European Rail Holidays 2022/23

The Railway Touring Company European Rail Holidays 2022/23

Welcome Dear Customer, Welcome to our European Rail Holidays 2022/23 Brochure.

We are very delighted to see a return in customer confidence, after what has been a very challenging couple of years for all of us in the travel industry. With the demand for travelling overseas now increasing we present to you our updated 2022 holiday brochure with a preview of a few of our 2023 tours which are already live and available for booking.

The World is full of adventure and fascinating places, with many different cultures, histories and cuisines.

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

You will be spoilt for choice with the variation of elements that we offer within our holidays, ranging from privately chartered steam trains, dinner cruises and mountain rack railways to high-speed trains and tram rides.

All our tours have the added benefit of a Tour Manager accompanying you throughout your holiday, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views that are on offer. These range from snow-capped mountains, panoramic views, lakes and the glory of steam engines travelling through beautiful backgrounds with brilliant photo and videoing opportunities available.

We have a continually expanding programme, and we are always looking to include new destinations or revisit old ones that we haven’t ventured to recently. With 26 years of experience in providing high-quality holidays we are sure we can give you an experience to remember.

Booking with confidence is guaranteed, as all bookings are made with the financial protection of our membership of the Travel Trust Association and ATOL. Myself and my team are always here to help and assist with any of your booking requirements and look forward to your continued custom.

Kelly Osborne Managing Director.

The Railway Touring Company.

26 EST. 1997

Front cover image: Olivier Bachmann

European Rail Holidays 2022/23

Europe Tours Swiss Bernese Oberland

4–5

The Isle of Man Adventure

6–7

Swiss Bernese Oberland

8–9

Christmas and New Year in the Swiss and Italian Alps

18 – 19

Autumn in Alsace

10 – 11

Highlights of Germany, Harz Mountains, Saxony and Baltic Coast

20 – 23

Highlights of Switzerland in Autumn

12 – 13

Snow and Steam in Austria and Bohemia

24 – 25

Autumn in Venice and Northern Italy

14 – 15

Highlights of Switzerland in Winter

26 – 27

Steam and Christmas Markets in Saxony and Silesia

16 – 17

Tour Information Booking Information Reservation Form

28 – 32 33

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

THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, THE OLD STABLES, ESTUARY ROAD, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 2HL Phone: 01553 661 500 • Fax: 01553 661 800 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • Website: www.railwaytouring.net

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

Thursday 15th September

Friday 16th September

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

4

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

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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

5

The Isle of Man Adventure Friday 23rd September to Thursday 29th September 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 23rd September

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

Your 7-day tour starts from London’s Euston station. You’ll be greeted by the Tour Manager before departing on the West Coast Avanti service to Lancaster, at Lancaster you change trains and join a Northern rail service to Heysham. The Heysham train station is a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal, 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 6

picturesque hotels and restaurants and there are plenty of shops to visit. A welcome dinner will be served in your hotel restaurant this evening. (D) Saturday 24th September

Great Laxey Wheel, Snaefell 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 25th September

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 26th September

Coach Tour of the Isle of Man, 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 from your hotel in Douglas 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)

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)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1695

Single supplement £195 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation • 6 breakfasts • 6 dinners • 1 lunch

Wednesday 28th September

• First Class Travel from London to Liverpool and from Lancaster back to London

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 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)

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

Isle of Man Railway, Castle Rushen

Thursday 29th September

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

• 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

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Approx. timings London Euston Lancaster Heysham

Outward 09:30 12:49 13:17

Return 17:10 14:39 13:20

Northern Service from Lancaster to Heysham and Heysham to Lancaster is standard class only.

After breakfast at the hotel, you check out and 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 17:10 hrs.

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

Tuesday 27th September

Free Day to Explore Isle of Man using your Travel Pass

You are free today to use your railway rover to UK TOUR – 7 Days

7

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)

8

Thursday 29th September

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.

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

9

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, 10

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 12

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)

EUROPE TOUR – 7 Days

13

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 14

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 18

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

19

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.

Tuesday 10th January London to Erfurt

Travel by Eurostar, Thalys and ICE high speed services from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Erfurt. On arrival check into your quality, centrally located hotel in the heart of Erfurt’s Old Town, where a welcome dinner will be served. (D) Wednesday 11th January

Historic Erfurt and Heritage Tramways in Halle

Located in the heart of Germany, Erfurt has countless spacious squares, proud Burgher Houses, old bridges and pedestrianised alleys.

This morning you explore its sights before an early afternoon service train trip to the nearby Cathedral city of Halle on Germany’s newest 20

high speed railway line. Here you enjoy a private charter trip on a heritage tramway replete with photo stops. You’ll have an opportunity to see the landmark cathedral and beautiful main market square with its characteristic spires before returning to Erfurt by service train in the late afternoon for dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Mount Brocken. Following refreshments and photo opportunities at the summit, you descend back to Drei Annen Hohne and then return to Nordhausen, completing over 130 km of steam travel for the day. Once back in Erfurt, dinner will be served at your hotel. (B D) Friday 13th January

Thursday 12th January

Steam in the Harz Mountains from Norhausen to Mount Brocken

On to Dresden; Sightseeing by Vintage Tram, Historic Funicular and Mountain Monorail

This morning you take a DB service train from Erfurt to Nordhausen before departing Nordhausen steam-hauled north to the junction station of Drei Annen Hohne. You travel steam-hauled over the long trunk line of the Harz narrow gauge network before a different steam locomotive takes over for the ascent up

This morning you take a DB Intercity Express (ICE) service from Erfurt to Dresden, where you check in to your 4-star hotel. Here you’ll receive a complimentary public transport rover ticket, valid for the duration of your stay. You embark on a sightseeing tour of the city by privately chartered vintage tram, concluding at the ‘Blue

Wonder’ Loschwitz Bridge. You then ride the ‘dingle-dangle’ mountain monorail from 1901 before taking the adjacent 1895 funicular to the Weisser Hirsch summit terminus. From there a direct tram line takes you back to the city centre. The rest of the afternoon is for leisure in Dresden, before dinner is served at your hotel.

(B D) Saturday 14th January

Steam to Radeburg with a Saxon VII K locomotive and Leisure in Dresden

After breakfast, you visit the local narrow-gauge railway at Radebeul, where a 2-10-2 Saxon VII K tank locomotive takes you down the 16.5 km long line to Radeburg, pausing at Moritzburg Castle. The train returns to Radebeul by midday, from where you return to Dresden Hbf on a DB service train. You can then explore Dresden at your own pace and make good use of your complimentary public transport rover ticket to ‘bash’ the extensive tram network. (B) Sunday 15th January

Steam at the at the Weisseritz Valley Railway to Kurort Kipsdorf

Today you have a morning excursion to the recently re-opened narrow-gauge Weisseritz Valley Railway. You’ll be steam-hauled through Saxony’s ‘canyon landscape’ from FreitalHainsberg via Dippoldiswalde to Kurort Kipsdorf, along the river Weisseritz. Enjoy the panoramic

views from the open balconies of your vintage carriage. You return to Dresden in the early afternoon, with time to further explore its many attractions. (B) Monday 16th January

Steam in the Ore Mountains from Cranzahl to Oberwiesenthal

You travel on DB service trains from Dresden to Cranzahl, and board a steam train to travel over the iconic Fichtelbergbahn for the journey to Oberwiesenthal, the ‘St Moritz of Saxony’.

After free time in this resort town and photo opportunities with steam trains passing over the railway viaduct by the station, you return from Oberwiesenthal to Cranzahl by steam train in the afternoon and from there continue to Dresden on DB service trains. (B) Tuesday 17th January

Vintage Tramways in Görlitz

After morning leisure in Dresden, a service train takes you over the scenic line via Bautzen to Görlitz, Germany’s easternmost city, a popular location for major film productions. Görlitz also boasts a pocket-sized tram network and you’ll explore the city on a privately chartered 1920s heritage tram. In the evening, a buffet dinner will be served at your comfortable hotel, located in an historic building near the station. (B D) Continued overleaf.

Tour Summary First Class

£2275

Standard Class

£2075

Single supplement £295 Ground only £1970 (Erfurt – Rostock) Price includes: • High Speed train travel from London to Erfurt and from Rostock to London • 10 dinners and 2 lunches • 14 nights accommodation with breakfast • All seat reservations and transfers • Public rover rail ticket • Interrail Global Pass Flex • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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EUROPEAN TOUR – 15 Days

21

Wednesday 18th January Steam in Zittau

Today you travel from the city of Zittau on the 12.2 km narrow-gauge branch line to the resort town of Kurort Oybin. You’ll receive a daylong rover ticket to explore both lines and film the exciting double departure from Bertsdorf.

Impressive 2-10-2 tank engines run every day on the Zittau network and the historic town centre of Zittau is also worth a visit. In late afternoon you return by service train to Görlitz, crossing twice into Poland along the way. Another buffet dinner is served at your hotel tonight. (B D) Thursday 19th January

Steam at the Muskau Forest Railway and Pückler Park Visit

Today you have an exciting private steam charter on the 600mm gauge Muskau Forest Railway near the Polish frontier. You’ll cover the two different branch lines to Bad Muskau and Kromlau, with run-pasts along the way. At lunch time, there’s time for refreshments in the namesake town of Bad Muskau with its charming local chateau and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Pückler Park. In late afternoon you return from Weisswasser by train to Görlitz (B L D).

Friday 20th January

Via Berlin to Stralsund on the Baltic Coast

This morning you transfer cross-country to north-eastern Germany on secondary railway lines. From Görlitz you take a regional train to 22

Cottbus, changing onto an electric double-decker for the fast run into Berlin. At Berlin’s main station you can use your validated Interrail ticket travel day on the city’s elevated Stadtbahn or Ring Railway on DB S-Bahn services. Alternately you can sightsee the nearby Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. In mid-afternoon you continue on a DB Regional Express service to Stralsund, arriving by late afternoon. On arrival at your centrally located hotel a buffet dinner will be served. (B D) Saturday 21st January

At leisure in historic Stralsund; or individual discovery of the Baltic Coast with a Rail Rover

You relax today in Stralsund, with the option of visiting the nearby university city of Greifswald or using your complimentary rail rover today to travel over the entire standard gauge network on the island of Rügen. Alternately, you can travel to the island of Usedom and cover the branch lines to Peenemünde and Swinoujscie, Poland.

Your Tour Manager will be happy to advise on options. In the evening, a buffet dinner is served at the hotel (B D).

Sunday 22nd January

Steam on the Island of Rügen

German Plandampf is centre stage today as you travel by service train to Putbus and then experience the island’s famous narrow-gauge ‘Racing Roland’ railway. The 24 km long line runs via Binz to the seaside terminus Göhren. After lunch you return to Putbus behind a different

steam locomotive and continue by regular service train to Stralsund. Dinner is once again served at your hotel. (B L D) Monday 23rd January

Steam at the Molli Railway along the Baltic Coast

Today you visit the 15.4-kilometre-long 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 reserved seats for the northbound journey to Kühlingsborn on the Baltic Coast, before returning to Bad Doberan to film the street running there. In the afternoon you continue to nearby Rostock for a final night at a centrally located hotel. (B) Tuesday 24th January Return to London

From the convenient, more westerly location of Rostock, you catch a mid-morning DB Intercity train directly to Cologne. From there it’s high speed rail onward to London St Pancras via Brussels. (B)

Tour Summary First Class

£2275

Standard Class

£2075

Single supplement £295 Ground only £1970 (Erfurt – Rostock) Price includes: • High Speed train travel from London to Erfurt and from Rostock to London • 10 dinners and 2 lunches • 14 nights accommodation with breakfast • All seat reservations and transfers • Public rover rail ticket • Interrail Global Pass Flex • 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 January 2023 Mon

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EUROPEAN TOUR – 15 Days

23

Alex Loidl

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 Tuesday 14th February Arrive to Vienna

You arrive in Austria’s capital around mid-day, following a morning flight from London. After a direct transfer from the airport you check into your centrally located hotel, where you’ll be based for the next three nights. You can spend the rest of the day exploring iconic Vienna at your leisure, using the complimentary public transport rover ticket supplied, valid for the duration of your stay in the city. A welcome dinner is served at nearby restaurant. (D) Wednesday 15th February

Vienna at leisure and steam at Strasshof with 17c372

After breakfast you’ll still have the morning to further explore Vienna and all of its wonderful 24

sights, including the dense tram network and busy main line railway stations. Then you rejoin the group in the early afternoon for a trip to the famed Strasshof railway museum and steamshed, located just north of the city.

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 AustroHungarian era. Indeed, the archaic 4-4-0 tender locomotive 17c372 dating from 1891 will be in steam and provide cab-ride opportunities up and down the expansive, mile-long museum yard.

Naturally, attractive filming options will also be staged. After a good outing, you return to Vienna by late afternoon, with the evening still free to spend at leisure. (B)

Thursday 16th February

Steam at the Steyrtalbahn

This morning you’ll travel by ÖBB service train to the historic city of Steyr. There you board a private charter train to travel the full length of the preserved narrow gauge Steyrtalbahn from Steyr Lokalbahnhof to Grünburg. Along the pretty route, the early 20th century tank engine hauling your “little train” consisting of classic green coaches will pause numerous times for photos at the prettiest locations. After travelling for 17 km, the train reverses at the terminus Grünburg and returns by steam to Steyr. You then enjoy lunch at a typical Austrian restaurant in Steyr’s picturesque Medieval town centre. In the late afternoon you return to Vienna by ÖBB service train. (B L)

Friday 17th February

Steam on the Mariazell Railway and scenic Kamp Valley Railway

After 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 charter train of First Class carriages is hauled by the vintage 1908 0-8+4 articulated tender locomotive No. Mh 6. You first steam from St. Pölten to the junction station Obergrafendorf and then as a special attraction continue on the non-electrified branch line to Bischofstetten.

This line only just re-opened in 2019, after being mothballed for almost a decade. Because there are no regular service trains on this branch, it will be possible to stage numerous run-pasts along the way. After the private charter train returns from Bischofstetten to Obergrafendorf, there is time for a visit to the extensive depot facilities there, before a nice lunch at the local brewpub.

In the early afternoon you get to sample one of the Mariazellerbahn’s modern, Swiss-built electric trains for the return to St. Pölten, before changing onto an ÖBB service for the afternoon trip from St. Pölten, over the Danube to Krems and onto Horn and Sigmundsherberg, thus travelling the full length of the idyllic and rather rural Kamp Valley Railway. In Sigmundsherberg you change onto another service train for the short sprint to Gmünd. You arrive to Gmünd in the early evening, while your luggage has already been transferred there earlier, by fast forwarding service. In Gmünd you spend the next 4 nights at the wonderful Hotel Goldener Stern, a beautiful countryside inn featuring all the hallmarks of Austrian hospitality. A buffet dinner is served at the hotel each night. (B L D) Saturday 18th February

Main line steam in Austria’s Waldviertel

Today is dedicated to discovering the picturesque Waldviertel (Forest District), in the northernmost part of Austria. After a direct transfer from Gmund to Zwettl, you travel steam-hauled on the freight-only branch line to Waldhausen. En route you pass over the spectacular 240m long Zwettl viaduct. Your rugged 0-8-0 tank engine 92.2271 of 1919 vintage will stage several runpasts over the bridge, offering photo and film opportunities. After reaching the terminus at Waldhausen, the locomotive will run-round and steam back via Zwettl to the junction station of Schwarzenau, along the Vienna to Gmünd corridor. From Schwarzenau, you return directly to Gmünd by service train.

A buffet lunch is served today in the delightful bistro car on the train, while dinner will be taken at the hotel. (B L D) Sunday 19th February

Narrow-gauge steam from Gmünd to Litschau with Mh.1

Gmünd is home to an extensive narrow-gauge network and today you take a private charter hauled by the classic Austro-Hungarian 0-8+4 type articulated steam locomotive Mh.1 over the idyllic branch line from Gmünd to Litschau, deep in the Austrian hinterland. Framed by rolling fields and dotted small towns, the line meanders north towards the Czech border. Along the way your train poses for photos, with run-pasts added for extra fun. You return to Gmünd by steam train, in time for a late lunch at the hotel.

Later, dinner will once again be served at your hotel. (B L D) Monday 20th February

Steam in South Bohemia

Today you spend your day in Bohemia and make the short drive from Gmünd to Jindřichův Hradec, where the Czech Republic’s premier narrow gauge railway is based. The privately operated Jindřichův Hradec Místní Dráhy (JHMD) runs two separate branch lines and today you’ll travel over the scenic 32 km southern line, which passes through so-called ‘Czech Canada’. Your train will be hauled by the Polish-built 0-8-0 tender locomotive Px48 1916 to the terminus at Nová Bystřice. Here you take lunch at a typical Czech restaurant in the town’s main square, including complimentary beer and wine. Afterwards there’s a road coach trip to visit the historic town of Třeboň, with its chateau, Baroque town square, city ramparts, and traditional castle brewery. In the evening you again have dinner at the hotel in Gmünd. (B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2075

Single supplement £235 Ground only £1945 (Vienna – Gmünd) Price includes: • Flights from London to Vienna and return • 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts in 3 or 4-star hotels • 5 lunches and 5 dinners • All specially chartered steam and vintage diesel trains as detailed in the itinerary • All specially chartered trips on heritage trams • 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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Tuesday 21st February Return to London

After breakfast, you have a direct transfer from Gmünd to Vienna airport, for a mid-day flight back to London. (B)

Andrew Thompson

EUROPEAN TOUR – 8 Days

25

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

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.

Monday 20th February London to Vevey

Travel on Eurostar and TGV via Paris to Geneva, then by SBB service train to Vevey, on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. Here you check in to the 4-star Hotel Astra, conveniently located opposite the station. A welcome dinner will be served at the hotel tonight. (D) Tuesday 21st February

Golden Pass in Pullman coaches; Blue Arrow railcar in the Bernese Oberland

Today you travel in style from Montreux via Gstaad to Zweisimmen over the Golden Pass in elegant ‘Belle Epoque’ Pullman coaches on the Golden Pass Classic train. The line climbs to 26

the highest point, near Saanenmöser, at 1279 metres. In Zweisimmen you board the vintage 1938 BLS ‘Blue Arrow’ with luxurious passenger accommodation and open cab vestibules, allowing you to sit or stand beside the driver.

The route winds through the Simmental Valley to Spiez and along Lake Thun to Bern. You’ll have free time to visit the medieval city of Bern, before travelling back to Lake Geneva via the Gruyere foothills and Lausanne. Back in Vevey you’ll have a free evening to enjoy dinner at a lake-side venue of your choosing. (B)

Wednesday 22nd February

Swiss Riviera and Mont Pelerin Funicular; Rochers de Naye Rack Railway

You start your day by exploring Vevey and Lake Geneva’s famed ‘Swiss Riviera’. You catch a funicular to the terraced vineyards high above the lake, reaching a formidable observation point at the summit of Mont Pelerin. Later on, you can use your complimentary, public transport rover ticket to take the trolleybus route to Montreux and see the medieval Chillon Castle.

Early afternoon you board a rack railcar for the steep journey from Montreux to the summit of Rochers de Naye, 2042 metres above sea level. From the top there are panoramic views

of the French and Swiss Alps. You return to Montreux, for a further look around town or ride on another local funicular before returning back to Vevey. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B D) Thursday 23rd February

Glacier Express route to Zermatt; Gornergrat Railway; the Matterhorn

This morning you board an SBB service train from Vevey station to Visp, where you’ll travel on a panoramic narrow-gauge train for 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 onward journey on the Glacier Express route to Brig. You’ll spend the night in this historic, elegant city, which has become famous as a major railway junction and gateway to nearby Italy. Your hotel is conveniently located near the railway station and dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. (B D) Friday 24th February

On the Glacier Express and via the Oberalp Pass to Chur

A true highlight awaits, as you step aboard the legendary Glacier Express and travel in First Class accommodation on one of the world’s most famous trains! Enjoy the sleek dome cars with their grandiose windows as well as the refinement of on train catering, for the half-day journey from Brig to Chur. The Glacier Express initially traverses the narrow valleys of the Obergoms, before travelling through Andermatt and climbing up to the breath-taking Oberalp Pass. From there you descend through the Surselva region and along the Rhine Gorge, arriving in Chur, one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. You check into a centrally located hotel with free time to explore, before dinner is served. (B L D)

Saturday 25th February

Rhaetian Railway from Chur to Arosa by private Pullman Coach; Ascent to the Weisshorn

Today you experience the famous Rhaetian Railway in a privately chartered, original 1930s Pullman car. Aside from the luxury of deep cushioned chairs, large panoramic windows give fine views of the mountainous landscape, as you traverse the impressively engineered 25 km branch line from Chur to Arosa. The route climbs 1155 metres via tunnels and bridges, including the 284-metre-long Langwieser Viaduct, first opened in December 1914. On arrival in Arosa you take the cableway to the summit of the 2653 metre Weisshorn, where majestic views await. You return to Arosa in the early afternoon, with ample time to explore the town and stroll along the picturesque lake. Later, you reboard the RhB train and private Pullman car for the return trip to Chur. You have the evening to explore the heart of the medieval old town.

(B) Sunday 26th February

Albula Railway to Pontresina; Bernina Railway to Tirano by private Pullman coach

Another signature attraction awaits, as you journey over both the UNESCO-designated Albula and the Bernina railways. From Chur you take an express train over the beautiful Albula line to Samedan and Pontresina. This allows you to ride over the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and experience the countless horseshoe curves that make the Albula line renowned around the world. In Pontresina you change onto the Bernina Railway and are once again accommodated in a private Pullman coach for the journey over the wonderful Bernina pass, the only Swiss trans-alpine railway that climbs over the ridges between north and south without using a tunnel. Enjoy the ascent to the summit at Alp Grüm and the spiralling descent to Poschiavo, before the famed circular viaduct is reached at Brusio and you finish your journey amidst palm trees in Italy. In Tirano, you stop for lunch (wine included) and have time for a stroll to the basilica, before continuing back north in your Pullman coach. On returning to Pontresina you travel back to Chur over the Albula line aboard another RhB express service. A farewell dinner is served at your hotel. (B L D)

Tour Summary First Class

£2495

Single supplement £295 Ground only (Vevey – Chur)

£2195

Price includes: • First Class travel from London St. Pancras International to Vevey and return from Chur. First Class travel within Switzerland where possible.

• 3 Nights Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Astra, Vevey • 1 Night Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Ambassador, Brig • 3 Nights Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel ABC, Chur • 2 lunches and 5 dinners • All privately chartered vintage trains as detailed in the itinerary • First Class travel on Golden pass panoramic train (Montreux to Zweisimmen) • First Class travel on Glacier Express including lunch on-board (Brig – Chur) • All train travel and transfers • SBB luggage transfers from hotel to hotel • Seat reservations (where possible) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Monday 27th February Return to London

Today you return to London from Switzerland, travelling via Chur, Basel and Paris on RhB, SBB, TGV and Eurostar trains. (B) EUROPEAN TOUR – 8 Days

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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.

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.

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.

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Booking Information 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 1st July 2022. The exchange rates used for prices quoted in this brochure are as follows: £1 = 1.16 Euros £1 = 1.31 Swiss Francs 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 any local safety measures in place at the time of travel 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. 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.

26 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, The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL.

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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.

26 EST. 1997

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The Railway Touring Company The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL 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