The Railway Touring Company - Worldwide Steam Rail Holidays 2019 2nd Edition

The Railway Touring Company Worldwide Steam Rail Holidays 2019 2nd Edition

Dear Customer, What a busy start to the year we have had so far with our winter Highlights of Germany tour, Steam in Austria and of course a visit to beautiful Switzerland, our holidays have once again given memories of a lifetime.

As 2019 rushes through we wanted to send you an updated version of our main holiday brochure featuring some of our regular holidays still to run and some new additions to the program including a revisit to Bulgaria in September and our wonderful Christmas and New Year holiday to Switzerland, just imagine the scenery at that time of year.

So if you are looking for a few days away in Scotland or a holiday to France or maybe you want to experience steam further afield in Peru or Ecuador we have something for everyone.

The team here in King’s Lynn is ready to help with any questions, so give us a call. We look forward to welcoming you on board and travelling with us soon.

Kelly Osborne Managing Director

The Travel Trust Association (TTA) The TTA is a trade association of travel agents and travel organisers, established to provide financial protection for the customer.

The TTA lays down strict guidelines on how the customer’s funds should be handled, and each member must adhere to those guidelines.

Every TTA member pays the customer’s funds into a designated trust account which is supervised by an independent trustee; a Banker, Chartered or certified Accountant or Solicitor.

Who are we?

The Railway Touring Company is one of very few worldwide railway tour operators to charter their own trains.

We offer the unique experience of travelling in many countries by private vintage steam hauled train, giving customers the time and opportunity to view and enjoy the scenery. There may be the chance to stand on the open balcony of a railway carriage, or to open the carriage window and experience the true ambience of the countryside.

Why your travel arrangements are totally safe with the Travel Trust Association The Travel Trust Association (TTA) recognises that for many people a holiday is the one chance to really relax – so it is important that customers are able to feel completely confident about their travel arrangements from the moment they make their booking. By choosing an approved TTA Member, customers can be sure that their travel plans are totally secure. These arrangements exceed the statutory levels of consumer protection.

Our Chartered Steam Trains Whenever possible we hire steam trains for our exclusive use. This allows us the flexibility, within operational parameters, to run to our requirements. It also enables us to stop the train for photographs of the scenery; the train itself; and sometimes staged train movements, known as run-pasts. We can often arrange for tour customers to ride on the footplate of the locomotive, should they wish, but at their own risk. Since our tours often number around 40 customers there are occasions when we have access to older trains with limited capacity, and sometimes to facilities not normally available to large groups or individuals.

Customer’s funds are secured in Trust by the Travel Trust Association Trustees.

Travel Trust Association 2 Crown Square Woking GU21 6HR 01483 545 780 www.traveltrust.co.uk The holidays in this brochure that include air travel are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is T7149.

ATOL protects customers from losing their money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond, to be lodged with them.

If a firm goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to the customer, or if already abroad on holiday, arrange for the customer to complete their holiday and fly home.

Most of our chartered trains operate during day-time only and we use hotels for overnight accommodation.

Some tours feature vintage hotel trains providing overnight accommodation en route, with hotel accommodation at our destination.

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

Scheduled Trains Where we travel by scheduled train, with few exceptions, we travel First Class in reserved seats or reserved carriages. This has proven to be much better value for money since the additional space, comfort and lack of crowding are obtained at a worthwhile supplement compared with Standard Class travel.

Alternative Airports, Independent Travel and Extensions Our customers come from throughout the UK and overseas. Wherever possible we choose flights which allow connections from local airports, and prices for these connecting flights start at around £149 return. Most overseas tours allow for independent travel arrangements whereby customers may extend their stay, stop en route, or make their own travel arrangements. We can provide a ‘ground only’ quotation for all of our tours so that overseas customers and independent travellers can make their own way to and from the tour joining point.

Extra Tours and Tour Updates Throughout the year we keep pace with an ever-changing world. It is often possible to initiate new tours after our brochure has gone to press, and to make alterations to published information.

Website – www.railwaytouring.net Our web site provides details of all our tours plus information about additional tours and amendments to our tour programme. Don’t forget to bookmark our web site amongst your favourites. We welcome contributions of photographs that customers have taken on our tours and that they are willing for us to use in publicity materials.

Booking Conditions and Information Customers should ensure that they read our Booking Terms & Conditions and Booking Information before booking a tour. Details can be found on the back pages of this brochure.

22 EST. 1997

Cover image: George Trueb

All details correct at the time of going to print.

The Railway Touring Company Worldwide Steam Rail Tours – 2nd Edition 2019 United Kingdom Tours Heart of Scotland

July

4–5

Snowdonia and the Northern Fells

July

6–7

The Summer Highlander

July

8–9

The Western Isles

July–August / September

10 – 11

The Far North and Orkney

August

12 – 13

The West Country Explorer

August

14 – 15

The Cock O’the North

August–September

16 – 17

The East Anglian

September

18 – 19

The Shetlander

September

20 – 21

English Lake District

September–October

22 – 23

June–July

24 – 25

European Tours Steam around Lindau Steamboats of Northern Germany

July

26 – 27

Swiss Bernese Oberland

July / August / September

28 – 29

Highlights of Germany in Summer

July–August

30 – 31

Budapest, Balaton and Tatra Mountains

August

32 – 33

Lake Geneva, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc

September

34 – 35

The Black Sea Express

September

36 – 37

Autumn in Southern Austria

September

38 – 39

Southern Switzerland and Ticino

September

40 – 41

Highlights of Switzerland in Autumn

October

42 – 43

Autumn in Alsace

October

44 – 45

Autumn Steam in Saxony

October

46 – 47

Autumn in Italy

October–November

48 – 51

Steam and Christmas Markets in the Harz Mountains and Saxony

November–December

52 – 53

Christmas and New Year in the Swiss Alps

December–January

54 – 57

Colorado and The Rocky Mountains Steam Tour

August–September

58 – 61

Peru and Bolivia

October

62 – 65

Andes of Colombia and Ecuador

October–November

66 – 69

Golden Triangle with Shimla

Multiple dates 2019/20

70 – 73

World Tours

Important Information Booking Conditions

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Booking Information

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Pre-Tour and Post-Tour Arrangements and Travel Insurance

76

Railtour Reservation Form

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Heart of Scotland Wednesday 10th July to Tuesday 16th July 2019 Scotland is a rugged country full of scenic and cultural surprises, as you’ll discover for yourself on this highlight packed holiday tour to its wild, spectacular heart. Based initially in the historic city of Stirling, then in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, you’ll explore the unique cultural and natural attractions grouped around the Trossachs, the Cairngorms, and the Isle of Bute itself. Steam highlights include a trip on Loch Katrine aboard steam launch ‘Sir Walter Scott’, steam train on the Strathspey Railway and a transfer to the Isle of Bute on the iconic sea-going paddle steamer ‘Waverley’. There’s also an ascent of CairnGorm on the UK’s highest funicular railway to savour, a visit to the neo-gothic Victorian mansion Mount Stuart on Bute and wildlife discoveries in and around both of Scotland’s National Parks. With point-to-point transfers on ScotRail service trains and by private road coach to add to the convenience, this is a holiday showcasing all the uniqueness of the inspiring Scottish landscape, from unspoilt beaches to ragged coastlines, lonely inland lochs to towering mountain ranges, definitely one not to be missed!

Wednesday 10th July

Thursday 11th July

that encircles it. Dinner will be taken at your hotel this evening. (B L D)

From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London’s King’s Cross Station you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ passenger train for the journey north to Scotland, following the route of the scenic East Coast Main Line (ECML). A light lunch will be served at your seat as you travel First Class in relaxed, spacious comfort, as nearly the length of Britain rattles past. Your train stops at York, taking on those connecting by service train from Peterborough before continuing via Newcastle and Edinburgh to historic Stirling, where you book into the Golden Lion hotel for the next three nights. A welcome dinner is served at the hotel this evening. (L D)

This morning you transfer by coach from Stirling along scenic roads to nearby Loch Katrine, set in the Centre of the Trossachs National Park.

You’ll then enjoy a two hour lake cruise on the world-famous steamship ‘Sir Walter Scott’ to Stronachlachar from Trossachs Pier, taking in the inspiring landscape that influenced Sir Walter Scott, Coleridge and Wordsworth. On returning you’ll take a light lunch at the restaurant on the Pier. Afterwards you transfer by coach again to Stirling Castle for a guided tour of the grounds of one of the largest castles in Scotland, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs.

The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. After your tour there’ll be time to look around Stirling, taking in the historic Old Town and the picturesque Back Walk footpath

Friday 12th July

London to Stirling on the ‘Highland Chieftain’

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Steam Cruise on Loch Katrine and Stirling Castle

Strathspey Steam Railway and Cairngorm Mountain Railway

This morning you travel on a ScotRail service train over the iconic Highland Main Line from Stirling to Aviemore before joining a steam train on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip on the railway offers wonderful views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join the road coach to travel from Aviemore into the heart of the nearby Cairngorms National Park and stop for a short stroll along the banks of Loch Morlich.

From here it’s just a short onward journey to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, a 2 kilometre long

funicular and Britain’s highest mountain railway.

In appearance and design it’s reminiscent of the famed Alpine funiculars in Switzerland. Enjoy the magnificent views of the snow-capped Scottish mountains as the line ascends CairnGorm.

After an equally enjoyable descent on the mountain railway, your road coach returns you to Stirling, where dinner will be served at your hotel. (B L D) Saturday 13th July

Clyde Cruise and Isle of Bute aboard Paddle Steamer ‘Waverley’

After breakfast you transfer by road coach from Stirling to Glasgow. The coach drops you off at the steamboat pier and continues with your luggage by motor ferry to your next hotel at the Isle of Bute. You then enjoy an all-day cruise aboard the iconic, double-funnel steamer ‘Waverley’, the last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world. You go ‘doon the watter’ on a sail from Glasgow over the Clyde to Rothesay and Tighnabruaich. The steamer has multiple bars and galleys, and a restaurant where you can buy drinks and meals. You can watch the fully visible marine steam engine as it works, the largest of its kind still in operating condition.

You can also go ashore at Tighnabruaich, a lovely coastal village dominated by grand villas built in Victorian times for wealthy merchants, for a one-hour visit before the steamer drops you off again at Rothesay, the principal town of Bute. You’ll stay at an elegant hotel here for the rest of the tour to enjoy the exotic island charm of the ‘Madeira of Scotland’. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D) Sunday 14th July

Mount Stuart and the scenery of South Bute

Today you discover the outstanding natural and cultural highlights on the Isle of Bute south of Rothesay. Bute is only 33 miles from Glasgow and is the most accessible of the westerly isles from the Scottish Central Belt. Highlights include the impressive Victorian Gothic Revival estate at Mount Stuart and the scenic beaches and coves at Kilchattan Bay. The spirit of nineteenth-

century invention is embodied in Mount Stuart, and this neo-gothic mansion was one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age. It was the first home in the world to have a heated swimming pool and be purpose-built with electric lights and central heating. Kilchattan Bay is a settlement of Victorian houses and villas that lies on the south west shore of a largely east facing bay with a mile-wide mouth offering views to the isle of Great Cumbrae, three miles to the east. After your rewarding day, dinner will again be served at your hotel in Rothesay. (B D) Monday 15th July

Ettrick Bay, the seal colony at Scalpsie and the scenery of North Bute

Today you continue your exploration of Bute by privately chartered road coach, focusing on yet more of its scenic and cultural highlights, including the famed seal colony at Scalpsie.

The reddish sand of Scalpsie Bay is set against the wonderful backdrop of the Isle of Arran, and there are two viewpoints from which you can see the area’s fascinating resident wildlife and take in the amazing landscapes. At Seal View you can watch the large colony of seals on their rocky perches, and enjoy panoramic views over to Arran, the sandy beaches at Ettrick Bay and the remote scenery of North Bute as far as Rhubodach. After another feature-packed day, dinner this evening is back at the hotel in Rothesay. (B D) Tuesday 16th July

Ferry crossing to Wemyss Bay, train to Glasgow Central, return to London

Tour Summary Tour price £1395 Single supplement £145 Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London King’s Cross to Stirling by East Coast express train and from Glasgow Central to London Euston by Virgin Pendolino service • Standard Class rail on Scotrail services • 6 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 4 lunches and 6 dinners • All rail and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All road coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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In the morning you’ll have some leisure time in Rothesay before taking the lunchtime CalMac ferry from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay. From Wemyss Bay you take the direct ScotRail service to Glasgow Central, changing onto a Virgin Trains Pendolino and continuing in First Class luxury over the entire length of the West Coast Main Line back to London Euston.

For extra excitement his route passes through outstanding scenery at the mountain summits of Beattock and Shap. You arrive back in London in the evening. (B L)

UK TOUR – 7 Days

5

Phil Jones

Georg Trueb

Snowdonia and the Northern Fells Friday 19th July to Thursday 25th July 2019 Experience the very best of British steam on this highlight-packed rail tour through the magnificent landscapes of Cumbria and North Wales. You’ll travel on main line steam over the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway, with its twenty-one viaducts and fourteen tunnels, and along the picturesque North Wales Coast line to Bangor. Steam up the dramatic Conway Valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog on ‘The Welsh Mountaineer’ and discover the breathless variety of ‘Great Little Trains’ on the railways of Snowdon Mountain, Ffestiniog, Fairbourne, Talyllyn, Welshpool and Llanfair, and the Vale of Rheidol. A definitive tour highlight is sure to be a trip over the rebuilt Welsh Highland Railway, one of the rail wonders of the 21st century.

With overnight stays in comfortable hotels, fine cuisine and efficient luggage transfers, this unique steam tour is the ideal way to explore these outstanding landscapes in relaxed comfort and style. It’s sure to be popular, and with limited spaces available we recommend you book early!

Friday 19th July

Exploring Liverpool

Your tour begins at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Liverpool, located opposite Lime Street Station and your base for the next two nights. Arrive as early as possible and explore this fine city at your leisure. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening.

(D) Saturday 20th July

The Settle to Carlisle Railway

Today you join the ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’ steam train at Lime Street Station and your journey begins with an impressive departure hauled by one of the magnificent Pacific steam locomotives ‘Duchess of Sutherland’ or ‘Oliver Cromwell’. Breakfast will be served at your seat soon after. You head north to Preston and Carnforth and skirt the Lake District before entering the Lune Valley. Your fully extended steam locomotive ascends to the summit of Shap Fell before descending through Penrith North 6

Lakes, pausing at Carlisle for a two-hour break to explore this Border City. Leaving Carlisle you join the Settle and Carlisle Railway, climbing up through Langwathby and Culgaith and pausing for water at the market town of Appleby.

Through stunning scenery you climb the steep gradient to Ais Gill summit and traverse Dent Dale, from where the Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent dominate the landscape. There are over twenty major viaducts and fourteen tunnels on the line culminating in the magnificent 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct.

On the way back to Liverpool you enjoy a fourcourse dinner, silver-served at your seat, before returning to the Holiday Inn for the night. (B D) Sunday 21st July

Steam along the North Wales Coast

After breakfast you take your reserved FirstClass seat on the ‘North Wales Coast Express’ special steam train at Manchester Piccadilly Station and journey along the West Coast Main

Line to Warrington. On leaving Chester you cross the River Dee and enter Wales, running along the Dee Estuary and then beside the Irish Sea as your train passes Prestatyn and Rhyl. This coastline is known for its stunning beaches and, at Colwyn Bay, fantastic views of the Great Orme headland. You pass through several small seaside resorts on the Irish Sea coast before arriving at Bangor. Here you transfer by road coach to Penrhyn Castle for a short visit. This dramatic neo-Norman castle was built in the early 19th century for a wealthy Welsh family. Crammed with fascinating objects, its stable block contains an industrial railway, a doll collection, and model railway museums. Afterwards your coach takes you across Anglesey to Holyhead to rejoin your steam train for the return journey to Llandudno.

You take the short walk to the Imperial Hotel there and check in for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

Monday 22nd July

Wednesday 24th July

This morning you transfer to Llanberis Station for a steam-hauled trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, with superb summit views, weather permitting. Back in Llanberis there is free time to explore this delightful Snowdonian town and have lunch. In the afternoon you take a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, through the magnificent Snowdonia National Park.

This fantastic 25-mile journey, steam hauled by a two-foot narrow gauge Garratt locomotive, begins close to Caernarfon Castle. It takes you through spectacular mountain scenery, the village of Beddgelert, which owes its fame to the legendary tale of Prince Llewelyn ap Iorwerth, and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass. On arrival at Porthmadog you return by road coach to the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno for dinner. (B D)

After breakfast you transfer by road coach to Fairbourne for a return journey on the Fairbourne Railway. This 12¼” gauge railway runs for 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) alongside the beach to the end of a peninsula at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, one of the most spectacular locations along the Cambrian Coast.

You continue by coach to nearby Tywyn where you travel on the narrow gauge Talyllyn Railway (TR). The TR is notable for being the first preserved railway in the United Kingdom.

This 2’ 3” gauge railway runs for 11.7 kilometres (7.25 miles) to Nant Gwernol. On return to Tywyn there’ll be time for lunch and a visit to the narrow-gauge railway museum there. You then transfer by coach from Tywyn to Aberystwyth for dinner and an overnight stay at the Marine Hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 23rd July

Thursday 25th July

Steam on the Snowdon Mountain and Welsh Highland Railways

A steam spectacular to Blaneau Ffestiniog; the Ffestiniog Railway

After breakfast you take a ride on the 3’ 6” gauge Great Orme Tramway, Britain’s only cable-hauled street tramway, from Llandudno Victoria Station to Great Orme Summit Station.

Then you go on to Llandudno Junction Station to join ‘The Welsh Mountaineer’ steam train to Blaenau Ffestiniog. You’ll be hauled by a steam locomotive along this incredibly steep branch line, climbing uphill into Snowdonia through Betws-y-Coed and Pont-y-Pant to Blaeneau Ffestiniog. There’ll be a couple of hours to explore Blaeneau Ffestiniog and have lunch before you travel on the Ffestiniog Railway to Porthmadog. There you transfer to Portmeirion, where the surreal TV spy drama ‘The Prisoner’ was filmed in the 1960s, for dinner and an overnight stay at The Hotel Portmeirion. (B D)

Steam on the Fairbourne and Talyllyn Railways

Vale of Rheidol and Welshpool and Llanfair Railways

Tour Summary Tour price £1795 Single supplement £195 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels • 5 breakfasts in hotels and 1 on the train • 6 dinners • All train and tramway travel as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and coach transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner July 2019

Today you travel steam-hauled on the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, where unique waterfalls have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth, who wrote about the ‘Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge’.

From Devil’s Bridge you transfer by road coach to Welshpool and after lunch in the town you begin your journey on the picturesque 2’ 6” gauge Welshpool and Llanfair Railway.

There’s an enjoyable steam-hauled ride through the delightful Banwy Valley to Llanfair Caereinion to follow, before you return to Welshpool. From there you journey to Liverpool by road coach, for your homeward journey. (B) Please note: Locomotives will be confirmed nearer the time of departure

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Andrew Thompson Georg Trueb

UK TOUR – 7 Days

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Bob Green

Bob Green

Summer Highlander Monday 22nd July to Saturday 27th July 2019 Experience the scenic splendour of the Scottish Highlands at their very best on this unique summer travel tour.

There’s a wide variety of travel, culture, and cuisine on offer as you journey by train, road coach and ferry to culture-rich historic sites. Tour highlights include a trip on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train, one of the great railway journeys of the world; rail journeys from both Kyle of Lochalsh and the ‘Far North’ to Inverness; and visits to two Heritage Railways. Discover the summer romance of the Isle of Skye and explore iconic John O’ Groats. Immerse yourself in Scottish heritage at Dunrobin Castle and the Castle of Mey, and sample traditional Scottish culinary delights at diverse venues. Experience for yourself the glorious appeal of this rugged land and book now for this outstanding travel tour – definitely not to be missed!

Monday 22nd July

‘Highland Chieftain’ to Scotland

From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London’s King’s Cross Station, you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ passenger train for the journey north to Scotland, following the route of the scenic East Coast Main Line (ECML) through increasingly spectacular landscapes. A light lunch will be served at your seat as you speed on in First Class comfort. Stopping at York to take on passengers who have travelled by service train from Peterborough, you continue along the ECML to Darlington and on to Newcastle and Edinburgh. At Perth you join the Highland Main Line and travel through the amazing Scottish Highlands. Leaving the train at Kingussie a road coach takes you to Fort William where you check in to your hotel, where dinner will be served in the restaurant this evening. (L D)

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Tuesday 23rd July

‘The Jacobite’; the Isle of Skye; by train to Inverness

Today a major tour highlight awaits with a trip on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train, one of the great railway journeys of the world. The train runs from Fort William to Mallaig through magnificent Scottish scenery. Mountains, glens, streams, lochs and the sea combine in an unending collage of outstanding views. En route you cross the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, built entirely of concrete and featured in a number of films and TV series. You’ll have an hour in Mallaig to explore this attractive fishing port and take lunch before boarding the ferry for Armadale on Skye. A road coach then transports you through Kyleakin and Broadford along the coast of this picturesque island. You cross the famous Skye Bridge and return to the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh. The late afternoon service train to Inverness then takes you along one of Europe’s most scenic railway lines.

Running alongside Loch Carron, with superb views of lochs and mountains, you’ll pass

through dense forests en route to Inverness.

You then transfer to a comfortable hotel in Inverness, your base for the next four nights. (B) Wednesday 24th July Dunrobin Castle

After breakfast you depart by road coach for Dunrobin Castle. Travelling north, you cross Kessock Bridge on to the Black Isle, travel alongside Cromarty Firth and over Dornoch Firth to the village of Golspie on the North Sea coast.

A piper will greet you on arrival at Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland.

This impressive castle stands on high terraces and affords wonderful views across its formal gardens to the North Sea beyond.There’ll be a tour of the castle and its grounds, including a falconry display, you will have plenty of time to explore the castle gardens and museum before heading to the Glospie Inn for lunch.

After lunch you return by road coach to your hotel in Inverness. (B L)

Thursday 25th July

The Far North

Today there’s a trip by road coach to the iconic village of John O’Groats. The route from Inverness follows the A9 trunk road, which hugs the North Sea coast for much of the way from Golspie to Wick, giving spectacular views.

John O’Groats is the well-known starting point for charity events travelling the greatest length of Britain to Land’s End. It has a tiny harbour and, if the weather is good, there are views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands.

You continue a few miles west to the Castle of Mey, where a light lunch will be served.

The castle was restored from a near ruin by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for use as a holiday home. Further on, at Thurso Railway Station, you join a ScotRail service train for Inverness. The railway takes a different route to the road, initially crossing isolated moorland, thus providing a fresh perspective on the region’s wonderful scenery. The railway line meets the North Sea coast at Helmsdale and follows the coastline, often running between the road and the sea. It’s not uncommon to see seals basking on the shore on this section of the route.

On arrival at Inverness you return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday 26th July

The Strathspey and Keith & Dufftown Railways

This morning you travel by road coach to Aviemore to join a steam train on the Strathspey

Railway. This heritage railway line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip affords outstanding views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join your road coach to travel from Aviemore to Dufftown, and have lunch in the ‘Buffer Stop’, a railway restaurant car.

The return trip by vintage diesel rail car takes you on the 11-mile long Keith and Dufftown Railway, the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. This so-called ‘Whisky Line’ passes through dense pine forests, by the tranquil waters of Loch Park, and along the winding valley of the River Isla. To end an eventful day, you visit a traditional Highland whisky distillery before returning to the hotel in Inverness.

(B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price £1395 Single supplement £195 Price includes: • First Class rail travel on 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) • 5 nights accommodation in hotels • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners

Saturday 27th July

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

There’s an early breakfast at your hotel before you transfer to Inverness Railway Station and join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ express for the return journey to London. Relax in your FirstClass seat as you travel once more through the scenic Highlands. You climb to Drumochter summit, the highest in the UK, and follow the valley of the River Tay to Perth and then to Edinburgh to join the ECML onwards to Newcastle, York and London’s King’s Cross.

A light lunch will be served on your journey south. (B L)

• The services of a tour manager

The ‘Highland Chieftain’ to London

All prices shown are per person.

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UK TOUR – 6 Days

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Bob Green

The Western Isles Monday 29th July to Tuesday 6th August 2019 Monday 9th September to Tuesday 17th September 2019 Discover the scenic splendour of the mountains, glens and lochs of Northwest Scotland and the Western Isles on this unique Scottish travel tour. After a high-speed journey north and an overnight stay next to Loch Lomond, you’ll enjoy a lake cruise on the loch and an excursion on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train, one of the great railway journeys of the world, before heading north to Fort William. There’s a sea ferry transfer and a coach tour of Skye to savour before you visit Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides for a two-night stay. You’ll also explore the North West Highlands with a ride to Durness on the far north coast, followed by a road trip east to Dunrobin Castle. Other tour highlights include a falconry display, a tour of Lewis, dolphin sightings and photo opportunities galore! With comfortable accommodation guaranteed, excellent cuisine and relaxed first class travel wherever possible, why not see for yourself the glorious appeal of this unique and rugged land as you visit areas other tours rarely go. It’s the ultimate Scottish travel tour – definitely one not to be missed.

Monday

Tuesday

From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London’s King’s Cross Station you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ for the scenic journey to Scotland, following the East Coast Main Line (ECML) through increasingly spectacular landscapes. A light lunch will be served at your seat as you speed on in sumptuous First-Class style. Stopping at York to take on passengers who have travelled by service train from Peterborough, you continue your journey along the ECML via Newcastle and Edinburgh and on to Stirling. From there a coach takes you to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation, located in beautiful countryside on the banks of Loch Lomond with stunning views of both the Loch and Ben Lomond. (L D)

After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a stroll by the Loch, a road coach takes you the short distance to Tarbet. From here a private cruise on Loch Lomond is scheduled, with a light lunch taken on board. Afterwards you rejoin the coach for the return trip to Arrochar and Tarbet Station to catch a train north to Fort William.

The route passes through spectacular scenery, crossing the remote Rannoch Moor. Fort William is located in a prime position on Loch Linnhe with the majestic Ben Nevis, which at 4406 feet is Britain’s highest mountain, as the backdrop.

Your train arrives late afternoon when you check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

‘Highland Chieftain’ to Scotland

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Lake Cruise on Loch Lomond; north to Fort William

Wednesday

‘The Jacobite’ and over the Sea to Skye

A major tour highlight is a trip on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train. This unforgettable 42-mile route has been described as one of the great railway journeys of the world. The train runs from Fort William to Mallaig through some of the most magnificent scenery that Scotland has to offer.

Mountains, glens, streams, lochs and the sea combine to provide an unending collage of outstanding views. En route you cross the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, built entirely of concrete and featured in a number of films and TV series. You’ll have around two hours in Mallaig to explore the village and fishing port and find lunch, before boarding the ferry for Armadale on the Isle of Skye. You then travel on the road coach, which has followed the tour with the luggage, to your hotel in Portree, the island’s main town and well known for its picturesque harbour. (B D)

Thursday

Coach tour of Skye; Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides

This morning you explore the fascinating Isle of Skye by road coach. Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and the island’s peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. The Black Cuillin mountain range is the only truly alpine environment in Britain and has twelve summits above 3000 feet. Your coach pauses a few times for photo opportunities as it crosses Trotternish, the northern peninsula of Skye, to Uig. Here you join a ferry for the one and half hour crossing to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Although not an island itself, Harris is the southern and more mountainous part of Lewis and Harris. You travel through the exposed countryside to the island’s capital, Stornoway, and the hotel where you will stay and dine for the next two nights. (B D) Friday

Guided tour of The Isle of Lewis

Today a guided coach tour of the Isle of Lewis awaits you. The Isle of Lewis is at the North west corner of the Hebrides and has a rich cultural heritage. From the neat Victorian homes lining the streets of Stornoway, to the stretching white sands of Bosta on Great Bernera in the east, where the clear Atlantic waters sound the evocative toll of the Time and Tide Bell, Lewis is an island of exciting contrasts and diverse experiences. Places of particular interest include the Butt of Lewis cliffs and lighthouse, Carloway Broch, Lewis Bridge and the Callinish Standing Stones, an impressive stone circle comparable to Stonehenge. Lunch will be taken during the tour and dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B L D) Saturday

Free time in Stornaway; ferry to Ullapool; north to Lochinver

This morning you’ll have some free time to explore Stornoway and a choice of visiting Lews Castle and grounds, the impressive war memorial, or the harbour area. Observance of the Christian Sabbath, Sunday, had long been a unique aspect of the island’s culture and until July 2009 there were no Sunday ferry services to or from Stornoway. You’ll then take a ferry across ‘The Minch’, maybe sighting dolphins en route, and return to the mainland at Ullapool.

The road coach from Ullapool then goes north to Lochinver, a pleasant village with a beautiful harbour and a magnificent mountain backdrop.

You’ll stay at the luxurious Inverlodge Hotel, set on a hillside overlooking the bay, for the next two nights. All rooms present amazing views and deer often appear on the lawns outside. (B D) Sunday

By road to the North West Scottish Highlands

There’s a day trip by road coach today, to discover the remote and impressive landscape of the North West Highlands. You pass through magnificent mountain scenery with striking lochs and glens, and maybe catch a glimpse of some uncommon wildlife. You begin to notice the wild sea as you travel near to the coast at Scourie.

Your destination is Durness on the far north coast of Scotland, an area of unspoilt beaches backed by cliffs. The surrounding coastline is some of Europe’s most isolated and spectacular, where sea birds, seals, porpoises and minke whales may be seen. You stop in the village and take time for lunch. In the afternoon you return by coach to the hotel at Lochinver. (B D) Monday

Dunrobin Castle and Inverness

Today you travel east by road coach along isolated mountain roads passing through Lairg and Golspie before arriving at Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland, on the east coast. This impressive castle stands on high terraces with wonderful views across its formal gardens to the North Sea beyond.

There’ll be time to enjoy the castle and its grounds, including a falconry display, before lunch after which you transfer to Golspie Station to board a train to Inverness. You then transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Tuesday

The ‘Highland Chieftain’ to London

After an early breakfast at the hotel you transfer to the railway station to join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ for the return journey to London.

You can relax again in First Class seats as you leave Inverness and pass through the wonderful Highlands en route to Perth, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and London King’s Cross.

A light lunch will be served on the journey south.

(B L)

Tour Summary Tour price £1995 Single supplement £295 Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London to Stirling and Inverness to London with at-seat dining • 8 nights half board accommodation in 3-star hotels • 5 Lunches • All visits, train, boat and ferry travel, and coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary • First Class rail travel on ‘The Jacobite’ from Fort William to Mallaig • 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 All prices shown are per person.

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UK TOUR – 9 Days

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The Far North and Orkney Thursday 15th August to Friday 23rd August 2019 Explore the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands on this popular tour to one of the most extraordinary places in Northern Europe.

After a trip on both of Northeast Scotland’s steam traction heritage railways, you’ll experience the midsummer ‘White Nights’, when the sun never entirely sets, on the sea ferry to the enchanting island of Orkney. For three days you’ll explore its pristine beaches, stunning coastline and mystical rock formations, including the famed Ring of Brodgar. There’s a distillery visit to savour and a trip to the ‘Churchill Barrier’ causeway roads, built for defensive purposes during World War II included.

On returning to the Scottish mainland you’ll journey over the most northerly railway in the UK and cap your magical tour of northern Scotland with two nights in Inverness, and journeys on the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway and the panoramic Cairngorm Mountain Railway in the heart of the Highlands.

With fine cuisine, the services of a tour manager included, and comfortable accommodation guaranteed, book now to avoid missing out on this thrilling once-in-a-lifetime adventure holiday.

Thursday 15th August London to Aberdeen

Your adventure begins in the First-Class lounge at London Kings Cross, for a mid-morning departure from London to Aberdeen.

Travelling along the East Coast Main Line you’ll enjoy complimentary drinks and a light lunch as the HST train takes you north via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. You cross the stunning Firth of Forth and Tay Bridges and arrive in Aberdeen in late afternoon, checking into your conveniently located city centre hotel.

Time at leisure in the ‘Granite City’, exploring this hub of Northeast Scotland. (L)

days, starting with the Royal Deeside Railway.

This standard gauge railway features a two-mile round trip through rural scenery and gentle rolling hills, running close to its namesake river.

There’ll be photo opportunities en route and a ‘false arrival’ staged at the station. Afterwards a private coach takes you to the fairy-tale Crathes Castle, replete with turreted towers and walled gardens. There’ll be plenty of time to explore this stylish estate before a late lunch at the nearby Milton Crathes Brasserie. In the afternoon you return to Aberdeen to again bask in the culture and history of this vibrant city. (B L) Saturday 17th August

Friday 16th August

Steam at the Royal Deeside Railway and Crathes Castle

You’ll visit both of Northeast Scotland’s steam traction heritage railways over the next two 12

Steam at the Caledonian Railway and Ferry Crossing to Orkney

After breakfast a road coach transfers you to Brechin, home of the Caledonian Railway.

A privately chartered steam train takes you on

the eight-mile round trip from Brechin to Bridge of Dun and back. Light snacks and refreshments are provided at the railway, after lunch there’s time to visit Brechin’s historic Cathedral and Round Tower. In the afternoon you return to Aberdeen and board the modern ferry for a six-hour overnight crossing to Kirwall. The ferry sails within sight of the north-eastern coast of Scotland before passing through the open North Sea. You’ll dine on board the spacious ship this evening. You reach Kirkwall at 23:00, but at this time of the year the sun is only just starting to set, an experience common to the far north during summer solstice. You disembark and transfer to your centrally located hotel. (B L D)

Sunday 18th August

Wednesday 21st August

Today you’re free to relax and explore the quaint town of Kirkwall at your own pace. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by its vibrant artisan scene and diverse galleries and craft shops. Orkney’s capital boasts many historical buildings, such as the 12th century St. Magnus Cathedral, the most northern cathedral in the British Isles.

In the afternoon you visit the Highland Park whisky distillery, where world-famous Scotch has been produced since 1798. To cap an outstanding day, you’ll dine with fellow travellers at your hotel this evening. (B D)

This morning you return to the Scottish mainland, a road coach transfers you from Kirkwall to Stromness for the morning ferry crossing over Pentland Firth, past the Old Man of Hoy and St. John’s Head to Scrabster, near Thurso. On arrival you continue by coach to the iconic village of John O’ Groats, the most north eastern village on the British mainland, where you can purchase lunch. You continue to Wick and board a ScotRail service train on the Far North Line for the spectacular railway journey via Thurso to Inverness. Initially the tracks cross isolated moorland, then pass through lonely and isolated mountain landscapes, before hugging the coast again and running within sight of seals basking on the rocky shores. Numerous firths are navigated the long way around before the train eventually reaches Inverness, hub of the Scottish Highlands. You’ll spend two nights here at a hotel near the station in the heart of the city. (B)

At leisure in Kirkwall and a visit to the Highland Park Distillery

Monday 19th August

Exploration of Neolithic Orkney

You embark this morning on an exciting exploration of mainland Orkney by road coach.

Among the highlights are the fascinating landmarks that form the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ World Heritage Site to the west of Kirkwall. You’ll have plenty of time to discover the natural beauty and cultural legacy at Maes Howe, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. At lunchtime you’ll visit the delightful fishing port of Stromness, where you can explore and purchase lunch.

Late afternoon, following your visit to Skara Brae, you’ll see the breathtaking sea cliffs at Yesnaby before returning by road coach to Kirkwall. (B) Tuesday 20th August

Orkney Beaches, Italian Chapel, Broch of Gurness and Brough of Birsay

Today you’ll discover the pristine beaches of the southern, eastern and northern Orkney shores and the so-called ‘Churchill Barrier’ causeway roads, built for defensive purposes during World War II. En route you’ll pause at the iconic Italian chapel, one of the most loved cultural attractions on Orkney. In South Ronaldsay you venture as far south as the little fishing town of Burwick, with fine views across the Pentland Firth to John O’ Groats. After lunch back in Kirkwall it’s time to explore the outstanding archaeological site at Broch of Gurness, across the water from the sparsely populated Orkney island of Rousay.

Later you experience the natural beauty of the Brough of Birsay, on the northern tip of mainland Orkney. At low tide you can even walk over to the uninhabited island of Birsay.

After your exciting day out, you reconvene back at the hotel for dinner. (B D)

Ferry Crossing over the Pentland Firth, Train Journey to Inverness

Thursday 22nd August

Strathspey Steam Railway and Cairngorm Mountain Railway

This morning you travel by road coach to Aviemore for a steam service on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip on the railway provides wonderful views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join the road coach to travel from Aviemore into the heart of the nearby Cairngorms National Park, where you stop for a short stroll along the banks of Loch Morlich. From here it’s just a short onward journey to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, a 2 kilometre long funicular and Britain’s highest mountain railway. In appearance and technical design, it’s reminiscent of the famed Alpine funiculars in Switzerland. Your road coach returns you to Inverness, where you enjoy one last group meal at the hotel. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price £1395 Single supplement £270 Price includes: • 8 nights accommodation with breakfast at hotels • 4 lunches and 4 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All rail, bus and boat journeys as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Rail travel from London to Aberdeen and from Inverness to London • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Friday 23rd August

Return to London on the Highland Chieftain

Transfer to Inverness Railway Station to join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ express train for your return journey. The train climbs to Drumochter summit, the highest in the UK, and then follows the valley of the River Tay to Perth. You continue to Edinburgh where you join the ECML onwards to Newcastle, York and London King’s Cross.

A light lunch will be served on the journey south.

(B L) UK TOUR – 9 Days

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Bob Green

Bob Green

The West Country Explorer Saturday 17th August to Thursday 22nd August 2019 Sample the rural pleasures of the delightful West Country counties of Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, taking in the outstanding coastal and moorland scenery the region is renowned for.

This fascinating adventure begins and ends on special steam trains and features visits to iconic locations such as St. Michael’s Mount and Lands’ End. There’s also a paddle steamer cruise on the River Dart and steam train trips on a variety of heritage railways to savour. Other tour highlights include travel by train over the legendary sea wall at Dawlish, and overnight stays in St. Ives, regularly voted the Best UK Seaside Town, and Torquay, on the famed ‘English Riviera’. You’re sure to enjoy the delights of the region, traditionally famous for its production of cider, clotted cream, and pasties, on this wonderful tour to the West Country. Definitely one not to be missed!

Saturday 17th August

London Paddington to Exeter

Your adventure begins on a steam train from London Paddington Station, hauled by steam locomotive either 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ or 46233 ‘Duchess of Sutherland’ for the trip to the West Country. You will travel in the comfort of ‘Premier Dining’ where breakfast will be served at your seat soon after departure.

The route runs fast to Reading before taking the Berks and Hants Line through the Vale of the White Horse to Westbury. Crossing the Somerset Levels you reach Taunton and at Norton Fitzwarren join the ‘Heritage’ West Somerset Railway. At Bishops Lydeard Station a ‘Manor’ class 4-6-0 steam locomotive will be attached to the front of your train. You then continue ‘double-headed’ on this scenic line to Minehead. Here a road coach transfers you to the Lynton and Barnstable Railway at Woody Bay in Devon. There you enjoy a steam train journey along this narrow gauge railway line.

You continue by road coach to Exeter.

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Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at a hotel in Exeter this evening. (B D) Sunday 18th August Free time in Exeter

Today is a free day to explore the sights of Exeter. The morning can be dedicated to visiting the cities historical sites, including one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in the country. Stay in Cathedral quarter or head to Princess Hay where you will find a selection of lunch options to suit any taste. The afternoon can be spent in one of many excellent museums, galleries, or beautiful city parks. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at your hotel in Exeter this evening. (B D) Monday 19th August

St Michael’s Mount and Lands End

This morning you travel by service train from Exeter to Penzance. En route you pass along the famous sea wall at Dawlish and cross the Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar to

enter Cornwall at Saltash. Travelling through the glorious Cornish countryside you can still see the evidence of its illustrious mining heritage.

At Penzance a road coach takes you to St. Michael’s Mount, a small tidal island in Mount’s Bay. Depending on the tide, you may be able to walk across the causeway to the island from Marazion, otherwise the boat will take you to lunch on the island. After the visit you continue by coach to Lands’ End, the most westerly point of mainland England. It’s also the iconic location for charitable events to and from John O’Groats in northeast Scotland. Later you return to Penzance with time to look around the town, with its Regency and Georgian architecture, working harbour and terminus railway station.

You transfer to St. Ives and book in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B D)

Tuesday 20th August

St Ives, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, and South Devon Railway

After a leisurely breakfast and time to have a look around St Ives, you travel by road coach to Bodmin Parkway Station for a steam-hauled return trip to Boscarne Junction on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. This includes a visit to the beautifully restored Bodmin General Station, the headquarters of the railway, where trains reverse direction of travel. In the afternoon you continue to the South Devon Railway for a return journey on the 7 mile track which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Afterwards, the coach will transfer you to Torquay in Devon, again crossing the road bridge over the River Tamar at Saltash, with great views from a different vantage point of Brunel’s famous railway bridge.

You check in to a hotel in Torquay for dinner and overnight stay. (B D) Wednesday 21st August

Steam on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and a paddle steamer cruise

After breakfast you join a steam train at Paignton Railway Station for a scenic journey along the English Riviera on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. This standard gauge heritage railway runs from Paignton to Kingswear, connecting with ferries crossing the River Dart to Dartmouth. There are expansive views over Torbay as the line climbs to Churston before it

descends, passing Agatha Christie’s Estate at Greenway Halt, to the River Dart. It’s an aptly named Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You then take the ferry to Dartmouth and board the coal-fired paddle steamer ‘Kingswear Castle’ for a leisurely estuary cruise. On returning there’s time to explore the narrow lanes and stone stairways of Dartmouth and discover its magical history. You return to Paignton by steam train and your hotel in Torquay. (B D) Thursday 22nd August

A visit to Dawlish, the Seaton Tramway and return to London Waterloo

This morning you travel by road coach to Dawlish for a few hours of free time. You can stroll on the expansive sands and along the famous sea wall right beside Brunel’s railway line. There will be time to watch and photograph the trains or simply enjoy the beaches and traditional refreshments. You continue by coach to Seaton, on the South Devon coast, to visit the Seaton Tramway. There’s a return trip on this narrow gauge electric tramway, which operates open top double-deck trams over part of the former railway branch line to Seaton.

In the afternoon your road coach takes you to Weymouth. Here you board the ‘Dorset Coast Express’ steam train for the journey to London Waterloo. En route you travel in the comfort of ‘Premier Dining’ and have a four-course meal silver served at your seat, an appropriate finale to your glorious ‘West Country’ tour. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price £1275 Single supplement £165 Price includes: • Rail travel from and to London by special steam trains • 5 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 6 dinners • All rail and road coach journeys as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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UK TOUR – 6 Days

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Bob Green

The Cock O’the North Thursday 29th August to Tuesday 3rd September 2019 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of the north of Scotland on our ever-popular ‘Cock O’ the North’ rail and road tour.

You’ll explore this rugged area by extensive train, road coach and ferry transport, starting with a First-Class journey on the ‘Highland Chieftain’ from London to Inverness. Two heritage rail trips follow, the first on the Strathspey Railway in the shadow of the Cairngorms, the second on the Keith & Dufftown ‘Whisky Line’, followed by a distillery visit. Take a trip to Kyle of Lochalsh on the most scenic line in Britain, thence to the fascinating Isle of Skye for a two-day stay, including a guided tour of the many sights there. A memorable trip on ‘The Jacobite’ steam train from Mallaig to Fort William is another tour highlight. Dubbed ‘one of the great railway journeys of the world’, it takes in the famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct and sea views of the islands of Eigg and Rum. With stays at comfortable hotels and outstanding cuisine, point-to-point road coach transport for your luggage and the services of a tour manager included, this has to be one of the best Scottish holidays ever!

Thursday 29th August

‘Highland Chieftain’ to Inverness

From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London’s King’s Cross Station you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ for the scenic journey to Scotland. This train follows the route of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) via historic connections and through magnificent landscapes. A light lunch will be served at your seat as you speed on in First Class comfort. Stopping at York to take on passengers who have travelled by service train from Peterborough, you continue via Newcastle, Edinburgh and Perth, and join the Highland Main Line to travel through the beautiful Scottish Highlands to Inverness.

At Inverness you check in to your 3-star hotel for two nights. Dinner will be served this evening in the hotel restaurant. (L D)

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Friday 30th August

Strathspey Railway; Keith & Dufftown Railway

This morning you travel by road coach to Aviemore to join a steam train on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage railway line shares the main line railway station at Aviemore and runs to Boat of Garten and Broomhill (‘Glenbogle’ in the BBC series Monarch of the Glen). The return trip affords outstanding views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You re-join your road coach to travel from Aviemore to Dufftown, and have lunch in the ‘Buffer Stop’, a railway restaurant car.

The return trip by vintage diesel rail car takes you on the 11-mile long Keith and Dufftown Railway, the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. This so-called ‘Whisky Line’ passes through dense pine forests, by the tranquil waters of Loch Park, and along the winding valley of the River Isla.

To end an eventful day, you visit a traditional Highland whisky distillery before returning to the hotel in Inverness. (B L D) Saturday 31st August

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh by Train

After a traditional Scottish breakfast your luggage is collected from the hotel and transported by privately chartered road coach to your next hotel. You then leave Inverness and travel by train to Kyle of Lochalsh, an idyllic location on the northwest coast of Scotland at the entrance to another sea inlet, Loch Alsh.

This line has been voted one of the most scenic in Britain and passes through forests, alongside lakes overshadowed by mountains, and along the shores of Loch Carron, a sea inlet. A road coach then takes you over the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye and on to Portree. On the way there are spectacular views inland of mountains and seaward of the islands in the Sound of

Raasay, which boasts the deepest water in the UK Continental Shelf at 1062 feet, Portree is the island’s main town and is known for its picturesque harbour. Here you check in to The Royal Hotel, your base for the next two nights.

(B D) Sunday 1st September

Tour of Skye

You have the benefit of a tour guide today as you explore the fascinating Isle of Skye by road coach. The island’s peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. The Black Cuillin mountain range is the only truly alpine environment in Britain and has twelve summits above 3000 feet. Returning to Portree there’ll be ample time to look around and enjoy lunch at the hotel. Afterwards you’ll visit the north of the island, with highlights including the Flora MacDonald Memorial Cross and the romantic and historic Dunvegan Castle, ancient home of the MacLeods. Skye is rightly renowned for its vibrant culture, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, examples being the golden eagle, sea eagle, red deer and otter, and your coach will stop whenever possible for film and photo opportunities. After an exciting day you return to your hotel in Portree. (B L D)

Fort William. This unforgettable 42-mile route has been described as one of the great railway journeys of the world. ‘The Jacobite’ takes you through some of Scotland’s most outstanding scenery, beginning with the sea views to the islands of Eigg and Rum. It crosses the world famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, built entirely of concrete, and offers a spectacular vista down Lochaber’s Loch Shiel. On arrival at Fort William you rejoin the road coach for the journey to Inverness. En route you pass through the many lochs of the Great Glen and travel the whole length of the famous Loch Ness. At Inverness you check in to a hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

After breakfast, say farewell to Portree as you head south by road coach to Armadale to catch the ferry to Mallaig, a boat journey of around thirty minutes. On arrival at Mallaig there’ll be time to explore the village and have lunch before joining ‘The Jacobite’ steam train to

Price includes: • First Class rail travel to Inverness and return, from London, Peterborough or York, with at-seat dining • 5 nights bed and breakfast at good quality 3-star hotels • 5 dinners and 4 lunches

Tuesday 3rd September

The ‘Highland Chieftain’ back to London

There’s an early breakfast at your hotel before you transfer to Inverness Railway Station and join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ express for the return journey to London. Relax in your FirstClass seat as you travel once more through the scenic Highlands. You climb to Drumochter summit, the highest in the UK, and follow the valley of the River Tay to Perth. You continue to Edinburgh to join the ECML onwards to Newcastle, York and London King’s Cross.

A light lunch will be served on the journey south.

(B L)

Monday 2nd September

Ferry to Mallaig; ‘The Jacobite’ Steam Train

Tour Summary Tour price £1495 Single supplement £195

Approx. timings Outward Return London King’s Cross 12:00 15:49 Peterborough 11:58* 15:26* York 13:54 13:54 Inverness 20:04 07:55

• Our own road coach to transport luggage for the duration in Scotland leaving you free to enjoy the train rides and other journeys • First Class rail travel on “The Jacobite” from Mallaig to Fort William • Standard Class rail travel between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh (First Class not provided on this train) • All visits, train travel, transfers and tours, as detailed in the itinerary • Reserved seats • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner September 2019

* Passengers

from Peterborough change trains at York on both outward and return journeys.

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UK TOUR – 6 Days

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The East Anglian Friday 6th September to Thursday 12th September 2019 Based in the historic towns of Norwich and later King’s Lynn, you’ll experience the best of East Anglia’s small railways, with steam trips on the Bure Valley, Mid Norfolk, Wells and Walsingham and North Norfolk lines to enjoy, set against a backdrop of ancient castles, quaint villages and delightful seaside towns. There’s an afternoon boat cruise on the Norfolk Broads to savour, a trip to Her Majesty The Queen’s country estate at Sandringham, and an epic steam-hauled excursion to Chester on the Cheshireman added for good measure. With accommodation in 4-star hotels, sumptuous dining and the services of a tour manager included, this outstanding East Anglian tour holiday is a must for seasoned traveller and novice alike.

So why not treat yourself to an unparalleled steam adventure as only the Railway Touring Company can provide, and be sure to book early to avoid disappointment!

Friday 6th September

From London to Norwich in First Class comfort; tour of Norwich Castle

Your holiday tour starts at Liverpool Street Station in London this morning with a greeting from your Tour Manager. You then travel north in First Class accommodation through the scenic East Anglian countryside to Norwich. On arrival you check in to the centrally located 4-star Maids Head Hotel, for the next four nights.

A coach then takes you to nearby Norwich Castle for a private guided tour, before you enjoy a welcome dinner at your historic hotel this evening. (D) Saturday 7th September

Cheshireman over the Fens to Nuneaton; West Coast Main Line to Chester

This morning you join The Cheshireman steam train at Norwich train station for an impressive departure steam-hauled by one of the magnificent A4 Class Pacific steam 18

locomotives No.60009 Union of South Africa or No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. Breakfast will be served on the train as you take the line to Ely and cross the verdant Fenland landscape to the market town of Thetford. Your train then follows the cross-country line through Stamford and continues westwards to pass Rutland Water towards Oakham. Carrying on into Leicestershire, you run through Melton Mowbray and follow the main line to Wigston Junction, where you branch off onto the Nuneaton and Birmingham line. Your route continues westwards through Hinckley to Nuneaton, where it joins the West Coast Main Line.

Heading northwards, your steam locomotive can now get up to speed as you make for Tamworth and Lichfield. The line splits at Colwich Junction and you follow the WCML through Shugborough Park to round Queensville Curve at Stafford. Continuing northwards through rural Staffordshire your steam loco works hard as it tackles the long climb to Whitmore Summit, before slowing to approach the major railway

junction at Crewe. The final part of your journey takes you across the Cheshire Plain past Beeston Castle to Chester. Here you have plenty of time to enjoy the local sights before enjoying a fourcourse, silver-served dinner at your seat on the return trip to Norwich. (B D) Sunday 8th September

Free time in historic Norwich; steam-hauled to Wymondham Abbey

This morning is free for you to explore the wonderful medieval city of Norwich, which boasts a magnificent Cathedral right next to your hotel, with the bustling city centre only a short walk away. There are craft shops, department stores and the famous market to discover, with countless quaint pubs and cafes to relax in. Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and winding lanes all add to the charm and timeless history of this vibrant University city.

After lunch, a private coach takes you to Dereham for a steam-hauled trip on the MidNorfolk Railway. Savour an afternoon travelling

under steam from Dereham to Wymondham Abbey, one of the grandest religious buildings in East Anglia. You’ll soak up the sights and sounds of the Norfolk countryside en route, and on the trip back to Dereham enjoy a delicious cream tea served at your seat before returning to Norwich and your hotel for dinner. (B D) Monday 9th September

Steam-hauled on the Bure Valley Railway; boat cruise on the Norfolk Broads

After breakfast today you travel by coach to Aylsham and board a steam-hauled train on the Bure Valley Railway to Wroxham, a delightful town situated on the Norfolk Broads.

The man-made landscape of the Broads comprises over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways and a quick coach ride takes you to the bridge at Wroxham for an afternoon of cruising on the serene rivers and placid, reedfringed lakes of this National Park. After an adventurous afternoon you return to Wroxham with time to explore this charming little town on the river Bure, before heading back once more to your hotel in Norwich for dinner. (B L D) Tuesday 10th September

Day trip to Wells-next-the-Sea; steamhauled along the North Norfolk coast

Today you depart by coach to Wells-next-theSea, a beautiful little seaside town on the North Norfolk Coast. With its harbour front and fishing vessels, long sandy beach and famous brightly coloured beach huts, it’s a lovely place to visit.

From here you depart steam-hauled on the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway to Walsingham, before returning back to Wells for a leisurely lunch at one of its many restaurants, or to enjoy fish and chips on the sea front by the harbour.

After lunch you travel by coach eastward along the coast to Sheringham, for a steam-hauled trip on the North Norfolk Railway to Holt, travelling along the coast and through the North Norfolk countryside before returning to Sheringham.

Here a private coach takes you to King’s Lynn where you check-in to the 4-star Dukes Head Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

(B D)

20 acres of mighty earthworks. You’ll have time to visit the castle and explore the village with its quaint tea-room before departing by coach to Sandringham, home of the Queen’s Norfolk Country House. Here you’ll have lunch in the restaurant before spending the afternoon immersed in the history and elegance of Sandringham House and its grounds.

Sandringham is the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.

The house is set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens and is at the heart of the 8000 hectare Sandringham Estate. After absorbing the atmosphere and culture of Norfolk’s most famous stately home you return to King’s Lynn for dinner and accommodation at your hotel.

(B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price £1545 Single supplement £235 Price includes: • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast • in 4-star hotels • 5 breakfasts in hotels and 1 on the train • 5 dinners in hotels and 1 on the train • 2 lunches • All train travel as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and coach transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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

Thursday 12th September

Exploration of King’s Lynn; return to London

You’ll enjoy another lavish breakfast at your hotel on this the last day of your tour.

Afterwards you spend the morning exploring and shopping in the busy town centre and finding somewhere for lunch at one of the many different places to eat. King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 12th century, and fine old merchants’ houses stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House that overlooks the harbour. After a morning of discovery, you board a coach to take you back to Norwich before heading to the station to catch a train home. (B)

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© Sandringham Estate

Wednesday 11th September

Trip to Castle Rising; Afternoon exploration of Sandringham House and Gardens

Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, you depart by coach to Castle Rising, a beautiful little village near King’s Lynn. It’s home to one of the largest, best preserved and most lavishly decorated keeps in England, surrounded by

Visit Norwich

Visit Norwich

UK TOUR – 7 Days

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The Shetlander Friday 20th September to Friday 27th September 2019 Discover the timeless beauty of the remote Shetland Islands on this ever-popular tour to the northernmost outpost of the UK. Your adventure starts with a high-speed trip north to Aberdeen and a crossing to Shetland, heralding four days exploration of its rugged shorelines, windswept rolling hills and rich cultural heritage. You’ll visit the best natural and historical attractions and discover stunning rock formations, unspoiled beaches and ancient archaeological sites. There are local arts and crafts to enjoy, breath-taking landscapes and local wildlife to photograph, while tour highlights include trips to ancient Scalloway Castle, St Ninian’s Isle and Isbister, the most northerly point on Shetland accessible by coach. And when you do return to the Scottish mainland you cap this fascinating holiday with a relaxing stay at St Andrews, one of Scotland’s most historic and elegant cities, steeped in golfing lore and crammed with beautiful architecture.

Friday 20th September London to Aberdeen

Your adventure begins in the plush First-Class lounge at London Kings Cross, for a midmorning departure from London to Aberdeen.

Travelling along the East Coast Main Line aboard the HST 125 trainset, you’ll enjoy complimentary drinks and a light lunch as the train travels north via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. You cross the stunning Firth of Forth and Tay Bridges and arrive in Aberdeen in late afternoon, checking into your conveniently located city centre hotel.

The rest of the evening will be spent at leisure in the ‘Granite City’, exploring this hub of Northeast Scotland. (L) Saturday 21st September

Steam at the Caledonian Railway and Ferry Crossing to Shetland

After breakfast, a road coach transfers you from your hotel to Brechin, home of the Caledonian Railway. A privately chartered steam train then takes you on the eight-mile round trip from 20

Brechin to Bridge of Dun and back.

Freshly prepared sandwiches and refreshments will be provided at the railway buffet. After lunch you return to Aberdeen and visit the ‘Fitties’, a charming old fishing village nestling on the north side of the harbour. In the afternoon you return to Aberdeen and board the modern ferry for an overnight crossing to Lerwick. The ferry sails within sight of the north-eastern coast of Scotland before passing through the open North Sea. After dinner you retire to your private cabin for the night. (B L D)

Shetland ponies. Moving on, you head to the island of West Burra to view the beautiful sandy beach of Banna Minn, after which you make your way back to visit Scalloway Castle and museum.

In early afternoon you have a scenic drive to Lerwick to visit the Iron Age tower ruins of the Broch of Clickimin on its outskirts. To round off a feature-packed day, you’ll visit the impressive Fort Charlotte, built between 1652-1653 during the First Anglo-Dutch War to keep the Dutch fleet at bay. In the late afternoon, you check in to your hotel and later dine there with your fellow travellers. (B D)

Sunday 22nd September

Tour of the Central Shetland Mainland; Scallaway Castle and Museum

Monday 23rd September

After an all-night sail you reach Lerwick on the Shetland mainland and have breakfast on the ship before disembarking. Your tour of the Central Mainland of Shetland starts with a brief coach tour of Lerwick before heading west to Tingwall, where you’ll enjoy a guided visit to ‘Carol’s Ponies’, a local crofter who breeds

Shetland’s largest island has a size of 373 square miles, making it the third largest Scottish and fifth largest British island. Today you’ll explore the scenic highlights of its southern mainland.

You first head for the unspoilt beaches at St. Ninian’s Isle, connected to the mainland by the longest ‘tombolo’ in the UK. Look out for

South Shetland Mainland

the seal colony on the beach as you go past.

At the Croft Museum at Dunrossness you’ll experience what life was like in a 19th century croft. Continuing south to Sumburgh Head, the coach stops for you to photograph the sea birds, including puffins, nesting on the steep cliffs. You may never get so close to puffins again! In the afternoon you visit the wonderfully preserved prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof, before heading back to Lerwick.

En route you’ll stop off at the Hoswick Visitor Centre in Sandwick and take in the views of the uninhabited island of Mousa, which has one of the best preserved brochs (round tower) in Shetland. In the late afternoon you return by road coach to Lerwick and dine at your hotel.

(B D) Tuesday 24th September

Northern Mainland

Today is dedicated to the discovery of the natural wonders of Shetland’s northern mainland. Heading north through the wild landscape, you make your way to Hellister and visit the amazing Shetland Jewellery centre, where traditional Celtic rings and pendants are crafted. You now head up to North Roe passing glorious scenery and, if conditions are amenable, you press on to Isbister, the most northerly point on Mainland accessible by coach. On the return journey you’ll visit Hillswick, where you can see the hooch kettles that were used to treat nets and sails, and then the stunning, rugged cliffs at Esha Ness. You then pay a quick visit to Tangwick Haa Museum, which preserves the history of Northmavine peninsula. There’ll be no shortage of photographic opportunities today to capture the amazing wildlife and scenery.

After a very full day you return to your hotel for an evening meal. (B D)

Wednesday 25th September Western Mainland

On your last day on Shetland you explore the westernmost part of the mainland. On your journey west, you first stop at Mavis Grind for a photo stop. This is a narrow isthmus separating the North Sea from the Atlantic, just 108 feet wide at its narrowest point. Continuing on you’ll visit the visitor centre at Jamieson’s Spinning Mill at Sandness, a fantastic retail outlet for Shetland knitwear. Still further on you see the coastline at its best with views across to the island of Papa Stour. Returning to Lerwick you stop off at the scenic fishing villages of Walls and Voe, before rounding off your visit to these wonderful Isles with a visit to the awesome Shetland Museum.

You’ll sail back to Aberdeen on a late afternoon departure by ferry enjoying a unique opportunity to watch Fair Isle slip by on the port side as you enjoy your evening meal. (B D) Thursday 26th September Aberdeen to St Andrews

After your overnight crossing you arrive in Aberdeen. Following breakfast on board the ferry, your coach takes you south to Dundee for a visit to Captain Scott’s ship HMS Discovery.

You will then be driven to St Andrews to drop your cases off at your hotel before enjoying free time to explore this wonderful university town.

(B D) Friday 27th September Return to London

Your Scottish adventure concludes with a return to London, travelling First Class on an East Coast Main Line HST. You board the train at Leuchars and again travel over the Forth Bridge via Edinburgh and Newcastle southwards.

Lunch will be served on the train in First Class as you travel. (B L)

Tour Summary Tour price £1695 Single supplement £210 Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London to Aberdeen and return from Leuchars with at-seat dining • 5 nights bed and breakfast at good quality 3-star hotels • 2 nights bed and breakfast in a private cabin during our ferry crossings • 6 dinners and 3 lunches • All rail, bus and boat journeys as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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UK TOUR – 8 Days

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Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway

English Lake District Thursday 26th September to Tuesday 1st October 2019 Discover the delights of The Cumbrian Lake District by vintage motor vessel, steam train and steam yacht on this featurepacked holiday tour. Experience the rural serenity that makes the Lakes one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations.

Based at an elegant waterfront hotel in the resort town of Bowness-on-Windermere, you’ll enjoy cruises on vintage vessels on Lake Windermere, Coniston Water and Ullswater. Steam train highlights include a trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and an exclusive day ticket exploration of the legendary 15-inch narrow gauge railway ‘La’al Ratty’. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Victorian neo-gothic Wray Castle and the Haverthwaite engine shed. With outstanding scenery as a backdrop coupled with the convenience of short point-to-point travel distances on your private road coach, you’re sure to enjoy this relaxed holiday, packed with steam transport attractions in England’s idyllic ‘Lakeland’.

Thursday 26th September

First Class rail travel to Windermere

Your adventure begins in the First-Class lounge at London Euston Station, greeted by your tour manager before boarding the 10:30 Virgin Trains Pendolino service. You’ll travel in sumptuous comfort at a top speed of 125mph along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Oxenholme in the Lake District. Here you change trains and take a First TransPennine Express service for the journey to Windermere. Tour participants from other parts of the country will join here.

From Windermere station you’ll have a short coach transfer to the delightful village of Bowness-on-Windermere, located on the banks of Lake Windermere. Your hotel for the duration of the tour is adjacent to the boat pier at the lakeside. You then have some leisure time to explore Bowness before a group dinner at your hotel in the evening. (D)

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Friday 27th September

Lake Windermere cruise; Steam train on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

After breakfast at your hotel you board the stylish vintage motor vessel ‘Swan’ for a fortyminute cruise through outstanding Cumbrian lake scenery to Lakeside at the southern end of Lake Windermere. This triple-deck ship was originally built by Vickers in 1938, and is now an iconic fixture on England’s largest lake.

The lake pier is adjacent to Lakeside Railway Station and here you join a connecting steam train on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, a former branch line of the Furness Railway (FR), originally opened in 1869. You’ll travel the entire length of the line to Haverthwaite with plenty of time to visit the impressive engine shed there, with its collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives. Crossing the footbridge to the woodland viewing and picnic area you can buy souvenirs in the gift shop and sample the delights of the licensed Station Restaurant, replete with locally sourced produce and

homemade speciality dishes. In the afternoon you return by steam train to Lakeside and from there by connecting ship to Bowness. You’ll dine with fellow guests at your hotel this evening.

(B D) Saturday 28th September

Steam boat cruise on Coniston Water; Wray Castle

Today you visit Coniston Water, the third largest lake in the Lake District, for a lake-themed cruise on the superbly restored Victorian steam yacht ‘Gondola’. Originally launched in 1859 to carry railway passengers, The Illustrated London News at the time described it as: ‘a perfected combination of the Venetian gondola and the English steam yacht… the most elegant little steam vessel yet designed’. The preserved steamer is now cared for and operated by the National Trust. Following the cruise, you’ll have lunch at ‘The Sun’ in Coniston, a 400-year-old pub with exposed beams, stone walls, flagstone floors and a local Brathay slate bar top.

It’s situated beneath the Cumbrian Fells and has an elevated view over the village of Coniston.

Later you transfer by road coach to Ambleside for the ferry to Wray Castle, a Victorian neogothic building with grounds that include part of the shoreline of Lake Windermere. There will be a guided tour of the castle after which you can explore the adjacent gardens at your leisure.

You return to your hotel in Bowness for dinner.

(B L D)

The railway is popular for its open carriages providing superb sightlines of the surrounding scenery, but there are enclosed carriages depending on the weather. After your day on the railway you return to Windermere by road coach in the late afternoon. You dine with other guests at your hotel this evening – a fitting climax to a fabulous tour. (B D)

Sunday 29th September

After breakfast at the hotel you transfer by road coach to Windermere Railway Station.

Those passengers who joined the tour at Windermere will travel home independently, the remainder will join a train to Oxenholme Lake District for the return to London Euston again in the First-Class comfort of a Virgin Trains Pendolino. (B)

Scenic cruises on Lake Windermere and Ullswater

This morning you explore the northern half of Lake Windermere on board a classic motor vessel sailing from Bowness to Ambleside at the northernmost extremity of the lake.

MV ‘Tern’, is a steam powered yacht built in 1891 and converted to diesel in 1956. After the 30-minute voyage to Ambleside Pier you’ll join a private road coach for the onward journey to Glenridding on Ullswater. Here you stop for lunch at the Fairlight Guest House.

After lunch you’ll enjoy an afternoon cruise on one of the celebrated Ullswater ‘Steamers’ over the entire extent of the second largest lake in the Lake District. Many regard Ullswater as the most beautiful of the English lakes; it has been compared to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland because of its mountainous backdrop. You’ll see the spectacular waterfall of Aira Force, midway along the lake on the western side and cruise the length of the lake from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge and back. You rejoin the road coach for the return journey via scenic country roads to Bowness and a group dinner at your hotel in the evening. (B L D) Monday 30th September

Steam train on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

A tour highlight awaits today as you travel by road coach to Ravenglass, a small coastal village with Roman connections located at the estuary of the rivers Esk, Mite and Irt. The famous 15-inch gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (La’al Ratty) has its terminus adjacent to the Cumbrian Coast railway line station. The line runs for 7 miles (11.3 kilometres) from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the Eskdale Valley. You’ll be given a day rover ticket for use on the line, which operates an intensive timetable of steam and diesel trains, so you can explore at your own pace.

Options include alighting at intermediate stations to film or photograph the passing trains, and it’s only a short walk from the terminus at Dalegarth to the village of Boot and its two pubs.

Tuesday 1st October Homeward bound

Tour Summary Tour price £1395 Single supplement £165 Ground only £1285 (Windemere – Windemere, with own travel to/from Windemere) Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District and return by Virgin Trains Pendolino • Standard Class rail travel from Oxenholme Lake District to Windermere (20 minutes)* • 5 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 2 lunches and 5 dinners • All rail and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • A one day rover ticket for use on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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running the short distance between Oxenholme Lake District and Windermere have insufficient First Class seats to accommodate our party.

UK TOUR – 6 Days

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Steam around Lindau Sunday 30th June to Saturday 6th July 2019 Enjoy steam by land and lake in three different countries, on a holiday that ensures excitement as well as refinement.

Situated near Lake Constance and set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, the elegant Cathedral City of St. Gallen is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as an attractive railway ‘hotspot’. From this fabulous base, you’ll enjoy languid cruises on vintage ships, such as Switzerland’s oldest steamboat ‘Greif’, as well as thrilling railway journeys with historic steam locomotives, including the famed Wutach Valley Railway in Southern Germany. Mountain top adventures include Mount Pfänder in Austria and Mount Säntis in the Appenzell, while private steam charters at the Bezau and Ochsenhausen narrowgauge railways extend your rail adventure. You’ll also visit the Zeppelin and Dornier aviation museums in Friedrichshafen, and travel behind the historic German and Austrian tank engines. Additional highlights are an exclusive, all-inclusive dinner cruise aboard the magnificent Art Deco ship MS Oesterreich and a paddle steamer journey on Lake Zurich. See these wonderful countries in a completely new and refreshing way.

Sunday 30th June

London to St. Gallen

You travel from London St. Pancras International to St. Gallen via Paris and Zurich, using comfortable Eurostar, TGV and SBB trains.

You’ll arrive in St. Gallen in the evening and check into your comfortable 4-star hotel.

Monday 1st July

Scenic cruise to Meersburg and Konstanz; Steam charter at the Wutach Valley Railway

After breakfast you’ll enjoy a panoramic cruise on the majestic MS Austria, a red-and-white funnelled vintage motor vessel from 1939.

With its well-appointed lounges and spacious outdoor decks, this fabulous ship takes you on a leisurely cruise along the north shore of Lake Constance, with lunch served on board in the stately salon. You’ll glide past the hilltop castle of Meersburg and the garden island of 24

Mainau, before arriving in the namesake city of Constance at the other end of the lake.

There you’ll have time to see the attractive harbour and landmark cathedral, before continuing by coach to the nearby Wutach Valley Railway. This spectacularly engineered heritage railway, with its swirling layout and plethora of serpentine curves, spiral tunnels and towering viaducts, is known locally as the ‘Pig Tail Line’.

You’ll experience its rural charm travelling behind the impressive 2-8-2 tank engine Nr.262, built in 1954. After a full return journey over the 25.5 kilometre long line from Blumberg to Fützen, with several photo stops and run-pasts along the way, you return to St. Gallen to spend the evening at your leisure. (B L) Tuesday 2nd July

Steam in Vorarlberg at Bezau and ascent to Mount Pfänder

Today you explore Vorarlberg, Austria’s

westernmost state, close to Lindau and bordering Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. You’ll visit the 5 kilometre long Bregenzerwald 760mm narrow gauge railway, running through pristine Alpine scenery from Bezau to Schwarzenberg. This is one of the bestpreserved railways in Austria and the line passes over two impressive viaducts.

Your private charter train will hold several run-pasts for film and photo opportunities.

After lunch at the quaint railway station in Schwarzenberg, your U.25 type steam locomotive runs you back to Bezau. On the return to St. Gallen you stop in Bregenz, Austria’s principal city on the shores of Lake Constance, before ascending nearby Mount Pfänder by aerial cableway to enjoy awesome summit views. Alternately, you can spend the afternoon in the city’s lovely old town and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. You return to St. Gallen in late afternoon. (B L)

Wednesday 3rd July

Mountain Railways in the Swiss Appenzell; Lindau Dinner Cruise on 1928 Art Deco Ship

Today is dedicated to magnificent mountain top adventures in Switzerland, on the country’s famed narrow-gauge railways and aerial cableways. After a quick transfer to Wasserauen, you visit the railway museum of Appenzeller Bahnen, with its display of early 20th century railcars. You then travel First Class on a comfortable 1930s heritage train through the serene Appenzell landscape to Urnäsch.

Arriving in Urnäsch you make a short coach transfer to nearby Schwägalp. Here you take Switzerland’s first aerial cableway to the summit of majestic Mount Säntis. Built between 1933 and 1935, this impressive engineering achievement overcomes an altitude differential of 1123 metres over its 2307 metre length.

From the top, there are breath-taking views of distant mountain peaks and in good weather you can see Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy all at the same time! If you want to skip the cableway journey you can stay in Schwägalp, surrounded by Swiss chalets and quaint farms. After this round-trip to one of Switzerland’s finest panoramic peaks, you return to St. Gallen by coach in the late afternoon. After a rest at the hotel, you’ll enjoy a refined dinner cruise aboard the vintage vessel MS Oesterreich from 1928, only just returned to service after a complete restoration. As a true flagship of preserved vessels, the MS Oesterreich features lavish Art Deco salons and furnishings, directly inspired by the grand ocean liners of the time. A sumptuous buffet dinner will be served on the ship. (B L D)

able to watch the fireman shovel coal into the boiler and observe the steam engine work hard below deck. In the late afternoon you return to St. Gallen by SBB service train. (B L) Friday 5th July

Zeppelin and Dornier aviation museums; Ochsenhausen steam charter with Mallet tank engine

More tour highlights await today as you first visit the Dornier and Zeppelin aviation museums in Friedrichshafen, which include globally unique aircraft, including flying boats from the 1930s and an exact, fully accessible replica of the illfated Hindenburg. You have lunch in town before transferring to nearby Warthausen for a steam charter on the local heritage railway, which runs over the rural 22 kilometre long branch line to Ochsenhausen. Your train will be hauled by the Mallet tank engine 99 633, which only recently returned to active service and often features on TV in Germany. After a full-return journey over the length of the line, including countless photo stops and run-pasts, you transfer from Warthausen back to St. Gallen. (B L) Saturday 6th July Return to London

Today you return to London St. Pancras by rail, once again travelling on high speed services through Stuttgart and Paris. (B)

Tour Summary First Class £2195 Standard Class £1945 Single supplement £245 Ground only £1795 (St. Gallen – St. Gallen) Price includes: • First Class or Standard rail travel from London to St. Gallen and return by Eurostar and French services • 6 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 5 lunches • 1 dinner • All rail trips and excursion as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Thursday 4th July

Steamboat ‘Greif’ on Lake Greif and Lake Zürich paddle steamers

Today features more Swiss mountain scenery and historic steamboats. After taking the train from St. Gallen to Zurich, you first sail the full length of Alpine Lake Zurich aboard the genuine paddle steamer Stadt Zurich from 1909.

With the Glarus Alps in full view, you eventually reach the historic city of Rapperswil, to savour an al fresco lunch in the shadow of the medieval castle. In early afternoon you continue by SBB service train the short distance to Uster, for a unique private charter cruise on Switzerland oldest steamboat, the venerable Greif from 1896. This coal-powered screw steamer with wooden superstructures sails on its namesake lake just southeast of Zurich. Experience a real jewel of European boat preservation and one of Switzerland’s best kept secrets. You’ll also be EUROPEAN TOUR – 7 Days

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Steamboats of Northern Germany Thursday 11th July to Wednesday 17th July 2019 The ‘Dampf Rundum’ steam festival in Flensburg, where the greatest gathering of coastal steamers in the world occurs every two years, is a signature highlight of this all-new steamboat tour to Northern Germany.

Based in the vibrant port city of Hamburg, you’ll spend a day in Flensburg for this unique festival, and enjoy rides on genuine German and Danish steamers, with front row seats to all the action and time to explore the many on-shore steam displays and refreshment stalls. Also on your tour you’ll enjoy private charter cruises on Hamburg’s Rivers Elbe and Alster aboard a mighty steam-powered icebreaker as well as a classic steam launch dating from 1876. The obligatory visit to the miniature ‘Wonderland’ model railway and some free time to explore Hamburg’s famed elevated ring railway (reminiscent of the Liverpool Overhead Railway) are also included during your holiday. Best of all, the trip is capped by exciting cruises aboard the historic paddle steamer ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ from Lauenburg to Bleckede on the Elbe and a private charter on the Kiel Canal aboard the remarkably elegant paddle steamer ‘Freya’.

Don’t miss out on this ‘one-off’ super summer trip to Germany’s northern coast, with the perfect balance of steam, scenery and travel refinement sure to make it the holiday of a lifetime!

Thursday 11th July

London to Hamburg

You travel from London St. Pancras International

by Eurostar to Brussels, before continuing by high speed rail to Cologne. There you change onto a German Railways (DB) Intercity Express (ICE) for the onward journey via to Hamburg.

On arrival you check into a centrally located 4-star hotel, your base for the entire tour.

Here you’ll receive a complimentary public transportation rover ticket, valid on the city’s exciting network of overground, underground (Hochbahn/U-Bahn) and commuter (S-Bahn) trains for the duration of your stay.

Friday 12th July

Elbe River cruise in Hamburg aboard steam-powered icebreaker

After a welcome lie-in and leisurely breakfast 26

this morning, your tour starts with an immediate highlight, as you experience a truly unique steamboat pleasure cruise! On board Germany’s only steam-powered ice-breaker to work on a river, you’ll get to explore the fascinating Hamburg skyline and expansive port facilities, rubbing shoulders with great ocean liners and huge container ships. Built in 1911, the coal-fired steamer ‘Elbe’ cruises on its namesake river, giving fabulous views of the ever-changing riverside scenery and giving you full access to the wheelhouse and boiler room. Lunchtime refreshments will be served aboard the ship during your mid-day cruise. Afterwards you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Hamburg and all of its attractions at your own pace, making good use of your complimentary rover ticket.

(B L)

Saturday 13th July

‘Dampf Rundum’ steam festival in Flensburg with three different steamboat cruises

This is the signature day of your tour and after arriving to Flensburg mid-morning on a DB service train from Hamburg, you can immerse yourself in the spectacle of this fittingly named ‘Steam All-Around’ festival. Today you’ll enjoy three different 70-minute cruises around Flensburg Fjord, which is bordered to the north

by Denmark and has a decidedly Scandinavian feel to it. You first sail on the locally-based 1908 screw steamer ‘Alexandra’, an elegant salon ship and true icon amongst Germany’s coastal steamers. Then a real treat awaits aboard the recently refurbished postal steamer ‘Prinz Heinrich’ from 1909, normally based on Germany’s North Sea Coast in Leer. Finally, just

as rare a treat is the opportunity to sail in the early afternoon on the Danish screw steamer ‘Skjelskør’, a majestic tall-stacked ship built in 1915. In addition, several other steamers will be making parallel cruises at the same time, all adding to a wonderful spectacle and giving outstanding film and photo opportunities.

Back ashore along the harbour promenade in Flensburg a number of small steam launches will offer mini-cruises, and traction engines as well as steam rollers will be on display. Like any good festival, there will be numerous catering stands providing a diverse range of refreshment options. After such a fine and memorable day out, you return to Hamburg on a DB service train in the early evening. (B) Sunday 14th July

Paddle steamer cruise aboard ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ from Lauenburg to Bleckede

After experiencing so many different screw steamers on the previous day, it’s time to experience a genuine paddle steamer today.

The authentic side-wheeler ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ dates from 1900 and is based in the quaint town of Lauenburg, just a bit east of Hamburg.

You’ll travel aboard Northern Germany’s only coal-fired paddle steamer up the River Elbe to the historic town of Bleckede, where you’ll have two hours free time to have a look around the attractive town centre before the steamer returns to Lauenburg in the afternoon.

Refreshments are available from the steamer’s cozy galley or in Bleckede itself. On returning to Lauenburg in the later afternoon, you have a short and direct transfer back to your hotel in Hamburg. (B) Monday 15th July

Kiel Canal Dinner Cruise aboard paddle steamer ‘Freya’

This morning there’s the chance for another lie in and then more free time to explore Hamburg and its exciting public transport network. In the later afternoon you reconvene with your fellow travellers and transfer to Rendsburg. There you will sail under the fascinating Rendsburg railway bridge, a mighty steel construction built between 1911 and 1913. The structure uses spiral loops so trains can gain enough height to achieve the necessary clearance for ocean-going ships to pass underneath. The bridge as well as the Kiel Canal were built by Kaiser Wilhelm in the late 19th Century in order to provide a more direct waterway between the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Today it’s one of the busiest merchant shipping lanes in the world, with countless locks along its length. We’ve saved another tour highlight for you this evening, as you get to enjoy a truly

refined private charter cruise aboard the vintage paddle steamer ‘Freya’, including full dinner buffet from the ship’s special lifting table.

During the 3-hour cruise you’ll see countless points of interest along the Kiel Canal and enjoy both the stately salons of the ship, as well as the spacious free decks. Everything is finely upholstered, fashioned with teak wood and polished brass, providing a truly maritime ambiance. The ‘Freya’ was built in 1905 in the Netherlands and since 1999 the vessel has been based in Northern Germany. After your fine cruise, you return to Hamburg. (B D) Tuesday 16th July

Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg; Alster River sunset cruise aboard steam launch ‘St. Georg’

After several active days, today is more relaxed and dedicated to one of Hamburg’s premier tourist attractions. The incredible Miniatur Wunderland is a model railway attraction, the largest of its kind in the world. The railway has a track length of over 13000 metres (8 miles) in HO (1:87) scale. The models are divided into nine sections: Harz (Germany); the fictitious city of Knuffingen; the Alps and Austria; Hamburg; America; Scandinavia; Switzerland; Knuffingen Airport; and Italy. This attraction is far more than just a model railway, it’s a ‘miniature wonderland’ for enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. It’s easily possible to spend half your day or longer there, and the rest of the afternoon is then free for you to further explore Hamburg and its galleries, museums and shops. In the evening your group reassembles for a superb sunset cruise on the River Elbe in Hamburg’s port district. Your privately chartered vessel for the evening is historic steamboat ‘St. Georg’ from 1876, one of the oldest operational vessels in the world. You cruise on the inland River Alster, effectively having a second sightseeing tour of a different part of the city, this time by water. You can watch the hard-working steam engine from the main deck of the boat and see the engineer at work. A sumptuous buffet dinner (including wine) will be served during the cruise as the sun sets over Hamburg, a fine conclusion to your unique holiday tour. (B D)

Tour Summary First Class £1895 Standard Class £1595 Single supplement £295 Ground only £1345 (Hamburg – Hamburg) Price includes: • 6 Nights accommodation in Hamburg at the 4-star Reichshof Hotel with breakfast • 1 Lunch served on board the ship • 2 Dinners served on board the ship • Public transport rover tickets • All train travel and steam boat excursions as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Wednesday 17th July Return to London

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

EUROPEAN TOUR – 7 Days

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Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 17th July to Wednesday 24th July 2019 Wednesday 14th August to Wednesday 21st August 2019 Wednesday 11th September to Wednesday 18th September 2019 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on a tour to the Bernese Oberland, renowned for its shimmering lakes and the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps, including the towering Jungfrau and the Eiger.

The delightful mountain village of Wengen is your holiday base, from where you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on some of Switzerland´s outstanding railways. Thanks to your Swiss Regional Pass, you’ll enjoy unrestricted travel on Swiss trains and some other transport in free time during the tour. You’ll also enjoy extensive scheduled travel on mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’. There’s a two hour steam tram tour of Bern, the Swiss capital, to savour, as well as boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, plus an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens. So book now for this exceptional tour and discover first-hand the unspoilt beauty and diverse nature of the Bernese ‘Highlands’.

Wednesday

London to Wengen via Basel

Travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrow-gauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into your 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, located close to the railway station.

This will be your based for the duration of the tour, a light dinner will be provided at your hotel this evening. You’ll be issued with a 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D) 28

Thursday

Free day for exploration in and around Wengen

Your day is free for a choice of activities, you can either relax at the hotel and make use of the indoor swimming pool, steam bath and sauna there, or take a morning stroll through the village where the British ‘invented’ downhill ski racing. Another option is to use your issued Regional Pass to visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, made accessible by a tunnel-lift.

Take the train to Lauterbrunnen Station and a bus from there to the Falls. Another option for your day is to visit the car-free village of Mürren by cable and mountain railway from Lauterbrunnen, which features views of three famous Swiss mountains, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

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

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. Here you’ll join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway. This line climbs 1678 metres (5505 feet) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, a little below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. You’ll have free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, and on return to Brienz there’s an exclusive visit arranged to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there.

After returning to Wengen by train you can relax before dinner is served in the hotel restaurant.

(B D) Saturday

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and ‘Top of Europe’

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

Non-mountaineers can only reach the Jungfraujoch by travelling on the metre gauge Jungfrau Railway (JB) through a 7.3 kilometre (4.5 mile) long tunnel, a significant achievement in engineering and construction. You’ll travel on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe. The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.

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

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

choice. An optional extra is also available, a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, a 2970 metre mountain overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen. It’s the highest mountain in the Bernese range and is reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you can take advantage of our special discounted price. Alternatively, if you want to make the most of your regional pass, you can travel by train to Lucerne. The city is located on Lake Lucerne, within sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps. You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself.

The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities.

The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.

Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument, and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D)

Sunday

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

Today you travel by train to the Swiss capital, Bern, for a chartered two-hour tour of the city by steam tram. The metre gauge 0-6-0 tramway locomotive pulls a classic wooden carriage with open-ended balconies. You’ll pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks on the way, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower and the medieval city centre. In the afternoon there’s free time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare.

Later, you’ll take a service train to Thun to board a boat for the onward journey. Cruising along the length of Lake Thun you’ll appreciate the unsurpassable beauty of the Bernese Oberland, with views of famous mountain peaks including the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau.

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

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

Tuesday

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you have a scheduled excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, rightly famous for its wildflower gardens and mountain views.

You travel by WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800 mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway.

Opened in 1893, this is one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, revealing the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Wednesday

Tour Summary Tour price £1795 Single supplement £115 Optional extra £35 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’ Price includes: • 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks- refilled daily) and free use hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath • First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back • A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland • All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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September 2019

Return to UK

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

Today is a free day to make more use of your Regional Pass and travel to places of your EUROPEAN TOUR – 8 Days

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Highlights of Germany in Summer Monday 29th July to Thursday 8th August 2019 Saxony, Harz Mountains and Baltic Coast. Fairy-tale castles, hills and romantic steam trains all feature as you experience the charm and culture of Eastern Germany on this stunning tour.

Starting in historic Leipzig, you’ll linger in medieval Erfurt and the colourful Harz towns of Wernigerode and Quedlinburg, before finishing your tour in the Hanseatic ports of Rostock and Stralsund. You’ll ride on the famed ‘little trains’ that travel the narrow-gauge networks of Saxony, the Harz Mountains and along the Baltic Coast. Experience the very best of famous German ‘Plandampf’ and enjoy the sounds and sights of mighty steam trains in iconic locations such as Drei Annen Hohne and Mount Brocken. With elegant hotels, buffet meals and lots of photo opportunities and run pasts, you’re sure to delight in the diverse cultural and scenic adventures to be had on this fantastic steam railway tour.

Monday 29th July London to Leipzig

You travel to Leipzig from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt on Eurostar, Thalys and ICE high-speed services, including the new Erfurt to Leipzig high-speed line in Central Germany. In Leipzig, you check into your 4-star city centre hotel, near the railway station and major attractions.

Tuesday 30th July

Steam on the Döllnitzbahn and a visit to Colditz Castle

Today you visit the narrow-gauge ‘Wild Robert’ Döllnitz Railway. A temperamental, four-cylinder Meyer-type steam locomotive hauls your chartered train from Oschatz to the villages of Glossen and Kemmlitz. You’ll experience street running in Oschatz, before stopping at one of the largest narrow-gauge yards in Muglen.

Lunch will be served at a typical German country inn before continuing to Colditz Castle, famous as the supposedly escape-proof prison for Allied 30

officers during the Second World War. On returning to Leipzig, you enjoy a group dinner at the 1842 Bayerischer Bahnhof, one of the oldest preserved stations in Germany.

(B L D) Wednesday 31st July

Trams, trains, cathedrals and castles in Naumburg and along the River Unstrut

This morning you visit the medieval town of Naumburg, famed for its four-spired cathedral and 3 kilometre long vintage tramway. You enjoy a private sightseeing tour of the city on a 1928 heritage tram car. You continue on another private charter of vintage rolling stock on the Unstrutbahn secondary line, 55 kilometres long and broadly following its namesake river.

It meanders through Germany’s northernmost wine-growing region, with breath-taking views of hilltop castles and churches. You stop for lunch in the castle town of Freyburg before continuing to Artern, via the main line to Erfurt.

Arriving early evening you check into your centrally located hotel for the next two nights.

(B L D) Thursday 1st August

Mountain magnificence at the Oberweissbach Railway

Today you visit one of Germany’s best kept secrets, the Oberweissbach Bergbahn mountain railway, a unique combination of standard gauge, branch line, broad gauge funicular and electric mountain railway. You make a round trip on its entire length, on privately chartered vintage stock for the 24-kilometre-long valley section between Rottenbach and Katzhütte, before changing onto the broad-gauge funicular at Obstfelderschmiede. Eventually you reach the summit terminus at Cursdorf, where lunch will be served. You return to Erfurt in the late afternoon, with time to explore this historic city, especially its ancient Old Town. (B L)

Friday 2nd August

Monday 5th August

Today you experience the best of legendary German ‘Plandampf’ on the Harz narrow-gauge network. You depart Nordhausen steam hauled north to the junction station of Drei Annen Hohne. A different steam locomotive takes over for the ascent up Mount Brocken. Storming up the spiralling line you can hear the 2-10-2 tank engine battle the gradients to Northern Germany’s highest point. After refreshments and photo opportunities at the summit, you descend back to Drei Annen Hohne, You carry on to Wernigerode, having completed 80 kilometres behind steam over the largest part of the Harz network. The next two nights are spent at a centrally located hotel in Wernigerode, this evening dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)

Today you visit another of the iconic steam railways of Northern Germany, the 15.4-kilometre-long resort railway Molli. Famous for its street running section in Bad Doberan, this 900mm gauge railway features lots of rugged German tank engines.

You’ll have reserved seats for a northbound journey to Kühlingsborn on the Baltic Coast, where you can see the seaside and beaches and return to Bad Doberan on any service train of your choice, using your complementary rover ticket issued for the day. Enjoy the railway at your own pace, travelling on as many trains as possible or taking time to take pictures along the lineside, especially within the tight streets of Bad Doberan. In the evening you return to Rostock

by DB service train. (B)

Saturday 3rd August

Tuesday 6th August

Steam from Norhausen to the Brocken and Wernigerode

Steam in the Selke Valley with a black Mallet locomotive; Culture in Quedlinburg

This morning, you’ll visit historic Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, travelling by private charter with a rake of green heritage coaches hauled by a black Mallet steam locomotive. Your train travels via Gernrode to the junction at Alexisbad, before branching off to Harzgerode, running along open fields to finish in the eastern Harz Mountains.

Your locomotive climbs countless inclines and to reach Harzgerode, a steam-hauled feat no longer possible on normal service trains.

You stop for lunch at the impressive cellar restaurant of the local medieval castle, before returning by steam train to Quedlinburg.

On arrival, there’ll be plenty of free time left for sightseeing, with two expansive town squares and the castle mount basilica. There’s a group dinner at a local restaurant before returning to Wernigerode. (B L D) Sunday 4th August

On to Rostock and a Baltic Dinner Cruise

After breakfast you have time to watch the first two steam train departures from Wernigerode before a sightseeing stroll through the old town.

Late morning you transfer by coach to nearby Braunschweig, before travelling by rail ICE and RE trains via Berlin to Rostock. You arrive in this attractive Hanseatic port city and check into your centrally located hotel. In the evening a privately chartered dinner cruise is scheduled in the harbours of Rostock and Warnemünde. (B D)

Steam at the Molli Railway

Steam on the Island of Rügen

Travel by rail to one of Germany’s most famous tourist railways, the ‘Racing Roland’ on the country’s largest island, Rügen. This 750 mm gauge line runs 24 kilometres from Lauterbach Mole to Göhren. On a privately chartered steam train you’ll be hauled by hard-to-get, green 0-8-0 tank engine Nr. 53 from 1925. As you travel the island in traditional half open balcony coaches, photo stops will be staged before lunch is taken in Göhren. In the afternoon you return to Lauterbach behind Nr. 53, before returning to the German mainland on a DB service train in the late afternoon, spending the last two nights of your tour in a centrally located hotel in the beautiful port city of Stralsund. (B L D)

Tour Summary First Class £2275 Standard Class £1975 Single supplement £295 Ground only £1775 (Leipzig – Stralsund) Price includes: • High Speed train travel from London to Leipzig and from Stralsund to London • 10 nights accommodation in 5 different locations with breakfast • 6 dinners and 5 Lunches • All specially chartered steam trains, rail journeys and boat cruises as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • Public transport rover tickets • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Wednesday 7th August

At leisure in Stralsund and on Rügen

After several active days, today you relax in Stralsund, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Framed by red brick buildings and Gothic churches, the old town and historic port offer much to see. Alternately, you can take the DB service train back over the bridge to Rügen and spend another day on the island, exploring both the standard and narrow-gauge lines in greater detail. You’ll be issued with a day rover rail ticket for both the DB service trains and the steam railway. (B) Thursday 8th August Return to London

Travel by ICE trains from Stralsund via Berlin to Cologne, before continuing on connecting high speed services to Brussels and London. (B)

EUROPEAN TOUR – 11 Days

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Budapest, Balaton and Tatra Mountains Saturday 10th August to Monday 19th August 2019 Discover the grand landscapes and historic railways of Central Europe by luxurious private train, hauled by vintage steam and diesel locomotives.

You’ll experience rural culture in three different countries, spending time in the vibrant cities of Budapest and Kosice, while exploring the landscape on luxurious private trains with plush First-Class coaches and historic dining cars. One highlight is a rare steam excursion at the Majdan narrow gauge railway in the Bieszczady Mountains of Southeastern Poland. A dinner cruise on the Danube is another, while railway gems include main line steam in Hungary and Slovakia travelling behind the MAV steam locomotive 424.247 from Budapest to the southern bank of Lake Balaton.

From the serene plains of Hungary to the highest peaks of the Tatra Mountains, this holiday is packed with highlights, with all the refined comfort and convenience our tours are renowned for.

Saturday 10th August

Fly to Budapest, Dinner Cruise on the Danube

After a morning flight to Budapest, you check into an elegant city centre hotel. Here you’ll receive a public transport rover ticket, valid for the duration of your stay, so you can explore the city at leisure. In the evening you have a dinner cruise on the River Danube on board a vintage motor vessel from the 1920s. A buffet will be served as you sail underneath the Chain Bridge past major city landmarks. (D) Sunday 11th August

Sightseeing in Budapest; Buda Castle funicular and leisure in the city

After breakfast, you have a scenic drive through Budapest on a vintage open-top bus, passing over the Danube bridges and along the river promenade, with views of Buda Castle, the Citadel, and Gellért Hill. You then ascend to Buda Castle on the teak-bodied 1870 funicular, 32

for panoramic views of the Pest side of the city.

Explore the Castle Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion at your own pace or alternately use your rover ticket to sample the vast local tram network. (B) Monday 12th August

Main line steam to Lake Balaton with 424.247

A tour highlight awaits today as you steam from Budapest southbound behind the flagship 1950s locomotive 424.247 to Lake Balaton. Travelling in an ornate First-Class coach dating from the Austro-Hungarian era, the 2-8-0 express locomotive races first past Székesfehérvár and then Siofok on the south bank of Central Europe’s largest lake. Your private charter reaches the historic town of Keszthely at the southwestern tip of the lake, for a cruise on board an historic 1890s motor yacht. Later you return to Keszthely and continue by steam train via Tapolca and Balatonfüred to Budapest Nyugati station. Lunch and dinner will be silver-

served for you today in the train’s dining car.

(B L D) Tuesday 13th August

By a NOHAB over scenic bylines to Kosice, Slovakia

After a reception in the Royal Waiting Room of Budapest Nyugati station you head east on a private charter hauled by a NOHAB diesel over rare track to Kosice. Designed by GM and built in Sweden, these 6-axle early 1960s diesel locomotives are one of the most popular types of vintage diesel locomotive in the world.

You’ll again travel in a First-Class coach and take lunch in an ornate dining car. Travelling on the main line to Miskolc, you take the secondary line through Szerencs and Gönc, crossing the border at Hidasnemethi to reach Slovakia. From there it’s a short sprint to Kosice, where you check into the Hilton Hotel in the heart of the Old Town, dinner is served at a local brewpub. (B L D)

Wednesday 14th August

At leisure in Kosice; steam at the local narrow-gauge railway

This morning you can explore Kosice’s Old Town. Its oval-shaped námestie (Central Square) contains the largest collection of historical monuments in Slovakia, including the Opera House and St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, a private charter takes you over Kosice’s 4.2 kilometre narrow gauge steam railway. You’ll make the full return journey, pausing for run-pasts and photo opportunities, hauled by the 0-6-0 tank engine U36.003 ‘Katka’. In the evening dinner is served at a typical Slovak restaurant in the Old Town. (B D) Thursday 15th August

Rare track to the Ukrainian border and Tokaj wine region

Today you enjoy a luxury private charter on the Slovak main line, provided by the Albatros Klub. The train will be hauled by the unsilenced ‘Grumpy’ diesel locomotive 751.201 with a dining car and a presidential saloon. You first travel south to Haniska, before venturing east on ‘rare track’ via the Kosice south-avoiding curve to the Tokaj wine region. From the border station Slovenske Nove Mesto you will cross over to Satoraljaujhely, Hungary, making a frontier leap on an international line without regular service trains. From Satoraljaujhely it’s back to Slovakia and then eastward to Cierna nad Tisou. Returning westward you alight at Streda nad Bodrogom. There you board a vintage motor vessel for a boat cruise on the River Bodrog. Later you visit a scenic look-out tower for panoramic views of the Tokaj region, which spans both Slovakia and Hungary. Finally, you visit a local winery for wine sampling and dinner.

Afterwards, you’ll return by private train to Kosice. (B L D)

Friday 16th August

Main line steam with 434.2338 to Medzev

Another steam treat awaits today as you travel behind the newly refurbished 2-8-0 tender locomotive 434.2338 on the Slovak main line, on a scenic route from Haniska to Medzev.

This 1917 locomotive dates from the AustroHungarian era and has a Giesl ejector.

Off train highlights today include a visit to Jasov’s magnificent Baroque monastery, the local caves, part of the UNESCO designated Slovak karst landscape, and further exploration of the local area. You return to Kosice by late afternoon, for a free evening in this vibrant city.

(B L)

Note: Should 434.2338’s planned overhaul completion be delayed, your vintage train will instead be top and tailed by unusual ZSSK Cargo locomotives from the Haniska depot.

Saturday 17th August

Rare track’ on the Slovak main line; Steam at the Bieszczadka Forest Railway in Poland

Today you explore remote Eastern Slovakia, on main line tracks rarely used by tourist trains.

You’ll journey on the Albatros Klub’s charter train through the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Slovakia from Trebisov via Secovce to Vranov nad Toplou, hauled by vintage diesel loco. Lunch is served before you reverse to Humenne and continue via Medzilaborce on to Lupkow in Poland. You transfer by road to Bieszczadka Forest Railway, one of the most spectacular narrow-gauge steam railways in Poland. Your private steam train will be hauled by local 0-8-0 tender locomotive Kp4 3772 from Majdan to Balnica. After the steam outing you return by coach to nearby Lupkow and re-join your private charter for the return journey to Kosice via Michalovce. Dinner will be served on the train. (B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price £2745 Single supplement £295 Ground only £2595 (Budapest – Koisce) Price includes: • Flights from London Luton to Budapest and return from Kosice to London Luton • 9 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels • 5 lunches and 6 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • Dinner cruise • Public transfer rover ticket • All visits and rail trips as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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

Sunday 18th August

Panoramic peaks and vintage trains in the High Tatra Mountains

Mountain-top experiences await today as you travel by private charter on the scenic main line west to Poprad, hauled by a Class 183 6-axle vintage electric locomotive. You then transfer onto the local narrow-gauge railway into a classic Tatra 1960s electric railcar.

Travelling to Stary Smokovec you change onto Slovakia’s only funicular mountain railway and make the 2 kilometre long ascent to Hrebienok.

Descending back down to Stary Smokovec you continue to Tatranska Lomnica and take two different aerial cableways to Skalnate Pleso, at an elevation of 1751 metres. After refreshments you continue by gondola to the breath taking perch at Lomnicky Stit, at 2634 metres the highest accessible point by public transportation in Slovakia. From this pyramid shaped peak, you can look across Central Europe and down to Poland, on the northern edge of the Tatra range.

Returning by cableway and railway to Poprad and Intercity train back to Kosice. (B)

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Today you return to the UK on a direct flight from Kosice to London Luton. (B) EUROPEAN TOUR – 10 Days

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Lake Geneva, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc Monday 2nd September to Tuesday 10th September 2019 Discover the delights of the Swiss Riviera and the spectacular French Alps on this late summer tour.

Explore Europe’s largest lake and highest mountain by vintage transport against a backdrop of terraced vineyards, alluring châteaux and natural beaches. You’ll have one base for the entire tour: the elegant, centrally located Hotel Astra in Vevey.

From here you’ll traverse land and lake in comfort on mighty paddle steamers and privately chartered steam trains.

Journey over the famed Golden Pass in classic Pullman coaches, and savour exclusive travel on the streamlined 1930s ‘Blue Arrow’ railcar. ‘Peak Hop’ to impressive summits and beautiful vantage points and enjoy unrestricted travel throughout the country courtesy of your included Swiss Travel Pass national rover ticket. This special tour to one of Europe’s great destinations is definitely not to be missed!

Monday 2nd September London to Vevey

You travel on Eurostar and TGV via Paris to Geneva, then by SBB train to Vevey. There you check in to the 4-star Hotel Astra, your base for the entire tour.

Tuesday 3rd September

Steam on Lake Geneva and a visit to the Swiss Vapeur Parc

Today’s highlight is a paddle steamer cruise on Lake Geneva, with views of the stunning French and Swiss Alps, the famous island Chateau of Chillon and lakeside vineyards. There’s also a scheduled visit to Swiss Vapeur Parc in Le Bouveret, Switzerland’s largest miniature railway, with its exceptional steam locomotives and intricately engineered layout right next to the lake. During the afternoon there’s plenty of free time for you to see more of the lake or the surrounding region using your complimentary Swiss Travel pass rover. Dinner this evening will be at the Hotel Astra. (B D) 34

Wednesday 4th September

Thursday 5th September

After breakfast you ascend Rochers de Naye by rack railway from nearby Montreux. Rising 2042 metres above sea level, it is the highest panoramic peak at Lake Geneva. You’ll have reserved seats on the mountain railway and upon reaching the summit may enjoy sweeping 360° views of the lake and the Alps.

You return to Montreux before mid-day and then have the rest of the afternoon to spend at leisure on the Swiss Riviera or anywhere you wish to go with your complimentary national network rover ticket. One attractive option is the funicular to Mont Pelerin, which is located near our hotel and leads through the terraced vineyards above Vevey. Your tour manager will be pleased to advise you of all the other opportunities too. (B)

Today you cap your highlight in fine style by visiting the famed resort town of Zermatt and seeing Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the majestic Matterhorn. Towering 4478 metres above sea level, this magnificent, pyramid shaped pinnacle is surrounded by glaciers and a sea of ice. From Vevey you first take the IC service through the scenic Rhone Valley to Visp, before changing onto an MGB narrow gauge train and travelling on the spectacular route of the famed Glacier Express to Zermatt.

This car-free resort is lined by classic chalets and stone churches. You then take the impressively engineered Gornergrat rack railway up to the namesake terminus at an elevation of 3089 metres. From the Gornergrat summit lodge you can enjoy an incredible 360° panorama, including views over to Italy. You may spend as much time at the summit as you like and also on the downhill trip have the option of alighting at

Mountain magnificence at Rochers de Naye and Mont Pelerin; freedom to explore Western Switzerland with complimentary rover ticket

Glacier Express route to Zermatt, Gornergrat Railway and Matterhorn

the intermediate calling point Riffelalp, to travel on the short, local tramway (Europe’s highest) and sample some of the different viewpoints there. By late afternoon you return by MGB and SBB trains from Zermatt via Visp to Vevey, having enjoyed another (literal) high point of the holiday. (B) Friday 6th September

Over the Golden Pass in Pullman coaches; legendary Blue Arrow railcar; Bern steam tram

A tour highlight awaits today as you travel in sumptuous style on the iconic ‘Golden Pass Classic’ train in elegant ‘Belle Epoque’ Pullman coaches over the route of the same name.

From Montreux via Gstaad to Zweisimmen, the train climbs to the highest point of the entire Golden Pass line, near Saanenmöser, at 1279 metres. In Zweisimmen you make an exclusive connection onto the BLS ‘Blue Arrow’, a 1930s streamlined railcar. This private charter takes you through the scenic Simmental Valley to Spiez, then along Lake Thun to Bern. There’ll be several photo stops and you can also sit next to the driver in the cab of the ‘Blue Arrow’, with total VIP access from the front and back vestibules.

You reach the Swiss capital city of Bern in early afternoon and have time to enjoy refreshments and sightseeing at your own leisure before enjoying a private charter journey on the iconic 1894 Bern steam tram. The green tramway locomotive hauls an open balcony coach on a relaxing sightseeing tour of the city’s most famous landmarks. More photo opportunities and a stop at the local depot are included. In the late afternoon you return to Vevey by SBB service train on the scenic route via the Lavaux vineyards. (B) Saturday 7th September

Steam at the Blonay-Chamby heritage railway and Les Pleiades Mountain Railway

Today you’ll visit the outstanding railway museum at Blonay-Chamby, one of the largest private collections of historic rolling stock in Switzerland. You enjoy a private steam charter over the entire Blonay-Chamby heritage line, with numerous photo stops and run-pasts, including the curved, stone-arched viaduct, Switzerland’s equivalent of Glenfinnan. Then a First Class private electric railcar takes you via Cornaux back to Blonay, where you take the steeply graded rack railway to the summit of Les Pleiades, for lunch at a typical Swiss chalet, replete with magnificent views down onto Lake Geneva. After returning to Vevey by mid afternoon there is more free time to use your

Swiss Pass rover ticket for local or countrywide discovery or to take the paddle steamer for a sunset cruise. (B L) Sunday 8th September

French Alpine Railways and Mont Blanc

The grandeur of Europe’s highest peak awaits you today, as you travel via Martigny and Vallorcine to Chamonix, the Alpine capital of France and host city of the first Olympic Winter Games in 1924. In Chamonix you change onto the famed ‘Little Red Train’ and climb up to the Montenvers-Mer de Glace, overcoming no less than 1000 metres in altitude differential in just about 20 minutes. At the glacier station you’ll have breath-taking views of the French Alps.

After lunchtime refreshments at the top, you return back to Chamonix, where there’ll be free time to explore the town before you return to Vevey on the Mont Blanc Express through the Trient Valley. (B) Monday 9th September

Mountain Railway to Les Diablerets and Glacier 3000

After breakfast you’ll travel by privately chartered 1914 vintage train on the superb Aigle – Le Sépey – Les Diablerets (ASD) line.

Marvel at the amazing scenery in the heart of the Swiss Alps as you go off the beaten path, and journey through terraced hills and past the impressive Aigle Castle before ascending the mountains on the narrow-gauge branch line and crossing two major viaducts. Along the way your train will stop for scenic photo and film opportunities. Upon arrival at the mountain village of Les Diablerets you transfer the short distance to Col-du-Pillon. There you join the amazing Glacier 3000 cable car to take you up to a spectacular world of snow and ice. You can make the unique peak walk on the world’s first suspension footbridge spanning two summits or simply relax at the comfortable lodge and enjoy the grand panorama. In the early afternoon you descend back to Les Diablerets and then take the private vintage train back to Aigle. Upon arrival at Aigle, you might also want to take the local rack railway up Leysin, for another spectacular journey through vineyards and over stone-arched viaducts. It all provides a fitting conclusion to a tour of many (literal) high points. (B)

Tour Summary First Class Standard Class Single supplement Ground only (Vevey – Vevey)

£2295 £1995 £395 £1795

Price includes: • 8 nights accommodation with breakfast in 4-star Hotel Astra • 1 lunch and 2 dinners • All trains and boat journeys as detailed in the itinerary • All privately chartered steam and vintage electric trains as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers • An 8-Day Swiss Travel Pass national rover ticket in the class of your booking • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Tuesday 10th September Return to London

You return to London on TGV and Eurostar via Geneva and Paris. (B)

EUROPEAN TOUR – 9 Days

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The Black Sea Express Thursday 12th September to Saturday 21st September 2019 Travel in Royal style from Sofia across the Thracian plains to the Black Sea and back on this luxury steam tour in magical Bulgaria. Accommodated in luxury coaches from the time of Tsar King Boris III, your Royal ‘Corona Express’ Train will be hauled by a variety of iconic locomotives as you travel, largely steam-hauled, to the Black Sea Coast. You first steam from the Bulgarian capital Sofia to the famous town of Veliko Tarnovo, for a city tour of its iconic landmarks, then head across the Balkan Mountains to Burgas on the Black Sea. From low-lying plains to wide river valleys and dizzy summits, you’ll experience the best of Bulgaria behind rugged locos such as the 2-8-2 Swiss-built loco 01.23 and the 2-10-0 16.27, as well as the world’s largest working tank engine, 2-12-4T 46.03! With two days of steam on the scenic narrow-gauge Rhodope Mountains line hauled by the impressive 2-10-2T loco 60976 as one of the tour highlights, and a day at the Black Sea resort of Nesebar another, this is the ideal holiday tour for both rail enthusiasts and those wanting to discover the secrets of a country that remains one of Europe’s hidden gems.

You fly from Heathrow to Sofia this morning with BA. On arrival in Sofia you book into your comfortable hotel before a private tram sightseeing tour around Bulgaria’s capital.

Marvel at the ancient churches, Ottoman mosques and other monuments in the city that boasts many of Bulgaria’s finest museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (D)

(1894-1943) with comfortable and pleasantly furnished interiors. Today you’ll be hauled by the recently overhauled 2-8-2 Swiss-built loco 01.23 from Sofia to Pleven Zapad and the powerful 2-10-0 16.27 from Cherven Brjag onward to Gorna Orjahovitsa in North-Central Bulgaria.

The first settlement here dates back to the second half of the fifth millennium BC, although nowadays it is the biggest railway centre in Northern Bulgaria. From here you have a short bus transfer to your 4-star hotel in the famous town of Veliko Tarnovo, where you will stay for two nights. (B D)

Friday 13th September

Saturday 14th September

Today is your first experience of the Royal ‘Corona Express’ train, consisting of specialised cars and historic carriages of Tsar Boris III

Today you have two options, the first being a guided walking tour of the old town of Veliko Tarnovo for a pleasant discovery of this ancient city, once the medieval capital of Bulgaria.

Thursday 12th September

Flight from Heathrow to Sofia; sightseeing tram tour of Bulgaria’s capital

Steam with the Royal train from Sofia to Gorna Orjahovitsa; transfer to Veliko Tarnovo

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Guided walking tour of Veliko Tarnovo or visit to Gorna Orjahovitsa depot

You’ll stroll through the old part of town surrounded by houses built over 200 years ago and visit Veliko Tarnovo’s most significant monument, the ancient medieval fortress called Tsarevets, situated on a hillside overlooking the town and surrounded on three sides by the gorge of the Yantra River. This partly reconstructed fortress dominates the skyline and boasts the remains of many houses, 18 churches, the royal palace and much more.

Your second option is a trip by bus to visit the Gorna Orjahovitsa rail depot to see a rare 4-10-0 steam loco and the depot’s active steam locos, and to the Asenovo Steam Reserve where preserved rare steam locomotives are stored.

Whatever option you take, dinner is served at your 4-star hotel in Veliko Tarnovo this evening.

(B D)

Sunday 15th September

spa town of Velingrad, where you book into a comfortable hotel for dinner and overnight. (B D)

After breakfast today you journey across the Central Mountains hauled once more by the rugged 2-10-0 16.27 from Veliko Tarnovo to Stara Zagora via Dabovo and Tulovo. You travel across a diverse landscape of lowlands, hilly plains, river valleys and the heights of the Balkan Mountains. From Stara Zagora your Royal coaches will be hauled by a special diesel or electric locomotive to Burgas and your bus will then transfer you to a 4-star hotel on the Black Sea at Nesebar for the next two nights. (B D).

Thursday 19th September

Across the Balkan Mountains to Stara Zagora and Burgas

Monday 16th September

All day in the famous resort of Nesebar

Today you initially have a walking tour of the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’ - the ancient settlement of Nesebar – an island linked by a causeway to the mainland with a wealth of historic buildings, shopping opportunities and many fish restaurants, followed by free time to explore at your leisure. After a relaxing day you return to your nearby hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Tuesday 17th September

Royal train from Burgas to Plovdiv, via Karlovo

After a transfer to Burgas you rejoin the Royal Train early this morning. Your coaches will be added to the Burgas to Sofia express service train as far as Karlovo, from where an ex-British Class 87 electric loco belonging to the freight company BZK has been requested to haul you to Plovdiv. Plovdiv is Europe’s oldest inhabited city, dating back as far as 4000 BC, and is due to be European Capital of Culture in 2019.

You check in to your comfortable hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D) Wednesday 18th September

Narrow-gauge train into the Rhodope Mountains with steam loco 60976

A highlight of the trip awaits today as you travel by bus to Septemvri to join a retro narrow-gauge train hauled by the massive 2-10-2 tank engine 60976 to Velingrad in the Rhodope Mountains, with several photo stops planned. The initial 39 kilometres of this 760 mm gauge line opened 93 years ago in 1926. The 2-10-2 tank loco was built

by Chrzanow in Poland in 1949 and is one of the most powerful of its gauge in the world.

Starting off in flat countryside you soon enter the hills at Varvara and then the scenic gorge of the Chepina River through which you climb towards Dolene, where the line heads off up a side valley, before eventually reaching the

Continued narrow-gauge across the Rhodope Mountains to Dobronishte

Today you continue to explore Bulgaria’s last remaining narrow-gauge line hauled by 60976 over the Rhodope Mountains and down to the end of the line at Dobronishte. There are many spirals and tunnels as your train climbs through the forested mountains. Some diesel assistance is required on the steep climb before the summit at Avromovo station, 1267 metres above sea level. You then descend with more spirals, via Razlog, to the terminus at Dobronishte, with more photo opportunities along the way.

You transfer by bus to your luxury hotel in the ski resort of Bansko for dinner and overnight stay. We have been advised that the sole narrow gauge loco 60976 has a valid boiler certificate to enable us to use it. If for any reason it is not available we will use diesel traction. (B D) Friday 20th September

Steam with the largest working tank engine in the world

This morning you have a bus transfer from Bansko south to Petrich, near the Greek border.

Here you rejoin the Royal train hauled by reputedly the world’s largest working tank engine 2-12-4T 46.03. This beautifully overhauled ‘beast’ was built by Cegielski in Poland in 1931 and is now the only operational 12-coupled steam locomotive in the world. You travel north, stopping at the Dupnitsa Depot for servicing, before continuing to Sofia. Alternatively, you have the chance to travel from Bansko to visit the attractive Rila Monastery, before rejoining your train at Dupnitsa. Rila Monastery is the most famous monastery in Bulgaria, now under UNESCO protection. The exterior has high stone walls with small windows, reminding the visitor of a fortress rather than a monastery. Once inside the main attraction is the church with amazing exterior paintings of the gospel. It is also worth visiting the museum, which hosts the famous Raphael’s cross, carved from one piece of wood and named after its creator. Whatever you do you will later check into your Sofia hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price £2695 Single supplement £295 Ground only £2495 (Sofia – Sofia) Price includes: • Flights from London Heathrow and return • Accommodation in excellent hotels with breakfast and evening meals • Light lunch on the train operating days • 9 Dinners • All train and coach travel as detailed in the itinerary with all transfers • Services of UK and local tour guides • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Saturday 21st September

Free time or a visit to the Sofia loco depot; afternoon flight to Heathrow

This morning you have the option of either a visit to the Sofia Loco Depot or free time to explore Sofia further. In the afternoon you return to Heathrow on a BA flight. (B) EUROPEAN TOUR – 10 Days

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Autumn in Southern Austria Friday 20th September to Friday 27th September 2019 Discover the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and spectacular railways of Southeastern Austria on this glorious autumn holiday, packed with vibrant seasonal colour and unique steam attractions. Based in the historic city of Graz throughout, you will experience the most scenic railway lines in the Southern Alps aboard heritage transport, including ‘best kept secrets’ such as the picturesque Mixnitz and Bad Gleichenberg branch lines. Aside from famous ‘little trains’ on narrow gauge routes, you will also travel behind iconic steam locomotives, such as the diamond-stacked, dark green No.671, which dates from 1860 and is one of the oldest operational steam locomotives in the world. The rugged tank engine 88.103 on the Ferlach heritage railway in Carinthia is another steam attraction and ‘RTC first’. Other rolling stock attractions are narrow gauge ‘Crocodile’ electric locomotives dating from 1913 and dynamic, semi-streamlined railcars from the 1930s. A further highlight is a private charter trip up the mythic Erzberg mountain railway on a line without regular passenger services. For a relaxing railway holiday that features the ideal balance between excitement and refinement, look no further.

Friday 20th September

Saturday 21st September

You have a direct morning flight from London to Vienna and arrive in Austria’s capital city by midday. At the Vienna airport your luggage is collected and directly transferred to the Graz hotel by road coach. This allows you to make a memorable afternoon journey by train from Vienna over the famed Semmering Pass to Graz.

Travelling in First Class accommodation, you will experience Continental Europe’s very first mountain railway line, dating from 1854.

You arrive at Graz by late afternoon and check into the 4-star Hotel Europa opposite the station. This will be your base for the entire holiday. A welcome evening meal will be served at the hotel tonight. (D)

This morning a GKB service train takes you directly from Graz to Preding. There you have a steam-hauled private charter train over the 11 kilometre-long narrow-gauge branch line to Stainz, pausing for photos and run-pasts along the way. After lunch in the town of Stainz you return to Graz, where you ride the historic funicular to the summit of the Schlossberg hill.

From the summit of this local landmark, there are fantastic views of the city’s rooftops and historic district.

After taking the funicular back down, you will have free time to discover Graz at your own pace. You could use your complimentary public transport ticket to travel on the expansive tram system. (B L)

Fly to Vienna; First Class journey by train over the Semmering Railway to Graz

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Steam on the Stainz narrow-gauge railway, Schlossberg Funicular and Trams in Graz

Sunday 22nd September

Steam on the Graz-Köflach Railway with locomotive No.671

The signature attraction of this special autumn holiday awaits today, as the truly amazing steam locomotive No.671 hauls you through the pretty Styrian countryside westward to Köflach.

Steaming behind No.671 is like time travel back to the middle of the 19th century, as this ornate, diamond-stacked 0-6-0 tender locomotive from 1860 is actually the oldest, continuously operating steam locomotive in the world and has never been formally retired or withdrawn!

Once you reach Köflach, the loco will turn on the local turntable and pause for more pictures, before you have lunch at a local restaurant near the station. In the early afternoon you steam back to Graz, pausing at the junction station of Lieboch and visiting the railway museum there.

Once back in Graz for the late afternoon, you will have more time for trams, cultural sightseeing or simply relaxing at one of the local microbreweries or countless wine cellars. (B L) Monday 23rd September

Vintage ‘Crocodile’ locomotives at the Mixnitz narrow gauge railway

The narrow-gauge line from Mixnitz to Sankt Erhard is located north of Graz and is one of Austria’s most attractive ‘little trains’.

Distinctive blue ‘Crocodile’ steeple cab locomotives dating from 1913 provide the traction for your private charter train today, pausing for numerous run-pasts along the way.

At the terminus in Sankt Erhard an al fresco lunch will be served, before you return to Mixnitz by train. From there you take S-Bahn service back to Graz. (B L) Tuesday 24th September

Vintage electrics at the Gleichenberg narrow gauge railway; Bad Radkersburg rural branch line

This morning you travel by ÖBB service train from Graz to Feldbach, before transferring onto a private charter train. On the 21 kilometrelong Gleichenberg branch line a 1930s vintage electric railcar takes you over steep gradients into south-eastern Styria. After several photo stops at panoramic locations, you reach Bad Gleichenberg, where lunch will be served.

Afterwards, a short coach transfer takes you to Bad Radkersburg, near the Slovenian border.

This town is the terminus of the long, standardgauge branch line from Spielfeld. You then board an ÖBB service train for the worthwhile trip over the remote branch line to the border station of Spielfeld and eventually Graz, thus completing a rewarding circuit for the day. The evening will once again afford leisure opportunities in Graz.

(B L)

From Ferlach you continue by steam on the 1.6 kilometre long industrial siding to the former steel works, now the site of the Historama tramway and transport museum. After viewing the extensive collection, you return by steam train to Ferlach, before returning by ÖBB service train from Klagenfurt to Graz. (B L) Thursday 26th September

Mountain magnificence and steep gradients at the Erzbergbahn

Today you embark on a journey to the iconic Erzberg. As a traditional location of iron ore mining, the mountain hosts one of the steepest standard-gauge, rack and adhesion railway lines in Central Europe.

Once worked by powerful 2-12-2 tank engines, the line from Vordernberg Markt to Erzberg is now served by classic mid-20th century Uerdingen railbuses. These famous West German DMUs have open driver vestibules, allowing excellent forward or rear facing views.

You travel the 18 kilometre long length of line on a private charter, with photo opportunities and run pasts at the most scenic locations. In the late afternoon you return to Graz for dinner with your fellow travellers. (B L D) Friday 27th September

Return to Vienna on the Aspang Railway; Flight back to London

This morning your luggage will once again be transferred by coach to Vienna airport, while you get to enjoy another railway highlight! An ÖBB Regional Express train takes you on the scenic secondary line from Graz via Fehring and Aspang to Wiener Neustadt, allowing you to see more attractive scenery and mountainous railway lines ‘off the beaten path’. In Wiener Neustadt you change onto a fast train to Wien Hauptbahnhof, before transferring by rail to the airport for a direct evening flight back to London. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price £1795 Single supplement £345 Ground only £1695 (Graz – Graz) Price includes: • 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in a 4-star hotel • 6 lunches and 3 dinners • Travel on all charter trains and other scenic trains as detailed in the itinerary • Journey on all steam trains and other heritage transport as detailed in the itinerary • Multi-day public transport rover ticket in Graz • All transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Wednesday 25th September

Steam in Carinthia; Streamlined electric railcar on the main line

After breakfast you travel on an ÖBB service train from Graz to St. Veith in Carinthia (Kärnten). In St. Veith the semi-streamlined railcar 4042.01 dating from 1936 takes you on a private charter run to Klagenfurt. From there you carry on to Weizelsdorf, transferring to another privately chartered steam train hauled by the rugged tank engine 88.103.

Along the 6 kilometre-long heritage branch line to Ferlach numerous run-pasts will be staged in the shadow of Alpine peaks.

EUROPEAN TOUR – 8 Days

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Georg Trueb

Southern Switzerland and Ticino Monday 23rd September to Monday 30th September 2019 Experience the very best of vintage steam trains, historic paddle steamers and rugged mountain scenery on this holiday tour to Central and Southern Switzerland.

Packed with railway highlights, your tour includes a journey over the historic Gotthard summit route in panoramic dome cars, a breath-taking ride over the famed Centovalli narrow gauge railway and a private steam charter in Ticino for the ascent of Monte Generoso on one of Switzerland’s oldest preserved rack tank locomotives. There’s an exclusive behindthe-scenes visit to SBB’s Gotthard operations centre to look forward to, and a trip through the 57 kilometre-long Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the world. An exhilarating ride on the brand-new Stoos railway, the steepest funicular in the world, rounds out an outstanding rail programme. Based initially in Lucerne, you later transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Bellinzona, where you’ll explore enchanting Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, with its Mediterranean climate and cuisine, gorgeous stone architecture, languid lakes and beautiful Alpine scenery. Sightsee in famed places like Locarno, Lugano, Stresa and Domodossola on this refined and relaxing holiday, an ideal introduction to both Switzerland and Italy that’s sure to delight railway enthusiasts, seasoned travellers and rail tour newcomers alike!

Monday 23rd September London to Lucerne by rail

You travel first class by train from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord on Eurostar.

You then transfer to Paris Gare de l’Est and take a French Railways (SNCF) TGV from there to Strasbourg. Continuing to Basel in Switzerland, you change trains and join a Swiss Railways (SBB) train to Lucerne. You check in to your comfortable hotel in Lucerne, with a welcome dinner served in the hotel restaurant this evening. (D) Tuesday 24th September

World famous Stoos funicular and a visit to the Swiss Transport Museum

After breakfast this morning you’ll head northwards beside Lake Lucerne to the lively town of Schwyz, famous for the charter that led 40

to the foundation of Switzerland. A trip on the Stoosbahn, the steepest funicular railway in the world, awaits, ascending to 1300 metres with a maximum incline of 110%, and spectacular views of Alpine lakes and peaks from the summit at Stoos. You return to Schwyz for the SBB service train journey to Lucerne.

There you’ll visit the Verkehrshaus, or Swiss Transport Museum, which holds major exhibits of all forms of transport as well as of communications and art! A giant operating model railway of the famous Gotthard line is one of many display highlights. After your visit you return to Lucerne main station on a public boat service. (B)

Wednesday 25th September

Lake Lucerne paddle steamer cruise and Gotthard Panorama Express to Bellinzona

After breakfast, you’ll experience a genuine paddle steamer cruise along the scenic length of Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, one of the finest steamboat journeys anywhere in the world.

You drift at leisure along the placid lake with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks and pretty little towns. On arrival in Flüelen you transfer to the famous Gotthard Panorama Express, for a journey along the historic Gotthard panoramic route to Ticino canton in south Switzerland, with its Mediterranean climate and Italian language and culture.

On arrival at Bellinzona you check into a nearby hotel, where your luggage awaits you, having been transferred while you travelled.

Framed by three impressive castle fortresses, Bellinzona is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you’ll be able explore these and many other impressive landmarks during your stay. (B) Thursday 26th September

Mountain magnificence and funiculars in Lugano; scenic cruise on Lake Lugano

Lugano is one of the most vivacious cities in Switzerland, and today you’ll spend a relaxed morning exploring its diverse highlights. It’s a town of parks and flowers, villas and sacred buildings, framed by two spectacular panoramic peaks: the 925-metre high Monte Brè, which looks a bit like the Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro, and Monte San Salvatore, with an elevation of 912 metres. They’re conveniently accessible by funicular and you’ll ascend both in the afternoon to enjoy the amazing views at the summit, over Swiss and Italian lakes and towering mountains.

In the early evening you then enjoy a private dinner cruise on languid Lake Lugano aboard the luxurious 1927 motor yacht ‘Milano’. (B L) Friday 27th September

Lake Maggiore Express, Stresa, Domodossola and the narrow-gauge Centovalli railway

Today you travel on the unforgettable Lago Maggiore Express across the Italian border, through mountains, valleys and lake, by train and boat. You first leave Bellinzona by train to Locarno and continue by boat to Stresa.

This Italianate gem is world famous for its (literally) beautiful island, Isola Bella.

Arriving by boat, you’ll have the best views of the island before continuing on an FS service train to the mediaeval town of Domodossola.

There is free time scheduled for you to spend here, allowing you to roam the spacious squares and little cobblestone streets, discovering Italian delicacies and perhaps indulging in some gelato ice cream at one of the countless parlours.

In the afternoon your next railway highlight awaits, as you change onto the quaint narrow gauge Centovalli train – one of Europe’s most impressive train journeys. The Lake Maggiore Express winds its way slowly up to reach the many bridges and lofty viaducts that span the valleys, with grand views from the panoramic windows. After arrival at Locarno, you take the connecting service train back to Bellinzona. (B)

You can explore everything in Ticino from the Saint-Gotthard massif and the Ritom funicular, to the sweeping hillscapes of the Mendrisiotto region. Highly recommended are a trip on the Madonna del Sasso funicular to the monastery above Locarno or the Lugano – Ponte Tresa narrow gauge railway. Your tour manager will be glad to provide you with planning advice and helpful insights. (B) Sunday 29th September

Steam hauled to the summit of Monte Generoso

A tour highlight awaits today as you travel by train from Bellinzona to the resort town of Capolago Riva San Vitale. At Capolago you board the oldest steam train still in operation in Switzerland, dating back to 1890s, which takes you to the summit of Monte Generoso.

There are magnificent views in store as your steam locomotive pushes the train up the gradient for 9 kilometres. The summit offers amazing 360° panoramic views over the Lombardy Plain and towards the Alps.

The stunning Fiore di Poetra (Stone Flower) restaurant, designed by the architect Mario Bottam lies at the summit where lunch can be bought. Later you board the train for the return journey back down to Capolago Riva San Vitale, where you change trains for the journey back to Bellinzona. (B) Monday 30th September Return to London

You travel by SBB service train from Bellinzona to Basel and on to Strasbourg, from where you take a TGV service to Paris Gare de L’Est. You transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and then take a Eurostar service, travelling first class, back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary First Class £1995 Standard Class £1895 Single supplement £195 Ground only £1795 (Lucerne – Bellinzona) Price includes: • 7 nights accommodation with breakfasts • 1 dinner and 1 lunch • All rail and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Rail travel from London to Lucerne and return • A Ticino rover ticker for travel in the Ticino region • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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First Class: Our attractive First Class package includes rail travel from London to Lucerne and back to London from Bellinzona on high-speed Eurostar and TGV trains plus SBB service trains.

All other short transfer trips on very comfortable Swiss service trains will be made in Standard Class with reserved seats.

Saturday 28th September

Free day with transport rover in Ticino

After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel restaurant you have a free day to discover all there is to do in Ticino, using your specially issued rover pass for the region’s entire public transport system.

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Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Highlights of Switzerland in Autumn Monday 7th October to Sunday 13th October 2019 Experience the Alpine splendour and scenic railways of Eastern Switzerland during the most colourful time of the year.

Based in Chur for the duration of the holiday, you’ll explore the gorgeous autumn landscapes and snow-capped pinnacles of the Swiss mountains, travelling on iconic railway routes such as the Albula, Bernina and Oberalp Pass, as well as discovering best-kept-secrets like Schöllenen Gorge. Go peak hopping on rack railways, funiculars and aerial cableways, and see the little red trains of the Rhaetian Railways against the backdrop of stone-arched viaducts and Italian palm trees. Enjoy a private cruise on Lake Constance aboard a luxurious motor yacht of 1950s vintage and see Lake Lucerne from the spacious decks of a genuine paddle steamer dating from the early 20th century.

Historic locomotives and Art Deco Pullman coaches also feature prominently in our programme. This package holiday offers outstanding value, either as an introduction to Switzerland for first-time visitors or an exciting opportunity to re-visit favoured spots for more seasoned travellers.

Monday 7th October London to Chur

Your tour begins on a Eurostar train from London St. Pancras International or Ebbsfleet to Paris Gare du Nord. There you transfer to Paris Gare de l’Est and journey on to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You change trains at Basel and use a Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) service to Chur via Zurich before checking in to your comfortable and charming hotel in Chur.

(D) Tuesday 8th October

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

Today you’ll experience the very best of the famous Rhaetian Railway in a privately chartered 1930s Pullman car. Its large windows offer outstanding views of the mountainous landscape as you travel down the impressively-engineered 42

25 kilometre branch line from Chur to Arosa.

The route climbs 1155 metres via several tunnels and bridges, including the 284 metre long Langwieser Viaduct – a Swiss heritage site first opened in December 1914. On arrival in Arosa you take the cableway to the summit of the 2653 metre Weisshorn, for superb views from the top and a fine restaurant in which to take lunch. You return to Arosa in the afternoon to explore the town or stroll along the picturesque lake. Later, you return by RhB train and Pullman car to Chur, where you’ll have free time to explore the city before dinner is served at the hotel. (B D) Wednesday 9th October

Mountain Magnificence in Davos and heritage train with a classic ‘Crocodile’ locomotive

This morning you have a day-trip to the famed ski resort of Davos, with a visit to both of its

funicular railways for incredible panoramic views from the summits. This includes the Parsennbahn, which takes you in two stages to an altitude of 2663 metres above sea level, and the Schatzalpbahn, to a height of 1864 metres.

Marvel at the rugged scenery and panoramic views in the expansive valley below you. In the afternoon, you continue south by special RhB heritage train on the so-called ‘Davos Circular’ to Filisur. The train is formed of historic coaches and is hauled by a chocolate brown ‘Crocodile’ locomotive dating from the 1920s. This icon of Swiss railways will pull your train over the spectacular Wiesen Viaduct as one of the signature moments of the holiday.

At the junction station of Filisur, you connect with another RhB panoramic train and then travel northbound over the world-famous Albula line, with its distinctive horseshoe curves and stone-arched bridges.

You arrive back to Chur by early evening and are then free to select a dinner venue of your choice.

(B) Thursday 10th October

Mountain railways in the Appenzell and scenic cruise on Lake Constance

Today you experience the iconic little red trains of the Appenzell as they wind their way up into the foothills of Mount Säntis. First, you travel from Chur on an SBB service train to Rorschach, before changing onto the scenic RorschachHeiden rack railway, dating from 1875 and one of the oldest mountain railways in Switzerland.

Today you’ll travel on a private charter train hauled by a 1930 vintage electric locomotive.

As the line winds high above Lake Constance into the rural countryside of Appenzell, you’ll have unobstructed views over to Austria and Germany. At the summit in Heiden there’s time to look around this historic little resort town, before returning back down to Rorschach and continuing by SBB service train along the banks of Lake Constance to the port town of Romanshorn. There you break for lunch at the attractive harbour restaurant, before another major tour highlight awaits, a languid cruise along the Swiss shore of Lake Constance aboard the luxurious vintage 1956 motor yacht ‘Säntis’.

This is one of the most refined and elegantly appointed heritage ships anywhere in Western Europe, and as the serene landscape of Eastern Switzerland unfolds before you, clear skies (hopefully) will afford direct views of snowcapped Mount Säntis.

Complimentary cake, coffee and tea will be served aboard your stylish white-funnelled vessel, before you return to Romanshorn.

From there you return by rail to Chur, taking the Voralpen-Express scenic train via St. Gallen, Herisau and Pfäffikon for more outstanding Swiss scenery ‘off the beaten path’. (B L) Friday 11th October

Oberalp Pass, Schöllenen Gorge, Gotthard Panorama Express, Lake Lucerne Paddle Steamer

It’s another tour highlight today on one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world.

You’ll travel the famed Glacier Express Route by private Pullman Coach from Chur along the Surselva Region up the Rhine Valley to Disentis.

Changing trains, you continue through the very heart of the Swiss Alps on the legendary Oberalp Pass. After spiralling down into the cauldron-shaped Urseren Valley, you change trains and experience the steeply graded and impressively-engineered rack railway through the Schöllenen Gorge. You arrive at the narrow-

gauge terminus Göschenen and change onto SBB’s famous ‘Gotthard Panorama Express’ with accommodation in outstanding glass dome observation coaches for the descent down the Gotthard North Ramp. The train traverses several horseshoe curves and passes the little church at Wassen three times before reaching Flüelen on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

There you transfer onto a genuine paddle steamer and make the spectacular cruise to Lucerne, one of the world’s finest steamboat journeys. On arrival in Lucerne you have time for a walk over the famed wooden chapel bridge before returning to Chur by service train. (B L) Saturday 12th October

Bernina Express by private First Class coach to Tirano

Arguably the best tour highlight has been saved for last today, as you travel the Bernina Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only Swiss trans-alpine railway that climbs over the ridges between north and south without the use of a tunnel. Conquer the Swiss Alps and note how this line is completely different to the other railways you’ve explored this week.

Highlights include the ascent to the summit at Alp Grüm, the spiralling descent to Poschiavo and street running there along the lake, before the famed circular viaduct is reached at Brusio and you finish your journey amidst palm trees in Italy. In the beautiful Italian town of Tirano, dominated by its massive stone basilica, you dine for lunch (wine included) and have time for a stroll, before the trip continues back north to Chur. You get to enjoy the Bernina experience in the most comfortable way possible, in a private First Class coach with plenty of room and the chance to lower windows and take magnificent mountain photography! (B L D)

Tour Summary First Class

£2095

Eurostar, TGV and other SNCF service trains

Standard Class

£1945

Eurostar, TGV and other SNCF service trains

Single supplement £195 Ground only £1825 (Chur – Chur) Price includes: • First or Standard Class rail travel from London St. Pancras International to Chur and return • 6 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • Standard Class travel whilst in Switzerland • 3 dinners and 3 lunches • First class travel on the Bernina Express in a private carriage • First class travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express • All rail trips as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Sunday 13th October Return to London

You return to London by way of Zürich and Paris on SBB, TGV and Eurostar trains. (B)

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

EUROPEAN TOUR – 7 Days

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Georg Trueb

Autumn in Alsace Thursday 10th October to Thursday 17th October 2019 Discover the enchanting region of Alsace by steam train on this rich tour of autumn splendour in eastern France.

Alsace borders Germany to the north and east, and Switzerland to the south. Based in the magnificent city of Colmar you’ll explore the region on privately chartered standard gauge steam trains on all of the preserved railways in Alsace and a forest railway in nearby Lorraine. There are also excursions into nearby southern Germany to enjoy and a visit to an impressive steam railway in the Black Forest. Alsace is wedged between the Vosges Mountains and the River Rhine, making it almost four times longer than it is wide. It’s a region of beautiful vineyards and produces the outstanding Gewurztraminer white wine. The area is dotted with quaint villages boasting gourmet restaurants of international fame, and charming cities featuring calm canals and medieval architecture. One of many tour highlights is a scenic lunch cruise aboard a classic motor vessel on the River Rhine in Basel, Switzerland. There’s also a visit to the Alsatian vineyard town of Riquewihr and the city of Mulhouse, with the excellent French National Railway Museum and the one-of-its kind Bugatti Museum both sited there.

Thanks to the short travel distances from Colmar to all the featured attractions this is a truly relaxed tour, and the perfect opportunity to see France in a completely new way!

Thursday 10th October London to Colmar

You travel by a Eurostar service from London St. Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, then transfer to the nearby Paris Gare de l´Est for the onward journey by TGV express to Strasbourg, where you change onto a regional service to Colmar. You check in to your elegant, centrally located hotel on a quiet street in the heart of this picturesque town. The rest of the day will be free to explore and discover the timber-framed houses and quaint canals of historic Colmar.

Friday 11th October

Vintage tram tour and scenic river cruise in Basel

This morning you board a locomotive-hauled French Railways (SNCF) service train for the 44

journey from Colmar to Basel, just across the border in Switzerland. You then have a sightseeing tour of this attractive city by vintage tram, which includes one of the few preserved open-sided tram trailers in Switzerland.

Crossing the River Rhine by tram you’ll see the principal sights of the city, including the medieval town centre, the cathedral and the ornate city hall. Just before lunchtime you alight at the river embankment and board a vintage motor vessel for a delightful lunch cruise on the River Rhine. Your classic red-funnelled ship oozes old-fashioned charm and boasts beautiful wood-panelled dining saloons. You’ll savour a sumptuous buffet lunch, complete with dessert, as you cruise through Swiss, German and French waters. After the cruise there’ll be free time to explore the city centre at your own pace.

In the late afternoon you return to Colmar by SNCF service train. (B L) Saturday 12th October

Steam along the Rhine; visit to historic Breisach

After breakfast you travel by road coach to visit the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Rhin, located in the nearby town of Volgelsheim.

This standard gauge railway operates both French and German steam locomotives and Austrian carriages with balconies. You’ll travel the extent of the 13 kilometre line from Volgelsheim to the Sans Souci Quay at Marckolsheim, where the River Rhine and canal separate. Following your trip on the railway you continue by road coach to the historic city of Breisach in Germany, on the opposite side of the River Rhine. Breisach is famous for its charming

old town and impressive Gothic cathedral, both located on a scenic hilltop. Lunch will be taken at a charming German inn and afterwards you’ll enjoy free time to explore the town. Later you return to Colmar by road coach. (B L) Sunday 13th October

Steam on the Thur Doller Railway; visit to the vineyard town of Eguisheim

This is a day dedicated to the premier steam railway in Alsace. You visit the enchanting Train Thur Doller Alsace, which operates a 13 kilometre long standard gauge branch line from Cernay to Sentheim, along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and crossing the River Doller. The railway features a rake of authentic photogenic coaches dating from the late 19th century, the oldest operational railway carriages in France. A powerful steam tank locomotive dating from the early 20th century will haul the train. As you’ll be travelling over this preserved line on a privately chartered train when there is no regular traffic, numerous staged ‘run pasts’ will be possible. A French buffet lunch will be served at the station building in Burnhaupt, where you can also visit the shed and see the railway’s extensive collection of historic rolling stock. At the end of the return journey you travel by road coach to Colmar, taking the scenic road via the so-called ‘Alsatian Wine Route’.

You’ll stop for a visit to the delightful little village of Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful and famous vineyard towns in France, before returning to dine with fellow travellers at the hotel. (B L D) Monday 14th October

Steam in the Black Forest of Germany; visit to historic Freiburg

The German theme continues for your trip today as you visit a ‘hidden gem’ railway.

The Kandertalbahn is located on the very tip of Southern Germany, near to Basel in Switzerland.

The 12.9 kilometre long branch line runs through rural scenery in the Kander Valley. Your train will comprise an historic German steam tank locomotive, from the early 20th century, and matching period carriages. A buffet lunch of regional delicacies will be served when you reach the end of the line at Kandern.

Photo opportunities will be plentiful during this trip. Following your visit to the Kandertalbahn you return to Colmar by road coach, stopping to visit the historic city of Freiburg im Breisgau en route. This German city is noted for its medieval university and cathedral. (B L)

Tuesday 15th October

Museums and trams in Mulhouse

Today you travel by train to Mulhouse, a city famous for its outstanding museums, especially the ‘Cité du Train’ and ‘Cité de l’Automobile’, respectively the largest railway and automobile museums in Europe. You’ll be issued with a rover ticket for the city’s urban tram network, which you’ll use to travel to the ‘Cité du Train’, the national railway museum of France and one of the largest and most amazing collections of technically unique steam locomotives in the world. The museum’s exciting exhibits have lively and engaging narrations suitable for both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, and a free English audio guide is available. The vast collection of classic cars in the nearby ‘Cité de l’Automobile’ also demands a visit. It contains the most comprehensive collection of Bugatti motor vehicles in the world. The remainder of your time in Mulhouse will be free to explore its medieval city centre, with both French and Swiss architecture, the pedestrianised Place de la Réunion main square, and St. Stephen’s church.

In the evening you return to Colmar by service train. (B) Wednesday 16th October Steam at the Abreschviller Forest Railway

After breakfast you have a trip by SNCF service train to Sarrebourg, where you board a coach that takes you to the nearby forest railway at Abreschviller. Here the Abreschviller Forest Railway Association operates trains on a restored section of a logging railway that once had a track network of 73 kilometres. The 700 mm gauge railway line climbs up a wooded valley, winding its way through forests and crossing the Red Saar River on its way to Grand Soldat. You’ll travel on a privately chartered train in the railway’s only saloon coach hauled by an 0-4-4-0T Mallet type steam locomotive dating from 1906. During the journey there’ll be stops for filming and photography, including numerous ‘run-pasts’ in the dramatic landscape.

At the hamlet of Grand Soldat there’s a restored sawmill operated by a water wheel, where it’s possible to watch traditional wood processing.

In the afternoon your road coach takes you to Sarrebourg, from where you return to Colmar by SNCF service train. (B L)

Tour Summary First Class Standard Class Single supplement Ground only (Colmar – Colmar)

£1995 £1655 £225 £1475

Price includes: • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast • 5 lunches and 1 dinner • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All rail, road, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Rail travel from London to Colmar and back • Rover ticket for the Mulhouse urban tram network • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Thursday 17th October Colmar to London

You say a fond ‘au revoir’ to Alsace today and return to Paris by a TGV express train.

You transfer from Paris Gare de l´Est to Gare du Nord and board a Eurostar service to London.

EUROPEAN TOUR – 8 Days

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Autumn Steam in Saxony Thursday 17th October to Wednesday 23rd October 2019 Enjoy inspiring landscapes, spectacular autumn colour and exhilarating steam travel on land and water on this magical holiday tour in Eastern Germany.

• Based in a centrally located 4-star hotel in Dresden for the tour duration • Enjoy steam travel by land and water in and around the city on narrow-gauge trains and genuine paddle steamers.

• Ample time to enjoy Dresden and its stunning landmarks and ambience using a complimentary issued travel rover ticket • Experience German ‘Plandampf on 5 different narrow-gauge railways on 2 different gauges, including the re-opened Weisseritztalbahn to Kurort Kipsdorf • Private steam charter at the 15-inch Dresden Park Railway with an iconic ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive • See the famed national park in the heart of ‘Saxon Switzerland’ on a private charter on the scenic Kirnitzschtal tramway Thursday 17th October London to Dresden

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

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

Friday 18th October

Paddle steamer cruise to Pillnitz Castle; Vintage Monorail in Loschwitz

You’ll enjoy a sightseeing cruise of Dresden on a 19th century paddle steamer. You steam upstream on the River Elbe to Pillnitz Palace, en-route you pass vineyards, villas and the 1893 ‘Blue Wonder’ Loschwitz steel bridge.

Stopping at Loschwitz on the way back you take the local funicular to the summit for views of the city. You descend back to Loschwitz by ‘dingle-dangle’ mountain monorail dating back 46

to 1901. Afterwards you have time to explore Dresden’s local tram network using your public transport ticket or to visit the local museums and sights. (B)

continuing to downtown Dresden on either the scenic overland tramway route or by frequent DB service train. In late afternoon and evening you have time at leisure in the city. (B L)

Saturday 19th October

Sunday 20th October

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

After free time in the city you visit the nearby 16.5 kilometre Radebeul-Radeburg steam railway just outside Dresden, which passes the Moritzburg castle. The local vineyards offer wonderful autumn colours at this time of year.

At the Radeburg terminus, your locomotive takes on water before travelling back to Radebeul,

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

After the full round-trip you return to Dresden, with free time to enjoy and explore the city once more. (B)

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

Steam at the at the Weisseritz Valley Railway

Monday 21st October

Narrow-gauge steam in Zittau

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

There’s also a short 3.8 kilometre long stub from the junction station of Bertsdorf to Kurort Jonsdorf to enjoy. Using a complimentary day-long rover ticket you can explore both lines and film the double departure from Bertsdorf.

Impressive 2-10-2 tank engines run every day on the Zittau network with two or three in steam.

Rocky cliff formations frame the line around Oybin. You return in late afternoon to Dresden by service train. (B) Tuesday 22nd October

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

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

Travelling on an original 1920s tramway, the route runs from the spa town of Bad Schandau to the waterfalls at Lichtenhain.

Along the way there’ll be several photo stops staged in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. To cap the excursion, you enjoy a guided shed visit in Bad Schandau, before returning to Dresden on the scenic main line from Bad Schandau via Königstein on a direct service train.

(B) Wednesday 23rd October Return to London

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

Tour Summary First Class £1425 Standard Class £1295 Single supplement £195 Ground only £1150 (Dresden – Dresden) Price includes: • First Class or Standard class rail travel from London to Dresden and return • 6 Nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast • Complimentary 7-day Dresden public transport ticket included • All rail trips and excursions as detailed in the itinerary • Paddle steamer cruise • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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EUROPEAN TOUR – 7 Days

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Autumn in Italy Monday 28th October to Friday 8th November 2019 Seek out the sunshine of southern Europe and embark on a glorious late autumn holiday by rail. This is an ideal time of the year to visit Italy, as the vast tourist streams and heat waves from the summer have subsided, while nature showcases its most vibrant colours and the Alpine peaks are already sugar-frosted by the season’s first snow. This tour features all the elements that make railway travel in Italy so enjoyable. Flashy, bright red high speed trains with a vibrant design and superb First Class amenities, scenic lines with captivating landscapes, cities with lots spacious squares and Italianate architecture plus of course world famous food and drink. This attractive holiday offers lots of refinement with elegant, centrally located hotels, private city sightseeing tours on historic trams, exclusively chartered narrow gauge trains using only vintage rolling stock, buffet lunches, luggage transfers and a generally relaxed pace of discovery, allowing you to truly arrive and revive.

The tour is anchored by visits to such renowned Italian cities as Turin, Verona and Venice, while also spending time in Lugano, Switzerland and Innsbruck, Austria. Indeed the Swiss Ticino and Austrian Tyrol add to the depth and variety of this wonderful holiday, with a Lake Lugano boat cruise aboard a luxurious motor yacht dating from 1927 and a ride on the legendary Zillertalbahn being additional highlights. Experience more for less, on a vacation that represents tremendous value and gives ease of access. All long distance rail travel is exclusively in First Class.

Monday 28th October

London to Turin by high speed rail

You travel direct from London, St Pancras to Turin via Paris on Eurostar and TGV trains, a scenic route through the French and Italian Alps.

You arrive in Turin, the capital of Piedmont, in the evening. Here you check in to a centrally located hotel, your base for the next two nights.

Tuesday 29th October

Turin by vintage tram and at leisure

Today you discover the delights of stately Turin on a classic tramway dating from the 1930s, from which you’ll see the principal landmarks and key features of the city without having to walk. You cover the most attractive parts of the urban light rail network, pause for photos and also travel over some rare track.

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Afterwards you lunch at a typical Italian pizzeria.

In the afternoon, you can continue to explore the city at leisure. Its rich architectural heritage dates from a baroque heyday and the original neat grid of streets on which it was based were later layered with wide avenues and grand squares, such as the Piazza Vittoria. Turin is an eminently walkable city, made all the more pleasant by the 18 kilometres of arcades you can stroll through! (B L) Wednesday 30th October

Frecciarossa high speed train to Milan; Lake Lugano Scenic Cruise

Today the very best of flashy Italian high-speed trains awaits as you travel on an FS Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) over the Northern Italian highspeed line to Milano Centrale, Italy’s most

spectacular and monumental railway station.

Your bright red ‘Ferrari on steel wheels’ speeds through Lombardy, as you enjoy the plush comforts of First Class. In Milan, you transfer onto a EuroCity train to Lugano, Switzerland, arriving there in the afternoon. In the meantime, your luggage has been directly transferred to Lugano by coach. On arrival in Lugano you take the brand-new funicular railway from the station to the town centre and check-into your elegant hotel in the old town, near the lakeside promenade. To cap the day in fine fashion, you have a late afternoon cruise on beautiful Lake Lugano aboard the luxurious 1927 motor yacht ‘Milano’. Complimentary drinks and light refreshments will be served as you watch the tranquil autumn sun set over the mountainous peaks of the Ticino. (B)

Thursday 31st October

Mountain magnificence and funiculars in Lugano

Lugano is one of the most vivacious cities in Switzerland, and today you’ll spend a relaxed morning exploring its diverse highlights. It’s a town of parks and flowers, villas and sacred buildings, framed by two spectacular panoramic peaks: the 925 metre high Monte Brè, which looks a bit like the Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro, and Monte San Salvatore, with an elevation of 912 metres. They’re conveniently accessible by funicular and you’ll ascend both in the afternoon to enjoy the amazing views at the summit, over Swiss and Italian lakes and towering mountains.

The evening is free for you to explore Lugano further, with its traffic-free town centre and Italianate style buildings, before dining at a restaurant of your choice. (B) Friday 1st November

Madonna del Sasso funicular; Centovalli Railway and arrival in Verona

After breakfast, you travel on an SBB service train over the scenic Ceneri Pass to Locarno.

From there you make the excursion on the local funicular to the spectacular hilltop Madonna del Sasso basilica. Surrounded by palm trees and towering high above expansive Lake Maggiore, there are breath-taking views of the languid lake and surrounding peaks. You return to Locarno for a trip over the unique Centovalli Railway. This narrow-gauge line climbs dizzying heights, crossing deep ravines and countless spectacular viaducts. You’ll have a privately chartered train on the Swiss section of the line as far as Intragna, using the railway’s remarkable preserved railcar and plush early 20th century First Class coaches. Photo stops will be included.

In Intragna you stop for refreshments, before continuing on the cross-border service train to Italy on reserved seats. As the outstanding scenery of the Italian Alps unfolds, you eventually reach the busy junction station of Domodossola. From there you continue on a EC train along the banks of Lake Maggiore and past Stresa to Milano Centrale, where you again change onto a Frecciarossa high speed service to Verona. You arrive in Verona by the early evening and check into your next centrally located hotel for the next three nights. (B L) Saturday 2nd November

Morning leisure in Verona, afternoon excursion to Lake Garda

This morning is free to see all the amazing sights of Verona. Best known for its Shakespeare associations, Verona has a bustling centre, its

heart dominated by a mammoth, remarkably well-preserved first-century amphitheatre.

There are also countless churches, and a couple of architecturally fascinating bridges over the Adige to explore. In the afternoon, you’ll have a coach excursion to nearby Lazise on the banks of Lake Garda, a perfect Italian town with amazing ambiance and atmosphere. Lazise has a wonderful old town centre, with narrow alleys and picturesque squares, a harbour set right in the city centre and a famous 14th century Veronese customs office. After your exciting day, you return to Verona in the early evening. (B) Sunday 3rd November

A day in Venice with private water taxis

This morning you take a high-speed train in First Class comfort to Venice. The journey takes just over an hour and passes around Padua, with many hilltop churches and picture-perfect landscapes in view. On arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia terminus station, directly on the lagoon, you step onto one of the glamorous, woodenhulled private water taxis, made-famous by many Hollywood films. You then travel through Venice as George Clooney might, aboard a stylish fast boat oozing Italian flair and panache.

During your 75 minute private sightseeing tour, you get to see all the major landmarks, including the Canale Grande, Rialto and Piazza San Marco.

Your water taxi offers wonderful open-air sightlines as well as shelter from the elements in an enclosed cabin. You’ll be dropped back at Santa Lucia, from where you can continue to explore at your own pace. In the evening, you return by high-speed train directly to Verona. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price £2345 Single supplement £295 Ground only £2025 (Turin – Innsbruck) Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London St. Pancras International to Turin via Paris, Chur and return from Innsbruck • 11 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 6 lunches • All rail trips as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Monday 4th November

Scenic splendour in the Dolomites; Rittner Railway above Bolzano

You move north to the Italian Alps today and enjoy the serene scenery of Italy’s Germanspeaking region South Tyrol. After a transfer to Bolzano by EuroCity train, you take the city’s aerial cableway to the lofty heights at Soprabolzano. There you board the endearing Rittner Railway, a narrow-gauge line that still uses vintage railcars and runs at a high plateau along virgin meadows, with the towering pinnacles of the Dolomites all around. You travel the full length of the line on a privately chartered train using the railway’s most exclusive vintage trainset, pausing for photos along the way.

You have lunch at a trattoria at the terminus Calalbo, before making the return journey to Soprabolzano and descending back down into the city centre of Bolzano.

Continued overleaf.

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There you check into your centrally located hotel, where your already transferred luggage awaits. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure in Bolzano. (B L) Tuesday 5th November

Scenic railways of South Tyrol to Merano and Malles

Today you explore two of Italy’s best Alpine railways, first on the attractive line to Merano and then on the revitalized branch line in the Vinschgau Valley to Malles. This is considered one of the most scenic lines in Italy with fantastic views at every corner, from Sonnenberg mountain with its vineyards, to the marble quarries of Lasa, or the mystical Tarces hill and the many castles and palaces of the Vinschgau.

You’ll pause for lunch along the line at the terminus town of Malles, before retracing your journey and taking time to sightsee Merano.

You return to Bolzano by the late afternoon.

(B L) Wednesday 6th November

Over the Brenner Pass to Innsbruck, Stubaital Railway in Tyrol

After breakfast, you journey over one of Europe’s iconic trans-Alpine railways on a EuroCity train via the mighty Brenner Pass through the Alps to Austria. You descend to Innsbruck and check into another elegant hotel. After lunch at your hotel, you have a private charter journey scheduled on another vintage train on the scenic Stubaital Railway.

This narrow-gauge railway meanders into the mountain valleys south of Innsbruck, and you’ll 50

travel in a vintage railcar dating from the early 20th century. You pause for photos and runpasts at breath-taking locations, as you travel the full length of the line to the terminus at the ski resort of Fulpmes. After the late afternoon return to Innsbruck, there’s still time to explore the preserved 800 year old medieval town centre of this historic city. (B L) Thursday 7th November

Zillertalbahn in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps

To conclude your fabulous tri-national highlights tour, you visit one of the most famous Alpine mountain railways in Austria, the iconic Zillertalbahn. Once again, the spaciousness and stress-free travel of a private charter train awaits you, this time hauled by a classic diesel locomotive. You pause for photos at the most scenic locations before having a sumptuous buffet lunch at a typical Austrian inn next to the railway station at the terminus town of Mayrhofen. In the afternoon, you travel back the full length of the Zillertalbahn to Jenbach, before changing on to an OBB service train for the quick onward connection to Innsbruck. You have another evening at leisure to enjoy this great city, maybe strolling down Herzog Friedrich Strasse to the city’s must-see highlight, the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof). (B L) Friday 8th November

Return to London via the Arlberg Railway and Paris

You travel back to London via Zurich and Paris.

This allows you to enjoy the magnificent ride

over the mountainous Arlberg Railway in the morning, retracing the route and the best part of the famed Orient Express as you journey from Innsbruck to Zurich on a OBB railjet train.

In Zurich, you change onto a TGV for the fast, onward connection to Paris, before switching to a Eurostar back to London. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price £2345 Single supplement £295 Ground only £2025 (Turin – Innsbruck) Price includes: • First Class rail travel from London St. Pancras International to Turin via Paris, Chur and return from Innsbruck • 11 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 6 lunches • All rail trips as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Steam and Christmas Markets in the Harz Mountains and Saxony Saturday 30th November to Sunday 8th December 2019 Discover the festive splendour of Germany’s Christmas Markets on this unique steam train holiday exploring historic cities, charming villages and ‘Winter Wonderland’ scenery. Based in the cities of Leipzig and Görlitz, as well as the romantic Harz town of Wernigerode, you’ll revel in the famous Christmas Markets, while soaking in the joyful year-end atmosphere only Germany can provide. You’ll steam through landscapes dusted by early snowfall, including the legendary ascent on the spiralling summit line to Mount Brocken behind a 2-10-2 tank engine. The most idyllic steam railways in Saxony are an added bonus, as are private sightseeing tour on 1920s vintage tramways in the historic cathedral cities of Naumburg and Görlitz.

With the ideal mix between private charters and traditional German ‘Plandampf’, this all-new winter tour offers travel refinement, superb accommodation and a relaxed holiday experience for the seasoned traveller and Christmas Market newcomer alike.

Saturday 30th November You travel to Leipzig from London St. Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt on Eurostar, Thalys and ICE high-speed services. On arrival, you check into a centrally located hotel, near the railway station and all the major attractions. A light dinner of soup and sandwiches will be served at the hotel on arrival. (D)

Naumburg, for a trip on Germany’s smallest and distinctive tramway. You experience this UNESCO World Heritage site from the comfort of a 1928 heritage tramway on a private charter with photo stops and depot visit. You’ll have an opportunity to see the iconic cathedral with its characteristic four spires. After time at the Naumburg Christmas Market, you return to Leipzig in the late afternoon. (B L)

Sunday 1st December

Monday 2nd December

London to Leipzig

Leipzig Christmas Market and vintage tramway in Naumburg

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful architecture and ambiance of Leipzig, with its famous Christmas Market. You have lunch at the Bayerischer Bahnhof, one of the oldest preserved railway stations in the world. In the afternoon you take a main line service train to 52

Steam in the Harz Mountains from Norhausen to Mount Brocken and on to Wernigerode

Today you experience the best of German ‘Plandampf’ on the large Harz narrow-gauge network. You depart Nordhausen steam-hauled on the long trunk line, allowing you to do the most unusual part of the Harz network with steam haulage. At the junction station of Drei

Annen Hohne a different steam locomotive takes over for the ascent up Mount Brocken, you hear the 2-10-2 tank engine roar as it battles the gradients up to Northern Germany’s highest point. After refreshments and photo opportunities at the summit, you descend back to Drei Annen Hohne and on to Wernigerode, having completed 80 kilometres behind steam over the largest part of the Harz network.

The next two nights are spent at a centrally located hotel in Wernigerode. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D) Tuesday 3rd December

Steam in the Selke Valley with 99 6001; Culture in Quedlinburg

Today you journey over the easternmost section of the Harz network along the Selke Valley Line, hauled by the ‘stalwart’ 99 6001 loco a one-off design from 1939. It’s the fastest locomotive on

the entire Harz network, with excellent climbing skills, which will be put to use along the steep gradients at Mägdesprung.

The route passes from Quedlinburg via Gernrode to Alexisbad, before returning to Gernrode. There you transfer to the Old Town of Quedlinburg, where a welcome lunch will be served. There will be ample time to explore Quedlinburg before returning to Wernigerode and the enchanting Christmas Markets.

Tonight is a free evening with opportunity to pursue photography at the Wernigerode station yard, where steam locomotives will sit outside the shed, with viewing opportunities from the elevated observation platform. (B L) Wednesday 4th December

Another day of steam in the snow on the Harz network or leisure in Wernigerode

There is one more day to take advantage of all that the amazing Harz region has to offer, both in terms of railways and culture. Here you could use the last day of your complimentary 3-day Harz network rover to return by steam to Drei Annen Hohne and Mount Brocken for more lineside photography or mountaineering by steam train. Alternately, you could enjoy a day of leisure and culture in Wernigerode, exploring the timber-framed houses, shops, or visit the hilltop Gothic castle. In the evening dinner is served at the hotel. (B D) Thursday 5th December

Steam at the Mansfeld Railway and steam at the Lössnitz Railway near Dresden

After breakfast you transfer to Klostermansfeld, to enjoy a private steam charter with ample runpasts over Germany’s oldest, preserved narrow gauge railway dating from 1880, built for the copper mining industry. Along the 11 kilometre long line you’ll pass mining slag heaps as you steam through the rural scenery.

Power will be provided by a 1950s 0-8-0 tender locomotive. At the Hettstedt terminus there’ll be time to photograph the steam locomotive in front of the landmark clock tower and visit the depot, before returning to Klostermansfeld for refreshments at the 1876 station building.

Then you continue deeper into Saxony on the narrow gauge steam railway between Radebeul and Radeburg. You’ll travel the full length of the line, passing through terraced vineyards, eventually steaming beyond the famed Moritzburg Castle to Radeburg. You continue on to the beautiful city of Görlitz, where you stay at an elegant 4-star hotel near the station and enjoy a welcome dinner on arrival. (B L D)

Friday 6th December Steam in Zittau

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

From Zittau the 12.2 kilometre branch line proceeds to the resort town of Kurort Oybin, sited among picturesque hills and impressive rock formations. There’s also a short 3.8 kilometre long stub from the junction station of Bertsdorf to Kurort Jonsdorf to enjoy. You’ll receive a daylong rover ticket to explore both lines and film the exciting double departure from Bertsdorf.

Impressive 2-10-2 tank engines run every day on the Zittau network with normally two or three in steam. In the evening you return by service train to Görlitz, crossing twice into Poland on a scenic and fascinating secondary line. A buffet dinner will be served at your hotel tonight. (B D) Saturday 7th December

Vintage tram ride in Görlitz, steam at the Muskau Forest Railway and Pückler Park Visit

Today an exciting private steam charter trip awaits on the little known 600mm gauge Muskau Forest Railway, covering the two scenic branch lines from Weisswasser to Bad Muskau and Kromlau. At the spa town of Bad Muskau, there’ll be plenty of time to sightsee or stroll across the River Neisse to Poland. In late afternoon you return to Görlitz with ample time to see the local Christmas Market and historic Old Town. As an attractive conclusion to the tour, a private charter sightseeing ride of the city by vintage 1920s tramway is also included. Then another buffet dinner will be served at the hotel.

(B L D)

Tour Summary First Class Standard Class Single supplement Ground only (Leipzig – Gorlitz)

£1995 £1845 £215 £1695

Price includes: • 8 Nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotels in Leipzig, Wernigerode and Gorlitz • 4 lunches and 6 dinners • First or Standard Class travel from London St Pancras to Leipzig and from Gorlitz to London • All seat reservations and transfers • Private charters as listed in the itinerary • 3 day rover ticket • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Sunday 8th December Return to London

You return to London from Görlitz via Dresden Neustadt by rail, westward to Cologne and Brussel. (B)

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Christmas and New Year in the Swiss Alps Sunday 22nd December 2019 to Thursday 2nd January 2020 Make 2019 a Christmas and New Year’s Eve to remember as you spend the holiday in a genuine Winter Wonderland, surrounded by the mighty snow-capped Swiss Alps.

Based for the duration of your holiday in a centrally located, 4-star hotel in the World Heritage city of Bern, you are just steps from the main station, Houses of Parliament and near all the famous attractions. Your tour price includes an 8-Day First-Class Swiss Travel Pass with 4 days of freedom to individually explore the exhilarating Swiss railway network, which includes some of the most panoramic railways in the world.

Tour highlights include a magical paddle steamer cruise with festive 5-course dinner on Christmas Day along Lake Lucerne, with further paddle steamer cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Geneva. There’ll be private charter trains with vintage heritage trains on wonderfully scenic narrow-gauge railways around Bern, Solothurn and the Jura mountains to enjoy too.

There’s a trip on the exclusive Gornergrat rack railway to the Summit of the Matterhorn scheduled, before a private charter dinner cruise on Lake Neuchatel makes for a fitting celebration of the last day of the year, and a crowning highlight of your memorable Swiss holiday.

Sunday 22nd December

London to Bern by high speed rail

You travel from London to Bern via Paris on Eurostar and TGV services. On arrival you check in to the 4-star Bristol Hotel, centrally located near the station and in the heart of the Old Town, within easy walking distance of all the major sights and trams. A welcome dinner will be served at a local restaurant this evening. (D) Monday 23rd December

Bern Christmas Market; Heritage train through the scenic Worb Valley

After breakfast and a lie-in this morning you have some free time to look around Bern and get familiar with its outstanding Christmas Market.

Alternately there’s a chance to explore the local tram network with your complimentary travel ticket. In the afternoon you enjoy your first 54

exclusive private charter trip in an ornate vintage railcar from 1916. This scenic journey, complete with photo stops, takes you on the picturesque narrow-gauge line through the Worb Valley, past pastoral farm fields and through rolling hills. (B)

is so much fun to explore by public transport, with frequent, clockwork connections and easy, seamless interchange at all stations. (B) Wednesday 25th December

Tuesday 24th December

To Lucerne in Swiss Express comfort; Belle Epoque paddle-steamer cruise

Today is the first day of validity for your 8-Day First Class Swiss Travel Pass. This lets you travel anywhere in Switzerland on the extensive national network of standard gauge and narrowgauge railways, and includes travel on buses, trams, ferries and some mountain railways.

The choice of where to go is entirely yours, with highlights ranging from world-famous panoramic railways to attractive ‘best kept secrets’ in the hinterland. Discover for yourself why Switzerland

A real treat awaits you on Christmas Day as you travel from Bern to Luzern via the particularly idyllic Emmental and Entlebuch route. This line still features First Class Swiss Express coaches with cushioned armchairs and rolling stock dating from the 1970s. The highlight of the day is a festive lunch cruise on the 1901 paddle steamer ‘Uri’. This ornate Belle Epoque ship, with its lavish Italian Rococo-style interior and massive Sulzer 2-cylinder steam engine, is a magical venue for an unforgettable Christmas. A festive 5-course Christmas meal will be served on board

Freedom of Switzerland with your FirstClass Swiss Travel Pass

as you cruise over stunning Lake Lucerne with landmark mountains such as Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in full view. After the steamboat cruise, you’ll have free time in Lucerne to explore this world-famous city. Alternately, you could use your Swiss Pass to travel back to Bern on the route of your choice, choosing either the Brünig Pass or one of the scenic bylines through Burgdorf. (B L)

taking views of the adjacent glaciers and the mighty Matterhorn. On your return from the Gornergrat summit, you’ll have time to look around the car-free town of Zermatt, lined with wooden chalets. You then return to Bern at your own convenience using your rover pass, with the option of travelling back over the spectacular Lötschberg pass. (B) Sunday 29th December

Thursday 26th December and Friday 27th December

Freedom of Switzerland with First Class Swiss Travel Pass

For the next two days you once again have total freedom to discover all that Switzerland has to offer. Aside from obvious attractions like the Bernese Oberland, you might want to explore the superb yet less-famous railway lines in the serene Gruyere or Jura regions, all offering iconic ‘little trains’, towering viaducts and amazing mountain views. Grand excursions to the Centovalli or Rhaetian Railways are also possible.

Alternately, you could go to one of Switzerland’s other elegant cities, like Zurich, Basel or Geneva and see the cultural sights there. In each city, your Swiss Travel Pass includes the local tram network while giving discounted access to museums and galleries. (B) Saturday 28th December

Mountain magnificence in Zermatt; Rack railway to Gornergrat

Today you reconvene for a group excursion to the resort town of Zermatt, travelling over the Glacier Express route from Visp to Zermatt, before changing onto the rack railway to the Gornergrat summit, 3090 metres (10135 feet) above sea level. From the top there are breath-

Paddle steamer cruise on Lake Geneva

After your journey on Lake Lucerne, another paddle steamer cruise is on the menu for today, as on this seasonal Sunday one of the vintage paddlers ‘Vevey’ or ‘Italie’, from 1907 and 1908 respectively, will be in service. These beautiful side-wheelers have been restored offering ornate saloons and immaculate lounges.

On their spacious free decks and glass-enclosed upper deck, you get unrivalled views of the Swiss and French Alps from Western Europe’s largest lake. You’ll enjoy a late morning cruise on Lake Geneva and, thanks to the flexibility of your Swiss Pass, you can again plan your day your way. You could take a prolonged afternoon cruise or travel on some of the nearby scenic railways, such as the ‘Train des Vignes’.

You might travel through the UNESCOdesignated Lavaux vineyards, take the Rochers de Naye rack railway to the highest point above the Lake, or venture out on the panoramic dome cars over the famed Golden Pass route for the return to Bern via Zwesimmen and Spiez. (B) Continued overleaf.

Tour Summary First Class Standard Class Single supplement Ground only (Bern – Bern)

£2395 £2245 £395 £2100

Price includes: • First or Standard Class rail travel from London St. Pancras International to Bern and Return by Eurostar and French Services • 11 Nights accommodation with breakfast at Hotel Bristol, Bern • 2 Dinners and 1 Lunch • All seat reservations and transfers • All train and boat travel as detailed in the itinerary • 8 Day First Class Swiss Travel Rail Pass • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Monday 30th December

Paddle steamer cruise on Lake Thun

The highlight today is a cruise on Lake Thun’s flagship vessel, the legendary paddle steamer ‘Blümlisalp’ from 1906. Watch the compound engine turn the mighty red paddle wheels or simply relax in the ornate saloon as you sail from Thun to Interlaken, passing such iconic mountains as the pyramid-shaped Niesen or the sharply-pointed Stockhorn. On arrival at Interlaken you might wish to extend your individual programme on the Bernese Oberland narrow-gauge railways to include the famous mountain villages Grindelwald, Wengen or Mürren. (B) Tuesday 31st December

Heritage train along the Jura Mountains; Mountain magnificence at the Chaumont Funicular, Festive Lake Neuchatel Charter Cruise

Today you enjoy another private charter on the narrow-gauge railway from Langenthal to Solothurn. This idyllic rural railway passes through the heart of the Swiss Midlands and ventures along the foothills of the Jura Mountains, before crossing over the River Aare to the city of Solothurn. Your private charter will be formed of a vintage electric railcar from the early 20th century, pausing at the most scenic locations for photos. On arrival there’s time to have a look around Solothurn and enjoy some refreshments before continuing by SBB express train to Neuchatel. Rolling further along the foothills of the Jura mountains on the standard gauge main line, you then pass the vineyards 56

along Lake Biel and Lake Neuchatel. Here you’ll transfer from the station by classic trolleybus to the Chaumont mountain railway. This two kilometre long funicular leads to one of the highest points in the Jura Mountains. From the impressive observation platform at the top there are sweeping views of the three Jura Lakes, the entire Swiss Midlands and also the Alps. It’s one of the best views in Switzerland.

After returning from Mount Chaumont, there’s time to take the trolleybus into the very heart of Neuchatel before enjoying a private charter dinner cruise on Lake Neuchatel for a celebration of the last day of the year. Your boat will be the vintage vessel MS Cygne, from 1939.

You return to Bern by 22:00, giving you time for a nightcap before the local fireworks display over the mighty cathedral. (B D) Wednesday 1st January 2020

At leisure in Bern; Worb tramway and Gurten funicular

After an active week of discovery and excitement, you welcome the New Year with a leisurely lie in. Today you have free time to relax in Bern, visit the city’s world-famous art museums or use your complimentary local public transport ticket to travel by tram on the overland light rail route to Muri, Gümligen and Worb. You can also travel with your free ticket by funicular to the top of Mount Gurten, the city’s ‘house mountain’ from where there are grand views of the rooftops of the Old Town and the whole range of the Bernese Alps. The one kilometre long Gurten funicular is easily reached by tram from the main railway station and takes you to

an elevation of 839 metres above sea level. (B) Thursday 2nd January 2020 Return to London

After your exhilarating Christmas holiday you return to London via Paris by TGV and Eurostar services. (B)

Tour Summary First Class Standard Class Single supplement Ground only (Bern – Bern)

£2395 £2245 £395 £2100

Price includes: • First or Standard Class rail travel from London St. Pancras International to Bern and Return by Eurostar and French Services • 11 Nights accommodation with breakfast at Hotel Bristol, Bern • 2 Dinners and 1 Lunch • All seat reservations and transfers • All train and boat travel as detailed in the itinerary • Rack Railway to Gornergrat • 8 Day First Class Swiss Travel Rail Pass • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Colorado Tourist Office

Georg Trueb

Colorado Tourist Office

Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour Friday 23rd August to Sunday 8th September 2019 The swingin’ saloons, ornery gunslingers, and Gold Rush all come to life as you visit the heart of the Old West and on stunningly scenic railways. You’ll start in Denver, with a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum, as well as a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Then there’s travel on the Georgetown Loop and Leadville Railways to enjoy. From Denver it’s on to Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak, for a drive up to the summit of this incredible mountain. While in Colorado Springs you visit the ‘Garden of the Gods’ National Natural Monument. More highlights wait then in Canon City, with a trip following the winding Arkansas River on the Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad. Then it’s on to Alamosa and a journey with the narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. To continue your adventure in true Wild West style you’ll explore historic Durango and travel on the Durango and Silverton Railroad, before a stay at the Victorian Strater Hotel. The holiday continues with an open-air concert and a visit to the Sand Dunes National Monument. You then follow the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ to Grand Junction and return to Denver via one of America’s greatest train trips with the Amtrak ‘Californian Zephyr’. This extraordinary and breath-taking tour is the only way to see all these vintage Wild West highlights together, in one holiday of a lifetime. Book early to be sure not to miss it!

Friday 23rd August Fly to Denver

You take an afternoon flight from London Heathrow to Denver, the capital of Colorado.

You’ll be based in Denver for the next 5 nights at a conveniently located hotel within easy walking distance of all that Downtown Denver has to offer. The rest of the day you can relax at your leisure.

Saturday 24th August

At leisure in Denver and a visit to Colorado Railroad Museum

This morning you enjoy a relaxing breakfast and can recover from any jet lag by enjoying the historic sights of this fine city. In the afternoon we travel by coach to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, with time to explore the exhibits before enjoying a ride on a Galloping 58

Goose No. 7 railcar. You return to your hotel in Denver where the evening is free for you to explore and sample one of the many restaurants for dinner. (B) Sunday 25th August

Sightseeing at Rocky Mountain National Park

Today you’ll travel up to almost 12000 feet above sea level whilst enjoying a guided sightseeing tour to the Rocky Mountains National Park, which features the highest paved road in the US and over 350 miles of trails.

A buffet lunch will be included today. (B L) Monday 26th August

Steam at the Georgetown Loop Railroad

Following breakfast at the hotel you transfer by coach to the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Completed in 1884, this spectacular stretch of three-foot narrow gauge railroad was considered an engineering marvel of its time. A giant Shay locomotive will haul you, departing late morning from Silver Plume. This journey will be in standard class with open carriages/coaches for better views of the Clear Creek Valley.

Afterwards you’ll visit a mine and have free time to visit the gambling saloons in Georgetown.

Late afternoon you return by coach to the hotel in Denver, to enjoy your fourth night’s stay at the hotel. (B L) Tuesday 27th August Leadville Railroad

After breakfast today you travel by coach 75 miles west of Denver to the legendary former frontier mining town of Leadville, situated in the mountains at a lofty perch of 10430 feet!

On arrival you’ll have time to explore and find some lunch before enjoying a trip on the scenic Leadville Railroad. You return to Denver in late afternoon. (B) Wednesday 28th August

Visit to Garden of the Gods; Steam and Saloons in Cripple Creek

domed iconic carriages with full access to the open air gondola car, which is ideal for superb sightlines and unrestricted photography.

After your trip you continue by coach to Alamosa for three night’s accommodation at the Fairfield Inn and Suites. (B L) Saturday 31st August

This morning you say goodbye to Denver as you travel south by coach to Colorado Springs.

En-route you will visit the 1367 acre ‘Garden of the Gods’. It’s one of the most famous and popular parks in the US, a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the woodlands of the American Southwest and merge with the mountain forest of Pikes Peak. After your visit you continue by coach to Cripple Creek, a gambling town located at the end of a narrow valley. There you experience your next authentic steam journey, as you board the Cripple Creek and Victor Railroad for a journey out into the rugged mountain wilderness. Back in town, you might want to visit one of the many local saloons and go at it with a ‘One Armed Bandit’ or simply relax with afternoon refreshments. From Cripple Creek you carry on to Colorado Springs, where you check into your centrally located hotel for the next two nights. The hotel is located in the centre of the city. The evening is yours to explore and find dinner, perhaps also to try the local real ales at the Phantom Canyon Brewery located opposite the hotel. (B)

Rio Grande Scenic Excursion Train and San Luis Valley Brewery Visit

Thursday 29th August

Monday 2nd September

Pikes Peak and charming Manitou Springs

After breakfast, you return by coach to Manitou Springs to travel up Pikes Peak Mountain, driving past waterfalls and through aspen and pine forest to reach the summit of one of America’s most famous mountains. There will be some free time to enjoy later in the attractive centre of Manitou Springs, a town noted for its 11 natural mineral springs. In the late afternoon you then return to your hotel in Colorado Springs. (B) Friday 30th August

Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad, on to Alamosa

After breakfast you transfer by coach to Canon City, for a trip on the Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad. There’ll be a midday departure from Canon City with lunch included on board, hauled by a streamlined, world-famous ‘F-Unit’ diesel loco following the winding, tumbling Arkansas River deep within the soaring, 1000 foot granite cliffs of Colorado’s Royal Gorge. You’ll travel in Vista Dome class, seated in enclosed, glass-

After breakfast you have a morning departure from Alamosa on board the Rio Grande train to La Veta, there’s a chance to take photos here as run pasts will be staged. You’ll enjoy lunch on board. Returning to Alamosa you’ll then visit San Luis Valley Brewery and Resturant for dinner.

(B L D) Sunday 1st September

Tour Summary Tour price £4495 Single supplement £395 Ground only £3950 (Denver – Denver) Price includes: • Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return • 15 nights accommodation in quality hotels • 15 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 1 dinner • All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary

Steam at the world famous Cumbres and Toltec Railroad

• The services of a tour manager

This morning you transfer by coach from the Lodge to the town of Antonito, eastern terminus of the steam powered, narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. You travel to Chama by steam train with seating allocated within the Parlor Car, offering lounge style comfort and panoramic views of the authentic Western scenery. Late afternoon you return to Antonito by motor coach, and return to Alamosa by specially organised coach.

Overnight accommodation is again in Alamosa.

(B L)

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Sand Dunes National Monument; on to Durango and relaxation/ photography there

You make an early morning visit to the amazing Sand Dunes National Monument, just north of Alamosa. You will have time walk over the dunes and gaze at the stunning mountain vistas of the San Luis Valley, before you’ll continue by coach via some of the most scenic roads in the Rocky Mountains, with plenty of opportunity for nature viewing and photography. You arrive in the afternoon in time to film steam trains arriving on the narrow gauge railroad and at the roundhouse in Durango, the largest town in southwest Colorado. You stay tonight at the historic 1887 Strater Hotel, one of the highlights of the tour and where you can enjoy the true spirit of the Old West. (B) Continued overleaf.

WORLD TOUR – 17 Days

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Colorado Tourist Office

Tuesday 3rd September Steam at the Durango and Silverton Railroad

After breakfast you have a morning departure from Durango to Silverton, for a round trip adventure on a line originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountain. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear on this spectacular Narrow Gauge Railroad, travelling in First Class which provides complimentary morning pastries, non-alcoholic beverages and custom first-class amenities.

You’ll arrive back in Durango late afternoon, and overnight accommodation is again at the Strater Hotel tonight. (B) Wednesday 4th September Durango Yard Tour, then ‘Million Dollar Highway’

Today you have a relaxing breakfast and morning in Durango, allowing time for a guided tour of the roundhouse, with full behind-thescenes access and time for some steam train photography as the morning trains leave for Silverton. You’ll then travel by coach over the breath-taking ‘Million Dollar Highway’ north via Silverton where you will have a break for lunch.

After lunch you continue along the San Juan Skyway to Ouray. Overnight accommodation is in Ouray tonight. (B)

watching. Officially U.S. Route 550, this is one of the roads on the Trails of the Ancients Byway. There will be a short stop at Ridgway to see the Galloping Goose No. 1 in the Railroad Museum there. Afterwards you check into your centrally located hotel in Grand Junction for your overnight accommodation. (B) Friday 6th September

Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’ to Denver

This morning after breakfast you’ll travel on the Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’, departing Grand Junction at mid morning, reckoned to be one of the greatest train trips in all of North America.

You’ll climb through the heart of the Rockies, and then further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas. Other route highlights include the Moffat Tunnel and Colorado’s Gore, Byers and Glenwood Canyons. This is one of the top Amtrak Routes in America, and your seating is in coach class on the upper deck. You arrive at Denver Union Station in the early evening for accommodation reserved at the same hotel as at the start of the tour. (B) Saturday 7th September Fly back to UK

After breakfast, you have some free time to relax in Denver before you transfer to the airport for your evening flight back to the UK. (B)

Thursday 5th September

Sunday 8th September

You rejoin your coach this morning and continue northwards to Grand Junction, with time en route for plenty of photography and nature

You arrive back in London at midday.

Grand Junction

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Arrival in London

Tour Summary Tour price £4495 Single supplement £395 Ground only £3950 (Denver – Denver) Price includes: • Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return • 15 nights accommodation in quality hotels • 15 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 1 dinner • All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager Colorado Tourist Office

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Georg Trueb

WORLD TOUR – 17 Days

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Peru and Bolivia Wednesday 2nd October to Monday 21st October 2019 From day one, this tour is so full of history, culture and amazing sights it’s difficult to know where to begin! You start with a city tour of Lima, Peru’s capital. You then travel by train on the second highest railway in the world, ascending to nearly sixteen thousand feet. Stunning gorges, epic tunnels and photo opportunities galore await. A road coach takes you to ancient Ayacucho on the world’s highest paved road, then on to Abancay, a city high up in the southern Peruvian Andes.

You’ll visit the famous Sayhuite stone and Sacred Valley of the Incas, then Ollantaytambo and its unique Old Town in the ancient Incan heartlands. Your Andean adventure continues apace. After the Salt mines of Maras, you visit the worldfamous Inca site at Machu Picchu, then tour Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas and home to the famous Temple of the Sun. You’ll cruise across Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, to Bolivia for more archaeological delights.

The Uyuni Salt Flats are one such highlight, with a visit to the silver mine at Pulacayo another, before a trip to the amazing archaeological site of Tiwanaku tops them all. With a ride through the Andes on one of Peru’s most luxurious trains to savour and travel on one of Bolivia’s few passenger trains, the ‘Expreso del Sur’, the railway aspect of your tour is not neglected. With narrow gauge in Lima included and the epic journey to Puno via La Raya Pass, together with visits to a Bolivian train ‘cemetery’ and rail museum, this tour is as spectacular and special for the railway enthusiast as any.

Wednesday 2nd October

Flight to Lima, capital of Peru

You have an indirect evening flight from London Heathrow to Lima.

Thursday 3rd October

Arrive Lima rest of the day free to acclimatise

Arrive in Lima in the morning. You then transfer to the Casa Andina Select Hotel in Lima for two nights. Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru, situated on the desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dinner is not included this evening, so you can explore the local district with plenty of cafés, pubs, and restaurants to choose from for your evening meal.

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Friday 4th October

Lima city tour; Gold Museum visit and historic tramway

After breakfast at your hotel, you have a morning sightseeing tour in Lima, visiting both the modern and colonial parts of the city. Lima was the seat of Spanish rule for 300 years and still boasts impressive buildings of distinctive Moorish architecture. Today Lima is a bustling metropolis, the cultural and business centre of Peru, with a busy, historic centre, popular traditions, colourful craft markets, and unique cuisine. In the afternoon, you visit the Gold Museum to see the legendary golden treasures of the Incas. You also have a scheduled visit to a park (if open) where a 500 mm narrow gauge railway operates using a 1926 built 0-4-0T steam tank locomotive. Later you visit the

Barranco district of the city, where a restored electric tram operates over a remaining section of the once extensive tramway system which closed in 1965. Afterwards you return to your hotel for dinner. (B L D) Saturday 5th October

Over the Andes by train to Huancayo

The Central Railway is the second highest railway in the world and the line reaches its summit at 4781 metres near Galera Station before descending to La Oroya (3657 metres) and Huancayo (3261 metres). Your journey today begins at Lima Desamparados Station, only a little above sea level, before making the spectacular climb into the mountains.

The steepest gradients are 4.5% and the line traverses 69 tunnels, 58 bridges and 6 zig-zag

bends. You’ll need warm clothing when you leave the train for photo stops as you will notice the dramatic drop in temperature! Lunch will be provided on the train. At Huancayo, you transfer to the Hotel Presidente for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

You continue from Andahuaylas, passing through the towns of San Jerónimo and Quishuara (3450 metres). Crossing the mountain pass of Crusccassa (4000 metres) your coach descends to the city of Abancay. Tonight, you have dinner and overnight accommodation in Hotel de Turistas in Abancay. (B L D)

Sunday 6th October

Huancayo to Huancavelica

During the morning, you travel from Huancayo to Huancavelica by specially chartered station wagon. Pausing at Chilca Station, you visit the repair shop and assembly plant where old steam machines are set in a living museum.

You pass through outstanding Andean scenery with soaring condors, stunning gorges, epic tunnels and photo opportunities galore.

You’ll have a packed lunch en route. On arrival in Huancavelica you check in to the Presidente Hotel. Later, you enjoy a Scissors Dance Show, an impressive demonstration of typical Andean art, skilfully performed by dancers, with scissors!

You return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Monday 7th October By road to Ayacucho

This morning you travel by private road coach to Ayacucho. This scenic journey takes you past old silver mines and an abandoned railway before ascending into the Andes. You’ll have a packed lunch en route today. Ayacucho was founded by the Spaniards in 1540, and its architecture reflects Spain’s influence over the centuries.

It’s famous for its 33 churches, one for each year of Jesus’ life. On arrival, you’ll check in to the Hotel Plaza, with time to explore the colonial city centre before dinner. (B L D) Tuesday 8th October

Through the mountains to Abancay by road coach

You travel by private road coach this morning to Abancay, a city high up in the southern Peruvian Andes, passing through outstanding mountain landscapes. You cross the Huamina Pass (4390 metres) and begin a descent to the villages of Chumbes and Ocros, in an area where many large cacti grow. After crossing the Pampas River Bridge, you continue 30 kilometres before reaching Chinchero, passing banana trees on the way. It’s 88 kilometres from Chinchero to Andahuaylas and the journey takes around 21 hours as the road winds sinuously through the mountains. There’s a continuous climb until you reach Saracocha before the road descends through the towns of Santa María de Chicmo and Talavera. This entire section is between 3500 and 4000 metres above sea level.

Wednesday 9th October

The Sayhuite stone and Sacred Valley of the Incas

This morning you leave Abancay again by private coach on a spectacular journey eastwards across the rugged south western Andes Mountains.

You’ll take a short detour en route to visit the archaeological site of Sayhuite (or Saywite), said to be a religious centre related to a water cult.

You cross the impressive valley of the Apurimac River as it flows northwest in narrow gorges of up to 3000 metres deep, twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, its course interrupted by falls and rapids. Travelling through the majestic Willkapampa mountain range with views of its highest peak, Nevado Salkantay, you pass north of Cusco, the capital city of the Incas. You soon come to the valley of the Urubamba River, the so-called Sacred Valley of the Incas. You then arrive in Yanahuara and check into the Casa Andina Premium Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Thursday 10th October

Salt mines of Maras; Sacred Valley narrow gauge to Aguas Calientes

After breakfast in your hotel you depart to visit the incredible salt mines of Maras, a spectacular complex of nearly 3000 wells in use since the days of the Incas. Salt water bubbles to the surface from a spring called Qoripujio and is channelled towards the man-made wells.

After exposure to the sun the water evaporates and the salt remains, ready to be sold at market.

Later you continue to the circular terraces of Moray, an impressive but little known archaeological site widely believed to have been an agricultural research station set up by the Incas to test and experiment with crops.

After lunch, you transfer to Ollantaytambo Railway Station and board a PeruRail service train for the 90 minute journey along the 914 mm narrow gauge line to Aguas Calientes.

You’ll travel by the Vistadome service with at-seat refreshments included. The carriages have large panoramic windows that offer incomparable scenic views of the mountainous terrain along the Urubamba Valley.

Tour Summary Tour price £5895 Single supplement £765 Ground only £4995 (Lima – La Paz) Price includes: • Flights from London Heathrow to Lima and return from La Paz • Internal flight in Bolivia • 17 nights hotel accommodation • 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 15 dinners • Transfers • All rail and coach travel • Entrance to all the attractions as detailed in the itinerary (Moon Temple at Machu Picchu not included) • Local guides • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Continued overleaf.

WORLD TOUR – 20 Days

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At Aguas Calientes, there’s a short walk to your hotel before dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday 11th October Machu Picchu

Following breakfast in your hotel you have an early morning trip by bus to the impressive ruins of the 15th century Inca citadel Machu Picchu, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll have a three-hour guided tour through several sectors of this famous archaeological complex, discovered in 1911 by the North American historian Hiram Bingham. You walk through several plazas and stop by many historic edifices, including the famous Temple of the Sun, the Inti Huatana, or solar clock, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Condor Sector.

You’ll have a buffet lunch in Sanctuary Lodge before returning by bus to Aguas Calientes Station, to board a PeruRail train for the journey to Cusco. You transfer to Casa Andina Hotel for overnight accommodation and have dinner in a local restaurant. (B L D) Saturday 12th October

Cusco city sightseeing tour

This morning you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

You’ll see the many historical Inca and Spanish colonial monuments in the city, including the Inca Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) which today forms part of the 17th century Santo Domingo Cathedral. You’ll also visit the Piedra de los Doce Angulos (stone of 12 angles) to see the amazing 64

Inca walls consisting of huge carved stone blocks that fit perfectly together. The tour then takes you high into the mountains overlooking the town, so you can take panoramic photos of the landscape. The afternoon is free for you to explore further or just relax. In the evening, you have dinner at a traditional local restaurant.

(B L D) Sunday 13th October

First Class to Lake Titicaca via La Raya Pass

This morning, after breakfast, you transfer to Cusco Railway Station to join a service train bound for Puno. You travel in First Class comfort, with lunch served on board, for 386 kilometres along this standard gauge line, listed among the 25 greatest railway journeys of the world. The train makes one stop along the way at La Raya Pass, the highest point on the route at around fourteen thousand feet, with exquisite views, weather permitting, over the plains to the snow-capped mountains. Puno is located on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at over twelve thousand feet and the largest lake in South America. You transfer to Posada Del Inca Hotel in Puno for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Monday 14th October

Across Lake Titicaca to Bolivia

This morning you return to Lake Titicaca and board a specially chartered hydrofoil for the crossing to Bolivia. Your first port of call is Copacabana, for a visit to the Cathedral which houses the statue of La Virgen de la Candelaria

(the Dark Virgin), reputed to have miraculous healing powers. You continue to the Island of the Moon and visit the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun (Inak Uyu) where the most beautiful Incan women were offered in sacrifice to their gods. Afterwards you visit the Island of the Sun to see the Inca Staircase (Steps) and the Inca Fountain, and can taste its sacred waters, reputed to bestow eternal youth and happiness.

Lunch is served at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant followed by a visit to a picturesque handicraft market. After lunch, you continue your cruise to Huatajata and the Andean Roots Eco Village, a museum and exhibition about the culture and history of the local Aymaras and the Incas. You then travel by road coach to the Ritz Apart Hotel in La Paz for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Tuesday 15th October Road coach to Oruro; Express train to Uyuni

After breakfast, you transfer by road coach to the city of Oruro, three hours from La Paz. This former mining city was once an important railway hub but today it is famous for its UNESCO listed Carnaval de Oruro religious festival. There are very few passenger trains in Bolivia and you join one of the twice-weekly Expreso del Sur trains to Uyuni. These are operated by La Empresa Ferroviaria Andina S.A. (FCA) who run the Expreso del Sur and the Wara Wara on this metre gauge route to the border with Argentina. The former is more luxurious and faster than the latter, using modern trains equipped for comfortable long-distance travel

with adjustable seats, video and music, and a restaurant service with dinner served on board by a waiter. You arrive at Uyuni late and transfer to the Palacio de Sal Hotel in Colchani for an overnight stay. (B L D) Wednesday 16th October

Salar de Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi and Colchani

Uyuni lies at the edge of an extensive high-level plain and serves as a gateway to the nearby Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flat). After breakfast, your day is dedicated to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat covering an area of 10582 square kilometres. It’s covered by a few metres of salt crust and covers a pool of brine exceptionally rich in lithium. You’ll see the water bubbling on its surface in the so-called Ojos de Agua (eyes of water) and watch the locals extracting salt for marketing. You’ll also visit Incahuasi Island, a rocky island located in the heart of the Salar and characterised by the presence of giant cacti. This hilly island provides spectacular views of the Salt Flat and is the best place to take photographs of the amazing surroundings. You continue to Tunupa, a dormant volcano which dominates the Salar, and visit Coquesa, a village at the base of the volcano. From here you can take a short hike of about ten minutes to visit the mysterious Mummies of Chullpa’s Cemetery.

Back in Colchani there are gift shops selling handicrafts made of salt. At sunset, you return to your hotel in Uyuni for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Thursday 17th October

Pulacayo historic mining centre and Uyuni train cemetry

Today you visit the world’s second largest silver mine at Pulacayo, once so important to Bolivia’s economic development. It closed in 1959 but remains to this day as a monument to the past.

At this virtual ghost town, brilliantly coloured rocks rise beside the road and a mineral-rich stream reveals streaks of blue, yellow, red and green. Nearby is a collection of rusting steam locomotives, originally imported to transport the minerals. They include Bolivia’s first steam locomotive, El Chiripa, and the train that was robbed by legendary bandits Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, including a wooden railcar that bears the bullet holes from the attack.

In the afternoon, you visit the Train Cemetery at the junction of railway lines to Chile and Argentina to the south of Uyuni Station.

Here are two lines of derelict steam locomotives plus the remains of carriages, wagons and railway equipment left to rust in this hostile

environment. You return to Uyuni by coach and to Joya Andina Airport to board a flight to La Paz. On arrival at La Paz you transfer to the Ritz Apart Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Friday 18th October

Guaqui and Tiwanaku

Today you travel by road coach from La Paz to the port town of Guaqui, where train ferries once operated on Lake Titicaca. You visit the former railway workshops and train museum of the Guaqui Railway to see the steam locomotives stored there. After lunch in El Barco you travel by road coach to the amazing archaeological site of Tiwanaku, which flourished as the ritual and administrative capital of a major Pre-Incan state power for approximately 500 years. During its greatest times, the capital was the largest in the world and is thought to be the world’s oldest city. After your fascinating visit, you return to your hotel in La Paz for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Saturday 19th October

Tour Summary Tour price £5895 Single supplement £765 Ground only £4995 (Lima – La Paz) Price includes: • Flights from London Heathrow to Lima and return from La Paz • Internal flight in Bolivia • 17 nights hotel accommodation • 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 15 dinners • Transfers • All rail and coach travel • Entrance to all the attractions as detailed in the itinerary (Moon Temple at Machu Picchu not included) • Local guides

Sightseeing in La Paz

• The services of a tour manager

After breakfast in your hotel you have a morning sightseeing tour of La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, sitting in a bowl of land surrounded by high mountains.

Overlooking the city is the towering triplepeaked Illimani, always snow covered and visible from several locations. The city is renowned for its traditional culture and unique markets such as the Black Market and Witches Market.

Calle Jaen is one of the few places in the city with preserved colonial buildings, and boasts several interesting museums. Sagarnaga Street, just south of Plaza San Francisco, is the main tourist area and a market street with craft and souvenir shops, and cafes. Just outside the city is the Moon Valley, an area of surreal weathered rock where erosion has worn away most of a mountain. Composed of clay rather than rock, over the centuries the elements have created an odd landscape, like a desert filled with stalagmites. You have a free afternoon to spend in La Paz and relax. (B)

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Sunday 20th October Flight back to the UK

You depart the hotel early in the morning to check in for the early departure of our indirect flight back to London Heathrow airport.

Monday 21st October Arrive back to the UK

You arrive at London Heathrow in the morning.

WORLD TOUR – 20 Days

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Ian Baker

Andes of Colombia and Ecuador Saturday 19th October to Friday 1st November 2019 This tour visits two of the less well known countries of South America that are dominated by the Andes Mountains.

Several high plateaux host major cities such as Bogotá in Colombia and Quito in Ecuador where we spend time.

Both countries were once Spanish colonies and their cultural and architectural heritage figures prominently in our interesting itinerary. The greatly varied climate with an amazingly diverse range of flora and fauna will be fascinating to experience.

Incredibly difficult terrain in the Andes Mountains made railway construction almost impossible but we travel by train to and through these areas. We use specially chartered trains with steam haulage wherever possible. Our journey from the Pacific Ocean into the Andes of Ecuador features climbing the world-famous ‘Devils Nose’. There will be many opportunities for filming and photographing spectacular scenery, historic heritage, and unusual highlights.

Saturday 19th October Flight to Colombia

We have an early morning indirect flight, with a change en route, from London Heathrow to Bogotá in Colombia. On arrival in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, we transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation.

Sunday 20th October

Steam train from Bogotá to Gachancipá

After breakfast, we transfer to La Sabana Station in Bogotá. We visit the railway depot and workshops to view the collection of operational and stored ‘Baldwin’ locomotives. The Baldwin Locomotive Works, located in Pennsylvania, USA, was a builder of railway locomotives.

The collection of steam locomotives includes three 2-8-2’s, one 4-8-0, and a 2-6-0 built in 1921 which was refurbished as recently as 2012.

We board a specially chartered train hauled by either a ‘Baldwin’ 4-8-0 or 2-8-2 steam locomotive, operated by Tren Turistico de la Sabana. The company runs heritage steam 66

trains northwards from Bogotá to Parque and Zipaquirá. We have lunch at a traditional Colombian restaurant in Zipaquirá followed by a visit to the town which is famous for its Salt Cathedral. This is an underground church built inside a tunnel of a salt mine. The main square in the town centre is surrounded by old buildings in the Spanish Colonial style.

We return to Bogotá Station where three more steam locomotives will be waiting for us. Steam locomotives in Colombia are kept in remarkably good condition and we shall have a total of four of them to provide filming and photographic opportunities for us. Later we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

We shall travel along the line towards Zipaquirá as far as La Caro where we branch off towards Briceño, Tocancipá and Gachancipá. We take the same route back to La Sabana Station in Bogotá and return to our hotel for overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Monday 21st October

Steam train from Bogotá to Zipaquirá

Today we return to La Sabana Station in Bogotá.

Our chartered train will be hauled by a coal fired ‘Baldwin’ 2-6-0 steam locomotive.

We shall travel along the line towards the north of the city until we arrive to Usaquén Station, this beautiful country dates from 1920 and is located in the middle of a residential area.

We continue on the line until where the city ends and the beautiful green scenery of the Sabana will follow our train line. We later arrive to La Caro Station where the line will be divided.

The line to the north goes to Zipaquira and the one to the northeast goes to Villapinzon.

We take the northeast way; where we will pass Briceño station, Tocancipa, Gachancipa, Sesquille and Suesca. After Suesca Station the railway goes parallel to the Bogota River, inside an amazing rocky canyon. We pass Santa Rosita Station and cross over the Bogota river.

We continue in flat land until Choconta aand continue next to the river line until our last stop

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

Wednesday 23rd October

Tuesday 22nd October

This morning we travel by road coach from Guayaquil to Durán, crossing the Rafael Mendoza Aviles Bridge over the rivers Daule and Babahoyo. Durán is a ‘dormitory town’ for commuters but well known as the location from where the country’s first section of railway line opened in 1873. The network of 1067 mm narrow gauge lines eventually stretched for 965.5 kilometres but natural disasters and neglect reduced this to only 10% open in 2008.

We visit the railway workshops of the Ecuadorian Railways Company, where we may see ‘Baldwin’ built steam locomotives, a railbus, and an Alstom built diesel locomotive. After our visit we board a train hauled by a steam locomotive, either No. 11 or No. 14, for the journey to the historic town of Yaguachi. We travel through the streets of Durán and then the Ecuadorian coast region, passing rice plantations and marshlands supporting a variety of birdlife. We witness something of the local customs and traditions and visit Yaguachi Cathedral before returning by steam train to Durán. We return to Guayaquil and in the afternoon have a tour of Ecuador’s largest city.

The district of Las Peñas, where the city was founded, contains most of the city’s colonial buildings. It is located on the slopes of Santa Ana Hill from where there are good views across the city to the River Guayas. The Malecon 2000 is a long park beside the river where several historical monuments are located, including La Rotonda and the Moorish Clock Tower. There are also museums, gardens, fountains, shopping malls, restaurants, and waterfront jetties from where there are boat trips on the river. We stay overnight in Guayaquil. (B L D)

Bogotá city tour and a flight to Ecuador

Bogotá is located on the west of the Savannah of Bogotá, a high plateau in the Andes Mountains. It is one of the most important cities in South America and was once the main trade centre between South America and Europe.

It is a city of contrasts, not least between the new and the old, and as such it offers a unique experience to its visitors. Today we visit the colonial city, to learn about its Spanish and pre-Colombian heritage, and encounter centuries-old plazas and churches overshadowed by towering skyscrapers. The neighbourhood of La Candeleria is where many landmark events took place in the history of Colombian and South American independence. Plaza de Bolivar (Bolivia is named after Simon Bolivar, a South American revolutionary leader) is the city’s main square. It is surrounded by neoclassical buildings, museums, and old churches, including the Catedral Primada, the largest church in the country. The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is famous for its legendary El Dorado collections, and is regarded as the most important gold museum in the World. After the city tour, we have lunch and then travel by road coach to El Dorado International Airport for an afternoon flight to Guayaquil in Ecuador. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Guayaquil for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Steam train from Durán to Yaguachi and a tour of Guayaquil city

Tour Summary Tour price £6495 Single supplement £595 Ground only £5695 (Bogotá – Quito) Price includes: • Flights from London to Bogotá and from Quito to London • 12 nights accommodation with breakfast • 11 lunches and 11 dinners • All rail travel as detailed in the itinerary • All visits and coach journeys as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Thursday 24th October

Diesel hauled train from Yaguachi to Huigra

In the morning we return to Yaguachi by road coach to join a specially chartered train hauled by a diesel locomotive. We travel eastwards for 87 kilometres through the coastal plain to Bucay, along one of the recently repaired sections of railway line that had been closed for nearly two decades. This lush region is one of the most productive agricultural areas in Ecuador. Bucay is 500 metres above sea level and the last station on the coastal plain before the ascent of the Andes Mountains.

Here the coastal steam locomotives were exchanged for mountain locomotives to begin the steep climb into the mountains. We visit the Bucay workshops and depot where these steam locomotives were based and serviced.

We continue towards Huigra, passing through a very scenic section of the line within the Chan Chan River Gorge. The vegetation changes from tropical into cloud forest as the line gains altitude. Huigra is 1200 metres above sea level and site to the old headquarters of the Guayaquil and Quito Railway Company (G&Q).

The G&Q Railway had been declared impossible to build and construction was constantly beset with problems. Major John Harman was a major influence in getting much of the route completed but he died in mysterious circumstances and is buried in Huigra. We stay overnight in Huigra.

(B L D)

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Friday 25th October

Diesel hauled train on The Devil’s Nose and Riobamba

Today, we continue the journey with our chartered train travelling from Huigra to Riobamba. The train will be diesel hauled between Riobamba and Alausi, over the Devil’s Nose and on to Guamote. An 800 metre section of the route between Huigra and Sibambe was rebuilt and reopened recently following destruction by a landslide in 1998.

Above Sibambe Station we negotiate the spectacular and world-famous Devils Nose, an amazing engineering feat. This immense mountain resembles the shape of a nose and the railway climbs gradients of 1 in 18 and uses two zigzags to gain height and surmount the obstacle. There will be opportunities for filming and photographing this ‘railway wonder of the world’. We continue climbing the Andes until we reach Alausi, a quaint colonial village with picturesque streets. We pass over a noteworthy steel bridge as we leave the village on a section of line that reopened in 2011. The route is high above the Chan Chan River Gorge all the way to Palmira, a bleak desert station at 3200 metres above sea level. We have magnificent views of the high Andean Plateau en route to Guamote, a traditional and colourful indigenous town.

We continue to Riobamba, a large colonial city in the central Andes, and transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Saturday 26th October

Steam train from Riobamba to Guamote

This morning we visit the Riobamba railway workshops which were the busiest on the G&Q Railway and where most of their steam locomotives were maintained. We then board a specially chartered steam train for a return trip to Guamote. This section of the route offers spectacular landscapes, multiple Indian villages, the Colta Lagoon, and imposing views of the 6300 metre high Chimborazo inactive volcano. There will be opportunities for filming and photography en route including ‘run-pasts’ by our train. In the late afternoon we have a tour of Riobamba, a city that still retains a lot of architecture from the Spanish period.

We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D) Sunday 27th October

Special train from Riobamba to Latacunga

We continue our journey by train northwards from Riobamba Station travelling along the city streets and to the region known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes. As we gain altitude the environment changes once more into open moorlands. We pass many indigenous communities along the way to the Urbina summit and station. Urbina is the highest station on the line at 3600 metres above sea level. It is located at the base of Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador which because of its location on the equatorial bulge makes its summit the farthest point on the Earth’s surface from the Earth’s centre. After a stop for some highland tea, our

train will continue through the inter-Andean valleys, passing through the towns of Ambato and Latacunga. This section of the line has been recently rebuilt after nearly 20 years of neglect.

We transfer to a hotel in Latacunga for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

kilometres as far as Salinas, an afro-Ecuadorian village in a dry subtropical environment.

We have a trip by diesel railcar over this highly scenic line that includes some spectacular tunnels and bridges as it descends into the Salinas Valley. We return to Otavalo for overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Monday 28th October

Diesel hauled train from Latacunga until Tambillo and steam hauled onwards to Quito

Wednesday 30th October

Today we continue travelling on our specially chartered train from Latacunga to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. We will be diesel hauled from Latacunga to Tambillo and steam hauled onwards from there to Quito. Enroute our train climbs into the Cotopaxi National Park, a protected area that takes its name from the 5897 metre high Cotopaxi Volcano. There are some spectacular views as we pass close to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

We continue to El Boliche, the second highest railway station on this line at 3540 metres above sea level, Machachi, and Chimbacalle Station in Quito. Chimbacalle Station has been beautifully restored to its original condition. We head to the colonial centre of Quito for lunch and a city tour. The historic centre of the city is one of the largest, least-altered, and best preserved historic centres in the Americas. It was the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

We stay overnight in Quito. (B L D)

After breakfast we travel by road coach to Ibarra in an area of farming communities surrounded by mountain peaks. We take a steam train from Ibarra up the steep climb to Otavalo, where we have lunch. We visit the famous Otavalo Market which is Ecuador’s best known Indian bazaar. The indigenous Otavaleños are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool and which is often black. The market offers a good selection of locally made handicrafts including tapestries, jewellery, ceramics and wood carvings. We continue to Quisato, where there is an equatorial monument on the latitude zero line. The Quisato Sundial consists of a large circular platform 54 metres in diameter, made from pebbles, that indicates the solstices and equinoxes. Its purpose is to demonstrate the astronomical knowledge of the pre-Hispanic cultures of the region and we shall have this explained to us by members of the local community. We return to Quito in the midafternoon for overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Otavalo Market and the equator at Quisato

Tour Summary Tour price £6495 Single supplement £595 Ground only £5695 (Bogotá – Quito) Price includes: • Flights from London to Bogotá and from Quito to London • 12 nights accommodation with breakfast • 11 lunches and 11 dinners • All rail travel as detailed in the itinerary • All visits and coach journeys as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Tuesday 29th October

Railcar from Ibarra to Salinas

This morning we transfer by road coach to the Imbabura Province in northern Ecuador, home to lakes, lush valleys, volcanoes and traditional indigenous towns and markets. Our destination is Ibarra (San Miguel de Ibarra), a market town popular with tourists. Ibarra Station is the starting point for a railway line that used to reach San Lorenzo, a natural port on the Pacific Coast. This line was built in the 1960’s but only operated for 20 years before it was closed by landslides. Today the line is open for just 35

Thursday 31st October Return to the UK

Following breakfast at the hotel we have a late morning departure by road coach to Quito Airport for our return indirect flight to the UK. (B) Friday 1st November Arrive in the UK

We arrive in the UK in the afternoon.

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Amit Chopra

Amit Chopra

Golden Triangle with Shimla Multiple dates 2019 and 2020 Discover the enchanting delights of British colonial history on this magical tour across Northern India. In the Days of the British Raj a hill town in the Indian Himalayas become the summer capital of government officials, military attaches, viceroys and attendant servants and families. They went to Shimla to escape the heat and even ruled from there. Now you can ride the same narrow-gauge railways they used (and built) as you travel the Kalka-Shimla line into Britain’s colonial past.

Your stay in Shimla, ‘Queen of Hills’ includes visits to all the sights including the famous Gaiety Heritage Theatre and the iconic Christ Church. With broad-gauge steam (with foot plate ride) behind the world’s oldest locomotive (The Fairy Queen), vintage Rail Bus travel over a myriad of aqueducts and bridges on the Kalka-Shimla line and a steam-hauled adventure on the same line to enjoy, your tour gets off to a flying start! Your adventure also includes time in Delhi, with plenty of sightseeing among the greatest monuments in Indian history, including the National Rail Museum, where you can enjoy tea with the Museum Director. A short stay in Agra, where you visit the Taj Mahal – one of the seven Wonders of the World – and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, precedes a whirlwind tour end in Jaipur, the Pink City of India. Ride on the back of an elephant at Amer Fort and visit the iconic Temples and Palaces of the city famous for its extravagant gems & jewels, reflecting the royal character of a bygone era. All yours to discover on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to the enigmatic East.

Thursday

Saturday

You board an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Delhi.

After breakfast, you transfer to Delhi Cantonment railway station to board the main line steam hauled train hauled by either Fairy Queen (EIR No. 22), the world’s oldest locomotive, or WP locomotive No. 7161 (most likely). You can photograph the loco and meet your crew members who take pride in running this heritage steam locomotive. The train is scheduled to depart at 09:50, making its way through Delhi’s western outskirt to arrive at Rewari Junction at approximately 12:30.

Enjoy a packed lunch on-board in the heritage saloon car before visiting the heritage Steam Centre, consisting of 7 to 9 steam locomotives of broad and metre gauge along with a museum and exhibits. There may be another loco in

Depart for India

Friday

Arrive Delhi

You receive a traditional welcome on arrival at New Delhi International Airport. You then transfer by air-conditioned exclusive coach to your reserved hotel. In the afternoon you visit the National Railway Museum – The museum focuses on the rail heritage of India since 1st February 1977. The recently renovated indoor gallery and outdoor exhibits from across the country makes it a special attraction. A number of attractions have been added to enhance your visit. (D) 70

Delhi to Rewari

steam at the shed. In late afternoon, you board a regular service train from Rewari Junction to Delhi Cantt railway station. You’ll be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel for the overnight stay. (B L D) Sunday

City tour of Delhi

This morning you meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of the historic city of Delhi.

Under the influence of the many rulers who ruled this region, Delhi has been built, destroyed and re-built over seven times. Your guided tour takes you to the monuments that depict these different eras. The highlights include: Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi – Explore the narrow lanes of Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw being peddled through the old part of the city showcasing

the magnificent havelis, tiny shops, wholesale trading of almost everything you can think of; Raj Ghat – a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Originally it was the name of a historic ghat of Old Delhi on the banks of Yamuna river. A black marble platform marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation on 31st January 1948, a day after his assassination. An eternal flame burns perpetually at one end; The Red Fort – The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor of India for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It’s located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums; Jama Masjid-Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Jama Masjid between 1644 and 1656. It was constructed by more than 5000 workers and was originally called Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, meaning ‘Mosque commanding view of the world’. About 25000 people can pray in the courtyard at a time.

Other tour highlights include: India Gate – At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an Arc-de-Triumph-like archway in the middle of a crossroad. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I; Laxmi Narayan Temple – also known as Birla Mandir, it is one of Delhi’s major tourist attractions. Built by the industrialist G.D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and people of all religion and faiths can worship there; President House – The Rashtrapati Bhavan or The Official Residence of the Head of the State is the official residence of the President of India, located at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy’s House and served as the residence of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India.

After your fascinating tour, you return to your hotel. (B D) Monday

Delhi to Chandigarh

You have an early morning check out from the hotel before transfer to New Delhi railway station to board 12011 Kalka Shatabdi Express at 07:40. On arrival in Chandigarh you disembark and check into your hotel. In the afternoon you have a short orientation tour of Chandigarh city, visiting Rock Garden and Sukna Lake. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in your hotel in Chandigarh. (B D) Tuesday

Kalka to Shimla

This morning you take the train on to Kalka station, and change to the narrow-gauge line platform to board an exclusive chartered

vintage Railcar bound for Shimla. You’ll enjoy the fascinating, scenic 96.5 kilometre ride on this historical Kalka-Shimla ‘Toy Train’ line with its 105 tunnels and single and double arch bridges. This leisurely journey from Kalka to Shimla climbs the foothills of the Himalayas and negotiates an altitude difference of 1400 metres.

Shimla straddles an eight-mile long ridge, with buildings clinging to the green hillsides.

The British began coming here in the 1820s as a refuge from the summer heat and by 1864 Shimla, nicknamed The Queen of Hills, was the official summer capital of the British Raj. You arrive by early evening and are transferred to the hotel for your overnight stay. (B L D) Wednesday

Shimla to Kathleeghat by steam

After breakfast, you walk down on the Mall road or are transferred by road to Shimla railway station to board an exclusive steam charter train ride hauled by KC 520 for a trip to Kathleeghat.

You return to Shimla by 4x4 jeeps. (B L D) Thursday

Sightseeing in Shimla

Today after breakfast you’ll have a guided tour of Shimla, including its main shopping centre, the Mall. The Ridge is a spacious open space that runs from east to west along the Mall, which connects to the Scandal point on the west.

Scandal point, at an altitude of nearly 8000 feet is Shimla’s highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the hill sits the Sankat Mochan Temple of Lord Hanuman (the monkeyfaced god), home to countless playful monkeys.

Also on the Mall is The Gaiety Heritage Theatre – a remarkable piece of Victorian-theatre architecture. It has been called a miniature version of London’s Royal Albert Hall. Among many other highlights is Christ Church, the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. (B D) Friday

Shimla to Delhi

You enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and a free morning in Shimla before transferring by coach to Kalka. On arrival at Kalka station, you board the 12012 Kalka Shatabdi Express at 17:45 to arrive Delhi railway station at 21:55.

Dinner will be served on board. On arrival in New Delhi, you are met before transfer to your hotel. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price £2845 Single supplement £650 Ground only £2250 (Delhi – Delhi) Price includes: • Return flights from London to Delhi and Delhi to London return • 12 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast • 4 lunches • 12 dinners • All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary • Charter and special trains as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Amit Chopra

After an early breakfast, you transfer to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station to board a train for Agra (12050 Gatimaan Express – India’s first semi-bullet train) at 08:10 to arrive at Agra Cantt railway station at 09:50.

Breakfast will also be served on board.

You’ll be Met on arrival and enjoy a guided visit of the Itimad-Ud-Daulah, also known as Baby Taj, often described as a ‘Jewel Box’ and regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. You’ll visit a local marble factory to witness the inlay work of precious stones also known as Pietra dura, which is the same art of stone work illustrated on the Taj Mahal & Baby Taj. You then transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the early evening, you visit Agra Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in red sandstone. It was originally mentioned in 1080 AD and came into limelight when great Mughal emperor Akbar (grandfather of Shah Jahan) made Agra his capital in 1558 and made major changes to the fort’s structure.

Later Shah Jahan added a white marble palace inside the fort. (B D)

of white making it look even more stunning for pictures. You’ll have a relaxing hour or so to enjoy the views through different angles.

Taj, as a symbol of love, has many stories to tell.

The perfectly symmetrical monument standing tall since 1653 AD took 22 years and 20000 labourers to complete. The unquestionable beauty of this piece of extravagance can only be treasured by visiting it. Afterwards you return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, you are driven to Bharatpur, and en route enjoy a guided visit of Fatehpur Sikri. This city originally belonged to the Rajput clan, but was re-found in 1569 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or Navaratnas, were born. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best-preserved collections of Indian Mughal architecture in India. You then transfer to a heritage palace hotel in Bharatpur. In the early evening, you have a guided walking tour of Bharatpur village – you can walk amidst the fields, observe the village life and perhaps learn a bit about its 1000 years old history. (B L D)

Sunday

Monday

You’ll need to rise early today to enjoy a dawn visit with your guide to the famous wonder of the world – the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. One of the best views of the Taj is during dawn with fewer people around.

The porous nature of Taj’s white marble helps it absorb light and thus reflecting different shades

After breakfast, you have a guided tour of Bharatpur bird sanctuary by rickshaw with your naturalist guide. Keaoladeo Bird Sanctuary (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) was established in 1956. This 29 square kilometre marshland is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world with over 360 species of birds, out of which 117 are the local birds. Now a UNESCO World Heritage

Saturday

Delhi to Agra

Dawn visit to Taj Mahal

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Bird watching in the National Park

Site, it used to be a part of the private shooting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Among many bird species to be seen here are storks, ducks, Chinese coots, kingfishers, spoonbills, sarus cranes and several birds of prey, including falcon, marsh harrier and eagle. 80 species of duck alone can be spotted here. Around noon you are driven to Jaipur, the Pink City of India.

It’s the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18th November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, the city today has a population of 3.1 million. In 1876 Jaipur was coloured in terracotta pink to welcome Prince Albert, and hence the name ‘Pink City’. (B D) Tuesday

Jaipur sightseeing

Early breakfast at your hotel is followed by guided excursions to: Amer Fort (Amber Fort).

You’ll ascend the fort on the back of a gailydecorated elephant! Amer was the erstwhile capital of the Kachwahas Rajputs before they moved to their newly built capital in Jaipur.

The Amber Fort is built in white marble and red sandstone and the nearby lake adds to its charm. In 1592, construction of the fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. but took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh. Visit the Diwan-e-Aam, or Hall of Public Audience, the Diwan-e-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas, where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace; City Palace Museum is a palace complex in Jaipur,

the capital of the Rajasthan state, India. It was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the head of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. The City Palace is in the central-northeast part of the Jaipur city, which is laid in a grid pattern with wide avenues.

It’s a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples; Birla Temple, at the foot of Moti Dungri fort, is one of the major attractions of Jaipur. This enormous temple was built in 1988 and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

Constructed in the finest quality white marble, the three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the Hindu religion; Hawa Mahal Palace – The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds, one of the landmarks of Jaipur. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry, with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows (jharokhas); Jantar Mantar – The Jantar Mantar is a collection of

architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. He had constructed a total of five such facilities at different locations, including the ones at Delhi and Jaipur. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these. It has been inscribed on the World Heritage List as ‘an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period’. In late afternoon, you also visit a hand block-printing factory and local arts & crafts. The city is rightly famous for its extravagant gems & jewels, reflecting the royal character of a bygone era.

(B D) Wednesday

Tour Summary Tour price £2845 Single supplement £650 Ground only £2250 (Delhi – Delhi) Price includes: • Return flights from London to Delhi and Delhi to London return • 12 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast • 4 lunches

Return to UK

After breakfast at your hotel you transfer to Jaipur airport to board a flight to Delhi.

On arrival, you switch to International departures to board your onward flight to London. (B)

• 12 dinners • All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary • Charter and special trains as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person.

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Booking Conditions The Attraction of Trains

By their very nature, trains, especially steam hauled trains, attract enthusiasts. Our tours will always include a number of photographic opportunities in the form of false starts and run pasts where this is practical and possible. Where possible, we also arrange locomotive footplate rides, museum and depot visits. Many of our customers do not have the same exclusive interest in trains shown by some enthusiasts; therefore, we keep in mind the need to diversify our tour programmes. We do this by including visits to castles and historic houses, and to wildlife parks, using accommodation in resort style hotels, and providing free time for shopping and exploring. Nevertheless the main attraction and therefore the emphasis of our tours is travel by train, which includes the nostalgia, the companionship on board, and the passing scenery. We consider that those travelling on our tours will see more scenery and in greater comfort than by road coach or cruise liner.

Schedules and Services

We arrange and advertise tours in good faith. Many scheduled railway organisations – train operators and track operators – only work two months ahead and therefore cannot confirm final schedules to us until that ‘window’.Likewise we cannot confirm and advise final numbers for a tour until full balances have been received from tour customers.

Tours may be subject to occasional rescheduling or re-routing. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that each of our tours runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible.

Fire Risk

In many countries at times of exceptionally dry weather, coal fired steam locomotives may be banned from operating and diesel or electric traction may have to be substituted. Oil fired steam locomotives however are normally still allowed to operate.

The Railway Touring Company cannot accept any responsibility for steam bans during times of high fire risk.

Seat Reservations and Overnight Travel Arrangements

On some trains seat reservations are by individual seats, on others by block booking or complete carriage. Since the railways concerned make the allocations, we have to accept and be flexible about the seating arrangements. Where overnight travel is necessary we will arrange either to stay in a convenient hotel en route, to use one of the newer ‘hotel trains’, or to book Standard Class twin berth sleeper car trains (First Class is often single berth). These decisions are made on the basis of the length of the journey, the range of scenery likely to be missed by overnight travel, and the accommodation options available.

Porterage

Some tours include porterage between stations and hotels; some include full luggage transfers between hotels, using either a supplementary road coach or scheduled ‘luggage in advance’ facilities. Porterage, where advertised, is included in the cost.

However, there will be occasions when porters are not available or included and it will be each customer’s responsibility to handle their own luggage.

Accommodation

We aim to use 3 or 4-star designated hotels throughout our tours as this offers us the standards of hospitality, catering and service that we would wish for our customers.

We also seek out establishments which are either conveniently located for the railways in order to minimize transfers, or which afford some unique character. Where we cannot meet either of these criteria we ensure the best and most comfortable accommodation is available.

Food And Drink

Meals will be taken on trains, boats, planes, in hotels and restaurants and even al-fresco, picnic or packed! Mindful of the diversity of our customer’s tastes we try to adopt a ‘middle of the road’ approach when choosing menus. We must also accept the limitations of on-board catering and marvel at the success that chefs regularly achieve in the confines of train kitchens. Hotel and restaurant meals are usually a set menu, with options for special dietary needs. If customers have any special dietary requirements they must please ensure we know them at the time of booking. In this way we can make the necessary arrangements for customers with special requirements. Some of our tours include alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee, in which case this is clearly stated in tour information. Otherwise customers are responsible for their own refreshments.

Passports, Visas and Health Issues

Customers are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK, customers must ensure that there is at least six months validity remaining on their passports. We assume our customers are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right to reside in the UK. If a customer has a passport of another country or state, or one that indicates restrictions on return to their country of origin, then they must please contact us

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prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. We will advise customers of the requirements and processing arrangements for visas where they are required. We will offer any help we can in arranging customers’ visas. Health advice is dependent upon the destination, medical history and current health of each customer participating in a tour and we cannot assume any responsibility. Customers MUST seek advice from their GP or a travel medical centre.

Pretour and Travel Documents

We will send out information to tour customers for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at the ‘balance due’ time. If there is nothing significant to communicate then we will simply acknowledge that the customer’s balance of payment has been received.

We prepare and send a booklet of information to tour customers for all tours.

This includes a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names, where advised, (to check on an old acquaintance, aide-memoir for names during the tour); the latest known itinerary with as much detail as necessary (including meal times/locations); emergency and general contact details; and usually some general and specific information about features of the tour programme. This is intentionally a small part of the information available and tour customers are advised to research and obtain detailed reference material, maps, schedules etc. appropriate to their particular interests. Air travel tickets are usually sent to us for onward despatch less than two weeks before travel – please don’t panic! Rail tickets are often group travel documents held by the Tour Manager.

In this case tour customers will be provided with joining instructions, which must please be observed since the party cannot progress until all members are present.

Tickets, vouchers and coupons for onward travel during a tour, are usually held and distributed by the Tour Manager.

Travel Insurance

Many customers arrange their own travel insurance. The Railway Touring Company cannot assume any responsibility relating to travel insurance issues and customers should ensure that they are familiar with procedures should an incident occur. This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to obtain medical attention, but to hand over the customer to an appropriate and suitable authority.

Infirmity and Disability

Tour managers are responsible for the general care and well-being of the whole group and are neither available, nor trained or insured for individual ‘personal’ care.

Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions. Customers should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities available relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss customers’ concerns with them before they commit to a booking. We will attempt to accommodate and resolve any needs or problems caused by undisclosed mobility/dietary/general health issues but cannot accept responsibilities beyond those stated above. We would especially draw the attention of customers to the tours that visit high-altitude locations and the resulting possibility of cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Confidentiality, Privacy and Mailing Lists

Customers’ names and addresses have been obtained as a result of their response to advertisements, having been a previous customer or enquirer, or a referral from some other party. We do not share these details with anyone outside Warren Travel Ltd. trading as The Railway Touring Company or The Railway Touring Company Ltd. Customer’s personal details such as credit card numbers, travel arrangements, companions etc. will only be kept to be used within the requirements of tour operating. We are registered under the Data Protection Act. If one customer wishes to communicate with another customer, then please forward the stamped envelope/ package to us. We will add the address and post on the mail. We will not divulge any addresses or telephone numbers. Please refer to our website for information regarding our Privacy Policy ensuring you fully understand it. Your acceptance of our Privacy Policy is deemed to occur upon your first use of Our Site.

Financial Protection

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

This ensures that in the event of the failure of our Company, customers’ money will be protected. If customers are on holiday at the time of Company failure, arrangements will be made for them to complete their holiday and return home.

The flights we provide are supplied by other ATOL holders and are protected by their bonds. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

Payments for Flights

The payments that customers make for their flights are held by us in our trust account, on behalf of the ATOL holder who is supplying the flight, until the date that we pass the money to that ATOL holder. The ATOL holder supplying the flight will issue an ATOL confirmation invoice to confirm their contract with the customer. We will forward this to the customer no later than the day after we have received it.

Booking Information Status The Railway Touring Company is a direct sell tour operator and retail travel agent. All parts of a customer’s holiday are covered by our TTA membership (number T726X), and the air travel for all of our customers’ holidays is covered by our ATOL membership (number T7149).

Warren Travel Ltd, trading as The Railway Touring Company, acts as a booking agent for the service providers whose terms and conditions of booking and carriage apply to our tours. Copies of these terms and conditions will be obtained from the relevant service providers and forwarded to customers on request. Tours will be confirmed and take place subject to minimum and maximum numbers booking.

Railway components of a tour are provided subject to the serviceability of motive power and stock, and the operating conditions prevailing at the time of the tour. In the event of a failure to operate services as advertised then ‘best’ alternatives will be provided.

Programme and Prices Details of each tour programme and its cost are published in our tour brochure, in leaflets, by correspondence, or by amendments notified to customers. Customers are required to acknowledge their acceptance of this information.

Payments All tour bookings should be accompanied by payment of a deposit per person as follows: £100 for travel in the UK £150 for travel within Europe £350 for travel beyond Europe A confirmation of booking will be sent to customers which includes a statement of their account and a balance due date.

The balance of payment is required in time for us to pay our suppliers, usually ten weeks before travel. There are occasions when we are required to pay for group tickets earlier than this and the balance due date will reflect this. During the period of time that we are establishing a viable tour group, deposits are fully refundable. Once we have confirmed the operation of a tour then deposits are not refundable. Due to the high costs involved with debit and credit card transactions our preferred methods of payments for balance payments are cheque or bank transfer.

Fidelity Insurance It is a requirement that all tour bookings be covered by Fidelity Insurance. This is a financial protection insurance that protects the customer’s money until the tour takes place. The cost of this insurance is included in the tour price.

Customer Cancellation We have the following customer cancellation policy for all of our tours: Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before tour departure – loss of deposit Cancellation between 8-12 weeks prior to tour departure – 25% refund of tour cost Cancellation less than 8 weeks prior to tour departure – no refund

Passports, Visas and Health Customers are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct travel documentation for tours, and this includes passports, visas and health certificates. We are willing to give advice on passport and visa requirements but customers should seek professional guidance on medical related matters. We shall obtain guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and tourist board where a security risk exists or arises in respect of a tour destination. This information will then be passed on to tour customers.

Prices Prices are determined against known exchange rates, fuel costs and tax regimes prevailing at 3rd October 2018. The exchange rates used for prices quoted in this brochure are as follows: £1 = 1.11 Euros £1 = 1.29 US Dollars £1 = 1.27 Swiss Francs £1 = 91.91 Indian Rupees In the event of significant changes we must reserve the right to amend prices.

A NO SMOKING policy will be pursued where we have the control or influence over the service that we are providing on our tour.

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Pre-Tour and Post-Tour Arrangements and Travel Insurance Pre-Tour & Post-Tour UK Hotels and Holiday Parking We are able to arrange customers’ pre-tour and post-tour hotel accommodation, car parking, coach and train travel, and connecting flights.

Customers may wish to consider staying overnight before and/or after travel on one of our tours. A night in a conveniently located hotel before departure or after return can mean that the customer begins or ends the tour more rested and relaxed. It may also avoid the frustrations and anxieties of early morning and late evening travel.

Pre-booked car parking can also be arranged for customers.

Examples:Airport Hotels with Holiday Parking • Gatwick from £110 per room • Heathrow from £139 per room • Stansted from £125 per room Secured Airport Parking • Gatwick from £8.75 per day • Heathrow from £9.00 per day • Stansted from £6.25 per day Travel by road coach from and to the customer’s local town together with overnight hotel accommodation can be arranged.

Prices are available on request.

Rail tickets from and to the customer’s home railway station to the tour departure point can only be booked where two or more passengers are travelling together. Prices are available on request.

The prices quoted above are correct at 3rd October 2018.

Please telephone for details or indicate your requirements on the booking form.

UK Connecting Flights We are willing to make enquiries and, where possible, arrange connecting flights from the customer’s local airport to the main tour departure point.

Prices are available on request.

Travel Insurance Due to changes in the travel insurance regulations we are no longer able to sell travel insurance direct to our customers. We can however recommend and send to customers details of travel insurance through Holiday Extras, in conjunction with the Travel Trust Association. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to receive details of this insurance.

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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)

(Please tick)

Where options are available for the tour (i.e. choice of travel) please clearly state your choice(s). .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please also specify any dietary or health related requirements. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The deposit is £350 per person outside Europe, £150 per person within Europe and £100 per person for UK tours. The balance/full fare is due 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 debit card for: £.................................... deposit

full fare

(Please tick)

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

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

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

Please accept my booking on the terms and conditions as stated in the RTC Worldwide Steam Rail Holidays 2019 2nd Edition brochure and on our website, railwaytouring.net Please sign and date.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Please send this form to: The Railway Touring Company, 14A Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 • Fax: 01553 661 800 • E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk • Website: www.railwaytouring.net

Visit our website for online booking – railwaytouring.net 77

The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN Phone: 01553 661 500 – Fax: 01553 661 800 Web: www.railwaytouring.net – E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk Design and Artwork - LucidSynergy Ltd - www.lucidsynergy.com