive in Spittal to enjoy another privately chartered lunch cruise on the nearby Millstättersee. This rural lake is especially popular for water sports and is framed by several mountain ranges. After the cruise, you drive north to Mauterndorf, base of the narrowgauge Taurachbahn. On this pretty heritage railway, an ancient tank engine hauls your private charter train from Mauterndorf to Tamsweg, pausing for photos and run pasts along the way.

Enjoy the very best of Austria’s famed ‘little trains’ on this enchanting line. After returning to Mauterndorf there’s time to have a look around the historic town centre and the local castle, before making the coach transfer back to the Tauernbahn and the Bischofshofen main line station. From there it’s just a short train ride on the Intercity back to Salzburg, capping another great day out on land and lake. (B L) Sunday 3rd July

Paddle steamer cruise on the Traunsee, vintage electric railcar charter

This morning you travel to the beautiful lakeside town of Gmunden in the heart of the Austrian Alps, to enjoy a genuine paddle steamer cruise on Lake Traunsee aboard the iconic Gisela of 1871, one of the oldest operational steamboats in the world. You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ship surrounded by incredible scenery with amazing Alpine views. On returning to Gmunden there’s time for a stroll around town before making a mountain-top excursion on the aerial gondola to the summit of Mount Grünberg.

At an altitude of 987 metres above sea level, this panoramic vantage point affords fantastic views of the mountains to the south and Austria’s plains along the River Danube to the north.

After descending back down to Gmunden, you return to Gmunden railway station on Austria’s shortest urban tramway and then take an OBB service train onward to Salzburg. (B L) Monday 4th July

Paddle steamer cruise on the Danube aboard the majestic ‘Schönbrunn’

Another tour highlight awaits today, as you travel on Austria’s last preserved Danube paddle steamer. Built in 1912, the ‘Schönbrunn’ is named after the royal summer palace in Vienna and is truly regal. Driven by a huge, inclined marine steam engine, the ship has spacious decks and elegantly appointed lounges and saloons.

You’ll cruise on the Danube from Linz, the historic city where the paddle steamer is based, and lunch will be served aboard the steamer.

(B L) Tuesday 5th July

Steam in Tyrol at the Zillertalbahn and steam at the Achenseebahn

Your tour concludes with double steam highlights as you travel in First Class on an OBB service train from Salzburg to Jenbach, where you first ride on the narrow-gauge Zillertalbahn to the mountain terminus of Mayrhofen.

The Zillertalbahn is renowned around Europe for its regular ‘Plandampf’ trains in summer and offers beautiful views of the typical Tyrolean landscape. Once back in Jenbach, you travel on the other local line, the antique rack railway, for the ascent up to the Achensee. At the Achensee, you board a vintage motor vessel dating from the early 20th century for a private charter cruise, capping your memorable holiday in fine fashion. You return from Achensee to Jenbach on the rack railway, and then travel back to Salzburg once again in First Class on an OBB service train. A farewell dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2095

Single supplement £325 Ground only £1995 (Salzburg – Salzburg) Price includes: • Flights from London to Salzburg and back to London • 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 7 lunches and 4 Dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All specially chartered trips on heritage trams and vintage ships • All train and road coach travel as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Wednesday 6th July Return to London

After breakfast, you have a direct transfer to Salzburg airport, for a morning flight back to London (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

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Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 29th June to Wednesday 6th July 2022 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

• Based in the mountain village of Wengen, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.

• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.

• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.

Wednesday 29th June

Thursday 30th June

Friday 1st July

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.

Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg.

You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrowgauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

After breakfast, you can either relax at the hotel and make use of its wonderful facilities or take a stroll through the village where the British allegedly ‘invented’ downhill ski racing. A more energetic option is to hike to one or more of the incredible local viewpoints. Another alternative is to use your Regional Pass to visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. Yet another option is to visit the car-free village of Mürren by cable and mountain railway from Lauterbrunnen, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Wengen by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)

London to Wengen via Basel

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Free day for exploration in and around Wengen

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

Saturday 2nd July

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’.

You’ll travel on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe.The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.

The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.

There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Wengen you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg on to Grindlewald at your own leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D) Sunday 3rd July

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

Today you travel by train to the Swiss capital, Bern, for a two-hour tour of the city by legendary steam tram. The metre gauge 0-6-0 tramway locomotive pulls a classic wooden carriage with open-ended balconies. You’ll pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower. In the afternoon there’s time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare. Later, you’ll take a service train to Thun to board a boat for the onward journey. Cruising along Lake Thun you have uninterrupted views of famous mountain peaks like the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau.

You then disembark at Interlaken West Railway Station and return by train to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. (B D) Monday 4th July

Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne.

The city is located on Lake Lucerne, in sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.

You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself. The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities. The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument, and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D) Tuesday 5th July

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Wednesday 6th July Return to UK

After breakfast in the hotel it is time to say your farewells and take local trains to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1795

Single supplement £115 Optional extra £35 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’ Price includes: • 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner July 2022 Mon

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Today is free to use your Regional Pass.

Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

23

The Isle of Man Adventure Friday 1st July to Thursday 7th July 2022 The Isle of Man has a story for every season, but late summer is one of the best times to enjoy this idyllic destination.

Discover glens and lush plantations on relaxed walks and visit sun-kissed beaches alive with wildlife. The island stretches 32 miles north to south and 14 miles east to west, and is packed with scenery, history and industrial gems, including a horse tram, the largest working waterwheel in the world, miniature railways and an offshore Viking castle. Humans have lived here since 6500 BC, and smugglers, pirates and Nordic invaders have all been common at various times in Manx history, with the evidence for them all about.

• You’ll be based in a 3-star hotel in Douglas for the extent of your holiday.

• Enjoy charter trips on the Manx Electric Railway, Groudle Glen Steam Railway, and the Isle of Man Railway.

• Visit the Great Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world, built by Victorian engineers in 1854.

• Ascend to the summit of Snaefell, the island’s only mountain, on its Mountain Railway.

• Follow the scenic roads of the famous Isle of Man TT course on a coach trip covering the length of the island.

• Visit the island towns of Ramsey in the north, and the seaside resort of Port Erin on the south of the island.

• Use your complimentary Visitor’s Pass and Go Explorer Heritage Pass to explore all the island has to offer on your free days.

Friday 1st July

Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Liverpool, ferry to Isle of Man

Your holiday will start from London Euston.

You’ll be greeted by the Tour Manager before departing on the West Coast Avanti service to Liverpool Lime Street and Merseyrail service to Liverpool St James Street. The Liverpool pier head ferry terminal is five minutes’ walk away, from where you take the ferry to Douglas.

Here you check in to the 3-star Ellan Vannin Hotel (a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal).

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to investigate Douglas at your leisure. Douglas is situated on the east coast of the Isle of Man and has been the island’s capital since 1863.

The sea front is lined with picturesque hotels and 24

restaurants and there are plenty of shops to visit.

A welcome dinner will be served in your hotel restaurant this evening. (D) Saturday 2nd July

Great Laxey Wheel, Snawfell Mountain Railway

After breakfast you transfer to the nearby Sea Terminal for a unique horse tram ride to Derby Castle Station. The horse tram is a quiet, ecofriendly way to enjoy the trip around the bay and seafront of Douglas. On arrival at Derby station, you take the historic Manx Electric Railway to Laxey. The railway was built between 1893 and 1899 and connects Douglas with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north. It’s also the longest narrow gauge vintage electric railway

system in the British Isles and still uses original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock.

From Laxey station it’s a short walk to the Great Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world. She was built by Victorian engineers in 1854 to pump water from the Laxey mines.

A climb to the top is rewarded with panoramic views across the Laxey Valley. After the Wheel you’ll enjoy a return trip on the nearby Laxey Mine Railway. This restored railway runs along the surface section of the tramway which once carried lead and zinc ores from deep inside the Great Laxey Mine.

Snaefell is the IOM’s only mountain, and its Mountain Railway will next take you to the summit where you can enjoy the views and buy refreshments. You then descend back to Douglas

to take the Horse Tram to the Sea Terminal and the short walk back to your hotel to enjoy a sumptuous three course dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B D) Sunday 3rd July

Manx Electric Railway, Groundle Glen Steam Railway

Following breakfast, you walk to the Sea Terminal to take the horse tram to the Derby Castle station, so named because of the vast entertainment complex of the same name that used to be sited nearby. You then take the Manx Electric Railway, this time to Groudle Glen, two miles north of Douglas on the coast road.

On arrival you walk to Groudle Glen Steam Railway for a full round trip of this narrow gauge (610 mm) railway, owned and operated by a small group of enthusiastic volunteers.

Afterwards a group lunch is served in the tearoom. You depart Groudle Glen by Manx Electric Railway heading to Ramsey, on the north of the island. You will have free time to explore Ramsey, perhaps visiting the Grove Museum of Victorian Life, Milntown House and Gardens, or simply strolling along the seafront. Later you return to Douglas and a 3-course dinner served in the hotel restaurant. (B L D) Monday 4th July

Isle of Man Railway, the Old House of Keys and Castle Rushen

Your tour gathers in the hotel reception after breakfast, and you transfer from the hotel to the Isle of Man Railway. Your first stop is Castletown for a visit to the Old House of Keys and the mediaeval Castle Rushen, once used as a prison before being restored, and now a Manx National Heritage site. Afterwards you continue on the Isle of Man Railway to Port Erin, a lovely seaside resort on the south of the island.

On arrival you’re free to explore the area at your leisure. The heart of the village is around Station Road and Church Road. There are shops, cafes, bars and activities operating from Shore Road by the beach, with views to the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland past Bradda Head.

At Port Erin Railway Museum, you’ll discover the history of the Island’s steam railways over the last 140 years. You can then enjoy multiple rides on the different engines and services with your complimentary rail rover tickets. Dinner is once more at your hotel in the evening. (B D)

Tuesday 5th July

Free Day to Explore Isle of Man using your Travel Pass

You are free today to use your railway rover to revisit any of the railways you have already seen (Isle of Man Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas Bay Horse Tramway). Why not visit the fascinating Cregneash Medieval Village or you can use the time to relax and explore the island at your own pace. Dominated by sky and sea, the island has a stunning natural landscape with everything from rolling hills to patchwork fields and sheltered bays. Today is an ideal opportunity to take some unique and memorable photos. You can also use your visitor’s pass to enjoy any of the included island attractions. Dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D) Wednesday 6th July

Coach Tour of the Isle of Man and Jurby Transport Museum

Today you experience an exclusive coach tour travelling down the scenic roads of the famous TT race course. Your coach first takes you to the Calf of Man on the south tip of the island, with photo stops on the way. The Calf of Man is a small island separated from the mainland by the Calf Sound. Travel along the beautiful west coast of Man to the town of Peel. Your excursion includes a visit to the 11th century Castle Peel, a ruined castle originally built by the Vikings, sited on St Patrick’s Isle, which is connected to the town by a causeway. You’ll have a group lunch in a nearby restaurant before continuing by coach to Curraghs wildlife park, and a private charter trip on its miniature railway. You then travel to the Point of Ayre to view and take pictures of the lighthouse. Here you are at the Island’s most northerly tip and closer to Scotland (14 miles) than you are to Douglas! You travel back southwest to visit the Jurby Transport Museum. You then return to Douglas and a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B D) Thursday 7th July

Tour Summary Tour price

£1695

Single supplement £195 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation • 6 breakfasts • 6 dinners • 1 lunch • First Class Travel from London to Liverpool and from Lancaster back to London • All visits, train, coach and ferry travel as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Approx. timings London Euston Liverpool St. James Lancaster Heysham

Outward Return 07:07 17:10 09:42 ------------- 14:39 ------- 13:20

Northern Service from Heysham to Lancaster is standard class only.

Merseyrail Service from Liverpool Lime Street to St James Street is standard class only.

Please note that this tour is not suitable for those who have restricted mobility as the hotel does not have lift facilities.

Ferry from Isle of Man, Northern Service from Heysham to Lancaster and Avanti West Coast Service from Lancaster to London Euston

After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to the ferry terminal. Your ferry departs Douglas at 08.45 am and arrives Heysham ferry port.

From Heysham port you join the Northern Rail service to Lancaster, where you change trains to take the Avanti West Coast Service to London Euston for an approximated arrival of 17.00 hrs.

(B) UK TOUR – 7 Days

25

Mike Hyde

NSB

Mike Hyde

Rail and Fjords of Norway Saturday 9th July to Monday 18th July 2022 Explore the magnificent Norwegian fjords on this outstanding holiday tour, travelling on one of the finest railway systems in Europe through some of its most stunning scenery.

• Your adventure begins in southern Norway in the grand capital Oslo, continuing with overnight stays in Bergen, Kristiansand, Hamar, and Ålesund.

• During your tour you’ll experience steam travel on four preserved railway lines: the Krøderbanen, Urskog-Hølandsbanen, Gamle Vossebanen and The Setesdalsbanen Narrow-Gauge Railway.

• Enjoy sightseeing in Bergen, a city surrounded by hills and fjords. Sights of note include the old city, the fish market, the busy quayside, and the home of composer Edvard Grieg.

• Experience the thrills of the electric Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railway lines in the world, and a full day’s cruise along the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.

• Among many other highlights is a visit to the National Railway Museum at Hamar to see the National Collection and a trip on the steam operated museum line there.

Saturday 9th July Tour of Oslo

You take a morning flight from London Heathrow to Oslo and check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay. In the afternoon you have a sightseeing tour of this rapidly developing city.

Norway has eighteen hours of daylight at this time of year and your tour takes full advantage.

(D) Sunday 10th July

Steam on the Krøderbanen and UrskogHølandsbanen Railways

Today you take a private road coach to Krøderen and join a steam-hauled train with teak carriages on the Krøderbanen, Norway’s longest preserved railway line. You’ll travel 26 km to Vikersund and back. In the afternoon your road coach takes 26

you to Sørumsand for a chartered trip aboard a steam-hauled train on the Urskog-Hølandsbanen line. There’ll be photographic run pasts staged on this 750mm gauge preserved railway, once part of the Oslo-Stockholm main line. You return to your hotel in Oslo in time for dinner. (B L D) Monday 11th July

Spectacular Mountains and Fjords en Route to Bergen

Today you leave Oslo on the morning train to Bergen for one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. The route climbs to high altitude at 1,303 metres (4,267 feet), passing lush forests, snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and thundering waterfalls. After Finse, the highest station on the line, your train continues across barren and windswept mountain plateaux with

everlasting snow as a stunning backdrop.

You pass through tunnels and beside deep fjords as you descend to Bergen to arrive midafternoon. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing in Bergen, a city surrounded by hills and fjords. Sights of note include the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the fish market, busy quayside, and the home of Edvard Grieg.

Alternatively, you can take the famous funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløien for panoramic views over the city and out to sea. Bergen will be your base for the next three nights. Dinner is not included this evening giving you the opportunity to try one of Bergen’s excellent restaurants. (B)

Tuesday 12th July

Friday 15th July

Bergen is the gateway to the fjords and today you board a ship for a cruise along the Sognefjord to Balestrand and Flam. Sognefjord is Norway’s largest fjord and the second longest in the world at over 200 km (127 miles).

Cliffs surrounding the fjord rise almost sheer from the water and pretty villages cling to the steep sides. You arrive at Flåm for lunch ashore, before an afternoon ride on the electric Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railway lines in the world. It climbs 865 metres in 20 kilometres through spectacular scenery to Myrdal Station.

The train stops by the famous Kjosfossen waterfall for film and photo opportunities.

You then change trains at Myrdal for the journey back to Bergen. Dinner is at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning after breakfast you travel by road coach to Grovane to join a steam charter train on the Setesdalsbanen. This 1067mm narrow-gauge railway has some rare types of locomotives, including two delightful Dubbs tank locomotives, built in 1894. Later you join a regular train from Kristiansand to Hamar via Oslo for an overnight stay. (B D)

Cruise on Sognefjord and Riding the Flåm Railway

Wednesday 13th July

Bergen and Garnes to Midttun

After a free morning to explore Bergen, you transfer mid-afternoon by road coach to the Gamle Vossebanen, a heritage railway near Garnes. Here you join a chartered train from Garnes to Midttun, and return hauled by an ex-main line steam locomotive. The line is 18 km long and photographic run pasts will be staged as you pass through the Arna Valley. Later you return to Bergen by road coach for dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B D) Thursday 14th July

Cruise to Stavanger; Kristiansand

Today you leave Bergen on the morning ferry for Stavanger, enjoying a relaxing cruise through the calm coastal waters of the south-western islands.

After a transfer by road coach from Stavanger Harbour to the railway station you board a train for Kristiansand and an overnight stay. (B D)

The Setesdalsbanen Narrow Gauge Railway

Tour Summary Tour price

£2395

Single supplement £325 Ground only (Oslo – Oslo)

£2245

Price includes: • Return flights London to Oslo

Saturday 16th July

Hamar Railway Museum; Train to Ålesund

This morning you visit the National Railway Museum at Hamar to view the national collection and take a trip on their steam operated museum line. You then board an early afternoon train to Andalsnes and continue by road coach to Ålesund. This is Norway’s fishing capital and it is situated on several islands. You stay overnight in Ålesund and have dinner in the hotel. (B D)

• 9 nights hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels including breakfasts • 1 lunch and 8 dinners • Rail travel as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers • All travel advertised by ship and road coach • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Sunday 17th July

Cruise the Geirangerfjord

Today, you experience a full day’s cruise along the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords and is rightly famous for its spectacularly high scenic waterfalls. You should arrive back in Ålesund by the early evening, with plenty of time to explore this Art Nouveau seaside town.

Overnight accommodation and dinner are in Ålesund again tonight. (B D)

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Monday 18th July Return to London

You transfer by road coach from Ålesund to Andalsnes to join a service train to Oslo Airport for a late afternoon flight back to London. (B)

Mike Hyde

Mike Hyde

EUROPE TOUR – 10 Days

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Robert Horlacher

Lake Constance and Four Countries Sunday 10th July to Saturday 16th July 2022 Discover the region around one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes as you travel on privately chartered boats and trains in four different European countries, framed by historic resort towns and towering Alpine pinnacles.

• Based at an elegant 4-star hotel in the Swiss cathedral city St. Gallen, you’ll visit Switzerland, Austria and Germany and travel over the entire railway network of Liechtenstein.

• An all-inclusive dinner cruise aboard the elegant Belle Epoque paddle steamer Hohentwiel on Lake Constance is a tour highlight, as well as fantastic steamboat cruises on Lake Zurich and Lake Greif, on the oldest Swiss steamer in active service.

• Narrow-gauge highlights include steam charters on the idyllic Bregenzerwald railway, running through rural scenery in Western Austria, and on the picturesque Appenzell narrow-gauge network, as well as the Montafon branch line in Austria.

• Thrilling mountain top adventures in store include scenic summits in the Swiss Alps at Ebenalp and in the Austrian Alps at Schruns, as well as First Class travel on the Voralpen Express panoramic train in Eastern Switzerland.

• Vintage vessels, iconic steam trains, romantic locations and stunning scenery and cuisine all combine to make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Sunday 10th July

sun sets over the Swiss Alps and majestic Mount Säntis. (D)

After a direct morning flight from London to Zurich and a short Intercity connection to St. Gallen, you arrive in this UNESCO-designated cathedral city by early afternoon. You will stay for the full duration of your holiday at the 4-star Einstein hotel in the heart of the Old Town.

After check in, you’ll have free time to explore St. Gallen or watch the trains and trams at the railway station. In the evening you transfer by SBB service train to Rorschach on the Swiss side of Lake Constance, where you enjoy a dinner cruise on the luxurious motor yacht ‘Emily’.

As you wine and dine on this 1930s yacht, the

Monday 11th July

Arrive in St. Gallen, Evening Dinner Cruise on Luxury Motor Yacht

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Scenic cruise and steam by land and water along the River Rhine

After breakfast you take an SBB service train along Lake Constance to the namesake town of Konstanz. Here you board a vintage vessel for a cruise on the Lower Part of Lake Constance (Untersee) and the Upper Rhine River to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein. Enjoy a light lunch before taking a private charter trip on the local narrow-gauge steam railway and embarking on a private steamboat cruise on the Rhine aboard an historic steam launch.

In late afternoon you again board a vintage vessel and complete the rest of the cruise from Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen, passing under the wooden covered bridge at Diessenhofen.

In Schaffhausen you can photograph the trains passing over the landmark 1895 river viaduct before taking an SBB service train over the iconic Rhine Falls viaduct and witness Europe’s largest and widest waterfall. You arrive back to St. Gallen in the early evening, having completed an epic circular journey for the day. (B L)

Tuesday 12th July

Steam in Vorarlberg at Bezau, Visit to Lindau, Paddle Steamer cruise on the ‘Hohentwiel’

This morning you explore Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost state, close to Lindau and bordering Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. You’ll first visit the mountainous Bregenzerwald narrow-gauge railway, running from Bezau to Schwarzenberg and passing over two impressive viaducts. After lunch at the railway station in Schwarzenberg, a U.25 type steam locomotive runs you back to Bezau, for a scenic drive to the Bavarian lake-side resort Lindau, famous for its Old Town located on an island on the lake, with harbour framed by a 19th century lighthouse and impressive lion statue.

After sightseeing in Lindau, you have a dinner cruise scheduled in the Bay of Bregenz on the stately 1913 paddle steamer ‘Hohentwiel’, still powered by the original Escher Wyss compound steam engine and featuring polished brass, mahogany wood panelling, a tall smokestack and opulent dining salons. (B L D) Wednesday 13th July

Mountain Railways in the Swiss Appenzell and Ebenalp Summit

Mountain top adventures in Switzerland await today, on the country’s famed narrow-gauge railways and aerial cableways. After a quick transfer from St. Gallen to Herisau, you travel First Class on a private heritage train with half-open summer coaches to the terminus of Wasserauen, at the foot of Mount Säntis.

After lunch-time refreshments at the local railway museum, you take an aerial cableway to the nearby summit Ebenalp, for views of the nearby mountains and Lake Constance. You descend to Wasserauen and travel via Gais back to St. Gallen, covering most of the narrow-gauge network. Back in St. Gallen, you continue on the narrow-gauge line to Trogen, rising high above Lake Constance with stunning views of the lake and quaint towns nestled in the hills.

On your return there’s still time to experience the Mühlegg funicular, located practically on the doorstep of your hotel. After your special day out in the Swiss Alps, you spend the late afternoon and evening relaxing in St. Gallen. (B L) Thursday 14th July

Main line charter train in Austria; Mountain Magnificence in the Montafon Region; Railways of Liechtenstein

A tour highlight awaits today travelling on an iconic, semi-streamlined Austrian railcar over

the scenic Vorarlberg main line from Feldkirch via Bludenz and then through rare track on the mountainous branch line to the Alpine resort of Schruns. You arrive in time for lunch at a typical Austrian inn, before making a mountain-top excursion to the local summit. Back in the valley you continue by railcar to Feldkirch, change onto a service train for a trip to neighbouring Lichtenstein, clearing its entire railway network in the process. At the Swiss border station of Buchs SG you change onto an SBB doubledeck Regional Express for a direct ride back to St. Gallen, with views of the Rhine Valley and Appenzell peaks during the journey. (B L) Friday 15th July

Tour Summary Tour price

£1895

Single supplement £295 Ground only £1795 (St. Gallen – St. Gallen) Price includes: • Flights from London to Zurich and return • Intercity rail connection from Zurich to St. Gallen

Steamboat ‘Greif’ on Lake Greif and Lake Zürich paddle steamers; Voralpen Express Panoramic Train

• 6 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast

This morning, after taking an SBB Intercity train from St. Gallen to Zurich, you sail the full length of Lake Zurich aboard the genuine 1909 paddle steamer Stadt Zurich. With the Glarus Alps in full view, you reach the medieval city of Rapperswil.

In early afternoon you continue by SBB service train to Uster, for a unique private charter cruise on Switzerland’s oldest steamboat, the venerable Greif from 1895. This coal-powered screw steamer with wooden superstructures sails on its namesake lake just southeast of Zurich. In late afternoon you return to St. Gallen, travelling First Class on the Voralpen Express panoramic train through the scenic Toggenburg Region. (B D)

• 3 dinners

• 5 lunches • SBB service train connections • Dinner cruise • All private charters, boat rides and excursion as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Scenic Cruise on Lake Walensee, Return to London

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After breakfast you transfer from St. Gallen to the boat pier at Unterterzen on Lake Walensee, for a fabulous charter cruise on one of the most spectacular mountain lakes in the world.

Many people travel by rail along the banks of Lake Walensee between Chur and Zürich, but few experience the trip on one of the elegantlyappointed salon ships that sail on the lake.

The Walensee is framed by wonderfully rugged scenery and has steep, fjord-like cliffs on all sides. To cap your memorable holiday in fine fashion, you enjoy lunch and complimentary wine on the boat while taking in the views.

After the cruise, you have a direct transfer to Zurich Airport, where your luggage will await you after transfer. You then board a late afternoon flight back to London, arriving in the UK by evening. (B L)

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Saturday 16th July

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Daniel Eichenberger

EUROPE TOUR – 7 Days

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Georg Trueb

Alpine Steam Express Sunday 17th July to Sunday 24th July 2022 Against the backdrop of the picturesque Swiss and French Jura Mountains, glamorous steam locomotives, historic steamboats and towering peaks all feature prominently on this outstanding Alpine holiday tour.

• Based in the Baroque city of Solothurn, you’ll travel on privately chartered steam trains and steamboats at unusual locations mainly off the beaten path.

• Many steam highlights appear for the very first time in our programme, including the Swiss Val-de-Travers and Vallée de Joux regions, as well as the French Coni-Fer steam railway near Pontarlier.

• Enjoy a private steam charter on the extensive Chemins de Fer du Jura metre gauge network in the Franches Montagnes of Western Switzerland, where mighty Mallet engines roam, including unique steam train street running in La-Chaux-de-Fonds.

• Cruise aboard genuine paddle steamers on Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Neuchatel and Lake Biel, for delightful afternoon and sunset cruises. An evening river cruise on River Aare is an additional attraction.

• Experience the amazing 0-8-0 rack and adhesion locomotive No.704 at the high altitude Furka Railway, over one of the most breathtaking mountain railways in the world on the original summit line of the Glacier Express.

• Go ‘peak-hopping’ on funiculars and cableways in the Jura Mountains to such panoramic yet lesser known peaks as Mount Chaumont and Mount Weissenstein.

• Fully explore the region’s tram and rail network with the additional freedom and flexibility of a First Class 4-Day Swiss Travel Pass.

Sunday 17th July

London to Basel; Transfer to Solothurn

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.

Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg.

A short transfer takes you to Solothurn, your base for the holiday. You check into your hotel and have time to relax before a welcome dinner is provided at an elegant mountain lodge. (D)

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Monday 18th July

Mountain Magnificence at the Weissenstein; narrow gauge railways around Solothurn

After a relaxing morning you journey by local railway and aerial cableway to the summit of Mount Weissenstein, Solothurn’s local ‘high hill’ and part of the Jura Mountains range.

From the summit there are stunning views of the expansive Swiss Midlands and the high Alpine peaks to the south. Returning back to Solothurn by cableway and train. Then take advantage of a complimentary local public transport rover dayticket to individually explore the scenic narrow

gauge railway lines to Langenthal and St. Urban.

Dinner is served at your hotel tonight. (B D) Tuesday 19th July

Steam with a Mallet locomotive in the Franches Montagnes

The hills of the Swiss Jura Mountains form the backdrop to today’s steam excursion on the extensive Chemins de Fer du Jura narrow-gauge network, hauled by a powerful Henschel Mallet locomotive. You journey via Saignelegier and Le Noirmont to La-Chaux-de-Fonds, through remote landscapes in one of Switzerland’s most isolated regions. Your locomotive battles several

gradients before concluding with tram-like street running in the city of La-Chaux-de-Fonds.

Lunch is taken on the train in the bistro coach before you return over the same route to the shed at Pré Petitjean. For the return to Solothurn you are free to use your complimentary Swiss Travel Pass, with the option to travel on the other CJ narrow-gauge line to Tavannes.

Afterwards, travelling back on the main line via Biel to Solothurn. (B L D) Wednesday 20th July

Steam in the Jura Mountains at Vallée de Joux; Paddle Steamers on Lake Geneva

Today, use your Swiss Travel Pass to take a scenic ride on an SBB service train along the Jura lakes and mountains to Le Pont in the remote mountain valley Vallée de Joux.

Here, one of the most attractive yet unknown Swiss steam railways operates in a stretch of landscape nestled between forests, lakes and hills. This ‘rare track’ is again combined by ‘rare traction’ with No.8494 hauling your private main line charter train from Le Pont to Les Brassus, returning back to Le Pont. Lunch will be served in the bistro car, while the railway’s open balcony gondola coach allows you to stand right behind the footplate of the tank engine, creating a memorable experience and providing opportunities for filming or photography.

Afterwards, you transfer on an SBB service train to Lake Geneva. Your Swiss Travel Pass allowing you to ‘boat-hop’ on several of the different steamers that will be operating on the lake, while enjoying the incredible landscape of Lac Leman.

In the evening, return to Solothurn on one of the many different scenic lines. (B L) Thursday 21st July

High altitude steam at the Furka Railway with giant rack tank No.704; evening steamboat cruise on Lake Thun

This morning, after an exciting journey by standard and narrow-gauge service trains from Solothurn via the Gotthard Railway and Andermatt to Realp, you board a heritage train hauled by the rack and adhesion giant locomotive No.704, with 0-8-0-wheel alignment and externally visible traction gear. Travel over Switzerland’s premier Alpine steam railway to the Furka summit, pausing for a photo stop, descending through the short summit tunnel and arriving above Gletsch, with the Rhone Glacier in plain sight. Afterwards, you continue on the last section of this heritage railway to re-open in 2011, on spiral tunnels down to Oberwald, before taking an MGB train on the stunning

line to Brig. In Brig travel over the Lötschberg summit line to Thun, where you board the magnificent paddle steamer “Bluemlisalp” from 1906 for a wonderful sunset dinner cruise. (B D) Friday 22nd July

Steam in the Swiss Val-de-Travers and at the French Coni-Fer

This morning, after arriving in Travers by SBB service train, a famous Swiss ‘Tigerli’ tank engine will haul your private charter train via Fleurier over the unusual St. Sulpice branch line, which hasn’t seen passenger traffic since 1973.

Here, you visit the large steam locomotive collection of the VVT group, and a false arrival of the ‘Tigerli’-hauled train will be staged for photo opportunities. Afterwards, transfer by coach across the French frontier past impressive hill-top castles to the French heritage railway Coni-Fer near Pontarlier. This remote standardgauge line features a fleet of ‘Tigerlis’, running on what has been preserved of the old Pontarlier – Vallorbe line. Your train traverses hilly scenery, pausing along the way for photo stops and a run past. After lunch, you return by coach to Switzerland and carry on to Neuchatel by service train, where you enjoy a mountain-top excursion on the local funicular to the peak of Mount Chaumont, one of the finest look-out points in the Jura Mountains. From there you return to Solothurn for the evening. (B L D) Saturday 23rd July

Paddle steamer cruise on the Jura lakes, along Switzerland’s longest waterway

Today, experience the nostalgia of the vintage 1912 paddle steamer ‘Neuchatel’, which sails from its name-sake city. Steam along the longest waterway within Switzerland, sailing on multiple lakes and canals from Neuchatel to Biel, past vineyards and wetlands, with the Jura Mountains towering to the west. In Biel, transfer onto the Aare river boat for a relaxing cruise to Solothurn, passing under the covered wooden bridge at Büren and going through one of Switzerland’s best bird spotting locations. You return to Solothurn in the late afternoon, with dinner provided at the hotel tonight. (B D)

Tour Summary First Class

£2575

Standard Class

£2455

Single supplement £295 Ground only £2275 (Solothurn – Solothurn with First Class Swiss Pass) Price includes: • 7 nights accommodation at 4-star H4 Hotel Solothurn with breakfast • 6 Dinners and 3 Lunches • First or Standard Class rail travel from London to Basel and Return • First Class 4 Day Swiss Pass • Paddle steamer cruise • Private charters as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Sunday 24th July Return to London

After breakfast you transfer from your hotel to Basel. Here you take the High speed train to Strasbourg before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

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Cruising and Steam in Northern Germany Monday 25th July to Sunday 31st July 2022 Discover the delights of Germany’s northern coast by steamboat and steam train on this relaxing holiday to Hamburg and the Baltic seaside.

• Experience first-hand the allure of the Hanseatic cities of Hamburg, Lübeck, and Wismar, seeing these attractions both by land and water.

• Enjoy different private charter cruises on historic steamboats, including a unique steam launch from 1876, a mighty steampowered icebreaker from 1911 and a luxurious paddle steamer from 1905.

• Sample the very best of the famous German ‘Plandampf’ and delightful steam trains running to the seaside, first with a visit to the ‘Molli’ for the remarkable street-running in Bad Doberan, and a trip to the idyllic Kappeln heritage railway for a private steam charter with a Swedish-built tank engine.

• The private charter cruises will allow for you to rub shoulders with the great ocean liners and huge container ships in the port of Hamburg, sail on Baltic waters in Wismar and enjoy steam on the River Schlei near the Danish border.

• Based throughout at a centrally located quality hotel in Hamburg, this relaxing holiday includes a visit to the spectacular ‘Miniatur Wunderland’ model railway.

Monday 25th July

London to Hamburg by high speed rail

You travel from London St. Pancras International to Hamburg Hbf, using Eurostar and ICE high speed trains. The route takes you via Brussels and Cologne. On arrival, you check into your centrally located hotel, where you will be issued with a complimentary public transport ticket which is valid for the duration of your stay.

Dinner will be served at the hotel. (D) Tuesday 26th July

Elbe River cruise in Hamburg aboard steam-powered icebreaker

After a leisurely breakfast, your day starts with an immediate highlight, as you experience a truly unique steamboat for an unusual pleasure cruise!

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Aboard Germany’s only steam-powered icebreaker to work on a river, you will explore the fascinating Hamburg skyline and expansive port facilities, rubbing shoulders with great ocean liners and huge container ships. Built in 1911, the coal-fired steamer “Elbe” sails on its namesake river, giving fabulous views of the ever-changing scenery and providing you with full access to the wheelhouse and boiler room.

A buffet lunch will be served on board the ship during the mid-day cruise. After the cruise concludes, you will have free time to explore Hamburg and all of its attractions at your own pace, making good use of your complimentary rover ticket. (B L)

Wednesday 27th July

Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg; Alster River sunset cruise aboard steam launch “St. Georg”

The incredible Miniatur Wunderland is much more than the largest model railway attraction in the world, it is a uniquely entertaining display with different geographic layouts in HO scale over 8 miles of track. It’s easily possible to spend half the day there, you will be free to pace yourself and use your time to explore the nearby Elbphilharmonie observation terrace or any other points of interest in the city. In the evening your group reassembles for a delightful sunset cruise on the inland River Alster. Your privately chartered vessel for the evening is the historic steamboat ‘St. Georg’ from 1876, one of the

oldest operational vessels in the world. You will enjoy this tranquil sightseeing tour of a different part of the city, including refined residential districts. You can watch the hard-working steam engine from the main deck of the boat, where you can see the engineer at work. A buffet dinner (including wine) will be served during the cruise as the sun sets over Hamburg. (B D)

The choice is entirely yours and your Tour Manager will be pleased to advise you of alternative options and timetable connections. (B)

Steam at the Kappeln heritage railway with a Swedish tank engine; Paddle Steamer Cruise on the River Schlei from Schleswig with paddle steamer ‘Freya’

Tour Summary

Thursday 28th July

In the morning you take a DB service train from Hamburg over the iconic Rendsburg High Bridge spanning the Kiel Canal to the historic city of Schleswig. From there it’s a short coach transfer to the town of Kappeln, near the Danish border. In Kappeln you enjoy a private steam train charter on the 14.6 km long branch line to Süderbrarup. Your heritage train will be hauled by a mighty Swedish-built 2-6-2 tank engine dating from 1952. Along the way, run-pasts will be staged and lunch will be served in the bistro car on the train. After some free time to sightsee the historic towns of Kappeln and Schleswig, you embark on another genuine tour highlight for an exquisite private charter dinner cruise on the luxurious paddle steamer ‘Freya’ dating from 1905. Full dinner catering and complimentary drinks are included. Immerse yourself in the maritime charm of the ship, replete with mahogany wood, polished brass and stately saloons. The ‘Freya’ only visits the River Schlei once a year, so this is a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive steam travel at an unusual location, with its tranquil, almost Scandinavian coastal landscapes. After the dinner cruise, you return to the hotel in Hamburg. (B L D)

Eurostar, ICE and other German service trains.

Steam at the Molli Railway and Baltic Cruise from Wismar

Today you visit one of the most iconic steam trains in all of Germany, the 15.4-kilometrelong resort railway ‘Molli’. Famous for its street running section in Bad Doberan, this 900 mm gauge railway boasts lots of rugged German tank engines. You’ll have the benefit of a reserved coach, as the train steams northbound to Kühlingsborn on the Baltic Coast. You’ll enjoy views of the sandy beaches at Heiligendamm and take in the street-running action in the centre of Bad Doberan. On the return to Hamburg you pause in the beautiful Hanseatic city of Wismar for a cruise on the Baltic Sea. This will allow you to sightsee the city, with its beautiful spires and brick-built guild houses, whilst also seeing the island of Poel. Lunch is once again included today. (B L) Friday 29th July

Individual discovery with your Interrail Ticket

Today you have the unlimited use of your Interrail rover ticket, which allows you to explore the entire German railway network at ease, in the class of your booking. You could travel to the nearby Hanseatic city of Lübeck and the port of Travemünde, take the famed Marschbahn to Westerland on the North Sea Island Sylt, travelling over the landmark Hindenburg Dam with iconic diesel locomotive haulage, or you could take an express ICE train to Berlin.

Saturday 30th July

Sunday 31st July

Return to London

You return to London St. Pancras International via Cologne and Brussels, travelling on ICE, Thalys and Eurostar services. (B)

First Class

£1995

Standard Class

£1855

Eurostar, ICE and other German service trains.

Single supplement £395 Ground only £1695 (Hamburg – Hamburg) Price includes: • First or Standard Class travel from London to Hamburg and return • 4 Day Global Inter-rail Pass in the class of booking • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located quality hotel in Hamburg • Complimentary public transport rover ticket for Hamburg • 3 lunches and 3 dinners, including drinks • All specially chartered steam trains and steamboats as detailed in the itinerary • All rail, road and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary, including Miniatur Wunderland model railway in Hamburg • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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EUROPE TOUR – 7 Days

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The Emerald Explorer Thursday 28th July to Friday 5th August 2022 From Dublin to Westport, Waterford to the Cliffs of Moher, this new rail tour distils Ireland’s proud culture, heritage, and history into 9 days of memorable highlights. Starting and ending in Dublin, you’ll cover the length and breadth of this stunning country by rail and coach and discover first-hand the legends, traditions and outstanding hospitality Ireland is renowned for.

• Enjoy a guided tour of Dublin and the Teeling Whisky Distillery.

• On the Atlantic seafront tour Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Connemara Celtic Crystal and explore Galway.

• Travel highlights include the Waterford Suir Valley Railway and a cruise on the River Shannon.

• Marvel at the wild Cliffs of Moher and visit West Clare Railway and Museum.

• Savour a Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle.

• Experience the mysteries of Blarney Castle and Clonmacnoise Monastery.

• Finish the tour on a high with traditional Irish music and dancing at Dublin’s famous Arlington Hotel.

Thursday 28th July

First Class Avanti Service to Holyhead and Ferry Crossing to Dublin

Meet your Tour Manager this morning in the First Class Lounge at London Euston, before you travel First Class on an Avanti Service to Holyhead. On arrival, you transfer to Holyhead Ferry Terminal for a ferry crossing over the Irish Sea to Dublin. On arrival, you transfer to a comfortable hotel where you’ll stay for the next two nights. There will be a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. (D) Friday 29th July

Guided Tour of Dublin and Whiskey Distillery Visit

Today after breakfast you’ll enjoy a thrilling guided coach tour of Dublin, with a refreshment break in Phoenix Park. One of the largest 34

enclosed public parks in any European capital city. After the tour you’ll have time for lunch before a scheduled tour of the Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Dublin was once home to over 37 distilleries, and this is the first new distillery here for over 125 years. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city at leisure.

Dublin has a compact centre, so most attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Walk in ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafes on Grafton Street, perhaps stopping to take a picture alongside Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous statues. Visit Leinster House, where the current parliament sits, or Dublin Castle, the seat of English rule from the 13th Century. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Saturday 30th July

Guided Tour of Athlone Castle, River Shannon Cruise and Visit to Clonmacnoise Monastery

Following breakfast, you transfer from Dublin to Athlone and enjoy a guided tour of Athlone Castle. Here the Great Siege of Athlone is brought to life through interactive exhibits and an immersive 360-degree cinematic experience.

Climb the steps to the castle keep and enjoy the views across the majestic River Shannon.

After lunch you leave Athlone Castle for a private charter cruise along the River Shannon.

Named after the Celtic goddess ‘Sionna’, the Shannon is a series of lakes, rivers, and canals almost 200 miles in length and is Ireland’s longest river. Later you transfer by coach to Clonmacnoise Monastery. St Ciarán founded this ancient monastery on the banks of the Shannon

in the 6th Century. It was once a great seat of learning, a university in its time with students from all over Europe. After your tour you transfer by coach to your hotel, your base for the next two nights. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening. (B D) Sunday 31st July

Visit to Connemara Celtic Crystal and visit to Galway

After breakfast you leave the hotel for a short walk to the train station. You travel westward to Westport, at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. You then have a visit scheduled to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a nineteenth-century castle now owned by Benedictine nuns but originally part of Kylemore Castle, built in 1868 as a private home.

There’ll be time to explore and buy lunch before you visit Connemara Celtic Crystal, one of the last surviving Irish Crystal factories.

It incorporates Celtic designs and Gaelic motifs on ornate, beautifully crafted crystal pieces.

You then depart by coach to Galway.

Located near an earlier settlement, Galway grew around a fortification built by the King of Connacht in 1124. You’ll have time to explore some of the ancient sites such as St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, the largest medieval church still in everyday use in Ireland, before returning by train to Athlone and dinner at your hotel. (B D) Monday 1st August

Cliffs of Moher and The West Clare Railway

After breakfast you leave Athlone by coach for a scenic tour of the Cliffs of Moher with photo stops, pausing in the sea port village of Kinvara for refreshments. Afterwards you head to Kilkee, where you will have time to enjoy lunch before moving on to visit the West Clare Railway and Museum. The West Clare Railway was one of a network of narrow gauge lines built across rural West Ireland in the wake of the 1883 Tramways Act. The line was closed in 1961. Afterwards you travel to Bunratty Castle Hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. A tour highlight this evening is a magnificent Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B D)

two parts, the first retracing the steps of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic from Cobh on April 11th, 1912. Part two examines the almost impossible sequence of events that caused Titanic to sink. After lunch you travel to Blarney Village and historic Blarney Castle & Gardens, built in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You’ll have time to kiss the famous stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eternal eloquence on those lucky enough to do so. A must see is the Rock Close area and Poison Garden where the world’s most poisonous plants are kept. After your visit you return to your hotel where dinner will once again be served in the hotel restaurant. (B D) Wednesday 3rd August

Tour price

£2295

Single supplement £325 Ground only £2095 (Holyhead to Holyhead) Price includes: • First Class Rail Travel from London Euston to Holyhead and return • 8 nights accommodation

Waterford Crystal and Private Charter on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway

• 8 breakfasts

After breakfast you travel by coach to Limerick Station for a train trip to Waterford and a guided tour of The House of Waterford Crystal. See in detail how this stunning crystal has been made since 1783 and the traditional methods still used to this day. After your Waterford tour you enjoy a private charter on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, Ireland’s longest narrow-gauge railway.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the River Suir as you journey to and from Carriganore, where the merchants of Waterford are said to have hidden their treasures from Cromwell’s soldiers.

Later you transfer to Wexford Town and a local hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

(B D)

• All visits, train, coach and ferry travel as detailed in the itinerary

• 8 dinners

• The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Thursday 4th August

Explore Wexford and Celtic Dinner and Music Evening at the Arlington Hotel

This morning you have leisure time to spend exploring Wexford. Walk around the vibrant centre and indulge in the many cafes, pubs and eating places. You then depart Wexford by train and travel to Dublin before transferring to your hotel. In the evening you have a final tour treat with an unforgettable Celtic Night with dinner, traditional Irish music, and dancing at the famous Arlington Hotel. Later you return to your hotel for overnight accommodation. (B D)

Approx. timings London Euston Holyhead

Outward Return 09:10 17:36 13:10 13:57

Friday 5th August

Tuesday 2nd August

Ferry Crossing to Holyhead and First Class Avanti Service to London Euston

You leave your hotel by coach after breakfast to visit the Cobh Titanic Experience. Cobh is a picturesque town in Cork Harbour. It’s also famous for having been the last port of call for the ocean liner ‘Titanic’. The Experience is in

After breakfast at the hotel, you meet with the rest of your group in reception with your cases.

You then have a coach transfer to the ferry terminal and depart Dublin by ferry to Holyhead.

On arrival, you transfer to Holyhead train station where you depart on a First Class Avanti Service to London Euston. (B)

Visit to Cobh Titanic Experience and Blarney Castle

Tour Summary

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

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Steam in Austria and Silesia Friday 5th August to Saturday 13th August 2022 Experience main line steam in the Austrian Alps and narrow-gauge steam in the picturesque Czech countryside on this relaxing summer holiday tour.

• Based in the vibrant cities of Vienna in Austria and Ostrava in Moravian Silesia, you’ll enjoy sightseeing tours in both with a ride on the Prater Ferris Wheel in Vienna and the Dolni Vitkovice cultural park in Ostrava.

• Exciting narrow-gauge steam highlights include the annual steam gala at the Gurkthalbahn in Carinthia, two remote narrowgauge steam railways in the Czech Republic, and steam at the 15-inch Prater Park railway in Vienna.

• Experience mighty main line freight locomotives on private charters both in Austria and Poland, behind the recently refurbished tender locos 52.4984 and Ty42-24.

• Enjoy big engine steam at the Strasshof railway museum near Vienna as an added attraction and visit the site of the incredible wooden Gliwice Radio Tower in Poland, where World War II was triggered.

Friday 5th August Arrive to Vienna

This morning you fly from London to Vienna, arriving in Austria’s capital city by mid-day.

You check into a centrally located quality hotel and have a warm lunch. For the rest of the day you are free to take advantage of your complimentary public transport rover ticket and discover the sights and scenes of Vienna at leisure. (L) Saturday 6th August

Sightseeing Vienna; Prater Ferris Wheel; Steam at the Prater Railway and Strasshof Railway Museum

After breakfast, you enjoy a private charter tram trip around Vienna’s historic city centre and along the famous Ring Road, seeing the principal landmarks, including the Imperial Palace, State Opera House and Houses of Parliament.

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Your tour concludes with a ride on the Prater Ferris Wheel, built by British engineers in 1899.

You then traverse the adjacent 15-inch steam railway, hauled by a vintage 1920s ‘Pacific’ type 4-6-2 locomotive through the Prater Gardens on this 4 km long 1920s park railway.

An OBB service train then takes you from nearby Praterstern station to Strasshof, site of Austria’s largest steam locomotive collection.

After lunch in Strasshof, you’ll have a full tour of the museum grounds, including a ride on one of the local tender locomotives. In late afternoon you return to Vienna by local train, with more time to explore this vibrant city. (B L)

Sunday 7th August

Semmering Railway and Steam Gala at the Gurkthalbahn in Carinthia

Today you travel in the Austrian Alps over the scenic Semmering Railway from Vienna to Carinthia. This is Europe’s first trans-Alpine railway, built between 1848 and 1854 and now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its impressively engineered stone-arched viaducts, seamlessly blending into the mountain landscape. In the late morning you arrive in southern Austria, where the rural Gurkthalbahn narrow-gauge railway is staging its annual steam gala today. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience several steam locomotives in service, through the rural landscape of Carinthia. You have lunch at the railway and are given a tour of the local steam shed. In the afternoon you return to Vienna by way of the Semmering railway. (B L)

Monday 8th August

Thursday 11th August

A tour highlight awaits today, as you enjoy a first day of main line steam travel in the hills south of Vienna. Motive power is provided by the large 2-10-0 freight locomotive 52.4984, which only just returned to active service in late 2019. Formerly in use with OBB, the big tender locomotive will haul your private charter train from Turmau via Wiener Neustadt on the idyllic branch line to Gutenstein, where steam traction rarely ventures. Lunch will be served in the buffet car on the train. You then continue from Gutenstein and the Wiener Neustadt south avoiding curve to the historic town of Mattersburg near the Hungarian border, passing over an impressive elevated viaduct.

From Mattersburg you return on the main line via Mödling to Wien, with an option to stay on the steam train back to Trumau, completing a round trip for the day. The evening is once again spent at leisure in Vienna. (B L)

Today you venture into Polish Silesia and the urban conglomeration of Katowice and Gliwice, just 45 minutes by road from Ostrava. You travel directly to the railway museum at Pyskowice, where the large 2-10-0 freight locomotive Ty42-42 will be in steam and haul your exclusive private charter around several highly unusual industrial lines, with a maximum of ‘rare track’.

On the museum grounds, run pasts will also be staged. Afterwards you continue to the landmark Gliwice radio tower, often called the ‘Eiffel Tower of Silesia’. Standing 118 metres high, it’s the world’s highest wooden tower and occupies a very significant chapter in history, as the Nazis staged a phony attack on the tower in September 1939, as a pre-text to commence World War II and invade Poland. You return to Ostrava in the early evening. (B L D)

Main line steam with 52.4984 to Gutenstein and Mattersburg

Tuesday 9th August

Steam at the Zbysov narrow gauge railway in Moravia, arrive to Ostrava

Today Czech narrow-gauge steam takes centre stage, as you visit the delightful narrow-gauge railway at Zbysov, south of Brno. A powerful tank engine will pull you over the full length of the line, pausing for run-pasts and photos.

After a good Czech lunch, you continue to Ostrava on a Czech Railways service train, arriving in the capital of Moravian Silesia by late afternoon. You check into your centrally located hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B L D) Wednesday 10th August

Steam in Moravian Silesia on the Osoblaha narrow gauge railway

A very special narrow-gauge railway trip is in store today, as you take a Czech Railways service train from Ostrava via Opava to Tremesna and then board a private steam charter on the idyllic line to Osoblaha, on the doorstep of Poland.

This remote yet serene railway runs through gentle fields and soft rolling hills, framed by church towers and dotted villages. The rugged 0-8-0 tank engine will pause for pictures and run pasts, as lunch refreshments are served on the train. After a good day out by steam and a full return journey on the 20 km long branch line, you return to Ostrava by Czech service train and then have dinner again at the hotel. (B L D)

Main line steam in Polish Silesia with Ty42-24 and Gliwice Radio Tower

Friday 12th August

Vintage tram around Ostrava, visit to Vitkovice cultural park

In the morning you enjoy a private charter tram ride aboard a classic, semi-streamlined Tatra 2 vehicle, based on the American PCC design. You’ll see the main landmarks and also visit the local tram depot, before viewing the fascinating Dolni Vitkovice cultural park, where former steel mills have been converted into an attractive public space, with a special blend of contemporary and classic architecture. The rest of the afternoon is for leisure in Ostrava and you can use your complimentary public transport rover ticket to further explore the city’s extensive tramway and trolleybus network, or to simply relax in the Old Town. (B L) Saturday 13th August

You return to the UK on a direct flight

Tour Summary Tour price

£1995

Single supplement £325 Ground only £1895 * (Vienna – Ostrava ) Price includes: • Return flights from London to Vienna • 8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast at centrally-located • 8 lunches and 3 dinners • Travel on all charter trains and other scenic trains as detailed in the itinerary • Journey on all steam trains and other heritage transport as detailed in the itinerary • Multi-day public transport rover tickets in Vienna and Ostrava • All transfers • The services of a tour manager *Return to Vienna option available upon request. Flight alternatives are also available upon request.

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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The time has come to return home. You first travel to Vienna on a direct express train and then have a direct flight from Vienna back to London. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

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The Isle of Man Adventure Friday 12th August to Thursday 18th August 2022 The Isle of Man has a story for every season, but late summer is one of the best times to enjoy this idyllic destination.

Discover glens and lush plantations on relaxed walks and visit sun-kissed beaches alive with wildlife. The island stretches 32 miles north to south and 14 miles east to west, and is packed with scenery, history and industrial gems, including a horse tram, the largest working waterwheel in the world, miniature railways and an offshore Viking castle. Humans have lived here since 6500 BC, and smugglers, pirates and Nordic invaders have all been common at various times in Manx history, with the evidence for them all about.

• You’ll be based in a 3-star hotel in Douglas for the extent of your holiday.

• Enjoy charter trips on the Manx Electric Railway, Groudle Glen Steam Railway, and the Isle of Man Railway.

• Visit the Great Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world, built by Victorian engineers in 1854.

• Ascend to the summit of Snaefell, the island’s only mountain, on its Mountain Railway.

• Follow the scenic roads of the famous Isle of Man TT course on a coach trip covering the length of the island.

• Visit the island towns of Ramsey in the north, and the seaside resort of Port Erin on the south of the island.

• Use your complimentary Visitor’s Pass and Go Explorer Heritage Pass to explore all the island has to offer on your free days.

Friday 12th August

Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Liverpool, ferry to Isle of Man

Your holiday will start from London Euston.

You’ll be greeted by the Tour Manager before departing on the West Coast Avanti service to Liverpool Lime Street and Merseyrail service to Liverpool St James Street. The Liverpool pier head ferry terminal is five minutes’ walk away, from where you take the ferry to Douglas.

Here you check in to the 3-star Ellan Vannin Hotel (a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal).

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to investigate Douglas at your leisure. Douglas is situated on the east coast of the Isle of Man and has been the island’s capital since 1863.

The sea front is lined with picturesque hotels and 38

restaurants and there are plenty of shops to visit.

A welcome dinner will be served in your hotel restaurant this evening. (D) Saturday 13th August

Great Laxey Wheel, Snawfell Mountain Railway

After breakfast you transfer to the nearby Sea Terminal for a unique horse tram ride to Derby Castle Station. The horse tram is a quiet, ecofriendly way to enjoy the trip around the bay and seafront of Douglas. On arrival at Derby station, you take the historic Manx Electric Railway to Laxey. The railway was built between 1893 and 1899 and connects Douglas with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north. It’s also the longest narrow gauge vintage electric railway

system in the British Isles and still uses original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock.

From Laxey station it’s a short walk to the Great Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world. She was built by Victorian engineers in 1854 to pump water from the Laxey mines.

A climb to the top is rewarded with panoramic views across the Laxey Valley. After the Wheel you’ll enjoy a return trip on the nearby Laxey Mine Railway. This restored railway runs along the surface section of the tramway which once carried lead and zinc ores from deep inside the Great Laxey Mine.

Snaefell is the IOM’s only mountain, and its Mountain Railway will next take you to the summit where you can enjoy the views and buy refreshments. You then descend back to Douglas

to take the Horse Tram to the Sea Terminal and the short walk back to your hotel to enjoy a sumptuous three course dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B D) Sunday 14th August

Manx Electric Railway, Groundle Glen Steam Railway

Following breakfast, you walk to the Sea Terminal to take the horse tram to the Derby Castle station, so named because of the vast entertainment complex of the same name that used to be sited nearby. You then take the Manx Electric Railway, this time to Groudle Glen, two miles north of Douglas on the coast road.

On arrival you walk to Groudle Glen Steam Railway for a full round trip of this narrow gauge (610 mm) railway, owned and operated by a small group of enthusiastic volunteers.

Afterwards a group lunch is served in the tearoom. You depart Groudle Glen by Manx Electric Railway heading to Ramsey, on the north of the island. You will have free time to explore Ramsey, perhaps visiting the Grove Museum of Victorian Life, Milntown House and Gardens, or simply strolling along the seafront. Later you return to Douglas and a 3-course dinner served in the hotel restaurant. (B L D) Monday 15th August

Isle of Man Railway, the Old House of Keys and Castle Rushen

Your tour gathers in the hotel reception after breakfast, and you transfer from the hotel to the Isle of Man Railway. Your first stop is Castletown for a visit to the Old House of Keys and the mediaeval Castle Rushen, once used as a prison before being restored, and now a Manx National Heritage site. Afterwards you continue on the Isle of Man Railway to Port Erin, a lovely seaside resort on the south of the island.

On arrival you’re free to explore the area at your leisure. The heart of the village is around Station Road and Church Road. There are shops, cafes, bars and activities operating from Shore Road by the beach, with views to the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland past Bradda Head.

At Port Erin Railway Museum, you’ll discover the history of the Island’s steam railways over the last 140 years. You can then enjoy multiple rides on the different engines and services with your complimentary rail rover tickets. Dinner is once more at your hotel in the evening. (B D)

Tuesday 16th August

Free Day to Explore Isle of Man using your Travel Pass

You are free today to use your railway rover to revisit any of the railways you have already seen (Isle of Man Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas Bay Horse Tramway). Why not visit the fascinating Cregneash Medieval Village or you can use the time to relax and explore the island at your own pace. Dominated by sky and sea, the island has a stunning natural landscape with everything from rolling hills to patchwork fields and sheltered bays. Today is an ideal opportunity to take some unique and memorable photos. You can also use your visitor’s pass to enjoy any of the included island attractions. Dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D) Wednesday 17th August

Coach Tour of the Isle of Man and Jurby Transport Museum

Today you experience an exclusive coach tour travelling down the scenic roads of the famous TT race course. Your coach first takes you to the Calf of Man on the south tip of the island, with photo stops on the way. The Calf of Man is a small island separated from the mainland by the Calf Sound. Travel along the beautiful west coast of Man to the town of Peel. Your excursion includes a visit to the 11th century Castle Peel, a ruined castle originally built by the Vikings, sited on St Patrick’s Isle, which is connected to the town by a causeway. You’ll have a group lunch in a nearby restaurant before continuing by coach to Curraghs wildlife park, and a private charter trip on its miniature railway. You then travel to the Point of Ayre to view and take pictures of the lighthouse. Here you are at the Island’s most northerly tip and closer to Scotland (14 miles) than you are to Douglas! You travel back southwest to visit the Jurby Transport Museum. You then return to Douglas and a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B D) Thursday 18th August

Tour Summary Tour price

£1695

Single supplement £195 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation • 6 breakfasts • 6 dinners • 1 lunch • First Class Travel from London to Liverpool and from Lancaster back to London • All visits, train, coach and ferry travel as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Approx. timings London Euston Liverpool St. James Lancaster Heysham

Outward Return 07:07 17:10 09:42 ------------- 14:39 ------- 13:20

Northern Service from Heysham to Lancaster is standard class only.

Merseyrail Service from Liverpool Lime Street to St James Street is standard class only.

Please note that this tour is not suitable for those who have restricted mobility as the hotel does not have lift facilities.

Ferry from Isle of Man, Northern Service from Heysham to Lancaster and Avanti West Coast Service from Lancaster to London Euston

After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to the ferry terminal. Your ferry departs Douglas at 08.45 am and arrives Heysham ferry port.

From Heysham port you join the Northern Rail service to Lancaster, where you change trains to take the Avanti West Coast Service to London Euston for an approximated arrival of 17.00 hrs.

(B) UK TOUR – 7 Days

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Highlights of Germany in Summer Monday 15th August to Thursday 25th August 2022 Enjoy a late summer holiday to Germany for relaxing river cruises, vintage transport in the vibrant capital Berlin and the famed steam trains of the Harz Mountains.

• Enjoy steam by land and water, as you first cruise on the river Havel in Potsdam aboard the vintage 1908 steamboat “Gustav”, then storm up Mount Brocken on the iconic 2-10-2 tank engines to the highest point in Northern Germany.

• Take a steam train journey at the Wulheide Park Railway in Berlin, travel on the heritage tramway in Woltersdorf and sample five different river cruises at scenic locations around the capital, including Berlin Mitte, Köpenick, Potsdam, Brandenburg and Szczecin, Poland.

• The short sidestep to Poland with a daytrip rail excursion to the historic port city of Szczecin (Stettin) with a cruise on the River Odra adds geographic variety to the holiday.

• This relaxed holiday takes place after the peak period of the German school holidays, when the Harz Mountains are less busy, but still have the most intensive ‘Plandampf’ steam timetable in operation.

• Spend 3 days in the Harz Mountains with an unlimited 3-day rover ticket, valid on all the famed “Plandampf” steam services.

Monday 15th August

London to Berlin by high-speed rail

With Eurostar and ICE services via Brussels and Cologne. Accommodation at a centrally located 4-star hotel in Berlin. Meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant. (D) Tuesday 16th August

Berlin Technical Museum, Time at leisure, Museum Island Sunset Cruise

After a leisurely breakfast, you collect your complimentary multi-day public transport rover ticket, which allows you full flexibility and individual travel in the city. You then visit the Technical Museum in western Berlin, which has one of the finest collections of old locomotives, aircraft, cars and stationary steam engines in 40

Europe. The museum is built around an old freight yard and two former roundhouses.

The guided excursion there will allow you to get familiar with Berlin’s layout and public transport network. Following the visit, you will have free time to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening you rejoin the group for a sunset dinner cruise with complimentary drinks on the River Spree in the city centre, passing all the major landmarks and the famed museum island on a vintage ship. (B D)

eastern edge of Berlin, which is noteworthy for its heritage tramway that leads to a small lake.

You have a private charter tram ride on a classic tram dating from 1913, which unusually has no enclosed cabs, allowing the driver to stand on the open balcony. You visit the tram depot, before enjoying time at leisure in Berlin.

You then depart on another evening dinner cruise, along the Eastside Gallery, Ostbahnhof, famed turret bridge at Warschauer Strasse to the historic Köpenick District. (B D)

Wednesday 17th August

Thursday 18th August

Today you take an overground S-Bahn service to Woltersdorf, a charming village on the

This morning you have free time and the

Woltersdorf heritage tramway and Köpenick cruise

Potsdam Palaces, vintage tramway and steamboat cruise in River Havel to the “Bridge of Spies”

opportunity to see the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag or Checkpoint Charlie, all of which are in close proximity of your hotel. In the afternoon you take a DB double-deck train to nearby Potsdam for a vintage tramway ride through the historic Dutch Quarter, past the Russian Colony and famed old town gates. To cap the day, you once again enjoy a dinner and sunset cruise, travelling on the River Havel aboard the genuine tall-stacked steamboat “Gustav” from 1908.

The scenic cruise will take you to the “Bridge of Spies”, where prisoner exchanges were made between East and West during the Cold War. You will also see the site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference, where Churchill, Stalin and Truman met. (B D) Friday 19th August

Rail excursion to Szczecin Poland, private charter cruise on River Odra, sightseeing by vintage tramway

Today you add some international flair to the holiday, by making the railway trip from Berlin north-east to the historic Baltic port city of Szczecin in Poland. This will allow you to sample Polish railways, see the city’s historic old town on a privately chartered tramway, before enjoying a private harbour cruise on the River Odra, seeing all of the city’s principal landmarks and expansive port facilities from the water. In the early evening you return to Berlin by service train. (B L)

lunch time cruise on the River Havel. You then continue by rail via Magdeburg and Halberstadt to the beautiful town of Wernigerode, famed for its well preserved old town, rows of colourful timber-framed houses and impressive hilltop castle. Dinner will be served at the hotel, after arrival (B L D) Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th August

Steam, nature and culture in the Harz Mountains

For the next 3 days you are free to enjoy maximum steam, natural beauty and cultural heritage in the unique setting that is the Harz Mountains. You will have a 3-day unlimited rover ticket, allowing you to travel on all steam services in the Selke Valley and to Mount Brocken. Best of all, standard gauge transfer tickets from Quedlinburg to Wernigerode are also included. Storm to the summit of Mount Brocken as often as you like, enjoy trainspotting and railway photography at the Wernigerode yard with unique observation tower or storm over the steep embankments from Gernrode to Alexisbad. Your Tour Manager will be pleased to advise you of all the timetabled services and best connections, so you can maximize steam or individualize the excursions to best suit your taste. Every evening, dinner will be included back at the hotel in Wernigerode. (B D)

Tour Summary First Class

£2275

Standard Class

£1975

Single supplement £295 Ground only £1775 (Berlin – Wernigerode*) Price includes: • High Speed train travel from London to Berlin and from Hannover to London • 10 nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star hotels in Berlin and Wernigerode • 8 dinners and 2 Lunches • All specially chartered steam trains, rail journeys and boat cruises as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • Public transport rover tickets • The services of a tour manager *Transfer to Hannover Hbf is also available.

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

Thursday 25th August Saturday 20th August

Steam at the Wulheide Park Railway and leisure in Berlin

In the southeast of Berlin, the Wulheide district features one of the largest park railways in Germany, built with 600 m gauge. For today’s steam running, you visit the railway and travel over the full length of the network. Like other cities in Central or Eastern Europe, the railway’s stations are operated by Children, under the supervision of adults. Following this delightful steam excursion, you have a final evening to make the most of Berlin and all that Germany’s vibrant capital has to offer. (B)

Return to London by high speed rail

The time has come to return to London.

You first have a direct and fast coach transfer from Wernigerode to Hannover Hbf, where you board an ICE service westbound to Cologne.

From there you continue by high speed train via Brussels to London St. Pancras. (B)

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Sunday 21st August

Brandenburg River Cruise, arrival to Wernigerode and the Harz Mountains

Today the time has come to transfer from the city to the countryside, as you make your way to the Harz Mountains and the charming town of Wernigerode. While your luggage is directly transferred and forwarded to the next hotel by coach, you travel by rail and pause along the way in the historic city of Brandenburg for a EUROPE TOUR – 11 Days

41

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 17th August to Wednesday 24th August 2022 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

• Based in the mountain village of Wengen, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.

• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.

• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.

Wednesday 17th August

Thursday 18th August

Friday 19th August

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.

Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg.

You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrowgauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

After breakfast, you can either relax at the hotel and make use of its wonderful facilities or take a stroll through the village where the British allegedly ‘invented’ downhill ski racing. A more energetic option is to hike to one or more of the incredible local viewpoints. Another alternative is to use your Regional Pass to visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. Yet another option is to visit the car-free village of Mürren by cable and mountain railway from Lauterbrunnen, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Wengen by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)

London to Wengen via Basel

42

Free day for exploration in and around Wengen

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

Saturday 20th August

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’.

You’ll travel on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe.The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.

The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.

There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Wengen you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg on to Grindlewald at your own leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D) Sunday 21st August

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

Today you travel by train to the Swiss capital, Bern, for a two-hour tour of the city by legendary steam tram. The metre gauge 0-6-0 tramway locomotive pulls a classic wooden carriage with open-ended balconies. You’ll pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower. In the afternoon there’s time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare. Later, you’ll take a service train to Thun to board a boat for the onward journey. Cruising along Lake Thun you have uninterrupted views of famous mountain peaks like the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau.

You then disembark at Interlaken West Railway Station and return by train to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. (B D) Monday 22nd August

Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne.

The city is located on Lake Lucerne, in sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.

You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself. The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities. The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument, and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D) Tuesday 23rd August

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Wednesday 24th August Return to UK

After breakfast in the hotel it is time to say your farewells and take local trains to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1795

Single supplement £115 Optional extra £35 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’ Price includes: • 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner August 2022 Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2

3

4

5

6

Sun 7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

Today is free to use your Regional Pass.

Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

43

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 14th September to Wednesday 21st September 2022 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

• Based in the mountain village of Wengen, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.

• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.

• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.

Wednesday 14th September London to Wengen via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.

Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg.

You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrowgauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

44

Thursday 15th September

Friday 16th September

After breakfast, you can either relax at the hotel and make use of its wonderful facilities or take a stroll through the village where the British allegedly ‘invented’ downhill ski racing. A more energetic option is to hike to one or more of the incredible local viewpoints. Another alternative is to use your Regional Pass to visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. Yet another option is to visit the car-free village of Mürren by cable and mountain railway from Lauterbrunnen, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Wengen by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)

Free day for exploration in and around Wengen

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

Saturday 17th September

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’.

You’ll travel on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe.The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.

The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.

There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Wengen you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg on to Grindlewald at your own leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D) Sunday 18th September

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

Today you travel by train to the Swiss capital, Bern, for a two-hour tour of the city by legendary steam tram. The metre gauge 0-6-0 tramway locomotive pulls a classic wooden carriage with open-ended balconies. You’ll pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower. In the afternoon there’s time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare. Later, you’ll take a service train to Thun to board a boat for the onward journey. Cruising along Lake Thun you have uninterrupted views of famous mountain peaks like the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau.

You then disembark at Interlaken West Railway Station and return by train to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. (B D) Monday 19th September

Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne.

The city is located on Lake Lucerne, in sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.

You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself. The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities. The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument, and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D) Tuesday 20th September

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Wednesday 21st September Return to UK

After breakfast in the hotel it is time to say your farewells and take local trains to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1795

Single supplement £115 Optional extra £35 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’ Price includes: • 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner September 2022 Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

29

30

31

1

2

3

Sun 4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

Today is free to use your Regional Pass.

Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

45

Janez Smole

Janez Smole

Janez Smole

The Black Sea Express Thursday 15th September to Sunday 25th September 2022 Travel in style on the Royal Train from Sofia to the Black Sea and back on this luxury steam tour in magical Bulgaria. This is an ideal holiday tour both for rail enthusiasts and those wanting to experience steam travel and tourism in a country that remains one of Europe’s hidden gems.

• The Royal ‘Corona Express’ Train hails from the time of King Boris III, and your luxurious coaches will be hauled by a variety of powerful locomotives as you travel to the coast in style.

• Enjoy overnight stays in top class hotels in Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Velingrad, Bansko and Burgas on the Black Sea Coast, with a crossing over the high Balkan Mountains.

• Experience two days of steam on the scenic narrow-gauge Rhodope Mountains line hauled by the impressive 2-10-2T loco 60976 and visit the Rila Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bulgaria.

• Travel a total of 715 km steam hauled by FIVE iconic locomotives, including the 2-8-2 Swiss-built loco 01.23 and the 2-10-0 16.27, as well as the world’s largest working tank engine 46.03!

• Enjoy visits to the famous old town of Veliko Tarnovo or the Gorna Orjahovitsa loco depot and Asenovo Steam Reserve, and a sightseeing tour of Sofia before discovering the Black Sea Coast on a day trip to the sea resort of Nesebar, the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea.’ Thursday 15th September

Fly to Sofia; private tram tour

Fly from London Heathrow to Sofia the capital of Bulgaria with British Airways. On arrival check in to your city centre hotel before enjoying a private tram tour of the sights. Marvel at the onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments in a city that boasts many of Bulgaria’s finest museums, galleries and restaurants. A welcome dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (D) Friday 16th September

Suburbs of Sofia tour by Royal Train

Today you experience the Royal ‘Corona Express’ Train, consisting of specialised cars and historic 46

carriages of King Boris III (1894–1943), hauled by the recently restored 0-8-0 freight locomotive 26.26 (Henschel 1908). After a circuit of the outer Sofia suburbs you take the branch line to Bankya, for a short break before returning to Sofia. Dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)

coach to Veliko Tarnovo, where you spend the next two nights. (B D)

Saturday 17th September

Today you have two options, the first being a guided walking tour of the old town of Veliko Tarnovo. Discover the medieval capital of Bulgaria, with houses in the old town over 200 years old. You’ll also visit Veliko Tarnovo’s most significant monument, the medieval fortress Tsarevets, sited on a hilltop overlooking the town and surrounded by the river Yantra. Your second option is a must for railfans, a trip by bus to

Steam with the Royal Train to Gorna Orjahovitsa; bus to Veliko Tarnovo

Today you travel by Royal Train from Sofia to Pleven Zapad behind the 2-8-2 No 01.23 locomotive, before the powerful 2-10-0 16.27 (WLF 1948) takes over to haul you to Gorna Orjahovitsa, the biggest railway centre in Northern Bulgaria. From here you transfer by

Sunday 18th September

Tour of Veliko Tarnovo or visit the Gorna Orjahovitsa depot and Asenovo Steam Reserve

first visit Gorna Orjahovitsa locomotive depot, and then to Asenovo Steam Reserve to see the preserved rare steam locomotives. Dinner is served back at your hotel. (B D) Monday 19th September

Across the Balkan Mountains to Stara Zagora; on to Burgas and the Black Sea

After breakfast you journey across the Balkan Mountains hauled once more by the rugged 2-10-0 16.27 steam locomotive from Veliko Tarnovo to Stara Zagora via Dabovo. You travel across a rich and diverse landscape, across lowlands, hilly plains, river valleys and the heights of the Balkan Mountains. From Stara Zagora your Royal coaches will be hauled by a service train to Burgas, where you check in to the 4-star Hotel for the next two nights. (B D) Tuesday 20th September

The Black Sea Coast to Nesebar

Today you’ll enjoy a coach trip to Nesebar on the Black Sea, where you can sightsee this ancient city and the nearby beaches. The ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’ is one of the major seaside attractions on the Black Sea Coast. It consists of two parts separated by a narrow man-made isthmus with the ancient part of the settlement on the peninsula and the more modern section on the mainland side. Afterwards, you return to your hotel in Burgas. (B D) Wednesday 21st September

Royal train from Burgas to Plovdiv via Karlovo

Today your Royal train will be attached to a service train to take you from Burgas to Karlovo, from where you travel on to Plovdiv hauled

by BZK ex-British Class 87 electric. Plovdiv is Europe’s oldest inhabited city, dating back as far as 4000 BC. On arrival you check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Thursday 22nd September

Narrow-gauge in the Rhodope Mountains with steam loco 60976

A tour highlight awaits today as you first take a bus to Septemvri, before experiencing narrow gauge steam hauled by the 2-10-2T loco 60976 to Velingrad on a private charter into the Rhodope Mountains, with photo stops scheduled.

The initial 39 km of the 760 mm narrow-gauge line from Septemvri to Velingrad. The 2-10-2T loco 60976 was built by Chrzanow in Poland in 1949 and is said to be one of the most powerful of its gauge in the world. After a few miles of open countryside alongside the main road the line reaches Varvare and enters the gorge of the

Cepina river on a highly scenic stretch, and the climbing starts in earnest. The line twists and turns through the gorge before the line reaches Dolene. Here the line crosses the river, makes a 180 degree turn and heads off along a side valley, eventually reaching the large spa town of Velingrad where you check in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B D) Friday 23rd September

Narrow-gauge to Dobronishte behind 609.76; on to Bansko

Today you travel on the last remaining public narrow-gauge line in Bulgaria hauled by 609.76 over the summit of the Rhodope Mountains from Velingrad to Dobronishte, with photo opportunities. Due to its superbly engineered spiral tunnels, this branch line has been called the ‘Rhaetian Railway of the Balkans’. As the tank engine battles the steep gradients, plenty of steam spectacle is on offer, although some diesel assistance is required to climb through the tunnels up to the summit at Avramovo station, 1267 metres above sea level and the highest station in Bulgaria. The line then passes Razlog and Bansko, before reaching the terminus at Dobrinishte. You return to Bansko by coach and check in to your hotel, for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Saturday 24th September Visit to Rila Monastery; Steam back to Sofia

Today you visit the world-famous Rila Monastery by bus, before travelling on your private train from Dupnitsa to Sofia hauled by the very special 2-124 tank loco No 46.03, the only standard gauge 12-coupled steam loco working in the whole world.

Rila Monastery is the most famous monastery in Bulgaria, now under UNESCO protection.

The 4-floor residential part of the complex consists of 300 monks’ cells, 4 chapels, an abbot’s room, a kitchen, a library and guestrooms for donors. The exterior of the monastery has high stone walls cut through by small windows. It’s also worth visiting the monastery’s museum, which hosts the famous Raphael’s Cross, made of a whole piece of wood (81cm x 43cm) and named after its creator. On arrival in Sofia, you check into your hotel. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2695

Single supplement £295 Ground only (Sofia – Sofia)

£2495

Price includes: • Flights from London Heathrow and return • Accommodation in excellent hotels with breakfast and evening meals • Light lunch on the train operating days • All train and coach travel as detailed in the itinerary, with all transfers • Services of UK and local tour guides • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner September 2022 Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

29

30

31

1

2

3

Sun 4

5

6

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1

2

Janez Smole

Sunday 25th September

Optional visit to Sofia locomotive depot; afternoon flight to London Heathrow

Today you have the option of a visit to the Sofia locomotive depot or some free time to explore Sofia before a midday flight to London Heathrow, arriving in the early evening. (B)

Janez Smole

EUROPEAN TOUR – 11 Days

47

Niels Kunick

Niels Kunick

Autumn in Saxony Wednesday 21st September to Friday 30th September 2022 Inspiring landscapes in glorious spring colour are the backdrop to this enchanting holiday tour to Eastern Germany, which coincides with Dresden’s Steam Locomotive Festival and features lots of other travel by steam train and steamboat.

• Based in centrally located 4-star hotels in the historic cities of Dresden and Görlitz, there’s time to explore their stunning landmarks using complimentary public transport rover tickets.

• Enjoy extensive steam travel by land and water in and around Saxony on narrow-gauge trains and genuine paddle steamers, with private sightseeing tours on chartered heritage tramways in both Dresden and Görlitz.

• Experience German ‘Plandampf’ on three different Saxon narrow-gauge railways, including the re-opened Weisseritztalbahn to Kurort Kipsdorf.

• Gain full access to the annual Dresden steam locomotive gala and roundhouse festival.

• Enjoy private steam charters at the 15-inch Dresden Park Railway with an iconic ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive, and at the expansive Muskau Forest Railway, including the new branch line to Schwerer Berg.

Wednesday 21st September London to Dresden

Travel by train from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Dresden. On arrival you check into your city centre hotel where you’ll receive a complimentary public transport ticket, valid on all local trains, trams, buses and ferries for the duration of your stay. A welcome dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. (D) Thursday 22nd September

Private vintage tram tour of Dresden; Heritage Monorail and Funicular in Loschwitz; Paddle Steamer Cruise on River Elbe

This morning you embark on a private sightseeing tour of Dresden with a classic Tatra tram, finishing at the iconic Loschwitz ‘Blue Wonder’ Bridge, dating from 1893. You 48

disembark next to the local funicular, which transports you past old vineyards and villas up to an open observation point. After the funicular round-trip you ride a unique 1901 mountain monorail, for breath-taking views of the city and the Elbe Valley. Afterwards, lunch is served in the Schillergarten beer garden, one of the finest such venues in Dresden. You return to the city centre embankment on one of Dresden’s nine authentic side-wheel paddle steamers, the oldest and largest paddle steamer fleet in the world.

The rest of the afternoon and evening can be spent at leisure, using your public transport ticket to explore all the local sights. (B L)

the Dresden Park Railway. Travelling behind a 1920s 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive you cover the entire 5.6 km long circular within the ‘Grosser Garten’ park on a private charter, pausing for run-pasts. The visit concludes with a guided tour of the shed and workshop.

After free time in the city you visit the nearby 16.5 km Radebeul-Radeburg steam railway, passing the Moritzburg castle. At the Radeburg terminus, your locomotive takes on water, before returning to Radebeul. From there you travel back to Dresden by the scenic overland tramway route or DB service train. (B) Saturday 24th September

Friday 23rd September

Steam at the Dresden Park Railway and at the Lössnitz Narrow-Gauge Railway

Today you visit Germany’s premier 15-inch line,

Dresden steam locomotive gathering and roundhouse festival

A tour highlight awaits today as you visit Dresden’s famous brick-built roundhouse to

enjoy one of Germany’s premier steam galas, one of the largest annual gatherings of main line steam locomotives in Central Europe. From all over Germany as well as neighbouring countries, large main line tender locomotives gather at Dresden’s rail yard. Turntable photography, short distance cab rides and lots of railway history displays are a few of the attractions to be enjoyed. The heritage locomotive depot of Dresden’s Transport Museum is also open.

In the afternoon, several main line steam locomotives will also be on display at Dresden’s landmark main station, providing more excellent opportunities for photography and fun festival ambiance. (B)

pasts staged for film and photo opportunities.

This includes the recent 3 km extension to Schwerer Berg, skirting the edge of one of the world’s largest lignite mining areas, with spectacular views of its ‘moon landscape’.

Your steam-hauled special then arrives at the spa town of Bad Muskau, and the UNESCO World Heritage Pückler Park, a famous 19th century English landscape garden. You have time to view the local chateau and gardens and stroll across the River Neisse to Poland, before continuing to Görlitz. An evening dinner is served at your hotel. (B L D)

Sunday 25th September

Another narrow-gauge highlight awaits today as you visit the Zittau steam railway in Saxony, in the south-eastern corner of Germany along the frontier with Poland and the Czech Republic.

From Zittau the 12.2 km branch line leads to the resort town of Kurort Oybin. There’s also a short 3.8 km long stub from the junction station of Bertsdorf to Kurort Jonsdorf to savour.

You’ll be given a day-long rover ticket for a chance to experience both lines and film the double departure from Bertsdorf. In the evening you return by service train to Görlitz, with the line crossing into Poland twice. Dinner is once again served at your hotel. (B D)

Paddle Steamer Cruise on the River Elbe through Saxon Switzerland

Today you explore more of Saxony by water on an authentic late 19th century paddle steamer with oscillating steam engine. You cruise from Königstein in the heart of Saxon Switzerland through the National Park to Pillnitz Palace, the former summer residence of the Saxon kings, where you change paddle steamers to continue your cruise. You return back to the centre of Dresden to see its famed ‘Canaletto’ panorama with the rebuilt Frauenkirche cathedral, Academy of Arts and the Baroque Chateau overlooking the river. (B)

Wednesday 28th September Steam in Zittau

Thursday 29th September Monday 26th September

At leisure with a Saxony Rail Rover Ticket; Optional Steam in Zittau

Enjoy some sightseeing before taking an afternoon excursion to one of Saxony’s most impressive narrow-gauge railways, steam-hauled through a ‘canyon landscape’ over the re-opened Weisseritz Valley Railway.

This spectacular journey from Freital-Hainsberg via Dippoldiswalde to Kurort Kipsdorf, takes you along the River Weisseritz past cliffs, bridges and lakes. With the re-opening to Kurort Kipsdorf, the full 26 km long branch line can once again be accessed by steam train. Enjoy superb views from your open-top observation car, before returning to Dresden in the early evening. (B)

Today is designed to give you one more day of leisure and opportunity to use your complimentary regional rover pass.

Allowing you to explore some of the area’s railway lines, such as the recently re-opened trunk line to Hoyerswerda. You can use your rover ticket to return to Zittau for an additional day of riding the steam trains. The Görlitz tramway is also covered by your rover ticket, should you wish to dedicate more time to its wonderful Old Town and the Polish sister city Zgorzelec across the footbridge of the River Neisse. Bautzen and Löbau are also nearby historic cities that are well worth a visit for sightseeing and enjoying the best of Germany “off the beaten path”. A farewell dinner is served at the hotel. (B L D)

Leisure in Dresden and steam at the Weisseritz Valley Railway to Kurort Kipsdorf

Tuesday 27th September

Steam at the Muskau Forest Railway and Pückler Park Visit

Today you have a trip to the 600mm gauge Muskau Forest Railway near the Polish frontier.

From the railway’s base in Weisswasser, you’ll cover all three of the forest railway’s branch lines on a private steam charter, with numerous run

Tour Summary First Class

£2250

Standard Class

£2050

Single supplement £325 Ground only £1895 (Dresden – Gorlitz) Price includes: • First or Standard Class rail travel from London to Dresden and return from Gorlitz • 9 nights accommodation in quality 4-star hotels with breakfast • 4 dinners and 3 lunches • Complimentary 7-day Dresden public transport ticket and 1-day ZVON regional rail rover in Görlitz included • All rail trips and excursions as detailed in the itinerary, including admission to the Dresden steam locomotive festival • Paddle steamer cruise • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Friday 30th September Return to London

You return to London St Pancras, travelling on high speed trains via Frankfurt, Cologne and Brussels. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 10 Days

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The Emerald Explorer Thursday 22nd September to Friday 30th September 2022 From Dublin to Westport, Waterford to the Cliffs of Moher, this new rail tour distils Ireland’s proud culture, heritage, and history into 9 days of memorable highlights. Starting and ending in Dublin, you’ll cover the length and breadth of this stunning country by rail and coach and discover first-hand the legends, traditions and outstanding hospitality Ireland is renowned for.

• Enjoy a guided tour of Dublin and the Teeling Whisky Distillery.

• On the Atlantic seafront tour Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Connemara Celtic Crystal and explore Galway.

• Travel highlights include the Waterford Suir Valley Railway and a cruise on the River Shannon.

• Marvel at the wild Cliffs of Moher and visit West Clare Railway and Museum.

• Savour a Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle.

• Experience the mysteries of Blarney Castle and Clonmacnoise Monastery.

• Finish the tour on a high with traditional Irish music and dancing at Dublin’s famous Arlington Hotel.

Thursday 22nd September

First Class Avanti Service to Holyhead and Ferry Crossing to Dublin

Meet your Tour Manager this morning in the First Class Lounge at London Euston, before you travel First Class on an Avanti Service to Holyhead. On arrival, you transfer to Holyhead Ferry Terminal for a ferry crossing over the Irish Sea to Dublin. On arrival, you transfer to a comfortable hotel where you’ll stay for the next two nights. There will be a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. (D) Friday 23rd September

Guided Tour of Dublin and Whiskey Distillery Visit

Today after breakfast you’ll enjoy a thrilling guided coach tour of Dublin, with a refreshment break in Phoenix Park. One of the largest 50

enclosed public parks in any European capital city. After the tour you’ll have time for lunch before a scheduled tour of the Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Dublin was once home to over 37 distilleries, and this is the first new distillery here for over 125 years. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city at leisure.

Dublin has a compact centre, so most attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Walk in ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafes on Grafton Street, perhaps stopping to take a picture alongside Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous statues. Visit Leinster House, where the current parliament sits, or Dublin Castle, the seat of English rule from the 13th Century. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Saturday 24th September

Guided Tour of Athlone Castle, River Shannon Cruise and Visit to Clonmacnoise Monastery

Following breakfast, you transfer from Dublin to Athlone and enjoy a guided tour of Athlone Castle. Here the Great Siege of Athlone is brought to life through interactive exhibits and an immersive 360-degree cinematic experience.

Climb the steps to the castle keep and enjoy the views across the majestic River Shannon.

After lunch you leave Athlone Castle for a private charter cruise along the River Shannon.

Named after the Celtic goddess ‘Sionna’, the Shannon is a series of lakes, rivers, and canals almost 200 miles in length and is Ireland’s longest river. Later you transfer by coach to Clonmacnoise Monastery. St Ciarán founded this ancient monastery on the banks of the Shannon

in the 6th Century. It was once a great seat of learning, a university in its time with students from all over Europe. After your tour you transfer by coach to your hotel, your base for the next two nights. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening. (B D) Sunday 25th September

Visit to Connemara Celtic Crystal and visit to Galway

After breakfast you leave the hotel for a short walk to the train station. You travel westward to Westport, at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. You then have a visit scheduled to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a nineteenth-century castle now owned by Benedictine nuns but originally part of Kylemore Castle, built in 1868 as a private home.

There’ll be time to explore and buy lunch before you visit Connemara Celtic Crystal, one of the last surviving Irish Crystal factories.

It incorporates Celtic designs and Gaelic motifs on ornate, beautifully crafted crystal pieces.

You then depart by coach to Galway.

Located near an earlier settlement, Galway grew around a fortification built by the King of Connacht in 1124. You’ll have time to explore some of the ancient sites such as St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, the largest medieval church still in everyday use in Ireland, before returning by train to Athlone and dinner at your hotel. (B D) Monday 26th September

Cliffs of Moher and The West Clare Railway

After breakfast you leave Athlone by coach for a scenic tour of the Cliffs of Moher with photo stops, pausing in the sea port village of Kinvara for refreshments. Afterwards you head to Kilkee, where you will have time to enjoy lunch before moving on to visit the West Clare Railway and Museum. The West Clare Railway was one of a network of narrow gauge lines built across rural West Ireland in the wake of the 1883 Tramways Act. The line was closed in 1961. Afterwards you travel to Bunratty Castle Hotel, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. A tour highlight this evening is a magnificent Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B D)

two parts, the first retracing the steps of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic from Cobh on April 11th, 1912. Part two examines the almost impossible sequence of events that caused Titanic to sink. After lunch you travel to Blarney Village and historic Blarney Castle & Gardens, built in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You’ll have time to kiss the famous stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eternal eloquence on those lucky enough to do so. A must see is the Rock Close area and Poison Garden where the world’s most poisonous plants are kept. After your visit you return to your hotel where dinner will once again be served in the hotel restaurant. (B D) Wednesday 28th September

Tour price

£2295

Single supplement £325 Ground only £2095 (Holyhead to Holyhead) Price includes: • First Class Rail Travel from London Euston to Holyhead and return • 8 nights accommodation

Waterford Crystal and Private Charter on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway

• 8 breakfasts

After breakfast you travel by coach to Limerick Station for a train trip to Waterford and a guided tour of The House of Waterford Crystal. See in detail how this stunning crystal has been made since 1783 and the traditional methods still used to this day. After your Waterford tour you enjoy a private charter on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, Ireland’s longest narrow-gauge railway.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the River Suir as you journey to and from Carriganore, where the merchants of Waterford are said to have hidden their treasures from Cromwell’s soldiers.

Later you transfer to Wexford Town and a local hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

(B D)

• All visits, train, coach and ferry travel as detailed in the itinerary

Thursday 29th September

Approx. timings London Euston Holyhead

Explore Wexford and Celtic Dinner and Music Evening at the Arlington Hotel

This morning you have leisure time to spend exploring Wexford. Walk around the vibrant centre and indulge in the many cafes, pubs and eating places. You then depart Wexford by train and travel to Dublin before transferring to your hotel. In the evening you have a final tour treat with an unforgettable Celtic Night with dinner, traditional Irish music, and dancing at the famous Arlington Hotel. Later you return to your hotel for overnight accommodation. (B D)

• 8 dinners

• The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Friday 30th September

Tuesday 27th September

Ferry Crossing to Holyhead and First Class Avanti Service to London Euston

You leave your hotel by coach after breakfast to visit the Cobh Titanic Experience. Cobh is a picturesque town in Cork Harbour. It’s also famous for having been the last port of call for the ocean liner ‘Titanic’. The Experience is in

After breakfast at the hotel, you meet with the rest of your group in reception with your cases.

You then have a coach transfer to the ferry terminal and depart Dublin by ferry to Holyhead.

On arrival, you transfer to Holyhead train station where you depart on a First Class Avanti Service to London Euston. (B)

Visit to Cobh Titanic Experience and Blarney Castle

Tour Summary

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

51

Steam in Wolsztyn and North Western Poland Wednesday 28th September to Tuesday 4th October 2022 Enjoy a full-throttle experience of Continental main line steam from the heart of Poland to the Baltic seaside on a special one-off tour that will appeal to both steam aficionados and seasoned ‘track bashers’ alike.

• Based initially in the historic city of Poznan, you’ll have ample time to explore its rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture and expansive tram network using your complimentary travel rover ticket.

• Experience a steam adventure behind the impressive Pt47-65 locomotive as you head to the seaport city of Szczecin, covering both the main line route as well as some rare track.

• Enjoy four full days of mainline steam in exclusively reserved First-Class comfort on excursions to Swinoujscie on the Baltic Sea, the popular resort of Kolobrzeg, and Zbaszynek on the Warsaw – Berlin mainline.

• Europe’s last active main line steam shed is one of the signature attractions of you tour as you experience ‘Plandampf’ behind a Class Ol49 tender locomotive around Wolsztyn, a visit to the roundhouse there and also have a private photo charter to Powodowo.

Wednesday 28th September Flight to Poznan

You fly directly from London Luton to Poznan in Western Poland and on arrival transfer to your conveniently-located city centre hotel.

After check-in there is some free time for a look around the attractive city centre or to go trainspotting at the nearby main station, before you have a welcome dinner at a typical Polish brew house in the historic Old Town. (D) Thursday 29th September

Main line steam with Pt47-65 via Rzepin to Szczecin

Today you travel behind the 2-8-2 tender locomotive Pt47-65 on the Polish main line.

You join the special train of the Wolsztyn Experience at the former border station Zbaszynek and then travel in a reserved 52

First Class coach, with only 4 passengers accommodated in your 6-seat compartment for added comfort. The train has a bar car where drinks and light snacks are available throughout the tour. You first travel on the Warsaw – Berlin main line westward to Rzepin, then head north to the historic seaport city of Szczecin (Stettin).

On arrival in Szczecin you check into your centrally-located hotel near the station and enjoy some sightseeing in the city or explore the extensive tramway network. Whatever option you choose, your luggage will have been directly transferred by coach from Poznan to await you at the hotel, where you stay for the next three nights. Once again, you will be issued with a complimentary tram network ticket for the duration of the stay. (B)

Friday 30th September

Main line steam to Swinoujscie on the Baltic Coast

Another full day on the Polish main line beckons today, as you make a steam-hauled day-trip on your special train from Szczecin to the Baltic port city of Swinoujscie. Your outward journey heads north on the east side of the Szczecin lagoon via Goleniow and up to Miedzyzdroje through the scenic Wolin National Park before arriving in Swinoujscie, in the land of 44 islands, an unusual region of north-western Poland that consists of several dozens of islands and islets of which three are inhabited. Swinoujscie is located on one of these, Wolin, the biggest sea island in Poland. Your return journey to Szczecin follows the same route with a detour via Kamien Pomorskie. (B)

Saturday 1st October

Main line steam to Kolobrzeg on the Polish seaside

After breakfast today your main line steam train takes you to the popular Polish seaside resort Kolobrzeg, on the Baltic Sea. On the outward journey you travel via Szczecin Port Centralny east to Stargard on the Ina river, then south-east across marshland to Choszczno before turning north to Bialogard and then on to Kolobrzeg.

On the return your steam train travels via the coastal town of Ustronie Morskie before turning south to Gryfice and on to Szczecin. (B) Sunday 2nd October

Main line steam from Szczecin via Gorzow and Skwierzyna to Zbaszynek and Wolsztyn

For the final day of your big main line tour, Pt4765 takes you from Szczecin southeast towards Poznan, taking the unusual route via Gorzow Wielkopolski, Miedzyrzecz, Wierzbro, Skwierzyna and finally Zbaszynek on the Warsaw – Berlin main line. From there you continue by steam to Wolsztyn, where you will stay at a nearby luxury resort hotel for the next two nights. (B D) Monday 3rd October

‘Plandampf’ around Wolsztyn, roundhouse visit and private photo charter to Powodowo

The famed steam mecca Wolsztyn provides a fitting end to your landmark steam tour, as you get to experience the world’s last standard-

gauge mainline steam shed, where mighty tender locomotives continue to haul regular service trains running on all-stations stopping services. You join the mid-morning ‘Plandampf’ service and experience the impressive Class Ol49 tender locomotives, with their characteristic 2-6-2-wheel alignment. You’ll have time to visit the iconic Wolsztyn roundhouse and view the collection of stored locomotives, pausing to take pictures while the locomotives are re-fuelled by crane. After lunch another highlight awaits, as you have a private photo charter train on the disused branch line to Powodowo, allowing the locomotive crew to stage run-pasts for filming and photography. You return to your elegant resort hotel in the late afternoon and dine with your fellow travellers, to cap the tour in fine fashion. (B L D) Tuesday 4th October Return to London

You have a direct transfer from the resort hotel to Poznan airport and from there a non-stop flight back to London Luton. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1845

Single supplement £195 Ground only £1745 (Poznan – Poznan) Price includes: • Direct Flights from London Luton to Poznan and Poznan to London Luton • 6 Nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 1 lunch and 3 dinners • All steam and rail services as detailed in the itinerary • Public transport tram rovers in Poznan and Szczecin • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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EUROPE TOUR – 7 Days

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Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 28th September to Wednesday 5th October 2022 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

• Based in the mountain village of Wengen, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.

• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.

• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.

Wednesday 28th September London to Wengen via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.

Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg.

You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrowgauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

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Friday 30th September

After breakfast, you can either relax at the hotel and make use of its wonderful facilities or take a stroll through the village where the British allegedly ‘invented’ downhill ski racing. A more energetic option is to hike to one or more of the incredible local viewpoints. Another alternative is to use your Regional Pass to visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. Yet another option is to visit the car-free village of Mürren by cable and mountain railway from Lauterbrunnen, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Wengen by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)

Free day for exploration in and around Wengen

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

Saturday 1st October

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’.

You’ll travel on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe.The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.

The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.

There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Wengen you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg on to Grindlewald at your own leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D) Sunday 2nd October

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

Today you travel by train to the Swiss capital, Bern, for a two-hour tour of the city by legendary steam tram. The metre gauge 0-6-0 tramway locomotive pulls a classic wooden carriage with open-ended balconies. You’ll pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower. In the afternoon there’s time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare. Later, you’ll take a service train to Thun to board a boat for the onward journey. Cruising along Lake Thun you have uninterrupted views of famous mountain peaks like the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau.

You then disembark at Interlaken West Railway Station and return by train to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. (B D) Monday 3rd October

Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne.

The city is located on Lake Lucerne, in sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps.

You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself. The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities. The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument, and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D) Tuesday 4th October

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Wednesday 5th October Return to UK

After breakfast in the hotel it is time to say your farewells and take local trains to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1795

Single supplement £115 Optional extra £35 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’ Price includes: • 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Today is free to use your Regional Pass.

Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

55

Georg Trueb

Autumn in Alsace Thursday 6th October to Thursday 13th October 2022 Enjoy the famous wine-making region of Alsace in full autumn splendour by steam train on this enchanting holiday in eastern France.

• Based in the vibrant city of Colmar, you’ll explore the region on privately chartered steam trains on all the preserved railways in Alsace and a forest railway in nearby Lorraine.

• Tour highlights include excursions into nearby southern Germany and a visit to the impressive steam Abreschviller Forest Railway in Lorraine, hauled by an 0-4-4-0T Mallet type steam locomotive.

• Discover the medieval heart of Basel on a sightseeing tour by vintage tram, followed by a scenic river cruise including lunch aboard a classic motor vessel on the River Rhine.

• There’s also a visit to the Alsatian vineyard town of Eguisheim and to the city of Mulhouse to savour, with the excellent French National Railway Museum and the one-of-its kind Bugatti Museum both located there.

• Short transfer distances from Colmar to all the featured attractions make this a truly relaxed and engaging tour, the perfect opportunity to see France with a completely new perspective.

Thursday 6th October London to Colmar

You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, before a transfer to Paris Gare de l´Est for the onward journey by TGV express to Strasbourg, where you change onto a regional service to Colmar.

You check in to your elegant, centrally located hotel in the heart of this picturesque town.

The rest of the day is free to explore and discover the timber-framed houses and quaint canals of historic Colmar.

Friday 7th October

Vintage tram tour and scenic river cruise in Basel

This morning you transfer by locomotive-hauled French Railways (SNCF) service train to Basel, 56

across the border in Switzerland. You then enjoy a sightseeing tour of this vibrant city by vintage tram, including one of the few preserved open-sided tram trailers in Switzerland. Crossing the River Rhine, you’ll see the medieval town centre, the cathedral and the ornate city hall.

Afterwards you board a vintage motor vessel for a lunch cruise on the River Rhine.

Your classic red-funnelled ship oozes charm and boasts wood-panelled dining saloons. A buffet lunch, complete with dessert, will be served as you cruise through Swiss, German and French waters. After the cruise there’ll be free time to explore the city centre before you return to Colmar by SNCF service train in late afternoon.

(B L)

Saturday 8th October

Steam along the Rhine; visit to historic Breisach

After breakfast you travel by road coach to visit the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Rhin, located in the nearby town of Volgelsheim.

This standard-gauge railway operates both French and German steam locomotives hauling Austrian carriages with balconies. You’ll traverse the 13 km (8 mile) line from Volgelsheim to the Sans Souci Quay at Marckolsheim, where the River Rhine and canal separate. Afterwards you continue by road coach to the historic city of Breisach in Germany, on the opposite side of the River Rhine, famous for its charming old town and impressive Gothic cathedral, located on a scenic hilltop. Lunch will be taken at a charming German inn and you’ll then explore the town.

Afterwards you return to Colmar by road coach.

(B L) Sunday 9th October

Steam on the Thur Doller Railway; visit to the vineyard town of Eguisheim

Today you visit the enchanting Train Thur Doller Alsace, which operates a 13 km (8 mile) long standard-gauge branch line from Cernay to Sentheim, along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and crossing the River Doller.

The railway features a rake of authentic photogenic coaches dating from the late 19th century. A powerful early 20th century steam tank locomotive hauls you over this preserved line on a privately chartered train at a time when there is no regular traffic, so numerous run pasts can be staged. A typically French buffet lunch will be served at the station building in Burnhaupt, where you’ll visit the shed and see the railway’s extensive collection of historic rolling stock. At the end of the return journey you travel by road coach to Colmar via the ‘Alsatian Wine Route’, stopping for a visit to the delightful little village of Eguisheim, one of the most famous vineyard towns in France, before returning to dine with fellow travellers at your hotel. (B L D) Monday 10th October

Steam in the Black Forest of Germany; visit to historic Freiburg

The German theme continues today as you visit the Kandertalbahn, located on the very tip of Southern Germany, near Basel. This 12.9 km (8 mile) long branch line runs through rural scenery in the Kander Valley. Your train comprises an early 20th century German steam tank locomotive with matching period carriages, and a buffet lunch of regional delicacies will be served when you reach the end of the line at Kandern.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities until you return to Colmar by road coach later, stopping to visit the historic city of Freiburg im Breisgau, a German city noted for its medieval university and cathedral. (B L)

locomotives in the world. The vast collection of classic cars in the nearby ‘Cité de l’Automobile’ is also worth a visit. The remainder of your time in Mulhouse will be free to explore its medieval city centre, with both French and Swiss architecture, the pedestrianised Place de la Réunion main square, and St. Stephen’s church. In the evening you return to Colmar by service train. (B) Wednesday 12th October Steam at the Abreschviller Forest Railway

Today you make a side-step from Alsace and visit nearby Lorraine. At Abreschviller you will find a remarkable ‘hidden gem’ in the form of the local forest railway, which operates steam locomotives on the unusual 700 mm gauge.

You are comfortably accommodated on the railway’s ‘Belle Epoque’ luxury coach and hauled by a 0-4-4-0T Mallet type steam locomotive dating from 1906. Running through dense forests and crossing the Red Saar River, the train will pause for photos and run-pasts near the village of Grand Soldat. At the terminus of the line, you will also see an old saw mill. Once back in Abreschviller, you still have time to visit the local steam shed and see the other stored steam locomotives, before returning to Colmar. In the evening you have a farewell dinner at the hotel.

(B L D) Thursday 13th October

Tour Summary First Class £1995 Includes First Class on Eurostar, TGV and other SNCF service trains.

Standard Class £1695 Includes Standard Class/Second Class on Eurostar, TGV and other SNCF service trains.

Single supplement £225 Ground only £1575 (Colmar – Colmar) Price includes: • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast • 5 lunches and 2 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All rail, road, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Rail travel from London to Colmar and back • Rover ticket for the Mulhouse urban tram network • All seat reservations and transfers

Colmar to London

• The services of a tour manager

You say a fond ‘au revoir’ to Alsace today and return to Paris by TGV express train.

You transfer from Paris Gare de l´Est to Gare du Nord and board a Eurostar service to London St. Pancras International. (B)

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Tuesday 11th October

Museums and trams in Mulhouse

Today you travel by train to Mulhouse, famous for its outstanding museums, especially the ‘Cité du Train’ and ‘Cité de l’Automobile’, respectively the largest railway and automobile museums in Europe. You’ll receive a rover ticket for the city’s urban tram network, which you’ll use to travel to the ‘Cité du Train’, the national railway museum of France and one of the largest and most amazing collections of technically unique steam EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

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Highlights of Switzerland in Autumn Thursday 13th October to Wednesday 19th October 2022 Enjoy the very best of spectacular Alpine railways in Switzerland, France and Italy, while relaxing on historic steamboats in the Bernese Oberland, for an enchanting holiday by land and lake.

• Experience Alpine splendour during the most colourful time of the year, when nature puts on its best clothes.

• Enjoy an epic line-up of world famous panoramic railways, including the Glacier Express route to Zermatt, the Gornergrat rack railway to the Matterhorn, the Schöllenen Gorge to Andermatt, the Lötschberg summit route to the Bernese Oberland, the Centovalli narrow gauge in Northern Italy and the brand-new ‘Treno Gottardo’ over the original Gotthard summit route from 1882.

• Cruise on beautiful Lake Thun for a private charter on the venerable steamboat ‘Spiez’ from 1901, Switzerland’s largest as well as oldest screw steamer, which only just returned to service in 2020 after more than a half century out of steam.

• Make the most of your 4-Day Swiss Travel Pass in First Class, allowing you flexible mobility during the tour and time for individual rail discoveries on a full free day.

• The tour benefits from a relaxed pace, First Class rail travel and just one convenient base in Brig, at the typically Swiss Hotel Victoria opposite the station.

Thursday 13th October London to Brig

You travel from London St Pancras International to Brig via Paris and Geneva, using Eurostar and TGV high speed services. You arrive to Brig in the evening and check into the 3-star Hotel Victoria, which is conveniently located opposite the railway station. A welcome dinner is served at the hotel. (D) Friday 14th October

Mountain Railways to Saint Bernard Pass; Alpine splendour in Verbier

After breakfast you take an SBB service train through the scenic Rhone Valley and past the two fortresses at Sion, before reaching the junction station Martigny. There one of 58

Switzerland’s “best kept secrets” waits for you, as you discover the stunning standard gauge branch lines towards the famed Saint Bernard Pass. You travel by train through pristine landscapes on both branch lines to Orsieres and Le Chable, before taking the direct cableway from the Le Chable terminus to the famed mountain village of Verbier. This is one of Switzerland’s most enchanting and best preserved chalet villages, located at a sunny perch high above the valley, offering superb views in multiple directions. After lunch in Verbier you return to Martigny and Brig by train, with time for a break in Sion to see the historic old town and mountain top fortresses. (B L D)

Saturday 15th October

Lötschberg Summit Route, Mountain Magnificence in the Bernese Oberland and private steamboat cruise on Lake Thun

This morning you take a BLS service train over the spectacular Lötschberg summit route, which first opened in 1913. Travelling via Kandersteg and Frutigen, you enjoy one of the most breathtaking main line railway journeys in Switzerland before reaching the historic city of Thun. There you board the tall-stacked screw steamer ‘Spiez’, the largest such steamboat in Switzerland. This Sulzer-built icon dates from 1901 but was dieselized in the 1950s. After a lengthy overhaul, the ship has been equipped with a brand-new, Swiss-built, V-shaped steam

engine and once again is genuinely steampowered. You have the benefit of a private charter cruise on Spiez, including light lunch refreshments, as you sail via Oberhofen to the namesake town of Spiez. You return by steamer to Thun in the early afternoon and then are free to make the most of your first day of travel validity on the Swiss Pass, by exploring more of the famed mountain railways in the Bernese Oberland. You could venture to Zweisimmen and Lenk and then take the Golden Pass route to Montreux, or travel up to Grindelwald.

The choice is yours! After you reconvene with the group in the evening in Brig, another dinner is served at the hotel. (B L D) Sunday 16th October

Glacier Express route to Zermatt; Gornergrat Railway; the Matterhorn

After breakfast you board another MGB service train for the journey from Brig via Visp to Zermatt. Nominally this is the final section of the Glacier Express route.This scenic railway line winds through rocky valleys and over steep inclines to reach Zermatt. Here you transfer to the Gornergrat rack railway, ascending to 3089 metres above sea level. It’s Europe’s second highest railway, eclipsed only by the Jungfrau.

From this high Alpine plateau, enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers and a fabulous front perspective of the Matterhorn.

After refreshments at Gornergrat you can film the passing trains in their characteristic chocolate-brown livery, before riding back down to Zermatt. You’ll have some time to look around car-free Zermatt, with its rows of wooden chalets and stone churches. Then you board another panoramic narrow gauge train for the return journey on the Glacier Express route to Brig. (B D) Monday 17th October

Simplon Railway, Centovalli Railway, Madonna del Sasso funicular, Gotthard Railway and Schöllenen Gorge Railway

Today is another signature day of the tour and the relaxed itinerary really packs in a ‘highlight reel’ sequence of stunning panoramic trains.

You first travel on the world famous Simplon Railway through the Simplon Tunnel from Brig to Domodossola, thus making an exciting visit to Northern Italy. From there you board onto the connecting narrow gauge train with its large panoramic windows for a wondrous journey through the Italian Vigezzo Valley to the Swiss border. At the border station Camedo a vintage 1960s heritage train is waiting for you as a private charter formation, to take you through

the Swiss Centovalli Region to Locarno.

In Locarno you step outside of the station to take the local funicular past rows of Mediterranean palm trees to the gorgeous Madonna del Sasso basilica, perched on a plateau high above the city and the expansive Lake Maggiore. After free time for refreshments and maybe a visit to Locarno’s beautiful piazza, you continue on the brand-new‘Treno Gottardo’ panoramic train via Bellinzona, Biasca and Airolo on the original Gotthard summit route from 1882 to Göschenen. Experience this major European north-south railway as the train spirals along horseshoe curves. After reaching Göschenen on the north side of the Gotthard summit tunnel, you continue on the steeply graded Schöllenen Gorge Railway to Andermatt.

This line is mainly cut through cragged cliffs and steep rocks. At the resort town of Andermatt, you board another MGB service for a journey along the Glacier Express route and the Goms Valley back to Brig, thus completing an amazing circular journey through two countries and three different Swiss Cantons. (B D) Tuesday 18th October

Day of individual discovery of your First Class Swiss Travel Pass, optional visit to Chamonix and Mont Blanc

Today you can make the most of your First Class Swiss Travel Pass and all the exciting freedom and flexibility that this popular ticket affords.

In Brig, you are ideally situated to easily reach and explore more exciting mountain railways.

Among the many options that you have, you could travel to Lake Geneva and ride on the large paddle steamers there or take the mountain railways high above the Swiss Riviera towns of Montreux and Vevey.

Alternatively, venture to Bex or Aigle and ride on 2, 3 or all 4 of the spectacular narrow gauge railways there, to destinations such as Leysin, Les Diablerets, Champery and Villars. A truly iconic journey is the train trip from Martigny on the steeply graded Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix in France. There are many other attractive options and your Tour Manager will be pleased to advise you and assist you with timetable connections. In the evening you rejoin your fellow travellers for a final tour dinner at the hotel in Brig. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2195

Single supplement £195 Ground only (Brig – Brig)

£1825

Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • 6 nights half board at Hotel Victoria in Brig, including breakfast and dinner each night • 2 lunches • A 4-Day Swiss Travel Pass rail rover in First Class • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Wednesday 19th October Return to London

You return to London by way of Geneva and Paris on SBB, TGV and Eurostar trains. (B)

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Autumn in Venice and Northern Italy Thursday 3rd November to Thursday 10th November 2022 Seek out the sunshine of southern Europe and embark on a glorious late autumn holiday to Italy’s Adriatic coast.

• Enjoy a week in Venice and Northern Italy when the temperatures are not so hot, the autumn colours are at their peak and the tourist numbers are significantly reduced.

• With just one base for the entire holiday, conveniently located near the Venezia Mestre railway station, one of the major railway junctions in Northern Italy, you are only a few minutes from the world-famous Venetian Lagoon.

• Experience magical Venice by day and night with the freedom and flexibility of a 7-Day public transport rover that covers all iconic Vaporetto boats, plus the local tramway, monorail and other ferries.

• Take advantage of your included Interrail ticket for flexible travel on the attractive Italian railway network for 6 different days and go sightseeing or ‘track-bashing’ wherever you like. Visit historic cities like Verona, Ferrara or Udine, or explore the nearby Dolomites and Alpine railway lines.

• With organized visits to Padua and Trieste also included, this relaxed holiday represents fantastic value for money, letting you discover the diverse attractions of north-eastern Italy at your own pace.

Thursday 3rd November

Arrive in Venice and at leisure along the canals

After a direct morning flight from London Gatwick to Venice, you have a short onward transfer from Marco Polo airport to your comfortable centrally located hotel, close to the Venezia Mestre railway station. This is one of the major junction stations in Northern Italy and it’s just 5 mins from here by frequent, loco-hauled service train to the Venezia Santa Lucia station on the lagoon. At Mestre station, you can also access Venice’s two separate tram lines.

After checking into your hotel and having a welcome Italian lunch, you take the Trenitalia train across the causeway to the lagoon.

Stepping out of the station you can then explore Venice on foot or by the iconic and fun 60

Vaporetto ferry boat. You’ll also be issued with a 7-day public transport pass valid on all Vaporetto services, plus the local tramway, monorail and other ferries and buses. You are then free to explore such famous landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and San Marco individually, to truly experience the vibe and ambiance of this globally unique destination. (L) Friday 4th November

At leisure in Venice and first day of Interrail validity

One afternoon in Venice is hardly enough and today you’ll have more time and opportunity to continue your exploration of Venice and all its magnificent attractions. Additionally, you might use this time to ‘bash’ all of the local Vaporetto lines and travel over the entire tramway

network. Today is also the first day of validity for your Interrail Pass, allowing you to venture further afield for cultural sightseeing or more railway-based discovery. (B) Saturday 5th November

Tramways and culture in Padua

It only takes 14 mins by Intercity train from Mestre to the beautiful and world-famous city of Padua (Padova in Italian) and this gorgeous city is your destination this morning. You’ll first get to see the city from the vantage point of its single tramway line, before alighting in the historic city centre with its arcaded streets, grand squares and impressive palaces and churches. Padova is everything you would expect from an antique Italian city, replete with Roman remains and glorious basilicas. After a welcome

group lunch in the city, you are free to spend the afternoon in Padua or venture further afield with your Interrail ticket. There are several attractive coastal lines worth investigating, and the cities of Ferrara or Vicenza are also in striking range.

(B L) Sunday 6th November

Along the Adriatic Coast to Trieste

This morning you take a loco-hauled Trenitalia service along one of Italy’s prettiest main line routes from Mestre via Monfalcone to Trieste, the easternmost city in the country. You will have breath-taking views of the Adriatic Sea en route and when you arrive at the elegant Trieste Centrale station, it’s just a short walk to the beautiful landmarks of this smart port city.

Feel the old Austro-Hungarian charm of this pocket-sized, world class destination. After lunch near the main piazza, you visit the re-opened and truly impressive Campo Marzo railway station, now a splendid museum and formerly the terminus of the former Südbahn route from Vienna. Should Trieste’s iconic funicular tramway to Villa Opicina also have re-opened as scheduled, you’ll enjoy a trip on this wonderful 5 km long tram line, that only uses original heritage vehicles dating from the 1930s.

After such a good day out, you have a fast and speedy return in the late afternoon on a ‘Freccia’ high speed service, allowing you to experience first-hand Italy’s ‘Ferrari on steel wheels’. (B L)

Monday 7th November to Wednesday 9th November

Individual discovery of Northern Italy with your Interail Pass

For the next 3 days you are free to use your Interrail Pass to see Italy at your own pace and go to those places or on those railway lines that interest you most. From a cultural point of view, amazing cities like Verona, Bologna or even Milano are all within easy reach, as a daytrip from Mestre. You might also be tempted to head north to the Dolomites, where autumn colours are at their peak at this time of the year and places like Südtirol are particularly inviting.

There are also iconic mountain branch lines to Edolo or Calalzo, which are superbly enjoyable journeys. The choice is yours and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise you about options and timetable connections. Go ‘track bashing’ or immerse yourself in all the amazing culture and architecture that only Italy can offer.

Naturally, spending more time to simply relax in Venice and spend quality time on the lagoon is also an option. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant each evening, inclusive of a farewell dinner to say goodbye to your fellow travellers.

(B D) Thursday 10th November Return to London

You say ‘Ciao’ to Italy as you return to the UK with a direct flight to London Gatwick. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1395

Single supplement £145 Ground only £1265 (Venice – Venice with First Class Interrail Pass) Price includes: • Direct return flights from London Gatwick to Venice • 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast at the Leonardo Royal Hotel • 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners • All rail trips as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • A 7-Day public transport rover ticket for Venice, valid on the local trams and vaparetto boats • A 6-Day Interrail Pass in First Class • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

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Steam and Christmas Markets in Saxony and Silesia Thursday 1st December to Friday 9th December 2022 Discover the festive splendour of Christmas Markets in Eastern Germany, Western Poland and Northern Czech Republic on this unique steam holiday exploring historic towns and cities in a Winter Wonderland landscape.

• This all-new winter tour based in the historic German cities of Leipzig and Görlitz. Offers travel refinement and a relaxed holiday experience for the seasoned traveller or Christmas Market newcomer alike.

• You’ll steam through 3 different countries on 3 different gauges, while sightseeing historic cathedral cities on classic 1920s tramways.

• The most idyllic narrow gauge railways in Saxony are a signature attraction of this holiday, including private charter trains on the Döllnitzbahn and Muskau Forest Railway, as well as famed ‘Plandampf¨ trains at Radebeul and Zittau.

• Enjoy the very best of Czech main line steam with a private charter train on the mountainous route from Liberec to Tanvald, crossing over stone-arched viaducts and running through thick evergreen forests.

• Best of all, the tour concludes with a private main line steam charter around the wonderful Silesian city of Wroclaw, the socalled ‘Venice of Poland.’

Thursday 1st December You travel to Leipzig from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt on Eurostar, Thalys and ICE high-speed services. On arrival, you check into your centrally located hotel, where a light dinner will be served. (D)

sightseeing tour of this historic town by vintage tramway, followed by some free time at the festive market. You return back to Leipzig by DB service train, before enjoying drinks and an evening meal at the Bayerischer Bahnhof.

One of the oldest preserved railway stations in the world, which features its own brewpub. (B D)

Friday 2nd December

Saturday 3rd December

You have free time to explore the architecture and ambiance of Leipzig, Germany’s eighth most populous city, and its famous Christmas Market.

In the afternoon, you have a scheduled excursion to the city of Halle, the birthplace of the classical composer Händel in 1685. You’ll enjoy a private

Today you visit “a best kept secret” railway, located southeast of Leipzig. The Döllnitz Railway is one of many narrow gauge railways in Saxony which locals refer to as the ‘Wild Robert’. You’ll have a four-cylinder 0-4-4-0 Meyer type steam locomotive, pulling the steam

London to Leipzig

Leipzig Christmas Market; vintage tramway tour and Christmas Market in Halle

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Steam on the Döllnitzbahn with a Saxon Meyer locomotive and all new Kemmlitz extension

train over the 20.2 km long preserved railway with two branch lines. From the provincial town of Oschatz you make your way to the villages of Glossen and Kemmlitz. En route, you’ll experience street running in Oschatz before stopping in Mügeln, which features one of the largest narrow gauge yards in Germany.

Several photo stops will be staged. A special highlight is the steam-hauled journey over the newly re-opened, 2.6 km long branch line from Nebitzschen–Kemmlitz. Lunch will be served at a typical German restaurant in Oschatz.

Late afternoon you return to Leipzig by DB service train. (B L)

Sunday 4th December

Steam at the Lössnitz Railway, Dresden Christmas Market; Arrival to Görlitz

After breakfast you join a DB service train to Radebeul and visit the famed Radebeul to Radeburg steam railway. You’ll travel the full length of the line, passing through terraced vineyards and tranquil ponds, steaming beyond the famed Moritzburg Castle to Radeburg.

After returning to Radebeul, you continue by service train to Dresden for a visit to the city’s famous Christmas Market. You’ll have free time to look around Dresden’s enchanting old town before taking a service train to the beautiful city of Görlitz. Located right on the Polish border and known as “Görliwood”, due to it being the site of many major film productions, Görlitz boast stunning historic architecture. You stay at an elegant 4-star hotel near the station for the rest of the tour and enjoy a welcome dinner on arrival. (B D) Monday 5th December

Steam at the Muskau Forest Railway and Pückler Park Visit; Trams and Culture in Görlitz

Today an exciting private steam charter trip awaits you on the 600mm gauge Muskau Forest Railway, covering the two scenic branch lines from Weisswasser to Bad Muskau and Kromlau.

Your steam special then arrives at the spa town of Bad Muskau, with its charming local chateau and the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Pückler Park, a beautiful 19th century English landscape garden spanning both sides of the German-Polish border. There’ll be time to enjoy the chateau and gardens and also stroll across the River Neisse to Poland. Light refreshments will be provided on the train. You return back to Görlitz to visit the local Christmas Market or ride the Tarta vehicles on the local tram network using your complimentary rover ticket.

Dinner will be served at your hotel. (B L D) Tuesday 6th December

Main line steam in the Giant Mountains of North Bohemia

After breakfast you take a service train from Görlitz via Zittau to Liberec in the Czech Republic. This train journey is scenic and exciting, as the tracks pass through Poland no less than three times, traversing some stunning river viaducts. After arrival in Liberec, referred to as “Czech Innsbruck” you board your private charter steam train for an enchanting journey through the rural landscape of the Giant Mountains. Highlights along the way to Tanvald, include the curved stone-arched viaduct

at Smrzovka. Your train will be hauled by the rugged 0-6-0 tank engine 310.0134 dating from 1913. After your steam-hauled roundtrip there is time to visit the town centre of Liberec, with its landmark city hall, modelled after the Rathaus in Vienna. In the late afternoon you return back to Görlitz for dinner at the hotel. (B L D) Wednesday 7th December

Tour Summary First Class

£2145

Standard Class

£1965

Steam and natural splendour in Zittau

Single supplement £245

Another narrow-gauge highlight awaits today on the Zittau steam railway in Saxony, in the south eastern corner of Germany along the frontier with Poland and the Czech Republic. From Zittau the 12.2 km branch line proceeds to the resort town of Kurort Oybin, sited among picturesque hills and impressive rock formations. Enjoy a steeply graded, 3.8 km long stub from the junction station of Bertsdorf to Kurort Jonsdorf.

After traveling over the entire Zittau network behind an impressive 2-10-2 tank engine, you have time to visit the Old Town of Zittau.

Here you travel by service train over the scenic main line passing through Poland on its return to Gorlitz. Dinner is once again in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Ground only £1795 (Leipzig – Gorlitz)

Thursday 8th December

Polish main line steam around Wroclaw; city sightseeing and Christmas Market

Today’s programme adds an international flavour to your holiday. First you take a Polish service train From Görlitz/Zgorzelec on the newly electrified main line to Wroclaw Glowny.

There a private steam charter awaits you, hauled by a historic 0-6-0 tank engine. The unique spectacle of a small engine running on the main line with four-wheeled coaches provides excitement, as you cross over the River Odra and view the city’s spires from your compartment window. After refreshments back at Glowny station, you take a privately chartered tram for a sightseeing tour of the city, travelling over the landmark bridges and little river islands for which Wroclaw is known as the ‘Venice of Poland’. The tram tour concludes near the main market square, where you can then sample the local Christmas Market. You return to Görlitz by service train and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. (B D)

Price includes: • 8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotels in Leipzig and Gorlitz • 4 lunches and 7 dinners • First or Standard Class travel from London St Pancras to Leipzig and from Gorlitz to London • All seat reservations and transfers • Private charters as detailed in the itinerary • 3 day rover ticket • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Friday 9th December Return to London

You return to London from Görlitz via Dresden Neustadt by rail, westward to Cologne and Brussel. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

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Christmas and New Year in the Swiss and Italian Alps Wednesday 21st December to Sunday 1st January 2023 Make it a Christmas and New Year to remember as you spend the holiday in a genuine Winter Wonderland, surrounded by the snow-capped Swiss Alps and enchanting Italian lakes.

• The tour includes a 15-Day Swiss Pass rail rover in First Class as well the extra journey on the world famous mountain railway to the Gornergrat, where you will see glaciers, the Matterhorn and unrivalled high altitude landscapes.

• Celebrate Christmas Day in style with a festive steamboat cruise with a refined 4-course dinner on Lake Lucerne.

• Additional paddle steamer cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Geneva are possible with the Swiss Pass.

• Make the most of your First Class Swiss Pass on 6 free days of the tour for individual discovery of the countless mountain railways, such as the Golden Pass, Glacier Express route and many more.

• Enjoy the best of Northern Italy during a trip on the iconic Centovalli narrow gauge railway through 100 valleys from Domodossola to Locarno, then relax in the Italianate towns of the Swiss Ticino.

• This tour is running on a half-board basis, with breakfast and dinner included every day at your centrally located, quality hotels in the mountainous towns of Brig and Lugano, thus providing excellent value and ideal comfort.

Wednesday 21st December

London to Brig by high speed rail

You travel from London to Brig via Paris on Eurostar and TGV services. On arrival you check in to the 3-star Hotel Victoria, located directly across the street from the railway station.

A welcome dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (D) Thursday 22nd December

Along the Glacier Express route to Zermatt, Gornergrat rack railway and Matterhorn

Your tour starts with a real highlight as you take the scenic narrow gauge railway to Zermatt, following along the route of the famed Glacier Express. Then you transfer to the Gornergrat 64

Railway, ascending to 3089 metres. It’s Europe’s second highest railway, eclipsed only by the Jungfrau. From this high Alpine summit, enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers and a front view of the Matterhorn.

After refreshments at Gornergrat you can descend back down to Zermatt, with ample time to explore the car-free village centre that is lined by typical Swiss chalets. This initial group excursion will allow you to get familiar with the Swiss railway system, giving you useful insights on how to best use your Swiss Pass for individual trips on successive days. In the afternoon, there is still free time for individual discovery, before dinner back at the hotel in Brig. (B D)

Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th December

Freedom of Switzerland with your First Class Swiss Travel Pass

Today is the third day of validity for your 15-Day First Class rail rover. This allows you to travel anywhere in Switzerland on the extensive network of standard gauge and narrow-gauge railways, and includes travel on buses, trams, ferries and some mountain railways. The choice of where to go is yours, with highlights ranging from world-famous panoramic railways to ‘best kept secrets’ in the hinterland. Discover for yourself why Switzerland is so much fun to explore by public transport, with frequent, clockwork connections and easy, seamless interchange at all stations.

Your Tour Manager will be happy to advise you about attractive options and specific connections. (B D)

Thursday 29th December

Sunday 25th December

The time has come to venture further south to Italy as well as Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. While your luggage is directly forwarded by SBB’s excellent transfer service from hotel to hotel, you take a direct EuroCity train along the legendary Simplon Railway south to Italy. You change trains in Domodossola and then take the stunning Centovalli narrow gauge railway past 100 valleys and over numerous towering viaducts to Locarno.

After ample time to explore Mediterranean Locarno with its spacious piazza and a side-step to the adjacent lakeside village of Ascona, you take an SBB train to nearby Lugano in Ticino, Switzerland’s Italian speaking canton. Check-in to your centrally located hotel, where you will stay for the next three nights. On arrival, dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. (B D)

Festive Lake Lucerne steamboat cruise with Christmas lunch

For Christmas Day, the memorable highlight is a gala cruise on the vintage 1901 paddle steamer ‘Uri’. A festive 4-course Christmas meal will be served to you in the ornate Belle Epoque salon of the ship, as you cruise over stunning Lake Lucerne with Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in full view. Watch the big steam engine push the bright red paddle wheels, as the steamer gently glides over the water. After the cruise, you’ll have free time in Lucerne to explore this elegant city. Then you could use your Swiss Pass to travel back to Bern and Brig on a different railway route than in the morning, either travelling through the Emmental or over the Brünig Pass. In the evening, a light dinner will be served at the hotel. (B L D) Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th December

Freedom of Switzerland with First Class Swiss Travel Pass

For the next two days you have total freedom to discover all that Switzerland has to offer.

Aside from attractions like the nearby Bernese Oberland or Lake Geneva, you can explore the less-famous railway lines in the serene Gruyere region or make a side-step to Chamonix, France on the Mont Blanc Express, all offering iconic ‘little trains’, towering viaducts and mountain views. Excursions over the Oberalp Pass to the Rhaetian Railway are also possible. Each night, dinner is served at the hotel in Brig. (B D) Wednesday 28th December Mountain magnificence in the Bernese Oberland

Today you may join your Tour Manager for a guided excursion to the world famous Bernese Oberland. After arriving to Interlaken by SBB service, you can explore the countless ‘Little Trains’ of the region and travel by scenic train to such famed mountain villages as Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Mürren, where you will be rewarded with the most amazing views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. In case you would like to follow in the footsteps of James Bond, you can make the optional excursion to the summit of Mount Schilthorn, the filming location of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. (B D)

Journey on the Centovalli Railway in Northern Italy, Lake Maggiore in Locarno and Ascona; Arrive in Lugano

Friday 30th and Saturday 31st December

Railways and Funiculars of Ticino; along the Gotthard Railway and Swiss Riviera in Locarno and Lugano

The mountain railways of Ticino are particularly exciting, as are the lakeside cities of Locarno and Lugano with their Mediterranean flair.

For all railway enthusiasts, the busy border station of Chiasso is also a must. You first make a group visit to the Madonna del Sasso funicular, for spectacular views from this Italianate basilica high above Locarno. Then you are free to travel the length and breadth of the Ticino railway network for the next two days, including the Gotthard summit route with its winding horseshoe curves, the Ponte Tresa narrow gauge railway or the main line along Lake Lugano towards Italy. You could even make good use of the 57 km long Gotthard base tunnel and make an easy day-trip to the Mount Rigi rack railway at Arth-Goldau. On both evenings you have dinner at the hotel in Lugano. On New Year’s Eve, complimentary drinks are included with your dinner to celebrate the New Year. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2695

Single supplement £295 Ground only (Brig – Lugano)

£2400

Price includes: • 11 nights half board at centrally located quality hotels in Brig and Lugano • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services) • A 15-Day Swiss Travel Pass national rail rover in First Class • Gornergrat mountain railway excursion • Festive Lake Lucerne Christmas Day Cruise with 4-course meal • SBB luggage transfer from Brig to Lugano • Train tickets in Italy for excursion on Centovalli Railway • New Year’s Eve 3-course dinner with drinks included • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager Optional Schilthorn excursion £35.

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Sunday 1st January 2023 Return to London

After your exhilarating Christmas holiday you return to London via Paris by TGV and Eurostar services. (B)

EUROPEAN TOUR – 12 Days

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Alex Loidl

Georg Trueb

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Highlights of Germany, Harz Mountains, Saxony and Baltic Coast Tuesday 10th January to Tuesday 24th January 2023 Journey through a genuine Winter Wonderland on our ever-popular tour to Eastern Germany. Timber-framed houses, fairy-tale castles and romantic steam trains all add to the enchantment of this seasonal holiday.

• Discover first-hand the charm and culture of Central, Eastern and Northern Germany, staying in such fine cities as Erfurt, Dresden, Görlitz, Stralsund and Rostock.

• Ride on the famed ‘little trains’ that circulate on the renowned narrow-gauge networks of the Harz Mountains, Saxony and along the Baltic Coast.

• Visit iconic locations such as Drei Annen Hohne and Mount Brocken.

• Experience legendary German ‘Plandampf’ on eight different narrow-gauge steam railways, all with their own unique character.

• Enjoy private charters on wonderful heritage tramways in the historic cathedral cities of Halle and Görlitz, and a trip on the 1901 ‘dingle-dangle’ mountain monorail in Dresden.

Snow and Steam in Austria and Bohemia Tuesday 14th February to Tuesday 21st February 2023 Discover the rich culture and wonderful landscapes of Austria and the Czech Republic on this wonderful winter holiday packed with unique steam attractions.

• Travel steam-hauled on a private charter train on the rarely visited Steyrtalbahn in Upper Austria, as well as the famous Gmünd narrow gauge network to Litschau, using original motive power from the Austro-Hungarian era and featuring numerous run-pasts for filmers.

• Be among the first to travel steam-hauled on the re-opened Mariazellerbahn branch line to Bischofstetten on a private charter with the original 0-8-4 articulated locomotive Mh 6.

• Travel on private charter trains and comfortable OBB service trains on scenic railway routes ‘off the beaten path’ through the serene Austrian hinterland, to enchanting locations such as the Kamp Valley and the towns of Horn and Zwettl.

• Enjoy steam in the Czech Republic on the south branch of the impressive JHMD narrow gauge network from Jindrichuv Hradec to Nova Bystrice with the mighty Polish-built tender locomotive Px48 1916.

• Based in the magnificent Austrian capital city of Vienna and the charming countryside town of Gmünd on the Czech border, you’ll enjoy quality hotels and traditional Austrian hospitality.

Highlights of Switzerland in Winter Monday 20th February to Monday 27th February 2023 Experience the white splendour of the Swiss Alps on this seasonal holiday to a genuine winter wonderland. Trips on Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways are conveniently included, giving you a chance to sample ‘the best of the best’.

• Initially based in the Swiss Riviera town of Vevey on Lake Geneva and then in the historic cities of Brig and Chur, you’ll stay in top-quality hotels featuring typical Swiss hospitality.

• Discover Switzerland’s spectacular mountain railways from west to east, including the Rochers-de-Naye, Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Gornergrat, Oberalp Pass, Rhaetian Railway, as well as the UNESCO designated Albula and Bernina lines.

• Travel aboard opulent ‘Belle Epoque’ Pullman Cars over the Golden Pass, plus enjoy private accommodation in the 1930s Art Deco Pullman coaches of the Rhaetian Railway for trips to Arosa and Tirano.

• Sample the amazing BLS ‘Blue Arrow’ on a private charter run in the Bernese Oberland. Journey back in time aboard this wonderfully dynamic streamliner dating from 1938, allowing you to sit next to the driver.

• See impressively engineered railways up close and get the best high-altitude views of the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat summit station.

• Go ’peak-hopping’ on rack railways, funiculars and aerial cableways, whilst exploring local towns and castles with complimentary public transport rover tickets.

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Booking Information The attraction of trains.

By their very nature, trains, especially steam hauled trains, attract enthusiasts. Our tours will always include a number of photographic opportunities in the form of false starts and run pasts where this is practical and possible. Where possible, we also arrange locomotive footplate rides, museum and depot visits. Many of our customers do not have the same exclusive interest in trains shown by some enthusiasts; therefore, we keep in mind the need to diversify our tour programmes. We do this by including visits to castles and historic houses, and to wildlife parks, using accommodation in resort style hotels, and providing free time for shopping and exploring. Nevertheless the main attraction and therefore the emphasis of our tours is travel by train, which includes the nostalgia, the companionship on board, and the passing scenery. We consider that those travelling on our tours will see more scenery and in greater comfort than by road coach or cruise liner.

Schedules and services.

We arrange and advertise tours in good faith. Many scheduled railway organisations – train operators and track operators – only work two months ahead and therefore cannot confirm final schedules to us until that ‘window’.Likewise we cannot confirm and advise final numbers for a tour until full balances have been received from tour customers. Tours may be subject to occasional rescheduling or re-routing. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that each of our tours runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible.

Fire risk.

In many countries at times of exceptionally dry weather, coal fired steam locomotives may be banned from operating and diesel or electric traction may have to be substituted. Oil fired steam locomotives however are normally still allowed to operate. The Railway Touring Company cannot accept any responsibility for steam bans during times of high fire risk.

Seat reservations and overnight travel arrangements.

On some trains seat reservations are by individual seats, on others by block booking or complete carriage. Since the railways concerned make the allocations, we have to accept and be flexible about the seating arrangements. Where overnight travel is necessary we will arrange either to stay in a convenient hotel en route, to use one of the newer ‘hotel trains’, or to book Standard Class twin berth sleeper car trains (First Class is often single berth). These decisions are made on the basis of the length of the journey, the range of scenery likely to be missed by overnight travel, and the accommodation options available.

Porterage.

Some tours include porterage between stations and hotels; some include full luggage transfers between hotels, using either a supplementary road coach or scheduled ‘luggage in advance’ facilities. Porterage, where advertised, is included in the cost. However, there will be occasions when porters are not available or included and it will be each customer’s responsibility to handle their own luggage.

Accommodation.

We aim to use 3 or 4-star designated hotels throughout our tours as this offers us the standards of hospitality, catering and service that we would wish for our customers.

We also seek out establishments which are either conveniently located for the railways in order to minimize transfers, or which afford some unique character. Where we cannot meet either of these criteria we ensure the best and most comfortable accommodation is available.

Single supplements.

We are pleased to advise that we do not financially benefit from single supplement charges. Supplement charges only apply due to hoteliers charging higher rates for rooms that are solely occupied. All of our prices listed are per person based on two persons sharing. Therefore, any room that is solely occupied does incur a charge, whether it be a single or double room. If a double room is preferred please state your preference at the time of booking in order for us to obtain a quote, double rooms for single use may be slightly more expensive than the single supplement stated. All other elements of our tours are priced on a per person rate, so no extra fees are applied for solo travellers.

Food and drink.

Meals will be taken on trains, boats, planes, in hotels and restaurants and even al-fresco, picnic or packed! Mindful of the diversity of our customer’s tastes we try to adopt a ‘middle of the road’ approach when choosing menus. We must also accept the limitations of on-board catering and marvel at the success that chefs regularly achieve in the confines of train kitchens. Hotel and restaurant meals are usually a set menu, with options for special dietary needs. If customers have any special dietary requirements they must please ensure we know them at the time of booking. In this way we can make the necessary arrangements for customers with special requirements. Some of our tours include alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee, in which case this is clearly stated in tour information. Otherwise customers are responsible for their own refreshments.

Passports, visas and health issues.

Customers are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK, customers must ensure that there is at least six months validity remaining on their passports after returning back to the UK. We assume our customers are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right to reside in the UK. If a customer has a passport of another country or state, or one that indicates restrictions on return to their country of origin, then they must please contact us prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. We will advise customers of the requirements and processing arrangements for visas where they are required.

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Booking Information We will offer any help we can in arranging customers’ visas. Health advice is dependent upon the destination, medical history and current health of each customer participating in a tour and we cannot assume any responsibility. Customers MUST seek advice from their GP or a travel medical centre.

Pre-tour and travel documents.

We will send out information to tour customers for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at the ‘balance due’ time.

If there is nothing significant to communicate then we will simply acknowledge that the customer’s balance of payment has been received.

We prepare and send a booklet of information to tour customers for all tours. This includes a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names, where advised, (to check on an old acquaintance, aide-memoir for names during the tour); the latest known itinerary with as much detail as necessary (including meal times/locations); emergency and general contact details; and usually some general and specific information about features of the tour programme. This is intentionally a small part of the information available and tour customers are advised to research and obtain detailed reference material, maps, schedules etc. appropriate to their particular interests. Air travel tickets are usually sent to us for onward despatch less than two weeks before travel – please don’t panic! Rail tickets are often group travel documents held by the Tour Manager. In this case tour customers will be provided with joining instructions, which must please be observed since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Tickets, vouchers and coupons for onward travel during a tour, are usually held and distributed by the Tour Manager. With regards to the Covid-19 pandemic you will be required to follow all measures laid out by the transport providers on your holiday, we will send details of these to you along with your tour documents prior to travel. We will advise you of the specific requirements for the countries you are visiting before travel, adhering to the www.gov.uk/coronavirus government guidance at the time of travel.

Travel insurance.

Many customers arrange their own travel insurance. The Railway Touring Company cannot assume any responsibility relating to travel insurance issues and customers should ensure that they are familiar with procedures should an incident occur. This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to obtain medical attention, but to hand over the customer to an appropriate and suitable authority. You will need to double check with your insurance providers that your terms cover you for such things like a pandemic i.e Covid-19 or if you fall ill whilst away and need emergency medical treatment, if you are unsure we highly advise you to contact your provider to see if you are covered, not all policies cover for this.

• If you have not purchased your holiday insurance you will be looking for the following standard of cover, Medical and repatriation costs if you become unwell with any coronavirus (including Covid-19) or contagious disease.

• If your trip or holiday has to be cancelled because you or a travelling companion are diagnosed with any coronavirus (including Covid-19) or contagious disease and are unable to travel.

• Emergency repatriation costs to bring you home if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) impose travel restrictions (while you’re at your destination), either in the UK or at your destination, and has requested you to return to the UK. Cancellations due to coronavirus will not be refunded less than 8 weeks prior to travel as per our terms and conditions. Claims for not travelling due to contracting Covid-19 or any other coronavirus or disease will need to be dealt with through your travel insurance provider.

However, we can assist with providing any paperwork/cancellation forms that may be needed.

Infirmity and disability.

Tour managers are responsible for the general care and well-being of the whole group and are neither available, nor trained or insured for individual ‘personal’ care. Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions.

Customers should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities available relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss customers’ concerns with them before they commit to a booking. We will attempt to accommodate and resolve any needs or problems caused by undisclosed mobility/dietary/general health issues but cannot accept responsibilities beyond those stated above. We would especially draw the attention of customers to the tours that visit high-altitude locations and the resulting possibility of cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Confidentiality, privacy and mailing lists.

Customers’ names and addresses have been obtained as a result of their response to advertisements, having been a previous customer or enquirer, or a referral from some other party. We do not share these details with anyone outside Warren Travel Ltd. trading as The Railway Touring Company or The Railway Touring Company Ltd. Customer’s personal details such as credit card numbers, travel arrangements, companions etc. will only be kept to be used within the requirements of tour operating. We are registered under the Data Protection Act. If one customer wishes to communicate with another customer, then please forward the stamped envelope/package to us. We will add the address and post on the mail. We will not divulge any addresses or telephone numbers. Please refer to our website for information regarding our Privacy Policy ensuring you fully understand it. Your acceptance of our Privacy Policy is deemed to occur upon your first use of Our Site.

Financial protection.

We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number T7149. This ensures that in the event of the failure of our Company, customers’ money will be protected. If customers are on holiday at the time of Company failure, arrangements will be made for them to complete their holiday and return home. The flights we provide are supplied by other ATOL holders and are protected by their bonds.

For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

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Booking Information Payments for flights.

The payments that customers make for their flights are held by us in our trust account, on behalf of the ATOL holder who is supplying the flight, until the date that we pass the money to that ATOL holder. The ATOL holder supplying the flight will issue an ATOL confirmation invoice to confirm their contract with the customer. We will forward this to the customer no later than the day after we have received it.

Will I need to take a Covid-19 test to travel?

You may need to take a pre-holiday test before you leave the UK. The test required varies by destination country and is also subject to your vaccination status. Check the current requirements for your holiday destination via the foreign travel advice section of the UK Government website https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This will also advise you on the type of test you may need to take.

When you return from your holiday, you currently need to take a day 2 PCR* test (on or up to 2 days after arrival in the UK). There are multiple Covid-19 testing providers available. A full list is also available on the UK Government website. Alternatively, we can book your PCR/ Lateral flow tests for you in house at a discounted rate through Randox Health, for more information please contact us. *subject to change in government guidance The Travel Trust Association (TTA) The TTA is a trade association of travel agents and travel organisers, established to provide financial protection for the customer.

The TTA lays down strict guidelines on how the customer’s funds should be handled, and each member must adhere to those guidelines.

Every TTA member pays the customer’s funds into a designated trust account which is supervised by an independent trustee; a Banker, Chartered or certified Accountant or Solicitor.

Why your travel arrangements are totally safe with the Travel Trust Association The Travel Trust Association (TTA) recognises that for many people a holiday is the one chance to really relax – so it is important that customers are able to feel completely confident about their travel arrangements from the moment they make their booking. By choosing an approved TTA Member, customers can be sure that their travel plans are totally secure. These arrangements exceed the statutory levels of consumer protection.

Customer’s funds are secured in Trust by the Travel Trust Association Trustees.

Travel Trust Association 2 Crown Square Woking GU21 6HR 01483 545 780 www.traveltrust.co.uk The holidays in this brochure that include air travel are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is T7149.

ATOL protects customers from losing their money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond, to be lodged with them.

If a firm goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to the customer, or if already abroad on holiday, arrange for the customer to complete their holiday and fly home.

Status The Railway Touring Company is a direct sell tour operator and retail travel agent. All parts of a customer’s holiday are covered by our TTA membership (number T726X), and the air travel for all of our customers’ holidays is covered by our ATOL membership (number T7149).

Warren Travel Ltd, trading as The Railway Touring Company, acts as a booking agent for the service providers whose terms and conditions of booking and carriage apply to our tours. Copies of these terms and conditions will be obtained from the relevant service providers and forwarded to customers on request. Tours will be confirmed and take place subject to minimum and maximum numbers booking.

Railway components of a tour are provided subject to the serviceability of motive power and stock, and the operating conditions prevailing at the time of the tour. In the event of a failure to operate services as advertised then ‘best’ alternatives will be provided.

Programme and prices Details of each tour programme and its cost are published in our tour brochure, in leaflets, by correspondence, or by amendments notified to customers. Customers are required to acknowledge their acceptance of this information.

Payments All tour bookings should be accompanied by payment of a deposit per person as follows: £100 for travel in the UK £150 for travel within Europe £350 for travel beyond Europe A confirmation of booking will be sent to customers which includes a statement of their account and a balance due date.

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Booking Information The balance of payment is required in time for us to pay our suppliers, usually twelve weeks before travel. There are occasions when we are required to pay for group tickets earlier than this and the balance due date will reflect this. During the period of time that we are establishing a viable tour group, deposits are fully refundable. Once we have confirmed the operation of a tour then deposits are not refundable. Due to the high costs involved with debit and credit card transactions our preferred methods of payments for balance payments are cheque or bank transfer.

Fidelity insurance It is a requirement that all tour bookings be covered by Fidelity Insurance. This is a financial protection insurance that protects the customer’s money until the tour takes place.

The cost of this insurance is included in the tour price.

Customer cancellation We have the following customer cancellation policy for all of our tours: Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before tour departure – loss of deposit Cancellation between 8-12 weeks prior to tour departure – 25% refund of tour cost Cancellation less than 8 weeks prior to tour departure – no refund Passports, visas and health Customers are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct travel documentation for tours, and this includes passports, visas and health certificates. We are willing to give advice on passport and visa requirements but customers should seek professional guidance on medical related matters. We shall obtain guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and tourist board where a security risk exists or arises in respect of a tour destination. This information will then be passed on to tour customers.

Prices Prices are determined against known exchange rates, fuel costs and tax regimes prevailing at 18th October 2021. The exchange rates used for prices quoted in this brochure are as follows: £1 = 1.18 Euros £1 = 1.37 US Dollars £1 = 1.27 Swiss Francs £1 = 103.44 Indian Rupees £1 = 20.22 South African Rands £1 = 1.85 Australian Dollars £1 = 11.58 Norwegian Kroner £1 = 1.37 Cuban Pesos In the event of significant changes we must reserve the right to amend prices.

A NO SMOKING policy will be pursued where we have the control or influence over the service that we are providing on our tour.

Our chartered steam trains Whenever possible we hire steam trains for our exclusive use. This allows us the flexibility, within operational parameters, to run to our requirements. It also enables us to stop the train for photographs of the scenery; the train itself; and sometimes staged train movements, known as run-pasts. We can often arrange for tour customers to ride on the footplate of the locomotive, should they wish, but at their own risk. Since our tours often number around 40 customers there are occasions when we have access to older trains with limited capacity, and sometimes to facilities not normally available to large groups or individuals. However, on occasions due to popularity and where space permits this number can be exceeded.

Scheduled trains Where we travel by scheduled train, with few exceptions, we travel First Class in reserved seats or reserved carriages. This has proven to be much better value for money since the additional space, comfort and lack of crowding are obtained at a worthwhile supplement compared with Standard Class travel.

Alternative airports, independent travel and extensions Our customers come from throughout the UK and overseas. Wherever possible we choose flights which allow connections from local airports, and prices for these connecting flights start at around £149 return. Most overseas tours allow for independent travel arrangements whereby customers may extend their stay, stop en route, or make their own travel arrangements. We can provide a ‘ground only’ quotation for all of our tours so that overseas customers and independent travellers can make their own way to and from the tour joining point.

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Booking Information Extra tours and tour updates Throughout the year we keep pace with an ever-changing world. It is often possible to initiate new tours after our brochure has gone to press, and to make alterations to published information, so please check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Website – www.railwaytouring.net Our web site provides details of all our tours plus information about additional tours and amendments to our tour programme. Don’t forget to bookmark our web site amongst your favourites. We welcome contributions of photographs that customers have taken on our tours and that they are willing for us to use in publicity materials.

Booking information Customers should ensure that they read all our Booking Information before booking a holiday with us.

Pre-tour and post-tour UK hotels and holiday parking We are able to arrange customers’ pre-tour and post-tour hotel accommodation, car parking, coach and train travel, and connecting flights.

Customers may wish to consider staying overnight before and/or after travel on one of our tours. A night in a conveniently located hotel before departure or after return can mean that the customer begins or ends the tour more rested and relaxed. It may also avoid the frustrations and anxieties of early morning and late evening travel.

Pre-booked car parking can also be arranged for customers.

Examples:Airport hotels with holiday parking • Gatwick from £110 per room • Heathrow from £139 per room • Stansted from £125 per room Secured airport parking • Gatwick from £8.75 per day • Heathrow from £9.00 per day • Stansted from £6.25 per day Travel by road coach from and to the customer’s local town together with overnight hotel accommodation can be arranged. Prices are available on request. Rail tickets from and to the customer’s home railway station to the tour departure point can only be booked where two or more passengers are travelling together. Prices are available on request.

The prices quoted above are correct at the time of print and may be subject to change and can vary depending on your preferences.

UK connecting flights We are willing to make enquiries and, where possible, arrange connecting flights from the customer’s local airport to the main tour departure point.

Prices are available on request.

Travel insurance Due to changes in the travel insurance regulations we are no longer able to sell travel insurance direct to our customers. We can however recommend and send to customers details of travel insurance through Holiday Extras, in conjunction with the Travel Trust Association. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to receive details of this insurance.

Covid-19 All passengers are reminded to make themselves aware of our on-board safety measures surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, any social distancing measures or Government guidelines that are in place at the time of travel are to be adhered too in order to keep yourselves, other travellers and staff safe at all times. You can find all of this information on our website under Covid-19 – The Safe Way or by requesting a copy of our Covid-19 guidance leaflet. We do not accept any liability for travellers that are unable to participate on their pre-booked holidays, should they be taken ill, chose not to travel or decide to cancel their holiday.

25 EST. 1997

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Reservation Form Title.....................Forename...................................................................Surname................................................................. DOB*.................

Title.....................Forename...................................................................Surname................................................................. DOB*................. *DOB = Date of Birth Please ensure your names are as they appear in your passport.

Address of first named.................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... Phone..............................................................

Please reserve the (tour title).........................................................................................................................................................................

Indicate your requirements/preferences: Twin bedded room ■ Double bedded room ■ Single room(s) ■ (Please tick) Where options are available for the tour (i.e. choice of travel) please clearly state your choice(s). .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please also specify any dietary or health related requirements. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The deposit is £350 per person outside Europe, £150 per person within Europe and £100 per person for UK tours. The balance/full fare is due 12 weeks before travel; dates will be advised on your confirmation. As stated in our booking information a Fidelity Policy will be added at the time of booking.

I enclose a cheque (payable to THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY CLIENT ACCOUNT).

Please charge my credit or debit card for: £.................................... deposit ■ full fare ■ (Please tick) Card Number..................................................................................................................

Expires...........................................................................................................................

Start Date.......................................................................................................................

Please accept my booking on the terms and conditions as stated in this brochures booking information pages and on our website, railwaytouring.net

Please sign and date.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Please send this form to: The Railway Touring Company, 14A Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN

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Meet the Team

Hollie Kimber

Operations Manager

Rachel Jackson

Allison Sanders

Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Kelly Osborne

Managing Director

Julia Barrett

Annabelle Benjamin

Office Assistant

Operations Assistant

Jade Mott

Office Assistant

Our friendly team are available to answer any questions and to help you make a booking – please feel free to contact us on 01553 661 500 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm or by email to enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk

Online Shopping Visit our online shop to purchase themed Railway Touring Company merchandise.

Currently Bookmarks, Greeting Cards and Postcards. We will be adding to our range as new products become available. www.railwaytouring.net/shop/

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Online Brochures

Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.co.uk to view and download our latest UK Day Trips, UK and European Holiday Brochures for 2022.

25 EST. 1997

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The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 – Fax: 01553 661 800 Web: www.railwaytouring.net – E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk Design and Artwork - LucidSynergy Ltd - www.lucidsynergy.com