Worldwide Rail Holidays 2026 E-Brochure by LucidSynergy Ltd

Welcome

Dear Customer,

We’re delighted to share our 2026 Worldwide Rail Holiday brochure with you, showcasing a diverse range of tours across some of the world’s most impressive destinations.

Explore brand new trips including Southern and Central France, Vintage Tramways of Prague and the Czech Republic, and the Czech Austrian Steam Gala. Journeys on historic trains and trams take you through stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, from France’s scenic rural railways and mountain lines to vintage tram rides and behind-the-scenes experiences in the Czech Republic, offering a captivating mix of culture, history and scenery.

With a friendly and expert team by your side, we make planning your holiday simple and stress-free, supporting you every step of the way. We’re dedicated to creating memorable rail journeys and welcome you to unwind and take in the thoughtfully planned tours we’ve designed just for you. Our programme provides something for every traveller, whether you prefer a relaxed pace or a touch of adventure.

We hope you discover plenty of inspiration for your next holiday and look forward to welcoming you on board very soon.

Kelly Osborne Managing Director

The Railway Touring Company

Worldwide Rail Holidays 2026 First Edition

The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast

Friday 13 March to Monday 23 March 2026

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 concludes your tour in style, highlighted with a trip on the historic Sassi-Superga electric rack railway.

Friday 13 March

London to Nice by rail

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)

Saturday 14 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)

Sunday 15 March

Seaside railway trip from Nice to Genoa

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

Monday 16 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. 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)

Tuesday 17 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)

Wednesday 18 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)

Thursday 19 and Friday 20 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 purposebuilt, flat pedestrian path. (B)

Saturday 21 March

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. 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)

Sunday 22 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, 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)

Monday 23 March

Turin to London via the French Alps and Paris

Travel by road coach from your hotel in Turin to Chambrey Challes Les Eaux railway station, here you travel by high-speed train to Paris Gare de Lyon. In Paris you transfer by road coach to Gare de Nord, where you take your final journey by Eurostar back to London St Pancras. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2595

£395

£2345 (Nice – Milano)

Price includes:

✱ 10 Nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels

✱ 1 Lunch

✱ 7 Dinners

✱ Eurostar Plus services from London –Paris and return

✱ First Class travel on FS Trenitalia

InterCity service from Genoa to Pisa

✱ Standard Class travel on local trains when First Class is not available

✱ Complimentary public transport rover tickets in Nice, Genoa and Milano

✱ All privately chartered trains, funicular rides 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

Please note that ground only does not include rail or flight services from the UK and return or any transfers to or from your hotel(s) on the first and last day of your holiday. You will be responsible for arranging these yourself.

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

Meals

as:

Dinner

Central Switzerland Adventure

Wednesday 18 March to Tuesday 24 March 2026

Discover the diverse, wonderfully picturesque Alpine foothills, an area loved for its stunning landscapes, vivid history and vibrant culture. Azure lakes and dizzying peaks, incredible views and enormous skies join some of Switzerland’s most exciting railway experiences to deliver an adventure to remember.

• Enjoy a stunning lake cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau, as well as a catamaran cruise on Lake Lucerne.

• Embrace views from the top of Rigi Kulm before ascend Mount Rigi on board a glorious historic steam engine.

• Elevate by cable car to Mount Pilatus, featuring views of several peaks, the highest of which is Tomlishorn at 2,128.5m above sea level.

• Discover the lovely Alpine village of Stoos via the world’s steepest funicular.

• A 5 day ‘Lucerne Travel Pass’ provides unlimited travel on the region’s trains, buses, boats and cable cars.

Wednesday 18 March

London to Basel by International Rail

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. You then journey from Paris to Basel by highspeed train. After arriving in Basel, you board an SBB train to Lucerne, a memorable journey through the legendary Swiss countryside with majestic mountains as your backdrop. Travelling through flourishing green pastures past quaint farms, hamlets and villages, it is a wonderful way to ease yourself into the sheer beauty of Central Switzerland. Your hotel is located in Lucerne for the full duration of your stay, on arrival you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner. (B D)

Thursday 19 March

Discover the Swiss Transport Museum and the many wonders of Lucerne

After breakfast at the hotel, your 5 day Lucerne Travel Pass comes into its own for the first time

as you board the train from Lucerne to Lucerne Verkehrshaus to visit the world famous Swiss Transport Museum. This fascinating interactive museum tells the story of cars, trains, planes and more in an interactive way that brings everything to vivid life. Spend as much time as you like there before we return to central Lucerne by train. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy exploring this small, lively Swiss city’s many indoor and outdoor attractions. Nestling at the foot of the mighty Mount Pilatus massif and perched like a jewel at the far end of Lake Lucerne, the city is famed for its unique alpine beauty, excellent restaurants, and well-preserved buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Dinner is yours to enjoy independently (B)

Friday 20 March

Mount Pilatus, Kriens and Lake Lucerne

Following breakfast at the hotel you’ll hop on

board a local bus from Lucerne station to Kriens at the foot of Mount Pilatus. The mountain features several peaks, the highest of which is Tomlishorn at 2,128.5m above sea level. With panoramic views of as many as 73 Alpine peaks on a clear day, it’s no surprise this place comes with ancient legends of dragons. The peak is accessible via cable car and cogwheel railway, and there are several official viewpoints to marvel at. A leisurely independent lunch on Mount Pilatus is yours, followed by a return journey to Lucerne via cable car and local bus. Then you’ll enjoy an hour-long panoramic Catamaran cruise on Lake Lucerne, which plays a key role in Central Switzerland’s transport network. Navigable since the first route was opened over the Gotthard Pass in the year 1230, the northerly terminus at Flüelen was once the only practical means of travel to Lucerne and beyond. You’re free to spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Saturday 21 March

Stoos Excursion - Ride the Schwyz–Stoos funicular

After breakfast you’ll board an SBB train from Lucerne to Arth-Goldau then take a local bus to Schwyz, Stoosbahn.

Ascending to the village of Stoos via the world’s steepest funicular, also called the Schwyz–Stoos funicular or Standseilbahn Schwyz–Stoos, the views are breathtaking. Connecting the Hintere Schlattli in Muotatal, Morschach and Schwyz with the mountain resort, the route lifts you just over a mile while handling a dramatic height difference of 744 metres with ease, an extraordinary piece of human ingenuity and engineering. Opened in late 2017 to replace the old Schwyz-Stoos funicular, in operation since 1933 on a different route, the unique barrelshaped carriages rotate to keep the floor level. You have time to enjoy lunch at high altitude before making your way back to Lucerne via funicular, local bus and cable car. Then you’ll spend the rest of the day exploring more of the city or just doing your own thing, free to arrange your own dinner. (B)

Sunday 22 March

Lake Cruise- Lucerne to Vitznau, guided tour of Rigi rail depot, ascend Mount Rigi.

After breakfast at the hotel we set off on a lake cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau for a day packed with drama. A guided tour of the Rigi railway depot on Vitznau reveals the history of the Vitznau–Rigi railway, which starts off from a terminal in the town centre station next door to the landing stage served by the Schifffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstättersees. The company owns some interesting historic paddle steamers that set sail on services linking the town to Lucerne and other stop-off points along the shore of the lake. Ascending Mount Rigi on an historic steam engine you’ll experience outstanding views of the eastern shore of the lake, which have been delighting tourists since the start of the age of steam.

The first mountain destination to build a cogwheel railway, dating back to 1871, this is a unique treat. You’ll have time to relax on Rigi Kulm, a rich green mountainous area on the northern shores of the lake studded with cable cars. The top station, which you reach after a journey of an hour and a half through amazing scenery, lies at 1798m above sea level with views to match. Descending via Arth-Goldau and returning to Lucerne by train, the remainder of the day is free to spend at your leisure. Dinner is yours to enjoy independently. (B)

Monday 23 March

Lucerne to Engleberg and Mount Titlis and monastery visit

After breakfast you travel by train from Lucerne to Engelberg-Titlis, the region’s best-loved holiday destination and home to a famous monastery. The cable car ride from Engelberg to Mount Titlis is quite an experience, taking you high up into the Uri Alps on the border between the cantons of Obwalden and Bern to the highest summit in the range north of the Susten Pass. You’ll travel through diverse landscapes with views of dramatic rocky outcrops and snowcapped peaks, reaching an elevation of 3,238 m above sea level. The Titlis Glacier extends to just under half a square mile, a favourite with skiers, snowboarders and glacier trekkers and quite a sight. After some free time to purchase lunch, we return to Lucerne via cable car and train. There’s an optional cheese workshop to enjoy at the monastery in Engelberg, a Benedictine Monastery dating back to 1120 where around 30 monks still live and work. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, with a farewell dinner and a final overnight stay at the hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 24 March

Lucerne to London

After a final breakfast at the hotel you travel to Basel SBB by train for your onwards International Rail travel back to London St Pancras (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£1995

£325

£1795 (Lucerne – Lucerne)

Price includes:

✱ 6 Nights Bed and Breakfast at 3-star Hotel Waldstatterhof, Lucerne

✱ 3 Course dinner excluding drinks on days 1 and 6

✱ Eurostar Plus rails services from London to Paris and return

✱ First class international rail services

✱ Standard class rail travel in Switzerland

✱ A 5-day Lucerne Travel Pass valid from days 2 to 6

✱ Seat reservations throughout, where possible

✱ 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

day are shown as:

Georg Trueb

Steam in Saxony and Bavaria

Friday 3 April to Monday 13 April 2026

Idyllic narrow-gauge railways, exhilarating main line steam locomotives, paddle steamers and the Dresden steam locomotive festival are the signature attractions of this delightful Spring holiday to southern and eastern Germany.

• Start the holiday in the beautiful city of Nürnberg and enjoy a private steam charter at the nearby heritage railway ‘Dampfbahn Fränkische Schweiz’ in northern Franconia, hauled by a historic tank engine dating from 1923.

• Enjoy main line in Bavaria from Gunzenhausen to Nördlingen with a large 2-10-0 freight engine, with an ensuing private charter on an archaic tank engine from the late 19th century, including museum visit and sightseeing of the walled medieval city of Nördlingen.

• Visit Germany’s premier steam locomotive gathering and round-house festival, with the “Dampfloktreffen” in Dresden, including access to the festival grounds and rides on the different main line excursions with various big tender locomotives.

• Relax during a beautiful paddle steamer cruise on the River Elbe from Dresden to Pillnitz Palace, as well as excursions on the city’s unique mountain monorail and funicular.

• Experience narrow gauge ‘Plandampf’ on the regional lines from Radebeul to Radeburg and Freital to Kurort Kipsdorf with the impressive 2-10-2 tank engines.

Friday 3 April

London to Nürnberg

You travel from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Nürnberg on Eurostar and ICE high speed services. You check into your hotel for 3 nights and dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)

Saturday 4 April

Steam in northern Franconia at Ebermannstadt

A beautiful German heritage railway awaits you for your first full day in Bavaria, as you visit the Dampfbahn Fränkische Schweiz ab Ebermannstadt. This line passes through lovely hillside scenery and is marked by several impressive rock formations. A classic tank engine will haul your train, with cake, tea and coffee

included for mid-day refreshments. Photo stops and run-pasts will also feature. In the afternoon you return by service train to Nürnberg. (B L)

Sunday 5 April

Steam at the Bavarian Railway Museum in Nördlingen

Today you visit the historic city of Nördlingen in western Bavaria. You arrive there on the Easter steam special with the main line train from Gunzenhausen, travelling in a reserved coach with a large 2-10-0 tender locomotive over ‘freight only’ track through picturesque countryside. Nördlingen is famed for its circular medieval ramparts, timber-framed buildings and is home to the Bavarian Railway Museum, with one of the largest steam locomotive collections in Germany. You will see a number of exhibits

and enjoy an additional steam train ride with one of the museum’s smaller tank engines, which will shunt your coach off the main line directly to the museum sidings. At the museum there will be opportunities for turntable photography and a chance to see the rest of the extensive collection. You return to Nürnberg in the late afternoon and have your final evening dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Monday 6 April

Nürnberg at leisure and train ride to Dresden

In the morning you are able to enjoy the celebrated city of Nürnberg at leisure and visit its beautiful old town, full of historic squares, soaring spires and the impressive landmark castle. Enjoy Germany at its best and most

Niels Kunick

iconic. In the early afternoon you then catch an ICE train and travel over the high speed line via Erfurt and Leipzig to Dresden, arriving there in the late afternoon. After checking into your hotel for 7 nights, you enjoy dinner. (B D)

Tuesday 7 April

Paddle steamer cruise on the River Elbe and Mountain Monorail in Dresden

After a leisurely breakfast, you have some free time to explore Dresden and your Tour Manager will be glad to introduce you to the principal landmarks. In the early afternoon you then embark on a relaxing paddle steamer cruise for a ride upriver past the iconic ‘Blue Wonder’ bridge to Pillnitz Palace. On the return, you alight and Blasewitz and ascend on the local funicular to the hilltop, before capping the day with one more highlight on the unique ‘dingle-dangle’ mountain monorail from 1901, taking you to a spectacular vantage point high above the city and with some of the best views in all of Saxony. (B)

Wednesday 8 April

Steam at the Muskau Forest Railway and Pückler Park visit

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

Thursday 9 April

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 explore the extensive tram network or visit the famed landmarks and museums. (B)

Friday 10 April

Steam at the at the Weisseritz Valley Railway to Kurort Kipsdorf and Dresden steam locomotive festival

Today you have a morning excursion to the recently reopened 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 afternoon and in the evening join the opening of the steam locomotive festival with the special illuminations evening locomotive show at the Dresden Altstadt roundhouse and steam shed, one of the most atmospheric shows of the festival. (B)

Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April

Dresden steam loco festival and main line steam excursions

This festive weekend is entirely dedicated to the sounds and sights of Germany’s premier annual steam gala and locomotive gathering, which typically includes a variety of both express and freight type steam locomotives. Throughout the festival weekend there are several main line steam excursions departing Dresden’s main station and featuring parallel running. You will join one of these spectacular excursions each day with seats in a specially reserved coach. The main line steam special also includes a vintage 1930s Dining Car for refreshments. Enjoy continental main line steam at its best. On Sunday evening there is a farewell dinner at the Dresden hotel (B D)

Monday 13 April

Dresden to London by rail

Today you travel on high-speed services from Dresden via Frankfurt to Cologne and then continue to Brussels, where you board a Eurostar train back to London (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2345

£395

£2155 (Dresden – Nürnberg)

Price includes:

✱ Eurostar Plus services London to Brussels and return

✱ ICE High speed services in First Class (Where possible)

✱ 10 nights accommodation with breakfast

✱ 2 Lunches

✱ 4 Dinners

✱ Public transport rover tickets for Dresden

✱ All privately chartered steam trains, other steam excursions and visits mentioned in the itinerary

✱ All transfers and train travel as listed within 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:

Vintage Tramways of Prague and the Czech Republic

Monday 13 April to Monday 20 April 2026

An all new tour to the historic Czech cities and delightful tramways of Prague, Pilsen, Most and Brno, travelling on specially chartered heritage trams and enjoying exclusive experiences in beautiful places rich in culture and history.

• Based in the vibrant Czech capital of Prague throughout, you will benefit from a central 4-star hotel in the Old Town, ideally located next to two important tram interchanges. You will be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket valid for the entirety of your stay.

• In every city you will enjoy comfortable sightseeing of the historic city centre and the most attractive parts of each tram network with privately chartered vintage vehicles, giving you exclusive and behind-the-scenes access to depots and museums, photos stops at scenic locations and travel over those unusual parts of the network that are not covered in regular service, including rare curves or unusual lines. Additionally you will also have free time in each city for photography or individual travel on the rest of the tram network using complimentary rover tickets.

• The tour will make use of the most interesting, privately chartered heritage trams in each city, using classic vehicles spanning different decades of the 20th century, sampling different designs, from old teak-bodied Ringhoffer cars to the iconic Tatra T1 and T2 semi-streamliners from the 1950s.

• An ideal tour for tramway enthusiasts and connoisseurs of vintage transport, yet also a refined holiday for non-enthusiast partners, as in every city there is sightseeing in fine style and formidable comfort, seeing all the sights and landmarks by tram rather than having to walk. See the best of the Czech cities on an off-the-beaten path, with many delightful surprises along the way. At each city a nice lunch at a typically regional restaurant is also included.

Monday 13 April

Arrive in Prague

You have a direct morning flight from London to Prague, with a mid-day arrival in the Czech capital. After arrival you check into your centrally located hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome lunch at a nearby restaurant. Following lunch, you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Prague and all of its historic and cultural attractions. Plus the expansive tram system, which has been extended six times during the past five years, with lots of new lines to explore. The popular heritage tram line 23,

which is in daily service, is a great starting point for everything and calls near the hotel. (L)

Tuesday 14 April

Sightseeing of Prague and ‘rare track’ by private tram charter

Today you enjoy your first private tram charter of the tour, using an elegant 1930s streetcar. You will see the attractive highlights and historic districts of the city a little bit off the beaten path and pause for photos along the way.

Your route will cover some impressive bridges across the River Vltava, along with balloon loops

that are not in regular use. After your private charter tour, you will have more free time to continue your individual exploration of the city. (B)

Wednesday 15 April

Tramways of Pilsen

After breakfast you take a Czech Railways intetcity train in First Class, 80 minutes west to Pilsen, the hub of western Bohemia. This city is legendary for its beer and steelbuilding industry with the famed Skoda works. Even today, Skoda still produces modern trams

in Pilsen! Arriving at the city’s beautifuk Art Nouveau railway station dating from 1907, a wonderful ancient two-axle tram dating from 1899 will take you on a private siteseeing tour of the city. This iconic tram will cover most of the scenic highlights of the urban tram system, travelling over ‘rare track’ out of public use. You will also have the opportunity to visit the tram depot of Slovany, which has recently undergone a transformation with sustainable lighting solutions. The most extensive renovation in the recent history of Pilsen’s municipal transport companies. A project executed while the facility remained fully operational. The tram depot, in its original state 1943, had become unsatisfactory in terms of both capacity and quality. The new depot’s passage halls stretch from 124 metres, accommodation up to 52 cars measuring 33 metres in length and 7 cars measuring 15 metres in length. After the tram tour, lunch will be served in the Old Town near the main station and impressive cathedral. In the late afternoon you return by intercity train to Prague. (B L)

Thursday 16 April

Tramways of Most

Today is dedicated to the discovery perhaps the most unique and distinctive tram system in the Czech Republic, with the special interurban network covering the two industrial cities of Most and Litvinov. This will be a day “off the beaten path,” as these cities are not typical tourist destinations. However, they are all the more fascinating due to the vast industrial sites and large processing facilities served by the interurban tram line. This includes both a local oil refinery and expansive chemical works, served by the trams, creating a fascinating and photogenic backdrop for picture taking along the tram tracks. You will travel by a classic Tatra car for your private charter, covering ‘rare tracks’ and making a depot visit as well. After the tram tour, there will be a welcome lunch in the charming Old Town of Litvinov, followed by some free time for you to photograph the modern trams on your own. In the late afternoon you take a Czech Railway IC train back to Prague, once again travelling in stylish First Class. (B L)

Friday 17 April

Tramways and Museums in Prague

After two days of travelling beyond the capital, today you have time to relax and enjoy more of what Prague has to offer. This includes a morning visit to the Technical Museum, with its impressive collection of locomotives, vintage cars and aircraft. If you prefer, you can visit the

wonderful National Gallery, which is dedicated to 19th and 20th-century art and is housed in a modernist architectural landmark dating from the 1930s. Your leisure time may also be used for further exploration on the expansive tram network. (B)

Saturday 18 April

Tramways of Brno

It's time to explore another great Czech city and its scenic tram system. After a two-hour rail service in First Class you arrive in Brno, the hub of southern Moravia. This elegant city shows its proximity to Vienna and features lots of Viennese flair and classic 19th century urban architecture. You will explore the attractive historic centre and the tram network on a private charter using a distinctive 1940s car. You will pass the hilltop cathedral and the imposing Spilberk fortress, once again making convenient photo stops for keepsake pictures of the trams and impressive buildings. The tram tour will cover ‘rare track’ and pass through the depot grounds and 1930s fairgrounds. After a late lunch at one of Brno’s famous brew houses, you will have time to explore the city and the network at your own pace, providing you with photo opportunities of the trams at many of the scenic junctions and interchanges outside of the main railway station. In the late afternoon you return on a direct express train back to Prague. (B L)

Sunday 19 April

Tramway museum, heritage tram line and leisure in Prague

To cap the holiday in fine style, you have a final day in Prague. After breakfast you will have complimentary admission to the excellent public transport museum at the heritage tram depot at Vozovna Stresovice. This features large collection of vintage trams and trolleybuses. You are then free to enjoy the city and the trams at leisure with your inclusive rover ticket for the ‘hop-on, hop-off’ museum tram line 41 that is in weekend service. In the evening you reconvene with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at one of Prague’s famous, historic restaurants. (B D)

Monday 20 April

Return to London

Following breakfast, you have some free time before travelling to Prague airport for your flight back to London, following a memorable Czech Republic holiday.

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£1995

£425

£1895 (Prague – Prague)

Price includes:

✱ Return flights from London to Prague

✱ First Class travel on all rail services throughout (where possible)

✱ 7 nights accommodation with breakfast at a 4-star hotel in Prague

✱ 4 Lunches

✱ 1 Dinner

✱ Complimentary public transport rover tickets in Prague, Pilsen, Most and Brno

✱ All private tramway charters 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:

Steam in Poland

Friday 1 May to Saturday 9 May 2026

Enjoy a full-throttle experience of Polish main line and narrow gauge steam, including the Wolsztyn gala weekend and numerous steam railways ‘off the beaten path’ as key attractions.

• Conveniently based in the historic city of Poznan throughout, you make journeys by main line steam train and visit four different narrow gauge railways for private charters with historic steam locomotives and attractive ‘fresh air’ coaches.

• Experience the entertaining showmanship and epic bustle of the famous Wolsztyn steam gala, with visiting international locomotives and home fleet all in steam, including main line excursions, parallel running and fun yard races.

• Ride the narrow gauge railways at Maltanka, Sochaczew, Znin and Zbiersk, including the newly launched Las steam locomotive at the industrial railway in Zbiersk.

• Take advantage of your own private main line charter train and vintage diesel haulage to travel over the most scenic mountain railway of Lower Silesia and several of the region’s re-opened railways.

• Enjoy the history, culture and tramways of Poznan at a centrally located quality hotel and complimentary public transport rover ticket.

Friday 1 May

Arrive to Poznan

You fly non-stop from London to Poznan in Western Poland. You are based at a centrally located quality hotel in Poznan for the entire tour. You will be given a complimentary public transport ticket for use on the extensive tram network for all days. You may use the remaining free time today to make a first exploration of the city and the tram network. In the evening there’s a welcome dinner at a nice brew house in the Old Town on the main market square. (D)

Saturday 2 May

30th Anniversary Steam Locomotive Parade and Steam Festival in Wolsztyn

Today is entirely dedicated to the famous steam locomotive parade in Wolsztyn, which is one of the premier steam galas in Continental Europe and this year will see a larger than usual programme in celebration of its 30th anniversary. The event features the active home fleet as well as numerous guest locomotives from around Poland and neighbouring countries. It will be possible to travel steam-hauled on the special festival excursion trains and take pictures as well. The festival is an exciting hive of activity, with an atmosphere unique in Europe. It includes the big steam parade as well as individual loco presentation, with the crews laying on

fine showmanship. Typically the steam-hauled excursion trains then run on one or two of the short branch lines around Wolsztyn. (B)

Sunday 3 May

Narrow gauge steam at the Zbiersk industrial railway

This noteworthy industrial steam railway near Lodz is the latest narrow gauge railway in Poland to introduce steam traction, thanks to the acquisition of an 0-6-0 ‘Las’ type tank engine. Aboard a private charter train, you will be able to travel the length of the line and take pictures of the industrial tank engine in the matching setting. A hearty lunch is also served at a local restaurant. After the exciting round-trip at Zbiersk, you return to Poznan. (B L)

Monday 4 May

Maltanka Park Railway and Heritage Tramway in Poznan

Today you stay locally in Poznan and visit the 3.8 km long Park Railway at Maltanka. The line is located in the east of the city, next to a large lake. Should the overhaul of the green Borsig tender locomotive from 1925 be completed in time, you will enjoy steam haulage, otherwise a trip with one of the classic, rod-driven diesel locomotives from the mid 20th century. Later you will also have a lovely sightseeing tour of the city on a private charter trip aboard one of Poznan’s historic trams. (B)

Tuesday 5 May

Main line ‘Plandampf’ at Wolsztyn

Today you return to Poland’s most famous steam town. Established in 1886, the Wolsztyn roundhouse is located at the junction of two lines and renown as the last standard gauge ‘Plandampf’ depot in Europe. After taking a KW service train from Poznan to Wolsztyn and enjoying a hearty Polish lunch at a stylish local restaurant, you are hauled by the home fleet’s stalwart Pt47 or Ol49 tender locomotive either from Wolsztyn to Zbąszynek or to Leszno. The olive green compartment coaches feature drop down windows and allow a travel experience like in the 1970s. After this trip back in time and ample picture-taking opportunities to record the moment, you return on a PKP Intercity train to Poznan. (B L)

Wednesday 6 May

Narrow gauge steam at Sochaczew

In the morning you take another loco-hauled PKP Intercity train east to Sochaczew. This is the site of another 750 mm gauge railway. On arrival you first visit the museum collection and see the largest collection of preserved narrow gauge steam locomotives in Poland, before enjoying a private charter train over the full length of the line to Wilcze Tułowskie. The signature attraction of the railway is the distinct 1920s type Px29 0-8-0 tender locomotive. Indeed your private charter will be hauled by Px29-1704 from 1929, pulling you through rural countryside to a scenic forest terminus for an al-fresco lunch. After photo stops and run-pasts, you return

to Sochaczew in the late afternoon, before returning to Poznan by PKP Intercity train. (B L)

Thursday 7 May

Rural narrow gauge railway at Znin

Today you visit one of Poland’s most charming and bucolic narrow gauge railways, yet one that is no longer connected to the main line railway network and hence requires a 1-hour transfer by coach from Poznan. Located in the provincial town of Znin, the namesake narrow gauge railway runs with rod-drive classic diesel locomotives past idyllic ponds and serves a large archeological museum along the way. It also calls at Wenecia, where there is one of the largest narrow gauge steam locomotive collections in Poland, which you will be able to visit. After a welcome lunch at a countryside inn, you return by coach to Poznan in the late afternoon. (B L)

Friday 8 May

Main line tour on re-opened mountainous lines in Lower Silesia

Today you have a scenic main line charter train with vintage diesel traction on the panoramic hilly lines of Lower Silesia. You first make the short transfer by PKP IC train from Poznan to Wroclaw, before boarding your private charter hauled by the large and loud green retro diesel locomotive SU45-079. Restored to immaculate mint condition, this massive machine will haul your train south towards the Czech border on the recently reopened main line routes to Swidnica and Jedlina Zdroj. You make a large circular round-trip for the afternoon and eventually end up again at Wroclaw Glowny, one of the finest large railway stations in Poland. From there you return by Intercity train to Poznan. (B L)

Saturday 9 May

Return to London

The time has come to say ‘Do widzenia’ to Poland, as you have a direct flight from Poznan back to London. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2225

£295

£2120 (Poznan – Poznan)

Price includes:

✱ Direct Flights from London Luton to Poznan and return

✱ 8 Nights hotel accommodation with breakfast

✱ 5 Lunches

✱ 1 Dinner

✱ All steam and rail services as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All narrow gauge and main line private charters as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All visits as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All transfers

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals

Highlights of Bernese Oberland

Wednesday 6 May to Wednesday 13 May 2026

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 town of Thun, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.

• Enjoy travel on famous mountain rack railway of the Brienz Rothorn Railway.

• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, seeing the city highlights, as well as exploring the city of Lucerne another must see place with old town squares and world-famous sites.

• Enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, taking in the stunning mountain scenery.

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

Wednesday 6 May

London to Thun via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. From Paris, you join another train to Basel in Switzerland and finally a local service from Basel to Thun. You check into your hotel for 7 nights and have the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is at your own arrangements. (B)

Thursday 7 May

Lake Thun cruise and time in Thun to explore

Breakfast is served at the hotel before taking a morning two hour cruise from Thun to Interlaken West. The deep blue Lake Thun is set amid the spectacular mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland and a boat trip on the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland is an experience to remember. You will enjoy wonderful views of the mountains, historic castles, as well as romantic

lakeside towns. You return to Thun by train for a guided tour of the old town. This guided walking tour through Thun's charming old town and up to the Schlossberg, will allow you to discover the town’s rich history, diverse culture, and stunning lakeside setting. This makes the town a truly unique and fascinating place to explore. (B)

Friday 8 May

Mountain peaks of Stockhorn and Niesen

After breakfast at the hotel you join a train from Thun to Erlenbach Im Simmental and take the cable car up to the summit of the Stockhorn. At the summit you can enjoy the amazing views of the snow-covered high Alps including the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Blüemlisalp to the south, and over the Swiss Plateau from the north side panoramic viewing platform. You return to Elenbach Im Simmental and then travel by train to Mülenen. There is an opportunity to

ride the nostalgic 1910 funicular up to the peak of the Niesen. The Niesen is one of the most famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland, not least because of its iconic pyramid shape and the wonderful location high above Lake Thun. The 360° panorama is stunning, offering you a view over the Bernese Alps, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, as well as over the Bernese Mittelland all the way to the Jura. You return to Thun by train and have an evening of leisure to dine as you wish. (B)

Saturday 9 May

Brienz Rothorn rack railway with sausage experience and Lake Brienz cruise

Today you take a morning train to Brienz via Interlaken and ascend to the Brienz Rothorn by steam cogwheel. During a stopover on the idyllic Planalp, the engine driver will serve sausages freshly prepared in the boiler of the locomotive.

They are accompanied by a crispy rack of bread and a refreshing soft drink.

During the summer, the small steam locomotives push the red panoramic coaches from Lake Brienz up to the Brienzer Rothorn.

The panoramic view from the 2350-metre summit will be one of many highlights of this tour. The view over the Bernese Alps, Lake Brienz and the Grimsel area is magnificent, as is the vista of Mounts Pilatus and Hoghant. You then return to Brienz and join a lake cruise back to Interlaken, where you return by train to Thun. Again you enjoy dinner at leisure in this beautiful town with a wide range of restaurants and cafes. (B)

Sunday 10 May Day at leisure

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, you have the opportunity to use your Bernese Oberland Pass and explore all it has to offer. You might choose to visit Kandersteg, Brig or a range of other interesting towns and places of interests. Dinner can be enjoyed at leisure in a location of your choice. (B)

Monday 11 May

Panoramic train to Lucerne – Time at leisure or optional guided city tour

After breakfast at the hotel, you travel by train from Thun to Interlaken Ost, here you board the panoramic train to Lucerne in 2nd class. You will have time in Lucerne to explore the amazing city. Here you can enjoy some free time at leisure or you have the choice to take the optional Lucerne guided tour and visit the world-famous sights,

such as the Chapel Bridge with the octagonal water tower and the KKL Lucerne (Culture and Convention Centre) and discover hidden alleyways and lively Old Town squares. The 1.5 hour tour will give you an unfamiliar view of the city of Lucerne. Hidden corners and alleyways, lively squares and the favourite places the people of Lucerne enjoy. You return to Thun by train and once again enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B)

Tuesday 12 May

Bern – Switzerland’s capital city

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 will pass many of Bern’s historic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower. In the afternoon there is a guided tour of the city and time to visit the shops along the arcaded walkways, or the famous Bear Park and nearby River Aare. Later, you take a service train back to Thun and your final evening dinner in this beautiful town (B)

Wednesday 13 May

Return to UK

After breakfast it is time to say your farewells and travel 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)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Price includes:

£2590

£495

✱ 7 night at the Hotel Seepark in Thun

✱ 7 Breakfasts

✱ Sausage experience in Planalp on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn

✱ Eurostar from London to Paris and connecting services to and from Thun

✱ 2nd class rail in Switzerland

✱ Seat reservations throughout

✱ Bernese Oberland pass

✱ Swiss half fare card

✱ Lake cruise Thun to Interlaken West

✱ Luzern-Interlaken Express reservation in 2nd class

✱ Lake cruise Brienz to Interlaken Ost

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

Additional Excursion – Lucerne guided tour £30 per person.

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

Meals included each day are shown as: B

Dinner

Spring in Belgium and Luxembourg

Wednesday 13 May to Wednesday 20 May 2026

This all new tour combines the charm of steam railways, the seaside scenery of Belgium’s coastal tramway, relaxing river cruises and the ambience of historic cities in the Low Countries.

• Take advantage of short distance rail travel by Eurostar and Intercity trains from London to Belgium and back.

• Stay in the historic cities of Namur, Luxembourg and Bruges at centrally located quality hotels, enjoying their unique ambiance and beautiful architecture.

• Experience private charter steam train journeys in idyllic at the Three Valleys Railway in Belgium and at the Train 1900 heritage railway in Luxembourg.

• Enjoy a relaxing river cruise in the resplendent city of Liege and explore Belgium’s coastal tramway on a day in Flanders.

• Take advantage of easy and convenient excursions on SNCF and CFL trains.

Wednesday 13 May

By train from London to Namur

You travel from London St Pancras by high speed train to Brussels Midi, where you change onto an SNCB Intercity directly to Namur. Namur, which dates back to Roman times, is the capital of Wallonia. For the next three nights you are based in this delightful historic city, which is attractively situated at the confluence of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre and framed by a hilltop fortress and its pretty cobbled streets are lined with lively cafes and independent shops. You have some free time to explore this charming city and its delights, before dinner is served at the hotel. (D)

Thursday 14 May

Steam in Wallonia at Mariembourg

Today you visit a marvel of a heritage railway deep in the woods of southern Belgium. You travel to Mariembourg on SNCB service

trains via Charleroi. The delightful Chemin de fer à vapeur des Trois Vallées is one of the oldest heritage railways in the Low Countries and operates a nostalgic steam service through the namesake Three Valleys on a 14 km (9 mile) long route. You make a full return trip with photo stops and enjoy the comforts of a reserved coach. In the late afternoon you once again return by regular SNCB train to Namur and enjoy another dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Friday 15 May

River Cruise and Tramways in Liege

After breakfast you take a train from Namur for the 45 min journey to Liege. Liege is famously warm and welcoming, nicknamed the City of a Hundred Steeples and a fast-evolving, vibrant blend of past and present. There you have a sightseeing cruise on the River Meuse, gaining great impressions from the city’s attractive skyline and riverside promenade. You will also

have time to ride the city’s brand-new 12 km long single line tramway that only opened in April 2025, including redesigned city squares and revived urban spaces. Your complimentary ticket will take you past all the major landmarks, including the best places to either enjoy Belgian street food like frites, waffles and of course beer! You will have the benefit of an individual train ticket from Liege to Namur, so you can return to the hotel in Namur when it best suits you. (B)

Saturday 16 May

Steam at the Train 1900 in Luxembourg

In the morning you take a direct EuroCity train for a two hour journey through the Ardennes forest to Luxembourg. You check into your centrally located hotel near the station and have lunch, before taking a local CFL stopping train to Petange, just west of the city. There you will enjoy a private steam charter on Luxembourg’s

premier heritage railway. A vintage tank engine will pull your steam charter for the full length of the line and through beautiful scenery on a meandering and very curvy route to the industrial heritage park at Fond-de-Gras, site of a former iron mine. Rich in industrial archeology and history, this location is ideal for discovering further and is a great opportunity for photography. Afterwards you return by steam train to Petange, and on to Luxembourg by service train, where your evening dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. (B D).

Sunday 17 May

Tramways, funiculars and leisure in Luxembourg

Today you may spend entirely at leisure, enjoying one of the finest European cities and all that it has to offer. From the beautiful old town with impressive churches and quaint cobblestone streets, to lofty bridges and viaducts, Luxembourg is well worth exploring. Small, densely populated and wealthy Luxembourg has ancient roots, built on the foundations of a formidable fortress so strong it protected the surrounding area for a thousand years. The Old Quarters at Ville Haute are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dating back to the year 963, the Adolphe Bridge, Modern Art museum Mudam, Place d'Armes, Grand Ducal Palace and Notre-Dame cathedral make the city unique.

Add peaceful places like the lovely riverside gardens, the international shopping and the superb cuisine, and there’s something for everyone. It has all new and modern transport attractions, such as a recently built and extended tramway and also an urban funicular. Public transport is free to use for everyone in Luxembourg, so you can easily hop on and hop off. (B)

Monday 18 May

In Bruges

Depart Luxembourg in the late morning on an international Intercity direct to Brussels, where you change for the short onward journey to the beautiful medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage site of Bruge. Experience Flanders and famed Flemish art and architecture at its very best. After checking in to the hotel you may explore the city and its wide culinary offer at leisure. (B)

Tuesday 19 May

A day on Belgium’s coastal tramway

Bruges is just a short service train ride to Oostende on Belgium’s Channel coast. Here you can enjoy a mixture of windswept beaches, historic cities and quaint villages on Belgium’s North Sea shoreline which boasts the longest tramway in the world, the so-called Kusttram. It connects Oostende at the centre of the line with Knokke to the north and De Panne to the south, with Nieuport being a special attraction along the way. You will receive a complimentary rover ticket and will be free to explore and roam at your leisure. You may also opt to join your Tour Manager on a suggested route and itinerary for enjoyable exploration featuring the right balance between light trail, culture and nature. In the late afternoon you return to Bruges for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Wednesday 20 May

Bruges at leisure and return to London

You still have the morning to make the most of beautiful Bruges and enjoy all that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer before taking an afternoon SNCB Intercity service to Brussels Midi. Here you change onto a Eurostar high-speed train for your return to London St Pancras. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2195

£395

£1945 (Namur – Bruges)

Price includes:

✱ Eurostar Plus seating on Eurostar service from London to Brussels and return

✱ First Class seating on all high speed trains (where possible)

✱ 7 nights accommodation with breakfast

✱ 4 Dinners

✱ All specially chartered steam trains 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:

Swiss Bernese Oberland

Wednesday 24 June to Wednesday 1 July 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 24 June

London to Wengen 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 to Wengen. Here you check into the Arenas Resort Victoria-Lauberhorn 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)

Thursday 25 June

Free day in Wengen

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

Friday 26 June

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

Saturday 27 June

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’. You’ll travel 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 Wengen you can either travel the same route back to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindelwald at leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen.

On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)

Sunday 28 June

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

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

Monday 29 June

Free day to visit the Schilthorn or use your Regional Pass

Today you have the choice to visit the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s

a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition, entry is included with your Berner Oberland Pass. Alternatively, you can use your regional pass to visit Lucerne. The city is located on Lake Lucerne, in sight of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps. You’ll get to Interlaken using WAB and BOB trains from where metre gauge Zentralbahn express trains go direct to Lucerne, a great experience in itself. The route follows the scenic Brünig Line beside Lake Brienz and the River Aare to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs over the Brunig Pass using a rack system. The terminus station at Lucerne is opposite the landing stage from which passenger boats, including paddle steamers, serve lakeside communities. The Chapel Bridge is a landmark of Lucerne and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Other places of interest include the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument and the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B D)

Tuesday 30 June

Excursion to Schynige Platte

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

Wednesday 1 July

Return to UK

After breakfast it is time to say your farewells and travel by regional trains 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)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Price includes:

£2995

£245

✱ 7 nights at the Arenas Resort VictoriaLauberhorn hotel, Wengen

✱ 3 Course dinners served every evening in the hotel restaurant

✱ First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and return

✱ A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland

✱ Schynige Platte excursion

✱ Jungfraujoch excursion

✱ Lake Brienz cruise

✱ 2 Hour steam tram charter in Bern

✱ Brienz Rothorn steam excursion with guided depot visit

✱ All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days)

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

Schilthorn excursion now included in the tour price.

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

Meals

as:

Andrew Thompson

Southern and Central France

Thursday 25 June to Tuesday 30 June 2026

Enjoy the natural beauty and rural railways of Southern France and the Massif Central, including the Cevennes steam railway, the Puy de Dôme rack railway and the splendid Cevennes main line with the iconic Chamborigaud viaduct, one of the most spectacular SNCF-operated routes in the country.

• Experience the delights of rural France and off the beaten path with charming cities and delightful countryside towns straight out of a picture-book.

• Visit steam, heritage and mountain railways, including Puy de Dôme rack railway and AGRIVAP, with the 42 km long panoramic railway from Ambert to La Chaise-Dieu, the longest preserved railway in France that runs through numerous areas of outstanding natural beauty.

• Based at centrally located quality hotels in historic and vibrant Montpellier, as well as the attractive cathedral city ClermontFerrand, surrounded by volcanic hills, you will enjoy a holiday with the right balance of exploration, relaxation and comfortable railway travel, including SNCF TGV, TER and Intercity trains.

• This tour can be enjoyed on its own or conveniently combined with our connected ‘Lyon and the French Alps’ holiday for even more amazement in ‘La belle France’.

Thursday 25 June

London to Montpellier via Paris

Travel on direct Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Paris Nord and then on a direct TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Montpellier SaintRoch, arriving in the south of France during the afternoon. You have free time to have a look the beautiful old town with elegant buildings, spacious squares, historic sandstone architecture and quaint little alleys. Dinner is provided at your centrally located, smart hotel. (D)

Friday 26 June

Steam at the train à vapeur des Cévennes; Roman remains in Nimes

After breakfast you have a coach transfer to Anduze, nestled in the Cévennes mountain

range. You enjoy a steam-hauled round trip on the local preserved railway, which has operated on the standard gauge line through the River Gardon Valley since 1982. Your vintage train is hauled by one of the railway’s five powerful steam locomotives, all dating from the early 20th century. You have reserved seats and may enjoy the tranquil scenery, before arrival to the StJean-du-Gard, where there is time to photograph the steam locomotive and have lunch. This delightful village boasts wonderful stone houses and arched bridges and is straight out of a travel album. After mid-day refreshments you return by steam train to Anduze and from there continue by coach the short distance to the beautiful Roman city of Nimes, where you can view the Roman arena and adjacent old town.

Back in Montpellier you may enjoy a free evening in this delightful, typically French city. (B)

Saturday 27 June

On the Cévennes main line over Chamborigaud viaduct to Clermont-Ferrand

Today you travel on the 392 km long Cévennes main line from Nimes to Clermont-Ferrand, a five hour journey that many consider to be the most scenic SNCF train route in France, passing through stunning hillside and mountain scenery in the Massif Central. Along the way are 51 tunnels and 16 impressive viaducts. The summit of the line is reached a La Bastide at an altitude of 1024 m. Other highlights are the 384 m long, curved, stone-arched Chambourigaud viaduct

or the even longer 433 m Chapeauroux viaduct. You arrive in Clermont-Ferrand in the mid afternoon and check into your hotel. For the rest of the afternoon you are free to explore the city, using your complimentary tram ticket to explore. In the evening there’s a group dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Sunday 28 June

Panoramic trains at the AGRIVAP heritage railway in the Massif Central After breakfast you have a coach transfer from your hotel to Ambert station, where you board the panoramic sightseeing train of the tourist railway AGRIVAP, formed of observation cars and fresh-air summer wagons. You make the 42 km long journey through the delightful countryside scenery south to La Chaise-Dieu, a trip that will take you on numerous horseshoe curves and tall viaducts, passing along idyllic rivers and rising to different hilltop summits. At the southern terminus there is time for sightseeing and lunch in the pretty old town with numerous historic churches and other impressive landmarks. In the afternoon you make the return trip by train to Ambert, before the coach returns to Clermont-Ferrand. Tonight dinner is at your leisure in the city (B)

Monday 29 June

Puy de Dôme rack railway amidst volcanic landscapes

The iconic, green lava dome Puy de Dôme is an old volcanic cone that can be seen for miles around the region and prominently rises to a

height of 1465 m (4806 feet) to dominate the scenery in this beautiful northern part of the Massif Central. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018, the Puy de Dôme is one of the most stunning natural locations in France and since 2012 can be accessed by a newly built, 5.3 km long rack railway with Swiss-made mountainclimbing trains. You make the full return journey on the rack railway, enjoying the breathtaking views during the ascent and once at the top. After the return by train to the base station, you return to Clermont-Ferrand for some more free time in the city, before a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 30 June

Return by rail to London via Paris; or transfer by train to Lyon

For the last day of the tour, you will take a direct morning SNCF Intercity train from ClermontFerrand to Paris-Bercy, before transferring in Paris Nord for the return to London by Eurostar. Alternately, should you wish to combine this holiday with our conneccting tour ‘Lyon and the French Alps’ you take a direct SNCF TER train from Clermont-Ferrand without change to Lyon Perrache station. At Lyon you then join the next group for the ‘French Alps’ holiday, with the hotel being in convenient reach of Perrache station. You then have a welcome dinner with the new group in the evening in Lyon. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£1895

£295

£1645

(Montpellier Saint-Roch –Clermont-Ferrand)

Price includes:

✱ Eurostar plus seating on Eurostar services from London to Paris

✱ First Class rail travel on SNCF TGV and Intercity services

✱ 5 nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located hotel

✱ 3 Dinners

✱ Complimentary tram tickets and all travel within France

✱ 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

Lyon and the French Alps

Tuesday 30 June to Monday 6 July 2026

An exciting tour to the beautiful Roman city of Lyon, the Alpine gateway of Grenoble and the highest peaks in the Alps of Savoy, including some of the best steam railways and most spectacular mountain trains in France.

• Conveniently based in the elegant city of Lyon throughout, you enjoy scenic cruises on the Rivers Rhône and Saône in Lyon.

• Experience the most spectacular French mountain railways with rides on the iconic Petit Train de la Mure, the steep Tramway du Mont Blanc and the panoramic cableway in Grenoble.

• Enjoy French steam through untouched rural scenery with wonderful rides at the wild Train de l’Ardeche with a giant Mallet locomotive from 1902, plus travel steam-hauled through the remote hinterland of the Massif Central at Velay Express.

• Explore the cultural and transport attractions of Lyon and Avignon with complimentary public tram tickets, allowing you to get around the cities with ease and comfort, plus discover their distinct rack railways, funiculars and trolleybuses.

• A relaxed holiday with a leisurely pace and lots to see close to Lyon, that is ideal for both railway enthusiasts and regular travellers alike

Tuesday 30 June

London to Lyon by high-speed rail

You travel from London St Pancras to Paris Nord by Eurostar, before changing onto an SNCF TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon. Located in central France at the confluence of the Rivers Rhône and Saône, this beautiful city boasts an expansive Old Town full of Roman and Medieval heritage, plus spacious squares and romantic bridges. During the next week you will have ample time to see and enjoy all the Lyon has to offer. A complimentary public transport ticket is included for the duration of your stay. You are based at a centrally-located hotel, near all the attractions. Tonight there is a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Wednesday 1 July

Scenic cruise, vintage transport and leisure in Lyon

As the third-largest city in France, Lyon boasts a unique transport network that includes Metro, tramway, two funiculars, one rack railway and an expansive trolleybus system. All of these modes of transport are not only interesting to discover, but also make it convenient and comfortable to see the city without walking. You will have ample free time today to explore Lyon and all of its cultural and architectural attractions at your own. Together with the tour group, a relaxing sightseeing cruise is also included giving you fine views of all the landmarks from the water. In the evening dinner is back at the hotel. (B D)

Thursday 2 July

Steam at the Train de l’Ardèche

Located just an hour south of Lyon is the renowned ‘Le Mastrou’ French heritage railway. This railway features a 0-6-6-0 metre gauge Mallet locomotive. Here you take a return steam journey over the 28km long railway through the wild landscape of the namesake Gorges de l’Ardèche. During the journey, you will pass over various stone-arched viaducts and through remote countryside that offers both picturesque and rugged landscapes. There will be opportunities for photographs, and lunch is included as part of the day. In the afternoon, you will return by steam train to Tournon St Jean, followed by a transfer back to Lyon. (B L)

Friday 3 July

Grenoble panoramic cableway and Alpine Railway at Chemin de Fer de la Mure

Today, you will explore the French Alps, located south of Grenoble. Your journey begins with a stop in the picturesque city of Grenoble, where you can take the iconic urban cableway, established in 1934, to the hilltop fortress of La Bastille. This location offers stunning views of the surrounding Alps. After some time to explore Grenoble's city centre and enjoy refreshments, you will continue your journey by coach to the Chemin de Fer de la Mure. This narrow gauge railway is renowned for its horseshoe curves and stone-arched viaducts nestled in remote mountainous terrain.

Originally constructed in the 1880s for coal mining, the railway was electrified in the early 20th century and currently operates with historic Swiss-built electric locomotives from 1933. You will travel in comfortable half-open coaches, which provide excellent views of the landscape. The trip includes a full round-trip on this steeply graded route, with lunch served at the terminus before you return to the main station at La Mure. From there, you will head back to Lyon by coach. (B)

Saturday 4 July

Alpine splendour at the Tramway du

Mont Blanc

A visit to the highest mountain in Western Europe awaits today, including a highlight at Nid d’Aigle, which stands at 2,372 metres (7,782 feet) above sea level. The rack railway, constructed between 1907 and 1914, spans 12 kilometres and ascends into the Alps of Savoy, offering views of the surrounding valleys and the

mountain peak. You will have a quick transfer from Lyon to Saint Gervais Le Fayet, where you will board the rack railway for a round trip to Nid d’Aigle. After returning to Lyon, you will have another free evening to explore the city's attractions. (B)

Sunday 5 July

France's highest steam railway at Velay Express

Today, you will be visiting a French heritage railway featuring steam traction, located in the Massif Central region, southwest of Lyon. The Velay Express is recognized as the highest railway line in France that operates regular steam trains, reaching an elevation of 1,062 metres above sea level along its picturesque rural route. This narrow-gauge line serves as the historic continuation of the railway route from the contemporary Train de l’Ardèche. During the 27km journey from Saint-Agreve to Raucules, you will experience a scenic ride as a tank engine transports you through the hilly French countryside. After arriving in Raucules, a coach will provide direct transfer back to Lyon, where we will conclude the day with a farewell group dinner. (B D)

Monday 6 July

Return to London by rail

The time has come to bid Lyon Adieu as you return to London using a high-speed TGV to Paris and then a Eurostar service to London St Pancras. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2295

£395

£2045 (Namur – Bruges)

Price includes:

✱ 6 nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located quality hotel

✱ 3 Dinners

✱ River cruise in Lyon and cableway ride in Grenoble

✱ All train travel and transfers by private coach

✱ Complementary public transport rover tickets in Lyon

✱ 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.

Meals included each day are shown as:

Dinner

Steam around the Austrian Lakes

Wednesday 1 July to Wednesday 8 July 2026

Paddle steamers, steam trains, mountain railways and, best of all, fantastic Alpine landscapes all feature on this wonderful holiday tour of the Austrian Lake District.

• Conveniently based in Salzburg throughout, you’ll enjoy a truly relaxed and refined tour itinerary, with ample time for personal leisure and travel exploration of the city’s many attractions, including castles, funiculars, palaces and mountain railways.

• Experience Austria’s finest and most tranquil mountain lakes on private charter cruises featuring genuine paddle steamers, vintage motor vessels and elegant salon ships, including the iconic steamboat ‘Gisela’ from 1871 with its oscillating engine.

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

• The fabulous ‘little trains’ of Austria feature prominently on this holiday, including the steam-hauled private charter on the idyllic Taurachbahn and ‘Plandampf’ at the Zillertalbahn.

• Take a side-step into neighbouring Bavaria for a visit to the famed-mountain top Eagles Nest and immerse yourself in fascinating World War II history, before enjoying a tranquil cruise on Lake Königsee at Berchtesgaden.

Wednesday 1 July

Arrive in Salzburg; exploration with all-inclusive Salzburg Card

Take a direct flight from London to Salzburg arriving around mid-day. You then transfer to your hotel, where you‘ll enjoy lunch at nearby restaurant. Once you have checked in at the hotel you will receive a Salzburg Card allowing full access to the city’s local trolleybus network, the popular fortress funicular and vertical elevator to the top of the Mönchsberg, the UNESCO World Heritage site. The Salzburg card also covers admission for all city museums, the Mozart sites and the historic Stiegl brewery. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at leisure. (L)

Thursday 2 July

The palaces and mountain railways of Salzburg

Salzburg is packed and stacked with a unique variety of attractions that will appeal to both the common traveler as well as the railway enthusiast. This includes the ornate palace at Hellbrunn with its famous fountains and water displays. From Hellbrunn you could continue to the nearby Untersbergbahn, a scenic aerial cableway in the south of Salzburg that takes you to the top of the Untersberg summit at a height of 1972 m above sea level. Here you embrace the stunning views of both the Austrian and Bavarian Alps. You are free to explore at leisure and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise! For all railway enthusiasts there is also the

option of a journey on the Salzburger Lokalbahn, the scenic local railway that serves two branches to the north of the city using vintage stock and passing over several impressive viaducts. In the evening you have a group dinner at a typical Austrian restaurant near the hotel. (B D)

Friday 3 July

Paddle cruise on Wolfgangsee and steam charter at the spectacular Schafberg rack railway

In the morning there is still time to use your Salzburg Card to visit the city attractions. Early afternoon you transfer to the nearby Alpine lake Wolfgangsee for a charter cruise on this serene mountain lake aboard the historic 1873 paddle-wheeler Kaiser Franz Josef.

This white-funnelled ship will take you back in time to the glory days of the late 19th century. Afterwards you ascend to the summit of nearby Mount Schafberg by private steam train on its famed rack and pinion railway, the steepest steam-powered rack railway in Austria, dating from 1893. From the top you’ll have stunning evening views of lakes and distant glaciers. You have dinner at the summit restaurant before you descend back down the mountain by steam train just in time for sunset. You return back to Salzburg by coach. (B D)

Saturday 4 July

Alpine steam at Mauterndorf on the Taurach narrow gauge railway

Again today you have another free morning for sightseeing in Salzburg, before transferring by coach south to Mauterndorf. This beautiful castle town is the base of the narrow-gauge Taurachbahn. An ancient tank engine will haul your private charter train along this heritage railway from Mauterndorf to St Andrä, pausing for photos and run-pasts along the way. Enjoy the very best of Austria’s famed ‘little trains’ on this enchanting line. After returning to Mauterndorf there’s time to look around the historic town centre and the local castle, before returning by coach to Salzburg, passing the spectacular Hohenwerfen Castle en route. (B)

Sunday 5 July

The Eagles Nest and Alpine cruise at Lake Königsee in Bavaria

Today you may immerse yourself in fascinating World War II history with a visit to the spectacular Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s famed mountain-top residence and command post at the Berghof, high above Berchtesgaden. From the facility, which was captured by American troops in spring 1945, there are stunning views of the Bavarian Alps. Later you continue to the famed Königsee for a tranquil cruise on this picturesque Alpine lake. In the late afternoon you return to Salzburg for an evening at leisure. (B)

Monday 6 July

Paddle steamer cruise on the Traunsee, Gmunden tramway

This morning you travel to the beautiful lakeside town of Gmunden in the heart of the Austrian Alps, to enjoy a private charter cruise on Lake Traunsee aboard the iconic paddle steamer Gisela of 1871, one of the oldest operational steamboats in the world. You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ship surrounded by incredible scenery with amazing Alpine views.

Gmunden is also famous for featuring one of the smallest urban tramways in Austria and you take the scenic tram back to the main line railway station, before returning on ÖBB service trains to Salzburg. (B L)

Tuesday 7 July

Steam in Tyrol at the Zillertalbahn and steam at the Achenseebahn

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

The Zillertalbahn is renowned around Europe for its regular ‘Plandampf’ trains in summer and offers beautiful views of the typical Tyrolean landscape. Once back in Jenbach, you travel on the other local line, the antique rack railway, for the ascent up to the Achensee. This unique railway originally dates from 1889 and still retains itis original 0-4-0 rack tank engines. At the top of the line, there are beautiful views of the nameksake mountain lake. You return from Achensee to Jenbach on the rack railway, and then travel back to Salzburg once again in First Class on an OBB service train. A farewell dinner will be served at ‘Die Weisse’ Brauhaus back in Salzburg. (B D)

Wednesday 8 July

Return to London

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

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2345

£345

£2195 (Salzburg – Salzburg)

Price includes:

✱ Flights from London to Salzburg and back to London

✱ 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast

✱ 2 Lunches

✱ 3 Dinners

✱ All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All specially chartered trips on heritage trams and vintage ships

✱ All train and road coach travel as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary

✱ A complimentary 48-hour Salzburg Card tourist pass

✱ Admission to the Eagle’s Nest at the Berghof

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals

Rail and Fjords of Norway

Saturday 4 July to Wednesday 15 July 2026

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 4 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 5 July

Steam on the Krøderbanen and Urskog-Hølandsbanen 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

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 6 July

Free day to explore Oslo

Today you have a free day to explore all that Oslo has to offer. 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 7 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,

Tore Bjorback-Amblie

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 8 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 9 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

10 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 11 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 12 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 1067 mm 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 13 July

Hamar Railway Museum; Hamar to Åndalsnes via Dombas on the Rauma line

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. Early afternoon you travel by train to Andalsnes via Dombas, covering the Rauma line awarded the most beautiful railway line in Europe. On arrival in Andalsnes you transfer by road coach to Ålesund, Norway’s fishing capital. You’ll spend the next two nights in Ålesund where dinner is served in the hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 14 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. Dinner is again served in the hotel. (B D)

Wednesday 15 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)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2895

£445

£2745 (Oslo – Oslo)

Price includes:

✱ Return flights London to Oslo

✱ 11 nights hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels including breakfasts

✱ 2 Lunches

✱ 9 Dinners

✱ Rail travel as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All transfers

✱ Cruises and excursions as advertised

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals included each day are shown as:

Dinner

Steam in the Austrian Alps

Wednesday 8 July to Wednesday 15 July 2026

Discover the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and spectacular railways of Austria on this glorious summer holiday, packed with superb Alpine scenery and unique steam highlights.

• Explore the mountains of Austria on and off the beaten path with private charter trains and steam delights, both on the main line and on narrow gauge railways such as the world famous Mariazellerbahn, the stunning Ybbstalbahn or the charming Höllentalbahn.

• Enjoy private steam charters on different mountain railways including the rack and pinion line at the Schneeberg and the high altitude tramway at the pilgrimage town of Mariazell.

• Travel over the famed Semmering Pass in First Class, Europe’s oldest transalpine railway, en-route to the Gurkthalbahn narrow gauge railway, a delightful ‘best kept secret’ in Carinthia.

• Conveniently based in the glorious city of Vienna throughout, at a centrally located quality hotel near the railway station and the main attractions.

Wednesday 8 July

Arrive in Vienna

This morning you fly from London to Vienna, arriving in Austria’s capital city, here you check into a centrally located hotel where lunch is provided upon your arrival. The rest of the day you can spend leisurely in Vienna, using your complimentary public transport rover ticket to discover the sights. (L)

Thursday 9 July

Sightseeing in Vienna; Prater Ferris Wheel; Steam at the Prater Railway and leisure in the city

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

Your tour concludes with a ride on the Prater Ferris Wheel, built by British engineers in 1899. You then traverse the adjacent 15-inch steam railway, hauled by a vintage 1920s ‘Pacific’ type 4-6-2 locomotive through the Prater Gardens on this 4 km long 1920s park railway. The rest of the day you may spend at your own pace, enjoying all that Vienna has to offer. (B)

Friday 10 July

Steam at the Schneeberg rack railway

Today you steam into the Austrian Alps on a privately chartered train via the Schneeberg mountain rack railway south of Vienna. An original 19th century steam locomotive pushes you up the 1800 m ascent, seated in the comfort of your photogenic green heritage coach. Regular services on the Schneeberg will have ended for the season, so numerous

run-pasts will be staged, and from the summit there are sweeping views of the Alps and the plains of Hungary. After a delightful group lunch at a mountain lodge you’ll return downhill with your steam train. In late afternoon you return to Vienna by ÖBB service train. (B L)

Saturday 11 July

Mountain magnificence at the Mariazellerbahn; Steam on the Mariazell heritage tramway

This morning you travel to St Pölten on a ÖBB high speed service, before transferring onto the Mariazellerbahn, Austria’s longest narrow gauge railway. You’ll traverse this 84 km branch line, all horseshoe curves and winding spirals, in a private observation saloon with the Alpine scenery in full view. Lunch will be served on the train. Arriving at Mariazell in late morning, the

1902 0-4-0 tramway locomotive ‘Hellbrunn’ then hauls you to Lake Erlauf, where you can enjoy a walk along the lake.

You return to the depot for a guided tour of one of Central Europe’s largest collections of trams and light rail vehicles. Afterwards you take the steam tramway on the new extension of the line via the Mariazell triangle to the terminus Promenadenweg. You return to the station before the panoramic train takes you back to St Pölten, and then on to Vienna by service train. (B L)

Sunday 12 July

The Semmering Railway and steam at the Gurkthalbahn

This morning you cross the stone-arched viaducts of the stunning Semmeringbahn, the first trans-Alpine railway built in Europe from 1848-54. You’ll travel First Class on an ÖBB service train over the UNESCO designated Semmering pass to the junction station of Treibach. There a classic Austro-Hungarian tank engine from the early 20th century hauls you south on this preserved narrow gauge line to Pöckstein. Framed by peaks, this unique line meanders through idyllic rural scenery before terminating at a local castle. There’ll be photo stops and run-pasts during the trip. Later you return by ÖBB service train back over the Semmering railway to Wien Hbf. (B)

Monday 13 July

By steam over the Waldviertel Semmering to Gross Gerungs

Today you travel by OBB service train from Wien FJB to Gmünd on the Czech border. Here you change onto the idyllic narrow gauge railway and have a private steam charter over the 52 km long southern branch line to Gross Gerungs.

You’ll storm past Weitra Castle and cross several stone-arched viaducts before battling the gradients of the ‘Waldviertel Semmering’. This scenic line is one of the longest and most attractive narrow gauge railways in Austria, and your train of traditional four-wheeled coaches will be hauled by the iconic 0-8+4 steam locomotive Mh.4 from 1906. Run-pasts and photo stops will be staged along the way. Upon returning to Gmünd by steam, you continue to Wien by OBB train. (B L)

Tuesday 14 July

Höllentalbahn scenic tramway and more leisure in Vienna

After breakfast you take an OBB service train south to Payerbach, where you enjoy a private charter ride on a vintage tramway dating from 1926. Running for 5 km through a beautiful mountain valley and along a tranquil river, this delightful heritage tramway is one of the ‘best kept secrets’ in Austria and offers lots of early 20th century charm, plus unspoiled views of impressive hills and peaks. Along the way, run-pasts and photo stops will be possible. After making the full round-trip on this beautiful narrow gauge railway, you return to Vienna and may spend another afternoon exploring the Austrian capital’s marvellous attractions. In the evening you regroup with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. (B D)

Wednesday 15 July

Return to London

The time has come to say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Austria, you have a free morning in Vienna before taking an afternoon RailJet service from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Wien Flughafen for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2295

£295

£2150 (Vienna – Vienna)

Price includes:

✱ Return flights from London to Vienna

✱ First Class travel on all rail services throughout (where possible)

✱ 7 nights accommodation with breakfast

✱ 4 Lunches

✱ 1 Dinner

✱ Week-long complimentary public transport rover in Vienna

✱ All rail trips, steam trains, private charters and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

This holiday can easily be combined with the immediately preceding holiday ‘Steam around the Austrian Lakes’ for two full weeks in Austria and delights in both the west and east of this beautiful country.

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

Meals

Railways, River Cruises and World War II History in Poland

Thursday 16 July to Friday 24 July 2026

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, scenic river cruises and a narrow gauge steam railway excursion.

• Based throughout in the beautiful historic city of Krakow, this tour takes you to Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Krakow’s Aviation Museum, Gliwice Radio Tower and the Przemysl Fortresses.

• Visits to the inspiring and UNESCO-designated Kazimierz Jewish quarter in Krakow and the Holocaust remembrance site in Oświęcim, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

• First Class travel on loco-hauled PKP Intercity services between the different cities, including a wonderful high speed rail, day-trip to Poland’s vibrant capital city to see all of the major historic sites and World War II monuments there.

• A privately chartered river cruise below Wawel Castle in Krakow as well as private rides on the fun and popular electric golf carts in Krakow and Tarnow, allowing you to sightsee the main sites and historic landmarks in comfort and style.

• A visit to the amazing salt mines at Wieliczka, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an incredible network of beautiful underground chambers and chapels that are unique in the world.

Thursday 16 July

Arrive to Krakow

Fly direct from London to Krakow. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and will be your base for the entire duration of the tour. After a welcome lunch at your centrally located hotel, you are free to have a first look around and explore the Old Town with its expansive main market square and ornate buildings. You will be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket valid for all days of the tour. (L)

Friday 17 July

Kazimierz Jewish Quarter in Krakow and visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory in the former Ghetto, Sunset dinner cruise on the River Vistula

Today you visit the Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, with its preserved synagogues and Jewish cemeteries and other relevant WWII sites.

You see historic districts and then 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.’ Today, the factory is a museum, providing an immersive experience. After the museum visit there is some free time, before a wonderful evening sightseeing cruise on the River Vistula and below Wawel Castle. Full dinner catering and complimentary drinks are included on the sunset cruise. (B D)

Saturday 18 July

Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow and Wieliczka Salt Mine

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

including a unique collection of wooden bi-planes from World War I. 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. In the evening there’s a buffet dinner back at the hotel. (B D)

Sunday 19 July Heritage tramways and leisure in Krakow

On Sundays during the summer Krakow’s popular museum tramway is in regular service. You will have a complimentary rover ticket for unlimited rides on the different heritage trams, once again giving you a great opportunity to sightsee the city in style and comfort, without walking. Additionally, this day is dedicated for more free time to individually explore all the cultural attractions that the city has to offer. (B)

Monday 20 July

Day-trip to Warsaw by high-speed rail, Warsaw Uprising Museum

Thanks to Poland’s main high-speed line, Warsaw is just over two hours by Intercity train from Krakow. You make a day-trip to the attractive capital city and visit the most important WWII monuments, including the excellent museum dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising from summer 1944. You enjoy a vintage tram ride over the bridges of the Vistula and see the elaborately rebuilt Old Town and ornate Royal Palace along the river embankment. Naturally you will also experience the vibrant modern side of the city, which is located just around the main railway station Warszawa Centralna. You return by highspeed train to Krakow in the evening, once again enjoying accommodation in First Class. (B)

Tuesday 21 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)

Wednesday 22 July

World War I history and the fortresses and palaces of Przemysl near the Ukrainian frontier

After breakfast you take a PKP Intercity train two hours east to the historic city of Przemysl, which is also the Polish frontier post with western Ukraine. This beautiful city is steeped in 20th history and was part of the AustroHungarian Empire until 1918. As such Przemysl developed with both beautiful palaces and Baroque churches. You visit the impressive 19th century forts and also see some of the splendid residential palaces, reliving at those sites both World War I and World II history. You have lunch at a local restaurant. In the late afternoon you return to Krakow by direct, locomotive-hauled Intercity train. (B L)

Thursday 23 July

Visit to the Gliwice Radio Tower and narrow gauge steam train in Rudy Today you travel westbound by Intercity train from Krakow to Gliwice. Located in the Silesian coal-mining region, Gliwice (Gleiwitz) was German until 1945. Gliwice Radio Station is a 118 m (387 ft) tall wooden Radio Tower built by the German Reichspost in 1935. The transmitter tower remains the tallest wooden structure in Europe, locally known as the “Eiffel Tower of Silesia”. Afterwards, you have lunch at a typical Polish restaurant in Gliwice, before visiting the nearby heritage railway at Rudy, which has one of the most attractively refurbished narrow gauge yards in Poland, with red brick sheds and impressive old water towers. You enjoy a private steam charter train through the rural scenery of Silesia, replete with photo stops and run-pasts. In the late afternoon you return directly to Krakow by coach. (B L)

Friday 24 July

Return to London

You have a direct coach transfer from the hotel to the airport and then a return flight from Krakow to London. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£1995

£395

£1850 (Krakow – Krakow)

Price includes:

✱ Return flights from London to Krakow

✱ 8 Nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located hotel

✱ 4 Lunches

✱ 2 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 steam train rides as detailed in the itinerary

✱ Complementary public transport rover tickets in Krakow and Warsaw

✱ City sightseeing rides and local transfers

✱ 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. Meals

as:

Highlights of Switzerland in Summer

Wednesday 22 July to Wednesday 29 July 2026

Experience the splendour of the snow topped Swiss Alps on this spectacular summer holiday. 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 the historic city of Brig and Chur, you’ll stay in topquality 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.

Wednesday 22 July

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)

Thursday 23 July

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

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

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)

Friday 24 July

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. (B)

Saturday 25 July

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 Naters allocated within the district of Brig, an historic, elegant city, which has become famous as a major railway junction and gateway to nearby Italy. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. (B D)

Sunday 26 July

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)

Monday 27 July

Rhaetian Railway from Chur to St Moritz by private Pullman coach

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, UNESCOdesignated Albula railway with its countless spiral tunnels and the iconic Landwasser viaduct, perhaps the most famous railway bridge in Continental Europe. On arrival at St Moritz there’s time for refreshments and a stroll by the pretty mountain lake next to the railway station. Then you return to Chur by regular RhB service train on the different railway route via Zuoz, the Vereina Tunnel, Klosters and Landquart, with more breathtaking Alpine scenery along the way. (B)

Tuesday 28 July

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

Another signature attraction awaits, as you journey over both the UNESCO-designated Albula and the Bernina railways. From Chur you take an express train over the beautiful Albula line to Samedan and Pontresina. This allows you to ride over the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and experience the countless horseshoe curves that make the Albula line renowned around the world. In Pontresina you change onto the Bernina Railway and are once again accommodated in a private Pullman coach for the journey over the wonderful Bernina pass, the only Swiss trans-alpine railway that climbs over the ridges between north and south without using a tunnel. Enjoy the ascent to the summit at Ospizio 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 have time for a look around the station and town, before continuing back north in your Pullman coach. Light lunch refreshments are directly provided with at seat-catering in the Pullman Car. 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)

Wednesday 29 July

Return to London

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

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2995

£345

£2750 (Vevey – Chur)

Price includes:

✱ 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Astra, Vevey

✱ 1 Night accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Alex, Naters

✱ 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel ABC, Chur

✱ 2 Lunches

✱ 4 Dinners

✱ All privately chartered vintage trains as detailed in the itinerary

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

✱ First Class travel on Glacier Express (Brig to Chur) including lunch on-board

✱ 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

The Baltic Seasider

Saturday 25 July to Tuesday 4 August 2026

This holiday to the Polish and German Baltic coast is packed with several centuries of history, culture, and of course exciting steam railways! Based in the historic Hanseatic cities of Gdansk and Rostock, your holiday includes visits to the largest castle in the world, the oldest British-built naval destroyer, charming railway trips on the Island of Rügen and at the Molli steam railway and numerous WWII sites.

• Visit the seaside resort town of Sopot, the ‘Rimini of the North’, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Malbork Castle.

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

• Enjoy river and harbour cruises in Gdansk and Rostock, with excellent views and Maritime interest.

• Experience incredible rail journeys on local, regional, and Intercity trains in the region, with vintage traction and first class accommodation, plus train trips to the famed Hel peninsula.

• Experience the thrill of steam trains to the German seaside on the Island of Rügen and the famous street-running at the Molli railway in Bad Doberan.

Saturday 25 July

Arrive to Gdansk

A direct flight from London to Gdansk, before transferring to your city centre hotel and time to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city. All the major attractions are close to your hotel. You will receive a week-long public transport rover ticket, so you can explore the city’s local tram network. In the evening there’s a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Sunday 26 July

Seaside resort of Sopot, Destroyer Błyskawica and harbour museum in Gdynia

In the morning you travel from Gdansk’s historic main station to Sopot. 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. After time for mid-day refreshments you continue to the port city of Gdynia. The battleship ‘Bismarck’ sailed from Gdynia during German occupation in May 1941 on its lone combat mission to the North Atlantic, before being sunk by the Royal Navy in 1941. You will see more naval WWII history here in the form of the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica (Lightning). After the tour of the destroyer, you have time to look around Gdynia, before returning to Gdansk by train. (B)

Monday 27 July

World War II history in Gdansk, Westerplatte port ferry, and Polish Post Office museum

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. The port ferry will take you on a scenic harbour cruise down the river to Westerplatte, to visit the museum and memorial. After the visit, you return by boat to the Old Town to see the WWII Museum as well as the Polish Post Office. After the visit to both museums, you are free to spend the rest of the day at leisure in Gdansk. (B)

Tuesday 28 July

World War II Museum in Gdansk, Heritage

Steamer

and Baltic beaches

After breakfast you visit the popular WWII Museum in Gdansk, opened in 2017. After refreshments you have the opportunity to experience the steamship Soldek. You then enjoy another of the city’s attractions, its famed tramway to the seaside at Stogi, where delightful and expansive beaches await. After free time to explore Gdansk, you meet your fellow travellers in the evening for dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Wednesday 29 July

Standard and narrow-gauge railways of Hel, World War II history and ferry to Gdansk

Located north of Gdynia, the Hel peninsula juts out in the Baltic Sea and during the 1930s was of strategic significance for Poland. You take a direct PKP Intercity train from Gdansk to the famed seaside terminus of Hel. At Hel, the standard gauge railway terminus is next to the beaches, and you can stroll along the promenade. Then you have a short transfer to the military museum and narrow-gauge railway, getting a guided tour of both and having a train ride on the line. You then take the evening ferry from Hel back to Gdansk, enjoying fine views of the Baltic Sea at dusk. (B)

Thursday 30 July

By train to Malbork Castle and across the iconic Tczew Viaduct

After breakfast you take a train from Gdansk to Malbork, traveling by PKP Intercity train hauled by a vintage electric locomotive, which is based on the British Rail Class 83. You will cross the 840-metre-long railway bridge across the River Vistula at Tczew. At Malbork you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, largest castle complex in the world, established by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th Century. With its expansive ramparts, towers, chapels and spacious courtyards, the Gothic red brick castle is as stunning as it is beautiful. You make the return ride to Gdansk in the late afternoon and can enjoy a last evening at leisure in the city. (B)

Friday 31 July

By train to Rostock, Germany

In the morning you board a EuroCity train and travel in First Class via Poznan to Berlin. You reach Berlin Hbf in the afternoon and change trains for the onward connection to Rostock. Rostock is your base for the rest of the tour. You check in and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel (B D)

Saturday 1 August

At leisure in Rostock, train to Warnemünde seaside resort and sunset dinner cruise

Today you relax and enjoy the ambiance of the German seaside. You are free to explore Rostock in the morning. Then in the afternoon you take the train to Warnemünde, the local seaside resort, with its wide sandy beaches and landmark lighthouse. After exploring Warnemünde, you can return by tramway to Rostock. There you enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the River Warne aboard a privately chartered ship. Aboard the vessel you will sail down the River Warne, right to the mouth of the river at Warnemünde. A buffet dinner and complimentary drinks are served aboard, allowing you to relax in style. (B D)

Sunday 2 August

Steam at the Molli Railway along the Baltic Coast

Today, you will visit the seaside railway known as ‘Molli.’ This railway, renowned for its street running section in Bad Doberan, features a variety of German tank engines. You journey to Kühlingsborn along the Baltic Coast. You can return to Bad Doberan to capture footage of the street running. For the rest of the day, you can make use of your rover ticket, which allows you unlimited use of the steam trains and explore the area. You may choose to visit the beautiful seaside resort at Heiligendamm. In the late afternoon, you return by rail to Rostock, where you will have a free evening to enjoy the city. (B)

Monday 3 August

Steam on the Island of Rügen and historic Stralsund

Today, German Plandampf is the focal point of attention. Your trip will begin with a service via Stralsund to Putbus on the Island of Rügen. In Putbus, you experience the narrow-gauge ‘Racing Roland’ railway, which runs to the seaside terminus at Göhren. After lunch, you will have time to explore Göhren. The return trip to Putbus will be behind a different steam locomotive. On arrival in Putbus you journey back to Rostock via Stralsund . In the evening, a farewell dinner will be held at the hotel. (B L D)

Tuesday 4 August

Return to London

In the morning you transfer by train to Berlin airport and then a direct flight to London. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2375

£425

£2250 (Gdansk – Rostock)

Price includes:

✱ 10 nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located, quality hotel

✱ Flights from London to Gdansk and return from Berlin to London

✱ 1 Lunch

✱ 5 Dinners

✱ First Class rail travel on PKP and DB

Intercity and EuroCity services with seat reservations, Standard Class travel on local trains when First Class is not available

✱ All privately chartered river cruises and train rides as detailed in the itinerary

✱ Complementary public transport rover tickets

✱ Steam railway rides at the Molli and Rügen narrow gauge railways in Germany

✱ Museum and site admissions to all the attractions and memorials as detailed in the itinerary

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals included each day are shown as:

Steam in Denmark and Northern Germany

Tuesday 4 August to Thursday 13 August 2026

Embark on a refreshing summer escape to the Scandinavian seaside and the vibrant city of Copenhagen. Your journey features nostalgic steam railway rides through rural Denmark, scenic sightseeing cruises in both Copenhagen and Hamburg, and charming adventures aboard delightful narrow-gauge trains and countryside tramways. Enjoy the perfect blend of coastal relaxation, cultural exploration, and heritage rail experiences.

• Visit the provincial Danish heritage steam railways at Maribo and Hedelands, where you will enjoy charming overland steam journeys complete with photo stops—perfect for enthusiasts and photographers alike.

• Explore Denmark’s national railway museum at the Odense roundhouse, featuring the museum’s own running track and the fully operational 19th-century steam locomotive Odin. Continue to the nearby Skjoldenæsholm Tramway Museum, home to an impressive overland route and a superb collection of early 20th-century tramcars—the Danish counterpart to Crich Tramway Village.

• Savour attractive sightseeing cruises in both Copenhagen and Hamburg, including a private charter dinner cruise in Hamburg aboard the vintage 1876 steamboat St Georg on the serene inland waters of the River Alster.

• Enjoy ‘ferry hopping’ on Hamburg’s lively River Elbe ferry network, rubbing shoulders with ocean-liner giants and exploring the waterfront freely with your inclusive ferry and public transport rover ticket.

• Take the spectacular round-trip railway journey over the long Öresund Bridge to Malmö, offering one of Scandinavia’s most impressive and scenic train rides along the Baltic Sea – an unforgettable highlight of your stay in Copenhagen.

Tuesday 4 August

Arrive in Copenhagen

Fly directly from London to Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital. Transfer by train to the city centre and your hotel near the main railway station and major attractions, ideal for using your complimentary Metro rover ticket. If arriving from our Baltic Seasider holiday, you continue from Rostock by ferry to Gedser and onward by DSB train across the islands of Lolland and Sjælland. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Wednesday 5 August

Sightseeing cruise and leisure in Copenhagen

After breakfast, board an open-top canal boat for a scenic cruise through Copenhagen’s waterways, passing many famous landmarks. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace using your public transport pass or simply enjoy the harbour on foot. (B)

Thursday 6 August

Steam at the Danish Railway Museum; tramway museum at Skjoldenæsholm

Travel by DSB Intercity train to Odense on the island of Fyn. Visit the Danish National Railway Museum, housed in the historic roundhouse and featuring Odin, a working 1846 steam locomotive replica. After a café break, continue by coach to the Danish National Tramway Museum at Skjoldenæsholm for rides on heritage trams along its open-air line. Return to Odense and take the Intercity train back to Copenhagen for dinner. (B D)

Friday 7 August

Train trip to Malmö over the Öresund Bridge

Experience one of Scandinavia’s greatest engineering achievements the nearly 8-km Öresund Bridge, a striking cable-stayed crossing linking Denmark and Sweden over the Öresund Strait. After arriving in Malmö you enjoy some free time before returning by rail to Copenhagen for an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

Saturday 8 August

Steam at the Maribo heritage railway

In the morning you take a DSB train to Lolland to visit the preserved Maribo–Bandholm railway, worked by early 20th-century tank engines. Enjoy the full route, photo stops, and a look inside the engine shed. Lunch is included before returning to Copenhagen via Nykøbing. (B L)

Sunday 9 August

Steam at the Hedelands narrowgauge railway

Travel by DSB train to Hedehusene near Roskilde for a ride on the 700 mm gauge Hedelands railway, winding through scenic countryside and operated by steam tank engines. Enjoy the full 5.3 km journey with photo stops, followed by lunch and your return to Copenhagen. (B L)

Monday 10 August

To Hamburg; evening dinner cruise on steamboat St Georg

Take a direct EuroCity train from Copenhagen to Hamburg, passing through Flensburg, and enjoy scenic views of Denmark and Northern Germany along the way. After checking into your central hotel, enjoy a tranquil evening cruise aboard the historic 1876 steamboat St Georg, complete with buffet dinner and views of Hamburg’s canals and historic districts. (B D)

Tuesday 11 August

Miniature Wonderland; River Elbe cruises

Visit Miniature Wonderland the world’s largest model railway attraction It’s a captivating and entertaining display featuring detailed geographic layouts in HO scale with over 8 miles of track. Afterwards, enjoy views from the Elbphilharmonie terrace. Your inclusive rovers for public transport and River Elbe ferries allow unlimited travel and superb views of Hamburg and its busy port. (B)

Wednesday 12 August

Steam at Germany’s northernmost preserved railway

Travel north by DB service train to the Baltic seaside near the Danish border. The Angelner railway is particularly remarkable, operating historic steam locomotives and coaches of Scandinavian rather than German origin. Ride behind a powerful 1952 Swedish 2-6-4 tank engine on a charter train from Kappeln to Süderbrarup along the 15 km standard gauge line. After lunch, return to Kappeln with several run-pasts, then travel back to Hamburg for a free evening. (B L)

Thursday 13 August

Hamburg at leisure and return to London

Enjoy a free morning in Hamburg before taking the S-Bahn to the airport for your flight back to London. (B)

Please note that this tour can be easily combined with our preceding holiday, Baltic Seasider, for an extended journey filled with even more steam experiences and scenic views along the Baltic coast.

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2695

£495

£2580 (Copenhagen – Hamburg)

Price includes:

✱ Flights from London to Copenhagen and Hamburg to London

✱ All train, heritage rail travel and lake cruises as detailed in the itinerary

✱ 9 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast

✱ 3 Lunches

✱ 3 Dinners

✱ Included public transport rover tickets in Copenhagen and Hamburg, including Hamburg River Elbe ferry rover

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals included each day are shown as:

The Chemnitz Steam Gala

Wednesday 19 August to Wednesday 26 August 2026

This tour visits one of Germany’s premier steam locomotive gatherings, including main line running, engine parades and turntable shows at the roundhouse. A private main line charter train with the 475.111 in Central Bohemia and narrow gauge steam on some of Saxony’s most scenic lines complete the exciting programme.

• Start the tour in beautiful Prague and experience the thrill of a private charter train on the Czech main line from Luzna to Blatno with the recently refurbished tank engine 313.432, a wonderful icon from 1904 and key part of the collection at the CD Museum in Luzna.

• Enjoy a full weekend at the Chemnitz steam locomotive festival and participate in the wide variety of memorable activities, including main line journeys behind giant tender locomotives.

• Sample the best of Saxon narrow gauge steam with rides at the Weisseritztalbahn, the mountainous Fichtelbergbahn to Oberwiesenthal and also the Chemnitz Park Railway. A ride on the panoramic Augustusburg funicular from 1911 is an added attraction, with wonderful views from the top.

• In both Prague and Chemnitz you’ll be given a complimentary public transport ticket allowing convenient and comfortable travel as well as the opportunity to further explore the two tram networks.

Wednesday 19 August

Arrive in Prague

You have a direct morning flight from London to the Czech capital. After an easy transfer to your attractively located city centre hotel, you checkin and have lunch at the hotel, before having the afternoon to explore this amazing city at leisure, taking advantage of your convenient hotel location and the complimentary public transport ticket. Why not use it to ride up to Prague Castle on the heritage tramway. (L)

Thursday 20 August

Czech railway museum at Luzna and main line steam in Central Bohemia

A real highlight of European steam awaits today as you take a train from Prague west to Luzna and first visit the magnificent museum of the Czech Railways, with its large roundhouse and additional maintenance sheds. After lunch refreshments at the museum cafe, you have a private main line steam charter with the recently refurbished tank engine 313.432 ‘Matylda’ dating from 1904. Steaming via Rakovnik west to Blatno you pause for numerous photos and also a run-past. You return by private steam train to Luzna and from there by regular fast train back to Prague, where you may spend another evening at leisure. (B L)

Friday 21 August

Free morning in Prague and afternoon train trip to Chemnitz

Today you still have a free morning in Prague to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. In the mid afternoon you then take a direct EuroCity train from Prague to Dresden, travelling through the scenic Elbe Valley along the way, passing mighty castles, dotted villages and impressive rock formations along the way. In Dresden you change for the onward train to Chemnitz and arrive there in the late afternoon. You check into your centrally located hotel and have a buffet dinner. (B D)

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August

Chemnitz Steam Festival

This weekend is dedicated entirely to the large steam locomotive gathering at Chemnitz Hilbersdorf, one of the most impressive steam yards in Germany with two giant, semi-circular roundhouses, large coaling towers and vast tracks for attractive engine displays.

There’s also a 600 mm field railway on site, where a guest locomotive will also be in steam on the compact circuit. The Chemnitz steam gathering brings large main line steam locomotives from all around Germany to Hilbersdorf, offering over a dozen engines in steam, locomotive parades, turntable shows, foot-plate rides and of course main line excursions on the lines towards Dresden or Zwickau. You will participate in all of these activities, including making the main line steam trip with parallel running on uphill gradients. Additionally, you will also visit on one day the 600 mm gauge Chemnitz Park Railway, where steam will also be active. After all the action and splendid fun, on each day there will be a dinner back at your hotel. (B D)

Monday 24 August

Steam in the Ore Mountains from Cranzahl to Oberwiesenthal and Augustusburg funicular

You begin your journey by taking a direct DB service train from Chemnitz to Cranzahl. Upon arrival you will board a steam train and travel along the historic Fichtelbergbahn to Oberwiesenthal known as the “St Moritz of Saxony.” The train will be pulled by a type VII K 2-10-2 tank engine. After some time

in Oberwiesenthal you return to Cranzahl by steam train in the afternoon, you continue your journey to Chemnitz on DB service trains. During the trip, you will stop at Ermannsdorf to experience the scenic funicular dating back to 1911, which leads to the impressive hilltop castle Augustburg. This location offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You will have the opportunity to explore the palace facilities and enjoy refreshments at the courtyard cafe, before descending again by funicular and continuing by train back to Chemnitz. You have an evening at leisure once back in Chemnitz where you can visit some of the city's notable brewhouses. (B)

Tuesday 25 August

Steam at the at the Weisseritz Valley Railway to Kurort Kipsdorf

Embrace on a morning excursion on the recently re-opened narrow-gauge Weisseritz Valley Railway. You will experience a steam-hauled journey through the scenic “canyon landscape” of Saxony, traveling from Freital-Hainsberg via Dippoldiswalde to Kurort Kipsdorf along the Weisseritz River, powered by a 2-10-2 tank engine. Enjoy panoramic views from the open balconies of your vintage carriage as you pass historic villages and a large lake. You return to Chemnitz in the afternoon, before regrouping in the hotel restuartant where a farewell dinner will be held. (B D)

Wednesday 26 August

Return to London

You travel from Chemnitz by train to Berlin airport where you have a direct flight back to London. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£1995

£395

£1845 (Prague – Chemnitz)

Price includes:

✱ 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast

✱ Flights from London to Prague and from Berlin to London

✱ 2 Lunches

✱ 4 Dinners

✱ Public transport rover tickets for trams and trains in Prague and Chemnitz

✱ All privately chartered steam trains

✱ Steam excursions 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:

Steam in Dordogne and the Pyrenees

Thursday 27 August to Thursday 3 September 2026

This popular tour visits the Atlantic region of southwestern France, where there are numerous railway attractions, beautiful landscapes and rich cultural sights to enjoy.

• Take advantage of efficient high-speed connections and travel by Eurostar and TGV to quickly reach the city of Bordeaux.

• Enjoy the splendour and tramways of Bordeaux, with its spacious squares, classic palaces and distinctive Francophone flair. You will quickly appreciate why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Make a short day-trip from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion, one of France’s most charming and dignified wine-growing towns. You will visit the Chateau Soutard vineyard and taste the world famous red wine.

• Stay at the historic city Bayonne, right next to the sophisticated French seaside resort Biarritz, a beautiful old town located right on the rugged Atlantic coast and considered the cultural capital of the French Basque Country.

• Experience the thrill of steam in the steam in the Dordogne at the Haut Quercy heritage railway, a line embedded along scenic rock formations and the picture-perfect town of Martel.

• Travel on the famed teak-bodied trains of the legendary La Rhune rack railway, one of the most charming mountain railways in southwestern Europe and from where there are stunning summit views of both the Atlantic and the Pyrenees.

Thursday 27 August

London to Bordeaux by rail

You travel from London St Pancras to Paris Nord by Eurostar, before changing to Paris Montparnasse and continuing from there on a TGV high-speed train to Bordeaux. On arrival, you check into your centrally located hotel and will be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket, allowing you to make use of the excellent tram system. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. (D)

Friday 28 August

Saint-Emilion and vineyard visit

Today you visit the picturesque wine-growing town of Saint-Emilion in the heart of the Bordeaux region. This 12th century fortified

town is wonderfully well preserved, home to architectural and historical wonders like the Ursuline’s Convent, where the famous SaintEmilion macaroons were created, the Great Wall, and magnificent Brunet Gate, one of six medieval gates to admire. Many of Saint-Emilion’s cobbled streets, called ‘Tertres’, have metal handrails to help you climb the dramatic steep inclines. Located just east of the city, you visit a local vineyard for a wine-tasting experience. After leisure time in the old town, you return to Bordeaux in the afternoon. (B D)

Saturday 29 August

Leisure, museums and tramways in Bordeaux

Today you may enjoy the city of Bordeaux and

all it has to offer. Beautiful, vibrant Bordeaux is France’s sixth biggest city, home to a variety of fascinating attractions. The Miroir d’Eau, for example, is the world’s largest reflecting pool, an impressive 3450 square metres of black granite on the quayside. The Cathédrale St-André, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates way back to 1096, and the city is home to numerous world-class museums. You can use your complimentary public transport ticket to ride the extensive tramway or enjoy admission to the famed Musée des beaux-arts de Bordeaux, which has a collection of famed 19th and 20th century French painters and is located in a stately gallery. Tonight you are free to sample the best of French cuisine at a city restaurant of your choice. (B)

Georg Trueb

Sunday 30 August

Steam in the Dordogne at the Haut Quercy heritage railway

In the morning you make a direct coach transfer through the Aquitaine region to the Haut Quercy heritage railway, where a charming steam train operates on the hilly terrain between Martel and Saint-Denis-les-Martel. The railway, which is affectionately known as ‘Le Truffadou’ features both French and Polish-built steam locomotives as well as attractive fresh-air open-sided coaches that provide superb views of the surrounding scenery. Once part of the old Bordeaux–Aurillac main line, much of the preserved route passes along numerous noteworthy rock formations. After a full round-trip on the 13 km long line you have time to sightsee the pretty town of Martel before returning to Bordeaux in the afternoon. Martel’s unique skyline offers seven enormous medieval towers to admire. The glorious Palais de la Raymondi, built between 1280 and 1330, was once home to the town’s tax collector. Saint Maur’s church looks more like a fortress than a place of worship. Tonight dinner will once again be at the hotel. (B D)

Monday 31 August

On to Bayonne and the Basque Country

After a leisurely breakfast you continue in the late morning by TGV to the historic city of Bayonne, framed by a beautiful cathedral and located at the confluence of the Rivers Adour and Nive. This beautiful Basque seaside town is near the Bay of Biscay has been a fashionable destination since the 1800s, when Napoleon’s wife Empress Eugénie decided to spend her summer holidays here. The city offers countless inviting cafés, excellent fine dining and pâtisserie boutiques. Full of history, elegance and French flair, you get to enjoy Bayonne and nearby Biarritz and all it has to offer for the next three nights. (B D)

Tuesday 1 September

La Rhune rack railway in the Pyrenees and a visit to Spain

Opened in 1924, the rack railway from Col de

Saint-Ignace to the summit of La Rhune at 881 m above sea level is the main mountain railway in southwestern France and technically noteworthy as it still operated using its original teak-bodied coaches and vintage Swiss locomotives. During the ascent, there are sweeping vistas of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, including the view down to Biarritz. The summit is directly located on the Franco-Spanish border and you can take a casual stroll into Spain by visiting the cozy summit lodge and stunning observation platform. After the scenic descent journey, you make the short ride by coach to Biarritz, which is the most luxurious seaside resort on the French Atlantic coast and is dotted by numerous palace hotels. Biarritz is also renowned for its stunning beach with white lighthouse, dramatic cliffs and towering waves. Tonight you are free to find your own favourite restaurant along the river in Bayonne. (B)

Wednesday 2 September

By rail to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye

Travelling along the Atlantic seaside you make the short railway excursion from Bayonne via Biarritz to the fishing village and seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Colorful houses frame the waterfront, which also includes a sandy beach. Railway enthusiasts will enjoy making the short continuation from Saint-Jean to Hendaye, France’s southwestern most port and border station with Spain. This is where the standard gauge railway network also ends. At the pretty station of Hendaye you will have ample time to watch trains or walk across the pedestrian border bridge to Irun, Spain. In the evening you rejoin your fellow travelers’ for a final group dinner at the hotel in Bayonne. (B D)

Thursday 3 September

Return to London

The time has come to bid France’s Atlantic Coast a fond farewell, as you travel from Bayonne to Paris Montparnasse and then transfer to Paris Nord for the return with Eurostar to London St Pancras. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2395

£375

£2165 (Bordeaux – Bayonne)

Price includes:

✱ Eurostar Plus seating on all Eurostar services, First Class seating on TGV and other train services (where possible)

✱ 7 nights quality hotel accommodation with breakfast included

✱ 5 Dinners

✱ All visits as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All seat reservations and transfers

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast

Lunch - D = Dinner

Alpine Steam Express

Thursday 3 September to Wednesday 9 September 2026

Against the backdrop of the stunning Swiss Alps and wild Jura Mountains, 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 and public steamboats, while also having time to make good use of your Swiss Travel Pass rover ticket to explore Switzerland’s amazing railway network.

• Steam over the majestic Furka Pass on one of the railway’s rarely deployed tank engines on the steeper west to east route from Oberwald to Realp, with breathtaking views and photo stops along the way.

• Experience Swiss steam at its best by land and water, including the hilly steam railway in the Zürich Oberland, the narrow gauge garden railway at Schinznach and the majestic paddle steamers on different lakes.

• Enjoy the plush comfort of 1930s luxury coaches on a main line steam charter in the rugged Val de Travers in Western Switzerland along the old Ligne Franco-Suisse from the 1860s, hauled by an iconic former SBB ‘Tiger’ tank engine.

• Travel through the pastoral Emmental Valley on a private steam charter on the beautiful, freight-only line from Huttwil to Sumiswald.

Thursday 3 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 4 September

Main line steam in the Val de Travers in the Jura Mountains

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 afternoon you travel with the group by SBB train to Neuchatel. You then experience the best of main line steam, travelling in western Switzerland on the old ‘Ligne Franco-Suisse’ from 1860 on the steep gradients from Noiraigue to the border station Les Verrieres, before returning downhill and eventually branching off to Fleurier and then the short branch line to 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-de-Travers. 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 is hauled

by a powerful 0-8-0 tank engine built in the 1950s. In St Sulpice, you visit the large steam locomotive collection of the VVT group. Dinner is served on the train, in the elegantly appointed cars. In the evening you return by SBB service trains to Olten. (B D)

Saturday 5 September

Steam at the Furka Railway and paddle steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne

This morning, after an exciting journey by standard and narrow-gauge service trains from Olten via the Bernese Oberland and Upper Valais to Oberwald, you board a steam train of the legendary Furka Railway and then travel steam-hauled over the original summit route of the world famous Glacier Express, seeing

the namesake Rhone Glacier up close during several photo stops along the way. Your train will be hauled by the newly overhauled 0-8-0 giant tank engine No.708, which was brought back to Switzerland from Vietnam. You take the west to east route from Oberwald via Furka to Realp, which features significantly more uphill running than the reverse east to west direction. Experience the very best of the Swiss Alps! After arrival to Realp you have more free time to use your Swiss Travel Pass and could either make the spectacular railway journey over the Oberalp Pass to Chur or travel along the Gotthard route to Lake Lucerne, where there is a delightful sunset dinner cruise by paddle steamer. (B L)

Sunday 6 September

Steam in the Zürich Oberland with two tank engines and steam at the Schinznach Garden Railway for their annual gala

More 19th century traction 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 Hinwil to Bauma. The Bauma station complex has recently 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 immaculate former SBB tank engines dating from the late 19th and early 20th century. You will be hauled by one steam locomotive for the outward trip from Hinwil to Bauma and then a different steam loco for the return leg, with photo stops included. After this splendid steam experience, you transfer by train to Brugg and then take one of the iconic yellow “Postauto” postal coaches for the short connection to nearby Schinznach, where a wonderful 600 mm (two foot) gauge field railway is Switzerland’s premier park railway. Running through attractive countryside, the railway also circles a large pond and traverses an impressive viaduct. This Sunday marks the railway’s annual gala with at least three different locomotives in steam. In the early evening you return to Olten for dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Monday 7 September

Steam in the Emmental with a unique “Boxcab” locomotive

After another free morning, with time to make good use of your Swiss Travel Pass and perhaps explore another rural branch line, you travel with the group in the afternoon to Huttwil, traditional site of a major steam depot and gateway to the famed Emmental region. This traditional Swiss heartland is known for its pastoral landscapes with green rolling hills, gentle fields and lots of grazing cows. The freight-only railway line from Huttwil to Sumiswald is particularly serene and ideal for photo stops with run-pasts. The unique attraction today is the Boxcab steam locomotive Nr.5 from 1936, which was specifically built for use on the Emmental lines around Huttwil and has the advantage of being suitable for one-man operation. Today the locomotive is unique in Switzerland and has only just been overhauled after years out of service. Back in Huttwil there is still time for a shed visit, before dinner is served in a historic dining car at the railway station. (B D)

Tuesday 8 September

Freedom of Switzerland with your Swiss Travel Pass

Today, you get to make the most of your 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 different paddle steamers on Lake Lucerne, Lake Thun or Lake Brienz! Mountain 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! (B)

Wednesday 9 September

Return to London

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

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2795

£275

£2550 (Olten – Olten)

Price includes:

✱ Eurostar plus travel on Eurostar services from London – Paris and return

✱ First Class travel on all international rail services

✱ 6 nights accommodation with breakfast at the 3-star Hotel Olten

✱ 1 Lunch

✱ 4 Dinners

✱ 6 day Swiss travel pass in Standard Class for travel within Switzerland

✱ All rail trips, steam trains, private charters and excursions 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:

Swiss Bernese Oberland

Wednesday 9 September to Wednesday 16 September 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 9 September

London to Wengen via Basel

Thursday 10 September

Free day in Wengen

Friday 11 September

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

Saturday 12 September

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)

Sunday 13 September

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

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

Monday 14 September

Free day to visit the Schilthorn or use your Regional Pass

Today you have the choice to visit 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

Tuesday 15 September

Excursion to Schynige Platte

Wednesday 16 September

Return to UK

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Price includes:

£2995

£245

✱ 7 nights at the Arenas Resort VictoriaLauberhorn hotel, Wengen

✱ 3 Course dinners served every evening in the hotel restaurant

✱ First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and return

✱ A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland

✱ Schynige Platte excursion

✱ Jungfraujoch excursion

✱ Lake Brienz cruise

✱ 2 Hour steam tram charter in Bern

✱ Brienz Rothorn steam excursion with guided depot visit

✱ All seat reservations and transfers (except on free days)

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

Schilthorn excursion now included in the tour price.

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

Meals

as:

Andrew Thompson

Czech Autumn Steam Gala

Wednesday 16 September to Wednesday 23 September 2026

Join an exciting new steam tour to Prague and Central Bohemia, which features as its signature attraction the Benesov Steam Locomotive festival with a number of main line steam traction and a lineup of other heritage locomotives.

• Enjoy a private steam gala at the Zamberk narrow gauge railway and a visit the Czech railway museum in Luzna u Rakovnika with a private charter there.

• Take advantage of a having the Benesov festival rover ticket for both Saturday and Sunday, allowing you to ride all the different gala trains featuring main line steam, vintage diesel or old electric traction with an assortment of motive power from all over Central Europe, including visiting flagship locomotives from neighbouring countries.

• Based throughout in the stunning city of Prague, the relaxed format of the tour is ideal for enthusiasts and companion travellers, with ample free time to enjoy all that Prague has to offer from a centrally located hotel near the main railway station, plus the added convenience of a public transport rover ticket.

Wednesday 16 September

London to Prague

You have a direct flight from London to Prague, the Czech capital. After arrival you transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome lunch. The rest of the day is to be spent at leisure exploring the capital city and all of its historical and cultural attractions (L)

Thursday 17 September

Main line steam in Central Bohemia

After breakfast, you will join one of the main line steam trains as it journeys through Central Bohemia on the positioning run to the festival. This will provide you with an enjoyable and exclusive railway experience. Lunch refreshments are included. After your return to Prague by service train, you will still have time to enjoy the late afternoon and evening at your leisure (B L)

Friday 18 September

Steam on the festival train

Today the Benesov festival formally commences with the launch of the festive inaugural train from Prague by scenic bylines to Benesov. You have reserved seats on the train and can enjoy the very best of Czech railway ambiance and atmosphere. The train will feature steam haulage and classic coaches, transporting you back in time. On arrival in Benesov there is time to sample the wonderful festival atmosphere at the historic railway station and roundhouse there, with numerous attractive exhibits. In the late afternoon you return to Prague for an evening at leisure. (B)

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September

Full throttle at the Benesov Steam Festival

For these two days you will have the freedom of the festival rover ticket, allowing you to travel on all of the many main line steam and vintage diesel trains hauled by the large line-up of local Czech and exciting visiting locomotives from other countries. In the morning there will be an express festival train from Prague to Benesov, where you will have reserved seats. The festival trains typically travel over all of the rural branch lines near Benesov, including the stunning Sazava Valley route with its rocky cliffs and rugged riverside scenery. Aside from turntable shows for photography the festival programme also includes a freight train demonstration that filmers can enjoy. (B)

Monday 21 September

Private steam gala at the Zamberk narrow gauge railway

In the morning you travel with an Intercity train east to the Eagle Mountains near the Polish frontier. There you visit the wonderful narrow gauge railway and industrial heritage museum at Zamberk, located at an old textile mill dating from the 1830s. You will have your own private steam gala today with two locomotives in steam on the dual-gauge 600 and 750 mm railway. It will be possible to enjoy haulage by both engines and also film the locomotives with attractively staged run-pasts. Additionally, you will be able to visit the wonderful ‘Museum of Old Machines and Technologies’ and see its fabulous collection of classic cars, old motorbikes, stationary steam engines and old textile equipment. Various classic engines will be in use for observation and demonstration purposes. Lunch is served at the museum restaurant. After your day out, you return by Intercity train to Prague in the early evening. (B L)

Tuesday 22 September

Steam at the Czech Railways Museum in Luzna and private main line charter

Today you explore more of the beautiful landscapes and classic railway infrastructure of Central Bohemia, this time to the northwest of Prague. You take a fast train on the nonelectrified line to Luzna and visit the wonderful

museum of the Czech Railways, with the vast collection of steam locomotives stored in the large roundhouse and adjacent sheds. You have a private steam charter on the museum’s own narrow gauge railway, before lunch at the museum cafe. After lunch you enjoy a private main line charter with the museum’s rake of early 20th century four-wheeled coaches and an excursion on the line to Krupa and Kolesovice, which has been used for filming countless major movies, typically World War I or World War II productions. Your train will be hauled by one of the museum's classic, unsilenced diesel locomotives dating from the mid-20th century. You return to Prague by fast train in the late afternoon for another free evening in the city. (B L)

Wednesday 23 September

Travel to London

You have a free morning and early afternoon to enjoy Prague and do anything in the city you didn’t manage to do on the previous days. In the mid-afternoon you transfer to Prague airport for the flight back to London. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

(Prague – Prague)

Price includes:

£2325

£425

£2225

✱ Flights from London to Prague and return

✱ All train and heritage rail travel as detailed in the itinerary

✱ 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a 4-star hotel

✱ 4 lunches

✱ Complimentary Benesov steam festival rover ticket

✱ Complimentary public transport tickets in Prague

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals included each day are shown as:

German and Benelux Autumn Steam Gala

Thursday 24 September to Wednesday 30 September 2026

Experience the best of the autumn steam gala season in the Low Countries as well as the Rhine and Ruhr region of Western Germany.

• Experience the steam galas with intensive running and numerous home and guest engines in steam at Mariembourg, Belgium and Simpelveld, Netherlands.

• Enjoy private charters with photo stops and run-pasts at the scenic rural narrow gauge railways in western Germany, including the Selfkantbahn and the Oekhoven Feldbahn.

• Sample the best of standard gauge industrial steam at the preserved Schluff railway in Krefeld, with a giant standard gauge tank engine hauling your private charter train.

• Conclude the holiday in fine fashion by travelling on the scenic Drachenfels rack railway high above the River Rhine at Königswinter and visit Wuppertal to ride its unique 1900 suspension railway.

• Stay throughout in the beautiful and conveniently located historic city of Aachen, Germany, which also allows for a short journey to and from London by train.

Thursday 24 September

London to Aachen by train

Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi, before changing to a high speed train to Aachen. This UNESCO World Heritage city is famous as the seat of Charlemagne, with a landmark cathedral dating back to the Carolingian era in the 9th century.

After checking into your centrally located quality hotel, enjoy free time to explore Aachen before a welcome dinner with the group. (D)

Friday 25 September

Steam at the Selfkantbahn and steam at the Oekoven Feldbahn

After breakfast, transfer by private coach to the narrow gauge Selfkantbahn, located in the pretty countryside north of Aachen near the Dutch

border. This delightful heritage railway has a fine collection of steam locomotives, including the recently overhauled tramway locomotive Rur from 1899. Your private charter runs over the full length of the line with numerous photo stops and run-pasts at attractive locations. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue by coach to the nearby 600 mm (two foot) field railway and narrow-gauge museum at Oekoven, where steam motive power will again haul your private charter, pausing for photos and runpasts on the quaint light industrial line.

After a rewarding day in the hinterland of western Germany, return to Aachen in the late afternoon. This evening is free to dine at leisure. (B L)

Saturday 26 September

Dutch autumn steam gala at the ‘Miljoenenlijn’ in Simpelveld

The South Limburg Steam Railway at Simpelveld is one of the most beautiful and popular heritage railways in the Netherlands. Ornate brick station buildings, elegantly restored carriages and an international collection of steam locomotives make this an exciting place to visit. The line runs through idyllic farmland and rolling hills, which proved expensive to conquer by rail, hence it‘s colorful moniker.

Visit Simpelveld for the annual autumn gala weekend, featuring a more intensive running schedule. You will have reserved seats and benefit from the day rover ticket to ride the various locomotives. In the late afternoon, return by coach to Aachen. (B)

Sunday 27 September

Autumn steam gala at Mariembourg, Belgium

After a two-hour direct coach transfer to southern Wallonia, enjoy the autumn steam gala at the Three Valleys Heritage Railway. This event typically features an intensive timetable showcasing both the home fleet and visiting locomotives. You will have a day rover ticket, allowing you to ‘hop on and hop off’ the different steam trains running on this scenic 14 km preserved railway between Mariembourg and Treignes, one of the flagship heritage railways in the Low Countries. Return to Aachen in the evening and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B D).

Monday 28 September

Steam at Krefeld on the Schluff industrial heritage railway

Today you venture into the Rhine-Ruhr industrial heartland of Germany and explore the atmospheric Schluff Railway in Krefeld, where the large standard gauge 0-8-0 tank engine 98 8921 will haul your private charter train over the full length of the line to Hülser Berg and St Tönies, passing old monuments of the Industrial Revolution and pausing for photos and runpasts along the way. Enjoy lunch at a charming brewery restaurant in Krefeld before returning to Aachen in the afternoon. (B L)

Tuesday 29 September

Drachenfels rack railway above the Rhine and Wuppertal Schwebebahn

To crown your holiday, visit two of the most unique railways in western Germany. First, take a service train via Cologne to Königswinter, where you ride on one of just four German rack railways. Dating from the late 19th century, the

short yet spectacular Drachenfelsbahn climbs steep rocky cliffs, passing the stately namesake castle and terminating high above the Rhine with gorgeous 360 degree views of the river and volcanic landscapes of Sieg and Eiffel regions. After time for a stroll along the Rhine promenade in Königswinter’s old town, continue by service train to Wuppertal to ride the world famous monorail suspension railway, first opened in 1900. Should the iconic red ‘Kaiserwagen’ finally have completed its long overdue restoration and fitting with modern signalling equipment, you will enjoy a private charter on this beloved vehicle, riding the full length of the Schwebebahn with coffee and cake catering. As there is only one preserved Kaiserwagen, if technical circumstances prevent its operation, the exploration of Wuppertal’s stunning ‘dingledangle’ monorail will be made on the regular service trains running between Oberbarmen in and Vohwinkel. Return to Aachen in the early evening for a farewell dinner. (B D)

Wednesday

30 September

Return to London

In the morning you board a direct high speed train from Aachen Hbf to Brussels, where you change to a Eurostar service for the journey through the Channel Tunnel back to London St Pancras. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2150

£345

£1895 (Aachen – Aachen)

Price includes:

✱ Eurostar Plus seating on Eurostar services from London to Bruxelles and return

✱ 6 nights hotel with breakfast

✱ 2 Lunches

✱ 3 Dinners

✱ First Class rail travel on high speed rail services (where possible)

✱ All private charter trains and heritage railway 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

Lunch

Dinner

Autumn in Alsace

Thursday 1 October to Thursday 8 October 2026

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 throughout, you’ll explore the region on privately chartered steam trains on all the preserved railways in Alsace, as well as a forest railway in nearby Lorraine.

• Tour highlights include excursions into nearby southern Germany, a hilltop vineyard visit with wine tasting, and a sightseeing cruise in Strasbourg.

• There is also a visit to the Alsatian vineyard town of Eguisheim, the impressive World War I battlefield monument at Hartmannswillerkopf, and a day trip to the city of Mulhouse, home to both the excellent French National Railway Museum and the unique Bugatti Museum.

• Short transfer distances from Colmar to all the featured attractions make this a truly relaxed and engaging tour—an ideal opportunity to see France and southern Germany from a completely new perspective.

Thursday 1 October

London to Colmar

Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, before transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est for the onward journey by TGV express to Strasbourg. There, you change to a regional service to Colmar. Check in to your centrally located hotel in the heart of this picturesque town.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of the old town. (B D)

Friday 2 October

Scenic river cruise and tramways in Strasbourg

This morning, board a locomotive-hauled French Railways (SNCF) service for the short journey from Colmar to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and a city steeped in European history. Enjoy a

75-minute sightseeing cruise in one of the city’s famed open-top panoramic riverboats, passing timber-framed houses, colourful alleys, and stately palaces.

Later, you’ll have free time to explore Cathedral Square and the ‘Petite France’ district at your own pace. You may also use your complimentary public transport ticket to ride the city’s trams, including the unique international tramway over the River Rhine to Kehl, Germany. There is plenty to see and do in Strasbourg, and you will have ample time to enjoy the city at leisure. (B)

Saturday 3 October

Two steam locomotives along the Rhine; hilltop vineyard visit in Germany

After breakfast, travel by coach to the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Rhin in the nearby town

of Volgelsheim. This standard-gauge railway operates French and German steam locomotives hauling Austrian balcony carriages. You will traverse the 13 km (8-mile) line from Volgelsheim to the Sans Souci Quay at Marckolsheim, where the Rhine and canal separate.

Along the way, enjoy run-pasts and a guided visit to the steam shed. As a special feature, your train will be topped and tailed with two steam locomotives, including a Belgian Cockerill. A buffet lunch will be served in the convivial bar car. In the afternoon, cross the Rhine to Germany for a visit to a spectacular hilltop vineyard above Breisach, offering stunning views of Alsace, southern Germany, the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest. Enjoy a tasting of six wines as part of this connoisseur experience. Return by coach to Colmar. (B L)

Sunday 4 October

Luxury train on the Thur Doller Railway; WWI battlefield visit; scenic Alsatian wine route

Today you visit the enchanting Train Thur Doller, which operates a preserved standard-gauge branch line along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, crossing the River Doller.

Your private charter will be formed of plush mid20th-century luxury coaches hauled by a classic SNCF locomotive from the same era.

After several photo stops and run-pasts in beautiful countryside, a buffet lunch will be served at the terminus in Sentheim. You will also be able to visit the shed in Burnhaupt. Later, travel by coach along the Alsatian wine route, visiting the impressive World War I battlefield monument at Hartmannswillerkopf and the charming vineyard village of Eguisheim with its colourful buildings. (B L)

Monday 5 October

Steam in the Black Forest on the Kandertalbahn

Continue the German theme today with a visit to the Kandertalbahn, located in the southernmost tip of Germany near Basel. This 12.9 km (8-mile) branch line runs through picturesque countryside in the Kander Valley.

Your train will be hauled by an early 20thcentury German steam tank locomotive with matching period carriages. A buffet lunch of regional delicacies will be served at the end of the line in Kandern.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest and along the Rhine back to Colmar, where you’ll have more free time to explore the city’s timber-framed houses and quaint canals. (B L)

Tuesday 6 October

World-class museums and trams in Mulhouse

Travel by locomotive-hauled SNCF train to Mulhouse, renowned for its outstanding museums and the largest railway and automobile collections in France.

Ride the local tramway to the ‘Cité du Train’, the French National Railway Museum and one of the world’s largest collections of steam locomotives. Then continue to the nearby ‘Cité de l’Automobile’, home to vintage sports cars and iconic Bugatti models.

You will also have free time to explore Mulhouse’s charming old town before returning to Colmar in the late afternoon. (B)

Wednesday 7 October

Steam at the Abreschviller

Forest Railway

Today you make a short excursion into neighbouring Lorraine to visit the Abreschviller Forest Railway, a remarkable hidden gem operating steam locomotives on the unusual 700 mm gauge. You’ll travel behind one of the railway’s three early-20th-century steam locomotives through dense forest and across the Red Saar River, with stops for photos and runpasts near the village of Grand Soldat. At the terminus, you will also see an old sawmill. Back in Abreschviller, you will have time to visit the steam shed and view the other locomotives before returning to Colmar. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B L D)

Thursday 8 October

Colmar to London

Bid a fond au revoir to Alsace as you return to Paris by TGV express. Transfer from Paris Gare de l’Est to Gare du Nord to board the Eurostar service to London St Pancras International. (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2345

£295

£2120 (Colmar – Colmar)

Price includes:

✱ Eurostar Plus seating London to Paris and return

✱ First Class rail travel on TGV services from Paris to Colmar and return

✱ 7 Nights accommodation with breakfast

✱ 4 Lunches

✱ 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

✱ Rover ticket for the Mulhouse urban tram network

✱ All seat reservations and transfers

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals

The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast

Thursday 5 November to Sunday 15 November 2026

Enjoy a fabulous railway holiday along the French Cote d’Azur and the Ligurian Coast in Italy, including exploring the world-famous Cinque Terre.

• Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue aboard a TGV to the elegant city of Nice for two days of Mediterranean sightseeing and relaxation, before following the coast onward to the historic port of Genoa and concluding your journey in the beatuiful Alsatian city of Strasbourg.

• Enjoy the elegance and sophistication of the French Riviera and the deep blue Côte d’Azur as you explore the beautiful city of Nice and the colourful seaside town of Menton, one of France’s best-kept secrets. Your journey also includes a visit to the glamorous micro-nation of Monaco and its famed capital, Monte Carlo.

• Highlights in stunning Genoa include rides on historic funiculars and mountain-climbing rack railways, along with a scenic harbour cruise and the chance to explore the city’s rich maritime heritage.

• Experience one of the world’s most spectacular seaside railway journeys along the Ligurian coast to Pisa, where a visit to the iconic Leaning Tower awaits. You’ll also explore the world-famous five fishing villages of the Cinque Terre.

• End the tour in style back in France with a sightseeing cruise through the beautiful Alsatian city of Strasbourg, celebrated for its soaring cathedral, charming canals, and picturesque timber-framed houses.

Thursday 5 November

London to Nice by high speed rail

You travel with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord before a direct afternoon TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville. You arrive at Nice in the evening and check into your hotel, where dinner will be served. (B D)

Friday 6 November

Tramways and leisure in Nice

Nice is one of France’s most beautiful cities, renowned for its elegant architecture, colourful historic buildings, and wide seaside esplanades. Enjoy a full free day to experience the French Côte d’Azur at your own pace, aided by your complimentary 1-day rover ticket for the

excellent local tram network. In the evening, dinner will be served at your hotel.(B D)

Saturday 7 November

Cote d’Azur scenery at Menton and Monte Carlo

Today you travel by train from Nice Ville to the seaside town of Menton, located on the Italian border. This charming village is adorned with colourful houses, quaint church spires and lovely views across the Mediterranean. Although firmly French, Menton has an unmistakably Italianate character and is often considered one of the Côte d’Azur’s best-kept secrets. After exploring this vibrant town, continue by train to the micronation of Monaco to visit its glamorous capital,

Monte Carlo, famous for its twin-towered casino and impressive yacht-filled harbour. Returning to Nice, enjoy a free evening to wander once more through its wonderful old town and spacious squares, where a wide choice of lively restaurants, cafés and bars awaits. (B)

Sunday 8 November

Seaside railway trip from Nice to Genoa, Balbi scenic lift in Genoa

Today you say “Adieu” to France and “Ciao” to Italy as you embark on a scenic 3-hour train journey from Nice to Genoa, changing at Ventimiglia. Along the way, enjoy views of sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, Italianate churches, and historic buildings that line the picturesque

Ligurian shore. Upon arrival at Genoa’s elegant Piazza Principe station, you check into your conveniently located hotel. On arrival you will receive a public transport rover ticket, valid on the city’s Metro and central trolleybus routes. In the afternoon, experience a ride on the unique Balbi scenic lift, an engineering marvel dating back to 1929, located just next to your hotel. In the evening a buffet dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Monday 9 November

Panoramic mountain railways and funiculars of Genoa, seaside splendour at Nervi

The hillside city of Genoa, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is famed for its historic rack railways, funiculars, and elevators offering stunning views over the port, along with grand palaces and churches. In the morning, enjoy a guided tour on the city’s mountain railways using your public transport pass. The afternoon is free to explore at leisure or visit the seaside esplanade at Nervi. Dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 10 November

Genoa Old Town, harbour cruise, aquarium and historic ships in the Porto Antico

Explore Genoa’s maritime heritage with a harbour ferry trip from Porto Antico to Molo Archetti, passing ocean liners and the airport runway. Visit the renowned Aquarium or the Maritime Museum with the historic Nazario Sauro submarine. Evening at leisure for dining in the city. (B)

Wednesday 11 November

Train trip to Pisa, visit to the Leaning Tower

Today enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular seaside railway journeys along the Ligurian coast, passing resorts like Sestri Levante and Levanto. Arrive in Pisa to explore the Leaning Tower and cathedral with three hours at leisure, then return to Genoa along the scenic coastal route. Evening free to enjoy Genoa at your own pace. (B)

Thursday 12 November

Seaside railway and villages of Cinque Terre

Today explore the legendary Cinque Terre, travelling from Genoa to Monterosso al Mare and onward to Vernazza. Hop on and off to visit all five villages, including Manarola and Riomaggiore, enjoying their iconic scenery at leisure. In the late afternoon, return to Genoa by direct train from La Spezia. Dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Friday 13 November

Rail journey through the Italian hills and Swiss Alps to Strasbourg

Today you take a Trenitalia service in First Class from Genoa via the hills of Alessandria, arriving at the monumental Milano Centrale station. Here you experience one of the most grandiose railway terminals in the world. Continue on a scenic EuroCity train past Swiss lakes and the Alps to Basel, then on to Strabourg by TER service. Spend the last two nights in a hotel accommodated opposite the station in this wonderful Alsatian city. Dinner is served at the hotel (B D)

Saturday 14 November

Scenic river cruise, sightseeing and tramways in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a vibrant city steeped in European history. You have a 75-minute relaxing sightseeing cruise in one of the city’s famed open-top panoramic riverboats, cruising past timber-framed houses, colourful alleys and stately palaces. Later, enjoy free time to explore the Cathedral Square and the ‘Petite France’ district, or use your complimentary tram ticket to cross the Rhine to Kehl, Germany. Ample leisure time allows you to discover Strasbourg’s charming cafés, sample the Alsatian brew-houses, wine bars, and restaurants. (B)

Sunday 15 November

From Strasbourg via Paris to London

After a free morning, depart Strasbourg on a direct First Class TGV for a high-speed journey of under two hours to Paris Est. Transfer easily to Paris Nord for the Eurostar back to London St Pancras (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£2595

£395

£2345 (Nice – Strasbourg)

Price includes:

✱ 10 Nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels

✱ 6 Dinners

✱ Eurostar Plus travel on Eurostar services

✱ First Class travel on French TGV and TER trains, as well as FS Trenitalia InterCity services

✱ First Class travel SBB EuroCity train through the Swiss Alps

✱ Standard Class travel on local trains when First Class is not available

✱ Complimentary public transport rover tickets in Nice, Genoa and Strasbourg

✱ Sightseeing river and canal cruise in Strasbourg

✱ Harbour cruise in Genoa

✱ 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.

Meals

as:

Hill Railways of India

Wednesday 18 March to Thursday 4 April 2026

Travelling on the best of Hill Railways of India on this timeless railway tour of the old British colonial outposts in Northern & North-Bengal in East India staying in lovely & charming hotels.

• You will start in India’s state of Punjab visiting Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikh community, The Golden Temple a tour highlight and on to the Kangra Valley Railway. A visit to Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama’s temple will also be enjoyed.

• A number of narrow-gauge thrills await including the UNESCO listed Kalka Shimla Railway and other historic railways of British India in the days of the Raj.

• You journey down to Delhi, India’s capital city where we explore both Old and New Delhi. A flight to north-Bengal in East India, a state bordered by Bhutan, allows us to explore the region on the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railway.

• The final part of the holiday is based in the Ooty (extension to the main tour), including a trip on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway hauled by steam.

• Your tour is never far away from the stunning Himalayas, breathtaking scenery and the wide range of diverse Indian culture, cuisine and its people. A tour of a lifetime to immerse yourself in and remember forever.

Wednesday 18 March

Flight to India

You have an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Delhi to connect with an onward flight on Wednesday to Amritsar in North India.

Thursday 19 March

Arrival in Amritsar

On arrival in Amritsar in the morning hours, we will be welcomed at the airport and then assisted for transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to acclimatise. By late evening, we will have a guided visit to the holy Sikh shrine of Harmandir Saheb, the famous Golden Temple, to witness the beautiful ‘Palki’ ceremony where the holy book of Sikhism, ‘Shri Guru Granth Sahib’ is put to rest in a beautifully decorated palanquin (palki).

The breath taking views of the golden shimmering views of the main shrine cannot be missed. (D)

Friday 20 March

Full day tour of Amritsar

After breakfast, a leisurely guided visit to Jallianwala Bagh, a garden which was the scene of a cruel massacre of innocent civilians in 1919 and a decisive event in the British rule of India. You’ll visit the garden memorial built to honour the hundreds who died. You can then walk up to the Golden Temple to visit this grand temple for a richer insight. It’s easy to be stunned with the massive volunteerism and service offered in the kitchen which is serving food 24/7 and 365 days a year. It’s free and open for all persons of any caste or religion.

The temple is a source of positive energy and a feel-good vibe. We will then visit the Partition Museum, consisting of stories, materials, and documents related to the post-partition riots that followed the division of British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. We then enjoy an afternoon excursion to the Wagah border for the India-Pakistan gate closing ceremony. (B D)

Saturday 21

March

Experience a ride on the broad gauge and then Kangra Valley Railway (KVR)

This morning we’ll transfer to Amritsar Junction railway station to board our service to Pathankot Junction railway station. It’s a proper Indian Rail experience with open window carriages and plenty of lovely and friendly Indian fellow passengers to chat to. On arrival in Pathankot Junction we will switch over to narrow gauge platform to board the service to Kangra where we and our luggage transfer by road to our hotel. (B D)

Sunday 22 March

Full ride on the Kangra Valley Railway (KVR)

Today we have a full train riding day, continuing the service from where we left at Kangra to Palampur and then on to Baijnath. Enjoy the lovely views of the Kangra village life with the backdrop of Dhauladhar mountain ranges. It’s mainly a local commuter train and possibly you’ll be the only tourists on it. We will visit the popular and ancient Hindu Baijnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a rich history with a lovely setting with the mountains overlooking the temple. We then ride on the last stretch of the KVR from Baijnath to Joginder Nagar to the end of the line before the train turns around to return back to Baijnath. You will have plenty to photograph and watch the railway staff in action at level crossings, signal boxes, points etc. We return to our hotel by evening. (B D)

Monday 23 March

Tour of Dharamsala

A day’s excursion to Dharamsala by road of approximately 2 hours each way. We will visit the Dalai Lama Temple and museum, walk in the McLeodganj market and St John’s Church in the wilderness before returning to Palampur for overnight. (B D)

Tuesday 24 March

Journey to Chandigarh

After a relaxed breakfast, transferred to Dharamsala airport to board a short direct flight to Chandigarh to arrive by afternoon. Chandigarh, is a beautiful and well-planned city designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier. We will visit the popular Rock Garden and Sukna lake before checking in our hotel. (B D)

Wednesday 25 March

Kalka to Shimla by Vintage Railbus

After breakfast, an hour’s road transfer in the morning from Chandigarh hotel to Kalka railway station narrow-gauge platform to board the

exclusive Vintage Rail Car/Bus. You’ll then travel the full length of the KSR from Kalka to arrive in Shimla, the summer capital of British India in the days of the Raj. This historic vehicle was originally used to transport notable travellers on the railway and so only has first class accommodation. Its glass roof and forward views let you fully enjoy the fantastic scenery as it passes by. You are now travelling through the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the lap of the Himalayas and famous for its abundant natural beauty.You ascend the foothills of the picturesque Shivalik Mountains to Shimla Railway Station. Lunch boxes will be served in the railcar today. On arrival in Shimla late afternoon, you transfer to a colonial hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)

Thursday 26 March

Viceregal Lodge, The Mall Road, Ridge, Christ Church

After a leisurely breakfast, we visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS) or the former Viceregal Lodge to discover the most iconic residence of the former Viceroy of India during the Raj. We will enjoy a conducted tour of the building, which will provide a nostalgic touch to the existence of Shimla. Later, we will visit The Mall, Ridge, the Christ Church, Scandal Point and the local arts and crafts. We then return to the hotel. (B D)

Friday 27 March

Shimla to Delhi

After breakfast, we transfer to Shimla railway station to board the service train to Kalka railway station where we’ll switch over to the broadgauge platform to join the Shatabdi Express train service to New Delhi. You will be served dinner onboard the train and this is included.

The Shatabdi Express trains are very popular fast train service connecting major cities and are day trains with cushioned armchair travel. We arrive New Delhi railway station late evening and a transfer to your hotel. (B D)

Saturday 28 March

Delhi city tour

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided city tour of Old & New Delhi to include a visit to the Chandni Chowk in old part of the city on a cycle rickshaw. Visit to Raj Ghat gardens, Mahatama Gandhi’s resting place, Humayun’s Tomb of Mughal era, drive past President’s House, Indian Gate memorial, walk through Connaught Place. You may also like to enjoy a short ride on the Delhi Metro train for an experience (optional). (B D)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£5495

£1245

£4885 (Armistar – Darjeeling)

Ooty Extension

Price per person

Single supplement

Price includes:

£1595

£425

✱ 16 Nights accommodation and breakfast and last night’s wash & change room

✱ 2 Lunches and 17 Dinners

✱ Train travel Amritsar – Pathankot

✱ Kangra Valley Railway service trains, Kalka – Delhi

✱ Transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary

✱ Local guide services in Amritsar, Dharamsala, Delhi, Shimla & Darjeeling

✱ All special trains, charters and service trains as detailed in the itinerary

✱ Vintage RailBus from Kalka – Shimla

✱ Steam charter on DHR (Siliguri –Tindharia – Kurseong – Darjeeling)

✱ Regular service WP or Fairy Queen steam hauled loco ride from Delhi –Rewari. Subject to approval from Indian Railways

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

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

Sunday 29th March

Steam train to Rewari Steam Centre; return by regular express train

After breakfast, you’ll have a short transfer to Delhi Cantonment Railway Station for the regular steam train to visit the Rewari Steam Centre. Your train will be hauled by one of India’s iconic steam locomotives, a * WP class Pacific built post-World War II for use on prestigious express trains. The once famous Rewari locomotive depot fell into ruin following the decline of steam traction but was restored and reopened in 2010. It now houses preserved broad and metre gauge steam locomotives. The site also includes a small exhibits museum, a steam crane and restored saloon carriage. The latter will be your venue for a specially arranged lunch. You board the afternoon service train from Rewari for Delhi Cantonment Railway Station to arrive by early evening and transfer to hotel. * WP steam loco operation is subject to fitness and permissions from Indian Railways. (B L D)

Monday 30 March

Delhi to Siliguri

After breakfast, we will make a visit to India’s finest National Rail Museum on the way to the airport for afternoon direct flight to arrive in Bagdogra. You then transfer to Siliguri, in the foothills of the Himalayas, where you check into your hotel. The remainder of your day will be free time to relax. (D)

Tuesday 31 March

Steam charter on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Kurseong

After an early breakfast, you transfer to the local depot of the famous narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in time to see a B Class steam locomotive being shunted to your specially chartered train. You depart to travel to the hill station of Kurseong. En-route, you pass Sukna Station where the landscape changes from flat plains to the wooded lower slopes of the mountains, and the gradient changes dramatically. You arrive at Kurseong by late afternoon. Kurseong is a quiet town and you’ll stay in an attractive colonial bungalow, now converted into a hotel. The DHR track runs through the length of this former town from the days of the British Raj. The early evening is free for you to discover the local natural sights and surrounding tea estates. (B D)

Wednesday 1 April

Steam train to Darjeeling via the Batasia Loop

This morning you travel by jeep to Kurseong Station again to board your steam train on the DHR. You’ll pass through the famous Batasia Loop en route and weather permitting, will be able to take photos of the train against the background of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the rest of the Himalayan ranges. This renowned spiral railway was commissioned in 1919 to lower the gradient of ascent of the DHR.

You arrive in Darjeeling by lunchtime and transfer to the most iconic colonial hotel for overnight accommodation. (B D)

Thursday 2 April

Sightseeing visits to local landmarks

After a relaxed start and a leisurely breakfast, this morning around you’ll visit the famous Tibetan Refugee Centre in Darjeeling, where traditional handmade textiles and handicrafts can be seen, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) there. This museum houses the collectibles of the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary and the local Sherpa of Darjeeling, Tenzing Norgay, who were of course the first conquerors of Mt. Everest. Also, you’ll visit the adjoining zoo that houses variety of Himalayan wild cats, including the Bengal Tiger, exotic birds and the famous Red Panda. We will plan to return back to the hotel at about sunset. You can also have a leisurely stroll down the main Mall road through Chowrasta. (B D)

Friday 3 April

Excursion Ghum Monastery and optional Joy Train to Ghum

A short walk behind your hotel will lead you to a viewing point where you can have exceptional and uninterrupted view the spectacular sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. As the sun appears the mountain changes colour; it’s an awe-inspiring sight and not to be missed. There are also views of Mount Everest in the distance, if the weather

is clear. After breakfast, you visit the Yiga Choeling Monastery in Ghum, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Darjeeling area and built in 1850. It boasts a 15-foot-high statue of Buddha known as the Buddha of the Future or the Coming Buddha. We will have opportunity to photograph the steam or diesel service up from Darjeeling to Ghum. * Optional (not included in main tour price): A ride on the ‘Joy Train’ to Ghum, with another opportunity to photograph the spectacular Himalayan Mountains when the train pauses at Batasia Loop. You stop at Ghum and visit the museum above the station before returning to Darjeeling. (B D)

Saturday 4 April

Darjeeling to Bagdogra airport; Flight to Delhi

You leave Darjeeling after breakfast today travelling by scenic road to Bagdogra airport for an afternoon internal flight to Delhi for a further connection to the international terminal to board a return flight to UK. (B)

Ooty Extension

Price includes:

✱ 4 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast

✱ 3 dinners

✱ Transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary

✱ Steam charter ride from Mettupalayam to Coonoor

✱ Diesel train ride from Coonoor to Ooty

✱ Train travel Coonoor to Ooty (First Class)

✱ Local guide services in Ooty

Saturday 4 April

Darjeeling to Bagdogra airport; Flight to Delhi

You leave Darjeeling after breakfast today travelling by scenic road to Bagdogra airport for an afternoon internal flight to Delhi for an overnight at Delhi airport hotel. (B D)

Sunday 5 April

Transfer to Coimbatore

We’ll transfer for a late morning flight to Coimbatore where we’ll transfer to a city hotel for an overnight stay. (B D)

Monday 6 April

Coimbatore to Mettupalayam and Ooty by steam

Following an early breakfast we depart by road to Mettupalayam station and then board our steam hauled special charter on the metre gauge rack and pinion Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Coonoor, where we visit the steam shed and is the end of the rack and pinion mechanism. We then travel on the regular diesel service to arrive in Ooty in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation at a luxury colonial hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 7 April

Ooty

This morning you have the option of riding on the diesel service from Ooty to Coonoor and return or spend a free morning in Ooty. In the afternoon we have a visit to the Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake, with the option of a ride on the Toy Train/Garden Railway along the lake. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

Wednesday 8 April

Return to UK

After breakfast in Ooty we have the day at leisure until noon (rooms are subject to availability for late checkout). We then transfer by road to Coimbatore airport for the domestic flight to Delhi for further connection with our return flight to the UK. (B)

Thursday 9 April

Arrive UK

We arrive at London Heathrow airport in the morning hours.

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£5495

£1245

£4885 (Armistar – Darjeeling)

Ooty Extension

Price per person

Single supplement

Price includes:

£1595

£425

✱ 16 Nights accommodation and breakfast and last night’s wash & change room

✱ 2 Lunches and 17 Dinners

✱ Train travel Amritsar – Pathankot

✱ Kangra Valley Railway service trains, Kalka – Delhi

✱ Transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary

✱ Local guide services in Amritsar, Dharamsala, Delhi, Shimla & Darjeeling

✱ All special trains, charters and service trains as detailed in the itinerary

✱ Vintage RailBus from Kalka – Shimla

✱ Steam charter on DHR (Siliguri –Tindharia – Kurseong – Darjeeling)

✱ Regular service WP or Fairy Queen steam hauled loco ride from Delhi –Rewari. Subject to approval from Indian Railways

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

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

Golden Triangle with Shimla

Sunday 12 April to Saturday 25 April 2026

Discover the enchanting delights of British colonial history on this magical tour across Northern India. In the Days of the British Raj a hill town in the Indian Himalayas become the summer capital of government officials, military attaches, viceroys and attendant servants and families. They went to Shimla to escape the heat and even ruled from there. Now you can ride the same narrow-gauge railways they used (and built) as you travel the Kalka-Shimla line into Britain’s colonial past.

• You will stay in Shimla, ‘Queen of Hills’ including visits to all the sights including the famous Gaiety Heritage Theatre and the iconic Christ Church.

• A broad-gauge ride from Delhi to Agra in India’s semi-bullet train – Gatimaan Express, vintage Rail Bus travel over a myriad of aqueducts and bridges on the Kalka-Shimla line.

• Your adventure then moves to Delhi, for two days of sightseeing among the greatest monuments in Indian history, including the National Rail Museum.

• A short stay in Agra, where you visit the Taj Mahal – one of the seven Wonders of the World – and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

• A whirlwind tour end in Jaipur, the Pink City of India. Amer Fort and visit the iconic Temples and Palaces of the city.

• Visit to Jhala Leopard Sanctuary along with the Elephant Park. All yours to discover on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to the enigmatic East.

Sunday 12 April

Depart UK

You board an overnight flight from UK to Delhi to start your Indian adventure.

Monday 13 April

Arrive Delhi and travel to Chandigarh

You arrive Delhi in the morning and internally transfer from the international terminal to domestic terminal to board a short flight to Chandigarh. You’ll receive a traditional welcome on arrival at Chandigarh airport with fresh marigold flower garlands. You then transfer by air-conditioned coach to your hotel. Evening at

leisure or visit the lively and bustling market. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in your hotel in Chandigarh. (D)

Tuesday 14 April

Chandigarh – Kalka and Shimla

This morning, you have a short tour of Chandigarh city, visiting the Rock Garden followed by a transfer by coach to Kalka station, to the narrow-gauge line platform to board an exclusive chartered vintage Railcar bound for Shimla. You will ride exclusively on the UNESCO World Heritage Narrow Gauge enjoying the scenic 96.5 km ride on this historical Kalka-Shimla

‘Toy Train’ line. With its 105 tunnels and single and double arch bridges, this leisurely journey from Kalka to Shimla climbs the foothills of the Himalayas and negotiates an altitude difference of 1400 metres. Shimla straddles an eight-mile long ridge, with buildings clinging to the green hillsides. The British began coming here in the 1820s as a refuge from the summer heat and by 1864 Shimla, nicknamed The Queen of Hills, was the official summer capital of the British Raj. You arrive by early evening and are transferred to the hotel for your overnight stay. (B L D)

Amit Chopra

Wednesday 15 April

Shimla

Today after breakfast, you’ll have a guided tour of Shimla, including its main shopping centre, the Mall. You start with visiting the fascinating Indian Institute of Advances Studies, which is the Viceregal Lodge, residence of the Viceroy of India since 1884 during the British Raj until India’s independence where it was used as the President’s Retreat. A beautiful museum in one of the sections of this Gothic Victorian style building, now mainly houses the scholars and researcher’s. The Ridge is an open space that runs from east to west along the Mall, which connects to the Scandal point on the west. Scandal point, at an altitude of nearly 2200 metres is Shimla’s highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. Also on the Mall is The Gaiety Heritage Theatre – a remarkable piece of Victorian-theatre architecture. It has been called a miniature version of London’s Royal Albert Hall. Among many other highlights is Christ Church, the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. (B D)

Thursday 16 April

Shimla

A free day at leisure to enjoy the hotel, main shopping centre and The Mall. (B D)

Friday 17 April

Return on the main line express broad gauge to Delhi

You enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and a free morning in Shimla before transferring by coach to Kalka. On arrival at Kalka station, you board the 12012 Kalka Shatabdi Express at 17:45 to arrive Delhi railway station at 21:55 hrs. Dinner will be served on board. On arrival in New Delhi, you are met before transfer to your hotel. (B D)

Saturday 18 April

Delhi: Old Delhi cycle rickshaw ride & other highlights

This morning you meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of the historic city of Delhi. Under the influence of the many rulers who ruled this region, Delhi has been built, destroyed and re-built over seven times. Your guided tour takes you to the monuments that depict these different eras. The highlights include: Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi and explore the narrow lanes of Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw being peddled through the old part of the city showcasing the

magnificent havelis, tiny shops, wholesale trading of almost everything you can think of; Raj Ghata memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Originally it was the name of a historic ghat of Old Delhi on the banks of Yamuna river; drive past the India GateAt the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I; President HouseThe Rashtrapati Bhavan or The Official Residence of the Head of the State is the official residence of the President of India, located at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy’s House and served as the residence of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. After your fascinating tour you return to your hotel. (B D)

Sunday 19 April

Delhi: New Delhi with National Rail Museum

Today after breakfast, your guide will meet you in hotel lobby to enjoy a guided visit of New Delhi city. You will visit the Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent garden tomb and the first substantial example of Mughal architecture built in 1565. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (Charbagh) with water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome. In the afternoon you visit the National Railway Museum – The museum focuses on the rail heritage of India since 1st February 1977. The recently renovated indoor gallery and outdoor exhibits from across the country makes it an interesting place to visit. A number of attractions have been added to enhance your visit. (B, D)

Monday 20 April

Mainline broad gauge train to the monument of love – Taj Mahal

After an early breakfast, you transfer to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station to board a train for Agra, the Gatimaan Express which is India’s first semi-bullet train. Enjoy a guided visit of the Itimad-Ud-Daulah, also known as Baby Taj, often described as a ‘Jewel Box’ and regarded as a draft version of the Taj Mahal. You’ll visit a local marble factory to witness the inlay work of precious stones also known as Pietra dura, which is the same art of stone work illustrated on the Taj Mahal & Baby Taj. You then transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the early evening, you visit Agra Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in red sandstone. You return to your hotel for dinner after another rewarding and fascinating day (B D).

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

(Chandigarh – Delhi)

Price includes:

£4595

£785

£4095

✱ All flights from London to Delhi and return and internal flights in India

✱ 12 Nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels

✱ 3 Lunches

✱ 13 Dinners

✱ Travel on the Shimla Railway and any other rail or transport

✱ All visits, monuments, museums as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All seat reservations and coach transfers

✱ The services of an English speaking guide

✱ 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

Tuesday 21 April

Dawn visit to Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri abandoned city of the Mughals and Happy Village walk

You’ll need to rise early today to enjoy a dawn visit with your guide to the famous wonder of the world – the Taj Mahal. One of the best views of the Taj is during dawn with fewer people around. The porous nature of Taj’s white marble helps it absorb light and thus reflecting different shades of white making it look even more stunning for pictures. You’ll have a relaxing hour or so to enjoy the views through different angles. The unquestionable beauty of this piece of extravagance can only be treasured by visiting it. Afterwards you return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, you are driven to Bharatpur, and en-route enjoy a guided visit of Fatehpur Sikri. This city originally belonged to the Rajput clan, but was re-found in 1569 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar. It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or Navaratnas, were born. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best-preserved collections of Indian Mughal architecture in India. You then transfer to a heritage palace hotel in Bharatpur. In the early evening, you have a guided Bharatpur Village walk – A rural experience – We have arranged a special visit to the ‘happy village’ of Bharatpur for an exciting walk amongst the villagers and just experiencing their daily routine and perhaps learn a bit about its 1000 years old history. A rural experience like no other. (B L D)

Wednesday 22 April

Bharatpur UNESCO World Heritage bird sanctuary

After breakfast, you have a guided tour of Bharatpur bird sanctuary by rickshaw with your naturalist guide. The sanctuary was established in 1956. This 29 sq.km marshland is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world with over 360 species of birds, out of which 117 are the local birds. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it used to be a part of the private shooting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Around noon you are driven to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. It’s the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded in 1727, the city today has a population of 3.1 million. In 1876 Jaipur was coloured in terracotta pink to welcome Prince Albert, and hence the name ‘Pink City’. (B, D)

Thursday 23 April

Pink city Jaipur

Today we have an early breakfast at hotel then we go on a guided walking tour to the vegetable & flower market followed by an excursion to grand Amer Fort by jeep. Amer was the capital of the Kachwahas Rajputs before they moved to their newly built capital in Jaipur. The Amber Fort is built in white marble and red sandstone and the nearby lake adds to its charm. There will be an opportunity during the day for you to visit the following sites as you wish; Diwan-e-Aam, or Hall of Public Audience; the Diwan-e-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience; the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace); or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas, where

a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these observatories.

The Hawa Mahal Palace is where the poet King Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds, one of the landmarks of Jaipur. By evening, you also visit a hand block-printing factory and local arts & crafts reflecting the royal character of a bygone era. After a busy day you will enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Friday 24 April

Leopards and Elephants

An early start today as we head off to enjoy the Jhalana Leopard Safari by open jeeps. Spread in an area of 23-sq km, the reserve is home to around 35 leopards with many of those having territory in the tourism area of park. Keep your eyes peeled as you look for these majestic animals. You then return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, we will then visit the Elefantastic Sanctuary where we’ll spend quality time with the elephants. An introduction with the elephants will be explain the basics of elephant language spoken by the caretakers (mahout’s). Followed by elephant feeding, traditional elephant body painting with natural colors, bath time and walk with the Elephant in the village. A lunch is organized by the sanctuary and after an exciting day, we will return to our hotel for dinner (B L D)

Amit

Chopra

Saturday 25 April

Jaipur to Delhi – Return to UK

Our final day sees us have breakfast at the hotel. We are then driven back to Delhi and transfer to airport hotel for a chance to change and a farewell dinner. We then transfer to Delhi International airport terminal to board your return flight. (B D)

Tour Summary

Tour price

£4595

Single supplement £785

Ground only £4095 (Chandigarh – Delhi)

Price includes:

✱ All flights from London to Delhi and return and internal flights in India

✱ 12 Nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels

✱ 3 Lunches

✱ 13 Dinners

✱ Travel on the Shimla Railway and any other rail or transport

✱ All visits, monuments, museums as detailed in the itinerary

✱ All seat reservations and coach transfers

✱ The services of an English speaking guide

✱ The services of a Tour Manager

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

Meals included each day are shown as:

Amit Chopra

Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour

Friday 7 August to Sunday 23 August 2026

The swingin’ saloons, ornery gunslingers, and Gold Rush all come to life as you visit the heart of the Old West and on stunningly scenic railways.

You’ll start in Denver, with a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum, as well as a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Then there’s travel on the Georgetown Loop and Leadville Railways to enjoy. From Denver it’s on to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway – the highest cog railway in the world. Whilst there you visit the ‘Garden of the Gods’ National Natural Monument. More highlights wait then in Canon City, with a trip following the winding Arkansas River on the Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad. Then it’s on to Alamosa and a journey with the narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. 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’. This extraordinary and breath-taking tour is the only way to see all these vintage Wild West highlights together, in one holiday of a lifetime. Book early to be sure not to miss it!

Friday 7 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 8 August

At leisure in Denver and a visit to Colorado Railroad Museum

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

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 9 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 10 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)

Andrew Jackson

Tuesday 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 August

Cumbres and Toltec Railroad, Rio Grande Train

After breakfast you have a morning departure from Alamosa on board the Rio Grande 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 Alamosa early afternoon to spend the evening at leisure. (B L)

Sunday 16 August

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)

Monday 17 August

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

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 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)

includes:

Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return

15-nights accommodation in quality hotels

15 Breakfasts

All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary

The services of a Tour Manager

Tuesday 18 August

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 19 August

Durango Yard Tour, then ‘Million Dollar Highway’

Today you have a relaxing breakfast and morning in Durango, allowing time for a guided tour of the roundhouse, with full behind-thescenes access and time for some steam train photography as the morning trains leave for Silverton. You’ll then travel by coach over the

breath-taking ‘Million Dollar Highway’ north via Silverton where you will have a break for lunch. After lunch you continue along the San Juan Skyway to Ouray. Overnight accommodation is in Ouray tonight. (B)

Thursday 20 August

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)

Friday 21 August

Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’ to Denver

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 22 August

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 23 August

Arrival in London

You arrive back in London at midday.

Andrew Jackson

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£5995

£695

£5495 (Denver – Denver)

Price includes:

✱ Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return

✱ 15-nights accommodation in quality hotels

✱ 15 Breakfasts

✱ 4 Lunches

✱ 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.

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

Andrew Jackson

Canada by Rail and Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise

Monday 24 August to Sunday 13 September 2026

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 24 August

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 25 August

Free day in Halifax.

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

Wednesday 26 August

“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 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 27 August

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)

Friday 28 August

Montreal to Toronto

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

Saturday 29 August

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)

Via Rail

Via Rail Holland America

Sunday 30 August

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 31 August

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 1 September

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 2 September

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 3 September

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 4 September

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 5 September

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 6 September

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 7 September

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 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)

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£11950

£2600

£11250 (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” luxury train

✱ A visit to Niagara Falls

✱ 4 days on “The Canadian” luxury train with overnight accommodation on the train

✱ Other meals as shown

✱ 7 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown in tour summary)

✱ All transfers

✱ 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

Tuesday 8 September

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 9 September

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 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)

Thursday 10 September

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)

Friday 11 September

Cruise the Inside Passage

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

Saturday 12 September

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 13 September

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 14 September

Arrival in the UK

We arrive at London Heathrow in the afternoon.

Holland America Via Rail

The Cruise Ship MS Koningsdam

• The elegant Dining Room

• Pinnacle Grill

• Lido Market

• Swimming pool, ocean spa and fitness centre

• Casino and movie theatre

• Accommodation is in VA or VC Verandah Stateroom (Upgrades Available)

• 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 Ocean:

• 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

The Canadian:

• 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.

Tour Summary

Tour price

Single supplement

Ground only

£11950

£2600

£11250 (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” luxury train

✱ A visit to Niagara Falls

✱ 4 days on “The Canadian” luxury train with overnight accommodation on the train

✱ Other meals as shown

✱ 7 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown in tour summary)

✱ All transfers

✱ 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

Terms and Conditions

The attraction of trains.

By their very nature, trains, especially steam hauled trains, attract enthusiasts. Our tours will always include a number of photographic opportunities, where this is practical and possible. 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’ and confirmation is received. 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.

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 customers.

Ground only.

Please be advised that ground only travel is where you the customer, makes their own way to a designated tour joining point, normally the first hotel or overnight stay on the holiday. Ground only does not include rail or flight services from the UK or return. It also does not include any transfers to or from your hotel(s) on the first and last day of your holiday. You will be responsible for arranging these yourself.

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

Terms and Conditions

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 paying for their own refreshments.

Passports, visas and health issues.

Customers are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK, customers must ensure that there is at least six months validity remaining on their passports after returning back to the UK. We assume our customers are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right to reside in the UK. If a customer has a passport of another country or state, or one that indicates restrictions on return to their country of origin, then they must please contact us prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. We will advise customers of the requirements and processing arrangements for visas where they are required. 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 dispatch less than two weeks before travel – please don’t panic! Rail tickets are often group travel documents held by the Tour Manager. In this case tour customers will be provided with joining instructions, which must please be observed since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Tickets, vouchers and coupons for onward travel during a tour, are usually held and distributed by the Tour Manager.

Travel insurance.

Many customers arrange their own travel insurance. The Railway Touring Company cannot assume any responsibility relating to travel insurance issues and customers should ensure that they are familiar with procedures should an incident occur. This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to obtain medical attention, but to hand over the customer to an appropriate and suitable authority. 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.

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. It is your responsibility to disclose an accurate description of your mobility and any other relevant information relating to your health and fitness at the time of booking. 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. You must contact and advise us of any changes to your level of mobility or health and fitness between booking your holiday and departing on your tour.

Behaviour and damage

Railway Touring Company reserves the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without any form of prior notice, the holiday arrangements of any customer whose behaviour is such that it causes or is likely to cause, in our reasonable opinion, or in the opinion of any Railway Touring Company Tour Manager (if on an escorted holiday) or any other person in authority, any distress, damage, danger or significant annoyance to a third party, or damage to property. In these circumstances all our obligations to you under our contract or otherwise will cease to be applicable, full cancellation charges will apply and we will not be liable for any refund, compensation or costs incurred by you whatsoever. You may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel or other supplier prior to departure. If you fail to

Terms and Conditions

make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us as a result of your actions together with all costs we may incur in pursuing any claim against you.

Confidentiality, privacy and mailing lists.

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

Financial protection.

We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and hold Air Travel Organizers’ Licensing Scheme (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 (CCA). 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

Terms and Conditions

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. Due to the high costs involved with debit and credit card transactions our preferred methods of payments for balance payments are cheque or bank transfer.

Fidelity insurance.

It is a requirement that all tour bookings be covered by Fidelity Insurance. This is a financial protection insurance that protects the customer’s money until the tour takes place. The cost of this insurance is included in the tour price.

Customer cancellation by you, before Tour departure.

The cancellation charges below have been calculated as a pre-estimate of the losses we would incur in the event you cancelled your holiday within the stipulated time period. The scale of cancellation charges is as follows:

- Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before tour departure – loss of deposit* (*Loss of deposit means the loss of the full brochure deposit amount)

- 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

Depending on the reason for your cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned.

Cancellation by you due to extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances.

You have the right to cancel your confirmed arrangements before the departure date without paying the above cancellation charges in the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at your holiday destination or its immediate vicinity and significantly affecting the performance of the arrangements or significantly affecting transport arrangements to the destination. In these circumstances, we shall provide you with a full refund of the monies you have paid but we will not be liable to pay you any compensation. Please note that your right to cancel in these circumstances will only apply where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against travel to your destination or its immediate vicinity. For the purposes of this clause, “extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances” means warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or its immediate vicinity.

Alterations and cancellations by us.

Railway Touring Company start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance and occasionally, we have to correct errors and/ or make changes to the information contained in our brochures, our website and other details, both before and after bookings have been confirmed, and also cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so.

Please note that occasionally due to events outside our control, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, or unexpected or unforeseen circumstances, we may have to make changes to your itinerary with little or no notice.

Cancellations by us: All our escorted holidays are organised on the basis of a minimum number of clients. In the unlikely event the holiday (which would include any individually purchased variations or extensions), has to be cancelled because of insufficient numbers, you will be informed at least 6 weeks prior to departure. We will not cancel your arrangements less than 6 weeks before departure except for reasons of Events Beyond Our Control or failure by you to pay the final balance.

We will not be liable for any consequential loss you may suffer or pay any compensation to you.

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 7th November 2025. The exchange rates used for prices quoted in this brochure are as follows:

£1 = 1.13 Euros

£1 = 1.21 US Dollars

£1 = 1.1 Swiss Francs

£1 = 12.58 Norwegian Krones

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

Terms and Conditions

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 customers can make their own way to and from the tour joining point.

Extra tours and tour updates.

Throughout the year we keep pace with an ever-changing world. It is often possible to initiate new tours after our brochure has gone to press, and to make alterations to published information, 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 £12.00 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.

Brochures

Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.net to view and download our latest UK Day Trips, UK and Worldwide Rail Holiday Brochures for 2026 and order your free 2026 print brochures.