The Railway Touring Company - Main Brochure 2011

The Railway Touring Co. Great Railway Adventures 2011

Dear Customer, We welcome you to our 2011 collection of railway tours. This year’s programme is set to be yet another exciting steam filled year! We hope that with our huge selection of destinations there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Whatever it is that you may be looking for in a steam holiday, we are proud to offer you a range of fantastic destinations to choose from.

There is the mystical backdrop of the Hill Stations of India, or the Black Sea resorts of Odessa and Varna, or South America – where we offer a wide variety of tours to Peru, Chile and Argentina. One of our favourite destinations is the Middle East, where in Jordan and Syria we travel back in time, steam hauled along the Hedjaz Railway, which was built for pilgrims journeying to Mecca. Java was a great success in 2010 due to the huge variety of steam observed and the fact that we travelled around the island by rail and not road.

Our overseas programme is bursting with a range of culturally diverse locations and scenic landscapes in abundance!

Our European programme boasts an extensive journey throughout the continent. For our food and wine lovers whet your appetite with a week’s tour to the beautiful Island of Sardinia, or perhaps marvel at the truly breathtaking scenery and mountainous landscape of the tours in Switzerland or the Rails and Fjords of Norway tour. Our fascination with Eastern Europe continues with tours to the Ukraine, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Serbia.

For those looking for a tour exploring the beauty of the United Kingdom’s countryside, our West Highlander, Summer Highlander, Cock O’ the North, Snowdonia and the Northern Fells, The Western Isles, and Great Britain IV - from John O’Groats to Lands End - are perfect for experiencing the rich treasures that our homeland has to offer.

For many years the Railway Touring Company has offered its clients a superb range of destinations. Many of our tours use specially chartered trains just for our group, allowing more time for photo opportunities and leisurely lunches. A tour manager will accompany all of our tours to ensure that everything runs smoothly and to help answer any questions.

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our tours soon and we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2011.

Nigel Dobbing, Managing Director

The Travel Trust Association The TTA is a trade association of travel agents and travel organisers, established to provide financial protection for the traveller. The TTA lays down strict guidelines on how your funds should be handled, and each member must adhere to these guidelines. Every TTA member pays your 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 At the Travel Trust Association (TTA), we recognise that for many people a holiday is the one chance to really relax – so it’s important that you are able to feel completely confident about your arrangements from the moment you make your booking.

By choosing an approved TTA Member, you can be sure that your travel plans are totally secure. These arrangements exceed the statutory levels of consumer protection.

Your funds are secured in Trust by the Travel Trust Association Trustees.

3rd Floor, Albion House, Chertsey Road Woking, Surrey, GU21 1BF 0870 8890577 www.traveltrust.co.uk The air holidays in this brochure are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Our ATOL number is T7149.

ATOL protects you from losing your 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 us. If a firm goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to you, or if you’re abroad, we’ll arrange for you to finish your holiday and fly home.

Who are we?

We are one of very few worldwide railway tour operators to charter our own trains. We offer the unique experience of travelling in many countries by private vintage steam hauled train giving you the time and opportunity to view and enjoy the scenery. There may be the chance to stand on an open balcony, or open the window and smell the countryside.

We include most meals, many served in our own restaurant car on the train or served al fresco at an old station. Most of our charters are day-time only and we use hotels for overnight stays. Some tours including the Russian tours - feature vintage hotel trains providing overnight accommodation, with hotel accommodation at our destination.

Where we use predominantly service trains, as in Switzerland and Norway, we devise unique itineraries and include special steam hauled programmes to complement the tour.

Our Steam Charter Trains

Whenever possible we hire steam trains for our exclusive use. This allows us the flexibility (within operational parameters) to run to our requirements, thus enabling us to organise stops for photographs (the scenery or the train) and run pasts. We can often arrange for you to ride on the footplate if you want to (at your own risk). Since we are often around 40 in number we have often had access to older trains with limited capacity, and sometimes to facilities not normally available to large groups or individuals.

Scheduled Trains

With few exceptions we travel First Class in reserved seats or 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 clients come from throughout the UK and overseas. Wherever possible we choose flights which allow connections from local airports, starting at around £89 return. Many European tours offer overland and air options. Most overseas tours allow for independent travel arrangements: you may extend your stay, stop en route or make any travel arrangements you want to. All tours can be quoted `ground only’ for overseas clients and independent travellers to make their own way to the joining point.

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 the brochure has gone to press and make alterations to published information. Everyone who receives our brochure will receive at least one supplement later in the year.

See the frequent Website Updates - www.railwaytouring.co.uk

Here you will find amendments and additions to our programme, news of tours that are becoming fully booked and reports of tours already completed. Don’t forget to bookmark it amongst your favourites.

When you return from a tour we welcome photographs from you that we may publish.

Booking Conditions and Agreement

Please ensure that you read our Booking Conditions and Booking Agreement before placing your booking with us. They can be found at the rear of this brochure.

The Railway Touring Company

Rail Adventures 2011 Programme UK

The Great Britain IV

April

4–7

UK

The Western Isles

May and August

8–9

UK

The Cock O’The North

June and September

10 – 11

UK

The Summer Highlander

July

12 – 13

UK

Snowdonia and the Northern Fells

August

14 – 15

UK

The West Highlander Steam Express

September

16 – 17

Europe

Snow, Ice and Steam in the Balkans

March

18 – 19

Europe

Alpine Adriatic Express to Split

April

20 – 21

Europe

Steam in Tuscany

April

22 – 23

Europe

The Bohemian Steam Safari

April

24 – 25

Europe

The Swiss Steam Safari

May

26 – 27

Europe

Sardinia and the Emerald Coast

May

28 – 29

Europe

Steam in Slovenia Bosnia and Serbia

May

30 – 31

Europe

Belarus and Ukraine

May

32 – 33

Europe

Rail and Fjords of Norway

July

34 – 35

Europe

Classic Trains of Switzerland

August

36 – 37

Europe

Austria and the Czech Republic

August

38 – 39

Europe

Bulgarian Mountains Steam Express

September

40 – 41

World

The Hill Stations of India

February

42 – 45

World

Java

July

46 – 49

World

The Trans Siberian Express

July – August

50 – 51

World

Hedjaz Railways

September

52 – 53

World

Peru and Bolivia

October

54 – 57

World

Eritrea

October

58 – 59

World

The Old Patagonian Express

November

60 – 63

World

Spring and Cherry Blossom in Japan

March – April 2012

64 – 67

Booking Conditions and Information

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Booking Agreement

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Pre-Booking and Travel Insurance

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Railtour Reservation Form

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THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, 14A TUESDAY MARKET PLACE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661500 • Fax: 01553 661800 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • • Website: www.railwaytouring.co.uk The Railway Touring Company

Bob Green

The Great Britain IV Saturday 16th April to Sunday 24th April 2011 The Great Britain III railtour was a great success despite the problem caused by the threatened strike.

Although we had indicated that this may be the last one, we promised our customers on the train that we would run at least one more.

We have re-introduced the original concept by running from John O’Groats to Lands End and all points in between.

In 2011, for the first time, we run through to Wick.

Saturday 16th April An A4 to York and a Royal Scot to Edinburgh Our train departs London Kings Cross at around 08:20 hauled by A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern with 2 tenders and will pick up customers at Peterborough. A celebratory glass of champagne will be served to all customers on departure with a full English breakfast for customers travelling in premier class. Leaving Peterborough our train is non-stop to York beginning with the climb to Stoke Summit, where another A4 Pacific, Mallard, achieved the world record for steam at 126 mph, in the southern direction. At York we say goodbye to 60019 Bittern and welcome 46115 Scots Guardsman, our second steam loco of the day. Continuing along the East Coast Main Line our next stop is Newcastle, where our locomotive takes water. North of Newcastle our train follows the rugged Northumberland coastline with fine views of picturesque Alnmouth and distant views of Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands. Soon we pass over the magnificent Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-upon-Tweed heading for the Scottish border, Dunbar and Drem before our Scots Guardsman steams into Edinburgh Waverley.

We have overnight accommodation in Edinburgh.

Sunday 17th April Over the Forth and Tay Bridges to Aberdeen and Inverness The second A4 of the tour, 60007 Sir Nigel

Gresley, will be ready to depart Edinburgh Waverley with our train at around 09:00.

We cross over the magnificent Forth Bridge, with superb views over the Firth of Forth, and enter Fife. The journey through Fife is both scenic and fascinating; we hug the sea shore for some of the way. Our train leaves Fife and crosses over the wide expanse of the Firth of Tay by the famous Tay Bridge, before arriving in Dundee where our locomotive takes on water. On leaving Dundee the line skirts the sea shore on its way to Montrose before continuing through Stonehaven to the Granite City, Aberdeen. Our A4 leaves us here and two Black 5’s, 44871 and 45407 take us from Aberdeen through Huntley, Keith, Elgin and Nairn to arrive in Inverness late afternoon where we transfer to our hotels.

Monday 18th April To the Far North with two Black 5’s After breakfast, we join our special steam hauled train at Inverness Station, hauled by former LMS class 5 4-6-0’s 44871 and 45407. We leave Inverness by way of Rose Street Junction and soon after cross the Clachnaharry Swing Bridge with fine views over the Firth. We pass through Dingwall, Alness, Fearn, Tain and Invershin to Lairg where there will be a break while our locomotive’s take water. On leaving Lairg we climb up to Lairg Summit before dropping down to the sea at Golspie and then travelling alongside the sea to Brora. We continue to head north, with UK Tours - The Great Britain IV

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fine views over the sea until we turn inland again at Helmsdale where we climb through Kinbrace and Forsinard to the line’s summit at County March. We pass through Georgemas Junction and we head north to Wick, Britain’s most distant railway terminal. Overnight accommodation in Inverness.

Tuesday 19th April A free day in Inverness Today you can take some time for yourself or join our optional trip.

Tuesday 19th April Optional steam trip to the Kyle of Lochalsh Hauled by a former LNER K4 2-6-0 61994, you’ll enjoy a full Scottish Breakfast silver served at your seat soon after departure. Passing over the Caledonian Canal on the Clachnaharry Swing Bridge, we take the Kyle line at Dingwall; possibly the most scenic line in the country. The route takes us up Raven Rock Summit and Luib Summit before taking water at Achnashellach, then down to the shore of Loch Carron for fine views of the lochs and mountains. At the Kyle of Lochalsh you’ll have more than two and a half hours free to explore. There’s also a coach tour to the fairytale Eilean Donan Castle and to Portree, capital of the Isle of Skye.

We return to Inverness in the afternoon and you’ll be served a 2-course lunch at your seat on the

return journey. Arrival in Inverness around 17:30 for an overnight stay. Please note that this optional trip has limited accommodation.

Wednesday 20th April Inverness to Glasgow over the Highland Main Line We depart Inverness after breakfast hauled by 44871 and 45407 double headed. We begin the climb up to Slochd Summit (1315 ft) immediately on leaving Inverness. This is possibly the most gruelling climb on the whole network we climb for 13 miles at 1 in 60 followed by another 10 miles at mostly 1 in 60, we drop down through Aviemore before commencing the climb up to Druimuachdar (1484 ft), the highest summit on Britain’s Railways.

We continue downhill through Blair Athol and Pitlochry to Perth.

On leaving Perth we take the Glasgow mainline climbing up to Gleneagles and Dunblane. We will enjoy fine views of Stirling Castle. Our journey continues to Glasgow Central via Cumbernauld.

We arrive in Glasgow late afternoon.

Thursday 21st April Glasgow Central to Preston via the South Western We depart Glasgow mid morning hauled by Royal Scot 4-6-0 46115 Scots Guardsman and head for Paisley along the line to Ayr. It is a fast main line and we should make good progress to Newton-on -Ayr. Here we join the freight only line to Mauchline and we then join the Glasgow South Western mainline and the old stamping ground of the Thames Clyde Express, regularly hauled in steam days by a rebuilt Royal Scot.

We then climb up to Drumlanrig Tunnel before descending down to Dumfires. We will continue alongside the Solway Firth to Gretna Junction and on to Carlisle. On leaving Carlisle, the Scots Guardsman commences its assault on Shap.

On reaching the summit we descend through Tebay and enter the picturesque Lune Gorge.

We arrive in Preston late afternoon and transfer to our hotels.

Tour Summary Premier Class Price per person: Single Supplement:

£2155 £365

First Class Price per person: Single Supplement:

£1595 £310

Tables for two can be guaranteed in first class and premier dining for a supplement of £145 per person. (subject to availability) Premier class includes:

Continued overleaf.

• 8 nights overnight accommodation and breakfast in 3 and 4-star hotels • 8 lunches served on the train • 4 breakfasts served on the train

Derek Phillips

• 5 dinners and 1 Afternoon tea silver served at your seat on the train • Seats will be in First class open coaches with comfortable deep cushioned Pullman style seats • Apart from breakfast, other meals at the hotels will be at your own expense First class includes: • Overnight accommodation and breakfast in 3-star hotels • Coffee or tea and Danish pastries • Afternoon tea and biscuits served at your seat • Seating is in First class open coaches with tables for two or four • Apart from breakfast other meals in hotels will be at your own expense

Lord of the Isles Optional trip to Kyle - 19.04.11 Price: £167

Bob Green

This includes a First class reserved seat, full Scottish Breakfast and 3-course lunch with tea or coffee.

First class seats are also available at £119 including morning Breakfast Bap, orange juice, tea and coffee and afternoon tea and biscuits April 2011 M

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Bob Green

Friday 22nd April The Welsh Marches with a Scot After breakfast we transfer to Preston station where our train will be waiting for us. Hauled by the rebuilt Royal Scot class 4-6-0 46100. We head south from Preston passing through Warrington before entering the Roman city of Chester.

Heading south on the single line to Wrexham we pause at Chirk for water. We pass through Shrewsbury, which takes us onto the scenic Welsh Marches route through Ludlow and Hereford.

From here, we take the difficult climb up to Llanvihangel Summit before we descend through Abergavenny towards Newport. We pass through the Severn Tunnel before entering Bristol Temple Meads. Here we leave the train and check into our hotels.

Saturday 23rd April Two Britannia’s to Penzance At Bristol Temple Meads our two locomotives 70000 Britannia and 70013 Oliver Cromwell will be waiting to haul our train double headed to Penzance. We anticipate a fast run from Bristol across the Somerset Levels to Taunton. We then climb up to Whiteball Summit on the border of

Somerset and Devon.

On leaving Exeter we follow the Exe Estuary with its picturesque fishing boat views, and run on to the sea wall near Dawlish. From here, our two Britannia Pacifics will be able to demonstrate their true power as they tackle some of the steepest gradients on main lines in this country. First is the difficult climb of Dainton Bank up to Dainton Tunnel before dropping down to Totnes.

Here starts the equally difficult climb of Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. After Plymouth we cross over the Tamar River on Brunel’s masterpiece, The Royal Albert Bridge.

He designed this bridge for the Cornwall Railway Company after Parliament rejected his original plan for a train ferry across the Hamoaze. It was opened in 1859 and has fine views over the Estuary.

Our train continues through the wonderful Cornish countryside, over high slender viaducts and through short tunnels flashing refreshing views through our carriage windows. Soon we arrive at Penzance where you have almost two hours to explore the town. We will be leaving our two steam locomotives at Penzance.

A diesel locomotive will take us back to Bristol Temple Meads.

Bob Green

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Sunday 24th April Return to London Paddington After breakfast we join our special train at Bristol Temple Meads station hauled by Great Western Castle Class locomotive 5029 Nunney Castle.

We head eastwards through Bath and Trowbridge and join the scenic Berks and Hants line near Westbury. From Pewsey we climb to Savernake Summit before continuing through Newbury and Reading to London Paddington - our journeys end!

Bob Green

Derek Phillips

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

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Bob Green

The Western Isles Monday 23rd to Tuesday 31st May 2011 and Monday 1st August to Tuesday 9th August 2011 Scotland is just on your doorstep and it’s so beautiful! This wonderful tour explores the north west of Scotland, avoiding busy roads by making the journeys to and from the north by fast trains, travelling in comfortable first class.

Highlights of the tour include visiting areas where other tours do not normally go, such as the Isles of Harris and Lewis and the beautiful region beyond Ullapool, plus a trip on The Jacobite steam train. A coach handling our luggage will accompany us throughout Scotland. We take advantage of the new contemporary First Class Lounge at King’s Cross offering you a peaceful space to relax prior to our journey.

Monday To Scotland in Style We wave goodbye to London King’s Cross, picking up passengers from Peterborough, then enjoying a three course lunch at our seats.

We collect more passengers at York and serve their lunch on departure. The train continues its journey along the East Coast Main Line via Newcastle and Edinburgh and on to Glasgow.

From there, a coach takes us to The Inverbeg Inn for dinner and overnight accommodation.

It sits in beautiful countryside on the banks of Loch Lomond and enjoys stunning views of both the Loch and Ben Lomond, priding itself on its excellent customer service. (L D) Tuesday Lake Cruise on Loch Lomond We enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and perhaps a stroll by the Loch, before our coach takes us the short distance to Tarbet where we have a private cruise on Loch Lomond with a light lunch provided. We rejoin our coach for the short distance to Arrochar station to catch our train to Fort William, passing over the remote Rannoch Moor and arriving at 16:30 to check into our hotel. Fort William enjoys an enviable position on Loch Linnhe with the majestic Ben Nevis, at 4,406 feet Britain’s highest mountain, as its backdrop. (B L D)

Wednesday The Jacobite and over the Sea to Skye Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, The Jacobite steam train takes us for 42 miles through some of the most magnificent scenery that Scotland has to offer. Apart from the mountain and sea views it crosses the world famous twenty one arch Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The final destination is Mallaig, where we have a couple of hours to explore the town and fishing port, find lunch and board the ferry for the Isle of Skye. At Armadale we rejoin our coach which, as always, has followed us with our luggage, to travel to our hotel in Portree. (B D) Thursday Skye and Harris Islands Our coach takes us across Skye to Uig, pausing a few times to take in the scenery. Our ferry departs at around 14:00 for the one and half hour crossing to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris.

We travel onwards through the bleak landscape of Harris and Lewis to the island’s capital, Stornoway, where we stay for two nights. (B D) Friday The Isle of Lewis Today we have a guided coach tour of the Isle of Lewis, including the Butt of Lewis with its lighthouse and the Calanais Stone Circle.

These spectacular prehistoric standing stones UK Tours - The Western Isles

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form dramatic avenues with a circle of large monoliths at the centre, and were almost totally covered with peat until the mid-19th century.

We stop for lunch on our journey. (B L D) Saturday Lochinver This morning we have time to explore Stornoway. We join the ferry for Ullapool to return to the mainland before travelling on to Lochinver, a pleasant village with a beautiful harbour and a magnificent mountain backdrop. We stay here for two nights at the luxurious Inverlodge Hotel, set on a hillside overlooking the bay. Deer often appear outside.

All rooms have splendid views. (B D) Sunday North West Scottish Highlands Our coach takes us to discover the remote, impressive landscape of the North West Highlands, offering deserted sandy beaches and spectacular mountain scenery. The tour passes through Scourie and Laxford Bridge before arriving at Durness, where there will be time for lunch. (B D)

Monday Dunrobin Castle and Inverness We depart by coach along mountain roads to Lairg and Dunrobin Castle. Dunrobin Castle, from its high terrace, looks out across wonderful gardens to the sea beyond. A highlight of the visit will be the falconry display. We have lunch in the Castle before transferring to Golspie station where we board the train to Inverness.

Upon arrival we check into our hotel. (B L D) Tuesday The Highland Chieftain back to London We board the Highland Chieftain for a hearty Scottish breakfast, served at our first class seats as we pass through the Highlands; a wonderful experience. Our train continues through Perth, Edinburgh, Newcastle and York to London King’s Cross. Lunch will also be served on our journey south. (B L) Approximate timings London King’s Cross Peterborough York Glasgow Inverness *Change at York

Depart 11:00 11:46 12:51 16:25 -------

Stornaway Helmsdale Ullapool Uig Inverness

Price per person Single supplement

Mallaig Fort William

Perth Stirling Glasgow

Tour Summary

Edinburgh

£1375 £280

Price includes: • First class rail travel from London to Glasgow and Inverness to London with at-seat dining • 8 nights half board accommodation in 3-star hotels • 8 Dinners • 5 Lunches • First class rail travel on The Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig

Return 15:50 15:45* 13:52 ------07:55

• Standard class rail travel between Arrochar and Fort William and Golspie and Inverness (First Class not provided on these trains) • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner Please note, First Class is NOT available on the other trains within our programme.

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Bob Green

The Cock O’The North Thursday 23rd to Tuesday 28th June 2011 and Thursday 1st to Tuesday 6th September 2011 This tour lets you explore Scotland avoiding busy roads, using fast trains and travelling first class to and from the North. Highlights of the tour include preserved steam railways, the spectacular train journeys from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and from Mallaig to Fort William, plus two nights on the Isle of Skye. A special coach handles our luggage, accompanying us throughout the Scottish part of our trip. We take advantage of the new contemporary First Class Lounge at King’s Cross offering you a peaceful space to relax prior to our journey.

Thursday Highland Chieftain to Inverness The Highland Chieftain train leaves London Kings Cross, bound for Inverness via Peterborough and York. As we speed along the East Coast Main line a two course lunch will be served at our seats.

Continuing northwards we pass through Newcastle, Edinburgh and Perth to Inverness.

Dinner will be served as we head through Scotland. At Inverness we check into our 3-star hotel for two nights. (L D) Friday Strathspey Railway and the Keith and Dufftown Railway Our coach takes us to Aviemore where we join a steam hauled train on the Strathspey Railway to Broomhill and back. With the Cairngorm Mountains close by, the area is a favourite tourist attraction because of its natural beauty.

Our coach takes us from Aviemore to Dufftown, where lunch will be served in the Buffer Stop, a railway restaurant car. The Keith and Dufftown Railway’s Whisky Line runs for eleven miles through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery, taking in beautiful forests, farmland and distilleries. We make the return trip in a vintage diesel multiple unit. To finish the day, we visit a traditional Highland whisky distillery before returning to our hotel in Inverness. (B L D)

Saturday Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh by Train After a traditional Scottish breakfast we leave Inverness for Kyle of Lochalsh by train. We pass through forests alongside lakes overlooked by mountains then run along the shores of Loch Carron, a sea inlet. The line has been voted one of the most scenic in Britain. Our luggage is transported by privately chartered coach, which follows our progress over the next four days.

Time to have a look around Kyle of Lochalsh before we continue our journey by coach over the Skye Bridge to Portree, the main town and capital of the Isle of Skye, known for its picturesque harbour. We transfer to The Royal Hotel which will be our base for the next two nights. (B D) Sunday Tour of Skye Our tour guide for the day will take us on a fascinating tour of the island. We will see the Black Cuillins, mountains of jagged bare rock with twelve summits above 3,000 feet. We return to Portree where there will be time to explore and have lunch. We will visit the north of the island, including the Flora MacDonald Memorial Cross and the romantic and historic Dunvegan Castle, ancient home of the MacLeods. Skye is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, as well as its abundant wildlife including the golden eagle, sea eagle, red deer and otter.

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As always we will stop the coach to take pictures when appropriate. (B D) Monday Ferry to Mallaig for Jacobite Steam Train Trip After breakfast we say farewell to Portree and head south to Armadale where we catch the ferry to Mallaig, a boat journey of thirty minutes. On arrival at Mallaig there will be time to enjoy a picnic lunch before joining The Jacobite steam hauled train to Fort William for another unforgettable journey. Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, the Jacobite takes us for forty two miles through some of the most magnificent scenery that Scotland has to offer. Apart from the mountain and sea views it crosses the world famous twenty one arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. On arrival at Fort William we rejoin our coach for the journey to Inverness through the Great Glen with its many lochs. We will also travel the whole length of the famous Loch Ness. At Inverness we check in to our hotel.

(B L D) Tuesday The Highland Chieftain back to London We depart early onboard the Highland Chieftain, in first class seats, to be served a Scottish breakfast as we pass through the Highlands; a wonderful experience. Our train continues through Perth, Edinburgh and Newcastle back to

York and London Kings Cross. Lunch will also be served on our journey south. (B L) Approximate timings London King’s Cross Peterborough York Aviemore Inverness *Change at York

Depart 12:00 12:47 14:02 19:29 20:08

Return 15:50 15:45* 13:52 ------07:55

Inverness Skye

Kyle

Dufftown

Keith

Broomhill Boat of Garten

Tour Summary Price per person London £1095 Peterborough £1070 York £1040 Single supplement £140

Mallaig Ft. William Perth Stirling Edinburgh To the South

Price includes: • London, Peterborough or York to Inverness and back with at-seat dining • 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at good quality 3-star hotels • 4 lunches • Our own coach for the duration in Scotland to carry the luggage while you enjoy the train rides • All train travel, transfers and tours • Reserved seats • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner June 2011

Derek Phillips

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Derek Phillips

The Summer Highlander Thursday 7th July to Monday 11th July 2011 This tour allows us to explore Scotland, avoiding busy roads by making the journeys to and from the north by fast trains, made even more enjoyable by travelling first class. Highlights of the tour include preserved steam railways, the spectacular train journeys from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and from Mallaig to Fort William, and the Isle of Skye.

We are accompanied throughout Scotland by a coach that will handle our luggage. We take advantage of the new contemporary First Class Lounge at King’s Cross offering you a peaceful space to relax prior to our journey.

Thursday 7th July Highland Chieftain to Scotland At midday the Highland Chieftain train leaves London King’s Cross bound for Inverness, stopping at Peterborough and York to collect further passengers. As we speed along the East Coast Main Line a two course lunch will be served at our seats. Continuing northwards we pass through Newcastle, Edinburgh and Perth to Aviemore where we transfer by road coach to our hotel in Fort William. Dinner will be served as we travel through Scotland. (L D) Friday 8th July The Jacobite and over the Sea to Skye Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, The Jacobite steam train takes us for 42 miles through some of the most magnificent scenery that Scotland has to offer. Apart from stunning mountain and sea views, it crosses the world famous twenty one arch Glenfinnan Viaduct. The final destination is Mallaig, where we have an hour to explore this attractive fishing port and then board the ferry for the Isle of Skye.

At Armadale we rejoin our coach which, as always, has followed us with our luggage.

We travel through Kyleakin and Broadford on the picturesque Isle of Skye before crossing the famous Skye Bridge, which links Skye to the Kyle of Lochalsh. At Kyle of Lochalsh we board the late afternoon service train to Inverness along one of Europe’s most scenic lines. Running alongside

Loch Carron, enjoying superb views of the Loch and mountains, we pass through forests and beside delightful lakes before arriving in Inverness around 19:00. We transfer to our hotel which will be our base for 3 nights. Dinner will be served at our hotel. (B D) Saturday 9th July The Far North Breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant before we depart by coach to Dunrobin Castle. Here a piper will greet us and lead us to the castle perched high above the seashore. A tour of the castle and its grounds, with a falconry display, awaits us before we enjoy a light lunch. We rejoin our coach and continue northbound to John o’Groats with its tiny harbour and views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkneys. We visit the Castle of Mey before continuing on board our coach to Thurso Station. Here we join our ScotRail service train to Inverness. The railway takes a different route to the road, so you’ll enjoy a fresh perspective on the region’s wonderful scenery. On arrival at Inverness we transfer back to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Sunday 10th July The Strathspey and Keith & Dufftown Railways Our coach takes us to Aviemore where we join a steam hauled train on the Strathspey Railway to Broomhill and back. Our steam locomotive will UK Tours - The Summer Highlander

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take us slowly through the countryside, with the Cairngorm Mountains in view; an area famous for its stunning natural beauty. On arriving back at Aviemore, our coach takes us to Dufftown where lunch will be served in the Buffer Stop, a railway restaurant car. The Keith and Dufftown Railway, also known as The Whisky Line, runs for eleven miles through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery with forest, farmland and distilleries. We make the return trip in a vintage diesel multiple unit. To wind up the day, we have a visit to a traditional Highland whisky distillery before returning to our hotel in Inverness. (B L D) Monday 11th July The Highland Chieftain back to London The Highland Chieftain leaves Inverness at 07:55.

We have first class seats, and we will be served a hearty Scottish breakfast as we pass through the Highlands, a wonderful experience. Our train continues through Perth, Edinburgh and Newcastle back to York and London arriving in Kings Cross just before 16:00. A three-course lunch will also be served on our journey south.

(B L)

Approximate timings London King’s Cross Peterborough York Aviemore Inverness *Change at York

Depart 12:00 12:47 13:58 19:29 -------

Return 15:50 15:45* 13:52 ------- 07:55

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

Please note: Although The Railway Touring Company makes every effort to ensure that its trips run to schedule, all times above are approximate and subject to change without prior notice.

£855 £170

Price includes: • First class rail travel in the Highland Chieftain and on the Jacobite Steam train • Standard class rail travel between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness and between Thurso and Inverness (First Class not provided on these trains) • 4 nights accommodation in a twin, double or single room • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners (1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner will be served on the train, other breakfasts and dinners will be served in the hotels.)

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Snowdonia and the Northern Fells Friday 5th to Thursday 11th August 2011 and Friday 19th to Thursday 25th August 2011 This wonderful steam tour to Cumbria and around North Wales features four main line steam runs. We experience the magnificent Cumbrian Mountain Express, the exciting North Wales Coast Express, The Cambrian and The Welsh Mountaineer. As an extra highlight, we will travel over the railway wonder of the 21st Century, the rebuilt Welsh Highland Railway. We also travel on the Ffestiniog, Llangollen and Welshpool and Llanfair Railways. All in all a steam epic! With limited spaces available, we recommend early booking to secure a place.

Friday Explore Liverpool We meet at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Liverpool, located opposite Lime Street Station, which will be our base for two nights. Arrive at your leisure giving you time, if you wish, to explore this fine city. Dinner and overnight accommodation is at the Holiday Inn Hotel. (D) Saturday Cumbrian Mountain Express Today we join our steam charter train the ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’ at Liverpool Lime Street. We will have an impressive exit from Lime Street Station, hauled by a magnificent Pacific locomotive “Duchess of Sutherland” or “Duke of Gloucester”, and soon afterwards breakfast will be served at our seats. Heading north through Preston, we skirt the Lake District before entering the Lune Valley. Our steam locomotive will be fully extended as we begin our ascent to the summit of Shap Fell. Descending through Penrith North Lakes, we halt at Carlisle for a two hour break.

Leaving Carlisle we join the Settle and Carlisle Railway, climbing up through Langwathby and Culgaith and pausing for water at the market town of Appleby. Spectacular scenery follows as we climb the steep gradient to Ais Gill summit and pass through Dent Dale, with the Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent dominating the landscape. Twenty major viaducts and fourteen tunnels culminate in the magnificent

24 arch Ribblehead Viaduct. As we continue back to Liverpool Lime Street, we enjoy a four course dinner, silver-served at our seats. We stay overnight at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. (B L D) Sunday Steam along the North Wales Coast to Bangor After breakfast we join our special steam hauled ‘North Wales Coast Express’ train at Liverpool Lime Street Station and take our reserved 1st class seats. Hauled by 6201 “Princess Elizabeth”, we take the Liverpool to Manchester Railway route of 1830 before joining the West Coast Main Line to Warrington. On leaving Chester we cross the River Dee and enter Wales, running along the Dee Estuary and then beside the Irish Sea as we pass Prestatyn and Rhyl. This coastline is known for its stunning beaches and, at Colwyn Bay, we have fantastic views of the Great Orme. Running close to the Irish Sea we then pass through several small seaside resorts before arriving at Bangor. We transfer by coach to Penrhyn Castle, a dramatic neo-Norman fantasy built in the early 19th Century for a wealthy Welsh family. It is crammed with fascinating objects, has extensive grounds, and a stable block which contains an industrial railway museum, dolls and model railway museums. Afterwards our coach takes us across Anglesey to Holyhead where we rejoin our steam train for the return journey to Bangor. We transfer by coach to UK Tours - Snowdonia and the Northern Fells

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Caernarfon and check in to our 3-star hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Monday The Snowdon Mountain and Welsh Highland Railways This morning we transfer to Llanberis Station for a steam trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, with its wonderful summit views.

Back in Llanberis there will be some free time to explore this delightful Snowdonian town and take lunch. In the afternoon we take a trip on the newly completed Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, through the magnificent Snowdonia National Park. This fantastic forty mile steam hauled journey, by two foot narrow gauge Garratt locomotives, begins close to Caernarfon Castle, passes through spectacular mountain scenery, Beddgelert, and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass.

We arrive at Porthmadog from where we transfer by coach to our hotel in Llandudno, for dinner and overnight accommodation. If the Welsh Highland Railway has not extended its operations to Porthmadog, we will take you as close as possible by train. (B D) Tuesday A Steam Spectacular up to Blaneau Ffestiniog After breakfast we take a ride on the 3’6” gauge Great Orme Tramway from Llandudno Victoria

Station to Great Orme Summit Station. Afterwards we go to Llandudno Junction Station to join ‘The Welsh Mountaineer’ special steam train to Blaenau Ffestiniog. It will be hauled by a former LMS Black 5 along this incredibly steep branch line, climbing uphill into Snowdonia through Betws-y-Coed and Pont-y-Pant to Blaneau Ffestiniog. There will be over two hours to explore Blaneau Ffestiniog and find lunch before we retrace our steps downhill to Llandudno Junction.

Our steam hauled train continues along the North Wales Coast to Chester where we hope to arrive by 19:00. Dinner and overnight accommodation is at the Queen Hotel Chester. (B D) Wednesday Steam on Standard and Narrow Gauge Heritage Railways After breakfast we leave the Queen Hotel by coach and travel to Llangollen. Here we join a Llangollen Railway steam hauled train to travel along the beautiful Dee Valley to Carrog and back. We continue by coach from Llangollen to the historic market town of Welshpool, where we begin our journey on the picturesque 2’6” gauge Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. We take an enjoyable steam hauled ride through the delightful Banwy Valley to Llanfair Caereinion, and return to Welshpool. We then continue by coach to our hotel in Shrewsbury for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

Thursday The Cambrian We travel from Shrewsbury by service train through Mid Wales over Talerddig summit to Machynlleth. Here we board ‘The Cambrian’ steam hauled train, and head north on the picturesque line along the Cambrian Coast. We pass through Aberdovey and cross the Afon Mawddach Estuary on the wooden Barmouth Bridge where we enjoy magnificent views, en route to Barmouth and Porthmadog. At Porthmadog there will be time to enjoy lunch before we join a steam hauled train on the Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau Ffestiniog. From here we return to Liverpool by coach, calling at Chester Station on the way for the convenience of customers who may wish to catch a train there for their homeward journey. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1155 £185

Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels • 6 dinners and 1 lunch • All seat reservations and coach transfers • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner August 2011 M

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The West Highlander Steam Express Friday 9th September to Monday 12th September 2011 Join us for an exhilarating four day tour around the Western Highlands of Scotland on our own exclusive steam hauled chartered train, featuring four different steam locomotives. The tour begins in Crewe and picks up further passengers at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria, Bolton, and Preston where there are good connections from London, Birmingham, The Midlands and the North of England.

Our train will be hauled by an LMS Royal Scot class, two “Black 5’s”, and an LNER K1 class steam locomotives. It offers the option of travel in Premier Class, with a full meal service served at your seat, First Class or Standard Class. A buffet car will be included in the train.

Friday 9th September A Royal Scot from Preston to Glasgow Our train will be diesel-hauled from Crewe and call to pick up more passengers at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Victoria, Bolton, and Preston, where passengers from other parts of the country can join the train by connecting services. We leave Preston hauled by steam locomotive No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” and head north, passing through Lancaster. After Oxenholme Lake District, the gradient begins to increase and our steam locomotive will begin to work hard as we climb up to Grayrigg Summit.

We pass through the scenic Lune Gorge and Tebay before commencing our assault on the dramatic Shap Fell, a major obstacle in the days of steam. On arrival at Carlisle there will be a break while our steam locomotive is serviced.

We cross the border into Scotland at Gretna and, after Lockerbie, face a formidable climb up to Beattock Summit. The route then drops down through undulating countryside to Carstairs and Glasgow Central Station. We transfer to Glasgow hotels for overnight accommodation.

Saturday 10th September The Spectacular West Highland Line to Mallaig We transfer to Glasgow Central Station for an early departure, at around 07:00. Today, our

special train will be hauled by two “Black 5” steam locomotives for the journey to Fort William.

We travel around the outskirts of Glasgow towards the West Highland Line. We shall soon be passing within sight of the famous River Clyde between Dalmuir, Dumbarton, and Craigendoran.

After a brief stop at Arrochar Station we witness the tranquil beauty of Loch Lomond. We leave Crainlarich, where the Oban line branches off, and head for the wild and desolate Rannoch Moor. We pass by Loch Treig and through the amazing Monessie Gorge. The highest mountain in Scotland at 4,418ft, Ben Nevis, comes into view as we approach Fort William around lunchtime.

Here we have a short break and a different steam locomotive, K1 class No. 62005, comes on to our train for the journey to Mallaig and back.

We cross the impressive Caledonian Canal at Banavie and run beside Loch Linnhe. The splendid curved Glenfinnan Viaduct is a masterpiece of engineering famous in its own right but given greater prominence recently through the Harry Potter films. Take the opportunity to photograph it, it’s a fabulous sight. We are travelling through some of the most breathtaking scenery that Scotland has to offer. The beautiful colours of the glens and lochs stand out in contrast against the sombre tones of the mountains. There are views of the Atlantic Ocean and distant islands before we arrive at Mallaig. Here we UK Tours - The West Highlander Steam Express

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have a break and an opportunity to explore this fishing and ferry port, to take a leisurely stroll to sample the bracing sea air, to spend some time shopping, or enjoying the excellent traditional fish and chips! We return to Fort William, make our way to our hotels for overnight accommodation and maybe ‘a wee dram or two’!

Sunday 11th September Fort William, Oban and Glasgow At 10:00, after a hearty traditional Scottish breakfast, we leave Fort William, steam hauled by our two class 5 (Black 5’s”) 4-6-0 locomotives.

Climbing out of Fort William through the spectacular scenery of the Monessie Gorge, we pass Roy Bridge, and then tackle the steepest part of the climb up to Corrour, the second highest summit on British railways. We cross Rannoch Moor and continue through Tyndrum Upper to Crainlarich where our locos take on water and ‘run round’ our train. We set off for Oban, passing through Tyndrum Lower and continuing through the magnificent scenery of Loch Awe and the Falls of Cruachan. Soon after passing Taynuilt we arrive at the terminus of the line, Oban, where there will be a break for lunch. As soon as we leave Oban we begin an awesome climb where our “Black 5’s” will be working flat out to reach the summit. We begin our descent to Connel Ferry and Taynuilt, retracing our route

to Crainlarich, where our locomotives stop for water. We face another stiff climb up to Glen Douglas before reaching Garelochhead where we change locomotives. We are diesel-hauled for the descent to Helensburgh and the Clyde Valley and the onward journey to Glasgow Central.

Monday 12th September Journey Home We depart Glasgow Central at 09:30 hauled

by No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” travelling by the Glasgow and South Western route through Paisley and Dalry to Newton on Ayr. Here we take the freight only line to Mauchline Junction where we join the Glasgow and South Western Main Line. We continue through Kirkconnel, Dumfries and Gretna to Carlisle. We continue steam hauled climbing up to Shap summit, and then descend to pass through Carnforth and Lancaster en route to Preston. At Preston a diesel locomotive takes over our train for the rest of the journey to Crewe via Bolton, Manchester Victoria, Stockport and Wilmslow.

The locomotives: The West Highlander Steam Express will be hauled in turn by four different steam locomotives.

LMS Royal Scot Class 4-6-0 No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” Preston – Glasgow and return Glasgow – Preston 2 x LMS ‘Black 5’ Class 4-6-0 Glasgow – Fort William – Oban – Glasgow LNER K1 Class 2-6-0 No. 62005 Fort William – Mallaig – Fort William

Approximate Timings Friday 9th September Crewe Wilmslow Stockport Manchester Victoria Bolton Preston Glasgow Central

07:00 07:20 07:30 08:10 09:30 10:20 17:55

Saturday 10th September Glasgow Central 06:30 Crainlarich 10:35 Fort William 12:50 – 13:15 Mallaig 15:00 – 17:00 Fort William 18:50 Sunday 11th September Fort William 09:00 Crainlarich 12:00 – 12:30 Oban 14:00 – 15:00 Crainlarich 16:30 Glasgow Central 19:30 Monday 12th September Glasgow Central Preston Bolton Manchester Victoria Stockport Wilmslow Crewe

09:30 16:00 16:40 17:00 17:20 17:30 18:00

Tour Summary Price per person Premier Class First Class Standard Class

£835 £635 £475

Premier Class price includes: • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Glasgow and Fort William • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners silver served at your seat on the train • First class accommodation on the train Single supplement £90.00 Table for two supplement £50.00 per person First Class price includes • 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in Glasgow and Fort William • Dinner in Fort William • First class accommodation on the train Single supplement £ 90.00 Table for two supplement £50.00 per person Standard Class price includes

Bob Green

• 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in Glasgow and Fort William • Dinner in Fort William • Standard class accommodation on the train Single supplement £69.00 Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner September 2011

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Snow, Ice and Steam in the Balkans Saturday 5th March to Saturday 12th March 2011 This new tour gives customers the opportunity to travel through some of the most scenic and mountainous areas of Bulgaria and Northern Greece.

We expect there to be a reasonable amount of snow in Bulgaria particularly in the Bansko area, terminus of the narrow gauge railway line from Septemvri.

This tour will also see the first trains hauled by newly restored German Pacific 05.01.

Saturday 5th March Sofia Our flight with British Airways takes us direct from London Heathrow, departing approximately 08:00 to Sofia arriving about 13:00, where we check into our 4-star hotel. In the afternoon, we have arranged a city tour and a tram ride.

Dinner is at our hotel. (D) Sunday 6th March Steam Train to Velingrad We depart Sofia hauled by a 4-6-2 steam locomotive No. 05.01 and head for Septemvri.

A light lunch will be served in the restaurant car on the train. At Septemvri we transfer to our special narrow gauge train hauled by a very large 2-10-4 tank locomotive No. 609.76. Our climb into the mountains takes us through dramatic gorges with fast flowing rivers, before arriving at Velingrad, a winter sports resort high in the mountains. On arrival we transfer to the Hotel Velingrad for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Monday 7th March To Dobrinishte We rejoin our steam hauled train at Velingrad Station. On departure No. 609.76 will be working hard as we climb through the magnificent scenery of the snow covered Rila Mountains. Along the way we pass through the highest station in the Balkans (Avramavo 1627 metres), eventually

arriving at Bansko and then Dobrinishte later in the afternoon. We will have a picnic lunch en route. Bansko, a major tourist resort, stands in a beautiful spot in the Pirin Mountains. We return to Velingrad by coach to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Tuesday 8th March Steam through the Balkan Mountain Range After breakfast we return to Septemvri by coach where our special steam hauled charter train will be waiting for us, hauled by Pacific No. 05.01.

Our locomotive hauls us via Plovdiv and Dolna Mahala to Karlovo. We continue steam hauled by 05.01 through Kilsura and Pirdop. The line runs along a valley between the Stredna Gora and Stara Planina Balkan Mountain Ranges, and is very scenic, with potentially awesome winter landscape. We steam into Sofia Station and transfer by coach to our 4-star hotel in Sofia.

(B L D) Wednesday 9th March Steam south from Sofia towards Greece After breakfast we transfer to Sofia Station where we board our special steam train hauled by a 16 class 2-10-0. We travel out via the mountain line through Pernik before taking the steeply graded Gyueshevo branch at Radomir.

We hope for some spirited run pasts before we arrive at Gyueshevo. We return to Radomir where Mikado No. 01.23 takes over for our southbound European Tours - Snow, Ice and Steam in the Balkans

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run through Dupnitsa and Strumjand to Sandanski. On arrival at Sandanski we check into the 4-star Inter Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Thursday 10th March Crossing the Greek Border by Steam and on to Volos After breakfast we rejoin our train hauled by the 01 Mikado and we continue south to Kulata where we go through customs and immigration formalities before entering Greece (as both countries are EU members that should be much easier than in the past). We continue south into Greece through Strymonas and Doirani to Thessaloniki. On arrival we have arranged a city tour or a visit to the locomotive depot and the dumped steam locomotives. Dinner and overnight accommodation are in a 4-star hotel in Thessaloniki. (B L D) Friday 11th March Steam Train to Sofia After breakfast we transfer by coach to Thessaloniki where we board our special steam charter back to Sofia hauled by Mikado 01.23.

The northbound journey is steeply graded in parts. We take the mainline throughout arriving into Sofia by early evening. (B D)

Saturday 12th March Return to UK After breakfast there will be free time to explore Sofia. At around 12:00 we transfer from our hotel to Sofia Airport for our return flight to London Heathrow. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1975 £260

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Alpine Adriatic Express to Split Friday 1st April to Monday 11th April 2011 This tour provides an opportunity for a one-off journey by special train through Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. It includes sightseeing tours of Lubljana, Split, and Zagreb together with visits to the Postojna Caves, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Krka Waterfalls.

We travel in reserved 1st Class seats (4 persons in a compartment) on the IGE Nostalgic special train “Alpine Adriatic Express” to Split and back.

Friday 1st April London to Nuremberg We have a morning departure by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels for our onward train journey to Nuremberg, where we transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation. The evening meal is not included this evening providing an opportunity to dine out in the city of Nuremberg. (L) Saturday 2nd April Alpine Adriatic Express through Austria After breakfast we join the 1960’s Special Nostalgic Train “Alpine Adriatic Express”. We travel southwards through Germany stopping at various points en route to Salzburg, Austria. We continue through Austria crossing the Alps by the fascinating Tauernbahn, a mountain line with an 8.5 km (5.5 miles) summit tunnel, into Carinthia, the southernmost Austrian state. In the evening the train arrives at Villach, a lively city on the River Drava (Drau) which has retained its historic character. We stay overnight at the Holiday Inn. (B) Sunday 3rd April

By Train to Llubljana, Slovenia We have the luxury of travelling without our luggage for the rest of the journey as it will be transferred directly to our hotels. After breakfast, we continue on our special Nostalgic Train through the Karawanken Tunnel where we cross

the border into Slovenia. We pass through the Valley of the River Sava before arriving in Llubljana, the capital of Slovenia. We have a guided tour of the city which is dominated by its castle, and well known for its art and architecture, especially its central square and Dragon Bridge. There is an optional visit to the Slovenian Railway Museum, which includes a collection of more than 60 steam locomotives.

Dinner and overnight accommodation is at the 5-star Lev Hotel in Llubljana. (B D) Monday 4th April Postojna Caves; Adriatic Sea at Opatija, Croatia After breakfast, we transfer by coach to Llubljana railway station where we board our Nostalgic Train to continue our journey towards KarstGebirge. The most remarkable original structure along the route is the curved Jelenov Viaduct in the Borovnici area. We break our journey in Postonja to visit the longest publicly accessible cave system in the world. We take an electric narrow gauge train into the Postojna Caves to see the stalactites and an aquarium containing olms, the largest trogloditic amphibian in the world. We rejoin our train for the journey over the Karst Hills towards Pivka, and cross the Croatian border before Sapjane. We begin the fascinating descent to sea level with magnificent views over the Gulf of Kvarner. Later in the afternoon, we arrive at the Adriatic seaside resort of Opatija. Here we European Tours - Alpine Adriatic Express to Split

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transfer by coach to the 5-star Hotel Amabassador for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Tuesday 5th April By train through the Mountains to Split Today, we travel by coach along the coast to Rijeka, the principal sea port of Croatia. We join our special train and once it leaves Rijeka Station it begins climbing into the mountains, using numerous loops, from where there are wonderful views of the city of Rijeka and the Adriatic Sea. The route follows the River Dobra and eventually reaches Ogulin Junction. There is a marked change in the landscape with fir and oak trees in the wooded Karst area. We break our journey at Vrhovine and travel by coach to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and considered to be one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe. Here we enjoy an extensive coach tour of the park which is world famous for its lakes, as well as its unique flora and fauna. We return to our train and continue our journey in a southerly direction travelling through Lika, a mountainous region in central Croatia. The Karst landscape is both impressive and varied. In the evening we arrive at Split, on the Adriatic Coast, and transfer by coach to the 5-star Atrium Hotel for dinner and three nights accommodation. (B D)

Wednesday 6th April Exploring Split & Trogir After breakfast, we have a sightseeing tour of the ancient city of Split; its historic centre is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Split is famous for Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman Emperor, and the world’s most complete remains of a Roman palace. There will also be free time to discover the long sea-side promenade, or visit the cathedral, a museum or gallery. In the afternoon, our coach takes us to the historic Adriatic town of Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in all of Central Europe. It is situated on a small island and its medieval core, surrounded by walls, comprises a preserved castle, tower and a series of dwellings and palaces. We return to Split by coach for overnight accommodation at our hotel.

(B) Thursday 7th April Historic Sibenik & Krka Waterfalls Today we enjoy excursions to two unique sights in Croatia. Firstly, we travel by road coach along the Adriatic Coast to the historic town of Sibenik, noted for its Mediterranean climate. Here the most notable building is the domed St James Cathedral, Croatia’s most important architectural monument of the Renaissance. Secondly, we travel inland to the famous Krka National Park, named after the river Krka that flows through it.

In an area 400 metres in length there are 17 waterfalls including Skradinski buk, a massive, clear, natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other. Inside the park is the island of Visovac, home to the Franciscan Visovac Monastery founded in 1445. We return to Split for dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.

(B D) Friday 8th April Zagreb In the morning we transfer by coach to Split railway station where we rejoin our special Nostalgic Train. We leave the Adriatic Coast and once again pass through the Karst landscape heading towards Perkovic, Gospic and Knin, an important railway junction. We continue through Ostarje and Karlovac before reaching the Croatian capital city of Zagreb. The city lies on both sides of the River Sava at the foot of the Medvednica mountain range. We arrive during the afternoon and have a guided tour of the city. There is an optional visit to the National Technical Museum with its historical railway section. Tonight we stay at the 5-star Westin Starwood Hotel where we have dinner. (B D)

Saturday 9th April Zagreb to Graz We transfer by coach to Zagreb Station to continue our journey with our special Nostalgic Train. We cross the border into Slovenia near Dobovava, an international railway border crossing, and pass through the valley of the Sava towards Zidani Most, an important railway junction. We continue through Celje, where the castle stands on three hills above the River Savinja to the south-east. We head towards Maribor, where we cross the River Drava. In Spielfeld– Strass, we change locomotives and then cross the border into Austria. During the afternoon we arrive in Graz, the second-largest city in Austria and capital of the state of Styria. From the station we transfer by coach to the 4-star Wiesler/Weitzer Hotel for overnight accommodation. There is a splendid view of the city from the historic Old Town and Schlossberg (castle), which are not far from our hotel. (B) Sunday 10th April Return to Germany Today, we continue our return journey with our special Nostalgic Train travelling along the valley of the River Mur from Graz to Bruck an der Mur and Leoben. We cross the Eisenerzer Alps by the Schober Pass and pass through the Bosruck Tunnel, which lies beneath the Pyrhn Pass. We then travel through the Kalkalpen National Park, the largest protected forest area in Austria, before arriving at Wels in northern Austria. From Wels, we travel over the Western Railway to Salzburg, then cross the border into Germany. We travel northwards through Germany to Nuremberg where we transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation. (B) Monday 11th April Return to the UK After breakfast we leave Nuremberg by train for the return journey to Brussels and onwards by Eurostar to London St Pancras. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£2695 £345

Price includes: • Eurostar and first class rail travel to and from Nuremberg • First class accommodation aboard the IGE special nostalgic train • 10 nights bed and breakfast accommodation • 5 dinners • Visit to the Postojna Caves • Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka Waterfalls • Luggage transfer between hotels from 3rd April – 9th April • All necessary coach transfers • The services of a Railway Touring Company tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner April 2011 M

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Steam in Tuscany Sunday 10th April to Sunday 17th April 2011 Europe is indebted to Tuscany for its extraordinary contribution to our culture. So why not join us for a visually stunning tour across some of Italy’s most artistic regions and, of course, travel along some of Tuscany’s many delightful railways? Our tour begins on a superb steam hauled special in Rimini. We also visit the historic towns of Florence, Sienna, Pisa and La Spezia. Florence is one of the highlights of the tour, taking in world famous sights including the Duomo, the Uffizi Art Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.

Sunday 10th April Flight to Bologna We take a direct flight from London to Bologna.

On arrival we transfer to an InterCity train for Rimini, then check into a comfortable, luxurious 4-star hotel. Dinner will be served this evening in the hotel restaurant. (D)

You’ll be free all afternoon and evening to explore medieval Florence and find a good restaurant for dinner. The Galleria dell’Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David, is within easy reach as is the Uffizi Art Gallery and the church of Santa Croce, final resting place of Galileo and Machiavelli. (B)

Monday 11th April Steam Special from Rimini to Florence At Rimini Station we join our special train for Florence, where the arrival of our steam locomotive always causes a stir! This time we’re hauled by a 2-8-0 Crosti boilered engine of class 741. We speed along the main line to Faenza, taking the scenic route through mountains and over spectacular viaducts. During this exciting journey we’ll stop for photographs as well as breaking the journey for lunch in a good local restaurant. Arriving at Florence, we transfer to a 4-star hotel for two nights. (B L D)

Wednesday 13th April Steam Charter Florence to Sienna We return to Florence’s Santa Maria Station to board our train, this time hauled by an Italian 2-6-0 class 625 steam locomotive travelling through superb Tuscan scenery heading for Sienna. From Sienna we travel to San Gimignano, a small fourteenth century fortified town, by coach for lunch in a traditional restaurant serving specialist dishes of the region, plus good Tuscan wine! After lunch we continue by coach to Sienna, where we stay for two nights. (B L D)

Tuesday 12th April A Wonderful Day in Florence We’ve arranged a morning city sightseeing tour with an expert local guide. Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, was the focus of artistic creativity for some of the world’s greatest talents.

We’ll see the main attractions of this wonderful city; the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo.

Thursday 14th April Steam Charter around Tuscany Today we rejoin our special vintage train, hauled by 2-6-0 No. 625-100, for a circular tour through Tuscany. Heading south from Sienna, we pass through Monteroni d’Arbia, Asciano, Monte Amiata and Monte Antico, through rolling vine covered hills and woodland.

We’ll enjoy lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant

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before returning to Sienna via the lovely medieval towns of Murlo and Monteroni d’Arbia. (B L D) Friday 15th April Tour Sienna and arrive at Pisa Sienna is one of the prettiest cities in Italy, so there’s plenty to see. After a morning city tour of Sienna we have lunch in a good local restaurant, then in the afternoon we transfer by coach to Pisa. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in Pisa for two nights. (B L D)

John Turnock

Saturday 16th April Steam through the Tuscan Hills to La Spezia Our locomotive today is one of the last surviving serviceable express passenger 685 class 2-6-2 locomotives. Leaving Pisa after breakfast we head north eastwards to Lucca, joining a picturesque route through the Tuscan Hills to La Spezia.

This line is not used much so we’ll be able to stop and take pictures of the train on the move.

We’ll stop in La Spezia for a tasty Italian lunch before returning to Pisa on board the regular service train travelling along the sea line. (B L D)

Sunday 17th April Visit Pisa’s Leaning Tower and return to UK On our final morning we’ll enjoy an exciting city tour of Pisa including the famous leaning tower and magnificent Duomo. We lunch in a city restaurant before transferring to Pisa Airport for a mid-afternoon flight back to London. (B L)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1840 £245

Price includes: • Flights London to Italy and return • 7 nights accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels • 7 breakfasts • 6 lunches (wine included) • 6 dinners (wine included) • All train travel and transfers • All tours mentioned in the programme • The use of local guides for city tours • The services of a tour manager • Coach at our disposal for the whole trip to effect luggage transfers etc Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner April 2011 M

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Robin Patrick

The Bohemian Steam Safari Friday 15th April to Friday 22nd April 2011 Come with us and enjoy Central Europe during the spring time, as we explore the rich culture and fascinating steam heritage of the Czech Republic. This brand new tour offers an exciting combination of diverse steam locomotives on unusual branch lines; rarely visited regions full of natural beauty and rural charm; and all the class and grandeur of the world famous city of Prague. All our steam trains are exclusive charters and will feature haulage by some of the country´s most remarkable locomotives. Railway highlights include haulage by the 4-8-2 steam giant No. 475.111; steam over the steep gradients of the “Prague Semmering”; and the unique 0-10-0 No. U57.001on the Osoblaha narrow gauge line in Silesia. Scenic highlights include the hilly countryside of the Eagle Mountains; the Vltava Valley; and the Rococo castle at Dobris. This trip will excite and delight regular visitors to the Czech Republic as much as casual newcomers.

Friday 15th April Arrival in Prague Our morning flight from London to Prague arrives in the Czech capital city around mid-day.

We check in to the elegant four-star Hotel Century, located in the heart of the extensive ‘old town’. It is situated in the same historic building where the renowned writer Franz Kafka once worked as an insurance clerk in the early 20th Century. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore the city and discover its spectacular sights.

Saturday 16th April Steam in West Bohemia with 475.111 We travel by service train from Prague´s distinctive Art Nouveau station to Pilsen in West Bohemia. There the massive, yet elegant, postwar “Mountain” steam locomotive No. 475.111 waits to take us on our first exclusive steam charter train journey. We travel northwards on the line to Blatno, Lubenec and Chyse. In Chyse we visit the local castle brewery for lunch and refreshments. After the steam locomotive has taken water we continue along the nearby branch line, closed to passenger traffic since the late 1990’s, to Bochov. There will be ample opportunity for line-side photography to capture the majesty of the mighty No. 475.111. We

return by steam from Bochov to Pilsen where we catch a service train back to Prague. (B L) Sunday 17th April Steam over the Prague Semmering and on to Beroun Today we make a noteworthy steam journey from Prague. We depart from the urban Smichov Station in our specially chartered train travelling over the steep gradients and spectacular stonearched viaducts of the Prague Semmering.

This impressively engineered “mountain line” dates from 1872 and is located entirely within the city limits. At the head of our train is steam locomotive No. 213.902, as such an 0-4-0T industrial tank engine, but so large and bulky that it could easily be mistaken for a heavy 2-62. Indeed the post-war Czechoslovak class 213 represents one of the largest and most modern industrial tank engines ever built in Europe.

Beyond the Semmering our route takes us to Hostivice, and then on the rarely used connecting line to Rudna u Prahy. From there we continue westwards to the junction at Beroun where we pause for lunch and visit the local micro-brewery adjacent to the station. In the afternoon we take the remote line back to Praha-Smichov via Rudna u Prahy. We run under the arched bridges of the Prague Semmering which we European Tours - The Bohemian Steam Safari

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steamed over previously. The evening is free to enjoy the old town of Prague and to choose your own dinner at one of the excellent restaurants immediately adjacent to the hotel. (B L) Monday 18th April Steam through the Vltava Valley and to the Rococo Chateau at Dobris We spend another day in the Central Bohemian region around Prague. Today, steam locomotive No. 213.902 hauls our train from Praha-Smichov and through the Vltava Valley southwards to Dobris. We stop to photograph the train at the river crossing near Vrane, where the massive steel bridge is particularly photogenic. As on the previous day, our train includes a hospitable bar car which serves beer and other refreshments.

On arrival at Dobris Station we transfer to the nearby Rococo chateau, one of the loveliest such sites anywhere in Europe. We have lunch at the castle restaurant and later take a stroll through the courtyard and French garden. After lunch, we rejoin our train, hauled by our trusty tank engine, for the return journey to Prague. En route, there will be further photo’ run-past opportunities. (B L) Tuesday 19th April Hradec Kralove and North-east Bohemia After a leisurely breakfast we transfer by coach

from Prague to Hradec Kralove in northern Bohemia. This elegant city, located on the banks of the Labe (Elbe) River, features stylish riverside quays and parks, an extensive ‘old town’, and a vibrant architectural legacy from the early 20th Century. We stay at the four-star Hotel Tereziansky Dvur. After check-in we have a group lunch at the hotel.

The rest of the afternoon is free for exploring the city. Dinner is at the hotel. (B L D) Wednesday 20th April Steam in North-east Bohemia and along the Eagle Mountains Today we experience one of the highlights of the tour as we have specially chartered the massive 1930’s built 4-8-4T tank engine No. 464.008 to haul our train. This steam locomotive did not operate for many years but was returned to service in 2010. Our journey is from Hradec Kralove, through the plains of northern Bohemia and along the foothills of the Eagle Mountains, to the quaint town of Letohrad. In Letohrad we have lunch in the restaurant of the local Museum of Crafts, which impresses with its authentic atmosphere and fully restored 18th Century architecture. After the locomotive has taken water we return to Hradec Kralove, but this time take a different route via Usti nad Orlici and Chocen. We join the country’s busiest railway corridor for a sustained stretch of fast main line running before turning off to Tyniste and returning to Hradec. Evening dinner is served at the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Thursday 21st April Narrow Gauge Steam in Silesia For the final day of steam trains, we have a real treat as well as an RTC first. We journey to the Czech Republic’s most remote narrow gauge line and travel steam hauled behind the largest 760mm gauge steam locomotive in the world! Our coach takes us on a scenic drive through the Jeseniky Mountains to one of the most outlying regions of Moravian Silesia, situated on the frontier with Poland. In Tremesna ve Slezsku we board our specially chartered steam train, with the 0-10-0 blue giant No. U57.001, to travel the entire length of the line to Osoblaha. En route we pass through a sparsely populated landscape dominated by open fields and a vast horizon. As there is little traffic on this line, there will be plenty of opportunities to get out and film the passing train. During the return journey, we stop for lunch at a typical countryside restaurant in Bohusov. Following our return to Tremesna, the coach takes us back to Hradec Kralove, where dinner will once again be served at the hotel. (B L D) Friday 22nd April Back to Prague and return to London After a relaxed breakfast, we transfer to Prague airport by coach. There will be an early afternoon flight back to London. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1595 £195

Price includes: • Return flights from London to Prague • 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 6 lunches and 3 dinners • All special steam charter trains as mentioned in the intinerary • All visits as detailed in the tour intinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner April 2011 M

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Robin Patrick

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The Swiss Steam Safari Wednesday 11th May to Wednesday 18th May 2011 Come and explore Switzerland with us on this completely new tour, featuring several of the country’s classic highlights as well as its best kept secrets! We experience steam on land and on water, venturing to world famous sites like Lucerne, while also discovering enchanting and less known rural regions “off the beaten track”. We travel steam hauled on the country’s only 750mm gauge railway, join the festive parade of 5 restored paddle steamers amidst the stunning Alpine scenery of Lake Lucerne, and visit both narrow gauge and standard gauge rarely travelled lines in French-speaking Switzerland. Best of all, our tour programme also includes haulage behind one of Europe’s largest steam locomotives, the French-built De Glehn compound 241 A 65, which we take on an exclusive charter over freightonly tracks in northern Switzerland. Besides all this we will stay in the sophisticated Swiss cities of Basel and Lausanne in elegant 4-star hotels that are themselves icons of Switzerland’s legendary hospitality.

Wednesday 11th May Eurostar to Paris and on to Basel We travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du-Nord. There we transfer by coach to Paris Gare de l’Est for the service train to Basel. In Basel we check into the splendid Hotel Victoria, which is conveniently located opposite the railway station. Dinner will be served at the hotel after arrival. (D) Thursday 12th May Steam on the Waldenburg Railway Today we visit Switzerland’s only 750mm gauge railway and travel in our own privately chartered steam train. We take a regular service train from Basel to nearby Waldenburg, a sleepy little village quietly nestled in the foothills of the Jura Mountains. Our steam train, with the vintage 1902 SLM-built locomotive “Gedeon Thommen”, then takes us down the entire narrow gauge line to Liestal, and back to Waldenburg. En route there will be opportunities for line side photography. A delightful buffet of cold regional cheese and meat specialties is served as a lunchtime snack onboard the train. Following our steam excursion we return by service train to Basel where there will be some free time to relax during the late afternoon. We have specially

chartered a 1914 vintage tram, one of Basel’s oldest, for an evening scenic sight seeing and dining trip. Dinner will be served in the elegantly adapted tram while we cover the highlights of the city’s urban transport network. (B L D) Friday 13th May Giant Steam Locomotive through Northern Switzerland Today we have a change from the small sized steam train of yesterday, to really, really big steam! We have an exclusive charter with the rarely used former SNCF 4-8-2 giant steam locomotive 241 A 65, Europe’s largest locomotive still fired by hand. The 1931-built De Glehn compound locomotive is also the only surviving member of its class in operational condition. Our journey with 241 A 65 begins in Basel from where we head eastwards along the Rhine to Laufenburg. We take the freight-only line to Koblenz via Full, and then continue southeastwards to Bülach and Glattbrugg. We bypass Zürich to the north and then turn westwards heading back to Basel via Baden, Brugg and Rheinfelden. We will have completed a giant loop of several hundred kilometres during the day. Our train features two comfortable bar cars which will provide plenty of onboard refreshments, and a European Tours - The Swiss Steam Safari

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lunch-time snack during the course of the journey.

On arrival back in Basel the evening is free to explore the city. (B L) Saturday 14th May Paddle Steamer Parade on Lake Lucerne Today we experience one of Switzerland’s most impressive steam spectacles and one that only takes place irregularly, about every 5 to 6 years, namely a steamboat parade on Lake Lucerne! The reason for the celebratory parade on this occasion is the return to service of the 1902-built paddle steamer “Unterwalden” following extensive refurbishment. We have tickets aboard the “Unterwalden” itself and can witness the perfectly choreographed ballet of the 5 lake steamers in alternating nautical formations. The Lake Lucerne captains pull out all the stops as we are treated to a hugely entertaining event, all set amidst the dramatic back-drop of Central Switzerland’s high Alps. While on board the steamer, a visit to the immaculately restored dining saloon, complete with its neo-Baroque décor, is a must. Our paddle steamer also provides the ideal platform for photographers to record all the action! After the steamer parade there will be three hours free to enjoy the city of Lucerne and explore the sights and scenes of its

Bobtown, Green old such as the world famous wooden Chapel Bridge. Later in the evening we return by service train to Basel. (B)

Sunday 15th May

By Steam to the Land of Gruyere We travel by service train from Basel to Bern where we join our specially chartered steam train.

It will be hauled by an impressive steam locomotive, Switzerland´s largest tank engine, the formidable 2-6-2 “high speed” tank No. 5810.

We take the route from Bern via Fribourg and Romont to Bulle. This lesser known medieval town is situated in the heart of the hilly Gruyere countryside, home of many castles and one of Switzerland´s most famous cheeses. The railway highlight of the day is the sustained main line running from Bern to Romont and then our coverage of the very rare branch line from Romont to Bulle. The line runs through lots of green pastures with grazing cows, all the while providing magnificent views of the towering Fribourg and Vaudois Alps. In Bulle there is time to visit the historic town centre and the ancient castle. Our exclusive charter train includes a bar car, which will serve us a light snack for lunch.

After the break in Bulle we steam back to Romont, where we change onto a service train to Lausanne, but not before watching the departure of the steam train. In Lausanne we check into the gorgeous Hotel Mirabeau, where dinner will be served. (B L D) Monday 16th May Narrow Gauge Steam and Lake Geneva In the morning we discover one of Switzerland´s best kept railway secrets, the remarkably scenic and absolutely idyllic Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher (LEB) narrow gauge railway line between the lake-side metropolis of Lausanne and the farming village of Bercher. We travel in our own privately chartered steam train, with LEB’s vintage carriages, from the suburban station at Cheseaux to the end of the line at Bercher. The train will feature a small bar car in which a delicious selection of regional cheeses, breads and meats will be served as a lunch-time snack.

The route traverses the “bread basket” of Canton Vaud and one of the lesser known regions of Romandy, the French speaking part of Switzerland. Its rolling hills and gentle fields make it all the more romantic! After the steam train has returned to Cheseaux, we head back to Lausanne and from there catch a service train to Nyon. Here we board the majestic Lake Geneva paddle steamer “Savoie” for a cruise along the Swiss and French shoreline to Geneva. During the cruise we will have fabulous views of Geneva´s “water jet” landmark and the high peaks of the French Alps, including snow covered Mont Blanc. From Geneva we take the train back to Lausanne, where the remainder of the evening will be free to explore and try one of the city’s excellent restaurants.

(B L) Tuesday 17th May Steam in the Vallee de Joux For the last formal day of our tour we head to one of Switzerland’s most remote and isolated valleys, the Vallee de Joux in the Jura Mountains, close to the French frontier. This high-plateau valley is dominated by the lake, Lac de Joux. It has a standard gauge branch line that runs from the well known border station at Vallorbe to the little known town of Le Brassus. We will travel along this rarely used line in our own private charter train, steam hauled and with original endplatform carriages. Photographic opportunities will be included. On our return to Lausanne there will be some free time before we have our last group dinner of the tour. (B L D)

Tour Summary First Class (Rail from London) Price per person £1995 Standard Class (Rail from London) Price per person £1845 Ground only (Basel – Basel) Price per person £1695 Single supplement £199 Price includes: • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels • 4 dinners and 5 lunches • All special steam charter trains as mentioned in the intinerary • All visits as detailed in the tour itinerary • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner May 2011

Wednesday 18th May TGV and Eurostar back to London We take the direct TGV from Lausanne to Paris Gare de Lyon. Transfer by coach to Paris Gare du Nord, where we board the Eurostar train to London St. Pancras. (B)

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Sardinia and the Emerald Coast Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd May 2011 and Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd October 2011 D H Lawrence wrote that the Italian island of Sardinia had been left outside of time and history. Sardinia’s spectacular scenery, ancient roots, friendly locals and amazing little railways make this Italian island a truly magical place to visit.

A mountainous place about the size of Wales, Sardinia has a beguiling coastline and inland, narrow gauge railways run for more than 450 miles through beautiful countryside. We travel on privately chartered trains, with steam locomotives wherever possible. The carriages for our trains are usually on display in the Sardinian Railway Museum and date back to the early 1900’s; carriages with polished teak bodies and open end-balconies providing stunning views. Mass tourism has yet to reach Sardinia and it is still unspoiled, but the country’s narrow gauge railways are increasingly under threat. They are not, however, run down. They are fully staffed and well maintained, and the only thing missing is the passengers! Sardinia is such a popular destination that this is our eleventh year touring the island.

Day 1 London to Olbia We board a scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Olbia. We transfer by our road coach to Palau where we check in to the 4-star Hotel Palau. (D) Day 2 Cruising the Emerald Coast After a leisurely breakfast we join our specially chartered boat at Palau harbour. Once wild, this stretch of coastline was developed in the 1950’s as a millionaire’s playground. Now, it is well cared for and kept in pristine condition. We’ll enjoy a day’s cruise, going ashore at the picturesque Maddalena Island for lunch, and then continuing along the Emerald Coast.

We call at Spargi Island along the way and stay long enough to explore the island or swim from the beach. At the end of the day, we return to Palau Harbour and our hotel. (B L D) Day 3 Palau to Alghero by Narrow Gauge Train We board our special vintage train at Palau Station, travelling in style aboard a first class carriage sporting plush velvet seats. We climb into the hills and pass through forests and along

deep valleys en route to the town of Tempio.

The line descends, crossing bridges and viaducts, as it winds its way through pretty rural villages.

It climbs again before we pause at Nulvi for an excellent local feast. We continue our journey to Sassari. We board a service train for our journey to the coast at Alghero where we check in to the 4 star Hotel Calabona. (B L D) Day 4 Bosa to Nouro and Sorgono Today, we enjoy truly magnificent views of the sea as we travel by road coach down the west coast of the island to Bosa. This small town is built on the River Temo and dominated by the hilltop remains of Castello Malaspina, a medieval fortress. There will be time to explore the sights, including the Baroque cathedral with its splendid interior of marble statues and frescos. Later we travel from Bosa Marina inland to Macomer by narrow gauge train. We stop en route at Tresnuraghes where we enjoy a typical Italian lunch in a local restaurant. We rejoin our coach to continue our journey from Macomer to Sorgono. We check in to the Hotel Taloro for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

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Day 5 Steam from Villa Grande to Arbatax After breakfast, we leave Sorgono and head by coach to Villa Grande where we have arranged lunch in a good local open air restaurant.

We then join our special steam hauled narrow gauge train and travel down to the east coast of the island at Arbatax. The line makes the long descent through rugged mountain scenery, with incredible views, eventually reaching the terminus station at the port village of Arbatax.

There is a very short walk from the station to our hotel, the 4-star Arbatasar Hotel. (B L D) Day 6 Steam from the Coast into the Mountains In the morning we take the short walk to Arbatax Station, beside the harbour, to join our special vintage train, steam hauled by 2-6-2T No. 400 or 402. Soon after leaving Arbatax Station we begin the long climb to Villa Grande, where a typical Italian open air lunch awaits. We rejoin our train for the final dramatic climb through the spiral to Gairo, from where we return by coach to our hotel in Arbatax. (B L D)

Day 7 Narrow Gauge Steam in Spectacular Scenery Today, we travel by coach to Gairo Station to join our vintage steam train and continue our journey inland. The climb up to the summit at Anulu is spectacular and the drop down to the fascinating little town of Seui, where our locomotive is serviced, is equally dramatic.

At Betilli we stop at the station for lunch beside our train. It is a specially created picnic place in a superb setting, and the wine will flow freely! Our journey continues through some of the most beautiful scenery possible, high above Low Flumendosa Lake, then descending to Villanova Tulo Station. The line winds its way across the countryside to Nurri, Mandas and Senorbi, from where we transfer by coach to Cagliari. Dinner and overnight accommodation is at the Hotel Mediterraneo in Cagliari. (B L D) Day 8 Narrow Gauge Steam Train to Sorgono We transfer from Cagliari to Mandas Station by coach. Here we join our narrow gauge train of restored wooden-bodied vintage carriages hauled by a diesel locomotive heading north along the scenic Sorgono branch, a line no longer open to regular traffic. At Ortuabis we enjoy a delicious Italian style barbecue, complete with a local folk group for entertainment.

After lunch, we continue to the terminus at Sorgono, from where our coach takes us to the Hotel Taloro, beside Lake Gusana. (B L D)

Colin Boocock

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1595 £195

Price includes: • Flights • All rail and coach transport • Transfers • Hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels, mostly with swimming pools • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 8 Dinners • Wine and mineral water with lunch and dinner on the island • The services of a tour manager Phil Lawson

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner May 2011

Day 9 Return to London Gatwick After an early breakfast we transfer by coach to Olbia Airport for our late morning flight to London Gatwick. (B)

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Sue Palmer

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Chris Bailey

Steam in Slovenia, Bosnia and Serbia Friday 20th May to Tuesday 31st May 2011 Join us on this tour of contrasts visiting four countries of the former Yugoslavia. We encounter dramatic Alpine scenery and marvel at the beauty of the mountains, rivers, valleys and lakes in the western Balkans. We visit Zagreb, Sarajevo, Belgrade, and lesser known locations, and gain first-hand experience of local traditions, customs, and cuisine.

We begin our tour in Slovenia, at the beautiful city of Ljubljana, and travel by train using steam locomotives from the Slovenian Railway Museum. In Bosnia we encounter a variety of everyday steam experiences and in a totally different environment. We visit Mokra Gora in Serbia and travel on the world’s only preserved steam operated International Narrow Gauge Railway. This may be the last time we are able to offer such a comprehensive tour to Bosnia.

Friday 20th May Fly to Ljubljana We take an early afternoon flight from London Stansted direct to Ljubljana. On arrival in Ljubljana we travel by coach to the Slovenian Railway Museum, the national museum for Slovenia’s railway history, to see their large collection of steam locomotives and other artefacts. We transfer to Bled, well known for the glacial Lake Bled and iconic Bled Castle perched on a rock overlooking the lake, for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D) Saturday 21st May Steam through the Julian Alps in Slovenia After breakfast we travel northwards by coach into the Julian Alps to Jesenice, a steel town surrounded by mountains in the scenic Upper Sava Valley. Jesenice is very close to the Austrian border and appropriately our train today will be hauled by Austrian 2-8-0 steam locomotive No. 25.026 with vintage coaches. Our route on the “Trans Alpino Railway” passes through landscape of incomparable beauty along the magnificent Soca ˘ and Sava Rivers. The construction of the railway demanded numerous exceptional tunnels, bridges, and viaducts which made it famous. We pass Lake Bled and continue through the mountains to Nova Gorica which is located on the Italian border. We return by

our steam train to Lake Bled where we enjoy a delightful dinner by the lake. Overnight accommodation is in Hotel Lev, Ljubljana. (B L D) Sunday 22nd May Steam Charter Train to Trebnje After breakfast we transfer to Ljubljana railway station where we join our train formed of fourwheeled passenger carriages hauled by 2-10-0 steam locomotive No. 33.037.

We take a route into the forested hills to the east of Ljubljana through Zidani Most and Sevnica to Trebnje, where we have lunch in a local restaurant. We continue our journey westwards through Grosuplje to Ljubljana, from where we transfer to Zagreb in Croatia by coach. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in the Hotel Antunovic, Zagreb. (B L D) Monday 23rd May Intercity Train to Bosnia and Herzegovina After breakfast we transfer by coach to Zagreb Station where we board an Intercity train for the journey to Vinkovci, an important railway junction and international railway hub. Here our coach will be waiting to transfer our group to Hotel Tuzla in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

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Tuesday 24th May Steam Charter Train Tuzla to Brcko Tuzla is famous for its salt lake but there are abundant coal deposits in the region and six coal mines continue to operate around the city.

After breakfast we visit the Kreka Colliery to view the class 33 ‘Kreigslok’ 2-10-0’s and USA 0-60T steam locomotives allocated and maintained there. After our visit we join a passenger charter train hauled by a class 33 for the 110 km round trip from Tuzla to Brcko and back. This line normally has just one daily passenger train which crosses the border to Vinkovci, so there will be ample opportunity for photo run-pasts to record this rare occasion. We return to our hotel in Tuzla for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Wednesday 25th May Banovici Double Headed Steam After breakfast we transfer by coach to Ljubace where we join our steam hauled charter passenger train with Skoda built 0-6-0T steam locomotive No. 19.12, the only one of its type in service. Our special train takes us to Banovici, where both standard and narrow gauge steam locomotives are in regular service. We transfer by coach to Oskova where we shall have the rare experience of joining a narrow gauge (760mm) charter train double headed by two ex-Yugoslav Railways (JZ) class 83 0-8-2 steam locomotives.

This should provide an opportunity to get some unusual and spectacular pictures!

We have lunch in Banovici before making a visit to the locomotive depot there. We continue our journey to Turija, and then return to Oskova.

Our coach will take us back to Tuzla for dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel. (B L D) Thursday 26th May Banovici and Dubrave After breakfast we return to Oskova by coach.

Today, our specially chartered steam train will be hauled by ex-Hungarian State Railways (MAV) steam locomotive No. 55-99 for the journey to Turija and on to Banovici. We have lunch in Banovici before continuing our journey back to Oskova. From here we transfer to Dubrave where we have time to visit the coal mine. We then transfer by coach to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for dinner and overnight accommodation at the Holiday Inn. (B L D) Friday 27th May Sarajevo to Rajlovac After breakfast we transfer to Sarajevo Station to join our special train. It will consist of one railway carriage hauled by a class 661 diesel locomotive, one of the most used in former Yugoslavia, built by General Motors. We travel to Rajlovac to visit the locomotive depot and then head for Vares from where we continue back to Sarajevo. We transfer by coach to our hotel where there will be time for a break before we continue to a local restaurant for dinner. (B L D) Saturday 28th May Border Crossing by Steam After breakfast we travel by coach from Sarajevo to Visegrad, well known for its ‘bridge on the Drina’ which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we enjoy lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Drina River. Our coach will take us to Visegrad Station where we join a special narrow gauge train hauled by a class 83 0-8-2 steam locomotive. Our journey will take us along the latest extension of the Sargan Narrow Gauge Railway, once part of the main line from Sarajevo to Belgrade.

Less than an hour after leaving Dobrun our documents will be checked by on-train Bosnian and Serbian customs and immigration officials before we cross the border into Serbia. This is one of the last Narrow Gauge Steam railway border crossings in the world! We continue to Mokra Gora from where we transfer by coach to Zlatibor for dinner and overnight accommodation at Hotel Mona. (B L D) Sunday 29th May Mokra Gora and the “Šargan Eight” Today, we return to Mokra Gora by coach to travel on one of the most beautiful railways in the world. Our morning charter train will be hauled by the class 83 0-8-2 steam locomotive along a narrow gauge railway line located amidst stunning scenery in the foothills of Mount Zlatibor.

We travel the “Šargan Eight” between Mokra Gora and Šargan Vitasi, so named because of an unusual figure of eight loop by which 300 metres of height is gained in 3.5 kilometres. Lunch will be served at Jatare Station on the return journey to Mokra Gora. On arrival at Mokra Gora we transfer by coach to Hotel Mona in Zlatibor for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Monday 30th May Belgrade, Serbia After breakfast we travel by coach to Pozega where we visit the railway museum. The historic collection contains some unusual examples of narrow gauge steam locomotives and other rolling stock. We continue our journey to Belgrade by coach where we check in at our hotel. In the afternoon we enjoy a city tour of Belgrade.

Our farewell dinner this evening will be at one of the city’s best known restaurants, famous for typical national cuisine, in the picturesque ‘Bohemian’ quarter of Skadarlija.

We return by coach to our hotel for our overnight accommodation. (B D)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1995 £259

Price includes: • Return flights from London to Ljubljana and Belgrade to London • 11 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 8 lunches (some packed) and 11 dinners • All train travel, steam charters and transfers mentioned in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner May 2011 M

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Tuesday 31st May Homeward Bound After breakfast, there will be free time to explore Belgrade before we transfer to the airport for our early afternoon flight to London. (B)

Chris Bailey

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Cedric Spiller

Secrets of Belarus and Highlights of Ukrainian Steam Saturday 21st May to Monday 30th May 2011 It is several years since we have been able to offer a steam tour in Ukraine. Now through negotiations with Dzherelo SPK, and co-operation from Ukrainian and Belarusian Railways, we have been able to arrange this interesting tour, perhaps for the final time.

We travel on the special charter train ‘hotel on wheels Dzherelo’ which uses comfortable railway carriages for day time and overnight accommodation, with meals provided in a restaurant car.

We discover the railway secrets of Belarus and use their steam locomotive fleet, visiting the captivating city of Brest.

In the Ukraine we view the splendour of the Carpathian Mountains and visit the fascinating cities of Kiev, Lviv and Odessa. It will be an interesting tour plus a fond farewell to steam in the Ukraine.

Saturday 21st May Fly to Kiev in Ukraine We check in at London Heathrow for a British Airways flight direct to Kiev. On arrival, we have a tour of the city, the capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. Kiev is an important industrial and cultural centre with a highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro, tram, trolley bus, and a funicular that climbs up the steep right bank of the Dnieper River. Kreshchatyk (street) is closed to traffic at weekends and full of street performers and families out for a stroll. We transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation. (D) Sunday 22nd May Schors Locomotive Reserve & Belarus This morning, we travel from Kiev to Bakhmach by train, hauled by a steam locomotive of class 50.

We change to an L class 2-10-0 steam locomotive for the onward journey to Schors. On arrival at Schors we visit the steam locomotive (L and Er class) reserve depot. Our train is hauled by an electric locomotive as our journey continues across the border into Belarus and to the city of Brest. This city is close to the border with Poland

and situated on the main railway line connecting Berlin, Warsaw and Moscow. Here the European standard gauge meets the Russian broad gauge and all passenger trains coming from Poland have their bogies replaced, and freight is transhipped, to travel on across Belarus. We stay overnight on the train. (B L D) Monday 23rd May Steam from Brest Following breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of Brest Railway Museum. This open air museum has a selection of broad and standard gauge steam locomotives from various classes. The museum is located close to the Brest Fortress, the major attraction of the city. After our visit we rejoin our train for a spirited run to Vladava and return, hauled by Te and Er class steam locomotives.

There will be photo opportunities with run pasts en route. In the afternoon we travel from Brest to Visoko Litovsk with class Te and Er steam locomotives. We return to Brest and stay overnight on the train. (B L D)

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Tuesday 24th May P36 Class Steam in Belarus After breakfast we enjoy a fast journey from Brest to Yarnov and return, hauled by a 4-6-4 steam locomotive No. P36.050 or No. P36.064. Built in the 1950’s, the P36 was the last Russian standard class and one of the best passenger steam locomotives built in the Soviet Union. They were the only semi-streamlined steam locomotives built in Russia and were designed to haul principal express trains out of Moscow.

When electrification and dieselisation expanded, many of the class were transferred to work on other railways. The last were withdrawn from regular scheduled express passenger train service in 1974 and all were stored in full working order as part of the “strategic reserve”. Only in the late 1980’s were these locomotives disbanded and distributed to museums and for preservation.

We stay on the train overnight. (B L D) Wednesday 25th May Return to Ukraine Today, we will be hauled by a Te class 2-10-0 steam locomotive from Brest south-eastwards to Malorita. We continue diesel hauled over the

border into Ukraine travelling in a southerly direction to Lviv (Lvov), where we stay overnight on the train. (B L D) Thursday 26th May Lviv to Kolomyia Lviv is a city in western Ukraine and regarded as one of the country’s main cultural centres.

Its castle has a commanding view of the historic city centre. In the morning we enjoy a vintage tram tour of the city. The metre gauge system uses grooved rail and currently operates over nine lines with Czech-built KT4, and a few older T4, type trams. Following lunch there will be an afternoon guided city tour. The market square, with its intriguing buildings, fountains and sculptures, is in the historical centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are cobbled side streets, cathedrals, churches, palaces, and a variety of buildings representing several architectural styles, from Renaissance to Modernism. Our train will be diesel hauled when it leaves Lviv mid evening for the journey to Kolomyia. This city is an industrial centre located on the Prut River and a notable railway hub. We stay here overnight on the train. (B L D) Friday 27th May Steam through the Mountains to Rachov Today is one of the highlights of the tour as we travel into the Carpathian Mountains over a spectacular steeply graded line through scenery of unsurpassed beauty. Our train leaves Kolomyia in the morning, hauled by two Er class 0-10-0 steam locomotives, travelling westwards along the valley of the Prut River to Delatyn. Here the route turns southwards into the mountains. We cross an impressive 30 metres (100 feet) high viaduct at Yaremche, a spa town surrounded by picturesque wooded mountain tops and nicknamed ‘Pearl of the Carpathians’. We continue winding our way through impressive mountain terrain, along deep valleys, over viaducts and bridges, and through tunnels, to Rachov (Rakhiv). We depart Rachov in the evening, diesel hauled towards the Black Sea and Odessa. We stay overnight on the train.

(B L D)

Saturday 28th May Arrive Odessa We arrive in Migayeva late in the afternoon and from here our train is hauled by an Er class steam locomotive to Odessa. Odessa is a major seaport located on the north-west shore of the Black Sea. It is also an important transport hub for freight, integrating ports with the railway, and for international passenger trains connecting with Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Moscow, and elsewhere. On arrival in Odessa we transfer to the Black Sea Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Sunday 29th May Day in Odessa Odessa is situated on terraced hills overlooking a small harbour and today we have a sightseeing tour and a tram tour of the city. In the 19th Century it was the fourth largest city of Imperial Russia but its historical architecture has a style more Mediterranean than Russian. It is an industrial city with a naval base and home to a fishing fleet. Odessa is a popular tourist destination and also known for its huge outdoor market, the Seventh-Kilometre Market, the largest of its kind in Europe. Lunch will be in the famous steak house in Odessa. We depart in the early evening, hauled by electric traction to Zhitomir where we stay overnight on the train. (B L D) Monday 30th May Homeward Bound Our final trip by train is from Zhitomir to Kiev hauled by an L class 2-10-0 steam locomotive.

On arrival at Kiev we transfer to Boryspil Airport for our British Airways flight to London.

We arrive in London at around 17.45. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£3175 £295

Price includes: • Return flights from London to Kiev • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 7 nights accommodation aboard our train in new sleeping cars with 2 vacuum toilets per coach, with wash basin • Shower car • 7 breakfasts on the train • 8 lunches and 9 dinners • Saloon car available at a supplement • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner May 2011 M

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Dave Ensor

Rail and Fjords of Norway Saturday 23rd July to Monday 1st August 2011 This tour features one of the most unspoiled destinations in the world. We experience the magnificent Norwegian fjords, travel on one of the best maintained railway systems in Europe, whilst witnessing truly outstanding scenery.

Our tour covers southern Norway starting in Oslo, Norway’s capital, and finishing with a visit to the National Railway Museum at Hamar. As well as Oslo we visit the delightful cities of Bergen and Stavanger.

Saturday 23rd July Tour of Oslo We take a morning flight from London Heathrow to Oslo where we check in to our hotel for two nights. In the afternoon there will be a sightseeing tour of this rapidly developing city. Norway has eighteen hours of daylight at this time of year and we take full advantage of this during our tour. (D) Sunday 24th July Steam on the Krøderbanen and Urskog-Hølandsbanen Railways Today we travel by private coach to Krøderen where we join a steam hauled train on the Krøderbanen. This is Norway’s longest preserved line and we travel the 26km to Vikersund and back. Our journey, in carriages built of teak, is through changing scenery. In the afternoon our coach takes us to Sørumsand where we have chartered a steam hauled train on the Urskog-Hølandsbanen line. There will be opportunities for photo run pasts on this 750mm gauge preserved railway which was once part of the Oslo-Stockholm main line. We stay overnight in Oslo. (B L D) Monday 25th July Spectacular Mountains and Fjords en Route to Bergen We leave Oslo on the morning train to Bergen for one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. The route climbs to high altitude at

4,267 feet (1,303 metres) passing lush forests, snow capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and thundering waterfalls. After Finse, the highest station on the line, our journey continues across barren and windswept mountain plateaus with everlasting snow giving a stunning backdrop.

Our train passes through tunnels and beside deep fjords as it descends to Bergen where we arrive mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing in Bergen, a city surrounded by hills and fjords. Locations of note include the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site; fish market, the busy quayside, and the home of Edvard Grieg. Alternatively, it is possible to take the famous funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløien for panoramic views over the city and out to sea. Bergen will be our base for the next three nights. Dinner is not included this evening providing an opportunity to try one of Bergen’s excellent restaurants. (B) Tuesday 26th July Cruise Sognefjord and Ride the Flåm Railway Bergen is the gateway to the fjords and today we board a ship there for a cruise along the Sognefjord to Balestrand and Flam. Sognefjord is Norway’s largest fjord and the second longest in the world at over 200km (127 miles). Cliffs surrounding the fjord rise almost sheer from the water and pretty villages cling to the steep sides.

We arrive at Flåm and find lunch ashore. In the afternoon we ride the electric Flåm Railway, one European Tours - Rail and Fjords of Norway

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of the steepest railway lines in the world. It climbs 865 metres in 20 kilometres through spectacular scenery to Myrdal station. The train stops by the famous Kjosfossen waterfall for passengers to take photographs. We change trains at Myrdal for the journey back to Bergen. (B D) Wednesday 27th July Bergen and Garnes to Midttun We have the morning free to explore Bergen. Mid afternoon, a coach will transfer us to the Gamle Vossebanen, a heritage railway near Garnes. Here we join a chartered train from Garnes to Midttun, and return, hauled by an ex-main line steam locomotive. The line is 18km long and photo run pasts will be arranged as we pass through the Arna Valley. We return to Bergen by coach where we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B D) Thursday 28th July Cruise to Stavanger; Kristiansand We leave Bergen on the morning ferry for Stavanger, enjoying a relaxing cruise through the calm coastal waters of the southwestern islands. We transfer by coach from Stavanger Harbour to the railway station where we board a train for Kristiansand.

We stay overnight in Kristiansand. (B D) Friday 29th July The Setesdalsbanen Narrow Gauge Railway Today we travel by road coach to Grovane where we join a steam charter train on the

Setesdalsbanen. This is a 1067mm narrow gauge railway that has some rare types of locomotives including two delightful Dubbs tank locomotives, built in 1894. Later we join a regular train from Kristiansand to Hamar via Oslo. We stay overnight in Oslo. (B D) Saturday 30th July Hamar Railway Museum; Train to Ålesund We visit the National Railway Museum at Hamar to view the national collection and take a trip on their steam operated museum line. We board an early afternoon train to Andalsnes, then continue by road coach to Ålesund which is Norway’s fishing capital and situated on several islands. We stay overnight in Ålesund. (B D)

Sunday 31st July Cruise the Geirangerfjord Today, we board a ship for a full day’s cruise along the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords and famous for its spectacularly high scenic waterfalls. We should arrive back in Ålesund by the early evening, providing time to explore this Art Nouveau town by the sea.

Again, we stay overnight in Ålesund. (B D) Monday 1st August Return to London We transfer by coach from Ålesund to Andalsnes where we join a service train to Oslo Airport. We have an afternoon flight back to London. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1975 £245

Price includes: • Return flights London to Oslo • 9 nights hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels including breakfasts • 1 lunch and 8 dinners • Rail travel as detailed in the itinerary

Mike Hyde

• All transfers • All travel advertised by ship and coach • The services of a tour manager throughout Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner July – August 2011 M

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Classic Trains of Switzerland Monday 1st August to Tuesday 9th August 2011 Join us on this exciting tour to Switzerland which features some wonderful experiences in the country famous for its mountains, lakes, and spectacular scenery. Highlights include travel on the world famous Glacier and Bernina Expresses, through some of Europe’s most dramatic and beautiful scenery; the William Tell Express, scenic Rail and Lake Cruise; mountain rack railways; vintage paddle steamers; and a delightful steam train trip on a circular route through the fascinating mountains of Graubünden. We stay in iconic centres such as Lucerne, Locarno, Zermatt and St. Moritz and enjoy travelling on the efficient Swiss transport system.

Monday 1st August Farewell to London We have a morning departure by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, from where we transfer by coach to the Gare de L’Est. Here we board the TGV to Mulhouse where, on arrival, we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D) Tuesday 2nd August Steam Train to the Top of Mount Rigi After breakfast we board a service train to Lucerne, where we leave our luggage at the hotel before taking a five minute walk to the boat station. We cross Lake Lucerne to Vitznau where we board our steam hauled vintage train which takes us to Rigi Kulm at the top of Mount Rigi. This mountain is almost completely surrounded by lakes and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. There is a restaurant at the summit where lunches can be purchased. We descend Mount Rigi by a different railway route to Arth-Goldau where we catch a service train back to Lucerne. (B D) Wednesday 3rd August The William Tell Express After breakfast we transfer to the boat station in Lucerne. Here we join a vintage paddle steamer and travel 1st class for a three and a half hour trip across Lake Lucerne to Fluelen. Lunch will be served in the restaurant on board. Look out for sleepy

bays, picturesque villages and historic landmarks en route. In Fluelen we join a 1st class panoramic train which runs along the scenic Gotthard Railway line through the Reuss Valley. It then climbs to over 1,100 metres above sea level inside the famous Gotthard Tunnel. The route either side of the tunnel uses spirals, galleries and bridges for the climb and then the descent to Bellinzona in Tichino. The journey continues to Locarno where the afternoon is free to explore this picturesque lakeside town.

Dinner is not included tonight, giving you the opportunity to try a local restaurant. (B L) Thursday 4th August Steam on the Monte Generoso Rack Railway After breakfast we travel by service train to Capolago where we change to our special steam charter train on the Monte Generoso rack railway.

There are magnificent views as our steam locomotive, built in 1890, pushes the train up the gradient for 9 kilometres. The summit offers amazing 360° panoramic views over the Lombardy Plain and towards the Alps. We return to Locarno via picturesque Lugano in our own time, providing plenty of opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the Lake Lugano and the Alps. Dinner and overnight accommodation is at our hotel in Locarno. (B D)

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Friday 5th August Locarno to Zermatt Today we travel by scheduled train over the spectacular Centovalli Railway from Locarno to Domodossola in Italy. This narrow gauge railway line passes through a mountainous area of more than one hundred valleys. At Domodossola we change trains and travel through the famous Simplon Tunnel to Brig. Here we join a MatterhornGotthard Railway train to Zermatt, a famous village overlooked by the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps. We transfer to our hotel in Zermatt for dinner and overnight accommodation.

(B D) Saturday 6th August The Glacier Express to St Moritz Following a tasty breakfast we board the legendary Glacier Express at Zermatt Station. This famous train is renowned for being the slowest express train in world! Slow or not, it will take us on a memorable journey through the mountains via Brig, Andermatt and Chur to St Moritz. Sit back and enjoy the magnificent views as we pass through areas of unspoilt natural beauty, fragrant mountain forests, alpine meadows and past rushing mountain streams. The train reaches an altitude of over two thousand feet near Andermatt. Lunch will be served in the restaurant car during the journey. On arrival at St Moritz we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Sunday 7th August Steam Train to Davos After breakfast we take a morning Rhaetian Railway (RhB) train, via the scenic Albula main line, to Landquart. Here we join the RhB vintage train, hauled by a metre gauge 2-8-0 steam locomotive, for a circular tour through the mountains of Graubünden. We climb up the Prättigau Valley to Klosters, the ski resort made famous by its royal and celebrity patrons. We continue to Davos where we have lunch at the Hotel Terminus opposite the station. In the afternoon our steam train takes us down the Landwasser Valley to Filisur, then over the famous Landwasser Viaduct to Tiefencastel, Thusis and Chur. We transfer to our hotel in Chur for dinner and overnight accommodation (B L D) Monday 8th August The Bernina Express The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) owns one of the most scenic rail networks in the world and today we travel on its famous Bernina Express. The journey takes us past waterfalls, glaciers and over dramatic ravines. The final ascent of the Albula Pass involves numerous loops and spirals before passing through a long tunnel into the Engadine Valley.

From here, the route climbs even higher, to over seven thousand feet, at the Bernina Pass. This is a wonderfully wild place with a mass of snow capped peaks visible all around; a fascinating voyage that eventually ends in Tirano, a picturesque Italian town. We have two hours to explore the town or take advantage of the many superb Italian restaurants before leaving in the early afternoon.

We return through the Bernina Pass to St Moritz where we join the restaurant car of train 574 for a delightful dinner whilst on the journey back to Chur.

(B D) Tuesday 9th August Return to London We take a morning departure from Chur by scheduled train direct to Basel. Here we change trains and board the midday departure to Paris via Mulhouse and Belfort. On arrival at Paris Gare de l’Est we make the short transfer to Paris Gare du Nord where we board an early evening Eurostar to London St Pancras. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person: Single supplement:

£1865 £275

Price includes: • 8 nights accommodation and breakfast in 3 and 4-star hotels • 3 lunches and 7 dinners • All seat reservations and transfers • All special steam charter trains mentioned in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the tour itinerary • First class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner August 2011 M

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Basel Zurich Rothorn Lausane

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Austria and the Czech Republic Saturday 13th August to Monday 22nd August 2011 Come with us and enjoy Central Europe during the summer time, as we explore the rich culture and fascinating steam heritage of the Czech Republic and Austria. This brand new tour offers an exciting combination of impressive standard gauge steam locomotives; unusual narrow gauge lines; rarely visited regions full of natural beauty and rural charm; plus all the class and grandeur of the historic cities of Prague and Linz. We have a number of exclusive chartered trains that will feature haulage by some of Central Europe´s most remarkable steam locomotives, chief amongst them the elegant post-war “Mountain” No. 475.111 and the Austrian 0-8-2 narrow gauge legend No. 399.01. Additionally, we have an enchanting river cruise aboard the last paddle steamer on the Danube River, the magnificent “Schönbrunn” from 1912. This trip will excite and delight regulars to Central Europe as much as casual newcomers.

Saturday 13th August Arrival in Prague Our morning flight from London to Prague arrives in the Czech capital city around mid-day. We check in to the elegant four-star Hotel Century, located in the heart of the extensive ‘old town’. It is situated in the same historic building where the renowned writer Franz Kafka once worked as an insurance clerk in the early 20th Century. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore the city and discover its spectacular sights.

Sunday 14th August Steam in West Bohemia with No. 475.111 We travel by service train from Prague´s distinctive Art Nouveau station to Pilsen in West Bohemia.

There the massive, yet elegant, post-war “Mountain” steam locomotive No. 475.111 waits to take us on our first exclusive steam charter train journey. We travel northwards on the line to Blatno, Lubenec and Chyse. In Chyse we visit the local castle brewery for lunch and refreshments.

After the steam locomotive has taken water we continue along the nearby branch line, closed to passenger traffic since the late 1990’s, to Bochov.

There will be ample opportunity for line-side photography, to capture the majesty of the mighty No. 475.111.

We return by steam from Bochov to Pilsen where we catch a service train back to Prague. (B L) Monday 15th August Gmünd, Ceske Velenice Locomotive Works & Trebon Castle Brewery Today we transfer by coach from Prague to the Austrian border town of Gmünd where we stay at the four-star Hotel Goldener Stern for five days.

This delightful country inn features all the traditional hallmarks of Austrian hospitality and is an ideal base for exploring the region on both sides of the Czech/Austrian border. After lunch, in the hotel´s wood panelled dining room, we cross the border to the adjacent Czech town of Ceske Velenice where we visit one of Europe´s last remaining steam locomotive workshops. Touring the facility is like taking a step back in time by several decades as the works still uses ancient industrial equipment like old steam hammers.

Several steam locomotives, including their boilers, and old carriages will be seen in various states of overhaul. We have an evening excursion by coach to the nearby Baroque town of Trebon. Here we will visit the well preserved historic town centre and the attractive castle brewery which serves the excellent Bohemia Regent Beer. We will have dinner in Trebon before returning to Gmünd for our overnight accommodation. (B L D) European Tours - Austria and the Czech Republic

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Tuesday 16th August Steam on the Waldviertler Schmalspurbahn to Litschau After breakfast at our hotel we visit the narrow gauge Waldviertler Schmalspurbahn for our first Austrian steam charter train ride. We shall be hauled by the distinctive 0-8-2 steam locomotive No. 399.01 from Gmünd, north to Litschau. The train will feature an attractive small buffet car serving various drinks and snacks. The line passes through the heart of the densely forested region that gives the Austrian Waldviertel its name. In Litschau there will be time for a walk around the town before we return to Gmünd on our train. En route there will be opportunities for line-side photography and the experienced train crew will co-operate in providing good effects for us.

Evening dinner is at the hotel in Gmünd. (B L D) Wednesday 17th August Steam to Heidenreichstein We continue our exploration of the Austrian Waldviertel with a journey along the least used section of track, the branch line from AltNagelberg to Heidenreichstein. It is normally quite difficult to arrange steam haulage on this line, but we have No. 399.01 at the head of our train again. En route there will be some photo run-past opportunities. In Heidenreichstein we pause for

lunch and to visit the local castle, before steaming back to Gmünd. Dinner is again served at the hotel. (B L D) Thursday 18th August Steam on the JHMD Northern Branch Line Today we return to South Bohemia and travel by coach to Jindrichuv Hradec, a unique Gothic and Renaissance town situated above Lake Vajgar.

Here is the hub of the Jindrichuv Hradec Mistni Drahy (JHMD) or Jindrichuv Hradec local railway, one of only two existing 760mm lines in the Czech Republic. We have a specially chartered steam train that takes us over the entire length of the 45 km long northern branch line from Jindrichuv Hradec to Obratan via Kamenice. This narrow gauge line may justifiably be considered as one of the best in Europe. It is full of traditional atmosphere and passes through a sparsely populated region rich in idyllic scenery. We have a packed lunch provided by our hotel, plus a small buffet car on the train serving Czech beer, coffee and warm sausages. Our steam train travels through South Bohemia, and Vysocina, known locally as the Czech “Highlands” Region. We return by our steam train to Jindrichuv Hradec from where our coach takes us back to Gmünd.

We have dinner at our hotel. (B L D) Friday 19th August Steam on the JHMD Southern Branch Line We return once more to the Czech side of the border and travel by coach to Nova Bystrice, the southern terminus of the JHMD network. Nova Bystrice is located in a rural area known as “Czech Canada” because of the many small lakes and dense forests that evoke memories of Ontario or Manitoba in Canada. Our specially chartered steam train takes us through this spectacular scenery and along the entire length of the 32 km southern branch of the JHMD to Jindrichuv Hradec.

We return by our steam train to Nova Bystrice from where our coach takes us back to Gmünd for a last night at the Hotel Goldener Stern. (B L D)

collection of the ÖGEG, the Austrian Society for Railway History. We take the regular Austrian Railways (ÖBB) service train from Linz to Timelkam where we join the ÖGEG´s vintage train on the society´s very own museum branch line, a former coal railway. Our train will be hauled by one of the society´s standard gauge steam locomotives to Ampflwang, the location of their steam and heritage centre. It features standard and narrow gauge steam locomotives; some diesel and electric locomotives; a massive 26-bay roundhouse, newly built around a turntable and traverser; and a coal mining museum. There will be plenty of time to visit the roundhouse to see the extensive collection of operational and stored locomotives and watch the locomotive from our train being serviced and manoeuvre on the turntable. In the afternoon we take the steam train back to Timelkam and return to our hotel in Linz. In the evening we go to the elegant summit restaurant, at the top of the Pöstlingberg in Linz, for our last group dinner. We travel there from the centre of Linz on the remarkable Pöstlingbergbahn, a narrow gauge electric railway, which is one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world. It was recently re-gauged and integrated into the city´s urban tram network, yet retains three of the distinctive old trams in service. We return to our hotel in Linz.

(B D) Monday 22nd August Return to London After breakfast and checking out of our hotel in Linz we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1865 £270

Price includes: • 9 nights in elegant 4-star hotels throughout • 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners • Flights • Train and coach transfers within the Czech Republic and Austria • Transportation on all exclusively hired steam charter trains as well as public steam train • The services of a tour manager and a tour translator Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner August 2011 M

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Saturday 20th August Paddle Steamer Cruise on the Danube After breakfast we transfer by coach to Linz, the third largest city in Austria. There we check into our four-star hotel before we go aboard Austria´s last genuine Danube paddle steamer, the formidable “Schönbrunn” from 1912. Our cruise has a late morning departure and we steam westwards along the Danube River to Aschach.

Lunch can be obtained on board the steamer.

Aschach is an historic centre with ship building and fishing traditions. A local arts and crafts market with over 60 exhibitors is held in the town on this day. There is a choice of either visiting the town and the fair, or staying on board the steamer for an additional afternoon cruise further along the Danube. After the return of the “Schönbrunn” to Aschach, it steams back to Linz, and dinner can be obtained on board. We return to our hotel in Linz. (B) Sunday 21st August ÖGEG Steam Train & Heritage Collection; Pöstlingbergbahn in Linz Today we visit the remarkable heritage railway European Tours - Austria and the Czech Republic

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Bulgarian Mountains Steam Express Wednesday 14th September to Saturday 24th September 2011 The Bulgarian Mountains Steam Express provides an opportunity to travel by steam train through the most scenic areas of Bulgaria. The tour begins in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and heads for the Rhodope Mountains. This area has a rich cultural heritage with medieval castles, churches, monasteries and picturesque villages with traditional Bulgarian architecture from 18th and 19th Century. We travel on a narrow gauge steam train for the spectacular journey to Velingrad, Bansko and Dobrinishte. We visit the spectacular cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Rousse before concluding our journey at Varna on the Black Sea Coast. We offer a wide variety of steam locomotives: 16 class 2-10-0, 01 class 2-8-2, 05 class 4-6-2, 03 class 4-8-2, and a narrow gauge 2-10-4T tank engine.

Wednesday 14th September Sofia Our flight with British Airways takes us direct to Sofia, where we check in to our 4-star hotel.

In the afternoon, we have arranged a city tour and a tram ride. Dinner is at our hotel. (D) Thursday 15th September Steam Train to Velingrad We depart Sofia hauled by steam locomotive 2-8-2 No. 01.23 and head for Septemvri. A light lunch will be served in the restaurant car on the train.

At Septemvri we transfer to our special narrow gauge train hauled by a very large 2-10-4T tank locomotive No. 609.76. Our climb into the mountains takes us through dramatic gorges with fast flowing rivers. We arrive at Velingrad, high up in the mountains, a winter sports resort and one of the most popular Bulgarian centres for medicinal mineral water springs. We transfer to the Hotel Velingrad for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday 16th September To Bansko & Dobrinishte We rejoin our steam hauled train at Velingrad Station and on departure No. 609.76 will be working hard as we climb through the magnificent scenery of the Rila Mountains, the highest mountain range in Bulgaria and the Balkans.

Eventually we arrive at Bansko, a major summer and winter tourist resort. The mountain peaks near the town, the numerous lakes and the old pine woods make it a popular site for recreation.

We will have a picnic lunch en route. We continue to Dobrinishte, 6 km east of Bansko, later in the afternoon. Bansko is spa town and a famous winter resort at an altitude of 850 metres and surrounded by the Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope Mountains. We return by coach to our hotel in Velingrad for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Saturday 17th September Steam to Dimitrovgrad & Podkova After breakfast we return by coach to Septemvri where we join our special steam charter train hauled by locomotive No. 01.23. We travel to Dimitrovgrad via Plovdiv, with lunch served en route. At Dimitrovgrad we change locomotives and a 16 class 2-10-0 will take our train to Podkova.

This spectacular line weaves its way past lakes and through mountain gorges to Kardzhali and, eventually, Momchilgrad. We proceed from Momchilgrad to Podkova, from where we transfer back to Haskovo and our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

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Sunday 18th September To Stara Zagora After breakfast we transfer by coach to Momchilgrad and join our steam charter train which is again hauled by a 16 class 2-10-0.

We travel through majestic scenery to Dimitrovgrad. From Dimitrovgrad we continue with Bulgarian 05 class Pacific steam locomotive No. 05.01 which was built by Krupp of Germany in 1945. Our route takes us through the magnificent Bulgarian countryside to Simeonovgrad and Nova Zagora, where our locomotive takes water.

We continue to Stara Zagora, the sixth largest city in Bulgaria, and a nationally important economic centre. It is known as the city of straight streets, linden trees, and poets. We stay overnight in the Hotel Vereya (B L D) Monday 19th September Steam to Veliko Tarnovo After an early visit to the steam locomotive depot at Kaloianovets, our train leaves Stara Zagora with 4-6-2 steam locomotive No. 05.01 to travel to Tulovo. Our route north from Dabovo climbs up through a massive canyon by means of spirals and high embankments, often clinging precariously to its sides. We arrive at Veliko Tarnovo which is located on the Yantra River and one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria. Dinner and overnight accommodation is in the Yantra Grand Hotel, a

4-star hotel recently refurbished and named after the local river that winds its way gracefully through a sheer tree lined gorge. (B L D) Tuesday 20th September Veliko Tarnovo Veliko Tarnovo is one of Bulgaria’s primary tourist destinations and has many historical monuments and landmarks. In the morning we visit the nearby steam locomotive depot at Assenovo which still contains a wide variety of steam locomotive types.

The remainder of the day is free to explore Veliko Tarnovo and visit places such as the ruins of the castle on a hill overlooking the city, the ‘old town’; its many churches; and Samovodska Charshia, the old trade street with its restored craftsmen’s houses and workshops. Again, dinner and overnight accommodation is at the Yantra Grand Hotel. (B L D) Wednesday 21st September Steam Train to Rousse (Ruse) We depart Veliko Tarnovo hauled by steam locomotive No. 03.12, a massive 4-8-2 built by Henschel of Germany. Our route is via Gorna Oriahovitsa through the rolling Bulgarian countryside to Rousse. Lunch will be provided and there will be opportunities for photo run-pasts en route. On arrival at Rousse we transfer to our hotel, the Danube Plaza, for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Thursday 22nd September Rousse and the Danube Rousse, the fifth-largest city in Bulgaria, is situated on the south bank of the Danube River and is the most significant Bulgarian river port. The RousseGiurgiu Friendship Bridge is a two level road and rail bridge over the Danube River into Romania, which can be crossed on foot.

The city is known for its 19th and 20th Century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, which attracts many tourists. It is often called the Little Vienna both because it is on the Danube and for its beautiful selection of old buildings. In the morning we have a tour of the city including a visit to the National Transport Museum. The museum is situated in the country’s first railway station, and divided into three sections; railway transport, river shipping and communications. We have arranged a boat cruise on the Danube after this visit, with lunch served on board. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday 23rd September Steam Train to the Black Sea Today we complete our journey through Bulgaria with a sensational 226 km steam trip on the British built “first” railway line in Bulgaria between Rousse and Varna. We shall be hauled by 4-8-2 steam locomotive No. 03.12 and there will be photo stops en route. Lunch will be served during the day. On arrival in Varna we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

(B L D) Saturday 24th September Varna Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria and the most popular resort on the Black Sea. Here ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern cultures mingle and coexist. After breakfast we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including major attractions like the towering Cathedral, Maritime Museum and Roman Baths.

Afterwards we enjoy a farewell lunch in a restaurant near the Black Sea. We transfer to Varna airport for our late evening British Airways flight direct to London Gatwick. (B L)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£1995 £225

Price includes: • Flight London to Sofia and Varna to London • 10 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 10 lunches (some on train, picnic lunches) and 10 dinners • Train travel shown in the itinerary • Transfers and sightseeing as shown in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner September 2011 M

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The Hill Stations of India Monday 7th February to Thursday 24th February 2011 India is a mystical country of contrasts and cultural differences. We will travel around India using trains and internal flights, staying in the best hotels and seeing some of this amazing country’s major attractions along the way. India is also home to some fascinating narrow gauge railway lines including the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Kalka to Shimla Railway. We will travel on these fantastic routes using steam locomotives, experiencing both metre and broad gauge lines.

Monday 7th February Fly to Delhi We board our Jet Airways flight from London Heathrow to Delhi departing at 20:50.

Tuesday 8th February National Rail Museum, Delhi On arrival in Delhi we are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and transfer to our hotel. There will be time to relax after the flight until lunchtime and then we visit the National Rail Museum and see the extraordinary steam Patiala State Monorail System. Overnight is at the hotel.

(D) Wednesday 9th February Kalka to Shimla This morning we transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board the Kalka Shatabadi Express train departing at 07:40 for Kalka. On arrival in Kalka at 11:50 we switch to the 2ft 6in gauge KalkaShimla Railway line – recently accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Kalka we will visit the loco sheds and board the vintage railcars to travel through the picturesque Shivalik Mountains with its numerous tunnels and bridges – an altogether enchanting line. We arrive at Shimla – the summer capital of the British during the Raj – and check into our hotel for two nights.

(B L D)

Thursday 10th February Steam to Kathleeghat After a refreshing breakfast at our hotel we walk down to Shimla Station to board the exclusive steam charter train, hauled by loco KC 520 of 1905, to Kathleeghat Station (2 hours each way).

(The charter has been requested but we are awaiting confirmation). We return to our hotel in Shimla during the afternoon. The evening is free in Shimla for you to enjoy the beauty of this famous hill station, one of the prettiest towns in India. Stroll along The Mall to Scandal Point – where the British congregated during the days of the Raj – or visit the church and the many varied shops. Overnight is at the hotel. (B L D) Friday 11th February Himalayan Queen and on to Delhi After breakfast we transfer to Shimla Railway Station to board the narrow gauge regular service train “Himalayan Queen”, arriving in Kalka at 16:10. We switch platforms to board the Kalka Shatabdi Express arriving in New Delhi Station at 21:55. We transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. (B L D) Saturday 12th February Steam to Rewari and on to Jaipur After breakfast we transfer to the Delhi Cantonment Railway Station to board the “Fairy Queen” steam charter train to Rewari. The “Fairy Queen” is the oldest working steam locomotive in World Tours - The Hill Stations of India

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the world and famous for its brass work. We visit the Rewari Steam Centre where broad gauge and metre gauge steam locos are on display in the once famous steam loco shed. Later we board train number 4311, the Ala Hazrat Express, to travel from Rewari to Jaipur, the Pink City and capital of Rajhistan. We are met on arrival at Jaipur at around 17:40 and transfer to our hotel.

The evening is free to sample the delights of this beautiful city. Overnight is at the hotel. (B L D) Sunday 13th February Jaipur’s Amber Fort and City Tour Today we visit one of the jewels of Jaipur – the majestic Amber Fort, built in white marble and red sandstone. The Fort was the erstwhile capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs before they moved to their newly built capital in Jaipur. This is the only fort where one can still travel on an elephant’s back, reliving the glorious days of the Maharajas.

There will be guided visits inside the palace building as well as entry to various rooms and halls. Later we have a city tour of Jaipur, including the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar (the Royal Astronomical Observatory). During the evening we will see the famous hand-block printing and textile factory, including a live demonstration of the hand-block printing art. There is also a chance to learn more about the precious and semiprecious gems and jewellery of the royal state of Rajasthan. Overnight is at the hotel. (B L D)

Monday 14th February Bharatpur and the ‘Baby Taj’ It’s an early morning transfer to Jaipur Railway Station so that we can join the train to Bharatpur, a city founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733. We are met on arrival at Bharatpur Railway Station at 09:19 and transfer to a heritage ‘haveli’, a private mansion, in the village of Peharsar. There follows a walk through the village and an opportunity to see Indian village life, before an early lunch in the gardens of the haveli. In the afternoon we are driven to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri – the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire. It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years because of a scarcity of water. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Agra we visit the magnificent Itimad-Ud-Daulah or ‘Baby Taj’ before checking in to our hotel for an overnight stay.

(B L D) Tuesday 15th February The Taj Mahal and on to Kolkata We make a dawn visit to the unparalleled wonder that is the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is the best time of day to visit this white marble wonder that seems to change colour in the changing sunlight. The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and is considered the jewel of Muslim art in India. We then return to our hotel for breakfast. We transfer to the Agra Cantonment Railway Station to board a secondclass air-conditioned train to Delhi, departing at 14:05. On arrival at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi, we transfer to the domestic airport for a connecting flight to Kolkata where we arrive at 20:00. We transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. (B L D) Wednesday 16th February The Wonders of Kolkata After a relaxed breakfast at our hotel, we walk to Esplanade Station to board our chartered tram for a ride through Kolkata to the Shyambazar – a focal point for fabric and clothes shopping.

Passing through the busy roads and morning routine life of Kolkata provides a true ‘Welcome to India’ experience. There is a further guided tour of Kolkata available with visits to Mother Teresa’s house, the Kali Temple, and the banks of the Hooghly River. There’s also an optional visit to the railway museum which includes the North West Frontier building where old steam locos are on display. (B L D) Thursday 17th February Bagdogra and Siliguri We transfer to Kolkata domestic airport to board our Jet Airways flight to Bagdogra, and then to our hotel in Siliguri. We have an early evening transfer to Siliguri Station to board our chartered dining car where we enjoy a ‘high tea’ on a train hauled by a B-class steam locomotive. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday 18th February Steam hauled to Kurseong After breakfast at our hotel we transfer to Siliguri Station and visit the steam loco shed. Later we board the special steam hauled narrow gauge train for Kurseong, visiting the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s workshops in Tindharia en route. On arrival in Kurseong we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay at an attractive colonial bungalow, now converted into a hotel.

(B L D) Saturday 19th February ‘Toy Train’ to Darjeeling After breakfast, there is a choice between taking a 30-minute walk or a jeep transfer to the station to board the famous narrow gauge ‘toy train’ steam ride to Darjeeling. We pass through the famous ‘Batasia Loop’ en route and, weather permitting, will be able to take photos of the train against the background of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the rest of the Himalayan range. We arrive in Darjeeling and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. (B L D)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£3995 £869

Price includes: • Flights from London to Delhi and return • Internal flights • 16 nights hotel accommodation • All meals • All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as described in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner February 2011 M

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Sunday 20th February Tiger Hill and Ghum Monastery Early risers are in for a real adventure with our excursion to Tiger Hill (subject to clear weather as advised by our local team). Tiger Hill is about 12km from Darjeeling and is the place to see the spectacular sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. As the sun appears the mountain changes colour: it’s an awe-inspiring sight. There are also views of Mount Everest in the distance. We return to our hotel for breakfast via the 1875-built Tibetan Buddhist Monastery at Ghum. At 09:45 we transfer by jeep or just walk down to Darjeeling Railway Station to ride on the regular school train to Ghum – the highest point on the railway line. We return by jeep with visits en route to Ghum Monastery (if not visited early morning) and a Tibetan Refugee Centre, where traditional handmade textiles and handicrafts can be seen.

The evening is free to explore Darjeeling. (B L D) Monday 21st February Kalimpong Hill Station After breakfast we will be driven along picturesque Himalayan roads to Kalimpong, a lovely hill station in the Lesser Himalayas in the state of West Bengal. Noted particularly for its horticulture and flower market – where a wide variety of orchids are sold – our tour will include a visit to the nursery. Also, we visit the famous Buddhist Monastery of Zang Dhok Palri Phodang which holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. Overnight is at the hotel. (B L D)

Wednesday 23rd February Tour of Old and New Delhi A guided tour of historic Old and New Delhi awaits us today. We will see some great and historic sites as we drive past places such as the India Gate and President’s House, and visit the magnificent Red Fort, and Jama Masjid - one of Asia’s largest mosques. We take a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk (Silver Square) and an underground ‘Delhi Metro’ train ride. We visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi – ‘Father of the Nation’. We will also visit the extraordinary Humayun’s Tomb, a range of buildings built as the Mughal Emperor Humayan’s tomb and commissioned by his wife as early as 1562 AD. It was the first garden tomb on the Indian sub-continent. Finally we visit Qutub Minar – an amazing 72.5 metre tower and the world’s tallest brick minaret. Farewell dinner with cocktails and overnight at hotel. (B L D) Thursday 24th February Flight to Heathrow After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to Delhi International Airport for the flight back to London departing at 13:40. We arrive back in London Heathrow at 17:40. (B)

Cedric Spiller

Tuesday 22nd February Flight to Delhi After breakfast we will be driven down to Bagdogra Airport to board our flight for Delhi, arriving at 16:50. We transfer to our hotel on arrival for an overnight stay. (B L D)

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Cedric Spiller

Cedric Spiller

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Java Thursday 7th July to Sunday 24th July 2011 Following our previous successes, we are again arranging a complete rail tour of Java. Our tour takes us to some delightful places and passes through tropical scenery including forests, mountains, paddy fields and the coast. Java’s railways are well maintained and we will travel in comfort to visit sugar mills and plantations to see some of the last surviving steam worked sugar cane railways. In 2010 the Railway Touring Company tour actually saw 177 steam locomotives in Java of which 40 were working (30 in normal service). These were incredibly varied, with several gauges in use, from 600mm upwards. As well as sugar mills, we will visit the Ambarawa Rack Railway and Cepu Forestry Railway for chartered train trips, plus ride the incredible and recently resumed ‘steam train through the main street’ in Solo! Tourism is not forgotten! We have included several wonderful sightseeing trips, one being a visit to the spectacular Mount Bromo, an active volcano standing nearly eight thousand feet high. At times our road coaches will provide a comfortable, interesting alternative to the railways. Visiting plenty of tourist hot spots across the island, our travel by train makes this fantastic tour a very enjoyable experience indeed.

Thursday 7th July Departure from London We check into London Heathrow Airport for our mid afternoon Emirates flight to Dubai. In Dubai we connect with an Emirates flight for Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia and Java’s main city.

Friday 8th July Arrive in Jakarta We arrive in Jakarta, arrange visas, and then transfer to our 4-star hotel, the Menara Peninsula.

It is close to the city centre, but only twenty minutes from the airport. (D) Saturday 9th July Seeing Jakarta Jakarta is home to ten million people and boasts some of the best sights in south-east Asia. We have an expert local guide for our coach tour to the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Complex. This amazing site covers 120 hectares and contains ‘pavilions’, in local architectural style, depicting the life-style and culture of each part of Indonesia. It also includes an elevated railway and the open air Transportation Museum, with its impressive selection of steam locomotives.

During the tour we will have lunch in the park.

We have dinner at a local restaurant or our hotel.

(B L D) Sunday 10th July Jakarta to Tegal and our First Sugar Mill We transfer to Gambir Station, Jakarta, and travel by service train to Cirebon, in executive class with at-seat service. On arrival at Cirebon we have a city tour to visit the Kasepuhan Palace, tomb of Sunan Gunung Jati, and Jatibarang Sugar Mill. We transfer to Tegal and check into the Hotel Bahari Inn for overnight accommodation. Dinner will be at a local restaurant or our hotel. (B L D) Monday 11th July Tegal After breakfast we have a morning tour of Pangkah Sugar Mill to watch the steam locomotives at work and enjoy a charter train trip into the cane fields, over disused lines. After lunch at a local restaurant we visit Sumberhardjo Sugar Mill to see further steam activity. We have dinner before staying again at the Hotel Bahari, Tegal. (B L D)

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Tuesday 12th July Pekalongan to Semarang by Train After breakfast we transfer by coach to Pekalongan where we visit the Sragi Sugar Mill to see the activities of the steam locos. After lunch at a local restaurant we transfer to Pekalongan Station to travel in executive class by service train to Semarang. Overnight accommodation is at the Laras Asri Hotel Salatiga. Dinner will be either at the hotel or at a local restaurant. (B L D) Wednesday 13th July Ambarawa Rack Railway Today is a highlight of the tour as after breakfast we visit the Ambarawa Rack Railway with its open air display of various steam locomotives. We have a charter train ride using 0-4-2T locomotive No. B25.03. The line runs from Ambarawa to Jambu through flat, very attractive tropical countryside before making a spectacular climb to Bedono. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant. We transfer to Semarang Station and travel by train to Cepu, where we transfer to the Hotel Mega Bintang. Dinner will be at the hotel or at a local restaurant. (B L D)

Thursday 14th July Cepu Forestry Railway The Cepu Forestry Railway is our venue for today.

It was built for the haulage of teak logs out of the forest to the mill at Cepu. We have a morning charter train ride through forest and farmland to Gubuk Payung hauled by a 0-10-0T called “Tudjubelas” which was built by BMAG of Berlin in 1928. After lunch we enjoy a short charter train ride into the forest hauled by an 0-6-0T steam locomotive. We transfer to the Mega Bintang Hotel and have dinner in a local restaurant.

(B L D) Friday 15th July Cepu to Probolinggo We leave Cepu at around 10:00 and travel by executive class service train to Probolinggo.

There is a break of journey at Surabaya where we stop for lunch at a local restaurant. At around 18:00 we arrive at Probolinggo, a city famous for its mangoes and for the refining and exporting of sugar. We transfer to the Hotel Bromo View for two nights accommodation, enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. (B L D) Saturday 16th July Semboro Sugar Mill After breakfast our coach takes us to Tanggul where we visit Semboro Sugar Mill. We have arranged a trip into the cane fields with either Mallett-type steam locomotive No.15, built by Orenstein and Koppel in 1926, or 0-6-0T steam locomotive No. 29 built by Jung. When the RTC group visited in 2010, two unique narrow gauge fireless locomotives were working, and Bullock hauled trains were also seen.

We enjoy lunch at the Mill and then we return by coach to Probolinggo where we stay again in the Hotel Bromo View. We have dinner at a local restaurant. (B L D) Sunday 17th July Mount Bromo For those who choose to rise early one of the highlights of our holiday is a trip to see the sunrise over Mount Bromo, a truly spectacular sight and well worth the effort. We depart at 03:00 and afterwards return to our hotel for breakfast. Mount Bromo is an active volcano and part of the 8,000 foot Tengger Massif. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.

Later in the morning we depart by coach to Malang where we again travel in executive class on the service train to Kediri. On arrival we transfer to the Grand Surya Kediri Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Monday 18th July Mount Kelud Tour After breakfast we have a morning tour to Kelud Volcano – ‘the youngest mountain in the world’!

Later we visit a factory making local cigarettes entirely by hand, a coffee plantation, and Mrican Sugar Mill. Steam locomotive activity witnessed here by the RTC group in 2010 included No. 205, thought to be the last regular working 0-4-4-0T industrial Mallet-type steam locomotive in the world. Lunch and dinner will be at local restaurants. We stay overnight at the Grand Surya Kediri Hotel. (B L D) Continued overleaf.

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£3695 £410

Price includes: • Flights London to Jakarta and return • 15 nights accommodation in the best available hotels • All meals as shown, sometimes packed lunches • Travel by regular service trains around Java, mostly in Executive class • Special steam charters at the sugar mills, Ambarawa Rack Railway, the Cepu Forestry Railway and the Solo street train • All visits and tours in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner July 2011 M

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Tuesday 19th July Sugar Mills at Madiun After breakfast we transfer by coach to Madiun for a tour of two sugar mills. We visit Rejosari Sugar Mill and see a very rare steam locomotive, driven by a jackshaft. At Purwodadi Sugar Mill we will hope to see as much activity as the RTC group in 2010 when steam locomotives No. 15 and No. 16 were working flat out. Afterwards we transfer to Madiun Station and join the regular service train to Solo. Lunch and dinner will be at a local restaurant. We stay at the Hotel Best Western Solo for overnight accommodation.

(B L D) Wednesday 20th July Steam Train through Solo Streets This morning we travel by coach into the hills to visit the Sukuh Erotic Temple, from where we continue to the Tasik Madu Sugar Mill. This mill has developed attractions for the visiting public including a museum and a tourist train. It also has working steam locomotives, steam driven mill machinery and a unique vertical boilered steam roller. Traditional music and dance entertainment, and lunch, will be provided at the mill. Later, we travel on a private charter train through the streets of Solo, using steam locomotive No. C1218, a quite exceptional experience. We transfer by coach to Solo Station where we join the regular service train to Yogyakarta. We check in to the Hotel Melia Purosani for two nights accommodation. Dinner will be taken at the hotel or at a local restaurant. (B L D)

eighth century. We visit the Sultan’s Palace, founded in 1755. After enjoying lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the Prambanan Hindu Temple, a World Heritage Site. In the evening we visit the Ramayana Ballet for a magical open-air performance in a fantastic setting. Dinner and overnight accommodation is at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. (B L D) Friday 22nd July Return to Jakarta This morning we transfer to Yogyakarta Station to travel in executive class on the regular service train to Jakarta. A packed lunch will be provided on board. On arrival in Jakarta we transfer to the hotel Menara Peninsula for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Saturday 23rd July Free day in Jakarta After breakfast the morning is free to explore Jakarta. Lunch is not included today. We transfer to the airport, in the afternoon, for our return flight to London via Dubai. (B) Sunday 24th July Return to London After changing planes at Dubai we arrive back at Gatwick Airport in the morning.

Thursday 21st July Yogyakarta Today we have a guided tour of Yogyakarta, a city with outstanding historical and cultural heritage, and the main tourist destination on the island of Java. Our coach takes us to the Borobodur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, thought to have been built at the beginning of the World Tours - Java

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Robin Patrick

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Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£3695 £410

Price includes: • Flights London to Jakarta and return • 15 nights accommodation in the best available hotels • All meals as shown, sometimes packed lunches • Travel by private coach attached to regular service trains around Java • Special steam charters at the sugar mills, Ambarawa Rack Railway and the Cepu Forestry Railway • All visits and tours in the itinerary

Bill Pemberton

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Jakarta Semarang Bandung Yogyakarta

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The Trans Siberian Express Saturday 30th July to Saturday 13th August 2011 Travelling by private luxury train, we will experience the longest and most famous railway journey in the world. The Trans-Siberian Express traverses the whole expanse of Russia from Moscow to its east coast, visiting Mongolia on the way. Few other journeys enable the passenger to relax so completely and become lost in the rhythm of the train as time zones and the urgency to arrive become meaningless. We use a high quality private train, only put into service in 2007, which is fully en-suite and has restaurant, bar and laundry carriages. The tour is fully inclusive (including all meals with wine on the train) with an extensive sightseeing programme in the main towns and cities along the route. There is also plenty of time to relax as our ‘Hotel-on-Wheels’ soaks up the miles. Get up when you want, sleep when you want. Having your own hotel room all the time means not having to pack and unpack every day!

Saturday 30th July Moscow, Russia Our morning flight departs from London Heathrow for Moscow. On arrival we are met and transferred to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel (or similar), located in the heart of this vibrant city, for a one-night stay. We enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel, meet fellow travellers, and anticipate the epic 15 day voyage that lies ahead. (D) Sunday 31st July Moscow - Freedom of Choice Touring Our morning city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia’s former military and political might. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil’s Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin, and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin’s tomb. Alternatively, our Freedom of Choice touring options allow us to visit, for example, the Tretyakov Gallery or the Museum of the KGB. We board the luxurious Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express in the early afternoon. After settling into our modern stylish cabins, we enjoy dinner in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars, as our rail adventure eastwards to Vladivostok begins. (B L D)

Monday 1st August Kazan We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning. Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. Here we have the opportunity to see for ourselves its rich tapestry of history and culture. One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and onion-domed cathedral. After enjoying a relaxing dinner on the Golden Eagle, it is possible to retire to our welcoming bar car where drinks can be enjoyed with new friends whilst listening to our resident pianist. (B L D) Tuesday 2nd August Yekaterinburg We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in 1723 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia, was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a World Tours - The Trans Siberian Express

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church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. (B L D) Wednesday 3rd August Novosibirsk A modern ‘Soviet’ city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk’s rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Our city tour takes us to the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin, providing a marvellous opportunity to have our photographs taken with this iconic political leader. (B L D) Thursday 4th August On Board – Enjoying the Ever Changing Landscape A day to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced on our journey so far. Chat to your fellow passengers, perhaps learn a few words of Russian, or simply enjoy the ever changing landscape outside the train window as it unfolds. (B L D)

Friday 5th August Irkutsk We arrive in Irkutsk, the ‘Paris of Siberia’, and our visit today takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city. It includes an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House Museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 1825. Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner. (B L D) Saturday 6th August Lake Baikal Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels, along cliff hugging tracks above the lake, with a vista of snow capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s fresh water. Also known as the ‘Pearl of Siberia’, it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish, including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal’s picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious barbecue, including freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs. For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.

In the afternoon, we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills. (B L D) Sunday 7th August Ulan Ude This morning we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. The ethnic and cultural diversity of this area offers a unique insight into its heritage. As we tour the area, we will observe the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people. During our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people. We are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians. (B L D)

Far East. There is the option of attending one of the interesting lectures or Russian language lessons held on board the train. (B L D) Wednesday 10th August On Board – Close to the Chinese Border It is the perfect opportunity to practice your Russian or simply relax as our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle eats up the miles on our way to Vladivostok. (B L D) Thursday 11th August On Board – Eastern Limit Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today. We reach the most easterly point of our mammoth journey as we pass through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur. Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner on board the private train that has been our home for the last twelve days, as we approach our final destination on this unforgettable journey. (B L D) Friday 12th August Vladivostok After travelling through 8 time zones and covering an amazing 6,600 miles (10,600 km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, the Golden Eagle pulls into Vladivostok, a military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan. Vladivostok (literally translated as ‘Ruler of the East’) offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a tour of a restored submarine. Afterwards we transfer to the centrally located four-star Hotel Hyundai. The final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner. (B L D) Saturday 13th August Vladivostok Following breakfast, we transfer to Vladivostok airport for the return flight to London Heathrow via Moscow. We arrive back at London Heathrow in the early evening. (B)

Tour Summary Price per person Gold £10495 Single supplement Gold £3900 Price per person Silver £8495 Single supplement Silver £3600 Price per person Heritage £6095 Single supplement Heritage £2200 Price includes: • Flights from London to Moscow and from Vladivostock to London • 1 night hotel accommodation in Moscow • 12 nights on board the Golden Eagle Trans Siberian Express train • 1 night hotel accommodation in Vladivostok • On board doctor and medical facilities • 24hr service cabin attendant • All visits and tours in the itinerary Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner Cabin Information Gold Class 77 sq ft (7 sq metres) Sleeps 2 in either lower standard (4ft 6in) double bed or bunk style Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating Recessed lighting and wardrobe Personal safe Private en-suite bathroom with full power shower and under floor heating DVD/CD player with LCD screens Towels and Linens changed regularly Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin Drinks from the Bar Car included from the Standard Bar List Laundry service available for a fee 5 cabins per carriage Silver Class 60 sq ft (5.5 sq metres) Sleeps 2 in lower small double bed (4ft) or bunk style Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating Recessed lighting and wardrobe Personal safe Private en-suite bathroom with ‘wet-room’ style shower and toilet DVD/CD player with LCD screens Towels and Linens changed regularly Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin Laundry service available for a fee 6 cabins per carriage

Monday 8th August Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol. We visit the capital city of Ulaan Baatar and take lunch, Mongol style, in a traditional Ger (Yurt). Here we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment, providing a unique opportunity to encounter this timehonoured nomadic way of life. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia. (B L D)

New Heritage Class 39 sq ft (3.6 sq metres) Sleeps 2 in bunk style Remote controlled air-conditioning and heating Recessed lighting and wardrobe Washbasin Towels and Linens changed regularly Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin Laundry service available for a fee 8 cabins per carriage Toilets available at each end of the carriage Separate Shower compartment at the end of the carriage

Tuesday 9th August On Board – Russian Far East Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful landscape of the Russian World Tours - The Trans Siberian Express

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Don Mitchell

Hedjaz Railways Friday 9th September to Monday 19th September 2011 The amazing Hedjaz Railway was originally built to transport pilgrims from Damascus to Medina. Severely damaged during the First World War, largely by Lawrence of Arabia, several parts have been kept in running order, so the romance of the railway remains alive for our tour. We travel on all the available sections on privately chartered trains, steam hauled throughout. The trip features many different steam locomotives and includes visits to a galaxy of fascinating places; the red City of Petra, the ruined Roman city of Jerash, and the ancient cities of Amman and Damascus all lie in wait for us. While much of our route runs through desert country, we also visit the Dead Sea. Friday 9th September Fly to Amman Our flight leaves London Heathrow late morning to fly to Amman in Jordan. On arrival, we transfer to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in time for a light supper. (D) Saturday 10th September Steam to Quatrana We leave the hotel for Amman Station where our first locomotive, a British built Stephenson Hawthorn 2-8-2 No. 23, will take our train south into the desert to Quatrana. This section of the line is closed to regular traffic and we will have opportunities to capture some rare pictures.

The long climb out of Amman is fascinating, as we pass through its suburbs. At Quatrana we have lunch in the Sultani Resthouse, after which we continue along the Desert Highway to Petra.

We stay tonight at the 4-star Crowne Plaza Hotel, Petra. (B L D) Sunday 11th September Guided Tour of Petra Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares a visitor for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed. Known as the ‘city of rock’, it was carved out of the local rose-coloured sandstone over two thousand years ago and its imposing facades and tombs are a testament to the one-time wealth of the ancient

Nabataeans. Its most famous buildings are the Treasury, and the Great Temple, which is worth visiting for the exquisite art and architecture it showcases from this period. A palatial building, it displays carved elephant heads, frescos and elegant pilasters demonstrating the bringing together of many cultures. During our guided tour we have lunch at the Basin Restaurant. (B L D) Monday 12th September Dead Sea Resort The Dead Sea has great significance biblically, archaeologically, historically and geographically. It has the lowest water surface on earth at 1,373 feet below sea level. Today our coach will take us from Petra to the Dead Sea where there is an option to bathe, reaping the acclaimed benefits of the sea’s mineral-rich waters. Changing facilities and towels are provided by a local hotel. After lunch at the resort we return to Amman and the Crowne Plaza Hotel. (B L D) Tuesday 13th September Train to Syria We join our train at Amman Station, today hauled by a Japanese Pacific steam locomotive No. 82, for a northbound run along the Hedjaz Railway to Dera’a in Syria. This is a remarkable experience, since steam hauled border crossings are a rare event anywhere in the world today. The city of Dera’a dates back to the Canaanites and was World Tours - Hedjaz Railways

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mentioned in the time of Pharaoh Thutmose III between 1490 and 1436 BC. We visit the locomotive depot at Dera’a where an ancient locomotive, 2-6-0T No. 61, will be specially steamed to shunt in the station yard for us. A Hartmann steam locomotive, 2-8-2 No. 262, will work into Dera’a with a freight train from Damascus. Another Hartmann steam locomotive, 2-8-0 No. 91, hauling Syrian rolling stock, will then take us down the little used branch line to Bosra where we check into the 4-star Cham Palace Hotel for two nights. (B L D) Wednesday 14th September The Ancient City of Bosra or Steam to Dera’a Today there is a choice of a sightseeing tour of Bosra, or a train trip hauled by No. 91, with photo opportunities, back to Dera’a. Bosra is famous for its magnificent fifteen thousand seat Roman amphitheatre, later converted into a fortress by the Ayyubids. Other things to see include the Western Gate, the Roman Baths, the Mosque of Omar, the Cathedral of Bosra, the Mameluke Baths, a Nabataean arch and the basilica known as the Church of Bahira. Those choosing to take the sightseeing tour will return to Dera’a by private coach. Lunch is at the Al Sharak restaurant in Dera’a. In the afternoon we join our train, hauled by steam locomotive No. 262, to take a trip to the scenic Yarmuk Gorge area beyond

Mezerib. This is a fantastic journey passing through tunnels and across viaducts whilst heading deep into the gorge. Here the locomotive runs round the train for the return journey back to Dera’a where our coach will take us back to Bosra. (B L D) Thursday 15th September Yarmuk Gorge and Damascus We return to Dera’a station to join our special train, hauled by steam locomotive No. 97, for a second run down the spectacular Yarmuk Gorge.

If you prefer, you can stay in Dera’a for the morning for a spot of sightseeing. We have lunch at the Al Sharak Restaurant in Dera’a and afterwards leave hauled by steam locomotive 2-8-2 No. 262 to travel along the main line towards Damascus. We stay at the 5-star Cham Palace Hotel in Damascus for two nights. (B L D) Friday 16th September Cadem Works and Sergaya Today we visit the Cadem works in Damascus, a treasure chest of old steam locomotives, carriages, and machinery. Following our visit we go to Hameh Station to join our special train, hauled by Swiss Loco Company steam locomotive 2-6-0T No. 755, with a train of old four-wheel carriages, for our journey to Sergaya. There is the choice of returning to Damascus by our steam train, or by taking the coach which allows time for a guided tour of the city. This includes visiting the chapel commemorating the lowering of St. Paul in a basket, to escape his persecutors. (B L D)

Imagine being back in the 2nd Century AD as we walk around one of the best-preserved provincial Roman cities anywhere in the world. This city includes magnificent ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic periods, proving that it has existed for over a thousand years. We stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Amman for two nights. (B L D) Sunday 18th September Steam to Qasir Today we go to Mahatta Station where Haine St Pierre steam locomotive 2-8-2 No. 71 will haul our train southbound to Qasir Station. There will be photo’ stops along this highly scenic line then, on arrival, a coach will take us to St George’s Church.

This will be followed by lunch and a visit to Mount Nebo before we return to Amman.

(B L D) Monday 19th September Return to the UK Our flight departs early afternoon for London Heathrow for an early evening arrival. (B)

Price per person Single supplement

£2755 £385

Price includes: • Flights London to Amman and return • 10 nights hotel accommodation in luxury hotels, with breakfast and dinner • Lunch included each day, but on three days we will have a picnic lunch • All rail and coach journeys as described • The services of a tour manager Entrance fees to tourist attractions are not included.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner September 2011

David Nash

Saturday 17th September Ruined City of Jerash We travel to Cadem Station where a Hartman Mikado steam locomotive will be waiting to haul our train along the Hedjaz main line. This is a fascinating line that includes a mixture of street running in Damascus and stunning, bleak desert scenery. After lunch we travel by coach to visit the ruined Roman city of Jerash.

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Peru and Bolivia Wednesday 5th October to Saturday 22nd October 2011 This tour is so full of wondrous sights and culture it’s difficult to know where to begin! First is a city tour of Lima, the capital of Peru. Then we will travel by train and by coach past mountains rising to over twenty thousand feet, see lakes, and pass from spring to winter in a matter of hours as we reach altitudes of up to around sixteen thousand feet.

Seeing the sunrise in magical Machu Picchu is amazing, possibly the world’s most celebrated sight; and we’ll sail on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Without a doubt this tour is a real cultural Andean feast.

As for the railway side, we cover a good proportion of the railways in Peru including what was, until recently, the highest railway in the world. We also pass through the Andes on one of Peru’s most luxurious trains. It is true to say that all the varied railway journeys that we make are spectacular and very special.

Wednesday 5th October Fly to Lima Our flight departs London Heathrow in the morning to Lima via Miami. We transfer to the Casa Andina Hotel located in the Lima district of Miraflores, for two nights.

Thursday 6th October Lima City Tour and Rail Depot We enjoy a full day tour of Lima, the cultural and business centre of Peru, with its impressive buildings, colourful craft markets, and Spanish architecture. The morning tour takes in both modern and colonial Lima. Following a buffet lunch, we visit the Museo del Oro, the Gold Museum, to see some of the legendary golden treasures of the Incas. We also visit a one kilometre railway, in a park, that operates a 500mm gauge 0-4-0T locomotive built in 1926, and see some disused main line steam locomotives. We return to the Casa Andina Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday 7th October

By Rail from Lima to Huancayo This remarkable line, the Central Railway, Ferrocarril Central del Peru, is the most important in Peru from an economic point of view. It is standard gauge and begins at the Pacific Port of

Callao, using Desamparados Station in Lima. It was well known as the highest railway in the world until 2006 when China opened its line to Lhasa in Tibet. Reaching 15,686 feet near Galera Station before it drops to La Oroya at 12,000 feet, it then continues to Huancayo, situated at 10,700 feet. We begin our spectacular climb at Lima Desamparados Station, only a little above sea level. The steepest gradients are 4.5% and the line traverses 66 tunnels, 59 bridges and 22 zigzag bends. Warm clothing is necessary when we leave the train for photographs as we will experience a dramatic drop in temperature. Lunch will be provided on board. We continue through La Oroya before we begin the dramatic descent to Huancayo. We transfer and check in to the Hotel Turismo in Huancayo. Dinner tonight is in a typical restaurant of the region. (B L D) Saturday 8th October Huancayo to Huancavelica In the morning we travel by coach from Huancayo to Huancavelica, a journey of approximately four hours. We pass through beautiful Andean scenery and visit the railway stations of Chilca and Izcuchaca Inca Bridge. On arrival in Huancavelica we transfer to our hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the community of Sacsamarca.

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once again sample the local delicacies as we dine in a local restaurant. (B L D) Sunday 9th October

By Road to Ayacucho After having breakfast we board our private coach for the splendid journey to Ayacucho. This section of our journey takes us past old silver mines and an abandoned railway line before the climb into the Andes, reaching even higher than our train two days before. In fact we will be on the highest paved road in the world, with the possible exception of the Himalayas. We have a packed lunch en route. After a long journey we arrive in Ayacucho, a city founded by the Spaniards in 1539, with many buildings reflecting Spain’s influence over hundreds of years. Here, we will check in to the Hotel Ayacucho. There should be time to explore the colonial centre before dinner.

(B L D) Monday 10th October Tour of Cusco We transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco, changing planes in Lima. On both flights we will be able to look down on the massive Andes.

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 14th Century until the Spanish conquest in 1533.

On arrival in Cusco we transfer to our hotel to

check in and then take lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon there will be a city tour to see the many historical Inca and Spanish colonial monuments, including the amazing Q’oricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, and some of the city’s beautiful churches. We will also head off into the mountains overlooking the town, for photographs.

We visit the locomotive depot of PeruRail and meet their staff. In the evening we experience a folklore show and have dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight accommodation is at the Hotel Casa Andina in Cusco. (B L D) Tuesday 11th October Sacred Valley of the Incas Following breakfast we drive to the valley of the Urubamba River, the so called Sacred Valley of the Incas. We journey to the village of Pisac, where there is a traditional market and an opportunity to buy souvenirs. We have lunch in a traditional restaurant. We continue along the valley to the village of Ollantaytambo, a good example of the military architecture during the Inca times. We return to our hotel in Cusco. The evening is free providing an opportunity to try local restaurants for dinner. (B L) Wednesday 12th October Train to Machu Picchu We travel in Tourist Class on the early morning train from Cusco for Machu Picchu. The train climbs on zigzags out of Cusco up a steep mountainside with superb views over the town.

We follow the meandering valley of the Urubamba River which is surrounded by tropical forests. This river is one of several that we experience on this holiday, flowing to the Amazon and on into the Atlantic some four thousand miles away. When the train arrives at Puente Ruinas Station, we transfer to our hotel, and then have time to explore and perhaps take a nature walk. There will also be an opportunity to watch the trains meandering down the main street. Dinner tonight is in our hotel. (B L D)

Thursday 13th October Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco Today is the highlight of the tour, a visit to Machu Picchu, which the Spanish failed to discover, and probably the best preserved Inca complex in existence. Situated eight thousand feet above sea level, it was probably built by the Incas from around 1460. Following an early morning buffet breakfast at our hotel, we travel up the hill by coach to watch the sunrise and enjoy a guided visit. Nothing can prepare visitors for this experience! After lunch we return to Cusco by backpacker train. Overnight accommodation is at the Casa Andina - Cusco Plaza Hotel. (B L D) Friday 14th October Train to Lake Titicaca Today we travel by standard gauge train, from Cusco’s second railway station, for a 240 miles journey to Puno and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, at over twelve thousand feet. The train is extremely comfortable, the service splendid, and the views unmatched.

The train pauses at La Raya, the highest point on our route at around fourteen thousand feet, so that we can visit a local handicraft market. We have lunch on board the train and are due to arrive in Puno at approximately 18:30. We transfer to the Libertador Hotel, overlooking the lake. (B L D) Continued overleaf.

Phil Lawson

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£4390 £490

Price includes: • Return flights to Lima from London Heathrow via Miami • Internal flights in Peru • All hotels Deluxe class, except the best possible available on 3 nights • Transfers • All rail and coach travel • Entrance to all attractions mentioned • Local guides • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner October 2011 26

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Saturday 15th October Sail on Lake Titicaca and La Paz Our first destination today is Copacabana, just across the Bolivian Border, which is marked by an arch. There will be time to explore Copacabana before boarding a catamaran to travel on the mystical waters of Lake Titicaca. Lunch will be served before we arrive at Sun Island, Isla del Sol, the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. Here there are a whole host of things to see including the Inca Garden, the Ekako Underground Museum, the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders and the Pachamama Agricultural Inca Terraces. We will also see llamas, alpaca and vicuña. Our visit includes a unique sailing trip aboard a traditional reed vessel for sight of the Pilkokaina Inca Palace.

Afterwards we sail to Chua Harbour for a coach transfer to La Paz, the highest capital in the world, at an altitude above 10,000 feet. We stay overnight in the Hotel Plaza. (B L D) Sunday 16th October Tour of La Paz City We have a full day touring La Paz, originally named The City of Our Lady of Peace. It sits in a bowl surrounded by very high snow capped mountains which provide a magnificent backdrop.

Our tour visits a typical Bolivian Indian Market, the San Francisco Church, the Government Palace, the National Congress buildings and the Plaza Murillo, where the cathedral was built in around 1835. Many streets are lined with Spanish colonial architecture including the famous street Calle Jaen, with its cobblestones, balconies and stone doorways. Later we visit the Moon Valley where erosion has caused stony forms that give the sensation of being in a lunar landscape. We will also visit the majestic disused railway station.

Lunch is included during the tour. We stay overnight again in the Hotel Plaza. (B L D)

Monday 17th October Travel La Paz to Puno Today we return by coach to Puno. On the way we visit the ruins of Tiwanaku, an ancient city considered to be the cradle of American civilization, dating back to 1580 BC. We continue to the railhead and port of Guaqui where we hope to see a number of stored steam locomotives, including a Baldwin express engine and a Peckett tank locomotive. The old steam cranes and the jetty for the train ferries were still intact recently. We will pass through Laja, founded in 1548, and drive round Lake Titicaca before arriving at Puno’s Libertador Hotel. (B L D) Tuesday 18th October

By Rail from Puno to Arequipa We are due to catch our train to Arequipa at 08:00, arriving at 19:00. Our train may even pick us up from right outside our hotel! There are no regular passenger trains on this line so we have a special train all to ourselves, where lunch and dinner will also be served. We travel 221 miles through a landscape of volcanoes, deep canyons, plateaus and desert. At Crucero Alto we are at the highest point of today’s trip at nearly fifteen thousand feet. We will also see the massive snow capped Chachani Volcano, nearly twenty thousand feet high, before arriving in the second most important city in Peru, Arequipa, also known as the White City. We stay overnight at the Casa Andina Hotel Arequipa. (B L D) Wednesday 19th October Charter Train to Mollendo Our charter train leaves Arequipa at 06:50 for the town of Mollendo. This commercial route is used almost exclusively for the shipment of minerals and a passenger train is rare. Our train first descends from the mountains to a high desert plateau, and then descends again to the coastal plain. We have lunch before arriving at Mollendo.

We take time to look around Mollendo’s lovely old World Tours - Peru and Bolivia

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station, wander around the town, and gaze at the Pacific Ocean from its beach. We are due to arrive back at Arequipa late afternoon where we transfer back to the Casa Andina Hotel. (B L D) Thursday 20th October Return to Lima In the morning we take a city tour of Colonial Arequipa and visit the world famous Convent of Santa Catalina. We enjoy lunch before transferring to the airport for our flight to Lima. Upon arrival we transfer to a restaurant for our farewell dinner.

We return to our hotel for our overnight stay.

(B L D) Friday 21st October Lima and Fly to UK The morning is free to enjoy Lima before we transfer to the airport to catch our flight home, via Miami. (B) Saturday 22nd October Arriving London Our flight arrives at London Heathrow.

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£4390 £490

Price includes: • Return flights to Lima from London Heathrow via Miami • Internal flights in Peru • All hotels Deluxe class, except the best possible available on 3 nights • Transfers • All rail and coach travel • Entrance to all attractions mentioned • Local guides • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner October 2011 26

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Juliaca Puno

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Neil Smith

Eritrea Tuesday 11th October to Wednesday 19th October 2011 Eritrea has recently enjoyed a steam renaissance. Its 950mm narrow gauge railway was closed and the rails removed in the 1970’s, but it has been rebuilt and recently reopened. Six of the original Italian built narrow gauge steam locomotives have been restored, including some Mallet-type articulated locomotives. The line passes through spectacular scenery on its climb from the Red Sea to the capital, Asmara, reaching nearly 8,000 feet! It has been dubbed the Darjeeling of Africa, but it climbs significantly higher than the Indian line. We travel during a month when the weather is comfortable and through a country that is extremely friendly, not yet influenced by mass tourism. This tour also offers an extension to visit Cairo (including the Pyramids) and Alexandria.

Tuesday 11th October Fly to Eritrea We depart London Heathrow at 14:00, changing in Cairo for Asmara. We transfer direct to the Asmara Palace Hotel, for an early check in.

Wednesday 12th October Asmara Tour Eritrea’s capital since 1897, Asmara is perched on the eastern edge of the country’s highland plateau. Colonized by the Italians, it was once the jewel in Italy’s East African Empire. Our city tour of Asmara includes the Catholic Cathedral (thought to be the finest example of its style outside of Italy), the neo-classical Governor’s Palace, the Romanesque Opera House, the city park and the cemetery of tanks, full of scrap military metal. There will also be time to visit the city’s bustling market. (B L D) Thursday 13th October Ancient Massawa We travel by train down the hill to Ghinda and then by coach to Eritrea’s main port, Massawa, which is located on two islands as well as the mainland. Massawa is vitally important to Eritrea as it is the largest natural deep water port on the Red Sea. The island of Batse is an ancient Moorish centre and well worth a visit. The district of Taulud has a war memorial, cathedral, the

Imperial Palace, and the old railway station.

All the Eritrean trains on this tour are chartered especially for us. We will be hauled by a Mallet locomotive on a mixed train, stopping for photos along the way. Overnight accommodation is at the Red Sea Hotel situated on the Red Sea in Massawa. (B L D) Friday 14th October Steam to Ghinda Our train today will be hauled by a large Mallet locomotive for the long climb from the sea at Massawa, through gorges and across high slender viaducts, high up into the mountains to Ghinda.

We travel by coach back to the Asmara Palace Hotel for five nights. (B L D) Saturday 15th October Head for Asmara After breakfast we retrace our steps by road back down to Ghinda Station. Here our train, complete with two Mallet locomotives, will haul us over the steepest and most spectacular section of the line between Ghinda and Asmara. This is the final section to have been reopened on this once dilapidated line. It climbs steeply as it twists and turns, passing over bridges and through tunnels.

We will enjoy several run pasts for photos on this spectacular line. (B L D)

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Sunday 16th October Visit Keren Today there is a visit to the ancient, and predominately Muslim, city of Keren. Our journey passes through more spectacular scenery as we traverse the mountains. Keren has some wonderful examples of Italian and Ethiopian architecture, and is overlooked by the Tigu, a 19th Century Egyptian fortress. There are good views from the top of the fort and the ruins of the old Imperial Palace, destroyed in 1977, are located at its base. Alternatively, it is possible to spend the day exploring Asmara or chilling out by the hotel swimming pool. (B L D) Monday 17th October Back on the Mountain We begin with a visit to the locomotive depot and workshops at Asmara. Construction of the railway by the Italians began in 1888, to link the capital with coastal Massawa. Totally destroyed during 30 years of war, it has now been fully restored with the last section of track finished in early 2003. The line has 29 stone bridges, two metal ones and 39 tunnels. One of the little Breda tank locomotives will be available for shunting and light duties. We will have lunch at a restaurant in Asmara followed by a run down the mountain on our chartered train behind a Mallet locomotive.

We will travel as far as Arbaroba and – if we’re

lucky – beyond, after which the Mallet locomotive runs around our train for the return journey. As we climb back up towards Asmara the afternoon sunlight should give us spectacular photo opportunities against a mountain backdrop. We hope to use our road coach to photograph the train as it grinds its way through the panoramic scenery. (B L D) Tuesday 18th October The Fiat Railcar Today an ancient Fiat Littorina railcar will make the journey from Asmara to Nefesit. There will also be a steam train, if you prefer it, which will also take us back to Asmara. Again there will be lots of opportunities to take pictures of the trains and the spectacular scenery. (B L D) Wednesday 19th October Fly to Cairo/London We have an early morning departure for London via Cairo. (B L)

Alan Ross

Cairo Extension Wednesday 19th October Exploring Cairo From Cairo Airport we transfer to the Cairo Sheraton Hotel, located on the Nile, for three nights. We take a local tram through the streets of Cairo to the railway station, which also houses the Egyptian Railway Museum. After lunch in the city, our private coach will take us to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for some shopping. We return to our hotel for dinner. (B L D) Thursday 20th October The Pyramids We have arranged a private tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and their steadfast and enigmatic guardian, the Sphinx. After lunch we tour the Egyptian Museum to see the golden treasures of Tutankhamun and other amazing exhibits of ancient Egypt. We have dinner at our hotel. (B L D) Friday 21st October Alexandria After breakfast we transfer to the main station for a mid morning express train to Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city and its major seaport. It takes just over two hours on surprisingly comfortable trains. In Alexandria we will have lunch and sample the city’s old trams, with fares less than 3p a trip! We return to Cairo and have dinner on the Nile, with an Egyptian show including belly dancing. (B L D) Saturday 22nd October Return to UK We transfer to the airport for our return to Heathrow.

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£2785 £295

Price includes: • Flights London to Asmara and return • 8 nights hotel accommodation • Full board throughout • All train travel, transfers and tourist visits detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner October 2011 26

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£510 £95

Price includes: • 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast

Ian Fraser

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Nigel Dobbing

The Old Patagonian Express Saturday 12th November to Tuesday 29th November 2011 This fantastic tour begins in the exciting city of Buenos Aires and takes in both Argentina and Chile. The highlight of the tour is travelling on the Old Patagonian Express, now operating the full length of the line from Ingeniero Jacobacci through the wilderness to Esquel, deep in Patagonia. The famous Lake Crossing takes us through the Andes from Argentina into Chile, cruising across bewitching lakes, past giant mountains, high waterfalls, active volcanoes and magnificent glaciers. In Chile, we travel on a special steam charter train from Valdivia to Temuco, eventually arriving in the beautiful city of Santiago. We spend a wonderful day sampling the local wine on the ‘Wine Train’.

Not to be missed!

Saturday 12th November Fly to Buenos Aires We take an evening scheduled flight from London to Buenos Aires via Sao Paulo.

Sunday 13th November See Buenos Aires We arrive in Buenos Aires early afternoon and transfer to the El Conquistador Hotel where we will be accommodated for three nights. Later in the afternoon we take a city tour which includes a vintage tram ride. (D) Monday 14th November Special Steam Charter Train We board the Tren Historico, hauled by a British built 0-6-0 steam locomotive, at San Miguel Station and travel to Capilla del Senor, a Gaucho town in the Pampas. A superb barbecue will be provided for us on arrival, with folk dancing and music. Our special train returns us to Buenos Aires for dinner. (B L D) Tuesday 15th November Visit a Steam Depot After breakfast we visit the Ferro Club Steam Depot in Escalda where all available locomotives will be in steam. We’ll stop for a tasty lunch at the Ferro Club and later enjoy dinner, a thrilling

tango show, and overnight accommodation in Buenos Aires. (B L D) Wednesday 16th November Rail to Patagonia After breakfast in our hotel we’ll join an internal flight to Bariloche. This will be followed by lunch.

We’ll transfer by coach to Ingeniero Jacobacci for dinner and overnight accommodation in our hotel.

(B L D) Thursday 17th November The Old Patagonian Express After an early breakfast the steam hauled Old Patagonian Express will be waiting for us, hauled by a narrow gauge Mikado locomotive. At around 07:30 our train will steam out into the Patagonian wilderness of moors, mountains and forests.

Despite its narrow gauge it carries a restaurant car and we will be served coffee, tea, light refreshments and lunch on board. We will see for ourselves how difficult this country is for railways as we experience an exhilarating ride, battling against the force of gravity up though the mountains. After several photo’ opportunities we should arrive at El Maiten by 16:00 where a coach will transfer us to El Bolson and our 3-star hotel. (B L D)

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Friday 18th November La Trochita to Esquel After breakfast we transfer to El Maiten Station and board the Old Patagonian Express again.

Refreshed with hot coffee and snacks we set off on La Trochita, a local phrase meaning ‘The Little Train’. This is a wild and remote line which is still totally steam operated. Our ride will be extremely exciting as the train tackles severe gradients through the mountains with the high Andes always in sight. Lunch is served on board and we arrive in Esquel at around 17:00. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Saturday 19th November Steam Esquel to El Maiten Today there are two choices. The first option is to transfer to Esquel Station where La Trochita waits for us. We travel steam-hauled to El Maiten (with two locomotives to Nahuel Pan), calling at Lepá for a barbecue lunch beside the line. The second option is to enjoy a morning tour of the Esquel area visiting some early settlements where, unusually, only Welsh and Spanish are spoken!

Later we rejoin the rest of the group for the barbecue at Lepá. We return to El Maiten where we will have time to visit the locomotive depot before departing by coach back to San Carlos de

Bariloche. Here we stay for three nights in a 4-star hotel, with dinner each evening. (B L D)

John Tidmarsh

Sunday 20th November Enjoy the Lakeside Town of San Carlos de Bariloche In the morning we have a sightseeing tour of the town, situated on the side of Lake Bariloche, followed by a leisurely lunch and a free afternoon to relax. (B L D) Monday 21st November Arrayanes Forest Park We depart by coach to Puerto Villa Angostura and from there we visit the Arrayanes Forest National Park, with a boat trip included. We return to San Carlos de Bariloche for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£4995 £435

Price includes: • Return flights from London • Internal flights as shown

Hooper

• 15 nights accommodation with breakfast • 13 lunches and 15 dinners • All rail travel shown • All visits and coach journeys shown

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• The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner November 2011

Nigel Dobbing

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Tuesday 22nd November Argentinean Lake Crossing Leaving early by coach for the lake (our luggage being taken separately), we board our vessel to begin the famous Argentinean Lake crossing to Puerto Montt in Chile. We cruise three beautiful lakes, interspersed with short road journeys on unmarked roads. We pass active volcanoes, spectacular glaciers, and majestic mountains always covered in snow. It must be one of the top five scenic journeys in the world! On arrival in Puerto Montt, we check into our 3-star hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Wednesday 23rd November Steam Train from Valdivia to Antilhue Today you’ll enjoy a scenic ride by coach to Valdivia. We visit the station to view two old steam locomotives, including a Beyer Peacock 2-6-0. Lunch will be taken in a famous German pub that brews its own beer then, in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour down to the river to view seals and walruses. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in the pleasant Mellilanca Hotel in Valdivia. (B L D) Thursday 24th November “Tren de la Araucania” to Temuco Our special steam hauled train awaits us at Antilhue. It is hauled by a powerful Baldwin designed (1953) 4-8-2 steam locomotive with special 1930 Linke Hoffman carriages and an Argentinean Fiat dining car, in which we enjoy lunch. During the journey there will be plenty of photo’ run-pasts in glorious scenery. All too soon our steam journey of over one hundred miles comes to an end as we arrive in Temuco. We visit the railway museum which is located in an old roundhouse, and contains a collection of twenty locomotives, mainly steam, before taking dinner and staying overnight at the Holiday Inn. (B L D)

Friday 25th November To Santiago After breakfast we go to Temuco Station.

The train will again be formed of the 1930’s Linke Hoffman carriages and an Argentinean Fiat Dining Car. We depart northwards towards Chillian hauled by a Beyer Peacock designed (but Chilean built) 2-6-0 steam locomotive. During the journey we cross the highest Viaduct in all of Chile.

At Chillian we change to a regular train for the fast journey to Santiago, where we check in to our hotel. (B D)

A truly fantastic and unforgettable journey!

We return by train to San Fernando and by coach to the hotel in Santiago for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Saturday 26th November Day Trip to Los Andes We visit the railway works and museum in Los Andes today before riding the Flying Goose Railcar to Rio Blanco, on the last surviving section of the famous Trans-Andean Railway. After a barbecue lunch we return to our hotel.

Alternatively, feel free to spend a free day in lovely Santiago. (B L D)

Tuesday 29th November Arrival London We have an early afternoon arrival at London Heathrow.

Robyn Macnamara

Sunday 27th November A Day on the “Wine Train” Today we join the Wine Train hauled by a Beyer Peacock 2-6-0 steam locomotive, with three Linke Hoffman balcony carriages. This is a fantastic way to end our epic journey, with a dramatic thirty mile ride to the terminus at Santa Anna.

We spend most of the day relaxing on the wine train visiting several wine lodges and tasting the superb wines produced in this area. Lunch will be at the delightful Viu Manent, a lovely restored manor house. After lunch we visit the Colchagua Museum which was designed to incorporate the concept of a journey through the history of Chile.

It contains a fantastic collection of weapons, old carriages and automobiles, including a Beyer Peacock 2-6-0 similar to our wine train steam locomotive.

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Monday 28th November Railway Museum In the morning we visit Quinta National Railway Museum’s impressive collection of locomotives before transferring to the airport for our afternoon flight to London Heathrow via Sao Paulo. (B)

John Tidmarsh

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£4995 £435

Price includes: • Return flights from London • Internal flights as shown • 15 nights accommodation with breakfast • 13 lunches and 15 dinners • All rail travel shown • All visits and coach journeys shown • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner November 2011 Hooper

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Alex Morley

Spring and Cherry Blossom in Japan Saturday 24th March to Monday 9th April 2012 Spring is the ideal time to visit Japan when the weather is fine and the cherry blossom appears.

We use many different forms of transport including steam trains, bullet trains, trams and a ferry boat. We travel over various types of high speed train routes, local railways, rural railways, and a rack railway.

Our tour covers six of the eight regions of Japan and includes Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, the major islands, and beautiful Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. For those less interested in trains there are ample opportunities to spend more time sightseeing and exploring the many aspects of this wonderful country.

Saturday 24th March Flight departs for Tokyo We depart London Heathrow using an afternoon departure by scheduled flight to Tokyo.

Sunday 25th March Arrive Tokyo We have a morning arrival at Tokyo’s Narita Airport and transfer to our conveniently located hotel in Tokyo where we stay for three nights.

In the afternoon we have a leisurely tour of Japan’s capital city, ranked third among global cities, to see something of its urban landscape and transport systems. This may be one of many opportunities for viewing some sakura, cherry blossom, Japan’s unofficial national flower.

It holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture and is celebrated with hanami, cherry blossom viewing, parties under the trees.

Mount Fuji is just west of Tokyo, and can be seen from there on a clear day.

Monday 26th March Tokyo After breakfast we visit Tokyo’s last remaining tram line, the busy Arakawa Line, which operates in northern and eastern Tokyo and allows riders to have leisurely, street-level views of older sections of the city. After time for a lunch break, we continue by Japan Railways (JR) East local service and the ‘New Shuttle’ guided transit system, with rubber-tyred trains, to Omiya Station

in Saitama. Here we visit JR East’s impressive railway museum which opened in 2007. In the evening there is a welcome party, with local enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to find out about Japanese railways, life and culture. We return to our hotel for overnight accommodation.

(B)

Tuesday 27th March Yokohama Following breakfast at our hotel we depart southwards by local train to Yokohama, on Tokyo Bay, the second largest city in Japan by population. There will be time for sightseeing in World Tours - Spring and Cherry Blossom in Japan

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this ancient and modern port city which is home to the tallest inland lighthouse in the world. After a break for lunch, there is an opportunity to travel by two contrasting limited, makes limited number of stops, express trains. We take JR East’s ‘Super View Odoriko’ deluxe train from Yokohama to Odawara. This is followed by leading operator Odakyu Electric Railway’s ‘Romancecar’ luxury tourist service, from Odawara to its terminus at Tokyo’s busy Shinjuku hub. Overnight accommodation is at our Tokyo hotel. (B) Wednesday 28th March The Oigawa Railway In the morning we depart from Tokyo by ‘Hikari’ (high-speed train service) shinkansen, high speed rail network, for a one-hour journey to Shizuoka.

Then we travel by JR Central’s Tokaido Line to Kanaya where we transfer to the Oigawa Railway, a private company operating two ‘tourist’ railway lines. We travel to Senzu by steam train, on their electrified main line, through a picturesque mountain area. After a lunch break and opportunity to take photographs, we transfer by coach to Sumatakyo. Here we check in to a traditional style ‘onsen’ (hot springs) hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight accommodation.

(B D) Thursday 29th March Sumatakyo Hot Springs Resort Today, after breakfast at our hotel, the day is free

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£3185 £295

Price includes: • Flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo and return • All rail and coach transport • 15 nights hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels • 15 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners • The services of a tour manager

for a choice of activities. There is the Oigawa Railway’s 16 mile Igawa Line which runs from Senzu to Ikawa through spectacular isolated mountain scenery. It is the only railway line in Japan to have a rack section, using the Abt system where the route was realigned when a dam was constructed. The Oigawa Main Line from Senzu, where there is a small railway museum, operated by steam locomotives and vintage electric multiple units (EMU’s), can be revisited for further photo opportunities. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with diverse flora and fauna, which can be explored and enjoyed. Dinner and overnight accommodation is again provided at the hotel. (B D) Friday 30th March Bullet Train to Kyushu After breakfast at our hotel we transfer by coach to Senzu from where we take an Oigawa Railway historic EMU train to Kanaya. We travel by Tokaido Line stopping train from Kanaya to Hamamatsu, where we change to a ‘Hikari’ shinkansen service to Shin-Osaka. There will be time for lunch and photo opportunities at ShinOsaka. We continue westwards by JR West and JR Kyushu’s new ‘Sakura’ bullet train service to Kokura in northern Kyushu. We transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation. (B) Saturday 31st March Tsuwano This morning we travel by ‘Kodama’ bullet train to Shin-Yamaguchi. Here we join the steam service for the two hour journey along JR West’s Yamaguchi Line to Tsuwano. Our train will be hauled by 1937 built ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive No. C57.1. In the afternoon there will be free time to explore the historic town of Tsuwano and visit its picturesque main street, which is lined with Edo-era buildings and Koi ponds. We return to Shin-Yamaguchi from where we travel by bullet train to Kokura for overnight accommodation at our hotel. (B)

Sunday 1st April North Kyushu Following breakfast we have some time before collecting our luggage to travel on local lines in north Kyushu, including the monorail which runs southwards from Kokura station. In the afternoon we travel to Kumamoto by ‘Sakura’ bullet train service and check in at our hotel for three nights.

Kumamoto is located in the centre of Kyūshū Island, the most south-westerly island of Japan (B) Monday 2nd April Steam Train to Hitoyoshi This morning we join JR Kyushu’s ‘SL Hitoyoshi’ service hauled by 1922 built steam locomotive No. C58.654. It first takes the Kagoshima Main Line before joining the Hisatsu Line inland to Hitoyoshi. Hitoyoshi is famous for its hot springs and boat trips on the Kuma-gawa River.

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The historical castle site has views over the town and river and may be a place to see cherry blossom. Other options there include a trip on the third-sector Kumagawa Railway or onwards on the Hisatsu Line. We return to Kumamoto for overnight accommodation at our hotel. (B) Tuesday 3rd April Exploring Kumamoto Today we enjoy some free time in Kumamoto. The city’s most famous landmark is the hill-top 15th Century Kumamoto Castle. Suizenji Gardens located within Suizenji Park are considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. The city has operated a tram system since 1924 and has its own local Kumamoto Electric Railway.

Alternatively there is an option to have a day-trip to Kagoshima by JR Kyushu’s ‘Tsubame’ bullet train. Overnight accommodation is at our hotel in Kumamoto (B) Wednesday 4th April Travel to Hiroshima This morning we travel from Kyushu to Hiroshima by ‘Sakura’ bullet train. We check in to our hotel and then visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum commemorating the atom bomb dropped on 6th August 1945. (B) Thursday 5th April Ferry to Miyajima After breakfast in our hotel we travel westwards by tram to Miyajimaguchi. Here we have a short ferry trip to nearby Miyajima Island where we visit the Itsukushima Shrine with its famous ‘Torii’ gate in the sea. Later in the afternoon we return to Hiroshima and there is more time to explore its tram system, the longest in Japan. Alternatively, there is an option to travel further west to Iwakuni to see its famous ‘Kintai’ Bridge, a 17th century design, and to ride on the third-sector Nishigawa Railway. Overnight accommodation is at our hotel in Hiroshima (B)

Friday 6th April Return to Tokyo This morning we have a three hour journey to Nagoya by ‘Hikari’ bullet train. We then take the third-sector ‘Aonami’ (Blue Wave) Line to Nagoya Station, the world’s largest railway station by floor area and operational hub of JR Central. We visit the SCMaglev and Railway Park, JR Central’s new railway museum. Among the exhibits is steam locomotive No. C62.17 which reached a record 80 mph in 1954, and earlier bullet train types. In the late afternoon we travel to Tokyo by ‘Hikari’ bullet train. We check in to our conveniently located hotel. (B) Saturday 7th April The Mooka Line Today we travel to Shimodate, north-east from Tokyo, for a trip on the Mooka Railway’s SL Mooka steam service. This line provides an opportunity to get a taste of rural steam as we journey the 26 miles along the Mooka Line to Motegi hauled by a tank engine. We return to our Tokyo hotel for overnight accommodation. (B) Sunday 8th April The “Paleo Express” This morning we travel by JR East bullet train service to Kumagaya. Here we change to the ‘Paleo Express’ operated by the private Chichibu Railway, which has both freight and passenger services. The steam service takes two and a half hours to reach the railway’s terminus at Mitsumineguchi via the Chichibu Main Line. We return by Seibu Railways’ ‘Red Arrow’ limited express, from Seibu Chichibu to one of its Tokyo termini at Ikebukuro. Overnight accommodation is at our Tokyo hotel. (B) Monday 9th April Return to London Following breakfast, we transfer by the Keisei Electric Railway’s latest ‘Skyliner’ service to World Tours - Spring and Cherry Blossom in Japan

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Tokyo’s Narita Airport. Our flight from Tokyo arrives at London Heathrow later the same day.

(B)

Tour Summary Price per person Single supplement

£3185 £295

Price includes: • Flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo and return • All rail and coach transport • 15 nights hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels • 15 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners • The services of a tour manager Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D= Dinner March 2012 M

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Booking Conditions and Information THE ATTRACTIONS OF TRAINS By their very nature trains, especially steam, attract enthusiasts. We will always include a number of photographic opportunities, in the form of false starts and run pasts, also footplate rides, museum and depot visits where practical and possible.

However, many of our clients lack the exclusive interest in trains shown by some enthusiasts. We therefore keep in mind your need for diversity such as visits to castles and historic houses, wildlife, resort style hotels or free time for shopping or exploring. Nevertheless the main attraction is the touring by train, the nostalgia, the companionship on board and scenery outside. In fact, we consider that, on our tours, you will see more scenery and in greater comfort than by coach or cruise liner.

SCHEDULES, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES We book and advertise tours in good faith. Many scheduled railway organisations - train operators and track operators - only work two months ahead and cannot confirm final schedules to us until that ‘window’. Likewise we cannot advise final numbers until full balances are in. There may be occasional rescheduling or rerouting. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that the tour runs as planned and advertised, or as close to 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 high fire risk.

SEAT RESERVATIONS AND OVERNIGHT TRANSIT ARRANGEMENTS On some trains seat reservations are by individual seats, on others by block or coach. Since the railways concerned make allocation 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 sleepers (First Class is often singles).

The decisions are based on the length of the journey, the range of scenery likely to be missed overnight and the accommodation options available.

PORTERAGE Some tours include porterage between station and hotel, 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 still be occasions when porters are not available or included, and it will be each passenger’s responsibility to handle their own luggage.

ACCOMMODATION We try to use 4-star designated hotels throughout as this offers us the standards of hospitality, catering and service we desire for you. We also seek establishments which are either conveniently located for the railways 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 available.

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 clients’ tastes we try to adopt a ‘middle of the road’ approach to choosing menus. We must also accept the limitations of on-board catering and wonder 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 you have any special dietary requirements please ensure that you let us know them at the time of booking to ensure we can arrange them for you. Some of our tours include alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee - this is clearly stated, and otherwise guests are responsible for their own refreshments.

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH ISSUES Clients are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK please ensure your passport has at least six months remaining validity. We assume our clients are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right of abode in the UK. If your passport is of another country or state, or shows restrictions on return to your country of origin please contact us prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. At the time of publication (November 2010) UK Citizens need visas/ permits for the following tour destinations: (£ indicates anticipated cost to individual applicants)

We will advise requirements and processing arrangements to clients booking these tours. Where appropriate and possible we will arrange to handle and secure group visas. This is only viable if you can release your passport for sufficient time for delivering, processing and returning the document as part of the group application. If you need your passport in the eight-ten weeks before the tour you will need to consider an individual application. For late bookings please enquire to ensure you can complete the formalities in time.

Health advice is dependent upon the destination, medical history and current health of each person and we cannot assume any responsibility. You MUST seek advice from your GP or a travel medical centre.

PRETOUR and TRAVEL DOCUMENTS We will send ‘travellers’ information’ for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at ‘balance due’ time. If there is nothing special to communicate we will just acknowledge your balance. For all tours we prepare and send an itinerary/programme. This consists of a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names -where advised -(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. This is intentionally a ‘skim’ of the information available and you should research and obtain detailed reference material/maps/schedules etc appropriate to your interests.Air tickets are usually sent to us for onward transmission inside two weeks before travel - please don’t panic! Often rail tickets are group travel documents held by the Tour Manager; you will be provided with joining instructions, which please observe since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Onward tickets, vouchers and coupons are usually held by and distributed by the Tour Manager.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Many clients arrange their own insurance. THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY cannot assume any responsibility relating to insurance issues and clients should ensure they are familiar with procedures should an incident arise. This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to secure medical attention, but to hand the patient over to an appropriate and suitable authority.

INFIRMITY AND DISABILITY Tour managers are responsible for the general care and well-being of the whole group and are neither available, trained nor insured for ‘personal’ care. Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions; clients should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss your concerns before you 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 especially draw your attention to the high-altitude tours and cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY AND MAILING LISTS Your name and address have been secured and/or confirmed from your response to adverts, having been a previous client/enquirer or a referral. We do not share these details with anyone outside Warren Travel Ltd trading as The Railway Touring Company or The Railway Touring Company Ltd. Your personal details - such as credit card numbers/travelarrangements/companions etc will only be held and used within the requirements of tour operating. We are registered under the Data Protection Act. If you wish to communicate with another client please forward the stamped envelope/package to us; we will add the address and repost the mail.

We will not divulge addresses or telephone numbers.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION “We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number T7149.

This ensures that in the event of our failure your money will be protected; if you are on holiday at the time, arrangements will be made for you to complete your 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.”

PAYMENT FOR YOUR FLIGHT “The payments you make for your flight are held by us (in our trust account) on behalf of the ATOL holder who is supplying your flight, until the date we pass the money to that ATOL holder. The ATOL holder supplying the flight will issue an ATOL confirmation invoice to confirm its contract with you. We will forward on to you no later than the day after it has been received.”

INDIA - £45 ERITREA - £35 EGYPT - £20 SYRIA - £45

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Booking Agreement Status: We are a direct sell tour operator and retail travel agents. All parts of your holiday are covered by our TTA membership (number T726X), and the air travel on all of our holidays is covered by our ATOL membership (number T7149). The holiday account is summarised on the statement.

Programme and prices: As described in the brochure, leaflets, correspondence or amendments notified to you and acknowledged by you.

Deposit/Balance: Please forward a deposit per person of: £100 for travel in the UK £150 for travel within Europe £350 for travel beyond Europe Balances are required in time to pay suppliers, usually ten weeks before travel. Sometimes we have to pay group tickets earlier and the balance due date shown on the confirmation will reflect this.

While we are establishing a viable tour group deposits are fully refundable; when we confirm the operation of a tour your deposit will become committed.

Fidelity Insurance: All bookings are required to be covered by Fidelity Insurance. This is a financial protection insurance, which protects your money until the holiday goes ahead. This is included in the holiday price.

Credit Cards: Deposits paid by credit card will be excluded from credit card charges, however full balances paid by credit card will be subject to a 2.1% charge. This is the same as we are charged by the credit card companies due to the ever increasing use of credit cards we are no longer able to absorb this cost. There are of course no charges if you pay by Switch, cash, bank transfer or cheque.

Cancellation: Our cancellation policy for all our tours is as follows: Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before departure – loss of deposit Cancellation between 8-12 weeks prior to departure – 25% refund only Cancellation less than 8 weeks prior to departure – no refund Passports, Visas and Health: Travellers are responsible for possessing the correct documentation but we are willing to advise. You should seek professional medical guidance. Where security risk exists or arises Foreign and Commonwealth Office and tourist board guidance will be sought and passed on.

Prices: Prices are determined against known exchange rates, fuel costs and tax regimes prevailing at 29th October 2010. The exchange rates used for pricing the brochure are as follows: £1 = 1.15 Euros £1 = 1.59 US$ £1 = 9.44 Norwegian Krone £1 = 1.57 Swiss Francs £1 = 129.43 Japanese Yen In the event of significant changes we must reserve the right to amend prices.

Warren Travel Ltd trading as The Railway Touring Company acts as booking agent for the service providers whose terms and conditions of booking and carriage apply, copies will be secured upon request. Subject to minimum and maximum numbers booking. Rail components subject to serviceability and operating conditions - ‘best’ alternatives will be provided.

A NO SMOKING policy will be pursued where we have the control or influence of the service.

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Pre-Booking and Travel Insurance Pre-book your UK hotels and holiday parking Consider staying overnight before or after travel. Besides leaving you more relaxed the cost is often little more, if anything, than the cost of parking!

A convenient hotel before departure or after your return can mean you start or end your holiday more rested and relaxed, and possibly avoid the frustrations and anxieties of early morning and late evening travel.

Or, simply pre-book your parking so you know exactly where you are going and what it costs.

Airport Hotels with Holiday Parking • Gatwick from £79 per room • Heathrow from £99 per room • Manchester from £70 per room Secured Airport Parking • Gatwick from £6.75 per day • Heathrow from £8.80 per day • Birmingham from £4.50 per day Airport Hotels with Coach, this can be arranged from your local town, prices available on request.

Rail tickets from your home station to departure airport, these can only be booked where two or more passengers are traveling together, price available on request.

Prices correct at 29th October 2010 – Phone for details or indicate your needs on the booking form.

UK Connecting Flights We can try to arrange connecting flights from your local airport to the main tour departure point if you wish, prices for these connecting flights 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 clients – we can however recommend and send details through for 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.

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Railtour 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)

(Tick)

Where options are available for the tour (ie choice of travel) please clearly state your choice(s) (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, plus insurance, if required.

The balance/full fare is due 10 weeks before travel; dates will be advised on your confirmation. As stated in our Booking Agreement 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 Switch card for: £..................................... deposit

full fare

(Tick)

Card Number........................................................................................................................

Expires..................................................................................................................................

Start Date.............................................................................................................................

Please accept my booking on the terms and conditions in the 2011 TOURS brochure Please sign and date..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Send this form to: THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY, 14A TUESDAY MARKET PLACE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661500 • Fax: 01553 661800 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • Website: www.railwaytouring.co.uk

Visit our website for online booking

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The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661500 Fax: 01553 661800 Web: www.railwaytouring.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk Design and Artwork - LucidSynergy Ltd - www.lucidsynergy.com