Worldwide Rail Holidays 2023 - The Railway Touring Company

Welcome

Dear Customer,

Welcome to our Worldwide Rail Holidays Brochure 2023. We have been busy planning, preparing and organising our Worldwide programme for 2023 and we are very pleased to be able to share our new 2023 Brochure with you.

The World is a fascinating place, offering a variety of countries, cuisines, culture, and historic landmarks that are not to be missed or forgotten. The scenery and landscapes are truly spectacular. Many of our tours include privately chartered steam trains, dinner cruises and mountain rack railways. Often visiting multiple countries during a single holiday.

We have three exciting new tours for 2023:

Railways and World War II History in Italy – Wednesday 1st March to Sunday 12th March 2023

Continental Steam Safari – Friday 26th May to Sunday 4th June 2023

Czech and Polish Steam Safari – Thursday 5th October to Sunday 15th October 2023

We have also extended our Rail and Fjords of Norway tour for next year, to now include extra time in Oslo and Stavanger.

We are also very excited to announce the return of our Colorado and Rocky Mountains Steam tour, where the swingin’ saloons, ornery gunslingers, and Gold Rush all come to life as you visit the heart of the Old West on stunningly scenic railways.

We feel that our programme for 2023 truly offers something for everyone and we hope that you are as excited as we are as we move towards 2023 to what we hope will be a very memorable and fulfilling year for everyone. With 26 years’ experience providing high-quality holidays, we are sure that we can give you an experience to remember for many years to come. Enjoying those once in a lifetime moments and making treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

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

Why not take a moment and begin planning your 2023 Worldwide getaway. My team and I are here to help and assist you every step of the way.

I look forward, very much, to welcoming you all in 2023.

Kelly Osborne Managing Director

The Railway Touring Company.

Andrew Thompson

Worldwide Rail Holidays 2023

Tours

Highlights of Germany, Harz Mountains, Saxony and Baltic Coast 4 – 7

Highlights of Switzerland 8 – 9

Railways and World War II History in Italy 10 – 11

Steam in Wolsztyn and North Western Poland 12 – 13

Steam in Austria, Hungary and Czech Republic 14 – 15

Continental Steam Safari 16 – 17

Swiss Bernese Oberland 18 – 19

Cruising around the Austrian Lakes 20 – 21

Alpine Steam Express 22 – 23

Swiss Bernese Oberland 24 – 25

Rail and Fjords of Norway 26 – 27

Railways and World War II History in Poland 28 – 29

Tour Information

Booking

56 – 60

Highlights of Switzerland in Summer 30 – 31

Swiss Bernese Oberland 32 – 33

Highlights of Germany in Summer –Steam in Berlin and the Harz Mountains 34 – 35

Swiss Bernese Oberland 36 – 37

The Black Sea Express 38 – 39

Autumn Steam in Saxony 40 – 41

Autumn in Alsace 42 – 43

Czech and Polish Steam Safari 44 – 45

Steam and Christmas Markets in Germany 46 – 47

Cuba Steam Safari 48 – 51 Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour 52 – 55

Andrew Thompson

Highlights of Germany, Harz Mountains, Saxony and Baltic Coast

Tuesday 10th January to Tuesday 24th January 2023

Journey through a genuine Winter Wonderland on our ever-popular tour to Eastern Germany. Timber-framed houses, fairy-tale castles and romantic steam trains all add to the enchantment of this seasonal holiday.

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 10th January

London to Erfurt

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

Wednesday 11th January

Historic Erfurt and Heritage Tramways in Halle

Located in the heart of Germany, Erfurt has countless spacious squares, proud Burgher Houses, old bridges and pedestrianised alleys. This morning you explore its sights before an early afternoon service train trip to the nearby

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

Thursday 12th January

Steam in the Harz Mountains from Norhausen to Mount Brocken

This morning you take a DB service train from Erfurt to Nordhausen before departing Nordhausen steam-hauled north to the junction station of Drei Annen Hohne. You travel steam-hauled over the long trunk line of the

Harz narrow gauge network before a different steam locomotive takes over for the ascent up Mount Brocken. Following refreshments and photo opportunities at the summit, you descend back to Drei Annen Hohne and then return to Nordhausen, completing over 130 km of steam travel for the day. Once back in Erfurt, dinner will be served at your hotel. (B D)

Friday 13th January

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

This morning you take a DB Intercity Express (ICE) service from Erfurt to Dresden, where you check in to your 4-star hotel. Here you’ll receive a complimentary public transport rover ticket,

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

(B D)

Saturday 14th January Steam to Radeburg with a Saxon VII K locomotive and Leisure in Dresden

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

Sunday 15th January Steam at the at the Weisseritz Valley Railway to Kurort Kipsdorf

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

Monday 16th January

Steam in the Ore Mountains from Cranzahl to Oberwiesenthal

You travel on DB service trains from Dresden to Cranzahl, and board a steam train to travel over the iconic Fichtelbergbahn for the journey to Oberwiesenthal, the ‘St Moritz of Saxony’. After free time in this resort town and photo opportunities with steam trains passing over the railway viaduct by the station, you return from Oberwiesenthal to Cranzahl by steam train in the afternoon and from there continue to Dresden on DB service trains. (B)

Tuesday 17th January

Vintage Tramways in Görlitz

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

Wednesday 18th January

Steam in Zittau

Today you travel from the city of Zittau on the 12.2 km narrow-gauge branch line to the resort town of Kurort Oybin. You’ll receive a daylong rover ticket to explore both lines and film the exciting double departure from Bertsdorf. Impressive 2-10-2 tank engines run every day on the Zittau network and the historic town centre of Zittau is also worth a visit. In late afternoon you return by service train to Görlitz, crossing twice into Poland along the way. Another buffet dinner is served at your hotel tonight. (B D)

Continued overleaf.

Thursday 19th January

Steam at the Muskau Forest Railway and Pückler Park Visit

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

Friday 20th January Via Berlin to Stralsund on the Baltic Coast

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

Saturday 21st January

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

You relax today in Stralsund, with the option of visiting the nearby university city of Greifswald or using your complimentary rail rover today to travel over the entire standard gauge network on the island of Rügen. Alternately, you can travel to the island of Usedom and cover the branch lines to Peenemünde and Swinoujscie, Poland. Your Tour Manager will be happy to advise on options. In the evening, a buffet dinner is served at the hotel (B D).

Sunday 22nd

January

Steam on the Island of Rügen German Plandampf is centre stage today as you travel by service train to Putbus and then experience the island’s famous narrow-gauge ‘Racing Roland’ railway. The 24 km long line runs via Binz to the seaside terminus Göhren. After lunch you return to Putbus behind a different steam locomotive and continue by regular service train to Stralsund. Dinner is once again served at your hotel. (B L D)

Monday 23rd January

Steam at the Molli Railway along the Baltic Coast

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

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

Tuesday 24th January

Return to London

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

Highlights of Switzerland in Winter

Monday 20th February to Monday 27th February 2023

Experience the white splendour of the Swiss Alps on this seasonal holiday to a genuine winter wonderland. Trips on Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways are conveniently included, giving you a chance to sample ‘the best of the best’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday 20th February London

to Vevey

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

Tuesday 21st February

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

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

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

Wednesday 22nd February

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

You start your day by exploring Vevey and Lake Geneva’s famed ‘Swiss Riviera’. You catch a funicular to the terraced vineyards high above the lake, reaching a formidable observation point at the summit of Mont Pelerin. Later on, you can use your complimentary, public transport rover ticket to take the trolleybus route to Montreux and see the medieval Chillon Castle. Early afternoon you board a rack railcar for the steep journey from Montreux to the summit of Rochers de Naye, 2042 metres above sea level. From

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Markus Blatter

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

Thursday 23rd February Glacier Express route to Zermatt; Gornergrat Railway; the Matterhorn

This morning you board an SBB service train from Vevey station to Visp, where you’ll travel on a panoramic narrow-gauge train for the final section of the Glacier Express route. This scenic railway line winds through rocky valleys and over steep inclines to reach Zermatt. Here you transfer to the Gornergrat rack railway, ascending to 3089 metres above sea level. It’s Europe’s second highest railway, eclipsed only by the Jungfrau. From this high Alpine plateau, enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers and a fabulous front perspective of the Matterhorn. After refreshments at Gornergrat you can film the passing trains in their characteristic chocolate-brown livery, before riding back down to Zermatt. You’ll have some time to look around car-free Zermatt, with its rows of wooden chalets and stone churches. Then you board another panoramic narrow gauge train for the onward journey on the Glacier Express route to Brig. You’ll spend the night in this historic, elegant city, which has become famous as a major railway junction and gateway to nearby Italy. Your hotel is conveniently located near the railway station and dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant.

(B D)

Friday 24th February

On the Glacier Express and via the Oberalp

Pass to Chur

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

Saturday 25th February

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

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

Sunday 26th February

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

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

Monday 27th February

Return to London

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

Tour Summary

First Class £2495

First Class travel from London St. Pancras International to Vevey and return from Chur. First Class travel within Switzerland where possible. Single supplement £295

Ground only £2195 (Vevey – Chur)

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

Price includes:

• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Astra, Vevey

• 1 night accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Ambassador, Brig

• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel ABC, Chur

• 2 lunches and 5 dinners

• All privately chartered vintage trains as detailed in the itinerary

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

• First Class travel on Glacier Express including lunch on-board (Brig – Chur)

• All train travel and transfers

• SBB luggage transfers from hotel to hotel

• Seat reservations (where possible)

• The services of a tour manager

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

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

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

Railways and World War II History in Italy

Wednesday 1st March to Sunday 12th March 2023

Embark on a genuine Roman Holiday by train, stopping in Milan and the Swiss Alps before reaching the ‘Eternal City’ by high-speed service. You’ll visit some of the most important and fascinating WWII sites in Italy, including the Ghetto and Jewish Museum in Rome, the beaches of Anzio and the hilltop monastery at Monte Cassino. This all-new tour combines history and culture with First Class railway travel.

• Your holiday includes First Class point-to-point travel on Eurostar, TGV and Italian ‘Frecciarossa’ high-speed services with seat reservations on these premier trains. You’ll also receive your own Interrail ticket, for flexible travel on local and regional trains.

• You’ll stay in the world-famous cities of Milan and Rome, with plenty of free time to explore all these vibrant destinations have to offer.

• Make a side-step to Switzerland on the historic Gotthard summit railway to visit the impressive Fort Airolo, one of the alpine fortresses built by the Swiss Army during WWII to deter an Axis invasion.

• The newly restored Italian National Railway Museum in Pietrarsa is another tour highlight, one of the most important railway museums in Europe.

• Travel through the long Simplon and Lötschberg base tunnels in Switzerland and stay in Strasbourg for one night on the return journey to London, to round your holiday off in style.

Wednesday 1st March London to Milan by Rail

You travel from London St Pancras by Eurostar to Paris Nord, continuing from Paris Gare de Lyon through the French and Italian Alps on a direct TGV service to Milan. You‘ll arrive at Milano Centrale and check into a hotel near the station, where a late, light dinner will be served.

(D)

Thursday 2nd March

Milano at Leisure and 1920s Tramways

Today is set aside for sightseeing in Italy’s largest city. You‘ll receive a complimentary all-day public transport rover allowing full access to the

heritage trams which circumnavigate the city in regular service. These iconic streetcars were built in Italy from 1928 onwards, hence their name Twenty-Eight or ‘Ventotto‘. These hop-on, hopoff vehicles will transport you around Milano to see major landmarks such as the Gothic Duomo (Cathedral), the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from 1867 or the turreted Castello. Dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)

Friday 3rd March Scenic train ride on the Swiss Gotthard Railway and Alpine fort visit

Today you side-step to Switzerland, travelling by SBB service train through the beautiful Ticino

region and along the famed Gotthard route. At mid day you visit one of the impressive Swiss Alpine forts, which were purpose-built during WWII as part of the Réduit national fortification programme under General Henri Guisan. You will see the cleverly hidden artillery casemates, crew quarters and associated infrastructure inside the mountain. Lunch is included today. In the late afternoon you return by rail to Milano. (B L)

Saturday 4th March Milano to Roma by

Rail, River Tiber Cruise

High-Speed

This morning you take the bright red ‘Frecciarossa’ (Red Arrow) high-speed service

from Milano Centrale to Roma Termini. You arrive by mid-day and check into your centrally located hotel for lunch. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to look around Rome using your complimentary, week-long public transport rover. Providing full access to Roma’s underground (Metro) and tramway. The green trams are a great hop-on, hop-off way to discover the city. In the late afternoon, you re-join your group for a private sunset cruise on the River Tiber with complimentary drinks and light refreshments. (B L)

Sunday 5th March

Visit to the Roma Ghetto Museum and at Leisure in the City

After breakfast, you visit Rome’s old Jewish Ghetto, with admission to the Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue included. Here you’ll learn more about the Ghetto and its history during World War II, plus the liberation of Rome by the Allies in June 1944. After your guided visits, spend the rest of the day at leisure or other places of interest, such as the Roman ruins, galleries and museums. (B)

Monday 6th March

Visit the Beaches of Anzio

This morning you travel to the seaside port of Anzio, famous for the Allied landings that took place there in early 1944. Delight in this typically Italianate town, with its war monuments and the dedicated Anzio Beachhead Museum. Following lunch at a typical trattoria, in the late afternoon, you return to Rome (B L)

Tuesday 7th March

Visit to the famed Monte Cassino Monastery and Battle Site

Today you visit another iconic location steeped in WWII history. As a defensive strongpoint along the Axis´ Gustav Line, Monte Cassino was the site of a fierce battle of attrition that lasted from January to June 1944. Once the Allied forces managed to overcome this barrier it cleared the way for the Liberation of Rome. You take an FS service train to Cassino. Before transferring by coach to the hilltop Benedictine Abbey, where you can visit the famous crypt, basilica and war memorial with attached museum.After your trip, you take lunch in the main piazza before returning to Rome.(B L)

Wednesday 8th March

Italian National Railway Museum in Pietrarsa

Italian railway heritage takes centre stage today as you travel on a high-speed service from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. At Napoli Centrale, there’s a local service directly to the gates of the Italian National Railway Museum at Pietrarsa. This is one of the most spectacularly situated railway museums in the world, boasting one of the most attractively displayed collections. Visit the great engine pavilion and see the steam icons of Italian railway history. After an immersive experience and refreshments, you’ll have free time to enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean and Mount Vesuvius. In the late afternoon, you return by high-speed train from Napoli Centrale back to Roma Termini. (B L)

Thursday 9th and Friday 10th March

At Leisure in Rome

After several days of exploring outside Rome, the next two days are dedicated entirely to the Eternal City. Make the most of your included public transport rover to visit all the sights, the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City and many other famous monuments. At the same time, your included Interrail Pass gives you two days to explore Italian railway lines and go ‘track bashing’ in the region. (B)

Saturday 11th March

By rail from Rome to Strasbourg

This morning you begin the first leg of the railway journey back to London, travelling on high-speed services via Milano and Switzerland to Strasbourg, France. You’ll travel through the long Simplon and Lötschberg base tunnels in Switzerland, before enjoying the views of the Bernese Oberland from your train window. You arrive in Strasbourg in the late afternoon and check into your comfortable hotel opposite the station. A group dinner is scheduled at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Sunday 12th March

By rail from Strasbourg

After breakfast, you travel from Strasbourg to Paris Est by TGV high-speed service, before changing onto Eurostar for the last leg of your return trip from Paris Nord back to London St Pancras. You can reflect at leisure on a memorable holiday full of historical impressions and contemporary enjoyment of Bella Italia! (B)

Tour Summary

Tour price £2395

Single supplement £395

Ground only £1995 (Milan – Rome)

Ground only £2145 (Milan – Strasbourg)

Price includes:

• 10 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 5 lunches

• 10-Day in 1-Month Global Interrail Pass (Note: in Italy this covers all local, regional and regional express trains, but for High Speed and Intercity services an additional reservation has to be made. On all the days where we make organized group trips or transfers, these high-speed or IC seat reservations are included, but on the two free days in Rome, you would need to secure the reservations at your own cost, should you wish to go track-bashing on high speed, IC or EC trains.)

• Complimentary public transport rover tickets in Milano and Rome

• All highspeed (Eurostar, TGV, Frecciarossa), Intercity and EuroCity train travel and transfers with seat reservations as detailed in the itinerary

• The services of a tour manager All

Steam in Wolsztyn and North Western Poland

Wednesday 3rd May to Tuesday 9th May 2023

Enjoy a full-throttle experience of Continental main line steam from the heart of Poland to the Baltic seaside on a special one-off tour that will appeal to both steam aficionados and seasoned ‘track bashers’ alike.

• Based initially in the historic city of Poznan, you’ll have ample time to explore its rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture and expansive tram network using your complimentary travel rover ticket.

• Experience a steam adventure behind the impressive Pt47-65 locomotive as you head to the seaport city of Szczecin, covering both the main line route as well as some rare track.

• Enjoy four full days of mainline steam in exclusively reserved First-Class comfort on excursions to Swinoujscie on the Baltic Sea, the popular resort of Kolobrzeg, and Zbaszynek on the Warsaw – Berlin mainline.

• Europe’s last active main line steam shed is one of the signature attractions of you tour as you experience ‘Plandampf’ behind a Class Ol49 tender locomotive around Wolsztyn, a visit to the roundhouse there and also have a private photo charter to Powodowo.

Wednesday 3rd May Flight to Poznan

You fly directly from London Luton to Poznan in Western Poland and on arrival transfer to your conveniently-located city centre hotel. After check-in there is some free time for a look around the attractive city centre or to go trainspotting at the nearby main station, before enjoying a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers in the hotel restaurant. (D).

Thursday 4th May

Main line steam with Pt47-65 via Rzepin to Szczecin

Today you travel behind the 2-8-2 tender locomotive Pt47-65 on the Polish main line. You join the special train of the Wolsztyn Experience at the former border station Zbaszynek and then travel in a reserved First Class coach, with only

4 passengers accommodated in your 6-seat compartment for added comfort. The train has a bar car where drinks and light snacks are available throughout the tour. You first travel on the Warsaw - Berlin main line westward to Rzepin, then head north to the historic seaport city of Szczecin (Stettin). On arrival in Szczecin you check into your centrally-located hotel near the station and enjoy some sightseeing in the city or explore the extensive tramway network. Whatever option you choose, your luggage will have been directly transferred by coach from Poznan to await you at the hotel, where you stay for the next three nights. Once again, you will be issued with a complimentary tram network ticket for the duration of the stay. (B)

Friday 5th May Main line steam to Swinoujscie on the Baltic Coast

Another full day on the Polish main line beckons today, as you make a steam-hauled day-trip on your special train from Szczecin to the Baltic port city of Swinoujscie. Your outward journey heads north on the east side of the Szczecin lagoon via Goleniow and up to Miedzyzdroje through the scenic Wolin National Park before arriving in Swinoujscie, in the land of 44 islands, an unusual region of north-western Poland that consists of several dozens of islands and islets of which three are inhabited. Swinoujscie is located on one of these, Wolin, the biggest sea island in Poland. Your return journey to Szczecin follows the same route with a detour via Kamien Pomorskie. (B)

Saturday 6th May

Main line steam to Kolobrzeg on the Polish seaside

After breakfast today your main line steam train takes you to the popular Polish seaside resort Kolobrzeg, on the Baltic Sea. On the outward journey you travel via Szczecin Port Centralny east to Stargard on the Ina river, then south-east across marshland to Choszczno before turning north to Bialogard and then on to Kolobrzeg. On the return your steam train travels via the coastal town of Ustronie Morskie before turning south to Gryfice and on to Szczecin. (B)

Sunday 7th May

Main line

steam

from Szczecin via Gorzow and Skwierzyna to Zbaszynek

and Wolsztyn

For the final day of your big main line tour, Pt4765 takes you from Szczecin southeast towards Poznan, taking the unusual route via Gorzow Wielkopolski, Miedzyrzecz, Wierzbro, Skwierzyna and finally Zbaszynek on the Warsaw - Berlin main line. From there you continue by steam to Wolsztyn, where you will stay at a nearby luxury resort hotel for the next two nights. (B D)

Monday 8th May

‘Plandampf’ around Wolsztyn, roundhouse visit and private photo charter to Powodowo

The famed steam mecca Wolsztyn provides a fitting end to your landmark steam tour, as you

get to experience the world’s last standardgauge mainline steam shed, where mighty tender locomotives continue to haul regular service trains running on all-stations stopping services. You join the mid-morning ‘Plandampf’ service and experience the impressive Class Ol49 tender locomotives, with their characteristic 2-6-2-wheel alignment. You’ll have time to visit the iconic Wolsztyn roundhouse and view the collection of stored locomotives, pausing to take pictures while the locomotives are re-fuelled by crane. After lunch another highlight awaits, as you have a private photo charter train on the disused branch line to Powodowo, allowing the locomotive crew to stage run-pasts for filming and photography. You return to your elegant resort hotel in the late afternoon and dine with your fellow travellers, to cap the tour in fine fashion. (B L D)

Tuesday 9th May

Return to London

You have a direct transfer from the resort hotel to Poznan airport and from there a non-stop flight back to London Luton. (B)

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Steam in Austria, Hungary and Czech Republic

Monday 15th May to Tuesday 23rd May 2023

Travel behind some of the largest and most impressive main line steam locomotives in Central Europe against a backdrop of historic cities and outstanding landscapes on this exciting one-off tour.

• Enjoy an eclectic line-up of unique main line steam locomotives in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, including the recently overhauled 4-8-0 flagship 424.009 and on a circular trip out of Budapest.

• The ancient Hungarian 4-4-0 Nr. 204 from 1900 as well as the Austrian 4-4-0 tender locomotive 17c372 from 1891 are also signature steam attractions, including visits to the Budapest railway heritage park and the Strasshof depot north of Vienna.

• Discover the majesty and elegance of the popular Swedish-built NOHAB diesel locomotives on a private charter train with luxury coaches from Budapest along Lake Balaton and over unusual backcountry lines to the enchanting city of Pecs in southern Hungary.

• Enjoy a main line steam charter through the Moravian wine growing region in the south of the Czech Republic on a scenic branch line bash to Pohorelice behind the rugged main line tank engine 213.901 from 1954.

• Experience narrow-gauge steam with private charters at the Budapest Children’s Railway, the Prater 15 inch railway in Vienna and at the Mariazellerbahn Krumpe in rural Austria.

Monday 15th May Arrive to Budapest, Dinner on the Danube

After an early morning flight to Budapest, you check into an elegant city centre hotel, here you’ll receive a public transport rover ticket. Dinner is served on the “Kossuth” paddle steamer, moored on the River Danube, offering some of the best views in the city. (D)

Tuesday 16th May Steam with Nr.204 at Buda Roundhouse, Steam at Budapest Children’s Railway, Buda

Rack Railway

After breakfast, you visit the famed Budapest railway heritage park with its iconic roundhouse.

There the vintage 1900 4-4-0 tender locomotive Nr. 204 will haul your private steam charter train on the mile long branch line, staging run-pasts and a turntable show for filmers. Another private steam charter awaits at the Budapest Children’s Railway. From Hüvösvölgy you travel the 12 km Children’s Railway behind a historic tank engine. At the railway’s western terminus, you return back to Buda and transfer to the New York Palace in Pest, one of the most opulent historic grand cafes in the world. Here you’ll have lunch, before travelling on the castle funicular, designed by British engineers dating from 1870, where you can enjoy views of the famous sites at the hilltop. The rest of the day is free to make full use of your transport rover ticket. (B L)

Wednesday 17th May

Large circular main line steam trip with 424.009

to Cegled and Kecskemet

Today the 4-8-0 locomotive 424.009 hauls your private charter train, composed of luxurious First-Class coaches from the Austro-Hungarian era. Departing from Nyugati Station, built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel, your coal-fired steam train travels eastbound via Cegled to Kecskemet. After visiting the nearby town and Art Nouveau buildings, your charter continues to Lajosmizse. You complete a large circular journey before returning to Budapest Keleti. Lunch and dinner will be served in the dining car. (B L D)

Thursday 18th May

With a NOHAB along Lake Balaton and via unusual secondary lines to historic Pecs

Today you experience one of the iconic GM-designed, NOHAB-built 6-axle diesel locomotives, delivered to Hungary in the 1960s. Tall and majestic with distinctive rounded noses, your NOHAB will pull your private charter train with luxurious Swiss Schlieren coaches and dining cars. Travelling along the southern banks of Lake Balaton, you traverse on to “rare track” and venture on scenic secondary routes via Fonyod and Kaposvar to Pecs. You’ll have free time to see the beautiful landmarks in the historic old town, before your charter returns to Budapest on the direct Intercity route via Dombovar. Lunch and dinner will be served in the dining car. (B L D)

Friday 19th May

On to Vienna, City Sightseeing by private charter tram

Today you travel First Class from Budapest to Vienna, arriving into Austria’s largest city by mid-day and checking into your elegant hotel. A privately chartered tramway takes you on a scenic sightseeing tour of the famed Ring Road and the historic city centre, past the Imperial Palace, Opera House and Neo-Gothic City Hall. Alighting the tram you visit one of Vienna’s Grand Cafes for high tea. You’ll have free time to explore the city, making use of your transport rover ticket. (B L)

Saturday 20th May Steam at the Prater Railway, Steam at Strasshof and Prater Ferris Wheel

After breakfast you take an OBB service train to the famed Strasshof railway museum and steam shed. The site hosts one of the largest collections of preserved and operational steam locomotives in Central Europe and has many iconic tank and tender locomotives dating from the Austro-Hungarian era. The 4-4-0 tender locomotive 17c372 dating from 1891 will be in steam and provide cab-ride opportunities up and down the mile-long museum yard. In the afternoon you return to Vienna and ride the Prater 15 inch railway. This 4 km long line in Vienna’s largest park dates from 1928 and has two beautiful 4-6-2 “Pacific” steam locomotives. You make a full roundtrip with picture opportunities, before riding the iconic Prater Ferris Wheel. Built by Royal Navy engineers in 1897 it was made famous by the British film “The Third Man” with Orson Welles. (B L)

Sunday 21st May

Steam on the Mariazell Railway with Mh.6 from St. Pölten to Bischoffstetten

Following breakfast you take a high speed train from Vienna to St. Pölten, the provincial capital of Lower Austria. There you join an exclusively chartered steam train on the spectacular Mariazellerbahn, Austria’s longest and most famous narrow gauge railway. Your private First Class carriages are hauled by the vintage 1908 0-8+4 articulated tender locomotive No. Mh 6. You steam from St. Pölten to the junction station Obergrafendorf and continue on the nonelectrified branch line to Bischofstetten. This line only re-opened in 2019 and with no regular service trains on this line, it is possible to stage numerous run-pasts along the way. After the private charter train returns from Bischofstetten to Obergrafendorf, there is a visit to the depot, before lunch is served at the local brewpub. In the afternoon you sample one of the Mariazellerbahn’s modern, Swiss-built electric trains to St. Pölten, where you continue on the high speed line back to Vienna. (B L)

Monday 22nd May Main Line Steam in the Czech Republic through the Moravian Wine Country

The holiday concludes with steam in a third Central European country, as you take an international train from Wien Hbf to Brno and then join a private charter train to travel through the scenic South Moravian winegrowing region hauled by the rugged 1950s tank engine 213.901. Your journey starts at the city’s main station and travels south through vineyards and landscapes on the “freight only” branch line to Pohorelice. Along the way, several photo stops and run-pasts will also be staged. Lunch and complimentary drinks will be served in the bistro carriage of the train. After getting the best of Czech steam and railway culture, you return to Brno and from there take another international express back to Vienna. (B L)

Tuesday 23rd May Return to London

After a morning and afternoon to still spend at leisure in Vienna to enjoy all the city has to offer and to take advantage of your public transport rover to ride on the trams, you have a direct evening flight back to London. (B)

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• The services of a tour manager

Continental Steam Safari

Friday 26th May to Sunday 4th June 2023

For a unique steam tour full of RTC firsts and diverse continental attractions, join us on this one-off holiday to Germany, Switzerland and France. Based initially in Stuttgart, then Brunnen on Lake Lucerne and Yverdon-les-Bain on the banks of Lake Neuchatel, you’ll enjoy unique steam attractions on and off the beaten path. Highlights include:

• Steaming to the summit of Mount Rigi with one of the world’s oldest operational steam locomotives, the vertical-boiler, vintage 1873 rack tank No.7 at the Rigi Railway.

• A steam charter on an 1890 locomotive to the summit of Monte Generoso in Ticino, Switzerland.

• Private steam charters at the remote Vallee de Joux, Coni-Fer heritage railways in the French and Swiss Jura Mountains, including traction with the large German ‘Kriegslok’ 52 8163 in France.

• An afternoon paddle steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne.

• Visits to the 15-inch Killesberg steam railway in Stuttgart and the recently extended Härtsfeldbahn narrow gauge heritage railway in Neresheim.

Friday 26th May London to Stuttgart by rail

You travel from London by Eurostar and ICE/ TGV high speed rail via Paris to arrive in Stuttgart in the evening. You book into your centrally located hotel where dinner will be served. (D)

Saturday 27th

May

Steam at the Killesbergbahn in Stuttgart; Local network discovery

Today you visit the miniature Killesberg Railway, one of only three 15-inch park railways in Germany. Set on a hilltop park reached on a local tramway, this scenic 2.1 km long route originally opened in the late 1930s. One of three locomotives will be in steam today for your enjoyment, including for riding and line siding. After your visit you’ll receive a complimentary

Stuttgart public transport rover ticket, for discovery of the expansive light and heavy rail network and Stuttgart’s rack railway, only one of four such mountain-climbing railways in Germany. In the evening you re-join your fellow travellers for dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Sunday 28th May

Steam at the Härtsfeldbahn heritage railway

Another narrow-gauge highlight awaits today on the Härtsfeldbahn heritage railway. Six kilometres of this once 55 km-long metre gauge railway have been rebuilt by dedicated volunteers. Travel by private charter from Neresheim to Katzenstein, pausing for run pasts at select locations. Engine 12 dates from 1913 and its type is typical of that era and region. You’ll be served an al-fresco lunch at the railway

before returning in late afternoon to Stuttgart by coach and service train. (B L)

Monday 29th May

Transfer to Brunnen; Paddle steamer cruise on Lake

Lucerne

Using your complimentary Interrail Pass, you transfer from Stuttgart with DB and SBB service trains via Singen and Zurich to Brunnen, situated on Lake Lucerne and book into your hotel. Afterwards you take the afternoon paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne to Lucerne itself, before returning by train to Brunnen. Dinner tonight is served at your hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 30th May

Steam Engine No. 7 at Mount Rigi; Visit to the Stoos funicular railway

You’ll enjoy a tour highlight today, as you steam

Andrew Thompson

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

to the summit of Mount Rigi with one the world’s oldest operational steam locomotives and the only functional vertical boiler rack tank in the world. Engine No.7 was built by the famed engineer Niklaus Riggenbach in 1873 and is normally based at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne. It was brought back to service in 2021 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rigi Railway, which opened in 1871 as the first rack railway in Europe. 2023 will be the locomotive’s last active season before it returns to the museum in Lucerne. Your private charter with No. 7 today will include a roundtrip from Arth-Goldau to Rigi-Kulm, with photo stops and free time at the summit. After returning to Arth-Goldau, you’ll visit the nearby Stoos Railway, the steepest funicular in the world with near vertical gradients of 110%! Afterwards you return to Brunnen for another dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Wednesday 31st May Gotthard Base Tunnel and Steam at Monte Generoso in Ticino

This morning you experience an impressive train transfer through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest railway tunnel with a length of 57 km, before arriving in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. You’ll visit the region’s only mountain-climbing rack railway at Monte Generoso, situated along the banks of Lake Lugano. From the village of Capolago an historic steam locomotive, dating from 1890, pushes your classic wooden carriage up to the summit, right on the border between Switzerland and Italy. During the climb there’ll be photo stops and wonderful panoramic views of Lake Lugano and Lake Como in Northern Italy and the plains of Lombardy.

After time for refreshments at the summit restaurant you return to Capolago on your private steam charter. On the way back to Brunnen you stop in the city of Lugano for a ride on the local funicular, a visit to the spacious piazza and a stroll along the shores of Lake Lugano. In late afternoon you arrive back in Brunnen for dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Thursday 1st June

Transfer to Yverdon-les-Bains, Steam at the Coni-Fer Railway

This morning you travel on an SBB service train from Brunnen to Yverdon-les-Bain, located on the banks of Lake Neuchatel. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to sightsee Yverdon with its Francophone castle and attractive old town. In the afternoon you transfer by coach across the border to Les Hôpitaux-Neufs in

France, home of the standard gauge Coni-Fer heritage railway. This was once an important main line section along the Simplon route from Paris to Venice but was superseded in 1915 by the opening of the cut-off tunnel between Frasne, France and Vallorbe, Switzerland. Today the line’s resident giant 52 8163 will be in steam for your private charter run (with photo stops) over the length of the 8 km route to FontaineRonde. A former Orient Express Wagon-Lits carriage will be part of the train formation, where dinner will be served. Afterwards you return by coach to Yverdon.

(B D)

Friday 2nd June

A day at leisure with your Interrail Pass in the Swiss Alps

This is a day to make the most of your Interrail Pass to discover the very best of the Swiss scenic railways. You might visit the Oberalp Pass or Rhaetian Railway network or explore the scenic standard gauge route of the Voralpen Express towards St. Gallen. Another option is the Brünig Pass from Lucerne to Interlaken. The choice is yours and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise you. (B)

Saturday 3rd June Steam in the Swiss Jura Mountains at Vallée de Joux

On the last active day of your tour, you’ll visit the remote mountain valley Vallée de Joux. Here, one of the most attractive yet unknown Swiss steam railways operates in a fetching stretch of landscape. This ‘rare track’ is today combined with ‘rare traction’ as No. 8494 hauls your private main line charter train from Le Pont to Les Brassus, and back again. Lunch will be served on the train in a charming bistro car, while the railway company’s special, open balcony gondola coach allows you to stand right behind the footplate of the tank engine, a great spot for filming or photography. Your steam charter concludes by mid-afternoon leaving you free to use your Interrail Pass for individual travel around the region’s railways, including the scenic standard or narrow-gauge railways along nearby Lake Geneva. (B L)

Sunday 4th June

Return to London

From Yverdon you travel via Biel, and Basel to Strasbourg on SBB and SNCF service trains, before taking a TGV high-speed service from Strasbourg Ville to Paris Est. From there Eurostar takes you back to London St Pancras. (B)

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Swiss Bernese Oberland

Wednesday 14th June to Wednesday 21st June 2023

Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday

14th June London to Wengen via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrow-gauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

Thursday 15th June Free day for exploration in and around 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 16th 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 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Wengen by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Saturday 17th 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 on a WAB train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe. The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views. The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel. There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Wengen you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen or travel from Kleine Scheidegg on to Grindlewald at your own leisure, then make your way back to Wengen via Lauterbrunnen. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)

Sunday 18th 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 via Lauterbrunnen.

(B D)

Monday 19th June Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

Today is free to use your Regional Pass. Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne. The city is located on Lake

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

Tuesday 20th 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 WAB train to Lauterbrunnen and BOB train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D)

Wednesday 21st June

Return to UK

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

Tour Summary

Tour price £1795

Single supplement £115

Optional extra £45 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’

Price includes:

• 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath

• First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services)

• A Standard Class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland

• All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary

• All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary

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

• The services of a tour manager

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing. Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

Georg Trueb Georg Trueb

Cruising around the Austrian Lakes

Wednesday 28th June to Wednesday 5th July 2023

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 in the city included.

• Experience no less than six of Austria’s finest and most tranquil mountain lakes on private charter cruises featuring genuine paddle steamers, vintage motor vessels and elegant salon ships.

• Enjoy a fantastic river cruise aboard the Danube’s last operational paddle steamer, the majestic ‘Schönbrunn’ from 1912.

• 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.

• The iconic ‘little trains’ of Austria feature prominently on this holiday, and journeys on the idyllic Taurachbahn and Zillertalbahn narrow-gauge railways let you sample both ‘Plandampf’ and private charter travel with plenty of run-pasts and photo stops.

Wednesday 28th June

Arrive to Salzburg; leisure in the city with rover ticket

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

Thursday 29th

June

Paddle cruise on Wolfgangsee and steam at the Schafberg rack railway

After breakfast you transfer by coach to Wolfgangsee, for an enchanting charter cruise on this serene Alpine lake aboard the historic 1873 paddle-wheeler Kaiser Franz Josef. You then ascend to the summit of nearby Mount Schafberg by steam locomotive on its famed rack and pinion railway, the steepest steam-powered rack railway in Austria. From the top you’ll have stunning views of a myriad of glistening lakes and distant glaciers. You descend back down the mountain by steam train and then return to Salzburg in the afternoon, where dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Friday 30th June

Private charter cruises on the Mondsee and Hallstättersee

More cruises on tranquil lakes await today, as you venture south from Salzburg to the so-called Salzkammergut region. You first have a cruise on the idyllic Mondsee, including lunch aboard the ship, before venturing to Hallstatt for a private cruise on the namesake Hallstättersee. With its tall church spire and colourful houses, Hallstatt is a picture-perfect mountain village, probably the most-photographed small town in Austria. You get the best of views of Hallstadt from the boat, but also have time to look around the town centre of this UNESCO World Heritage site. In late afternoon you return to Salzburg with a scenic drive over pretty mountain roads. Dinner is served tonight in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Saturday 1st July

Tauernbahn scenic railway, cruise on Millstättersee,

steam at Taurachbahn

After breakfast you board an OBB service train for the scenic southward journey on the Tauernbahn main line, comfortably accommodated in First Class. This is one of Austria’s most spectacular railway corridors and from the train windows you’ll have fabulous views of deep valleys, hilltop castles and long viaducts. After two hours, you arrive in Spittal to enjoy another privately chartered lunch cruise on the nearby Millstättersee. This rural lake is especially popular for water sports and is framed by several mountain ranges. After the cruise, you drive north to Mauterndorf, base of the narrow-gauge Taurachbahn. On this pretty heritage railway, an ancient tank engine hauls your private charter train from Mauterndorf to Tamsweg, 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 have a look around the historic town centre and the local castle, before making the coach transfer back to the Tauernbahn and the Bischofshofen main line station. From there it’s just a short train ride on the Intercity back to Salzburg, capping another great day out on land and lake. (B L)

Sunday 2nd July

Paddle steamer cruise on the Traunsee, vintage electric railcar charter

This morning you travel to the beautiful lakeside town of Gmunden in the heart of the Austrian Alps, to enjoy a genuine paddle steamer cruise on Lake Traunsee aboard the iconic 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. On returning to Gmunden there’s time for a stroll around town before making a mountain-top excursion on the aerial gondola to the summit of Mount Grünberg. At an altitude of 987 m above sea level, this panoramic vantage point affords fantastic views of the mountains to the south and Austria’s plains along the River Danube to the north. After descending back

down to Gmunden, you return to Gmunden railway station on Austria’s shortest urban tramway and then take an OBB service train onward to Salzburg. (B L)

Monday 3rd July

Paddle steamer cruise on the Danube aboard the majestic ‘Schönbrunn’

Another tour highlight awaits today, as you travel on Austria’s last preserved Danube paddle steamer. Built in 1912, the ‘Schönbrunn’ is named after the royal summer palace in Vienna and is truly regal. Driven by a huge, inclined marine steam engine, the ship has spacious decks and elegantly appointed lounges and saloons. You’ll cruise on the Danube from Linz, the historic city where the paddle steamer is based, and lunch will be served aboard the steamer. (B L)

Tuesday 4th 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. At the Achensee, you board a vintage motor vessel dating from the early 20th century for a private charter cruise, capping your memorable holiday in fine fashion. 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 your hotel this evening.

(B L D)

Wednesday 5th July

Return to London

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

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Alpine Steam Express

Wednesday 5th July to Wednesday 12th July 2023

Against the backdrop of the picturesque Swiss Alps and French Jura Mountains, glamorous steam locomotives, historic steamboats and towering peaks all feature prominently on this outstanding Alpine holiday tour.

• Based in the Baroque town of Solothurn, you’ll travel on privately chartered steam trains and steamboats to unusual locations mainly off the beaten path.

• Many steam highlights appear for the very first time in our programme, including the recently relaunched Brünig rack and adhesion tank engine No.1068.

• Enjoy a private steam charter on the extensive Chemins de Fer du Jura metre gauge network in the Franches Montagnes of Western Switzerland, where mighty Mallet engines roam, this year featuring the steep route from Le Noirmont to Tavannes.

• Cruise aboard genuine paddle and screw steamers on numerous scenic lakes for delightful afternoon and sunset cruises.

• Experience the ancient standard gauge Mallet locomotive Nr.196 at the Oensingen-Balsthal-Bahn and visit the Swiss national collection at the Brugg roundhouse, including steam on site and a steam ride at the Schinznach park railway.

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

Wednesday 5th July London to Basel; Transfer to Solothurn

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. A short transfer takes you to Solothurn, your base for the holiday. With its fine Baroque and Renaissance buildings, for centuries Solothurn was the residence of the French king’s ambassador. You check into your hotel and relax before a welcome dinner is served. (D)

Thursday 6th July Steam at the unique Sursee-Triengen Railway; Paddle steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne

This morning you travel on the rural branch line

from the medieval town of Sursee to the village of Triengen with a typical ‘Tigerli’ tank engine. For decades this line has been freight-only and, a rarity in Switzerland, never electrified. Numerous attractive run-pasts will be staged for photo and film opportunities. The line is very photogenic and was used to film the train scenes for Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 movie version of ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. You’ll enjoy lunch at the historic station restaurant in Triengen, before returning to Sursee. From there it’s a short ride by SBB service train to Lucerne and a delightful late afternoon paddle steamer cruise to Vitznau. (B L)

Friday 7th July

Switzerland’s oldest steamboat on Lake

Greif, Gotthard Railway and steam in Ticino

In the morning you venture to Lake Greif southeast of Zürich for a delightful private cruise on Switzerland’s oldest steamer, the venerable ‘Greif’ from 1896. This elegant screw steamer allows you to watch the engineer stoke the coalfired boiler and crease the immaculate engine. Often the friendly captain also lets guests grab the wheel and take the helm of the ship! No experience of the famed Swiss steamboats would be complete without a sail on the hugely entertaining ‘Greif’. In the early afternoon you head south on the Gotthard railway and via the world’s longest railway tunnel to Biasca. There you enjoy steam at the newly established San Gottardo railway park, where either the green

Oli Bachmann

Oli Bachmann

Oli Bachmann

‘Tigerli’ 8501 or brown ‘Tiger’ 8463 will be in steam and haul a rake of vintage coaches, pausing for pictures and run-pasts along the way. After a nice Mediterranean dinner in Biasca, you return to Solothurn by train. (B D)

Saturday 8th July

Steam

over

Mount Brünig

sunset cruise

with

Engine No.1068;

on Lake Thun

A tour highlight awaits today as you travel steam-hauled along the banks of Lake Brienz from Interlaken to Meiringen and then ascend the mighty Brünig Pass with the recently overhauled rack-tank Nr. 1068. This rugged rack and adhesion locomotive was built in 1926 as the last steam locomotive for the Brünig Railway and was later plinthed for decades outside Meiringen station. It only returned to active service in 2022 and you’ll experience one of its first private charter trips. Crossing the Brünig Pass to Giswil, the locomotive works hard to climb the steep inclines, while you enjoy sweeping views of the Bernese Oberland. Later you transfer by service train to Thun, where you embark on a delightful dinner cruise aboard the venerable paddle steamer ‘Bluemlisalp’ from 1906. As the sun sets over the Bernese Oberland, you’ll savour this remarkable steam and landscape highlight. (B D)

Sunday 9th July

Steam with standard gauge Mallet engine; Brugg steam shuttle; Schinznach steam railway

Today a trio of steam attractions at three different locations awaits! Built by Maffei in 1893 as an unusual standard gauge Mallet locomotive for the Hauenstein line, old No. 196 is a core member of the Swiss national collection and one of the most beautiful tank engines in Continental Europe. This elegant green machine will be in steam just for today to haul your private charter train on the scenic branch line from Oensingen to Balsthal and back. With photo stops along the way, a shed visit to see other steam locomotives in Balsthal and lunch on the train, it will be a great day out. Ornate and luxurious salon coaches are an additional attraction of the programme. After your private charter, you continue on an SBB service to Brugg, where a rarely steamed, SLM-built 0-4-0 industrial tank engine takes you by private steam shuttle to the local roundhouse for a privately guided visit. The shed includes most of the Swiss national collection and several privately owned steam locomotives. Your steam charter will also traverse the ‘freight-only’ Brugg flyover, which is built as an avoiding curve of the main station and constitutes a bit of ‘rare track’ rarely used

by main line steam trains. After some turntable photography, you transfer to the nearby Schinznach garden railway, the largest 600 mm gauge park railway in Switzerland. The attractive steam collection of industrial engines includes tank, tender and tramway locomotives dating from the early 20th century. Your private steam charter will traverse the attractively landscaped circuit and pose for photos and staged run-pasts.

(B L)

Monday 10th July Steam with a Mallet locomotive in the Franches Montagnes

The hills of the Swiss Jura Mountains form the backdrop to today’s steam excursion on the extensive Chemins de Fer du Jura narrowgauge network, hauled by a powerful Henschel Mallet locomotive. You journey via Saignelegier and Le Noirmont to Tavannes through remote landscapes in one of Switzerland’s most isolated regions. Your locomotive battles several gradients and poses for pictures at attractive locations. Lunch is taken on the train in the bistro coach before you return over the same route to the shed at Pré Petitjean. For the return to Solothurn, you are free to use your complimentary Swiss Travel Pass, with the option to travel on the other CJ narrow-gauge line to La-Chaux-de-Fonds. (B L)

Tuesday 11th July

Freedom of Switzerland with your Swiss Travel Pass

Today, you make the most of your First-Class Swiss Travel Pass to fully explore Switzerland on its amazing public transport network. You could venture on the Old Gotthard Route and Centovalli Railway to Ticino and even Domodossola in Northern Italy, head to Zermatt or enjoy seven different paddle steamers on Lake Geneva. Rural railways off the beaten path or delightful narrow-gauge trains also beckon. The Rigi rack railway is also included in the pass. The choice is yours and your tour manager will be happy to advise you of the options. In the evening you enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel to wrap up a memorable tour. (B D)

Wednesday 12th July

Return to London

After breakfast, you transfer from your hotel to Basel. Here you take the high-speed train to Strasbourg before changing trains and continuing to Paris Gare de L’Est. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)

• Standard premier travel on Eurostar services from London – Basel and return.

• 7 nights accomodation at the H4 Hotel Solothurn in comfort room including porterage

•

• Swiss travel pass First Class for Switzerland journeys

• Seat reservation throughout (where possible)

• All rail trips and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

•

Swiss Bernese Oberland

Wednesday 5th July to Wednesday 12th July 2023

Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday

5th July London to Wengen via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrow-gauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

Thursday 6th July Free day for exploration in and around 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 7th July

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

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

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Saturday 8th July

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

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

Sunday 9th July

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

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

(B D)

Monday 10th July

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

Today is free to use your Regional Pass. Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne. The city is located on Lake

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

Tuesday 11th July

Excursion to Schynige Platte

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

Wednesday 12th July

Return to UK

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

Tour Summary

Tour price £1795

Single supplement £115

Optional extra £45 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’

Price includes:

• 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath

• First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services)

• A Standard Class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland

• All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary

• All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary

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

• The services of a tour manager

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

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

Georg Trueb Georg Trueb

Rail and Fjords of Norway

Saturday 8th July to Wednesday 19th July 2023

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 8th 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 9th July

Steam on the Krøderbanen and UrskogHølandsbanen Railways

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

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 10th July

Free Day to Explore Oslo

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

many other places of interest.

Tuesday 11th 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 mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing in Bergen, a city surrounded by hills and

Tore Bjorback-Amblie

fjords. Sights of note include the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site the fish market, busy quayside, and the home of Edvard Grieg. Alternatively, you can take the famous funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløien for panoramic views over the city and out to sea. Bergen will be your base for the next three nights. Dinner is not included this evening giving you the opportunity to try one of Bergen’s excellent restaurants. (B)

Wednesday 12th 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 13th 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 14th 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 15th 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 16th July

The Setesdalsbanen Narrow Gauge Railway

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

Monday 17th July Hamar Railway Museum; Train to Ålesund

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

Tuesday 18th July

Cruise the Geirangerfjord

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

Wednesday 19th 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)

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Railways and World War II History in Poland

Saturday 15th July to Monday 24th July 2023

See some of the most important and fascinating WWII sites in the Polish cities and countryside, on a tour that combines history and culture with First Class railway travel, private tramway rides and scenic river cruises.

• An all new tour that takes you to the cities of Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw to see remarkable historical sites such as the Warsaw Ghetto, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Krakow’s Aviation Museum, the Gliwice Radio Tower and the ‘Great Escape’ Stalag Luft Prisoner Camp in Zagan .

• Visits to the Kazimierz Jewish quarter in Krakow and the re-opened synagogue and Holocaust remembrance site in Oświęcim, with an optional visit from the Oświęcim town centre to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

• Stay at centrally located hotels in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw, near to all the historic sites, with plenty of leisure time to see the other historic and cultural attractions. You will also be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket in all three cities, ideal to discover the expansive tramway networks.

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

• Privately chartered river cruises in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw (the ‘Venice of Poland’), including complimentary refreshments onboard. Additionally, a privately chartered vintage tram ride in Wroclaw will give you an opportunity to sightsee at ease.

Saturday 15th July

Arrive to Warsaw

Fly directly from London to Warsaw, before travelling by train from the airport to the city centre. Your hotel is located just outside of the landmark Warszawa Centralna railway station. After a welcome lunch, you will be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket to use at leisure on the extensive tram and metro system. (L)

Sunday 16th July

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

Sunset Cruise

Today you visit the sites and remains of the former Warsaw Ghetto, including admission to the Warsaw Ghetto Museum. From there you travel to the Memorial and sites of the Warsaw Uprising, organised by the Polish Resistance in late summer 1944. Next up is the nearby Old Town, which was largely destroyed during the war, but comprehensively rebuilt afterwards. Among the attractive sites are the Royal Palace and colorful main square with mermaid statue. You have refreshments at E. Wedel, the city’s

most famous Grand Cafe. After free time exploring, you rejoin the group for a sunset cruise on the River Vistula, with complimentary refreshments. (B L)

Monday 17th July

From Warsaw to Krakow, River Vistula sunset cruise

Travel in First Class on the flagship Express Intercity Premium (EIP) high speed train of PKP to Krakow, one of the most attractive cities in Europe and the cradle of Polish history. You check into your centrally located hotel where lunch is served, before enjoying time at leisure. In the late afternoon you enjoy a sunset cruise on the River

Vistula, sailing past the hilltop Wawel Castle and other prominent landmarks. Light snacks and complimentary drinks are included on the boat.

(B L)

Tuesday 18th July Kazimierz Jewish Quarter in Krakow and visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory in the former Krakow Ghetto

Today you see the vibrant Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, with the opportunity to explore inside several of the beautifully preserved synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. You can also visit the locally based municipal museum. Lunch is served at a traditional Jewish restaurant, before taking the tram across the river to to Krakow-Zablocie, the site of the former Jewish ghetto. Where the main district square has been turned into an evocative memorial with oversized, vacant chairs, commemorating the heroes of the Ghetto. Nearby is the site of Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory, where several hundred Jews were successfully employed and saved from death at the concentration camps. The story of Oskar Schindler was made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1992 feature film ‘Schindler’s List’. Today, the factory has been turned into a museum, providing an immersive experience about the history of Oskar Schindler’s activities and life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. After the museum visit, you have more free time in the city. (B L)

Wednesday 19th July

Trip to Oświęcim and optional visit of Auschwitz concentration camp

The town of Oświęcim is west of Krakow, you will travel by local train from Krakow to visit the restored town synagogue, which serves as remembrance site and Holocaust museum. After a light lunch in the historic town centre of Oświęcim, there is an optional visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in the afternoon, which narrates first-hand the horrors of the Holocaust. You return to Krakow by train either in the afternoon or early evening, depending on the optional camp visit. (B L)

Thursday 20th July

Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow and leisure in the city

The Polish Aviation Museum has one of the finest collections of 1930s and 40s aircraft in Europe, with countless iconic planes of Polish, German, French, British and American origin. In addition to historic bi-planes, the architecturally impressive museum showcases 22 extremely rare war planes built before 1941. After the museum visit, there will be more free time to individually enjoy

Krakow. (B)

Friday 21st July

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

You travel westbound from Krakow to Silesia on a direct PKP train to Gliwice. Located in the Silesian coal-mining region, Gliwice was German until 1945. Gliwice is the location of one of the most impressively engineered towers in Europe, the 118 m (387 ft) tall wooden Radio Tower built by German Reichspost in 1935. On 31 August 1939, the Nazi SS staged a fake ‘Polish’ attack on the Gliwice/Gleiwitz radio station, which was later used as justification for Hitler’s long-planned invasion of Poland. The transmitter tower was never destroyed and remains the tallest wooden structure in Europe, locally known as the “Eiffel Tower of Silesia”. After your visit, you travel by Intercity train to Wroclaw. On arrival, you check into your centrally located hotel and enjoy a group dinner. (B D)

Saturday 22nd July

Discovery of Wroclaw by heritage tramway and River Odra Dinner Cruise

Wroclaw is one of the finest cities in Central Europe traditionally known as “The Venice of Poland” thanks to the urban landscape along the River Odra and numerous canals and pedestrianised islands. You sightsee the attractive centre of Wroclaw on a privately chartered heritage tram dating from the 1920s, before an afternoon at leisure. In the evening you rejoin your fellow travellers for a dinner cruise on the River Odra, which will take you past the impressive cathedral and several of the iconic bridges. (B D)

Sunday 23rd July

Tour Summary

Tour price £1495

Single supplement £285 Ground only £1395 (Warsaw – Wroclaw)

Price includes:

• 9 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels

• Flights from London to Warsaw and Wroclaw to London

• 5 lunches and 3 dinners

• First Class rail travel on PKP Intercity services with seat reservations, Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available

• All privately chartered river cruises and vintage tramway rides as detailed in the itinerary

• Complementary public transport rover tickets in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw

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

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

A

visit

to the ‘Great Escape’ Stalag Luft prisoner camp

in Zagan

You take a direct train westbound from Wroclaw to Zagan, on arrival there’s a short transfer to the Stalag Luft 3 prisoner camp site. Which has a well preserved museum with wooden prisoner barracks, guard towers and the famed “Harry” tunnel. The site was made famous by the 1963 Hollywood production “The Great Escape” starring Steve McQueen. You return to Wroclaw in the afternoon by train from Legnica. A farewell dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Monday 24th July

Return to London

You have a return flight from Wroclaw to London in the late afternoon, giving you time to still enjoy the city and its attractions before the flight. (B)

Highlights of Switzerland in Summer

Wednesday 9th August to Wednesday 16th August 2023

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 then in the historic cities of Brig and Chur, you’ll stay in top-quality hotels featuring typical Swiss hospitality.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 9th August

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 10th August

Swiss

Riviera and Mont Pelerin Funicular; Rochers de Naye Rack Railway

You start your day by exploring Vevey and Lake Geneva’s famed ‘Swiss Riviera’. You catch a funicular to the terraced vineyards high above

the lake, reaching a formidable observation point at the summit of Mont Pelerin. Later on, you can use your complimentary, public transport rover ticket to take the trolleybus route to Montreux and see the medieval Chillon Castle. Early afternoon you board a rack railcar for the steep journey from Montreux to the summit of Rochers de Naye, 2042 metres above sea level. From the top there are panoramic views of the French and Swiss Alps. You return to Montreux, for a further look around town or ride on another local funicular before returning back to Vevey. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Friday 11th August

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

Andrew Thompson

Gruyere foothills and Lausanne. Back in Vevey you’ll have a free evening to enjoy dinner at a lake-side venue of your choosing. (B)

Saturday 12th August

Glacier Express route to Zermatt; Gornergrat Railway; the Matterhorn

This morning you board an SBB service train from Vevey station to Visp, where you’ll travel on a panoramic narrow-gauge train for the final section of the Glacier Express route. This scenic railway line winds through rocky valleys and over steep inclines to reach Zermatt. Here you transfer to the Gornergrat rack railway, ascending to 3089 metres above sea level. It’s Europe’s second highest railway, eclipsed only by the Jungfrau. From this high Alpine plateau, enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers and a fabulous front perspective of the Matterhorn. After refreshments at Gornergrat you can film the passing trains in their characteristic chocolate-brown livery, before riding back down to Zermatt. You’ll have some time to look around car-free Zermatt, with its rows of wooden chalets and stone churches. Then you board another panoramic narrow gauge train for the onward journey on the Glacier Express route to Brig. You’ll spend the night in this historic, elegant city, which has become famous as a major railway junction and gateway to nearby Italy. Your hotel is conveniently located near the railway station and dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. (B D)

Sunday 13th August

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 14th August

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

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

Tuesday 15th August

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

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

Wednesday 16th August 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

First Class £2495

Single supplement £295 Ground only £2195 (Vevey – Chur)

Price includes:

• 3 Nights Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Astra, Vevey

• 1 Night Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Ambassador, Brig

• 3 Nights Accommodation with breakfast at 3-star Hotel Chur, Chur

• 2 lunches and 5 dinners

• All privately chartered vintage trains as detailed in the itinerary

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

• First Class travel on Glacier Express (Brig –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

First Class travel from London St Pancras International to Vevey and return from Chur. First Class travel within Switzerland where possible. Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.

Standard Premier Seating on Eurostar services.

Swiss Bernese Oberland

Wednesday 9th August to Wednesday 16th August 2023

Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 5th July London to Wengen via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrow-gauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

Thursday 6th July Free day for exploration in and around 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 7th July

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

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

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Saturday 8th July

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

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

Sunday 9th July

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

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

(B D)

Monday 10th July Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

Today is free to use your Regional Pass. Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne. The city is located on Lake

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

Tuesday 11th July

Excursion to Schynige Platte

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

Wednesday 12th July

Return to UK

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

Tour Summary

Tour price £1795

Single supplement £115

Optional extra £45 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’

Price includes:

• 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath

• First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services)

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

• All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary

• All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary

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

• The services of a tour manager

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing. Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

Georg Trueb Georg Trueb

Highlights of Germany in Summer –Steam in Berlin and the Harz Mountains

Monday 14th August to Thursday 24th August 2023

Enjoy a late summer holiday to Germany for relaxing river cruises, vintage transport in the vibrant capital Berlin and the famed steam trains of the Harz Mountains.

• Enjoy steam by land and water, as you first cruise on the river Havel in Potsdam aboard the vintage 1908 steamboat “Gustav”, then storm up Mount Brocken on the iconic 2-10-2 tank engines to the highest point in Northern Germany.

• Take a steam train journey at the Wulheide Park Railway in Berlin, travel on the heritage tramway in Woltersdorf and sample five different river cruises at scenic locations around the capital, including Berlin Mitte, Köpenick, Potsdam, Brandenburg and Szczecin, Poland.

• The short sidestep to Poland with a daytrip rail excursion to the historic port city of Szczecin (Stettin) with a cruise on the River Odra adds geographic variety to the holiday.

• This relaxed holiday takes place after the peak period of the German school holidays, when the Harz Mountains are less busy, but still have the most intensive ‘Plandampf’ steam timetable in operation.

• Spend 3 days in the Harz Mountains with an unlimited 3-day rover ticket, valid on all the famed “Plandampf” steam services.

Monday 14th August

London

to Berlin by high-speed rail

With Eurostar and ICE services via Brussels and Cologne. Accommodation at a centrally located 4-star hotel in Berlin. Meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant. (D)

Tuesday 15th August

Berlin

Technical Museum, Time at leisure, Museum Island Sunset Cruise

After a leisurely breakfast, you collect your complimentary multi-day public transport rover ticket, which allows you full flexibility and individual travel in the city. You then visit the Technical Museum in western Berlin, which has

one of the finest collections of old locomotives, aircraft, cars and stationary steam engines in Europe. The museum is built around an old freight yard and two former roundhouses. The guided excursion there will allow you to get familiar with Berlin’s layout and public transport network. Following the visit, you will have free time to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening you rejoin the group for a sunset dinner cruise with complimentary drinks on the River Spree in the city centre, passing all the major landmarks and the famed museum island on a vintage ship. (B D)

Wednesday 16th August Woltersdorf heritage tramway and Köpenick cruise

Today you take an overground S-Bahn service to Woltersdorf, a charming village on the eastern edge of Berlin, which is noteworthy for its heritage tramway that leads to a small lake. You have a private charter tram ride on a classic tram dating from 1913, which unusually has no enclosed cabs, allowing the driver to stand on the open balcony. You visit the tram depot, before enjoying time at leisure in Berlin.

You then depart on another evening dinner cruise, along the Eastside Gallery, Ostbahnhof, famed turret bridge at Warschauer Strasse to the

historic Köpenick District. (B D)

Thursday 17th August

Potsdam Palaces, vintage tramway and steamboat cruise in River Havel to the “Bridge of Spies”

This morning you have free time and the opportunity to see the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag or Checkpoint Charlie, all of which are in close proximity of your hotel. In the afternoon you take a DB double-deck train to nearby Potsdam for a vintage tramway ride through the historic Dutch Quarter, past the Russian Colony and famed old town gates. To cap the day, you once again enjoy a dinner and sunset cruise, travelling on the River Havel aboard the genuine tall-stacked steamboat “Gustav” from 1908. The scenic cruise will take you to the “Bridge of Spies”, where prisoner exchanges were made between East and West during the Cold War. You will also see the site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference, where Churchill, Stalin and Truman met. (B D)

Friday 18th August

Rail excursion to Szczecin Poland,

private charter cruise on River Odra, sightseeing by vintage tramway

Today you add some international flair to the holiday, by making the railway trip from Berlin north-east to the historic Baltic port city of Szczecin in Poland. This will allow you to sample Polish railways, see the city’s historic old town on a privately chartered tramway, before making a private harbor cruise on the River Odra, seeing all of the city’s principal landmarks and expansive port facilities from the water. In the early evening you return to Berlin by service train. (B L)

Saturday 19th August Steam at the Wulheide Park Railway and leisure in Berlin

In the southeast of Berlin, the Wulheide district features one of the largest park railways in Germany, built with 600 m gauge. For today’s steam running, you visit the railway and travel over the full length of the network. Like other cities in Central or Eastern Europe, the railway’s stations are operated by Children, under the supervision of adults. Following this delightful steam excursion, you have a final evening to make the most of Berlin and all that Germany’s vibrant capital has to offer. (B)

Sunday 20th August

Brandenburg River Cruise, arrival to Wernigerode and the Harz Mountains

Today the time has come to transfer from the city to the countryside, as you make your way to the Harz Mountains and the charming town of Wernigerode. While your luggage is directly transferred and forwarded to the next hotel by coach, you travel by rail and pause along the way in the historic city of Brandenburg for a lunch time cruise on the River Havel. You then continue by rail via Magdeburg and Halberstadt to the beautiful town of Wernigerode, famed for its well preserved old town, rows of colorful timber-framed houses and impressive hilltop castle. Dinner will be served at the hotel, after arrival (B L D)

Monday 21st to

Tour Summary

First Class £2275

Standard Class £1975 Single supplement £295 Ground only £1775 (Berlin – Wernigerode) Transfer to Hannover Hbf is also available.

Price includes:

• High Speed train travel from London to Berlin and from Hannover to London

• 10 nights accommodation with Breakfast at 4-star hotels in Berlin and Wernigerode

Wednesday 23rd

August Steam, nature and culture in the Harz Mountains

For the next 3 days you are free to enjoy maximum steam, natural beauty and cultural heritage in the unique setting that is the Harz Mountains. You will have a 3-day unlimited rover ticket, allowing you to travel on all steam services in the Selke Valley and to Mount Brocken. Best of all, standard gauge transfer tickets from Quedlinburg to Wernigerode are also included. Storm to the summit of Mount Brocken as often as you like, enjoy trainspotting and railway photography at the Wernigerode yard with unique observation tower or storm over the steep embankments from Gernrode to Alexisbad. Your Tour Manager will be pleased to advise you of all the timetabled services and best connections, so you can maximize steam or individualize the excursions to best suit your taste. Every evening, dinner will be included back at the hotel in Wernigerode. (B D)

Thursday 24th August

Return to London by high speed rail

The time has come to return to London. You first have a direct and fast coach transfer from Wernigerode to Hannover Hbf, where you board an ICE service westbound to Cologne. From there you continue by high speed train via Brussels to London St. Pancras. (B)

• 8 dinners and 2 Lunches

• All specially chartered steam trains, rail journeys and boat cruises as detailed in the itinerary

• All seat reservations and transfers

• Public transport rover tickets

• The services of a tour manager

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing. Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.

Swiss Bernese Oberland

Wednesday 6th September to Wednesday 13th September 2023

Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 6th September London to Wengen via Basel

You travel First Class by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing on the narrow-gauge lines of the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) to Lauterbrunnen and the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) to the mountain village of Wengen. Here you check into the 4-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel, your base for the tour. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. You’ll also receive your 6-day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass for easy exploration of the surrounding areas. (D)

Thursday 7th September Free day for exploration in and around 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 8th September

Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway

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

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Georg Trueb

Saturday 9th September

Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’

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

Sunday 10th September

Bern Steam Tram; Cruise on Lake Thun

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

(B D)

Monday 11th September Free day to use your Regional Pass; Optional visit to the Schilthorn

Today is free to use your Regional Pass. Your first option is a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, overlooking the valley of Lauterbrunnen and reached by a cable car from the village of Mürren. At the summit there’s a panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, once the location of a James Bond film, and free entrance to the Bond World interactive exhibition. A mountain excursion surcharge is payable for this trip but if booked in advance you can take advantage of our special discounted price. The second option is a visit to Lucerne. The city is located on Lake

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

Tuesday 12th September Excursion to Schynige Platte

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

Wednesday 13th September

Return to UK

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

Tour Summary

Tour price £1795

Single supplement £115

Optional extra £45 Mountain excursion surcharge to visit ‘The Schilthorn’

Price includes:

• 7 nights half board at Sunstar Hotel including complimentary beverages from the minibar (beer, mineral water, soft drinks, refilled daily) and free use of hotel facilities including WiFi, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath

• First Class rail travel from London to Switzerland and back (seats are reserved in standard premier carriages on Eurostar services)

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

• All rail, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary

• All escorted visits as detailed in the itinerary

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

• The services of a tour manager

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing. Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner

Georg Trueb Georg Trueb

The Black Sea Express

Thursday 14th September to Sunday 24th September 2023

Travel in style on the Royal Train from Sofia to the Black Sea and back on this luxury steam tour in magical Bulgaria. This is an ideal holiday tour both for rail enthusiasts and those wanting to experience steam travel and tourism in a country that remains one of Europe’s hidden gems. A light lunch with drinks is provided when on the Royal Train.

• The Royal ‘Corona Express’ Train hails from the time of King Boris III, and your luxurious coaches will be hauled by a variety of powerful locomotives as you travel to the coast in style.

• Enjoy overnight stays in top class hotels in Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Velingrad, Bansko and Burgas on the Black Sea Coast, with a crossing over the high Balkan Mountains.

• Experience two days of steam on the scenic narrow-gauge Rhodope Mountains line hauled by the impressive 2-10-2T loco 60976 and visit the Rila Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bulgaria.

• Travel a total of 870 km steam hauled by FIVE iconic locomotives, including the 2-8-2 Swiss-built loco 01.23 and the 2-100 16.27, as well as the world’s largest working tank engine 46.03!

• Enjoy visits to the famous old town of Veliko Tarnovo or the Gorna Orjahovitsa loco depot and Asenovo Steam Reserve, and a sightseeing tour of Sofia before discovering the Black Sea Coast on a day trip to the sea resort of Nesebar, the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’.

Thursday 14th September

Fly to Sofia; private tram tour

You fly from London Heathrow early morning with British Airways direct to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. You check in to your city centre hotel before enjoying a private tram tour of the sights. Marvel at the onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments in a city that boasts many of Bulgaria’s finest museums, galleries and restaurants. A welcome dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (D)

Friday 15th September

Suburbs of Sofia tour by Royal Train

Today you experience the Royal ‘Corona Express’ train for the first time, consisting of

specialized cars and historic carriages of King Boris III (1894 –1943), today hauled by the recently restored 0-8-0 freight locomotive 26.26 (Henschel 1908). After a circuit of the outer Sofia suburbs you take the short branch line to Bankya, a small town located on the outskirts of the city, returning to Sofia after a short break. Dinner and accommodation are at your hotel this evening. (B D)

Saturday 16th September

Steam with the Royal Train to Gorna Orjahovitsa; bus transfer to Veliko Tarnovo

Today you travel in the Royal Train from Sofia to Pleven Zapad behind the 2-8-2 No 01.23

locomotive (made in Switzerland in 1935), before the powerful 2-10-0 16.27 (WLF 1948) takes over to haul you to Gorna Orjahovitsa, the biggest railway centre in Northern Bulgaria. From here you have a short bus transfer to your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you stay for the next two nights. (B D)

Sunday 17th September

Tour of Veliko Tarnovo OR visit the Gorna Orjahovitsa depot and Asenovo Steam Reserve

Today you have two options, the first being a guided walking tour of the old town of Veliko Tarnovo. Discover the medieval capital of Bulgaria, with houses in the old town over 200

years old. You’ll also visit Veliko Tarnovo’s most significant monument, the medieval fortress Tsarevets, sited on a hilltop overlooking the town and surrounded on three sides by the river Yantra. Your second option today is a must for railfans, a trip by bus to first visit Gorna Orjahovitsa locomotive depot to see some old and some active steam locomotives, and then to Asenovo Steam Reserve to see the preserved rare steam locomotives stored there. Whatever option you take, dinner is served back at your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. (B D)

Monday 18th September

Across the Balkan Mountains to Dabovo on to Burgas and the Black Sea

After breakfast you steam across the Balkan Mountains on the Royal Train, hauled by your rugged 2-10-0 16.27 steam locomotive from Veliko Tarnovo to Dabovo. Enjoy the rich and diverse landscape as you travel across hilly plains, river valleys and the high Balkan Mountains. From Davovo your Royal coaches will be hauled by diesel or electric to Burgas, on the Black Sea, for a two-night stay. (B D)

Tuesday 19th September

Trip along the Black Sea Coast to Nesebar

Today you’ll enjoy a bus trip to Nesebar on the Black Sea, where you can sightsee this ancient city. The ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’ is one of the major seaside attractions on the Black Sea Coast. It consists of two parts separated by a narrow man-made isthmus with the ancient part of the settlement on the peninsula and the more modern section on the mainland side. Afterwards you return to your hotel in Burgas for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

first opened in 1926. When the line reaches Varvara, it enters the gorge of the Cepina river and climbing starts with several photo opportunities. At Dolene the line crosses the river, makes a 180 degree turn and heads along a side valley, eventually reaching Velingrad where you enjoy a second night in your hotel. (B D)

Friday 22nd September

Narrow-gauge to Dobronishte behind 60976;

on to Bansko

Today you continue your exploration of the last remaining public narrow-gauge line in Bulgaria hauled by 60976 over the summit of the Rhodope Mountains from Velingrad to Dobronishte. Due to its superbly engineered spiral tunnels, this branch line has been called the ‘Rhaetian Railway of the Balkans’. As the tank engine battles the steep gradients, plenty of steam spectacle is on offer, although some diesel assistance is required to climb through the tunnels up to the summit at Avramovo station, 1267 metres above sea level and the highest station in Bulgaria. The line then passes Razlog and Bansko, before reaching the terminus at Dobrinishte. You return to Bansko by coach and check in to your hotel, for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

Saturday 23rd September

Visit to Rila Monastery; Steam back to Sofia

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Wednesday 20th

September Burgas to Septemvri and on to Velingrad

Today your Royal train travels from Burgas to Septemvri hauled by an electric loco, before a bus transfer to the spa town of Velingrad in the Rhodope Mountains for a two-night stay. (B D)

Thursday 21st September

Narrow-gauge highlight in the Rhodope Mountains with steam loco 60976

After breakfast you travel from Velingrad to the 760 mm narrow-gauge line at Septemvri (either by service train or bus) with the choice of an optional Septemvri depot visit. You then join a special steam charter hauled by 2-10-2 tank engine 60976, built by Chrzanow in Poland in 1949 and one of the most powerful of its gauge in the world. The initial 39 km of the 760 mm narrow-gauge line from Septemvri to Velingrad

Today you visit the Rila Monastery by bus, before travelling again on your private train from Dupnitsa to Sofia hauled by 2-12-4 tank loco No 46.03, the only standard gauge 12-coupled steam loco working in the whole world. Rila Monastery is the most famous monastery in Bulgaria, now under UNESCO protection. The 4-floor residential part of the complex consists of 300 monks’ cells, 4 chapels, an abbot’s room, a kitchen, a library and guestrooms for donors. The exterior has high stone walls cut through by small windows. It’s also worth visiting the monastery’s museum, which hosts the famous Raphael’s Cross, made of a whole piece of wood (81cm x 43cm) and named after its creator. On reaching Sofia you check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

Sunday 24th September

Optional visit to Sofia locomotive depot; afternoon flight to London Heathrow

This morning you have the option of a visit to the Sofia locomotive depot or some free time to explore Sofia further before a midday flight on British Airways to London Heathrow, arriving in the early evening. (B)

Autumn Steam in Saxony

Thursday 21st September to Wednesday 27th September 2023

Enjoy inspiring landscapes, spectacular autumn colour and exhilarating steam travel on land and water on this magical holiday tour in Eastern Germany.

• Based in a centrally located 4-star hotel in Dresden for the tour duration.

• Enjoy steam travel by land and water in and around the city on narrow-gauge trains and genuine paddle steamers.

• Ample time to enjoy Dresden and its stunning landmarks and ambience using a complimentary issued travel rover ticket.

• Experience German ‘Plandampf on 4 different narrow-gauge railways on 2 different gauges, including the re-opened Weisseritztalbahn to Kurort Kipsdorf.

• Private steam charter at the 15-inch Dresden Park Railway with an iconic ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive.

• See the famed national park in the heart of ‘Saxon Switzerland’ on a private charter on the scenic Kirnitzschtal tramway.

Thursday 21st September

London to Dresden

Travel by train from London St Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Saxony’s capital city Dresden. On arrival you check in to a 4-star city centre hotel, which is your base for the tour. On arrival you’ll receive a complimentary public transport ticket, valid on all local trains, trams, buses and ferries for the duration of your stay.

(D)

Friday 22nd September

Paddle steamer cruise to Pillnitz Castle; Vintage Monorail in Loschwitz

You’ll enjoy a sightseeing cruise of Dresden on a 19th century paddle steamer. You steam upstream on the River Elbe to Pillnitz Palace, En route you pass vineyards, villas and the 1893 ‘Blue Wonder’ Loschwitz steel bridge. Stopping at Loschwitz on the way back you take the local funicular to the summit for views of the city. You

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

Saturday 23rd September Steam at the Dresden Park Railway and at the Lössnitz Narrow Gauge Railway

Today you visit Germany’s premier 15-inch line, the Dresden Park Railway. Travelling behind a classic 1920s 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ steam locomotive covering the entire 5.6 km long circular line within the ‘Grosser Garten’ park, pausing for several run-pasts. The visit concludes with a guided tour of the shed and workshop. After free time in the city you visit the nearby 16.5 km Radebeul-Radeburg steam railway just outside Dresden, which passes the Moritzburg castle. The local vineyards offer wonderful autumn colours at this time of year. At the Radeburg

terminus, your locomotive takes on water before travelling back to Radebeul, continuing to downtown Dresden on either the scenic overland tramway route or by frequent DB service train. In late afternoon and evening you have time at leisure in the city. (B)

Sunday 24th September Steam at the at the Weisseritz Valley Railway

Another steam highlight awaits today on an excursion to the re-opened narrow-gauge Weisseritz Valley Railway. You’ll be steam-hauled through the region’s ‘canyon’ landscape from Freital-Hainsberg to Kurort Kipsdorf along the River Weisseritz, passing cliffs, narrow bridges and lakes on the way. Enjoy the panoramic views from the your open-top observation car. After the full round-trip you return to Dresden, with free time to enjoy and explore the city once more. (B)

Niels Kunick

Niels Kunick

Monday 25th September

Narrow-gauge steam in Zittau

Another narrow-gauge highlight awaits today on the Zittau steam railway in Saxony, on the German border with Poland and the Czech Republic. From Zittau the 12.2 km branch line runs to the resort town of Kurort Oybin. There’s also a short 3.8 km long stub from the junction station of Bertsdorf to Kurort Jonsdorf to enjoy. Using a complimentary day-long rover ticket you can explore both lines and film the double departure from Bertsdorf. Impressive 2-10-2 tank engines run every day on the Zittau network with two or three in steam. Rocky cliff formations frame the line around Oybin. You return in late afternoon to Dresden by service train. (B D)

Tuesday 26th September

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

Schandau

This morning you make a quick transfer on a direct train to Bad Schandau and enjoy a private charter journey on the Kirnitzschtal tramway. Travelling on an original 1920s tramway, the route runs from the spa town of Bad Schandau to the waterfalls at Lichtenhain. Along the way there’ll be several photo stops staged in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. To cap the excursion, you enjoy a guided shed visit in Bad Schandau, before returning to Dresden on the scenic main line from Bad Schandau via Königstein on a direct service train. (B L D)

Wednesday 27th September Return to London

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

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Thursday

Autumn in Alsace

5th October to Thursday 12th October 2023

Enjoy the famous wine-making region of Alsace in full autumn splendour by steam train on this enchanting holiday in eastern France.

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday 5th October London to Colmar

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

Friday 6th October

Scenic river cruise, tramways and sightseeing in Strasbourg

This morning you transfer by locomotivehauled French Railways (SNCF) service train to Strasbourg, the attractive capital of Alsace. You

then enjoy a sightseeing tour of this vibrant city aboard a privately chartered, stylish motorship. Lunch-time refreshments and complimentary drinks aboard are included. After the cruise there’ll be free time to explore the beautiful city centre by tram, using your complimentary public transport day ticket. This allows you to take tram line D across the border Germany. In the late afternoon you return to Colmar by SNCF service train. (B L)

Saturday 7th October

Steam along the Rhine; free time to enjoy Colmar

After breakfast you travel by road coach to visit the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Rhin, located in the nearby town of Volgelsheim. This standardgauge railway operates both French and German steam locomotives hauling Austrian carriages

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

Sunday 8th October

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

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

The railway features a number of authentic photogenic coaches dating from the late 19th

Georg Trueb

century. A powerful early 20th century steam tank locomotive hauls you over this preserved line on a privately chartered train at a time when there is no regular traffic, so numerous run pasts can be staged. A typically French buffet lunch will be served at the station building in Burnhaupt, where you’ll visit the shed and see the railway’s extensive collection of historic rolling stock. At the end of the return journey you travel by road coach to Colmar via the ‘Alsatian Wine Route’ on the way to the historic town of Breisach, Germany, where you board a stylish motor vessel for a welcome sunset cruise on the River Rhine, with coffee and cake included. (B L)

Monday 9th October

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

The German theme continues today as you visit the Kandertalbahn, located on the very tip of Southern Germany, near Basel. This 12.9 km (8 mile) long branch line runs through rural scenery in the Kander Valley. Your train comprises an early 20th century German steam tank locomotive with matching period carriages, and a buffet lunch of regional delicacies will be served when you reach the end of the line at Kandern. There will be plenty of photo opportunities before returning to Colmar by road coach later, stopping to visit the historic city of Freiburg im Breisgau, a German city noted for its medieval university and cathedral. (B L)

Tuesday 10th October

Museums and trams in Mulhouse

Today you travel by train to Mulhouse, famous for its outstanding museums, especially the ‘Cité du Train’ and ‘Cité de l’Automobile’, respectively the largest railway and automobile museums in Europe. You’ll receive a rover ticket for the city’s urban tram network, which you’ll use to travel to the ‘Cité du Train’, the national railway museum of France and one of the largest and most amazing collections of technically unique steam locomotives in the world. The Electropolis Museum is also an option available where you can immerse yourself in the great adventure of electricity. The vast collection of classic cars in the nearby ‘Cité de l’Automobile’ is also worth a visit. The remainder of your time in Mulhouse will be free to explore its medieval city centre, with both French and Swiss architecture, the pedestrianised Place de la Réunion main square, and St. Stephen’s church. In the evening you return to Colmar by service train. (B)

Wednesday 11th October

Steam at the Abreschviller Forest Railway

Today you make a side-step from Alsace and visit nearby Lorraine. At Abreschviller you will find a remarkable ‘hidden gem’ in the form of the local forest railway, which operates steam locomotives on the unusual 700 mm gauge. You are comfortably accommodated on the railway’s ‘Belle Epoque’ luxury coach and hauled by a 0-4-4-0T Mallet type steam locomotive dating from 1906. Running through dense forests and crossing the Red Saar River, the train will pause for photos and run-pasts near the village of Grand Soldat. At the terminus of the line, you will also see an old saw mill. Once back in Abreschviller, you still have time to visit the local steam shed and see the other stored steam locomotives, before returning to Colmar. In the evening you have a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B L D)

Thursday 12th October Colmar to London

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

Tour Summary

First Class £1995

Includes First Class on Eurostar, TGV and other SNCF service trains.

Single supplement £225 Ground only £1575 (Colmar – Colmar)

Price includes:

• 7 nights accommodation with breakfast

• 5 lunches and 2 dinners

• All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary

• All rail, road, tram and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary

• All visits as detailed in the itinerary

• Rail travel from London to Colmar and back

• Rover ticket for the Mulhouse urban tram network

• All seat reservations and transfers

• The services of a tour manager

All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing. Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.

Czech and Polish Steam Safari

Thursday 5th October to Sunday 15th October 2023

The historic cities of Prague and Brno and the rural landscapes of the Czech Republic create a superb backdrop to this unique tour, packed with main line and narrow-gauge steam highlights.

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

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

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

• Visit the Kolin, Mladejov, Zbysov and Osoblaha narrow-gauge railways on private steam charters, using the largest tank and tender locomotives available on both lines.

• Explore the Polish narrow gauge steam railways at Rudy and Bytom, where steam has only recently been reintroduced.

Thursday 5th October Arrival in Prague

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

Friday 6th October

Classic Prague by luxury tram and steam at the Kolin Sugar Beet Railway

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

narrow gauge railway, including the most recent extensions. Upon arrival, refreshments will be served, including drinks. This delightful railway runs through fields and forests and will also pause for run-pasts. Motive power is provided by a rugged industrial tank engine and, weather permitting, your private charter train will be formed of semi-open ‘fresh air’ summer coaches. After a visit to the local steam shed, you return to Prague by service train to spend the evening at leisure in the city. (B L)

Saturday 7th October Steam in Southern Moravia at the Zbysov heritage railway

Today you make a day-trip to southern Moravia, travelling in First Class on a comfortable main line express from Prague to Brno, before changing onto the connecting local train to

Zastavka u Brna. Here a private steam charter awaits you for the journey on the 600 mm heritage railway to the Zbysov museum and steam centre. Your train will be hauled by a CKD-built tank engine and pause for run-pasts. Once at Zbysov, lunch will be served. In the afternoon you return to Brno for a private sightseeing tram tour, before catching an early evening train back to Prague in First Class. (B L)

Sunday 8th October

Steam in Central Moravia at the Mladejov narrow-gauge railway with giant Krauss No. 5

Today you visit the Mladejov heritage railway on a day-trip from Prague. You arrive in the town of Mladejov by service train and visit the local industrial museum, which holds an impressive range of tank engines, including the giant Krauss

Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson

No. 5, the largest 600 m gauge locomotive in Central Europe. The Mladejov railway features an 11 km long 600 mm narrow-gauge railway, on which you’ll enjoy a private charter in semi-open summer coaches. You make the full-length return journey, pausing for run-pasts along the way. In the late afternoon you return to Prague by service train. (B L)

Monday 9th October

Main line steam in Central Bohemia from Luzna to Kralovice

This morning you board a service train departing from Prague’s grand old Masaryk station, one of the oldest terminus stations in Europe, which first opened in 1845. Travelling by service train, you reach Luzna u Rakovnika, home to a large collection of steam locomotives at the Czech Republic’s premier railway museum. You have time to visit the roundhouse and see the collection, before a private steam charter takes you on the unusual line via Rakovnik to Kralovice. You have lunch at a typical Czech countryside inn and pause for photo stops. Traction today will either be provided by a Class 354 4-6-2 tank engine or a Class 423 2-8-2 tank engine. After arriving at Kralovice, you return by steam train to Luzna, before taking a regular train back to Prague. (B L)

Tuesday 10th October

A day at leisure in Prague

After several busy days chasing steam, today is simply designed to allow you to relax in Prague and enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer. (B)

Wednesday 11th October

On to Ostrava, city sightseeing by private tram charter

After breakfast, you transfer to Ostrava on a Czech Railways service train, arriving in the capital of Moravian Silesia by late afternoon. You check into your centrally located hotel, where you will be based for the remainder of the tour. In the afternoon you benefit from a sightseeing tour of the city taking you to all the principal sights in the fascinating industrial city. In the evening, dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Thursday 12th October

Double-headed steam in Moravian Silesia on the Osoblaha narrow gauge railway

A special narrow-gauge railway trip is in store today, as you take a Czech Railways service train from Ostrava via Opava to Tremesna to board a private steam charter on the idyllic line to Osoblaha. This remote yet serene railway

runs through gentle fields and soft rolling hills, framed by church towers and dotted villages. The railway will put on a spectacular doubleheader including both the “Blue Behemoth” 0-10-0 tender locomotive U57.001 and the rugged Romanian Resita 0-8-0 tank engine. You will pause for pictures and run pasts at the most scenic locations, as lunch refreshments are served on the train. After a good day out by steam and a full return journey on the 20 km long branch line, you return to Ostrava where dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Friday 13th October Narrow gauge steam in Poland at Rudy Raciborskie

This small village in the countryside of Upper Silesia features one of the best preserved and most attractively rebuilt narrow gauge steam centres in Poland, including giant water tower and red-brick shed. The 7 km of reconditioned track is ideal for run-pasts and photography. The line’s 0-4-0 tank engine is in mint condition and the friendly crew will attractively pose it at various sites. After the steam round-trip by private charter, you continue to nearby Gliwice to visit the landmark radio tower and historic old town, where World War II started in Europe in September 1939. In the evening you return to Ostrava and arrive in time for dinner at the hotel (B L D)

Saturday 14th October Steam and Tramways in Bytom

You return for one more day in Poland and today ride the amazing tramways in Bytom and Chorzow, enjoying a private charter through the streets of these historic cities. Then you visit the Bytom Karb yard, the largest narrow gauge marshalling yard in Poland and have a private steam charter for the full length of the Bytom narrow gauge railway to Miasteczko Slaskie, passing through the Tarnowskie Góry standard gauge yard. You pause for photos and run-pasts on a line that crosses what was the complicated border between Germany and Poland during the Interwar Years. Lunch is once again included today in Poland and dinner back at the hotel in Ostrava (B L D)

Sunday 15th October Train to Prague, return flight to London

After breakfast at the hotel, you board a service train back to Prague, once again enjoying First Class amenities. At the Prague Main Station you have a direct and easy bus transfer onward to the airport for a return flight back to London. (B)

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Steam and Christmas Markets in Germany

Thursday 30th November to Friday 8th December 2023

Discover the festive splendour of Christmas Markets in Germany, including the romantic Rhineland and enchanting Harz Mountains. Enjoy a unique steam holiday exploring historic towns and cities in a Winter Wonderland landscape.

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

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

• Enjoy a ride on the Drachenfels rack railway above the River Rhine, cruise in Frankfurt on the River Main as the city and its stunning skyline sparkle for nocturnal illumination and experience the large steam locomotive collection at the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum.

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

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

Thursday 30th November

London to Bonn by rail

Travel from London to Bonn by Eurostar and high speed rail. Arrive Bonn by late afternoon, in time to enjoy a mug of mulled wine and sample the culinary delights of the local Christmas Market, right next to the landmark cathedral. You are based here for the next 4 nights.

Friday 1st December

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

Today you sample the famed ‘Vulcan Express’ on the Brohltbahn heritage railway, which runs for 18 km from Brohl to Engeln in the heart of the beautiful Rhineland. The star attraction is the mighty 0-4-4-0 Mallet tank engine No. 11,

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

Saturday 2nd December

Steam in Frankfurt and River Main illuminations cruise

After breakfast you take a DB ICE on the high speed line directly to Frankfurt am Main. You then transfer to the local steam railway at the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum by tramway.

This delightful narrow gauge railway has one of the largest 600 mm gauge (two foot) steam locomotive collections in Europe and also runs through a charming park. You will have a private steam charter, which will include numerous run-pasts and photo stops, skillfully organized by the volunteer crew. In the afternoon you venture to the Old Town of Frankfurt where you enjoy refreshments at the city’s famous Christmas Market. Then, as the nocturnal illuminations commence, you enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the River Main, taking in the spectacular scenery of Germany’s tallest skyline. The cruise includes complimentary mulled wine, beer and other nonalcoholic beverages. In the evening you return to Bonn on the high speed line by ICE. (B)

Tony Streeter Ian Baker

Sunday 3rd December

At leisure in Bonn and Drachenfels scenic rack railway

You may use the tranquil hours of Sunday morning to sightsee in Bonn or use your complimentary public transport ticket to travel on the city’s extensive tramway network. In the afternoon you take a service train to Königswinter to ride the famed Drachenfels (Dragon’s Rock) rack railway high above the River Rhine. This impressively engineered line is just one of four rack railways in Germany. Originally opened in 1883, the Drachenfelsbahn is only operated by vintage electric trains and from the top offers sweeping views of the Rhineland. You return to Bonn in the late afternoon with more time for leisure and discovery in the city. (B)

Monday 4th December

Steam at Mühlenstroth, arrival in the Harz Mountains

The time has come to leave the Rhineland and head east to the Harz Mountains in Central Germany. You take a DB ICE from Köln Hbf to Bielefeld, where a private coach picks you up for the short transfer to Mühlenstroth railway, where you will enjoy a private steam charter on the preserved 600 mm railway. Cared for by dedicated volunteers, this railway boasts a formidable collection of impressive tank engines. During your private steam charter there, numerous run-pasts and photo stops will be staged. Then return by coach to Bielefeld for a visit to the local Christmas Market, with a chance for mid-day refreshments. From Bielefeld you proceed directly to Wernigerode, arriving there in the early evening. After a hearty dinner at the hotel, you are free to wander to the formidable Wernigerode steam shed for night-time observation of the steam locomotives simmering outside, making great use of the attractive viewing tower. (B D)

Tuesday 5th December to Thursday 7th December

Steam and leisure in the Harz Mountains

For the next three days you are free to make the most of your complimentary HSB rover ticket, which will allow you to travel the length of Germany’s largest narrow gauge railway network. Enjoy unlimited steam in the snow to the summit of Mount Brocken, an experience that never gets old, or ride on the long trunk line to Eisfelder Talmühle. On one of these days you are also free to use your 5-day Interrail pass and could take advantage of it to reach the attractive nearby towns of Goslar, Halberstadt, Quedlinburg, Magdeburg or Halle by standard gauge train. These destinations are steeped in history, feature rows of timber-framed buildings as well as other impressive sights in attractively pedestrianised town centres. The choice is yours and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise you of the connections. Each evening a hotel dinner is included. (B D)

Friday 8th December

Return to London

In the morning you have a comfortable and convenient coach transfer from Wernigerode to Hannover, where you board DB ICE to Cologne. From there you continue by high speed rail to Brussels, where you connect on to Eurostar back to London. (B)

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Tony Streeter

Tony Streeter

Tony Streeter

Cuba Steam Safari

Friday 10th March to Saturday 25th March 2023

Impressive colonial architecture, fantastic white beaches, classic steam locos and an infectious Latin feel make this exotic country well worth the visit on this highlight-packed rail tour.

• Enjoy sightseeing in Cuba’s capital Havana, with a visit to a tobacco factory and a sun set classic car ride, and travel on a privately chartered Budd railcar along the Cuban mainline

• Take a trip on the Rafael Freyre narrow-gauge railway, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Cuba’s cane railroads, behind a Baldwin 2-8-0, following the route of a sugar cane train to Altuna

• Visit the curve at Barjay - the ‘most famous photo spot in Cuba’ – and have afternoon adventures at Rafael Freyre with classic locos steaming just for you

• There’s a morning city tour of Santiago to savour with time for sightseeing, and a steam hauled journey to Guantanamo with fantastic views across the Bay to the famous US Naval Base

• Discover Cienfuegos, Cuba’s so-called ‘Pearl of the South’ on a coach trip and enjoy a ride along the coast to Trinidad, all cobbled streets and classic Spanish colonial architecture

• With stays at luxury hotels and resorts, fabulous cuisine, the services of a tour manager and relaxing interludes between epic steam adventures, this tour is a must for seasoned traveller and steam newcomer alike

Friday 10th March Arrive in Havana

You fly mid-morning from London to Havana, arriving in the evening. After a short coach transfer, you check into your 4-star hotel Havana Libre where you will have dinner. (D)

Saturday 11th March Tour of Havana

On your first full day in Cuba you enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Cuba’s fascinating capital. After lunch you visit the tobacco factory and later take a ride in a classic car as the sun sets. Afterwards, you return to the Hotel Havana Libre for dinner. (B D)

Sunday 12th March

Cuban Mainline Tour

Today you join a privately chartered selfpropelled diesel multiple unit Budd railcar for an inspiring journey along the Cuban mainline, through Santa Clara and Camaguey and on to Cacocum, where you take the branch line to Holguin. There’s a bar on the train and a tasty boxed lunch will be provided. All drinks and refreshments are free. From Holguin you transfer by coach to your 4-star hotel, the all-inclusive Hotel Playa Pesquero, for dinner and evening refreshments. (B L D)

Monday 13th March

Private charter to Rafael Freyre narrowgauge cane railroad

After a leisurely breakfast you depart early for Rafael Freyre, the most beautiful of all Cuba’s surviving narrow-gauge railways. This 2’6” gauge operation was undoubtedly the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Cuba’s cane railroads, with extensive operations through beautiful countryside in north-eastern Cuba. Taking one of the Baldwin 2-8-0s on a special charter, you’ll follow the route of a sugar cane train eastwards to Altuna and – if possible – beyond. On the return journey you’ll enjoy some exciting run pasts before returning to Hotel Playa Pasquero. (B L D)

Tuesday 14th March

Barjay Curve Photo Opportunities at Rafael Freyre

You have a couple of options today, the first sees you return to Rafael Freyre, this time to head west with an empty cane train hauled by a Baldwin 2-8-0. You return to the Mill late morning, heading for lunch at the hotel before the afternoon’s entertainment, a classic 0-6-0 to steamed especially for you at mid-afternoon at Rafael Freyre, with the 0-6-0 and a 2-8-0 also available for photos on the famous Barjay curve. You return to Hotel Playa Pasquero for dinner and overnight accommodation. Alternately, you may choose to spend the day simply relaxing at your fabulous ‘all inclusive’ beach resort. (B L D)

Wednesday 15th March Bayamo

This morning you transfer by coach to Bayamo where to join your steam passenger train hauled by 2-8-0 1757 to Yara. From here your locomotive will haul an empty cane train to Bartolome Masso Mill, providing some wonderful photo opportunities along the way. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in Bayamo. (B L D)

Thursday 16th March Santiago

Re-joining your passenger train at Bayamo station today, you’ll be steam hauled by 2-8-0 1590 to Santiago along this scenic line dotted with high viaducts and dramatically steep gradients. Arriving in Santiago, you’ll check in for a stay at the 4-star Hotel Melia Santiago de Cuba. (B L D)

Friday 17th March

Option of Santiago sightseeing or a trip to Guantanamo Bay

Again, today you have a choice of things to do. Choose from a morning city tour of Santiago with a free afternoon sightseeing, or join a steam hauled train at San Luis for the superbly scenic journey to Guantanamo. Provided you arrive at Guantanamo on time you’ll continue by railcar along the branch line to Caimanera, with fantastic views across the Bay to the famous US Naval Base of Guantanamo Bay. Afterwards you return to Hotel Melia Santiago by coach. (B L D)

Saturday 18th March

Budd railcar to Moron

This morning a comfortable coach takes you to Santiago station, for a chartered railcar trip to Moron. You arrive at Moron station a little after lunch and join a steam hauled train for a ride around a 5km stretch of the former rail system serving the cane fields. From there, you transfer by coach to your excellent hotel in Moron. (B L D)

Sunday 19th March

The Florencia Gorge; Port of Caibarien and back with a Baldwin

After breakfast you transfer to Moron station where a Baldwin 2-8-0 (from Ciro Redondo Mill) will be waiting to take you on a dramatic journey to Florencia, passing through a fabulous Gorge where you’ll enjoy some great run pasts. From there you continue to the former Marcelo Salado Mill, where there’s a collection of interesting ex-Minaz steam locomotives held. In the afternoon you have a special steam charter train to the Port of Caibarien and back with a Baldwin mogul. Afterwards you transfer to an all-inclusive 4-star hotel at Cayo Santa Maria. (B L D) Continued overleaf.

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Monday 20th March

Special charter to Fomento

Today you transfer to J.M Perez Mill after breakfast, and join your special steam hauled charter train on the stunning line that runs through the hills to Fomento, running along high embankments and tall viaducts, and which used to run right through to Trinidad. Returning to J.M Perez Mill, you’ll dine and stay overnight in Cayo Santa Maria. (B L D)

Tuesday 21st March Steam to Cienfuegos

You’ll transfer to Canajuani station this morning to catch a special steam hauled charter train, taking the main line to Santa Clara and on to Cienfuegos, Cuba’s so-called ‘Pearl of the South’. The Sierra del Escambray mountains rise as a pretty backdrop to the cityscape, and its impressive boulevard runs along the Jagua Bay, with its quiet waters and refreshing breeze. After a short sightseeing tour of this attractive city you transfer to hotel Jagua for dinner and an overnight stay. (B L D)

Wednesday 22nd March Coach along the coast to Trinidad

After breakfast you take a coach ride along the coast to Trinidad, a city of cobbled streets and classic Spanish colonial architecture. It’s an extravaganza of beautiful palaces, airy squares, and colonial homes, so well preserved that it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trinidad boasts some fine museums, and a choice of restaurants where you can buy lunch. In the

afternoon you’ll pick up your private charter train at Trinidad for a journey along the valley to Iznaga. You return by train to Trinidad and transfer by coach to the hotel Jagua in Cienfuegos. (B D)

Thursday 23rd March

Australia and Esteban Hernandez Fresh this morning from yesterday’s trip, you board a coach for the former Australia Mill where you’ll visit the fascinating steam locomotive collection before taking a steam hauled train ride on the museum train. From there you head for the narrow-gauge railway at Esteban Hernandez for an exciting train ride hauled by Baldwin steam locomotive 1329. From there it’s onwards to Varadero where you check in to your beachside all-inclusive hotel for dinner. (B L D)

Friday 24th March

Visit to the Jose Smith Comas Museum; steam to Martinez Prieto Mill

If you feel like a break, today’s the day to enjoy a free morning relaxing on the beach. If not, there’s a visit to the steam collection at Jose Smith Comas museum arranged, followed by a private steam hauled charter with an empty cane train down the ‘freight only’ line to the picturesque town of Cardenas. This route is packed with superb photo opportunities! You return to your hotel in Varadero for lunch before setting off for Havana and a visit to M Martinez Prieto Mill, where you’ll see tank locomotive 1205 in steam, shunting in the yard.

Then it’s onwards to Havana airport by coach, to (reluctantly) check in for the evening flight bound for London (B L)

Saturday 25th March

Fly back to London

You arrive back at London in the morning.

Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour

Friday 25th August to Sunday 10th September 2023

The swingin’ saloons, ornery gunslingers, and Gold Rush all come to life as you visit the heart of the Old West and on stunningly scenic railways. This extraordinary and breath-taking tour is the only way to see all these vintage Wild West highlights together, in one holiday of a lifetime.

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

• Travel on the Georgetown Loop and Leadville Railways.

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

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

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

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

• You then follow the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ to Grand Junction and return to Denver via one of America’s greatest train trips with the Amtrak ‘Californian Zephyr’.

Friday 25th 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 26th 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 27th 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 28th 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

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Tuesday 29th 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 30th 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 31st 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 1st September

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 2nd September

Cumbres & Toltec Railroad and San Luis Valley Brewery Visit

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

Sunday 3rd September

Steam at the world famous Cumbres and Toltec Railroad

This morning you experience the Antonito Excursion at the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. First you transfer by specially arranged motorcoach from Antonito to Chama stopping at Osier for lunch. Afterwards, you board the train from Chama and travel back to Antonito. You travel to Antonito by steam train with allocated seating, enjoying the panoramic views of the authentic Western scenery. Overnight accommodation is again in Alamosa. (B L)

Monday 4th September

Sand

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

You make an early morning visit to the amazing Sand Dunes National Monument, just north of Alamosa. You will have time to gaze at the stunning mountain vistas of the San Luis Valley, before you’ll continue by coach via some of the most scenic roads in the Rocky Mountains, with plenty of opportunity for nature viewing and photography. You arrive in the afternoon in time to film steam trains arriving on the narrow-gauge railroad and at the roundhouse in Durango, the

largest town in southwest Colorado. Afterwards, you will check-in to your hotel for the next two nights. Dinner tonight is at your own leisure. (B)

Tuesday 5th September Steam at the Durango and Silverton Railroad

After breakfast you have a morning departure from Durango to Silverton, for a round trip adventure on a line originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountain. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear on this spectacular Narrow-Gauge Railroad, travelling in 1st Class which provides complimentary morning pastries, non-alcoholic beverages and custom first-class amenities. You’ll arrive back in Durango late afternoon. (B)

Wednesday 6th September

Durango Yard Tour, then ‘Million Dollar Highway’

Today you have a relaxing breakfast and morning in Durango, allowing time for a guided tour of the roundhouse, with full behind-the-

scenes access and time for some steam train photography as the morning trains leave for Silverton. You’ll then travel by coach over the breath-taking ‘Million Dollar Highway’ north via Silverton where you will have a break for lunch. After lunch you continue along the San Juan Skyway to Ouray. Overnight accommodation is in Ouray tonight. (B)

Thursday 7th September Grand Junction

You rejoin your coach this morning and continue northwards to Grand Junction, with time en route for plenty of photography and nature watching. Officially U.S. Route 550, this is one of the roads on the Trails of the Ancients Byway. There will be a short stop at Ridgway to see the Galloping Goose No. 1 in the Railroad Museum there. Afterwards you check into your centrally located hotel in Grand Junction for your overnight accommodation. (B)

Friday 8th September

Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’ to Denver

This morning after breakfast you’ll travel on the Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’, departing Grand Junction at mid morning, reckoned 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 9th September

Fly back to UK

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

Sunday 10th September

Arrival in London

You arrive back in London at midday.

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Booking Information

The attraction of trains.

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

Schedules and services.

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

Fire risk.

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

Seat reservations and overnight travel arrangements.

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

Porterage.

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

Luggage and Passenger Assistance

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

Accommodation.

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

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

Single supplements.

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

Food and drink.

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

Passports, visas and health issues.

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

Pre-tour and travel documents.

We will send out information to tour customers for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at the ‘balance due’ time. If there is nothing significant to communicate then we will simply acknowledge that the customer’s balance of payment has been received. We prepare and send a booklet of information to tour customers for all tours. This includes a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names, where advised, (to check on an old acquaintance, aide-memoir for names during the tour); the latest known itinerary with as much detail as necessary (including meal times/locations); emergency and general contact details; and usually some general and specific information about features of the tour programme. This is intentionally a small part of the information available and tour customers are advised to research and obtain detailed reference material, maps, schedules etc. appropriate to their particular interests. Air travel tickets are usually sent to us for onward despatch less than two weeks before travel – please don’t panic! Rail tickets are often group travel documents held by the Tour Manager. In this case tour customers will be provided with joining instructions, which must please be observed since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Tickets, vouchers and coupons for onward travel during a tour, are usually held and distributed by the Tour Manager. With regards to the Covid-19 pandemic you will be required to follow all measures laid out by the transport providers on your holiday, we will send details of these to you along with your tour documents prior to travel. We will advise you of the specific requirements for the countries you are visiting before travel, adhering to the www.gov.uk/coronavirus government guidance at the time of travel.

Travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Infirmity and disability.

Tour managers are responsible for the general care and well-being of the whole group and are neither available, nor trained or insured for individual ‘personal’ care. Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions. Customers should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities available relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss customers’ concerns with them before they commit to a booking. We will attempt to accommodate and resolve any needs or problems caused by undisclosed mobility/dietary/general health issues but cannot accept responsibilities beyond those stated above. We would especially draw the attention of customers to the tours that visit high-altitude locations and the resulting possibility of cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

Confidentiality, privacy and mailing lists.

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

Booking Information

Financial protection.

We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number T7149. This ensures that in the event of the failure of our Company, customers’ money will be protected. If customers are on holiday at the time of Company failure, arrangements will be made for them to complete their holiday and return home. The flights we provide are supplied by other ATOL holders and are protected by their bonds. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

Payments for flights.

The payments that customers make for their flights are held by us in our trust account, on behalf of the ATOL holder who is supplying the flight, until the date that we pass the money to that ATOL holder. The ATOL holder supplying the flight will issue an ATOL confirmation invoice to confirm their contract with the customer. We will forward this to the customer no later than the day after we have received it.

Will I need to take a Covid-19 test to travel?

You may need to take a pre-holiday test before you leave the UK. The test required varies by destination country and is also subject to your vaccination status. Check the current requirements for your holiday destination via the foreign travel advice section of the UK Government website https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This will also advise you on the type of test you may need to take.

The Travel Trust Association (TTA)

The TTA is a trade association of travel agents and travel organisers, established to provide financial protection for the customer. The TTA lays down strict guidelines on how the customer’s funds should be handled, and each member must adhere to those guidelines. Every TTA member pays the customer’s funds into a designated trust account which is supervised by an independent trustee; a Banker, Chartered or certified Accountant or Solicitor.

Why your travel arrangements are totally safe with the Travel Trust Association

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

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

Travel Trust Association 2 Crown Square Woking GU21 6HR 01483 545 780 www.traveltrust.co.uk

The holidays in this brochure that include air travel are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is T7149. ATOL protects customers from losing their money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond, to be lodged with them. If a firm goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to the customer, or if already abroad on holiday, arrange for the customer to complete their holiday and fly home.

Status

The Railway Touring Company is a direct sell tour operator and retail travel agent. All parts of a customer’s holiday are covered by our TTA membership (number T726X), and the air travel for all of our customers’ holidays is covered by our ATOL membership (number T7149). Warren Travel Ltd, trading as The Railway Touring Company, acts as a booking agent for the service providers whose terms and conditions of booking and carriage apply to our tours. Copies of these terms and conditions will be obtained from the relevant service providers and forwarded to customers on request. Tours will be confirmed and take place subject to minimum and maximum numbers booking. Railway components of a tour are provided subject to the serviceability of motive power and stock, and the operating conditions prevailing at the time of the tour. In the event of a failure to operate services as advertised then ‘best’ alternatives will be provided.

Programme and prices

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

Payments

All tour bookings should be accompanied by payment of a deposit per person as follows:

£200 for travel in the UK

£250 for travel within Europe

£350 for travel beyond Europe

A confirmation of booking will be sent to customers which includes a statement of their account and a balance due date.

Booking Information

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

Fidelity insurance

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

Customer cancellation

We have the following customer cancellation policy for all of our tours:

Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before tour departure – loss of deposit

Cancellation between 8-12 weeks prior to tour departure – 25% refund of tour cost

Cancellation less than 8 weeks prior to tour departure – no refund

Passports, visas and health

Customers are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct travel documentation for tours, and this includes passports, visas and health certificates. We are willing to give advice on passport and visa requirements but customers should seek professional guidance on medical related matters. We shall obtain guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and tourist board where a security risk exists or arises in respect of a tour destination. This information will then be passed on to tour customers.

Prices

Prices are determined against known exchange rates, fuel costs and tax regimes prevailing at 18th October 2022. The exchange rates used for prices quoted in this brochure are as follows:

£1 = 1.13 Euros

£1 = 1.16 US Dollars

£1 = 1.1304 Swiss Francs

£1 = 11.58 Norwegian Kroner

£1 = 1.16 Cuban Convertible Pesos

In the event of significant changes we must reserve the right to amend prices.

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

Our chartered steam trains

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

Scheduled trains

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

Alternative airports, independent travel and extensions

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

Booking Information

Extra tours and tour updates

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

Website – www.railwaytouring.net

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

Booking information

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

Pre-tour and post-tour UK hotels and holiday parking

We are able to arrange customers’ pre-tour and post-tour hotel accommodation, car parking, coach and train travel, and connecting flights. Customers may wish to consider staying overnight before and/or after travel on one of our tours. A night in a conveniently located hotel before departure or after return can mean that the customer begins or ends the tour more rested and relaxed. It may also avoid the frustrations and anxieties of early morning and late evening travel.

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

Examples:-

Airport hotels with holiday parking

• Gatwick from £110 per room

• Heathrow from £139 per room

• Stansted from £125 per room

Secured airport parking

• Gatwick from £8.75 per day

• Heathrow from £9.00 per day

• Stansted from £6.25 per day

Travel by road coach from and to the customer’s local town together with overnight hotel accommodation can be arranged. Prices are available on request. Rail tickets from and to the customer’s home railway station to the tour departure point can only be booked where two or more passengers are travelling together. Prices are available on request.

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

UK connecting flights

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

Travel insurance

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

Covid-19

All passengers are reminded to make themselves aware of on-board safety measures surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, any social distancing measures or Government guidelines that are in place at the time of travel are to be adhered too in order to keep yourselves, other travellers and staff safe at all times. We do not accept any liability for travellers that are unable to participate on their pre-booked holidays, should they be taken ill, chose not to travel or decide to cancel their holiday.

Reservation Form

T itle ....................

Title Forename Surname DOB *

*DOB = Date of Birth

Please ensure your names are as they appear in your passport.

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

Phone Please reserve the (tour title)

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

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

The deposit is £350 per person outside Europe, £250 per person within Europe and £200 per person for UK tours. The balance/full fare is due 12 weeks before travel; dates will be advised on your confirmation. As stated in our booking information a Fidelity Policy will be added at the time of booking. I enclose a cheque (payable to THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY CLIENT ACCOUNT). Please charge my credit or debit card for: £ deposit ■ full fare ■ (Please tick)

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

Please sign and date

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

Meet the Team

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

Online Shopping

Visit our online shop to purchase themed Railway Touring Company merchandise. Currently Bookmarks, Greeting Cards and Postcards. We will be adding to our range as new products become available. www.railwaytouring.net/shop/

Kelly Osborne Managing Director

Rachel Jackson Operations Manager

Hollie Kimber Operations Manager

Allison Sanders Operations Manager

Julia Barrett Office Assistant

Jade Mott Operations Assistant

Annabelle Benjamin Operations Assistant

Please

The Railway Touring Company

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

Phone: 01553 661 500 – Fax: 01553 661 800

Web: www.railwaytouring.net – E-mail: enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk

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