Worldwide Rail Holidays 2024 – The Railway Touring Company

The Railway Touring Company Worldwide Rail Holidays 2024

Welcome Dear Customer, Welcome to our Worldwide Rail Holidays Brochure 2024 We very pleased to be able to share our new 2024 Brochure with you.

We have some exciting new additions to our holiday programme for 2024, visiting new places of interest.

The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast, The Baltic Seasider and Cruising around Germany. Our Swiss Bernese Oberland tours now feature a new destination of Grindlewald, along with an optional excursion to the Callier chocolate factory and Gruyères cheese factory.

We are also very excited to announce the return of our Sri Lankan holiday featuring the ‘Viceroy Special’ train which consists of two air-conditioned lounge cars and a restaurant and bar car, hauled by British-built Edwardian steam locomotives of the classic 4-6-0 type or diesel locomotive.

We feel that our programme for 2024 truly offers something for everyone and we hope that you are as excited as we are as we move towards 2024 to what we hope will be another very memorable and fulfilling year for everyone.

With 27 years’ experience providing high-quality holidays, we are sure that we can give you an experience to remember for many years to come.

Savouring those once in a lifetime moments and making treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

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

We here at The Railway Touring Company pride ourselves on our unique, interesting and one of a kind holidays to those destinations that you have always wanted to visit. Incorporating many features that truly make our holidays unforgettable.

So why not take a moment and begin planning your 2024 Worldwide getaway. My team and I are here to help and assist you every step of the way.

I look forward, very much, to welcoming you on board with us.

Kelly Osborne Managing Director The Railway Touring Company.

EST. 1997

Front cover image: Andrew Thompson

Worldwide Rail Holidays 2024 Tours Highlights of Germany – Harz Mountains, Saxony and Baltic Coast

4–7

Cruising around Germany

24 – 25

Highlights of Switzerland in Winter

8–9

Alpine Steam Express

26 – 27

Austrian Winter Steam Safari

10 – 11

Autumn in Alsace

28 – 29

The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast

12 – 13

Czech Steam Safari

30 – 31

Continental Steam Safari

14 – 15

The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast

32 – 33

Swiss Bernese Oberland

16 – 17

Steam and Christmas Markets in Germany

34 – 35

Rail and Fjords of Norway

18 – 19

Sri Lanka – The Viceroy Special

36 – 39

Railways, River Cruises and World War II History in Poland

20 – 21

Canada by Rail and Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise

40 – 43

The Baltic Seasider

22 – 23

Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour

44 – 47

Tour Information

Tour Information Booking Information

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Reservation Form

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

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

Highlights of Germany – Harz Mountains, Saxony and Baltic Coast Tuesday 9th January to Tuesday 23rd January 2024 Journey through a genuine Winter Wonderland on our ever-popular tour to Eastern Germany. Timber-framed houses, fairy-tale castles and romantic steam trains all add to the enchantment of this seasonal holiday.

• Discover first-hand the charm and culture of Central, Eastern and Northern Germany, staying in such fine cities as Erfurt, Dresden, Görlitz, Stralsund and Rostock.

• Ride on the famed ‘little trains’ that circulate on the renowned narrow-gauge networks of the Harz Mountains, Saxony and along the Baltic Coast.

• Visit iconic locations such as Drei Annen Hohne and Mount Brocken.

• Experience legendary German ‘Plandampf’ on eight different narrow-gauge steam railways, all with their own unique character.

• Enjoy private charters on wonderful heritage tramways in the historic cathedral cities of Erfurt and Görlitz, and a trip on the 1901 ‘dingle-dangle’ mountain monorail in Dresden.

Tuesday 9th January London to Erfurt

Travel by Eurostar, Thalys and ICE high speed services from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Erfurt. On arrival check into your quality, centrally located hotel in the heart of Erfurt’s Old Town, where a welcome dinner will be served. (D) Wednesday 10th January

Sightseeing and Heritage Tramways in historic Erfurt

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

This morning you explore its sights before an early afternoon private charter trip on a heritage 4

tramway replete with photo stops. You’ll have an opportunity to see the landmark cathedral and beautiful main market square with its characteristic spires before some more leisure time in the late afternoon and a free evening. (B)

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

Thursday 11th January

Friday 12th January

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

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

Steam in the Harz Mountains from Norhausen to Mount Brocken

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

Loschwitz Bridge. You then ride the ‘dingledangle’ mountain monorail from 1901 before taking the adjacent 1895 funicular to the Weisser Hirsch summit terminus. From there a direct tram line takes you back to the city centre. The rest of the afternoon is for leisure in Dresden, before dinner is served at your hotel. (B D) Saturday 13th January

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

After breakfast, you visit the local narrow-gauge railway at Radebeul, where a 2-10-2 Saxon VII K tank locomotive takes you down the 16.5 km long line to Radeburg, pausing at Moritzburg Castle.

The train returns to Radebeul by midday, from where you return to Dresden Hbf on a DB service train. You can then explore Dresden at your own pace and make good use of your complimentary public transport rover ticket to ‘bash’ the extensive tram network. (B) Sunday 14th January

Steam at the at the Weisseritz Valley Railway to Kurort Kipsdorf

Today you have a morning excursion to the recently re-opened narrow-gauge Weisseritz Valley Railway. You’ll be steam-hauled through Saxony’s ‘canyon landscape’ from FreitalHainsberg via Dippoldiswalde to Kurort Kipsdorf, along the river Weisseritz. Enjoy the panoramic views from the open balconies of your vintage carriage. You return to Dresden in the early afternoon, with time to further explore its many attractions. (B)

Monday 15th January

Steam in the Ore Mountains from Cranzahl to Oberwiesenthal

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

After free time in this resort town and photo opportunities with steam trains passing over the railway viaduct by the station, you return from Oberwiesenthal to Cranzahl by steam train in the afternoon and from there continue to Dresden on DB service trains. (B) Tuesday 16th January

Vintage Tramways in Görlitz

After morning leisure in Dresden, a service train takes you over the scenic line via Bautzen to Görlitz, Germany’s easternmost city, a popular location for major film productions. Görlitz also boasts a pocket-sized tram network and you’ll explore the city on a privately chartered 1920s heritage tram. In the evening, a buffet dinner will be served at your comfortable hotel, located in an historic building near the station. (B D) Wednesday 17th January Steam in Zittau

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

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

Tour Summary Tour price

£2395

Single supplement £325 Ground only £2195 (Erfurt – Rostock) Price includes: • First Class High Speed train travel from London to Erfurt and from Rostock to London • 9 dinners and 2 lunches • 14 nights accommodation with breakfast • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager • Public rover rail ticket • 15 Day First Class Global Interrail Pass All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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EUROPE TOUR – 15 Days

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Thursday 18th January

Saturday 20th January

Today you have an exciting private steam charter on the 600mm gauge Muskau Forest Railway near the Polish frontier. You’ll cover the two different branch lines to Bad Muskau and Kromlau, with run-pasts along the way.

At lunch time, there’s time for refreshments in the namesake town of Bad Muskau with its charming local chateau and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Pückler Park. In late afternoon you return from Weisswasser by train to Görlitz (B L D).

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

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

Steam at the Muskau Forest Railway and Pückler Park Visit

Friday 19th January

Via Berlin to Stralsund on the Baltic Coast

This morning you transfer cross-country to northeastern Germany on secondary railway lines.

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

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

Sunday 21st January

Steam on the Island of Rügen

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

After lunch you return to Putbus behind a different steam locomotive and continue by regular service train to Stralsund. Dinner is once again served at your hotel. (B L D) Monday 22nd January

Steam at the Molli Railway along the Baltic Coast

Today you visit the 15.4-kilometre-long resort railway ‘Molli’. Famous for its street running section in Bad Doberan, this 900 mm gauge

railway boasts lots of rugged German tank engines. You’ll have reserved seats for the northbound journey to Kühlingsborn on the Baltic Coast, before returning to Bad Doberan to film the street running there. In the afternoon you continue to nearby Rostock for a final night at a centrally located hotel. (B) Tuesday 23rd January Return to London

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

Tour Summary Tour price

£2395

Single supplement £325 Ground only £2195 (Erfurt – Rostock) Price includes: • First Class High Speed train travel from London to Erfurt and from Rostock to London • 9 dinners and 2 lunches • 14 nights accommodation with breakfast • All seat reservations and transfers • The services of a tour manager • Public rover rail ticket • 15 Day First Class Global Interrail Pass All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Mark Osborne

EUROPE TOUR – 15 Days

7

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Highlights of Switzerland in Winter Thursday 1st February to Thursday 8th February 2024 Experience the white splendour of the Swiss Alps on this seasonal holiday to a genuine winter wonderland. Trips on Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways are conveniently included, giving you a chance to sample ‘the best of the best’.

• Initially based in the Swiss Riviera town of Vevey on Lake Geneva and then in the historic cities of Brig and Chur, you’ll stay in top-quality hotels featuring typical Swiss hospitality.

• Discover Switzerland’s spectacular mountain railways from west to east, including the Rochers-de-Naye, Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Gornergrat, Oberalp Pass, Rhaetian Railway, as well as the UNESCO designated Albula and Bernina lines.

• Travel aboard opulent ‘Belle Epoque’ Pullman Cars over the Golden Pass, plus enjoy private accommodation in the 1930s Art Deco Pullman coaches of the Rhaetian Railway for trips to Arosa and Tirano.

• Sample the amazing BLS ‘Blue Arrow’ on a private charter run in the Bernese Oberland. Journey back in time aboard this wonderfully dynamic streamliner dating from 1938, allowing you to sit next to the driver.

• See impressively engineered railways up close and get the best high-altitude views of the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat summit station.

• Go ’peak-hopping’ on rack railways, funiculars and aerial cableways, whilst exploring local towns and castles with complimentary public transport rover tickets.

Thursday 1st February London to Vevey

Travel on Eurostar and TGV via Paris to Geneva, then by SBB service train to Vevey, on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. Here you check in to the 4-star Hotel Astra, conveniently located opposite the station. A welcome dinner will be served at the hotel tonight. (D) Friday 2nd February

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

Today you travel in style from Montreux via Gstaad to Zweisimmen over the Golden Pass in elegant ‘Belle Epoque’ Pullman coaches on 8

the Golden Pass Classic train. The line climbs to the highest point, near Saanenmöser, at 1279 metres. In Zweisimmen you board the vintage 1938 BLS ‘Blue Arrow’ with luxurious passenger accommodation and open cab vestibules, allowing you to sit or stand beside the driver. The route winds through the Simmental Valley to Spiez and along Lake Thun to Bern. You’ll have free time to visit the medieval city of Bern, before travelling back to Lake Geneva via the Gruyere foothills and Lausanne. Back in Vevey you’ll have a free evening to enjoy dinner at a lake-side venue of your choosing. (B)

Saturday 3rd February

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

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

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

From the top there are panoramic views of the French and Swiss Alps. You return to Montreux, for a further look around town or ride on another local funicular before returning back to Vevey.

Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

(B D) Sunday 4th February

Glacier Express route to Zermatt; Gornergrat Railway; the Matterhorn

This morning you board an SBB service train from Vevey station to Visp, where you’ll travel on a panoramic narrow-gauge train for the final section of the Glacier Express route. This scenic railway line winds through rocky valleys and over steep inclines to reach Zermatt. Here you transfer to the Gornergrat rack railway, ascending to 3089 metres above sea level. It’s Europe’s second highest railway, eclipsed only by the Jungfrau. From this high Alpine plateau, enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers and a fabulous front perspective of the Matterhorn.

After refreshments at Gornergrat you can film the passing trains in their characteristic chocolate-brown livery, before riding back down to Zermatt. You’ll have some time to look around car-free Zermatt, with its rows of wooden chalets and stone churches. Then you board another panoramic narrow gauge train for the onward journey on the Glacier Express route to Brig.

You’ll spend the night in this historic, elegant city, which has become famous as a major railway junction and gateway to nearby Italy. Your hotel is conveniently located near the railway station and dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant.

(B D) Monday 5th February

On the Glacier Express and via the Oberalp Pass to Chur

A true highlight awaits, as you step aboard the legendary Glacier Express and travel in First Class accommodation on one of the world’s most famous trains! Enjoy the sleek dome cars with their grandiose windows as well as the refinement of on train catering, for the half-day journey from Brig to Chur. The Glacier Express initially traverses the narrow valleys of the Obergoms, before travelling through Andermatt and climbing up to the breath-taking Oberalp Pass.

From there you descend through the Surselva region and along the Rhine Gorge, arriving in Chur, one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. You check into a centrally located hotel with free time to explore, before dinner is served. (B L D)

Tuesday 6th February

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

Today you experience the famous Rhaetian Railway in a privately chartered, original 1930s Pullman car. Aside from the luxury of deep cushioned chairs, large panoramic windows give fine views of the mountainous landscape, as you traverse the impressively engineered 25 km branch line from Chur to Arosa. The route climbs 1155 metres via tunnels and bridges, including the 284-metre-long Langwieser Viaduct, first opened in December 1914. On arrival in Arosa you take the cableway to the summit of the 2653 metre Weisshorn, where majestic views await.

You return to Arosa in the early afternoon, with ample time to explore the town and stroll along the picturesque lake. Later, you reboard the RhB train and private Pullman car for the return trip to Chur. You have the evening to explore the heart of the medieval old town. (B) Wednesday 7th February

Tour Summary First Class*

£2695

First Class travel from London St. Pancras International to Vevey and return from Chur.

First Class travel within Switzerland where possible.

Single supplement £325 Ground only £2445 (Vevey – Chur)

Joining the group at the Hotel. First Class travel throughout Switzerland, where possible.

Price includes:

• 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Astra, Vevey • 1 Night accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Ambassador, Brig • 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel ABC, Chur

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

• 2 lunches and 5 dinners

Another signature attraction awaits, as you journey over both the UNESCO-designated Albula and the Bernina railways. From Chur you take an express train over the beautiful Albula line to Samedan and Pontresina. This allows you to ride over the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and experience the countless horseshoe curves that make the Albula line renowned around the world. In Pontresina you change onto the Bernina Railway and are once again accommodated in a private Pullman coach for the journey over the wonderful Bernina pass, the only Swiss transalpine railway that climbs over the ridges between north and south without using a tunnel.

Enjoy the ascent to the summit at Alp Grüm and the spiralling descent to Poschiavo, before the famed circular viaduct is reached at Brusio and you finish your journey amidst palm trees in Italy.

In Tirano, you stop for lunch (wine included) and have time for a stroll to the basilica, before continuing back north in your Pullman coach.

On returning to Pontresina you travel back to Chur over the Albula line aboard another RhB express service. A farewell dinner is served at your hotel. (B L D)

• First Class travel on Golden pass panoramic train (Montreux to Zweisimmen)

• All privately chartered vintage trains as detailed in the itinerary

• First Class travel on Glacier Express including lunch on-board (Brig – Chur) • All train travel and transfers • SBB luggage transfers from hotel to hotel • Seat reservations (where possible) • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner *Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.

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Thursday 8th February Return to London

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

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Austrian Winter Steam Safari Wednesday 14th February to Thursday 22nd February 2024 Experience steam in the snowy peaks of Austria on classic standard-gauge lines and spectacular Alpine narrow-gauge railways with our new scenic Winter Steam Safari Tour.

• Enjoy the beautiful Alpine winter scenery hauled by a variety of different tank engines and tender locomotives.

• Enjoy private charters with run-pasts at the narrow-gauge Zillertalbahn and the Steyrtalbahn.

• Visit the Ampflwang branch line for a steam hauled trip behind a Prussian 0-10-0 locomotive.

• Round off your exciting tour programme in Budapest with Hungarian main line steam.

• Your trip also includes a complimentary First-Class Interrail Pass, allowing you free days to explore the impressive snowcovered mountain railways of Austria.

Wednesday 14th February

Fly to Salzburg: Free time in the city with complimentary Rover Ticket

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

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Thursday 15th February

Friday 16th February

After breakfast you travel First Class on an OBB service train from Salzburg to Jenbach, for a private steam charter on the narrowgauge Zillertalbahn to the mountain terminus of Mayrhofen. Your train will be hauled by No. 3 ‘Tirol’. Steam is very common on the Zillertalbahn in the summer, but is much more unusual in the winter, and the Zillertalbahn is renowned around Europe for its beautiful Alpine branch line and impressive fleet of vintage locomotives. After lunch at the terminus in Mayrhofen you return steam-hauled to Jenbach, pausing for pictures along the way. In late afternoon you return to Salzburg by OBB RailJet, where another dinner awaits at your hotel. (B L D)

Today you get to sample main line steam and a large 0-10-0 freight locomotive on the branch line from Timelkam to Ampflwang, where one of Austria’s largest collections of steam locomotives is stored at the impressive roundhouse.

Your motive power for the day is the Romanianmade yet Prussian-designed ‘G’ type tender locomotive 657.2770, built in 1938. This elegant freight engine will haul your private charter train and pause for run-pasts along the line. After a shed visit and lunch in Ampflwang, you complete the steam-hauled round-trip before returning to Salzburg by train. Tonight, you have a free evening to explore Salzburg at your leisure. (B L)

Steam in the snow at the Zillertalbahn

Steam with 657.2770 on the Ampflwang branch line

Saturday 17th February and Sunday 18th February

Freedom of Austria with your First Class Interrail

For the next two days you have ample time and freedom to enjoy the exciting railways of Austria at your own pace, using your First-Class Interrail pass. You can travel such famous routes as the Tauernbahn or take some scenic secondary lines through the heart of the Alps. The choice is yours and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise you of timetables. Each day breakfast is provided at the hotel before you set off on your rail adventures. (B) Monday 19th February

Steam at the Steyrtalbahn

After breakfast you travel by service train from Salzburg to St. Valentin, from where a coach transfers you and your luggage directly to the medieval city of Steyr in Upper Austria. Here you experience one of the oldest preserved railways in Austria and one of its most idyllic ‘little trains’.

The Steyr Valley Railway runs roughly 16 km (10 miles) through a pretty valley to Grünburg.

Once again, run pasts and photo stops will add action and spectacle to the journey. After lunch at an Austrian countryside inn, you take the coach to nearby Amstetten and continue by high-speed train to Vienna, where you’ll spend the next three nights. The coach will transfer your luggage directly to the hotel. In Vienna you’ll receive a complimentary public transport ticket valid for the duration of your stay. Dinner tonight will be at a typical Viennese Grand Café. (B L D) Tuesday 20th February

Hungarian main line steam around Budapest

Today adds real variety and a new flavour to your tour programme, as you venture east on a day trip from Vienna to the beautiful Hungarian capital of Budapest. You first take an OBB RailJet from Wien Hbf directly to Budapest Kelenföld station, where the 100-year-old vintage 1924

coal-burner 424.009 takes you on a private charter steam-hauled to Budapest Deli station.

Steam in Deli is exceptionally rare and will provide your first unique highlight in this amazing city.

Your train is formed of ancient 19th and early 20th century coaches, including a smart dining car, where a warm lunch will be served.

From Deli you continue around Budapest and over the Danube bridge to Nyugati station, covering a lot of ground and travelling through spectacular scenery. After reversal at Nyugati station, 424.009 takes you to the Hungarian railway museum, where the archaic, vintage 1882 tender locomotive will attach to the train on the museum grounds and haul your consist doubleheaded right to the roundhouse. After a turntable show for photography and a chance to visit the huge museum collection of stored and operational steam locomotives, 424.009 will take you to the impressive Keleti railway station terminal, providing you one more splendid moment in Budapest. From Keleti you catch an early evening OBB RailJet back to Vienna. (B L) Wednesday 21st February

At leisure in Vienna: Freedom of the Austrian Railways with your Interrail

Today you are free to enjoy all the wonderful culture, history, and architecture Vienna has to offer. Alternately you could once more take advantage of your Interrail pass and travel on the mountainous main line railways of Austria, including the famous Semmering Pass. The choice is yours. Breakfast and dinner will be served at your hotel. (B D) Thursday 22nd February Return to London

Tour Summary Tour price

£2595

Single supplement £395 Ground only £2495 (Salzburg – Vienna) Price includes: • Direct flights from London to Salzburg and Vienna to London • 8 Nights accommodation with breakfast • 5 Lunches and 4 dinners • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • One Country Interrail Pass valid for 3 days in First Class • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All seat reservations (where possible) and transfers • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Today to bid farewell to Central Europe and return to the UK on a direct flight from Vienna to London. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

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The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast Thursday 14th March to Sunday 24th March 2024 Enjoy a fabulous railway holiday along the French Cote d’Azur and the Ligurian Coast in Italy, including exploring the world-famous Cinque Terre.

• Journey by Eurostar from London to Paris and then on to elegant Nice for a day of sightseeing, before you continue along the Cote d’Azur to the historic port city of Genoa.

• Highlights in Genoa include a private charter train on the spectacular Genova-Cassella narrow gauge railway and sightseeing its rich maritime attractions.

• Experience one of the most spectacular seaside railway trips in the world along the Ligurian coast to Pisa, including a visit to the Leaning Tower, and explore the colourful fishing villages of Cinque Terre.

• Discover Turin’s historic tramways as a stay in this fine Alpine city caps your tour in style, highlighted with a trip on the historic Sassi-Superga electric rack railway.

Thursday 14th March

Saturday 16th March

You travel with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord before a direct afternoon TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville.

On arrival into Nice, you check into your centrally located hotel, where a welcome dinner is served. (B D)

Today you bid ‘Adieu’ to France and say ‘Ciao’ to Italy as you enjoy a 4-hour scenic train trip from Nice to Genoa, changing at Ventimiglia.

You travel past sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, Italianate churches, and lots of colourful buildings. On arrival at Genoa’s elegant Piazza Principe station, you check into your adjacent hotel, centrally located and within walking distance of the Old Town, the Ancient Port, and the hillside palaces. You’ll receive a public transport rover ticket, valid on the city’s Metro and central trolleybus routes, for the duration of your stay. Genoa also boasts a remarkable system of hillside rack railways, funiculars, and historic elevators, all free to use.

Take the funiculars and hillside lifts to wonderful panoramic vantage points for views of the city, its harbour replete with countless cruise ships

London to Nice by rail

Friday 15th March

Tramways and leisure in Nice

Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France, full of elegant architecture, colourful historic buildings, and spacious esplanades.

You have a free day to enjoy the French Cote d’Azur, exploring at your own pace with your complimentary 1-day rover ticket for use on the well-connected local tramway system. In the evening dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)

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Seaside railway trip from Nice to Genoa

and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D) Sunday 17th March

Historic charter train at the Ferrovia Genova-Casella

Above the hills of Genoa runs a remarkable metre gauge railway, 24 km in length from Genova Piazza Manin to the rural town of Casella. Opened in 1929 and fully electrified from the outset, this charming line remains much of its original appearance and also operates historic rolling stock. With numerous horseshoe curves and steep gradients of up to 4.5%, the line is as scenic as it is operationally fascinating.

You have a private charter train using the railway’s original rolling stock and heritage locomotive Nr. 29. After a typical Italian lunch in Casella, you return to Genova Piazza Manin.

In the evening you are free to enjoy the city and

find dinner at one of the many trattorias in the Old Town. (B L)

built, flat pedestrian path. (B) Friday 22nd March

Monday 18th March

Train trip to Pisa, visit to the Leaning Tower

Experience one of the most spectacular seaside railway trips in the world today, as you enjoy the comfort of First Class on an FS Trenitalia InterCity service from Genova Piazza Principe via La Spezia to Pisa. You travel along the Ligurian coast past famous resorts like Sestri Levante and Levanto, as well as the five fishing villages of Cinque Terre. You arrive in Pisa at mid-day and have lunch in the Old Town before visiting the famed Leaning Tower and cathedral. You return to Genoa in the afternoon by InterCity Train along the same seaside route. (B L) Tuesday 19th March

Genoa Navebus harbour cruise, aquarium visit and historic ships on the Old Port

Today we explore Genoa’s rich maritime attractions and heritage. First you take a return trip on the harbour ferry known as Navebus.

Functioning as a public transport service line, it runs on the water from Porto Antico to Molo Archetti, taking you past huge oceanliners and the airport runway. After your Navebus round trip you visit Genoa’s world-famous aquarium in the Porto Antico, one of the premier such sites in Europe, with an impressive display of large sea life. Also included in your museum admission are the displays of the preserved Italian naval submarine ‘Nazario Sauro’ from 1976 and the authentic replica of a 17th century pirate galley.

Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B D) Wednesday 20th March and Thursday 21st March Seaside railway and villages of Cinque Terre

The next two days are free for you to explore the iconic five villages of Cinque Terre at your leisure, using the direct railway line between Genua and La Spezia. You’ll be given a Cinque Terre rail rover, allowing use of all Trenitalia regional express trains, with fast and frequent services along the coast and stops at the five famed villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola und Riomaggiore.

Additionally, you’ll find the large seaside resorts of Sestri Levante, Levanto, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure worth a visit. You can also use your Cinque Terre rail rover inside Genoa.

A notable highlight is the amazing seaside walk along cliffs, palaces, and old forts right outside the Genova Nervi railway station, on a purpose-

Genoa to Turin by rail

Today you take a Trenitalia service from Genoa via the hills of Alessandria and the prosecco countryside of Asti, to the smart Alpine city of Turin. It’s famous for its long, arcaded walkways and as the film site of the legendary 1969 movie ‘The Italian Job’. You arrive late morning and have lunch at your city centre hotel, located near the historic Porta Nuova station. You then visit the city’s principal architectural monument, the Mole Antonelliana, a slender, domed tower dating from the late 19th century that overlooks the city rooftops and includes a museum. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to enjoy Turin at leisure, exploring its smart streets, spacious squares, and numerous palaces, with everything that makes Italy so desirable. You’ll will be given a complimentary day ticket, should you wish to use the city’s tram and metro network. In the evening you are free to dine at the pizzeria or osteria of your choice. (B L)) Saturday 23rd March

Vintage tramways and Sassi-Superga rack railway in Turin

After Milan, Turin has the largest tram network in Italy and one of the largest fleets of preserved heritage vehicles in southern Europe.

You’ll enjoy a private charter tramway tour on a stylish articulated vehicle dating from the 1930s, allowing you to sightsee the city in comfort and style. Covering the most attractive parts of the urban light rail network, you travel over some rare track, including a stop at the ‘Gran Madre’, a replica of the Roman Pantheon. The tramway tour ends at Sassi, where you have lunch at the rack railway terminus, before travelling on the historic electric rack railway to the Superga summit.

Here you’ll find the namesake domed basilica and hilltop panoramic terrace overlooking the city.

The rack railway maintains its original electric railcars from the 1930s and uses a third rail to draw power. You return to Sassi, taking a service tram to the city centre. Join your fellow travellers at your hotel for a farewell dinner. (B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2495

Single supplement £395 Ground only (Nice – Turin)

£2245

Price includes: • 10 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels • 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners • First Class travel on FS Trenitalia InterCity service from Genova Piazza Principe to Pisa • Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available • All privately chartered trains and vintage tramway rides as detailed in the itinerary • Complimentary public transport rover tickets • Museum and site admissions to all the attractions as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Sunday 24th March

Turin to London via the French Alps and Paris

Take a direct high-speed train from Turin Porta Susa to Paris Gare de Lyon, experiencing another scenic railway journey, capping your holiday to southern Europe in style. In Paris you transfer to Gare de Nord, where you take your final journey

by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras.

EUROPE TOUR – 11 Days

13

Continental Steam Safari Sunday 14th April to Sunday 21st April 2024 The historic cities of Prague and Bremen, the rural landscapes of the Czech Republic and the countyside of Northern Germany create a superb backdrop to this unique steam tour, packed with main line and narrow-gauge highlights.

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

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

• Visit the huge collection at the Czech railway museum in Luzna u Rakovnika before embarking on a main line steam charter on the remote, ‘freight-only’ branch line from Luzna to Kolesovice.

• Take a ride on the remarkable pre-nationalisation green German tank engine “Kattowitz”, which is in steam for the very first time in a decade.

Sunday 14th April Arrival in Prague

Following a direct flight to Prague you book into your central hotel for a welcome lunch. The rest of the day you are free to explore this fascinating city. A complimentary public transport rover ticket makes getting around by tramway or underground easy and enjoyable. (L) Monday 15th April

Classic Prague by luxury tram and steam at the Milovice narrow gauge railway

This morning you board a luxury tram for a sightseeing tour of Prague, inclusive of onboard drinks. See the city’s premier landmarks while criss-crossing the River Vltava on its famous bridges. In the early afternoon you transfer to Milovice in Central Bohemia, where you ride the entire length of the re-opened 600 14

mm narrow gauge railway, including the most recent extensions. This delightful railway runs through fields and past specially built-up military installations that are typically used to film war movies, including most recently the acclaimed ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’. Motive power is provided by a rugged industrial tank engine and the train will pause for run-pasts. After a visit to the local steam shed, you return to Prague by service train to spend the evening at leisure in the city. (B L)

You have time to visit the roundhouse and see the collection and enjoy a warm lunch, before a private steam charter takes you on the unusual, ‘freight-only’ line via Krupa to Kolesovice.

Traction today will be provided by the ancient Austro-Hungarian tank engine 313.432, which originally dates from 1904 and only just returned to service in 2023 after decades out of use.

Along your way on the non-electrified tracks, the crew will perform some attractive run-pasts.

You return by steam train to Luzna, before taking a regular train back to Prague. (B L)

Tuesday 16th April

Main line steam in Central Bohemia from Luzna to Kolesovice with 313.432

This morning you board a service train departing from Prague’s historic Dejvice station and travel by service train to Luzna u Rakovnika, home to a large collection of steam locomotives at the Czech Republic’s premier railway museum.

Wednesday 17th April

Main line steam at Dolni Lipka with 555.0153 in the hilly borderlands near Poland

After breakfast you take a service train east from Prague to Dolni Lipka near the Polish border, where the 2-10-0 ‘Kriegslok’ 555.0153 is based in

the scenic yet remote borderlands with Poland.

Using this impressive and powerful motive power, the private charter train will travel from Dolni Lipka onto the Štíty branch line, doing track that does not see steam very often and also has seen significant cuts in passenger services recently.

Ample photographic opportunities and run-pasts will feature as well. The vintage 1940s German locomotive will haul classic 1930s Swiss coaches.

A typical Czech lunch is also provided at mid-day.

In the late afternoon you return to Prague by service train, capping a fun day out. (B L) Thursday 18th April By train to Bremen

Today is a transfer day and an opportunity to travel by locomotive-hauled Eurocity train on the scenic route through the Elbe Valley from Prague via Dresden to Berlin. There you change onto an ICE high-speed service for the continuation to Bremen. You arrive in the attractive Hanseatic city in Northern Germany by late afternoon and check into your elegant hotel, conveniently located in the city centre. Dinner will be served at the hotel tonight. A complimentary public transport ticket is included, allowing you to bash the local tram network. (B D) Friday 19th April

Steam at the Bruchhausen-Vilsen heritage railway in Lower Saxony

Another narrow gauge steam highlight awaits, as you visit Germany’s first preserved steam railway, the delightful metre gauge line from Bruchhausen to Asendorf, located in convenient proximity to Bremen. Your private charter train will be hauled by the iconic steam tramway locomotive ‘Plettenberg’ dating from 1927, which has just completed an overhaul. You make a full return trip

and enjoy countless run-pasts and photo stops.

A buffet lunch will be served at a typical countryside inn near Asendorf. A visit to the large steam shed in Bruchhausen caps the exciting visit, before you return to Bremen in the late afternoon. (B L) Saturday 20th April

Steam with locomotive 7348 ‘Kattowitz’ at the Minden heritage railway

Saving another highlight for the conclusion of the tour, you venture to Minden in Westphalia, where the local heritage railway has some of the best preserved Prussian rolling stock in Germany, dating from the early 20th century and the time before railway nationalisation after World War I. The green 2-6-0 tank engine 7348 ‘Kattowitz’ (91 617) dates from 1908 but carries its original Prussian Railways operating number. The tank only returned to operating condition in spring 2023, after decades out of use. This iconic green locomotive will pull your immaculate train formed of matching wooden coaches from the former Prussian Railways. Traversing the whole heritage line around the Minden canals, your consist will pause for run-pasts and photo stops along the way. A lunch is also served at the Minden station building. Take a step back in time to the early 20th century with this atmospheric visit to one of Germany’s most attractive heritage railways.

In the late afternoon, you return to Bremen, where a farewell dinner is served at the hotel.

(B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1995

Single supplement £295 Ground only £1825 (Prague – Bremen) Price includes: • Flights from London to Prague, Bremen to London • 7 Nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 6 Lunches and 2 Dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • Complimentary transport rover ticket • All specially chartered trips on heritage trams • All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Sunday 21st April

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

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Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Swiss Bernese Oberland Wednesday 12th June to Wednesday 19th June 2024 Wednesday 3rd July to Wednesday 10th July 2024 Wednesday 4th September to Wednesday 11th September 2024 Wednesday 16th October to Wednesday 23rd October 2024 Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

• Based in Alpine holiday region of Grindelwald, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

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

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

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

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

Day 1

London to Grindelwald via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. You then journey from Paris to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing by regional train direct to Grindelwald. Here you check into the 4-star Kreuz & Post Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

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Day 2

Free day in Grindelwald; Optional excursion to Maison Gruyères and Maison Cailler

Today is free to stroll through the famous mountain village, embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face.

Making use of your Regional Pass you can visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. Alternatively, you have the optional excursion to Maison Gruyères and Masion Callier, travelling by train from Grindelwald to Interlarken Ost, you join the golden pass train to Montbovon. Here you take a

connecting train to Gruyeres, where you will visit the La Masion Gruyères.

You then continue by Regional Bus to Broc, for a chocolate experience at La Masion Cailler, before returning to Grindelwald via Bern by train. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D) Day 3

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. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway

and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there.

In the afternoon you return to Grindelwald by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D) Day 4

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

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

You’ll travel by train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe. The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views. The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel. There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Grindelwald you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald with the group or return at your own leisure. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D) Day 5

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

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

Cruising along Lake Thun you have uninterrupted views of famous mountain peaks like the Niederhorn, Niesen, and Jungfrau. You then disembark at Interlaken West Railway Station and return by train to Grindelwald. (B D)

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

Tour Summary Tour price

£2195

Single supplement £115 High season supplement (July) Price per person £190 Optional Excursion (Day 2) La Maison Gruyères and La Maison Cailler £125 Optional Excursion (Day 6) ‘The Schilthorn’ Mountain visit £50 Price includes: • 7 nights at the 4-star Hotel Kreuz & Post Grindelwald – Free entrance into the hotels ‘Wellness Roof Top Spa’ and free entrance into the indoor swimming pool of nearby sports centre • 7 dinners

Day 7

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D) Day 8

Return to UK

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

• 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 based on two persons sharing.

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

Day 6

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

Today is free to use your Regional Pass. Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren.

At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

17

Tore Bjorback-Amblie

Rail and Fjords of Norway Saturday 6th July to Wednesday 17th July 2024 Explore the magnificent Norwegian fjords on this outstanding holiday tour, travelling on one of the finest railway systems in Europe through some of its most stunning scenery.

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 6th July Tour of Oslo

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

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

(D) Sunday 7th July

Steam on the Krøderbanen and UrskogHølandsbanen Railways

Today you take a private road coach to Krøderen and join a steam-hauled train with teak carriages on the Krøderbanen, Norway’s longest preserved railway line. You’ll travel 26 km to Vikersund and back. In the afternoon your road coach takes 18

you to Sørumsand for a chartered trip aboard a steam-hauled train on the Urskog-Hølandsbanen line. There’ll be photographic run pasts staged on this 750mm gauge preserved railway, once part of the Oslo-Stockholm main line. You return to your hotel in Oslo in time for dinner. (B L D) Monday 8th July

Free Day to Explore Oslo

Today you have a free day to explore all that Oslo has to offer, Oslo is the capital and most populous city of Norway. As well as the Bygdøy Royal Estate, the peninsula has five national museums: The Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. You also have the option to visit the Royal Opera House and the Royal Palace, plus

many other places of interest.

Tuesday 9th July

Spectacular Mountains and Fjords en Route to Bergen

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

You pass through tunnels and beside deep fjords as you descend to Bergen to arrive midafternoon. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing in Bergen, a city surrounded by hills

and fjords. Sights of note include the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site the fish market, busy quayside, and the home of Edvard Grieg.

Alternatively, you can take the famous funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløien for panoramic views over the city and out to sea. Bergen will be your base for the next three nights. Dinner is not included this evening giving you the opportunity to try one of Bergen’s excellent restaurants. (B) Wednesday 10th July

Cruise on Sognefjord and riding the Flåm Railway

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

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

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

You then change trains at Myrdal for the journey back to Bergen. Dinner is at your hotel this evening. (B D) Thursday 11th July

Bergen and Garnes to Midttun

After a free morning to explore Bergen, you transfer mid-afternoon by road coach to the Gamle Vossebanen, a heritage railway near Garnes. Here you join a chartered train from Garnes to Midttun, and return hauled by an ex-main line steam locomotive. The line is 18 km long and photographic run pasts will be staged as you pass through the Arna Valley. Later you return to Bergen by road coach for dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B D) Friday 12th July

Cruise to Stavanger

Today you have a free morning to explore Bergen, before travelling by road coach from your hotel to Bergen Harbour. Here you will join an early afternoon ferry for Stavanger, enjoying a relaxing cruise through the calm coastal waters of the south-western islands, with an inclusive light buffet dinner served on-board.

Your luggage will travel separately by coach from hotel to hotel. On arrival into Stavanger Harbour, you transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B D)

Saturday 13th July

Free Morning in Stavanger: Train to Kristiansand

You can enjoy a free morning in Stavanger, before re-grouping at the hotel where a group lunch will be served. Following lunch, you meet in the hotel reception with your luggage for a transfer by road coach to Stavanger railway station, where you board a train for Kristiansand.

Your luggage remains on the coach and will meet you in Kristiansand for your overnight stay.

(B L D) Sunday 14th July

The Setesdalsbanen Narrow Gauge Railway

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

(B D) Monday 15th July

Hamar Railway Museum; Train to Ålesund

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

Tour Summary Tour price

£2825

Single supplement £495 Ground only (Oslo – Oslo)

£2680

Price includes: • Return flights London to Oslo • 11 nights hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels including breakfasts • 2 lunch and 9 dinners • Rail travel as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers • All travel advertised by ship and road coach • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.

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Tuesday 16th July

Cruise the Geirangerfjord

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

Overnight accommodation and dinner are in Ålesund again tonight. (B D) Wednesday 17th July Return to London

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

EUROPE TOUR – 12 Days

19

Railways, River Cruises and World War II History in Poland Saturday 13th July to Monday 22nd July 2024 See some of the most important and fascinating WWII sites in the Polish cities and countryside, on a tour that combines history and culture with First Class railway travel, private tramway rides and scenic river cruises.

• This tour takes you to the cities of Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw to see remarkable historical sites such as the Warsaw Ghetto, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Krakow’s Aviation Museum, Gliwice Radio Tower and the hilltop Castle Fürstenstein the rumoured site of a hidden Nazi gold train.

• Visits to the Kazimierz Jewish quarter in Krakow and the Holocaust remembrance site in Oświęcim, and the AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp.

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

• Privately chartered river cruises in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw (the ‘Venice of Poland’), and privately chartered vintage tram rides in Krakow and Wroclaw.

• Experience a typical Polish narrow gauge steam train at the Krosnice Park Railway, where an impressive Class Px48 0-8-0 tender locomotive will haul your private charter train.

Saturday 13th July Arrive in Warsaw

Fly direct from London to Warsaw, before travelling by train to the city centre. Your hotel is located near the landmark Warszawa Centralna railway station. After a welcome lunch, you will be given a complimentary public transport rover to use at leisure on the extensive tram and metro system. (L) Sunday 14th July

Warsaw Ghetto, Ghetto Museum and Uprising Memorial; Warsaw Old Town and River Vistula sunset cruise

Today we visit the site of the former Warsaw 20

Ghetto, located in the heart of the city.

We continue onto the impressive Museum of the Warsaw Uprising, an attack against the Nazi occupiers organised by the Polish Resistance in late summer 1944. The afternoon is spent at leisure. In the evening you rejoin the group for a sunset dinner cruise on the River Vistula, with complimentary drinks. (B D)

centrally located hotel where lunch is served, before enjoying time at leisure in the Old Town.

Late afternoon you enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Vistula, sailing past the hilltop Wawel Castle and other prominent landmarks. Dinner and complimentary drinks are included on the boat.

(B L D) Tuesday 16th July

Monday 15th July

From Warsaw to Krakow, River Vistula sunset cruise

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

Travel First Class on the flagship Express Intercity Premium (EIP) high speed train of PKP to Krakow, the cradle of Polish history. You check into your

Today we visit the Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, with its preserved synagogues and Jewish cemeteries.

Transport through the narrow alleys and old

cobble-stone streets is by electric golf carts.

You have an English audio-guide. You drive over the River Vistula to the former Jewish Ghetto, where the main square has been turned into an evocative memorial with vacant chairs, commemorating the heroes of the Ghetto.

The trip will conclude at Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory, made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1992 feature film ‘Schindler’s List, where several hundred Jews were saved from death.

Today, the factory is a museum, providing an immersive experience. You enjoy more free time, before a 1-hour sightseeing tour of central Krakow by vintage tram. (B) Wednesday 17th July

Trip to Oświęcim and visit of the Auschwitz concentration camp

The town of Oświęcim is located west of Krakow.

Today you have a direct transfer from the hotel to the memorial sites and a guided visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, which narrates first-hand the horrors of the Holocaust.

The hotel will provide you with an on-the-go lunch to take with you. (B L)

Wroclaw, where you check into your centrally located hotel and enjoy a group dinner. (B L D) Saturday 20th July

Fürstenstein Castle and Jaworzyna Slaska Railway Museum

This morning you transfer to the stunning Fürstenberg (Ksiaz) Castle in Walbrzych, south of Wroclaw. This towered and turreted hilltop palace is the third largest castle in Poland. Originally dating from the 12th Century, it was expanded in a lavish Renaissance style in the 16th century.

In 1944 the castle was seized by the Nazi regime and was intended as a Führer headquarters.

It was also used for the mysterious underground Project Riese, a secretive Nazi scheme aimed to create both hidden manufacturing facilities as well as looted treasure storage in vast cave and tunnel networks below ground. You’ll have a guided tour and refreshments at the castle, before visiting the Jaworzyna Slaska railway museum, featuring one of the largest collections of preserved main line steam locomotives in Poland. Late afternoon you take a regional service train from Jaworzyna station to Wroclaw Glowny. Dinner is served at the hotel. (B L D)

Thursday 18th July

Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow and Wieliczka Salt Mine

Today we visit the Polish Aviation Museum which has one of the finest collections of 1930s and 40s aircrafts in Europe.The museum showcases 22 extremely rare war planes built before 1941.

After the museum visit, there will be free time to enjoy Krakow. In the afternoon you take the train from Krakow main station directly to Wieliczka, where you visit the famed Wieliczka Salt Mine.

This stunning underground facility with the unique St. Kinga’s Chapel inside, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B) Friday 19th July

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

Today you travel westbound from Krakow to Wroclaw, stopping on route in Gliwice. Located in the Silesian coal-mining region, Gliwice (Gleiwitz) was German until 1945. Gliwice is a 118 m (387 ft) tall wooden Radio Tower built by German Reichspost in 1935. On 31 August 1939, the Nazi SS staged a fake ‘Polish’ attack on the Gliwice radio station, which was later used as justification for Hitler’s long-planned invasion of Poland.

The transmitter tower remains the tallest wooden structure in Europe, locally known as the “Eiffel Tower of Silesia”. Afterwards, you visit the E. Wedel Grand Cafe on Gliwice’s main market square for refreshments. You then continue to

Sunday 21st July

Steam at the Krosnice Park Railway and evening river cruise in Wroclaw

After a free morning in the city, you visit the nearby Krosnice Park Railway, where the impressive postwar Px48 tender locomotive will be in steam. Running the full length of the line and pausing for numerous photos and run-pasts, you get to experience typical Polish narrow gauge steam in a countryside setting. You have a free afternoon before joining a dinner cruise along the River Odra with views of Wroclaw Cathedral and the landmark bridges. (B D) Monday 22nd July

Sightseeing tour of Wroclaw; return to London

Wroclaw is one of the finest cities in Central Europe known as “The Venice of Poland” thanks to the River Odra and it’s numerous canals and pedestrianised islands. You will visit the attractive centre of Wroclaw on a privately chartered heritage tram dating from the 1920s in the late morning, before an afternoon at leisure. You then have an evening return flight from Wroclaw to London. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1695

Single supplement £325 Ground only £1595 (Warsaw – Wroclaw) Price includes: • Flights from London to Warsaw and Wroclaw to London • 9 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located hotels • 5 lunches and 5 dinners • First Class rail travel on PKP Intercity services with seat reservations, Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available • All privately chartered river cruises and vintage tramway rides as detailed in the itinerary • Complimentary public transport rover tickets in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw • Museum and site admissions to all the attractions and memorials as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager as well as local guides and translators All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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EUROPE TOUR – 10 Days

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The Baltic Seasider Wednesday 24th July to Thursday 1st August 2024 This new holiday to the Polish coast is packed with several centuries of history, culture, and of course diverse railways.

Based in the historic Hanseatic City of Gdansk, your holiday includes visits to the largest castle in the world, the oldest British-built naval destroyer, charming narrow-gauge railways, and important memorial sites from World War II. • Visit the seaside resort town of Sopot, the ‘Rimini of the North’ and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Malbork Castle.

• Visit the World War II memorial sites at Westerplatte, and step aboard the preserved Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica in the port of Gdynia.

• Enjoy an evening river cruise in the port of Gdansk, and private charters on three different Polish narrow-gauge railways at Nowy Dwor Gdanski and the seaside lines at Koszalin and Gryfice.

• Experience incredible rail journeys on local, regional, and Intercity trains in the region, with both steam and vintage diesel traction, plus a trip to the famed Hel peninsula.

Wednesday 24th July

Fly from London to Gdansk

A direct flight from London will take you to Gdansk before transferring to your city centre hotel. After a welcome meal at the hotel, you’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring this fine city at leisure. All the major attractions are in the Old Town or along the historic harbour, close to your hotel. You’ll also receive a week-long public transport rover ticket, so you can explore the city’s local tram network. (L) Thursday 25th July

World War II history in Gdansk, port ferry and heritage steamship

After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to explore the important WWII history of the city. The first battle of WWII began on the 1st of September 1939 at the Westerplatte fort, inside Gdansk harbour. Tasked with holding out for 12 hours, 22

the Polish defenders stopped the fierce Nazi onslaught for a week. The port ferry will take you to visit the battlefield museum and memorial on the Westerplatte peninsula, before returning to the Old Town to see the old Polish Post Office, site of another heroic effort against hopeless odds. After light refreshments at the Wedel Grand cafe, you visit the historic steamship SS Soldek, permanently moored in the Gdansk harbour along the river quayside. This steampowered 1948 bulk carrier was the first ship built in Gdansk after the war and was in active use until 1980. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B L D)

This is Poland’s premier seaside resort, steeped in grand architecture from the early 20th Century.

The town’s sandy beach and long boardwalk pier are easily accessible from the railway station, as is the pedestrianised town centre, with its attractive cafes. Enjoy the seaside resort ambiance, which in the 1920s was known as the ‘Rimini of the North’, thanks to its vibrant cultural life. With your flexible railway ticket, you have free time in Sopot before you take the frequent local train back to Gdansk. In the evening you rejoin your group for a sunset harbour cruise. (B) Saturday 27th July

Friday 26th July

By train to Malbork Castle and across the Tczew Viaduct

This morning you take a local train from Gdansk’s historic main station, dating from 1900, to Sopot.

After breakfast you take a direct regional train from Gdansk to Malbork, traveling by PKP Intercity train in First Class. En route you’ll cross the landmark, 840-metre-long railway bridge

Baltic seaside at Sopot, Gdansk sunset cruise

across the River Vistula at Tczew. This historic railway viaduct is still shaped by the adjacent bridge towers and turrets originally dating from 1857. At Malbork you will visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, largest castle complex in the world, originally established by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th Century. With its expansive ramparts, numerous towers, chapels and spacious courtyards, the Gothic red brick castle complex is as stunning as it is beautiful. Mid-day refreshments at the castle are included, before you return to Gdansk in the afternoon, again by PKP Intercity train in First Class. (B L) Sunday 28th July

Vintage trolleybus ride and Destroyer ORP Blyskawica in Gdynia

The port city of Gdynia was developed during the 1920s and 1930s and boasts several functionalist as well as Art Deco landmarks from that era.

The Nazi battleship ‘Bismarck’ sailed from it during German occupation in May 1941 on its lone combat mission to the North Atlantic, before being sunk by the Royal Navy on 27 May 1941. Today, Gdynia remains Poland pre-eminent maritime city. You’ll see more naval World War II history here in the form of the remarkable Polish destroyer ORP Blyskawica (Lightning).

The destroyer was decommissioned in 1976 and is now an attractive naval museum in the harbour.

Built with its sister ORP Grom (Thunder) in 1935

by Samuel White at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Blyskawica was designed to be faster and better armoured than most destroyers of that time.

Withdrawn to safety in UK waters right before the German invasion of Poland, the ship served with its Polish crew under the banner of the Royal Navy for countless campaigns of WWII. After mid-day refreshments at the port, you have a scheduled sightseeing tour of Gdynia to enjoy, travelling on a vintage Swiss Saurer 1950s trolleybus. In late afternoon you return to Gdansk for dinner at your hotel. (B L D) Monday 29th July

Narrow-gauge railways at Koszalin and Gryfice

Today is dedicated to visiting two of Poland’s most famous narrow-gauge railways.

The delightful rural lines centred on Koszalin and Gryfice offer charming scenery in the wetlands and estuaries near the Baltic coast. You’ll travel the full length of both lines and have the benefit of private charter trains, with photo stops and run-pasts included, plus steam-haulage with a postwar Class Px48 locomotive on at least one of the lines. You’ll also visit the extensive Gryfice narrow-gauge railway museum with its vast yard and collection of preserved steam locomotives.

See the very best of Poland’s ‘Little Trains’ on your fascinating day out to the Baltic coast.

Lunch is included (B L) Tuesday 30th July

Standard and narrow-gauge railways of the Hel peninsula and World War II history

Located north of Gdynia, the Hel peninsula juts out in the Baltic Sea and during the 1930s was of crucial strategic significance for Poland and the protection of the Polish Corridor. Extensive coastal defences were built on the peninsula, which today can be visited as a museum.

You take a direct PKP Intercity Train from Gdansk to the famed seaside terminus of Hel, travelling in First Class and using both electric and diesel locomotives. At Hel, the standard gauge railway terminus is right next to the beaches, and you can stroll along the popular promenade. Then you have a short transfer to the local military museum and narrow-gauge railway, getting a guided tour of both and having a private charter train ride on the line, originally built for military purposes.

In the afternoon you travel from Hel back to Gdansk on a direct PKP Intercity train. (B L) Wednesday 31st July

Narrow-gauge railway at Nowy Dwor Gdanski

Today you visit another Polish narrow-gauge railway, travelling east of Gdansk to Nowy Dwor Gdanski. The Gdańsk Narrow Gauge Railway once consisted of an extensive network of 750mm narrow gauge lines on both sides of the Wisła river, connected by a train ferry. Having closed in 1996 a tourist service has recently started on the surviving section of the line which is about 15 km long and travels through the idyllic countryside.

The principal attractions are the fresh-air halfopen coaches, which allow you to feel the gentle breeze and enjoy magnificent views of the passing scenery. The train will pause for photo stops and refreshments will be taken at the railway.

You return to Gdansk in the afternoon and join your fellow travellers for one more dinner at your hotel. (B L D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£1895

Single supplement £295 Ground only £1750 (Gdansk – Gdansk) Price includes: • 8 nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located, quality hotel.

• Flights from London to Gdnask and return • 6 lunches and 3 dinners • First Class rail travel on PKP Intercity services with seat reservations, Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available • All privately chartered river cruises and vintage tramway rides as detailed in the itinerary • Complimentary week long public transport rover ticket • Museum and site admissions to all the attractions as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Thursday 1st August Fly back to London

You have a direct flight from Gdansk back to London. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

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Cruising around Germany Saturday 3rd August to Monday 12th August 2024 Discover Germany aboard relaxing river cruises, in the vibrant capital Berlin, along the Blue Danube and in the Bavarian Alps. Steam trains and other forms of vintage transport will also complement the experience.

• Enjoy scenic sightseeing cruises on the Rivers Spree and Havel in Berlin and Brandenburg.

• Glide over the famed Blue Danube for delightful private charter cruises in the historic cities of Regensburg and Passau.

• Visit the Bavarian Alps and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Starnberg on private lunch cruise aboard a vintage motor yacht.

• See some of German’s best railway museums in Nürnberg and Nördlingen, including live steam and ample photo opportunities.

• Enjoy relaxation and refinement in such fascinating cities as Berlin and Nürnberg, with ample free time to explore at leisure.

Saturday 3rd August

Travel on Eurostar and ICE services via Brussels and Cologne to Berlin where you check in to a centrally located 4-star hotel. Meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant. (D)

Following the visit, you will have free time to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening you rejoin the group for a sunset dinner cruise with complimentary drinks on the River Spree in the city centre, passing all the major landmarks and the famed museum island on a vintage ship.

(B D)

Sunday 4th August

Monday 5th August

After a leisurely breakfast, you collect your complimentary multi-day public transport rover ticket, which allows you full flexibility and individual travel in the city. You then visit the Technical Museum in western Berlin, which has one of the finest collections of old locomotives, aircraft, cars and stationary steam engines in Europe. The museum is built around an old freight yard and two former roundhouses.

The guided excursion will allow you to get familiar with Berlin’s layout and public transport network.

Today you visit the historic city of Brandenburg for a sightseeing tour by heritage tram.

Experience a delightful German city that is full of historic charm, but attractively ‘off the beaten path’. A lunch time cruise will be enjoyed on the River Havel. After the visit you return to Berlin, where you can enjoy time at leisure in the city.

(B L)

London to Berlin by high-speed rail

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

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Brandenburg River Cruise and sightseeing by vintage tram

Tuesday 6th August Berlin at leisure

Germany’s fascinating capital city offers so many unique attractions and today you may immerse yourself in all that Berlin has to offer.

Visit Checkpoint Charlie or the Brandenburg Gate, walk into the public courtyard of the rebuilt Royal Palace, walk along the grand avenue Unter den Linden or visit the sights of West Berlin around Bahnhof Zoo and Kurfürstendamm. The choice is yours and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise. Alternatively you can use your public transport rover to explore the expansive tramway network or overground S-Bahn ring line around the centre. (B) Wednesday 7th August Berlin to Nürnberg

The time has come to transfer from Berlin to Nürnberg, the enchanting Medieval city in northern Bavaria. You take a late morning ICE train from Berlin Hbf directly to Nürnberg Hbf,

travelling over the newest high speed railway lines in Germany. You arrive in Nürnberg in the early afternoon and check into your centrally located hotel, near the station and principal attractions.

You will have some time for an initial exploration of the historic old town before rejoining your fellow travellers for an evening dinner at the hotel. (B D) Thursday 8th August

National Railway Museum and sightseeing of Nürnberg by vintage tramway

Germany’s national railway museum is located in Nürnberg, as the country’s first railway line opened in this city in 1835. You have complimentary admission to the museum in the morning where you can spend a fair amount of time exploring its contents. After some free time, you enjoy a late afternoon sightseeing tour of Nürnberg by vintage tramway, which will take you around the historic ramparts, turrets and famed hilltop castle. You will also have a chance to visit the tramway museum and its extensive collection of vintage vehicles. Dinner at the hotel (B D)

Museum, replete with one of the largest steam locomotive collections in Germany. You will see the fine holdings and even enjoy a steam train excursion. One of the museum’s archaic steam engines dating from the late 19th century will be in steam to haul the private charter train, inclusive of photo opportunities on the turntable and a run-past. Lunch will be taken in Nördlingen, before returning to Nürnberg in the late afternoon by train. (B L) Sunday 11th August

Scenic cruise on the Starnbergersee in Alpine Bavaria

After breakfast you take an ICE service on the direct high speed line to Munich and then change onto the regional train to Starnberg.

There another private charter cruise awaits you on the historic motor vessel “Bayern”.

On this elegantly appointed salon-ship you will enjoy a lunch cruise on this famous Alpine lake, enjoying the views of the nearby peaks and tranquil landscape. After the cruise you return to Nürnberg. (B L) Monday 12th August

Friday 9th August

River Cruising on the Danube in Passau and Regensburg

A real tour highlight awaits today as you embark on refined river cruises on the Blue Danube on two of the nicest sections of the river at the historic Bavarian cities of Passau and Regensburg.

In the morning you take an ICE train from Nürnberg to Passau where you enjoy a private charter lunch cruise amidst the spires and grand architecture of Passau, which is attractively situated at the confluence of the Danube and the River Inn. You’ll then continue by train to Regensburg and have an evening sunset cruise with dinner at the UNESCO World Heritage site Regensburg, famed for its old town and impressive cathedral. Both charter cruises feature elegantly appointed salon ships with spacious decks and excellent observation platforms.

Enjoy the very best of continental river cruising!

After the Regensburg cruise you return to Nürnberg by train. (B L D)

Nürnberg to London by rail

The time has come to say “Auf Wiedersehen” to Germany and Bavaria, as you travel by ICE and Eurostar services from Nürnberg to London via Cologne and Brussels. (B)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2495

Single supplement £395 Ground only £2195 (Berlin – Nürnberg) Price includes: • 9 nights hotel accommodation with breakfasts • 4 lunches and 5 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All specially chartered trips on heritage trams and vintage ships • All train and road coach travel as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Saturday 10th August

Steam at the Bavarian Railway Museum in Nördlingen

Today you visit the perfectly symmetrical and circular walled city of Nördlingen in western Bavaria. This is a picture-perfect town famed for its timber-framed buildings, but still a bestkept secret and not overrun by mass tourism.

Nördlingen is also the site of a Bavarian Railway EUROPE TOUR – 10 Days

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Georg Trueb

Alpine Steam Express Thursday 5th September to Wednesday 11th September 2024 Against the backdrop of the stunning Swiss Alps, enjoy glamorous steam locomotives on world famous lines, framed by towering peaks and beautiful glaciers.

• Based in the historic and conveniently located city of Olten, you’ll travel on privately chartered steam trains at famous locations as well as unusual spots off the beaten path.

• For the first time we charter a private steam train for the journey over the iconic Furka Pass, allowing ample opportunities for run-pasts at the most spectacular locations.

• Several steam highlights appear for the very first time in our programme, including the Val-de-Travers main line near the French border, in the heart of the Jura Mountains.

• Visit the Swiss national collection at the Brugg roundhouse, including a live steam shuttle with a historic tank engine on the main line at Brugg.

• Experience a private steam charter with a historic tank engine at Switzerland’s most beautiful park railway, at the 2-foot Schinznach Garden Railway, Switzerland’s version of Bressingham.

• Fully explore Switzerland’s amazing rail network with the additional freedom and flexibility of a multi-day Swiss Travel Pass.

Thursday 5th September London to Olten by rail

You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. A short transfer takes you to Olten, your base for the holiday. You check into your quality hotel near the station and the historic old town and have time to relax before a welcome dinner is provided. (D) Friday 6th September

Steam on the Val-de-Travers main line in the Jura Mountains

Today you enjoy the best of main line steam, travelling in western Switzerland on the old ‘Ligne Franco-Suisse’ from 1860 and then branching off onto the spur to Fleurier and 26

St.Sulpice. The last section of the route to St. Sulpice has been without a regular passenger service since 1973 and is only used by heritage steam trains of the association Vapeur Val-deTravers. You travel aboard one of Switzerland’s best preserved and most elegant rakes of standard gauge coaches, including First Class carriages with plush amenities and at-seatcatering. Your main line steam charter from Noiraigue to St. Sulpice is hauled by the famous SBB ‘Tigerli’ tank engine 8511 dating from 1911. In St. Sulpice, you visit the large steam locomotive collection of the VVT group, and a false arrival of the ‘Tigerli’-hauled train will be staged for photo opportunities. You then have lunch on site, before the steam train takes you back to Fleurier. For the rest of the afternoon you are free to use your Swiss Travel Pass and

explore other local railway lines of Canton Neuchatel. (B L) Saturday 7th September

Brugg steam shuttle and roundhouse visit; steam at the Schinznach Garden Railway

Today you have a free morning to make the most of your Swiss Travel Pass, perhaps exploring new lines or narrow gauge routes in Central Switzerland near Olten. In the early afternoon you rejoin the group in Brugg, where you visit Switzerland’s largest heritage depot and main line steam locomotive collection.

A rarely steamed, SLM-built 0-4-0 industrial tank engine will take you by private steam shuttle from Brugg station through the station yard and adjacent industrial sidings to the local

roundhouse and steam shed. After securing this ‘hard to get’ tank engine, you will have a privately guided visit to the Brugg roundhouse and steam workshop, which includes most of the Swiss national collection and several privately owned steam locomotives as well.

After some turntable photography, you transfer to the nearby Schinznach Garden railway, where a wonderful 600 mm (two foot) gauge field railway is Switzerland’s premier park railway.

Running through attractively landscaped fields full of blossoms and young trees, the railway also circles a large pond and traverses an impressive viaduct. Simply said it is one of the most “fun” steam operations in Switzerland and provides ample opportunities for run-pasts and photo stops. In the late afternoon you return by SBB service to Olten for another dinner at the hotel. (B D) Sunday 8th September

Steam in the Zürich Oberland with the 137-year old tank engine “Schwyz”

More archaic 19th century motive power awaits you today, as you venture deep into the green hills of Zürich Oberland and travel on Switzerland’s premier standard gauge heritage railway from Bauma to Hinwil. Just recently, the Bauma station complex has been comprehensively re-developed and now features an original, 4-bay station canopy dating from 1859, which was first built for Basel and then moved to Bauma. This amazing structure lends great atmosphere to your steam train departure aboard a green train of ancient four-wheeled coaches hauled by the railway’s oldest operating locomotive, the 0-6-0 tank engine “Schwyz”, from 1887. This will haul your private charter train over the full length of the scenic secondary line to Hinwil, pausing for photos and run-pasts in some fantastic locations. You cross over the stone-arched viaduct at Neuthal before reaching the quaint village of Bäretswil for lunch.

Once at the junction station of Hinwil, you can watch the locomotive take water, before you return by steam train to Bauma. For the return to Olten, you are once again free to choose your preferred route, perhaps opting for the scenic lines via Rapperswil, Samstagern and Lucerne.

(B D)

Monday 9th September

High altitude steam at the Furka Railway with rack tank No.708

This morning, after an exciting journey by standard and narrow-gauge service trains from Olten via the Gotthard Railway and Andermatt to Realp, you board a privately chartered heritage train hauled by the amazing rack and adhesion giant locomotive No.708, with 0-8-0-wheel alignment and externally visible traction gear. The locomotive was originally built in the 1920s for French-Indochina (Vietnam) and has only just been repaired to enter service after decades out of use in 2024. You travel over Switzerland’s premier Alpine steam railway to the Furka summit, pausing for photo stop and run-pasts at several spectacular locations. You then descend through the short summit tunnel and arrive above Gletsch, with the Rhone Glacier in plain sight. From there you continue on the last section of this heritage railway to re-open in 2011, on spiral tunnels down to Oberwald, before taking an MGB train on the stunning Glacier Express line to Brig and then travelling on the BLS summit route via the old Lötschberg tunnel back to Olten via Kandersteg, Spiez and Bern. In the evening there is another dinner at the hotel. (B D) Tuesday 10th September

Freedom of Switzerland with your Swiss Travel Pass

Today, use get to make the most of your First Class Swiss Travel Pass to explore the country and its amazing public transport network to the fullest. You could venture on the Old Gotthard Route and Centovalli Railway to Ticino and even Domodossola in Northern Italy, head to Zermatt or enjoy 7 different paddle steamers on Lake Geneva! Rural railways off the beaten path or delightful narrow gauge trains also beckon!

The Rigi rack railway is also included in the pass.

The choice is yours and your tour manager will be happy to advise you! In the evening there is a farewell dinner at the hotel to end the tour. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2695

Single supplement £295 Ground only £2395 (Olten – Olten) with First Class Swiss Pass Price includes: • Standard Premier travel on Eurostar services from London – Paris and return • First Class travel on all rail services throughout (where possible) • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast at the 3-star Hotel Olten • 1 lunch and 5 dinners • First Class Swiss travel pass for travel within Switzerland • All rail trips and excursions as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Wednesday 11th September Return to London

You return from Olten to London via Basel and Paris, using SBB, TGV and Eurostar high speed services (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 7 Days

27

Georg Trueb

Autumn in Alsace Thursday 3rd October to Thursday 10th October 2024 Enjoy the famous wine-making region of Alsace in full autumn splendour by steam train on this enchanting holiday in eastern France.

• Based in the vibrant city of Colmar, you’ll explore the region on privately chartered steam trains on all the preserved railways in Alsace and a forest railway in nearby Lorraine.

• Tour highlights include excursions into nearby southern Germany and a visit to the impressive steam Abreschviller Forest Railway in Lorraine, hauled by an 0-4-4-0T Mallet type steam locomotive.

• Discover the mediaeval heart of Strasbourg on a sightseeing cruise aboard a stylish vintage vessel.

• There’s also a visit to the Alsatian vineyard town of Eguisheim and to the city of Mulhouse to savour, with the excellent French National Railway Museum and the one-of-its kind Bugatti Museum both located there.

• Short transfer distances from Colmar to all the featured attractions make this a truly relaxed and engaging tour, the perfect opportunity to see France with a completely new perspective.

Thursday 3rd October London to Colmar

You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, before a transfer to Paris Gare de l´Est for the onward journey by TGV express to Strasbourg, where you change onto a regional service to Colmar.

You check in to your elegant, centrally located hotel in the heart of this picturesque town.

The rest of the day is free to explore and discover the timber-framed houses and quaint canals of historic Colmar.

on the short ride into the historic city centre, alighting at the landmark red 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)

This morning you board a locomotive-hauled French Railways (SNCF) service train for the journey from Colmar to Basel, just across the border in Switzerland. You then take a tramway 28

Sunday 6th October

Saturday 5th October

Steam on the Thur Doller Railway; scenic cruise in historic Breisach

After breakfast you travel by road coach to visit the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Rhin, located in

Today you visit the enchanting Train Thur Doller Alsace, which operates a 13 km (8 mile) long standard-gauge branch line from Cernay to Sentheim, along the foothills of the Vosges

Friday 4th October

Scenic river cruise in Basel

the nearby town of Volgelsheim. This standardgauge railway operates both French and German steam locomotives hauling Austrian carriages with balconies. You’ll traverse the 13 km (8 mile) line from Volgelsheim to the Sans Souci Quay at Marckolsheim, where the River Rhine and canal separate. Afterwards you return to Colmar by road coach. For the rest of the day you are free to relax in Colmar and further discover this outstanding destination with its ornate buildings and tranquil canals. (B D)

Steam along the Rhine; free time to enjoy Colmar

Mountains and crossing the River Doller.

The railway features a number of authentic photogenic coaches dating from the late 19th century. A powerful early 20th century steam tank locomotive hauls you over this preserved line on a privately chartered train at a time when there is no regular traffic, so numerous run pasts can be staged. A typically French buffet lunch will be served at the station building in Burnhaupt, where you’ll visit the shed and see the railway’s extensive collection of historic rolling stock.

At the end of the return journey you travel by road coach to Colmar via the ‘Alsatian Wine Route’ on the way to the historic town of Breisach, Germany, where you board a stylish motor vessel for a welcome sunset cruise on the River Rhine, with coffee and cake included. (B L) Monday 7th October

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

The German theme continues today as you visit the Kandertalbahn, located on the very tip of Southern Germany, near Basel. This 12.9 km (8 mile) long branch line runs through rural scenery in the Kander Valley. Your train comprises an early 20th century German steam tank locomotive with matching period carriages, and a buffet lunch of regional delicacies will be served when you reach the end of the line at Kandern.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities before returning to Colmar by road coach later, stopping to visit the historic city of Freiburg im Breisgau, a German city noted for its medieval university and cathedral. (B L)

square, and St. Stephen’s church. In the evening you return to Colmar by service train. (B) Wednesday 9th October

Steam at the Abreschviller Forest Railway

Today you make a side-step from Alsace and visit nearby Lorraine. At Abreschviller you will find a remarkable ‘hidden gem’ in the form of the local forest railway, which operates steam locomotives on the unusual 700 mm gauge.

You are comfortably accommodated on the railway’s ‘Belle Epoque’ luxury coach and hauled by a 0-4-4-0T Mallet type steam locomotive dating from 1906. Running through dense forests and crossing the Red Saar River, the train will pause for photos and run-pasts near the village of Grand Soldat. At the terminus of the line, you will also see an old saw mill. Once back in Abreschviller, you still have time to visit the local steam shed and see the other stored steam locomotives, before returning to Colmar. In the evening you have a farewell dinner at the hotel.

(B L D) Thursday 10th October

Tour Summary First Class £2145 Includes First Class on Eurostar, TGV and other SNCF service trains.

Single supplement £255 Ground only £1795 (Colmar – Colmar) Price includes: • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast • 5 lunches and 2 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All rail, road, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Rail travel from London to Colmar and back • Rover ticket for the Mulhouse urban tram network

Colmar to London

• All seat reservations and transfers

You say a fond ‘au revoir’ to Alsace today and return to Paris by TGV express train. You transfer from Paris Gare de l´Est to Gare du Nord and board a Eurostar service to London St. Pancras International. (B)

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

Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.

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

Tuesday 8th October

Museums and trams in Mulhouse

Today you travel by train to Mulhouse, famous for its outstanding museums, especially the ‘Cité du Train’ and ‘Cité de l’Automobile’, respectively the largest railway and automobile museums in Europe. You’ll receive a rover ticket for the city’s urban tram network, which you’ll use to travel to the ‘Cité du Train’, the national railway museum of France and one of the largest and most amazing collections of technically unique steam locomotives in the world. The vast collection of classic cars in the nearby ‘Cité de l’Automobile’ is also worth a visit. The remainder of your time in Mulhouse will be free to explore its medieval city centre, with both French and Swiss architecture, the pedestrianised Place de la Réunion main

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EUROPE TOUR – 8 Days

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Czech Steam Safari Thursday 3rd October to Friday 11th October 2024 The historic cities of Prague and Olomouc and the rural landscapes of the Czech Republic create a superb backdrop to this unique tour, packed with main line and narrow-gauge steam highlights.

• Explore the ‘Golden City’ of Prague and enjoy a unique sightseeing ride on a luxury tramway.

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

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

• Visit the huge collection at the Czech railway museum in Luzna u Rakovnika before embarking on a main line steam charter on the remote branch line from Luzna to Kolesovice.

• Main line steam on unusual routes in western Bohemia around Pilsen and in eastern Moravia and around Olomouc, Litovel and Hulin, including “rare track”.

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

• Convenient transfers on Czech service trains with First Class accommodation (where possible) or on short rides by private coach, where no rail access is available.

Thursday 3rd October Arrival in Prague

Following a direct flight to Prague you book into an elegant city centre hotel for a welcome lunch. For the rest of the day you are then free to explore this fascinating city steeped in history, culture and architecture. A complimentary public transport rover ticket makes getting around town by tramway or underground easy and enjoyable.

(L)

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Friday 4th October

Saturday 5th October

This morning you board a smart luxury tram for a sightseeing tour of Prague, with complimentary drinks served aboard. See the city’s premier landmarks while criss-crossing the River Vltava on its famous bridges. Then you change onto a vintage 1920s tramway for a ride over some “rare track” and conclude the journey at Prague Castle. For the afternoon you are then free to sightsee at your leisure. (B)

In the rugged and rocky landscape west of Prague lies a hidden gem. The narrow gauge railway at the Solvay quarry has been developed into an attractive museum and noteworthy industrial heritage site. Best of all, steam was introduced to the railway in 2023! You’ll enjoy the benefit of a private charter train with ample photographic opportunities and run-pasts in the scenic landscape, before also visiting the mine,

Classic Prague by luxury tram and leisure in the city

Steam at the Solvay Quarry Railway and leisure in the city

with its interior tracks. After the full morning visit you return to your Prague hotel for lunch, before enjoying another afternoon at leisure in the city and taking advantage of all the Czech capital has to offer. (B L) Sunday 6th October

Main line steam around Pilsen with 310.072

After breakfast you take a Czech Railways Intercity train for an hour journey west to Pilsen.

In this famed city famed for its steelworks and breweries, you will have the first main line charter of the tour with the vintage 1899 tank engine 310.072. The locomotive will steam around the large railway network of the city, doing unusual curves, chords and giving you the best views of the urban scenery with impressive railway viaducts, historic landmarks, classic industrial facilities and elegant residential districts. You will travel on the lines to Nyrany, Stary Plzenec and Tremosna, including photo stops and run-pasts. Mid-day refreshments are included. In the late afternoon you return to Prague by Intercity train. (B L)

Litovel and the short branch to Mladec. As a specialty, this includes the steam train passing over the Olomouc tram network at two level crossings. Photo stops will be included and you will also have the opportunity to visit the Olomouc steam shed. In the evening you are free to explore the delightful and enchanting old town of Olomouc, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B L) Wednesday 9th October

Main line steam from Valasske Mezirici to Hulin with 423.041

After a convenient transfer by fast train from Olomouc to Valasske Mezirici, you board the next main line private charter train, today hauled by the rugged 2-8-2 tank engine 423.041.

This will haul a set of historic coaches on the non-electrified secondary line from Val Mez via Loukov to Hulin and then on to Prerov, thus covering ‘rare track’ from steam haulage in the process. Photo stops at stations and mid-day refreshments are included. Upon returning to Olomouc, you have dinner at your hotel (B L D) Thursday 10th October

Monday 7th October

Main line steam in Central Bohemia from Luzna to Kolesovice with 423.094

Steam in Moravian Silesia on the Osoblaha narrow gauge railway

This morning you board a service train departing from Prague’s historic Dejvice station and travel by service train to Luzna u Rakovnika, home to a large collection of steam locomotives at the Czech Republic’s premier railway museum.

You have time to visit the roundhouse and see the collection and enjoy lunch, before a private steam charter takes you on the unusual, ‘freightonly’ line via Krupa to Kolesovice. Traction today will be provided by the impressive 2-8-2 tank engine 423.094 which originally dates from 1928. Along your way on the non-electrified tracks, the crew will perform some attractive run-pasts. You return by steam train to Luzna, before taking a regular train back to Prague.

(B L)

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

This remote yet serene railway runs through gentle fields and soft rolling hills, framed by church towers and villages. The railway will put on a spectacular double-header including both the “Blue Behemoth” 0-10-0 tender locomotive U57.001. The train will pause for pictures and run pasts at the most scenic locations, lunch refreshments are served on the train. After a good day out by steam and a full return journey on the 20 km long branch line, you return to Olomouc and once again have dinner at the hotel. (B L D)

Tuesday 8th October

Friday 11th October

Main line steam around Olomouc to Litovel and Mladec

After breakfast you take a Czech Railways Intercity train to the historic university city Olomouc, which is located 2 hours east of the capital in central Moravia. After checking in to your centrally located hotel, you have an afternoon main line steam charter on the local railways around Olomouc, including the line to

Tour Summary Tour price

£2395

Single supplement £395 Ground only £2245 (Prague – Prague) Price includes: • Flights from London to Prague and return • 8 nights accommodation with breakfast • 7 lunches and 2 dinners • All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary • All specially chartered trips on heritage trams and vintage ships • All train and road coach travel as detailed in the itinerary • All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner October 2024 Mon

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Train to Prague, return flight to London

After breakfast at the hotel, you board a service train back to Prague, once again enjoying First Class amenities for the roughly 3-hour journey.

At the Prague Main Station you have a direct and easy bus transfer onward to the airport for a return flight back to London. (B)

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

31

The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast Thursday 7th November to Sunday 17th November 2024 Enjoy a fabulous railway holiday along the French Cote d’Azur and the Ligurian Coast in Italy, including exploring the world-famous Cinque Terre.

• Journey by Eurostar from London to Paris and then on to elegant Nice for a day of sightseeing, before you continue along the Cote d’Azur to the historic port city of Genoa.

• Highlights in Genoa include a private charter train on the spectacular Genova-Cassella narrow gauge railway and sightseeing its rich maritime attractions.

• Experience one of the most spectacular seaside railway trips in the world along the Ligurian coast to Pisa, including a visit to the Leaning Tower, and explore the colourful fishing villages of Cinque Terre.

• Discover Milano’s historic tramways and elegant urban sites, as you stay for 2 nights in Italy’s classy metropolis.

Thursday 7th November

Saturday 9th November

You travel with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord before a direct afternoon TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville.On arrival into Nice, you check into your centrally located hotel, where a welcome dinner is served. (B D)

Today you bid ‘Adieu’ to France and say ‘Ciao’ to Italy as you enjoy a 4-hour scenic train trip from Nice to Genoa, changing at Ventimiglia.

You travel past sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, Italianate churches, and lots of colourful buildings. On arrival at Genoa’s elegant Piazza Principe station, you check into your adjacent hotel, centrally located and within walking distance of the Old Town, the Ancient Port, and the hillside palaces. You’ll receive a public transport rover ticket, valid on the city’s Metro and central trolleybus routes, for the duration of your stay. Genoa also boasts a remarkable system of hillside rack railways, funiculars, and historic elevators, all free to use.

Take the funiculars and hillside lifts to wonderful panoramic vantage points for views of the city, its harbour replete with countless cruise ships

London to Nice by rail

Friday 8th November

Tramways and leisure in Nice

Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France, full of elegant architecture, colourful historic buildings, and spacious esplanades.

You have a free day to enjoy the French Cote d’Azur, exploring at your own pace with your complimentary 1-day rover ticket for use on the well-connected local tramway system. In the evening dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)

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Seaside railway trip from Nice to Genoa

and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B D) Sunday 10th November

Historic charter train at the Ferrovia Genova – Casella

Above the hills of Genoa runs a remarkable metre gauge railway, 24 km in length from Genova Piazza Manin to the rural town of Casella. Opened in 1929 and fully electrified from the outset, this charming line remains much of its original appearance and also operates historic rolling stock. With numerous horseshoe curves and steep gradients of up to 4.5%, the line is as scenic as it is operationally fascinating.

You have a private charter train using the railway’s original rolling stock and heritage locomotive Nr. 29. After a typical Italian lunch in Casella, you return to Genova Piazza Manin.

In the evening you are free to enjoy the city and

find dinner at one of the many trattorias in the Old Town. (B L) Monday 11th November

Train trip to Pisa, visit to the Leaning Tower

Experience one of the most spectacular seaside railway trips in the world today, as you enjoy the comfort of First Class on an FS Trenitalia InterCity service from Genova Piazza Principe via La Spezia to Pisa. You travel along the Ligurian coast past famous resorts like Sestri Levante and Levanto, as well as the five fishing villages of Cinque Terre. You arrive in Pisa at mid-day and have lunch in the Old Town before visiting the famed Leaning Tower and cathedral. You return to Genoa in the afternoon by InterCity Train along the same seaside route. (B L) Tuesday 12th November

Genoa Navebus harbour cruise, aquarium visit and historic ships on the Old Port

Today we explore Genoa’s rich maritime attractions and heritage. First you take a return trip on the harbour ferry known as Navebus.

Functioning as a public transport service line, it runs on the water from Porto Antico to Molo Archetti, taking you past huge oceanliners and the airport runway. After your Navebus round trip you visit Genoa’s world-famous aquarium in the Porto Antico, one of the premier such sites in Europe, with an impressive display of large sea life. Also included in your museum admission are the displays of the preserved Italian naval submarine ‘Nazario Sauro’ from 1976 and the authentic replica of a 17th century pirate galley.

Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B D) Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th November Seaside railway and villages of Cinque Terre

The next two days are free for you to explore the iconic five villages of Cinque Terre at your leisure, using the direct railway line between Genua and La Spezia. You’ll be given a Cinque Terre rail rover, allowing use of all Trenitalia regional express trains, with fast and frequent services along the coast and stops at the five famed villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola und Riomaggiore.

Additionally, you’ll find the large seaside resorts

of Sestri Levante, Levanto, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure worth a visit. You can also use your Cinque Terre rail rover inside Genoa.

A notable highlight is the amazing seaside walk along cliffs, palaces, and old forts right outside the Genova Nervi railway station, on a purposebuilt, flat pedestrian path. (B) Friday 15th November

Genoa to Milano by rail

Today you take a Trenitalia service from Genoa via the hills of Alessandria to Milan. Arriving at the monumental Milano Centrale station, you get to experience one of the most grandiose railway terminals in the world. You check in to your hotel, located near to the railway station and a light lunch is provided. You are then free to explore Milano and all that it has to offer at your own pace, using your complimentary public transport rover ticket, which is valid on the city’s trams, trolleybuses and underground Metro.

Why not visit the famed Duomo (Cathedral), turreted Castello (Castle) and the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from 1867. (B L) Saturday 16th November

Museum of Science and Technology and 1920s tramways in Milano

After breakfast you visit the palatial National Museum of Science and Technology, which has an outstanding collection of preserved steam locomotives, historic aircraft and even a fullscale Italian submarine. The museum is housed in an elegant Palazzo and conveniently located near the city centre Castello. After the museum visit you are free to enjoy more time at leisure in Milano, making the best of your public transport rover to ride the iconic ‘Ventotto’ trams from the 1920s, which operate on regular routes and are one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions.

In the evening you reconvene with your fellow travelers at the hotel for a farewell dinner. (B D)

Tour Summary Tour price

£2395

Single supplement £395 Ground only (Nice – Milano)

£2145

Price includes: • 10 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels • 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners • First Class travel on FS Trenitalia InterCity service from Genova Piazza Principe to Pisa • Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available • All privately chartered trains and vintage tramway rides as detailed in the itinerary • Complimentary public transport rover tickets • Museum and site admissions to all the attractions as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Sunday 17th November

Milano to London via the French Alps and Paris

Take a direct high-speed train from Milano to Paris Gare de Lyon, experiencing another scenic railway journey straight through the Alps, capping your holiday to southern Europe in style.

In Paris you transfer to Gare de Nord, where you take your final journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras.

EUROPE TOUR – 11 Days

33

Tony Streeter

Ian Baker

Steam and Christmas Markets in Germany Thursday 28th November to Friday 6th December 2024 Discover the festive splendour of Christmas Markets in Germany, including the romantic Rhineland and enchanting Harz Mountains. Enjoy a unique steam holiday exploring historic towns and cities in a Winter Wonderland landscape.

• This holiday is based in the vibrant city of Bonn and the picturesque town of Wernigerode. It offers travel refinement and a relaxed holiday experience for the seasoned traveller or Christmas Market newcomer alike.

• You’ll steam on different gauges, while sightseeing historic cathedral cities and rural landscapes.

• Enjoy a ride on the Drachenfels rack railway above the River Rhine and experience the large steam locomotive collection at the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum.

• A private charter on the metre gauge Brohltalbahn with its giant, green Mallet steam locomotive is a special railway highlight.

• In the Harz Mountains you can experience steam to the summit of Mount Brocken as often as you like, with a complimentary network rover ticket.

Travel from London to Bonn by Eurostar and high speed rail. Arrive Bonn by late afternoon, in time to enjoy a mug of mulled wine and sample the culinary delights of the local Christmas Market, right next to the landmark cathedral.

You are based here for the next 4 nights.

Coffee, cake and mulled wine will be served on the train. On the return to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, you are free to enjoy the local Christmas Market, which is near the main station and attractively framed by the impressive cathedral. Here you may once again embark on a culinary journey of discovery and sample typical festive fare. (B)

Friday 29th November

Saturday 30th November

Today you sample the famed ‘Vulcan Express’ on the Brohltbahn heritage railway, which runs for 18 km from Brohl to Engeln in the heart of the beautiful Rhineland.

The star attraction is the mighty 0-4-4-0 Mallet tank engine No. 11, which will haul your privately chartered steam train and along the way pause for run-pasts.

After breakfast you take a DB Intercity service on the wold famous railway line through the River Rhine Gorge to Frankfurt am Main, passing beautiful rock formations like the Loreley, stunning hilltop castles and terraced vineyards.

You arrive in Frankfurt by late morning and transfer by tramway to the local steam railway at the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum. This delightful narrow gauge railway has one of the largest

Thursday 28th November London to Bonn by rail

Steam in the Rhineland with giant Mallet at the Brohltalbahn and Bonn Christmas Market

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Rhine Gorge Railway and Steam in Frankfurt

600 mm gauge (two foot) steam locomotive collections in Europe and also runs through a charming park. After visiting the collection of 20 steam locomotives in the well appointed museum shed, you will have a private steam charter, which will include numerous run-pasts and photo stops, skillfully organized by the volunteer crew.

In the afternoon you venture to the Old Town of Frankfurt where you enjoy refreshments at the city’s famous Christmas Market and can take a stroll along the beautifully illuminated River Main. In the early evening you return to Bonn, this time taking an ICE on the direct high speed line by ICE. (B) Sunday 1st December

At leisure in Bonn and Drachenfels scenic rack railway

You may use the tranquil hours of Sunday morning to sightsee in Bonn or use your complimentary public transport ticket to travel

on the city’s extensive tramway network.

In the afternoon you take a service train to Königswinter to ride the famed Drachenfels (Dragon’s Rock) rack railway high above the River Rhine. This impressively engineered line is just one of four rack railways in Germany.

Originally opened in 1883, the Drachenfelsbahn is only operated by vintage electric trains and from the top offers sweeping views of the Rhineland. You return to Bonn in the late afternoon with more time for leisure and discovery in the city. (B) Monday 2nd December

Arrival in the Harz Mountains, Sightseeing in Halberstadt by vintage tramway

The time has come to leave the Rhineland and head east to the Harz Mountains in Central Germany. You take a DB ICE from Köln Hbf to Hannover, from where you have a direct private coach transfer to the Harz region, first stopping in the early afternoon in the historic medieval city of Halberstadt. Famed for its soaring spires and stunning churches, this city boats a compact tramway and you will discover its scenic delights on a private sightseeing tour with a vintage 1920s tram. Following a private tour of the heritage depot, you continue by coach the short distance to Wernigerode, where you will be based for the rest of the holiday. After a hearty dinner at the hotel, you are free to wander to

the formidable Wernigerode steam shed for night-time observation of the steam locomotives simmering outside, making great use of the attractive viewing tower. (B D) Tuesday 3rd December to Thursday 5th December Steam and leisure in the Harz Mountains

Tour Summary Tour price

£1995

Single supplement £295

For the next three days you are free to make the most of your complimentary HSB rover ticket, which will allow you to travel the length of Germany’s largest narrow gauge railway network. Enjoy unlimited steam in the snow to the summit of Mount Brocken, an experience that never gets old, or ride on the long trunk line to Eisfelder Talmühle. The choice is yours and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise you of the connections. Each evening a hotel dinner is included. (B D)

Ground only £1750 (Bonn – Wernigerode)

Friday 6th December

• Private charter steam trains as per program

Return to London

In the morning you have a comfortable and convenient coach transfer from Wernigerode to Hannover, where you board DB ICE to Cologne.

From there you continue by high speed rail to Brussels, where you connect on to Eurostar back to London. (B)

Price includes: • 8 Nights accommodation, 4 nights in Bonn and 4 Nights in Wernigerode • 8 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners • Unlimited steam in the snow with your HSB 3-day network rover • All train travel as detailed in the itinerary • Private sightseeing vintage tram ride as per the program • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Tony Streeter

EUROPE TOUR – 9 Days

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Sri Lanka – The Viceroy Special Friday 9th February to Saturday 24th February 2024 Explore ‘the finest island in the whole world’ (Marco Polo) on the impressive Viceroy Special Train as you discover the exotic wildlife, holy Buddhist sites, verdant landscapes, unspoilt beaches and rich colonial heritage of this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean.

• Your ‘Viceroy Special’ train comprises two air-conditioned lounge cars and a restaurant and bar car, hauled by British-built Edwardian steam locomotives of the classic 4-6-0 type or diesel locomotive.

• Staying at the best hotels you journey on the Viceroy Special past tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and lush forests as you visit the outstanding historical sites of an island whose recorded history stretches back 2,500 years.

• Countless tour highlights include visits to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a trip to the sacred Buddhist ‘Tree of Enlightenment’ and a jeep safari to Minneriya National Park, heavily populated by wild elephants.

• Discover Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural centre and the sacred city of Buddhism, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and visit the Temple of the Tooth, housing one of Sri Lanka’s most important relics – a tooth of the Buddha.

• With fine cuisine, luxury accommodation and travel and an abundance of photo opportunities, this exotic holiday is a must for even the most seasoned traveller and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those new to steam travel tours.

Friday 9th February Fly to Colombo

You leave London on a mid-morning in-direct flight to Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo.

Saturday 10th February

Steam train from the Airport to Kandy via Elephant Orphanage

You arrive at Colombo Airport early morning and transfer to the nearby railway station.

Here you join the Viceroy Special, a chartered train hauled by B1 class 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 340 ‘Sir Thomas Maitland’. Breakfast and lunch will be served on the train as you travel to Kandy. En-route you stop to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular animal attractions. Later you continue 36

along the spectacular route into the hills, there will be a stop in Kadugannawa to visit the Railway Museum. On arrival at Kandy you transfer to the luxury 5-star Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the afternoon before dinner. (B L D)

many colonial style homes with English-type lawns and gardens looking out across a placid lake. You enjoy a visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens following which the rest of the day is free to relax. You’ll stay at the impressive Grand Hotel tonight, where dinner will be served.

(B L D)

Sunday 11th February

Kandy to Nuwara-Eliya, the highest town on Sri Lanka

Monday 12th February

Today your special train will be hauled by a diesel locomotive as you travel from Kandy into the sublime green heights of Sri Lanka’s hill country, passing tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and verdant forests. You stop at Nanu Oya village, from where you transfer by road coach to Nuwara Eliya, the highest town on the island. It boasts

After an early breakfast you transfer by coach to the Nanu-Oya Railway Station for a oneday excursion on the Viceroy Special along the highlands railway to the mountain terminus station of Badulla. This rail journey is rated one of the world’s best. The rolling hills are strewn with tea plantations, gushing streams and cascading

Nuwara-Eliya to Badulla and back

waterfalls. En-route, photo stops at Pattipola Summit Level (15 minutes), Idalgashinna View Point (5 Minutes), a run Past at Demodera Nine Arch Bridge (30 minutes) and a photo stop at Demodera Loop (15 minutes) will be staged.

Lunch, tea and coffee will be served on the train.

On this scenic journey you descend from the heights of Nuwara Eliya at nearly 2,000 metres down to Badulla at 680 metres on the banks of the Badulu Oya (river). The railway features numerous spirals, loops, spectacular viaducts and quaint colonial stations. You then enjoy a sightseeing tour of Badulla by tuk tuks, before returning to Nuwara Eliya by either coach or on board the train. You stay overnight again at The Grand Hotel. (B L D) Tuesday 13th February Nuwara-Eliya

This morning, you have a guided tour of NuwaraEliya scheduled, which includes a visit to the Pedro Estate Tea Plantation & Factory. The rest of the day has been kept free for you to explore Nuwara-Eliya, the self-styled ‘Little England’ set in a scenic valley at the base of the island’s tallest mountain, Piduruthalagala. Colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows and pretty gardens abound here, and the parks, Lake Gregory, the post office and the market place offer excellent reasons to stroll around. You stay overnight again at The Grand Hotel. (B L D) Wednesday 14th February Viceroy Special to Kandy

This morning you re-join the diesel hauled Viceroy Special at Nanu Oya. The train descends between mountain ranges through thickly wooded areas to the interior of the island at Kandy for a tour of this sacred city of Buddhism. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings, is Sri Lanka’s cultural centre, and has now become a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tour highlight is the famous Temple of the Tooth, housing one of Sri Lanka’s most important relics – a tooth of the Buddha.

In the evening you visit the Kandy Lake Club for a memorable cultural pageant and to watch a firewalking show. Overnight accommodation is at the Mahaweli Reach Hotel this evening. (B L D) Thursday 15th February

Kandy to Habarana – Visit Golden Temple; Lion’s Rock

You travel by road coach this morning to Habarana, en route you stop off at Dambulla to visit the impressive Golden Temple, a multicave complex containing statues and paintings.

Following lunch at your hotel Habarana you visit

the 600-foot-high ‘Lion’s Rock’. This massive ancient fortress and palace ruins is surrounded by one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Your accommodation tonight is at the luxury Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Habarana. (B L D) Tour Summary Friday 16th February

Minneriya National Park; Steam Train to Trincomalee

This morning after breakfast, you have a Jeep safari to Minneriya National Park, which is heavily populated by wild elephants, after which you join a special train, hauled by steam locomotive No. 251, at Gal-Oya Junction Station and travel northeastwards via to Trincomalee, sited on one the world’s finest natural harbours. Lunch is served on the train. On arrival at Trincomalee you visit the Fort Fredrick and the famous Hindu Temple built on Swami Rock within the fort area. In the evening you transfer to the 4-star Chaaya Blu Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

(B L D) Saturday 17th February

By steam from Trincomalee to Passekudah (Batticaloa)

After breakfast you re-join the Viceroy Special at Trincomalee Station. Your train will be hauled by steam locomotive No. 251 as you return first to Galoya Junction. Here you change direction and head south-eastwards along the Batticaloa branch line. Lunch is served on the train.

On arrival at Valachchenai you transfer to an idyllic beach resort at Passikudah. Batticaloa enjoys a spectacular coastal position surrounded by idyllic lagoons with palm-filtered sunlight glancing off the water. Batticaloa District is also home to the pristine beaches of Kalkudah and Passikudah Bay, and you are free to explore the area at leisure. You stay overnight at the Uga Beach Resort.

(B L D)

Tour price

£6695

Single supplement £935 Ground only £5950 (Colombo – Colombo) Price includes: • 14 Nights hotel accommodation • 15 Breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners • All rail travel shown • All visits and coach journeys shown and entrance fees • All entrance fees • Services of a tour manager • Services of a National Tour Guide Beach Extension Price per person

£595

Single Supplement £295 Price includes: • 3 nights all Inclusive accommodation • Ground transfers All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Sunday 18th February

Batticaloa beach resort leisure

After breakfast, you have a free day at your beach resort with options to join a boat trip and do some sightseeing, or simply relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beaches. In the afternoon you can enjoy a sightseeing tour of Batticaloa.

Batticaloa, situated on the flat Indian Ocean eastern coastal plain where three lagoons and several islands link to the mainland by bridges.

Your sightseeing tour includes a walk around the parapet of the small fort, and visits to the Catholic Church and Mahatma Ghandi Park.

You spend the night at Uga Bay Beach Resort once more. (B L D) WORLD TOUR – 16 Days

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Monday 19th February Steam Train to Maho

This morning you travel by road coach to Galoya, here your steam train will be waiting for you.

Steaming south-westwards, you pass through areas where elephants roam wild in the jungle.

Lunch is served on the train before arriving at Maho Junction. Once you arrive Maho, you will transfer by coach north to Anuradhapura.

Overnight accommodation in Anuradhapura or nearby. (B L D)

to the historical city of Anuradhapura.

There are approximately 30 species of mammals in the Wilpattu National Park which include the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri, Spotted Deer, Buffalo, Sambar and Mongoose. After your safari ride, you transfer by coach to Puttalam to join the Viceroy train and travel down the west-coast to Mount Lavinia, your charter train will be diesel hauled. Overnight accommodation in Mount Lavinia. (B LD) Thursday 22nd February

Tuesday 20th February

Mount Lavinia to Galle by ‘Viceroy Steam’ Train

Following breakfast this morning you commence on a guided tour of one of the historic capitals of Sri Lanka, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sacred city features many ancient ruins, including huge bell-shaped stupas built of small sun-dried bricks, temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient drinking-water reservoirs. You’ll visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya ‘Tree of Enlightenment’, alleged to be the oldest living tree in the world.

In the afternoon you transfer by coach to Wilpattu for overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Today you set off on your journey aboard the Viceroy Special. Departing Mount Lavinia you steam south through outer suburbs and along the coast. The line frequently runs parallel to the beach allowing great sea views. Lunch is served on board before you arrive in Galle for a tour, finishing at the World Heritage-listed old fort complex known as the ‘Ramparts of Galle’.

Annexed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and extensively fortified by subsequent Dutch and British custodians, the fort has a remarkable oldworld atmosphere after 500 years of occupation.

The minimalistic, stately and elegant Lighthouse Hotel is another Sri Lankan gem designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Dinner and accommodation tonight is at the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel Galle overlooking the Indian Ocean. (B L D)

Anuradhapura, the ancient capital

Wednesday 21st February

Wilpattu National Park: Viceroy train from Puttalam to Mount Lavinia

This morning you travel to Wilpattu National Park for a half day jeep safari. Wilpattu sanctuary was decalred as a National Park in 1938, Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast close

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Friday 23rd February

Viceroy Train (Diesel Haul) from Galle to Matara and Beliatte

Today we embark on the last leg of our journey aboard the Viceroy Special, this time hauled by diesel. Journey eastwards through the outer suburbs and along the coast. The line runs parallel most of the time to Matara and then beyond through the country side allowing great views of the rural village life. At Matara dis-embark and do a coach tour to Weherahena Temple, the Snake Conservation Centre, and the star-shaped Fortress built in 1560 by Portuguese which consists of a large stone rampart. Lunch served on the train. Late afternoon return to Galle and enjoy the evening and overnight at Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel (B,L,D) Saturday 24th February Return to UK

After breakfast in the hotel, if you have not opted for the beach extension you transfer to the airport for your direct flight back home. (B)

BEACH EXTENSION Saturday 24th to Monday 26th February (Both days Inclusive) 3 Day Beach Extension

If you have opted for the Beach Extension you transfer by road coach from Lighthouse Hotel Galle to the RIU Ahungalla Hotel for three nights all inclusive accommodation (B L D)

Wednesday 27th February Return to UK

You have a morning departure from the hotel for your afternoon flight direct to London Heathrow.

(B) Tour Summary Tour price

£6695

Single supplement £935 Ground only £5950 (Colombo – Colombo) Price includes: • 14 Nights hotel accommodation • 15 Breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners • All rail travel shown • All visits and coach journeys shown and entrance fees • All entrance fees • Services of a tour manager • Services of a National Tour Guide Beach Extension Price per person

£595

Single Supplement £295 Price includes: • 3 nights all Inclusive accommodation • Ground transfers All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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WORLD TOUR – 16 Days

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Via Rail

Via Rail

Holland America

Canada by Rail and Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise Monday 20th May to Monday 10th June 2024 Travelling by train is one of the finest ways to see Canada. We travel on the famous “Ocean” and “Canadian” trains and watch as this vast and beautiful country unfolds before our eyes. Can there be a better way to see the wide open spaces of the Prairies or cross the world famous Rocky Mountains, where the railway routes are amongst the most beautiful in the world? Our tour includes time spent in the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. We cruise the Inside Passage between Vancouver in British Columbia and Juneau in Alaska. This is a coastal route for ocean going vessels along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific Coast of North America. Cruise ships using this world famous waterway provide unrivalled views of the rocky coastline; allow glimpses of the world’s most undisturbed landscapes; take you wonderfully close to glaciers; and offer opportunities to see rare wildlife such as whales, eagles, porpoises and bears. This is a trip of a lifetime!

Monday 20th May

Flight to Halifax, Nova Scotia

We take a flight from London Heathrow to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and arrive in the mid afternoon. We transfer to the city and check in to our hotel for the next two nights. Halifax has one of the world’s great natural harbours which has given it a rich maritime history. (D) Tuesday 21st May

Free day in Halifax

Spend the day enjoying all that Halifax has to offer. (B D)

very scenic route in eastern Canada. We can relax and enjoy the superb scenery as we travel through Nova Scotia, the forests of eastern New Brunswick, and the lower St. Lawrence River valley. Our accommodation will be in sleeper cabins. (B L D) Thursday 23rd May Arrive in Montreal

We arrive in Montreal in the morning.

Today you will have a free day to enjoy Montreal and explore the many attractions and sights of this vibrant city. Check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D)

Wednesday 22nd May

“The Ocean” to Montreal

This morning we board a luxury train at Halifax Station for the journey to Montreal. “The Ocean” has operated for more than a century along a 40

seating and along a route following the St. Lawrence River valley and to the west of Lake Ontario. Light meals and refreshments are available to purchase during the journey.

We have a mid afternoon arrival in Toronto where we transfer to a hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D)

Friday 24th May

Montreal to Toronto

Today, you will board a high speed connection to Toronto. We travel in comfort with spacious

Saturday 25th May Niagara Falls

Today, a real highlight awaits, you board a morning train and depart to Niagara Falls.

Travelling through the Canadian countryside to one of the most famous destinations in the world. Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls and spans the border between the Province of Ontario and the State of New York in the United States. Spend the day immersed in the wonder and beauty of this iconic location.

Afterwards, you board a service train and travel back to Toronto. Where you will once again enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B D) Sunday 26th May

The Canadian

After breakfast, you will board Canada’s premier train “The Canadian”, travelling Sleeper train.

We sleep on the train for four nights in cabins which feature a large window with blind, two chairs, and a private washroom with small WC and sink. (B L D) Monday 27th May Crossing Canada

“The Canadian” is a transcontinental passenger train operated by Via Rail Canada which crosses four time zones on it’s 4,466 km (2,775 miles) journey. After breakfast, we spend the day relaxing on the train as it travels through spectacular scenery where the sheer size and drama of the landscape makes it much more than ‘countryside’. This is big country, empty but for scattered small communities like Gogama which is typical of the settlements along this section that were created in order to service locomotives. We stop at Hornepayne, which began as a railway town but where today the major industry is wood. We eat on-board “The Canadian” and spend another night in our cosy on-board bedrooms. (B L D) Tuesday 28th May Winnipeg

We are now in the Central Time zone and cross the border from Ontario into Manitoba before reaching its capital Winnipeg. The city was originally the hub of the Canadian fur trade due to its strategic location at the junction of three rivers. Today the “Peg” is a city as diverse as the whole of Canada and a destination for architecture, rivers, history, arts, and museums.

Leaving Winnipeg we travel westwards crossing the Prairies, the huge undulating plains that span the three provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. (B L D) Wednesday 29th May The Rocky Mountains

During the night we pass into the Mountain Time zone and early in the morning our train arrives at Edmonton. Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is located in the beautiful North Saskatchewan River valley. We continue our journey passing through rolling countryside before climbing into the Rockies and arriving in Jasper. Here we have a short break to stretch our legs before we continue our journey to Vancouver. (B L D)

Thursday 30th May Vancouver

Our train arrives at Vancouver Station today.

Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains. You will check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation for the next two nights.

Spend the rest of the day exploring this vibrant city. (B D) Friday 31st May

Free Day in Vancouver

Today you have a free day in Vancouver.

Spend the day exploring the many sights and attractions that Vancouver has to offer.

Overnight accommodation will once again be at your hotel in Vancouver. (B D) Saturday 1st June

Cruise – The Inside Passage Alaska

We transfer to the harbour in the afternoon and board the Holland America Line cruise ship MS “Koningsdam” for the voyage to Alaska.

We shall navigate the Inside Passage, a world famous waterway which is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by a host of little islands and only accessible by sea and air. (B D) Sunday 2nd June

The Inside Passage

The fabled Inside Passage is one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world, and one of the few where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls. We spend a relaxing day cruising the Inside Passage viewing rugged capes, cliffs, glaciers, fjords, forests and never-ending dramatic scenery along the two thousand miles of channels, passes, straits and islands. Late in the evening we navigate the tight passage of the Seymour Narrows and the Grenville Channel between Pitt Island and the mainland. (B L D) Monday 3rd June

Juneau, capital of Alaska

This morning we cruise into Tracy Arm Fjord where seals and whales make their home and the shoreline is spotted with waterfalls created by melting snow-caps. The dramatic Sawyer Glaciers at the end of the fjord are framed by mountains and are habitat for bears, wolves, deer and moose. Shortly after lunch time we arrive in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The city is unusual in that there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska, it can only be accessed by air or water. It is known for the surrounding glaciers and lush rain forest that make up the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the USA. Juneau is known for its adventure activities

Tour Summary Price per person £8395 Based on two sharing a double/twin room Single occupancy £12295 Ground only £7795 Based on two sharing a double/twin room Single occupancy £11695 (Halifax – Vancouver) Price includes: • Scheduled flights from London to Halifax and from Vancouver to London • 8 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in quality hotels • A days rail travel with overnight accommodation on “The Ocean” • A visit to Niagara Falls • 4 days on “The Canadian” with overnight accommodation on the train • Other meals as shown • 7 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown) • All transfers • The services of a tour manager throughout All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Holland America

and one of its top attractions is the massive Mendenhall Glacier which is about 19 km (12 miles) long. Our ship departs after dinner.

(B L D)

tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world. It is an incredible experience to watch a colossal chunk of ice split off from a glacier and thunder into the sea, the impact shooting water hundreds of feet into the air. (B L D)

Tuesday 4th June

Skagway; White Pass and Yukon Railway

We arrive at Skagway and spend the day in the historic Gold Rush town that was the gateway to the Klondike. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park tells the story and preserves some of the original structures. Today there is an option to ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railway to White Pass summit (at extra cost).

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railway is one of the most scenic in the world, offering a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels and historic sites. Our ship leaves Skagway late in the evening. (B L D) Wednesday 5th June Cruise Glacier Bay

Today we cruise in Glacier Bay where the spectacular scenery and wildlife make it a highlight of the cruise. The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes tidewater glaciers, snowcapped rugged mountains, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords. We shall see a temperate rainforest of spruce trees growing to 120 feet high and our ship will spend time in front of a glacier. Glacier Bay has more actively calving

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Thursday 6th June Visit to Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a major port located on Revillagigedo Island and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. The area contains deep water fjords which were created by retreating glaciers, leaving granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls plunging into placid waters. Ketchikan clings to the shores of the Tongass Narrows, with many shops and houses built right out over the water.

The town calls itself the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and a salmon stream flows past the town’s historic Creek Street. The town is home to many museums, galleries and shops and its main attractions are the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park with its display of native Indian totems, and Saxman Village.

Our ship sails in the early evening. (B L D)

Via Rail

Saturday 8th June

Return to Vancouver

We arrive back at Vancouver in the morning after your unforgettable Alaskan cruise.

This evening we stay in a centrally located hotel for your final night in Canada where you will enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers. (B D) Sunday 9th June

Free time in Vancouver

There will be free time to explore Vancouver this morning, a city of rich cultural diversity where North America and Asia meet. An integrated transport system of buses, rapid transit (SkyTrain) and passenger ferry (SeaBus) serve the three parts of the city: the Westside, the Eastside and city centre. Gastown (Chinatown), the market area of Granville Island, the beaches of Stanley Park, and the Strait of Georgia are all of note. In the afternoon we transfer to Vancouver airport for the flight back to London Heathrow. (B) Monday 10th June Arrival in the UK

We arrive at London Heathrow in the afternoon.

Friday 7th June

Cruise the Inside Passage

Today we continue to cruise the Inside Passage on our journey south. (B L D)

MS Koningsdam – Cruise Ship • The elegant Dining Room • Pinnacle Grill • Lido Market • Swimming pool, ocean spa and fitness centre • Casino and movie theatre • Accommodation is in E or C Ocean-view staterooms (approx. 175 sq ft) • Meals are included and are available on board (drinks are not included outside of meal times and will need to be purchased separately).

Normally only water is provided during mealtimes in the restaurant) • All shore excursions are not included

The Canadian – Luxury Train: • Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included whilst on board (alcoholic drinks are not included) • All cabins are equipped with a toilet & washbasin. There are no ensuite shower facilities in the cabins, these are outside in the carriage All of the cabins on The Ocean and The Canadian for double occupancy are twin cabins with stacked single beds.

Please note, there is no Observation Car on The Ocean.

The Ocean – Luxury Train: • Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included whilst on board (alcoholic drinks are not included) • All cabins are equipped with a toilet & washbasin some with showers. For those cabins without a shower, there are separate showers in the carriage

Tour Summary Price per person £8395 Based on two sharing a double/twin room Single occupancy £12295 Ground only £7795 Based on two sharing a double/twin room Single occupancy £11695 (Halifax – Vancouver) Price includes: • Scheduled flights from London to Halifax and from Vancouver to London • 8 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in quality hotels • A days rail travel with overnight accommodation on “The Ocean” • A visit to Niagara Falls • 4 days on “The Canadian” with overnight accommodation on the train • Other meals as shown • 7 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown) • All transfers • The services of a tour manager throughout All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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

Holland America

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Via Rail

WORLD TOUR – 22 Days

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Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour Friday 23rd August to Sunday 8th September 2024 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. 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.

• You’ll start in Denver, with a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum, as well as a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Travel on the Georgetown Loop and Leadville Railways.

• Visit Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway – the highest cog railway in the world and the ‘Garden of the Gods’ National Natural Monument.

• More highlights include Canon City, with a trip on Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad, and journeys with the narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Railroad.

• The holiday continues with a visit to the Sand Dunes National Monument.

• You continue your adventure in true Wild West style as you’ll explore historic Durango and travel on the Durango and Silverton Railroad.

• 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’.

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 five nights at you centrally located hotel. 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 44

exhibits before enjoying a ride on a Galloping 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 12,000 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. (B)

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 10,430 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

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

En route you will visit the 1,367-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 hotel for the next two nights.

The evening is yours to explore and find dinner.

(B) Thursday 29th August

Pikes Peak Cog Railway and charming Manitou Springs

After breakfast, you transfer by coach to Manitou Springs to travel up Pikes Peak Cog Railway, at 14,115 feet the highest cog railway in the world. The train winds past waterfalls and through aspen and pine forest on a special track, sometimes hitting a grade of 24%! 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 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, 1,000-foot granite cliffs of Colorado’s Royal Gorge. You’ll travel in Vista Dome class, seated in enclosed, glassdomed iconic carriages with full access to the open-air gondola car, which is ideal for superb sight lines and unrestricted photography.

After your trip you continue by coach to Alamosa and check-in to your hotel for the next three nights. (B L) Saturday 31st August

Cumbres & Toltec Railroad and San Luis Valley Brewery Visit

After breakfast you have a morning departure from Antonito on board the train to Osier, there’s a chance to take photos here as run pasts will be staged. You’ll enjoy lunch at Osier Station. Returning to Antonito you’ll then visit San Luis Valley Brewery and Restaurant for dinner. (B L D) Sunday 1st September

Steam at the world famous Cumbres and Toltec Railroad

This morning you experience the Antonito Excursion at the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad.

First you transfer by specially arranged motorcoach from Antonito to Chama stopping at Osier for lunch. Afterwards, you board the train from Chama and travel back to Antonito.

You travel to Antonito by steam train with allocated seating, enjoying the panoramic views of the authentic Western scenery. Overnight accommodation is again in Alamosa. (B L)

Tour Summary Tour price

£5695

Single supplement £695 Ground only £5295 (Denver – Denver) Price includes: • Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return • 15-nights accommodation in quality hotels • 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner • All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.

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Monday 2nd September

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 to 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 WORLD TOUR – 17 Days

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Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

largest town in southwest Colorado. Afterwards, you will check-in to your hotel for the next two nights. Dinner tonight is at your own leisure. (B) 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 1st Class which provides complimentary morning pastries, non-alcoholic beverages and custom first-class amenities.

You’ll arrive back in Durango late afternoon. (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-the-

Andrew Jackson

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scenes 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) Thursday 5th September Grand Junction

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

Andrew Jackson

This morning after breakfast you’ll travel on the Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’, departing Grand Junction at mid morning, reckoned 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) Sunday 8th September

Friday 6th September

Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’ to Denver

Andrew Jackson

Arrival in London

You arrive back in London at midday.

Andrew Jackson

Tour Summary Tour price

£5695

Single supplement £695 Ground only £5295 (Denver – Denver) Price includes: • Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return • 15-nights accommodation in quality hotels • 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner • All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary • The services of a tour manager Andrew Jackson

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

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Andrew Jackson

WORLD TOUR – 17 Days

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Booking Information The attraction of trains.

By their very nature, trains, especially steam hauled trains, attract enthusiasts. Our tours will always include a number of photographic opportunities in the form of false starts and run pasts where this is practical and possible. Where possible, we also arrange locomotive footplate rides, museum and depot visits. Many of our customers do not have the same exclusive interest in trains shown by some enthusiasts; therefore, we keep in mind the need to diversify our tour programmes. We do this by including visits to castles and historic houses, and to wildlife parks, using accommodation in resort style hotels, and providing free time for shopping and exploring. Nevertheless the main attraction and therefore the emphasis of our tours is travel by train, which includes the nostalgia, the companionship on board, and the passing scenery. We consider that those travelling on our tours will see more scenery and in greater comfort than by road coach or cruise liner.

Schedules and services.

We arrange and advertise tours in good faith. Many scheduled railway organisations – train operators and track operators – only work two months ahead and therefore cannot confirm final schedules to us until that ‘window’.Likewise we cannot confirm and advise final numbers for a tour until full balances have been received from tour customers. Tours may be subject to occasional rescheduling or re-routing. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that each of our tours runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible.

Fire risk.

In many countries at times of exceptionally dry weather, coal fired steam locomotives may be banned from operating and diesel or electric traction may have to be substituted. Oil fired steam locomotives however are normally still allowed to operate. The Railway Touring Company cannot accept any responsibility for steam bans during times of high fire risk.

Seat reservations and overnight travel arrangements.

On some trains seat reservations are by individual seats, on others by block booking or complete carriage. Since the railways concerned make the allocations, we have to accept and be flexible about the seating arrangements. Where overnight travel is necessary we will arrange either to stay in a convenient hotel en route, to use one of the newer ‘hotel trains’, or to book Standard Class twin berth sleeper car trains (First Class is often single berth). These decisions are made on the basis of the length of the journey, the range of scenery likely to be missed by overnight travel, and the accommodation options available.

Porterage.

Some tours include porterage between stations and hotels; some include full luggage transfers between hotels, using either a supplementary road coach or scheduled ‘luggage in advance’ facilities. Porterage, where advertised, is included in the cost. However, there will be occasions when porters are not available or included and it will be each customer’s responsibility to handle their own luggage.

Luggage and Passenger Assistance Whilst most major stations are equipped with lifts, escalators or walking ramps, not all smaller stations feature these facilities. We therefore recommend that you use a lightweight case with wheels, to allow you to best handle it. Please also ensure that your packed case is still light enough for you to successfully lift it in and out of trains and to enable you to walk comfortably with it. You will be responsible for your own luggage whilst on holiday. Passenger Assistance can be booked upon request, if required and necessary. Please let us know prior to the start of the holiday, should you require assistance.

Accommodation.

We aim to use 3 or 4-star designated hotels throughout our tours as this offers us the standards of hospitality, catering and service that we would wish for our customers.

We also seek out establishments which are either conveniently located for the railways in order to minimize transfers, or which afford some unique character. Where we cannot meet either of these criteria we ensure the best and most comfortable accommodation is available.

Single supplements.

We are pleased to advise that we do not financially benefit from single supplement charges. Supplement charges only apply due to hoteliers charging higher rates for rooms that are solely occupied. All of our prices listed are per person based on two persons sharing. Therefore, any room that is solely occupied does incur a charge, whether it be a single or double room. If a double room is preferred please state your preference at the time of booking in order for us to obtain a quote, double rooms for single use may be slightly more expensive than the single supplement stated. All other elements of our tours are priced on a per person rate, so no extra fees are applied for solo travellers.

Food and drink.

Meals will be taken on trains, boats, planes, in hotels and restaurants and even al-fresco, picnic or packed! Mindful of the diversity of our customer’s tastes we try to adopt a ‘middle of the road’ approach when choosing menus. We must also accept the limitations of on-board catering and marvel at the success that chefs regularly achieve in the confines of train kitchens. Hotel and restaurant meals are usually a set menu, with options for special dietary needs. If customers have any special dietary requirements they must please ensure we know them at the time of booking. In this way we can make the necessary arrangements for customers with special requirements. Some of our tours include alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee, in which case this is clearly stated in tour information. Otherwise customers are responsible for their own refreshments.

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Booking Information Passports, visas and health issues.

Customers are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK, customers must ensure that there is at least six months validity remaining on their passports after returning back to the UK. We assume our customers are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right to reside in the UK. If a customer has a passport of another country or state, or one that indicates restrictions on return to their country of origin, then they must please contact us prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. We will advise customers of the requirements and processing arrangements for visas where they are required. We will offer any help we can in arranging customers’ visas. Health advice is dependent upon the destination, medical history and current health of each customer participating in a tour and we cannot assume any responsibility. Customers MUST seek advice from their GP or a travel medical centre.

Pre-tour and travel documents.

We will send out information to tour customers for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at the ‘balance due’ time.

If there is nothing significant to communicate then we will simply acknowledge that the customer’s balance of payment has been received.

We prepare and send a booklet of information to tour customers for all tours. This includes a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names, where advised, (to check on an old acquaintance, aide-memoir for names during the tour); the latest known itinerary with as much detail as necessary (including meal times/locations); emergency and general contact details; and usually some general and specific information about features of the tour programme. This is intentionally a small part of the information available and tour customers are advised to research and obtain detailed reference material, maps, schedules etc. appropriate to their particular interests. Air travel tickets are usually sent to us for onward despatch less than two weeks before travel – please don’t panic! Rail tickets are often group travel documents held by the Tour Manager. In this case tour customers will be provided with joining instructions, which must please be observed since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Tickets, vouchers and coupons for onward travel during a tour, are usually held and distributed by the Tour Manager. With regards to the Covid-19 pandemic you will be required to follow all measures laid out by the transport providers on your holiday, we will send details of these to you along with your tour documents prior to travel. We will advise you of the specific requirements for the countries you are visiting before travel, adhering to the www.gov.uk/coronavirus government guidance at the time of travel.

Travel insurance.

Many customers arrange their own travel insurance. The Railway Touring Company cannot assume any responsibility relating to travel insurance issues and customers should ensure that they are familiar with procedures should an incident occur. This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to obtain medical attention, but to hand over the customer to an appropriate and suitable authority. You will need to double check with your insurance providers that your terms cover you for such things like a pandemic i.e Covid-19 or if you fall ill whilst away and need emergency medical treatment, if you are unsure we highly advise you to contact your provider to see if you are covered, not all policies cover for this.

• If you have not purchased your holiday insurance you will be looking for the following standard of cover, Medical and repatriation costs if you become unwell with any coronavirus (including Covid-19) or contagious disease.

• If your trip or holiday has to be cancelled because you or a travelling companion are diagnosed with any coronavirus (including Covid-19) or contagious disease and are unable to travel.

• Emergency repatriation costs to bring you home if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) impose travel restrictions (while you’re at your destination), either in the UK or at your destination, and has requested you to return to the UK. Cancellations due to coronavirus will not be refunded less than 8 weeks prior to travel as per our terms and conditions. Claims for not travelling due to contracting Covid-19 or any other coronavirus or disease will need to be dealt with through your travel insurance provider.

However, we can assist with providing any paperwork/cancellation forms that may be needed.

Infirmity and disability.

Tour managers are responsible for the general care and well-being of the whole group and are neither available, nor trained or insured for individual ‘personal’ care. Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions.

Customers should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities available relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss customers’ concerns with them before they commit to a booking. We will attempt to accommodate and resolve any needs or problems caused by undisclosed mobility/dietary/general health issues but cannot accept responsibilities beyond those stated above. We would especially draw the attention of customers to the tours that visit high-altitude locations and the resulting possibility of cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Confidentiality, privacy and mailing lists.

Customers’ names and addresses have been obtained as a result of their response to advertisements, having been a previous customer or enquirer, or a referral from some other party. We do not share these details with anyone outside Warren Travel Ltd. trading as The Railway Touring Company or The Railway Touring Company Ltd. Customer’s personal details such as credit card numbers, travel arrangements, companions etc. will only be kept to be used within the requirements of tour operating. We are registered under the Data Protection Act. If one customer wishes to communicate with another customer, then please forward the stamped envelope/package to us. We will add the address and post on the mail. We will not divulge any addresses or telephone numbers. Please refer to our website for information regarding our Privacy Policy ensuring you fully understand it. Your acceptance of our Privacy Policy is deemed to occur upon your first use of Our Site.

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Booking Information 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Status The Railway Touring Company is a direct sell tour operator and retail travel agent. All parts of a customer’s holiday are covered by our TTA membership (number T726X), and the air travel for all of our customers’ holidays is covered by our ATOL membership (number T7149).

Warren Travel Ltd, trading as The Railway Touring Company, acts as a booking agent for the service providers whose terms and conditions of booking and carriage apply to our tours. Copies of these terms and conditions will be obtained from the relevant service providers and forwarded to customers on request. Tours will be confirmed and take place subject to minimum and maximum numbers booking.

Railway components of a tour are provided subject to the serviceability of motive power and stock, and the operating conditions prevailing at the time of the tour. In the event of a failure to operate services as advertised then ‘best’ alternatives will be provided.

Programme and prices Details of each tour programme and its cost are published in our tour brochure, in leaflets, by correspondence, or by amendments notified to customers. Customers are required to acknowledge their acceptance of this information.

Payments All tour bookings should be accompanied by payment of a deposit per person as follows: £200 for travel in the UK £250 for travel within Europe £350 for travel beyond Europe A confirmation of booking will be sent to customers which includes a statement of their account and a balance due date.

The balance of payment is required in time for us to pay our suppliers, usually twelve weeks before travel. There are occasions when we are required to pay for group tickets earlier than this and the balance due date will reflect this. During the period of time that we are establishing a viable tour group, deposits are fully refundable. Once we have confirmed the operation of a tour then deposits are not refundable. Due to the high costs involved with debit and credit card transactions our preferred methods of payments for balance payments are cheque or bank

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Booking Information 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 Customers may cancel their booking with us with no loss of deposit prior to the tour being confirmed as running. Tours are confirmed at approximately 12 weeks prior to departure or sooner if viable numbers are reached. Once a tour is confirmed as running, the following customer cancellation policy will apply for all our tours: Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before tour departure – loss of deposit Cancellation between 8-12 weeks prior to tour departure – 25% refund of tour cost Cancellation less than 8 weeks prior to tour departure – no refund Passports, visas and health Customers are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct travel documentation for tours, and this includes passports, visas and health certificates. We are willing to give advice on passport and visa requirements but customers should seek professional guidance on medical related matters. We shall obtain guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and tourist board where a security risk exists or arises in respect of a tour destination. This information will then be passed on to tour customers.

Prices Prices are determined against known exchange rates, fuel costs and tax regimes prevailing at 18th October 2022. The exchange rates used for prices quoted in this brochure are as follows: £1 = 1.15 Euros £1 = 1.16 US Dollars £1 = 1.1 Swiss Francs £1 = 11.58 Norwegian Kroner In the event of significant changes we must reserve the right to amend prices.

A NO SMOKING policy will be pursued where we have the control or influence over the service that we are providing on our tour.

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

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

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

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Booking Information Extra tours and tour updates Throughout the year we keep pace with an ever-changing world. It is often possible to initiate new tours after our brochure has gone to press, and to make alterations to published information, so please check our website for the most up-to-date information.

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

Booking information Customers should ensure that they read all our Booking Information before booking a holiday with us.

Pre-tour and post-tour UK hotels and holiday parking We are able to arrange customers’ pre-tour and post-tour hotel accommodation, car parking, coach and train travel, and connecting flights.

Customers may wish to consider staying overnight before and/or after travel on one of our tours. A night in a conveniently located hotel before departure or after return can mean that the customer begins or ends the tour more rested and relaxed. It may also avoid the frustrations and anxieties of early morning and late evening travel.

Pre-booked car parking can also be arranged for customers.

Examples:Airport hotels with holiday parking • Gatwick from £120 per room • Heathrow from £150 per room • Stansted from £125 per room Secured airport parking • Gatwick from £9.00 per day • Heathrow from £18.00 per day • Stansted from £9.00 per day Travel by road coach from and to the customer’s local town together with overnight hotel accommodation can be arranged. Prices are available on request. Rail tickets from and to the customer’s home railway station to the tour departure point can only be booked where two or more passengers are travelling together. Prices are available on request.

The prices quoted above are correct at the time of print and may be subject to change and can vary depending on your preferences.

UK connecting flights We are willing to make enquiries and, where possible, arrange connecting flights from the customer’s local airport to the main tour departure point.

Prices are available on request.

Travel insurance Due to changes in the travel insurance regulations we are no longer able to sell travel insurance direct to our customers. We can however recommend and send to customers details of travel insurance through Holiday Extras, in conjunction with the Travel Trust Association. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to receive details of this insurance.

Covid-19 We do not accept any liability for travellers that are unable to participate on their pre-booked holidays, should they be taken ill, chose not to travel or decide to cancel their holiday.

EST. 1997

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Reservation Form Title.....................Forename...................................................................Surname................................................................. DOB*.................

Title.....................Forename...................................................................Surname................................................................. DOB*................. *DOB = Date of Birth Please ensure your names are as they appear in your passport.

Address of first named.................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... Phone..............................................................

Please reserve the (tour title).........................................................................................................................................................................

Indicate your requirements/preferences: Twin bedded room ■ Double bedded room ■ Single room(s) ■ (Please tick) Where options are available for the tour (i.e. choice of travel) please clearly state your choice(s). .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please also specify any dietary or health related requirements. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The deposit is £350 per person outside Europe, £250 per person within Europe and £200 per person for UK tours. The balance/full fare is due 12 weeks before travel; dates will be advised on your confirmation. As stated in our booking information a Fidelity Policy will be added at the time of booking.

I enclose a cheque (payable to THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY CLIENT ACCOUNT).

Please charge my credit or debit card for: £.................................... deposit ■ full fare ■ (Please tick) Card Number..................................................................................................................

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

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

Please accept my booking on the terms and conditions as stated in this brochures booking information pages and on our website, railwaytouring.net

Please sign and date.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Please send this form to: The Railway Touring Company, The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL.

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Meet the Team

Hollie Kimber

Operations Manager

Rachel Jackson

Allison Sanders

Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Kelly Osborne

Managing Director

Julia Barrett

Annabelle Benjamin

Office Assistant

Operations Assistant

Jade Mott

Operations Assistant

Our friendly team are available to answer any questions and to help you make a booking – please feel free to contact us on 01553 661 500 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm or by email to enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk

Online Shopping Visit our online shop to purchase themed Railway Touring Company merchandise.

Currently Bookmarks, Greeting Cards and Postcards. We will be adding to our range as new products become available. www.railwaytouring.net/shop/

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Online Brochures

Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.co.uk to view and download our latest UK Day Trips, UK and Worldwide Holiday Brochures for 2023/24.

EST. 1997

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The Railway Touring Company The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL Phone: 01553 661 500 – Fax: 01553 661 800 Web: www.railwaytouring.net – E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk Design and Artwork - LucidSynergy Ltd - www.lucidsynergy.com