The Railway Touring Company
Worldwide Rail Holidays 2025
Welcome
Dear Customer,
Welcome to our Worldwide Rail Holidays Brochure 2025 Edition.
We are pleased to present you with our latest holiday programme. There are some new and interesting additions to our holiday programme for 2025.
We are excited to introduce to you our brand-new Wild, Wild, West Adventure for 2025! This 15-day trip offers you a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in the untamed west of California, Nevada, and Utah, while also touring and traveling on several of the Western United States’ renowned and historic railroads.
We have also been working hard behind the scenes to provide you with alternative destinations to those that we have visited before, below are a few of what can be found in our 2025 programme.
Spring in Belgium and Luxembourg a tour that combines the charm of steam railways, overland tramways, World War II history, relaxing river cruises and the ambiance of historic cities.
Lyon, Avignon and the French Alps, where you are based in the elegant city of Lyon for the full duration of the holiday, allowing you to enjoy scenic cruises on the Rivers Rhone and Saone in both Lyon and Avignon and visit some of the best steam railways and most spectacular mountain trains in France.
Alpine Pullman Express tours that provide you with a stunning five day alpine break, featuring insights into Switzerland’s rail history, views of natural beauty as you cruise lake lucerne and enjoy an authentic Swiss lunch at a luxurious restaurant at the peak of Mount Pilatus.
Steam in Hungary, Highlights of Austria in winter, Steam in Poland, Tramways of Poland along with our most popular tours that we provide year to year.
With 28 years’ experience, we pride ourselves on our unique, interesting and one of a kind holidays special designed with you in mind.
You can be confident that you will have financial protection when you book with us because we are members of the Travel Trust Association and ATOL.
Sit back, unwind, and enjoy reading about our upcoming adventures.
It would be a great pleasure to have you join us.
Kelly Osborne Managing Director
The Railway Touring Company.
Worldwide Rail Holidays 2025 First Edition
European Tours
FEBRUARY
Highlights of Austria in Winter 4–5
Highlights of Switzerland in Winter 6–7
MARCH
The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast 8–9
Railways and World War II History in Italy and Switzerland 10–11
APRIL
Steam in Saxony, Bohemia and Bavaria 12–13
MAY
Steam in Poland 14–15
Spring in Belgium and Luxembourg 16–17
JUNE
Tramways of Germany
18–19
Swiss Bernese Oberland 20–21
JULY
Lyon, Avignon and the French Alps 22–23
Rail and Fjords of Norway
Alpine Pullman Classic Express
Swiss Bernese Oberland 28–29
Steam around the Austrian Lakes 30–31
Railways, River Cruises and World War II History in Poland
The Baltic Seasider
AUGUST
Tramways and Historic Cities of Poland
Alpine Pullman Classic Express
32–33
SEPTEMBER Alpine
OCTOBER
Autumn in Alsace
Autumn Steam in the Harz Mountains
World Tours
FEBRUARY
Sri Lanka – The Viceroy Special
Canada by Rail and Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise
Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour
SEPTEMBER
Canada by Rail and Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise
Booking Information
Swiss Bernese Oberland 40–41
Highlights of Austria in Winter
Monday 24th February to Monday 3rd March 2025
Enjoy the very best of the snow-capped Austrian Alps on a railway holiday to a genuine winter wonderland full of mountainous beauty and cultural refinement.
• Travel on Austria’s most scenic mountain railways and benefit from the luxury of private charter trains with historic locomotives plus private lake cruises on splendid vessels.
• Travel in the refinement of First Class and Panoramic Dome Cars on regular ÖBB service trains, while also having numerous unique highlights aboard elegant private charter trains with vintage vehicles dating from the early 20th century, including the iconic Austria ‘Crocodile’.
• Experience the natural serenity of Lake Attersee, one of Austria’s best kept secrets, aboard a private charter cruise on a superb ship with comfortable lounges and spacious viewing decks, while also travelling from the lake on the Attersee branch line aboard a privately chartered vintage tramway from 1913.
• Kitzbühel, Zell am See, Bischofshofen, Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Schladming Selzthal, Admont are just some of the many famous towns you will pass through by train, all framed by ornate tall spired churches, wooden chalets and hilltop castles.
• See the highlights of Tyrol, with a vintage charter train on the Stubaitalbahn to Fulpmes and then ascend to a world of snow and ice on the Nordkettenbahn high above Innsbruck for a fitting finale of the tour.
Monday 24th February
Arrive in Salzburg; exploration with all-inclusive Salzburg Card
After a direct flight from London to Salzburg you arrive in the birth city of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by mid-day. You transfer to your centrally located hotel where lunch will be served. You will be given a Salzburg Card on arrival giving you full access to the city’s trolleybus network, fortress funicular and vertical elevator to the top of the Mönchsberg. The Salzburg card also covers admission for all city museums, the Mozart sites and the historic Stiegl brewery. (L)
Tuesday 25th February
The palaces and mountain railways of Salzburg
Salzburg has a unique variety of attractions that will appeal to all. This includes the ornate palace at Hellbrunn with its famous fountains and water displays. From Hellbrunn you continue to the nearby Untersbergbahn, a scenic aerial cableway in the south of Salzburg that takes you to the top of the cragged Untersberg summit at a height of 1972 m above sea level. From there you have stunning views of both the Austrian and Bavarian Alps. After the descent back down, you can return by trolleybus to the city centre, for a more individual discovery and cultural exploration of Salzburg. For all railway enthusiasts, there is also an inclusive ticket
for the Salzburger Lokalbahn, the scenic local railway that serves two branches to the north of the city using vintage stock and passing over several impressive viaducts. The evening you may spend at leisure in the city, perhaps exploring one of its many brew houses. (B)
Wednesday 26th February
By train through the Austrian Alps on the Panoramic Dome Car
Today the main line exploration of Austria’s world famous railway network begins. You travel in First Class from Salzburg to the Tyrolean junction station Wörgl on one of the ÖBB RailJet express trains, passing through the tip of Bavaria and you pass the impressive Kufstein fortress along the way. At Wörgl you change onto the
legendary EuroCity “Transalpin” and ride in its Swiss-built First Class Dome Car via the resort towns of Kitzbühel, Zell am See and Schladming to the railway junction Selzthal. There you will see the impressive round-houses, as you wait for your connecting Intercity train onward to Linz, travelling on the equally scenic mountain route along the River Steyr. In Linz you change onto another RailJetExpress for the 1-hour return to Salzburg. For this day, you have the convenience of a packed lunch, while a full dinner is provided at your hotel in the evening. (B L D)
Thursday 27th February
Vintage ‘Crocodile‘ to the Dolomites
A truly special highlight awaits, as one of Austria’s most iconic electric locomotives, the distinct ‘Crocodile‘ from the early 20th century hauls your private train.You’ll travel from Spittal am Millstattersee on the breathtaking route east-west to Lienz and on to the Italian border at Silian. Your charter train consists of historic carriages with upholstered seats and drop-down windows, allowing you to take advantage of poplar features that are no longer available on most modern trains. Lunch will be served along the way. The return trip from Salzburg to Spittal is made by a combination of OBB Intercity trains with First Class accommodation between Salzburg and Bischofshofen. On arrival in Bischofshofen you take a road coach to Spittal. (B L D)
Friday 28th February
Cruise on Lake Attersee, Atterseebahn heritage tramway and main line ‘Pocket Crocodile’
Today a relaxing cruise awaits on Lake Attersee, one of Austria’s finest mountain lakes. You travel by service train from Salzburg to Vöcklabruck, where a main line private charter train takes you on the branch line to the lakeside town of Kammer-Schörfling. Your train will be hauled by the rod-driven OBB ‘Pocket Crocodile’ 1161.18, dating from 1940. Once at the lake, you will enjoy a private cruise with lunch refreshments. Your elegant ship boasts an indoor saloon and wide observation decks, where you can admire the open views and take pictures of the landscape. Lake Attersee was a favourite getaway for many Austrian painters and composers, including Gustav Klimt and Gustav Mahler. After your cruise you’ll have time to look around the lakeside town of Attersee, before enjoying a private charter trip on the Attersee narrow gauge railway, one of the few electrified metre gauge railways in Austria, traveling on a vintage tram from 1913 to the junction station Vöcklmarkt.
From there you return by train to Salzburg. (B L)
Saturday 1st March
Vintage main line charter train along lakes and peaks
Today you join the fabulous main line charter train with First Class coaches and the attractive dining car. Today this exclusive rake will be hauled by the iconic locomotive 1670.09 from 1929. This is one of the most stylish and attractive ways to travel along Austria’s stunning main line railway network, once again traversing lines that don’t permit steam traction. You will travel from Attnang via Gmunden and Bad Ischl to the junction Stainach, passing the marvellous lakes Traunsee, Hallstättersee.
From Stainach you continue via Liezen and then take the secondary line through Admont and Hieflau, before turning off to Steyr and then reaching St. Valentin.. Lunch will once again be served in the dining car of the train. You complete the circular journey, by speeding from St. Valentin via Linz back to Attnang. From there you continue the short distance by regular OBB service to Salzburg and dinner at the hotel. (B L D)
Sunday 2nd March
Highlights of Tyrol with a vintage charter along the Stubaitalbahn and Nordkettenbahn in Innsbruck
Today you will make another First Class journey on a RailJetExpress from Salzburg to Innsbruck, where you first have a private charter train on the spectacular Stubaitalbahn on the Alpine tramway to the mountainous terminus at Fulpmes. Travelling in lovely teak carriages from the early 20th century you will pass steep cliffs and navigate steep gradients. Photo stops along the way will also be included. On the return to Innsbruck, you will pass the Old Town with domed churches and ornate palaces, before taking the panoramic Hungerburgbahn funicular to a observation platform high above the city. Looking down at the rooftops of Innsbruck, you then have the option to return to the Old Town for some cultural sightseeing or continue on the connecting aerial cableway Nordkettenbahn to the high summit at Hafelekar, where you will be immersed in a world of snow and ice. You then return down to the city by aerial cableway and funicular and then back to Salzburg, for a final dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Monday 3rd March
Return to London
After breakfast at the hotel you have a direct coach transfer to the airport and a mid-day return flight to London. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£2195
£365
£2095 (Salzburg – Salzburg)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to Salzburg and return
✱ 7 nights accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Salzburg with breakfast included
✱ 5 lunches and 4 dinners
✱ All train travel as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All specially chartered trains as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Scenic Cruise on Lake Attersee
✱ All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Highlights of Switzerland in Winter
Thursday 27th February to Thursday 6th March 2025
Experience the splendour of the snow topped Swiss Alps on this spectacular summer holiday. Trips on Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways are conveniently included, giving you a chance to sample ‘the best of the best’.
• Initially based in the Swiss Riviera town of Vevey on Lake Geneva and the historic city of Brig and Chur, you’ll stay in topquality hotels featuring typical Swiss hospitality.
• Discover Switzerland’s spectacular mountain railways from west to east, including the Rochers-de-Naye, Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Gornergrat, Oberalp Pass, Rhaetian Railway, as well as the UNESCO designated Albula and Bernina lines.
• Travel aboard opulent ‘Belle Epoque’ Pullman Cars over the Golden Pass, plus enjoy private accommodation in the 1930s Art Deco Pullman coaches of the Rhaetian Railway for trips to Arosa and Tirano.
• Sample the amazing BLS ‘Green Arrow’ on a private charter run in the Bernese Oberland. Journey back in time aboard this wonderfully dynamic streamliner dating from 1953, allowing you to sit next to the driver.
• See impressively engineered railways up close and get the best high-altitude views of the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat summit station.
• Go ’peak-hopping’ on rack railways, funiculars and aerial cableways, whilst exploring local towns and castles with complimentary public transport rover tickets.
Thursday 27th February
London to Vevey
Travel on Eurostar and TGV via Paris to Geneva, then by SBB service train to Vevey, on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. Here you check in to the 4-star Hotel Astra, conveniently located opposite the station. A welcome dinner will be served at the hotel tonight. (D)
Friday 28th February
Golden Pass in Pullman coaches; Green 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 1953 BLS ‘Green Arrow’ with elegant passenger accommodation, drop down windows and open cab vestibules, allowing you to sit or stand beside the driver. The route winds through the Simmental Valley to Spiez and along Lake Thun to Bern. You’ll have free time to visit the medieval city of Bern, before travelling back to Lake Geneva via the Gruyere foothills and Lausanne. Back in Vevey you’ll have a free evening to enjoy dinner at a lake-side venue of your choosing. (B)
Saturday 1st March
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
Georg Trueb
Georg Trueb
Montreux, for a further look around town or ride on another local funicular before returning back to Vevey. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (B D)
Sunday 2nd March
Glacier Express route to Zermatt; Gornergrat Railway; the Matterhorn
This morning you board an SBB service train from Vevey station to Visp, where you’ll travel on a panoramic narrow-gauge train for the final section of the Glacier Express route. This scenic railway line winds through rocky valleys and over steep inclines to reach Zermatt. Here you transfer to the Gornergrat rack railway, ascending to 3089 metres above sea level. It’s Europe’s second highest railway, eclipsed only by the Jungfrau. From this high Alpine plateau, enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers and a fabulous front perspective of the Matterhorn. After refreshments at Gornergrat you can film the passing trains in their characteristic chocolate-brown livery, before riding back down to Zermatt. You’ll have some time to look around car-free Zermatt, with its rows of wooden chalets and stone churches. Then you board another panoramic narrow gauge train for the onward journey on the Glacier Express route to Brig. You’ll spend the night in Naters allocated within the district of Brig, an historic, elegant city, which has become famous as a major railway junction and gateway to nearby Italy. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. (B D)
Monday 3rd March
On the Glacier Express and via the Oberalp Pass to Chur
A true highlight awaits, as you step aboard the legendary Glacier Express and travel in First Class accommodation on one of the world’s most famous trains! Enjoy the sleek dome cars with their grandiose windows as well as the refinement of on train catering, for the half-day journey from Brig to Chur. The Glacier Express initially traverses the narrow valleys of the Obergoms, before travelling through Andermatt and climbing up to the breath-taking Oberalp Pass. From there you descend through the Surselva region and along the Rhine Gorge, arriving in Chur, one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. You check into a centrally located hotel with free time to explore, before dinner is served. (B L D)
Tuesday 4th March
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. 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. On arrival in Arosa you take the cableway to the summit of the 2653 metre Weisshorn. 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 town. (B)
Wednesday 5th March
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. In Pontresina you change onto the Bernina Railway and are once again accommodated in a private Pullman coach for the journey over the wonderful Bernina pass, the only Swiss trans-alpine railway that climbs over the ridges between north and south without using a tunnel. Enjoy the ascent to the summit at Ospizio Bernina and the spiralling descent to Poschiavo, before the famed circular viaduct is reached at Brusio and you finish your journey amidst palm trees in Italy. In Tirano, you have time for a look around the station and town, before continuing back north in your Pullman coach. Light lunch is provided with at seat-catering in the Pullman Car. On returning to Pontresina you travel back to Chur over the Albula line aboard another RhB express service. A farewell dinner is served at your hotel. (B L D)
Thursday 6th March
Return to London
Today you return to London from Switzerland, travelling via Chur, Basel and Paris on RhB, SBB, TGV and Eurostar trains. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
£2759
Eurostar Plus travel from London St. Pancras International to Vevey and return from Chur. First Class travel within Switzerland where possible. Please be advised that travel will be allocated in Eurostar Plus carriages on Eurostar services.
Single supplement
£345
Ground only
£2499 (Vevey – Chur)
Joining the group at the Hotel. First Class travel throughout Switzerland, where possible.
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating from London to Paris and return
✱ 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Astra, Vevey
✱ 1 Night accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Alex, Naters
✱ 3 Nights accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Romantik Stern, Chur
✱ 2 lunches and 4 dinners
✱ All privately chartered vintage trains as detailed in the itinerary
✱ First Class travel on Golden pass panoramic train (Montreux to Zweisimmen)
✱ First Class travel on Glacier Express including lunch on-board (Brig – Chur)
✱ All train travel and transfers
✱ SBB luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
✱ Seat reservations (where possible)
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast
Friday 14th March to Monday 24th March 2025
Enjoy a fabulous railway holiday along the French Cote d’Azur and the Ligurian Coast in Italy, including exploring the world-famous Cinque Terre.
• Journey by Eurostar from London to Paris and then on to elegant Nice for a day of sightseeing, before you continue along the Cote d’Azur to the historic port city of Genoa.
• Highlights in Genoa include a private charter train on the spectacular Genova-Cassella narrow gauge railway and sightseeing its rich maritime attractions.
• Experience one of the most spectacular seaside railway trips in the world along the Ligurian coast to Pisa, including a visit to the Leaning Tower, and explore the colourful fishing villages of Cinque Terre.
• Discover Turin’s historic tramways as a stay in this fine Alpine city concludes your tour in style, highlighted with a trip on the historic Sassi-Superga electric rack railway.
Friday 14th March
London to Nice by rail
You travel with Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Nord before a direct afternoon TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville. On arrival into Nice, you check into your centrally located hotel where a welcome dinner is served. (B D)
Saturday 15th March
Tramways and leisure in Nice
Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France, full of elegant architecture, colourful historic buildings, and spacious esplanades. You have a free day to enjoy the French Cote d’Azur, exploring at your own pace with your complimentary 1-day rover ticket for use on the well-connected local tramway system. In the evening dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)
Sunday 16th March
Seaside railway trip from Nice to Genoa
Today you bid ‘Adieu’ to France and say ‘Ciao’ to Italy as you enjoy a 4-hour scenic train trip from Nice to Genoa, changing at Ventimiglia. You travel past sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, Italianate churches, and lots of colourful buildings. On arrival at Genoa you check into your adjacent hotel, centrally located and within walking distance of the Old Town, the Ancient Port, and the hillside palaces. You’ll receive a public transport rover ticket, valid on the city’s Metro and central trolleybus routes, for the duration of your stay. Genoa also boasts a remarkable system of hillside rack railways, funiculars, and historic elevators, all free to use. Take the funiculars and hillside lifts for views of the city and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)
Monday 17th March
Historic charter train at the Ferrovia Genova – Casella
Above the hills of Genoa runs a remarkable metre gauge railway, 24 km in length from Genova Piazza Manin to the rural town of Casella. Opened in 1929 and fully electrified from the outset, this charming line remains much of its original appearance and also operates historic rolling stock. With numerous horseshoe curves and steep gradients of up to 4.5%, the line is as scenic as it is operationally fascinating. You have a private charter train using the railway’s original rolling stock and heritage locomotive Nr. 29. After a typical Italian lunch in Casella, you return to Genova Piazza Manin. In the evening you are free to enjoy the city and find dinner at one of the many trattorias in the Old Town. (B L)
Tuesday 18th March
Train trip to Pisa, visit to the Leaning Tower
Experience one of the most spectacular seaside railway trips in the world today, as you enjoy the comfort of First Class on an FS Trenitalia InterCity service from Genova Piazza Principe via La Spezia to Pisa. You travel along the Ligurian coast past famous resorts like Sestri Levante and Levanto, as well as the five fishing villages of Cinque Terre. You arrive in Pisa at mid-day and have lunch in the Old Town before visiting the famed Leaning Tower and cathedral. You return to Genoa in the afternoon by InterCity Train along the same seaside route. (B L)
Wednesday 19th March
Genoa Navebus harbour cruise, aquarium visit and historic ships on the Old Port
Today we explore Genoa’s rich maritime attractions and heritage. First you take a return trip on the harbour ferry known as Navebus. Functioning as a public transport service line, it runs on the water from Porto Antico to Molo Archetti, taking you past huge oceanliners and the airport runway. After your Navebus round trip you visit Genoa’s world-famous aquarium in the Porto Antico, one of the premier such sites in Europe, with an impressive display of large sea life. Also included in your museum admission are the displays of the preserved Italian naval submarine ‘Nazario Sauro’ from 1976 and the authentic replica of a 17th century pirate galley. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B D)
Thursday 20th and Friday 21st March
Seaside Railway and villages of Cinque Terre
The next two days are free for you to explore the iconic five villages of Cinque Terre at your leisure, using the direct railway line between Genua and La Spezia. You’ll be given a Cinque Terre rail rover, allowing use of all Trenitalia regional express trains, with fast and frequent services along the coast and stops at the five famed villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola und Riomaggiore. Additionally, you’ll find the large seaside resorts of Sestri Levante, Levanto, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure worth a visit. You can also use your Cinque Terre rail rover inside Genoa. A notable highlight is the amazing seaside walk along cliffs, palaces, and old forts right outside the Genova Nervi railway station, on a purposebuilt, flat pedestrian path. (B)
Saturday 22nd March
Genoa to Turin by rail
Today you take a Trenitalia service from Genoa via the hills of Alessandria and the prosecco countryside of Asti, to the smart Alpine city of Turin. It’s famous for its long, arcaded walkways and as the film site of the legendary 1969 movie ‘The Italian Job’. You arrive late morning and have lunch at your city centre hotel, located near the historic Porta Nuova station. You then visit the city’s principal architectural monument, the Mole Antonelliana, a slender, domed tower dating from the late 19th century that overlooks the city rooftops and includes a museum. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to enjoy Turin at leisure, exploring its smart streets, spacious squares, and numerous palaces, with everything that makes Italy so desirable. You’ll will be given a complimentary day ticket, should you wish to use the city’s tram and metro network. In the evening you are free to dine at the pizzeria or osteria of your choice. (B L)
Sunday 23rd March
Vintage tramways and Sassi-Superga rack railway in Turin
After Milan, Turin has the largest tram network in Italy and one of the largest fleets of preserved heritage vehicles in southern Europe. You’ll enjoy a private charter tramway tour on a stylish articulated vehicle dating from the 1930s, allowing you to sightsee the city in comfort and style. Covering the most attractive parts of the urban light rail network, you travel over some rare track, including a stop at the ‘Gran Madre’, a replica of the Roman Pantheon. The tramway tour ends at Sassi, where you have lunch at the rack railway terminus, before travelling on the historic electric rack railway to the Superga summit. Here you’ll find the namesake domed basilica and hilltop panoramic terrace overlooking the city. The rack railway maintains its original electric railcars from the 1930s and uses a third rail to draw power. You return to Sassi, taking a service tram to the city centre. Join your fellow travellers at your hotel for a farewell dinner. (B L D)
Monday 24th March
Turin to London via the French Alps and Paris
Take a direct high-speed train from Turin Porta Susa to Paris Gare de Lyon, experiencing another scenic railway journey, capping your holiday to southern Europe in style. In Paris you transfer to Gare de Nord, where you take your final journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£2595
£395
£2345 (Nice – Turin)
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating from London to Paris and return
✱ 10 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located, quality hotels
✱ 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners
✱ First Class travel on FS Trenitalia InterCity service from Genova Piazza Principe to Pisa
✱ Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available
✱ All privately chartered trains and vintage tramway rides as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Complimentary public transport rover tickets
✱ Museum and site admissions to all the attractions as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast -
Lunch -
Dinner
Railways and World War II History in Italy and Switzerland
Monday 28th March to Wednesday 9th April 2025
Embark on a Roman Holiday, stopping in Milano and the Swiss Alps before reaching the ‘Eternal City‘ by high-speed service. Visit fascinating WWII sites in Italy, including the Ghetto and Jewish Museum in Rome, and the beaches of Anzio and the hilltop monastery at Monte Cassino. The beaches of Salerno, the Ancient Greek temple city of Paestum and the world-famous Amalfi Coast are first time additions to the itinerary.
• Explore Rome, Milan and Salerno at your leisure.
• A wonderful visit to Lugano, Switzerland, including funicular rides and a cruise on a historic yacht.
• Stay at quality hotels with free time to see the historic and cultural attractions.
• First Class travel on Swiss EuroCity and Italian “Frecciarossa” high speed services. Plus public transport rover for flexible travel on local trams, metros and buses in Milan and Rome.
• Privately chartered scenic cruises on Lake Lugano and the River Tiber.
Friday 28th March
Arrive in Milano
Take a direct flight from London to Milano, Italy’s largest city. Transfer to your hotel for check in and a light lunch, before spending the rest of the day at leisure. You‘ll be given a complimentary public transport ticket, allowing you to explore the city aboard Ventotto heritage trams. You‘ll be able to see the Duomo (Cathedral), turreted Castello (Castle) and the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from 1867. (L)
Saturday 29th March
Tramways, Museums and leisure in Milano
After breakfast, visit Italy’s National Museum of Science and Technology, an impressive collection
of locomotives, machines, submarines and more, housed in a stylish palazzo. After the visit, you have more free time in Milano, enjoying all this stylish city has to offer! (B)
Sunday 30th March
A visit to the Swiss Alps with a scenic cruise on Lake Lugano
You make an enchanting side-step to nearby Switzerland‘s Ticino region. Take a EuroCity train to Lugano, Switzerland, then travel on the scenic funicular railway from the station to the town centre to check-in to your hotel in the old town. You‘ll enjoy a lunch cruise on the beautiful Lake Lugano aboard the luxurious motor yacht “Milano”, including complimentary drinks and refreshments.
Afterwards, there is time for sightseeing in the beautiful city of Lugano, before returning to Milano Centrale. (B L)
Monday 31st March
A day in Venice
Today you make an exciting day-trip to Venice. Travelling first class aboard the sleek “Frecciarossa” (Red Arrow) train, you arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia station, where you‘ll be given a public transport ticket for use on all of the iconic ‘Vaporetto’ ferries, the tramway over the causeway to Venezia Mestre, or the peoplemover at the cruise terminal. You‘ll have plenty of time to visit famed places like the Rialto, Piazza San Marco, or the Lido. Early evening, travel back to Milano by high-speed train. (B)
Tuesday 1st April
Milano to Roma by high speed rail, Roma Ghetto visit and River Tiber cruise
This morning, take the ‘Frecciarossa’ high-speed service from Milano Centrale to Roma Termini and check into your hotel around midday. You‘ll be given a week-long public transport rover, providing access to Roma’s Metro and tramway. In the afternoon, visit Rome’s old Jewish Ghetto, including admission to the museum and Great Synagogue. You’ll learn more about the Ghetto and its history during World War II, and the liberation of Rome by the Allies in June 1944. Finally, you embark on a private sunset cruise on the River Tiber, including drinks and refreshments. (B L)
Wednesday 2nd April
WWII sites in and around Rome
After breakfast, you walk to the landmark Piazza Venezia, past the Roman Colosseum and Forum. Here you see the famed balcony on which the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini gave speeches. Then transfer to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, where Allied soldiers were buried following the liberation of Rome. Carry on to the Ardeatine Caves and EUR exhibition grounds, built for the planned 1942 Universal Exhibition, which never happened due to the war. At the EUR grounds, you‘ll see some of the most monumental architecture from Mussolini’s reign. End the day at the Museum of the Liberation of Rome, located in former Gestapo headquarters. (B)
Thursday 3rd April
Visit to the famed Monte Cassino monastery and battle site
Visit another iconic location from WWII history. A defensive strongpoint along the Axis´ Gustav Line, Monte Cassino was the site of a fierce battle of attrition from January to June 1944. The Allied forces overcame this barrier, clearing the way for the Liberation of Rome. 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 and museum. Take lunch in the main piazza before returning to Rome. (B L)
Friday 4th April
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 Anzio Beachhead Museum.
Following lunch at a typical trattoria, return to Rome by train from Nettuno. (B L)
Saturday 5th April
On to Salerno
Move further south on the Italian peninsula, transferring by high-speed train from Roma to the seaside city of Salerno, where you’ll spend the next three nights. Salerno was the site of ‘Operation Avalanche’, the September 1943 Allied landings. After checking into your hotel, you’ll visit some of the historic landing sites with your expert local guide. (B L)
Sunday 6th April
Italian National Railway Museum in Pietrarsa
Italian railway heritage takes centre stage today as you travel by train to Napoli Centrale, where there’s a convenient local service directly to the gates of The National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa, one of the most spectacular railway museums in the world. Visit the great engine pavilion and see the steam icons of Italian railway history. After an immersive experience and refreshments on-site, walk around the shoreline, with its stunning views of the Mediterranean and Mount Vesuvius. In the late afternoon, return by train via Napoli Centrale to Salerno (B L)
Monday 7th April
Paestum UNESCO World Heritage site
The Salerno region offers much more than just WWII history, it is also a hotspot for Ancient Greek culture, including the remains of the legendary city of Paestum, dating from around 600 BC. See the major sites first-hand and immerse yourself in the beautiful views. In the evening, dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)
Tuesday 8th April
History and natural beauty along the Amalfi Coast
Visit the world-famous Amalfi coast between Salerno and Naples, including Sorento. You‘ll see both the awe-inspiring coastal scenery and significant World War II sites, including the landing locations of the U.S. Rangers.
In the evening you return to Salerno, where your farewell dinner is served in the hotel restuarant. (B D)
Wednesday 9th April
Return flight to London
Direct flight back to London from Naples (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£2745
£495
£2645 (Milan – Naples)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to Milan and Naples to London
✱ 12 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 and 4-star hotels
✱ 6 lunches and 2 dinners
✱ Public transport rover tickets in Milan and Rome
✱ Private scenic cruises on Lake Lugano in Switzerland and on the River Tiber in Rome
✱ Admissions to all the museums, sights and monuments listed in the itinerary
✱ All rail travel on EuroCity and Frecciarossa high speed trains in Italy and Switzerland, including First Class accommodation and mandatory seat reservations
✱ An expert local history guide
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
Lunch -
= Dinner
Steam in Saxony, Bohemia and Bavaria
Thursday 10th April to Monday 21st April 2025
Idyllic narrow-gauge railways, exhilarating main line steam locomotives, paddle steamers and the Dresden steam locomotive festival are the signature attractions of this delightful Spring holiday.
• Visit to Germany’s premier steam locomotive gathering and round-house festival, with the “Dampfloktreffen” in Dresden, including access to the festival grounds and rides on the different main line excursions.
• A beautiful paddle steamer cruise on the River Elbe from Dresden to Pillnitz Palace, as well as excursions on the city’s unique mountain monorail and funicular.
• Narrow gauge ‘Plandampf’ on the regional lines from Radebeul to Radeburg and Freital to Kurort Kipsdorf with the impressive 2-10-2 tank engines, as well as a visit to the 15-inch Dresden Park Railway for steam with one of their 4-6-2 ‘Pacifics’.
• Experience the best of Czech main line steam with a private charter hauled by the vintage 1928 tank engine 421.032 on ‘rare track’ in the North Bohemian mountains near the Polish border, including luxurious First Class coaches from the 1930s and on-train catering.
• Steam in Bavaria at the premier railway museum in Nördlingen, with a private charter on an archaic tank engine from the late 19th century.
Thursday 10th April
London to Dresden
You travel from London St. Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Dresden on Eurostar and ICE high speed services. Upon arrival in Saxony’s capital city, you check into your 4-star city centre hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel. (D)
Friday 11th April to Sunday 13th April
Dresden steam loco festival, main line steam excursions and the Dresden Park Railway
This long weekend is entirely dedicated to the sounds and sights of Germany’s premier annual steam gala and locomotive gathering, which typically includes a variety of both express and
freight type steam locomotives. Over the festival weekend there are several main line steam excursions departing Dresden’s main station and featuring parallel running.
You will have full access to the round-houses and ample time to observe and photograph. The exact programme will be announced by festival organizers a few weeks before the event. On Sunday, a visit to Germany’s largest 15 inch railway is also included, with a steam run behind a 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ at the 6 km long Dresden Park Railway. (B)
Monday 14th April
Steam to Radeburg and a paddle steamer cruise 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. In the afternoon you enjoy a sightseeing cruise of Dresden by historic paddle steamer, including the sights of the beautiful riverside palaces and the famed ‘Blue Wonder’ bridge. Enjoy the best of steam by land and water. Dinner tonight is at the hotel (B D)
Tuesday 15th April
Travel to Prague
In the morning you travel in First Class by EuroCity train along the scenic Elbe Valley to Prague. You arrive in the Czech capital in time
Niels Kunick
Niels Kunick
for lunch at your hotel and then may spend the afternoon at leisure getting to know this fabulous world city, steeped in history, culture and wonderful architecture. (B L)
Wednesday 16th April
Classic Prague by luxury tram, visit to the Technical Museum and free time
This morning you board a luxury tram for a sightseeing tour of Prague, with complimentary drinks served on board. See the city’s premier landmarks while criss-crossing the River Vltava on its famous bridges. Then you visit the Czech National Technical Museum to see its impressive collection of 19th century and early 20th century steam locomotives. The museum also has a Spitfire flown by Czech pilots during the Battle of Britain and other historic displays. After the museum visit there is more free time to explore Prague. (B)
Thursday 17th April
Czech main line steam to Hanusovice
After breakfast, you join a privately chartered main line steam train, as you journey on the vintage 1928 tank engine 431.032 on scenic tracks in North Bohemia from Dolni Lipka to Hanusovice and then the branch line to Stare Mesto pod Sneznikem. Your train will be formed of First-Class coaches dating from the 1930s, including a bar car and on train catering. Enjoy the very best of Continental main line steam on steeply graded and idyllically rural routes. In the evening you return to Prague by service train. (B L)
Friday 18th April
Prague to Nürnberg, DB Museum visit and sightseeing of Nürnberg by vintage tram
After breakfast, you travel by train from Prague to Nürnberg. After checking into your hotel and lunch, you visit the DB Museum, Germany’s national railway museum, with a fine collection of steam locomotives from the 19th and early 20th century. In the late afternoon, you embark on a sightseeing tour of historic Nürnberg by
vintage tramway, with complimentary alcoholic drinks included. You will get a firsthand glimpse of the famous hilltop castle and travel over some ‘rare track’ that cannot be done on local trams in normal passenger service. The rest of the evening you may then spend at leisure in the city, perhaps visiting one of its many Brauhauses or distinctive beer cellars. (B L)
Saturday 19th April
Steam at the Schiefe Ebene at Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg
Today you visit one of the most famous steam sites and museums in Germany as you take a service train from Nürnberg over the famed ‘Schiefe Ebene’ ramp to Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg, where the Deutsches Dampflok Museum has one of the best and largest collections of preserved steam locomotives in Germany, including the iconic Class 10. In addition to viewing the vast collection, you will also have a steam ride on the railway’s own narrow-gauge railway. You return to Nürnberg in the early evening, in time for dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B D)
Sunday 20th April
Steam at the Bavarian Railway Museum in Nördlingen
Today you visit the walled city of Nördlingen in western Bavaria. This town is famed for its timber-framed buildings and home to the Bavarian Railway Museum, with one of the largest steam locomotive collections in Germany. You will see a number of exhibits and enjoy a steam train excursion, behind a museum’s steam engine. Photo opportunities, run-pasts and cab rides as well as refreshments in Nördlingen are included. You return to Nürnberg in the afternoon for another dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B L D)
Monday 21st April
Nürnberg to London by rail
Today you travel on high-speed services from Nürnberg via Frankfurt to Cologne and then continue to Brussels, where you board a Eurostar train back to London (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£1795
£395
£1545 (Dresden – Nürnberg)
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus travel on Eurostar services from London to Brussels and return
✱ First Class seating on all high speed trains (where possible)
✱ 11 nights accommodation with breakfast
✱ 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners
✱ All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
Lunch -
= Dinner
Steam in Poland
Thursday 1st May to Monday 12th May 2025
Enjoy the experience of Polish main line and narrow gauge steam, including the Wolsztyn gala weekend and numerous steam railways ‘off the beaten track’ as key attractions.
• Conveniently based in the historic city of Poznan throughout, you make journeys by main line steam train and visit five different narrow gauge railways for private charters with historic steam locomotives and attractive ‘fresh air’ coaches.
• Experience the entertaining showmanship and bustle of the famous Wolsztyn steam gala, with visiting international locomotives and home fleet all in steam, including main line excursions, parallel running and yard races.
• Experience the narrow gauge railways at Wyrzyska, Maltanka, Sroda Wielkopolska, Sochaczew and Nowi Dwor Gdanski, including the use of the famed Px48 tender locomotives and Polish-built tank engines, reaching these railways from Poznan with trips on loco-hauled PKP Intercity trains.
• Enjoy the history, culture and tramways of Poznan at a centrally located hotel and complimentary public transport rover ticket.
Thursday 1st May
Arrive in Poznan
You fly non-stop from London to Poznan in Western Poland. You are based at a centrally located hotel in Poznan for the entire tour. You will be given a complimentary public transport ticket for use on the extensive tram network for all days. In the evening there’s a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Friday 2nd May
Main line excursion to Wolsztyn
Today you make a first visit to Poland’s most famous steam town. Established in 1886, the Wolsztyn roundhouse is located at the junction of two lines and renown as the last standard gauge ‘Plandampf’ depot in Europe. Depending on locomotive availability on the eve of the festival, your main line trip from
Zbąszynek or Leszno to Wolsztyn will either be hauled by a Class Pt47 or Ol49 tender locomotive or pulled by a vintage centre cab diesel. In either case, the olive green compartment coaches feature drop down windows and allow a travel experience like in the 1970s. You have lunch in Wolsztyn. In the late afternoon you return by train to Poznan and may enjoy some free time to explore the city. (B L)
Saturday 3rd May
and Sunday 4th May
Steam locomotive parade and festival in Wolsztyn
These two days are entirely dedicated to the famous steam locomotive parade in Wolsztyn, which is one of the premier steam galas in Continental Europe. The event features the active home fleet as well as numerous
guest locomotives from around Poland and neighbouring countries. It will be possible to travel on the regular ‘Plandampf’ trains as well as the festival specials. The festival is an exciting hive of activity, with an atmosphere unique in Europe. It includes the big steam parade as well as yard races with the crews laying on fine showmanship. For non-enthusiast partners there is the option to stay in Poznan on Sunday and enjoy a cultural programme with museums and galleries. On both days there is an evening meal back at the hotel in Poznan. (B D)
Monday 5th May
Steam at the Wyrzyska narrow gauge railway
After breakfast you visit one of Poland’s best kept secrets and a real hidden gem. The Wyrzyska Kolejka Powiatowa in Białośliwie
is a delightful field railway with 600 mm (2 foot) gauge and boasts attractive steam power. A hard-working tank engine will haul your private charter train for the full round-trip through the green fields of Greater Poland (Wielkopolska), stopping for photos and run-pasts along the way. Lunch is included today and you make the roundtrip from Poznan via Piła to Białośliwie by PKP IC and Polregio trains. (B L)
Tuesday 6th May
Maltanka Park Railway and heritage tramway in Poznan
Today you stay locally in Poznan and visit the 3.8 km long Park Railway at Maltanka. The line is located in the east of the city, next to a large lake and you will travel on a private charter train hauled by a resident steam locomotive. After some free time for the afternoon, you meet again for a private sightseeing tour of the city by vintage tramway, covering some ‘rare track’ that cannot be covered in regular service. (B)
Wednesday 7th May
Narrow gauge railway at Nowy Dwór Gdański
In the morning you take a loco-hauled PKP Intercity train from Poznan north to Tczew, near the Baltic Sea. From there you have a short coach transfer to the rural narrow gauge railway at Nowy Dwor Gdanski. This 750mm line has a T-shaped network and is unique, as it is actually located below sea level in scenery that is very much reminiscent of the Netherlands, with canals, swing bridges and irrigated fields. The Żuławska narrow gauge railway is another best kept secret in Poland and truly idyllic. You will have a private charter train hauled by a classic diesel locomotive and formed of attractive ‘fresh air’ half-open coaches that allow superb views of the passing countryside. You travel over the entire T-shaped network of the railway, starting in Nowy Dwor Gdanski and finishing in Sztutowo This is the only time of the year when such a private event with a loco-hauled charter train. Lunch is included today. In the late afternoon you return to Tczew and then take another Intercity train back to Poznan. (B L)
Thursday 8th May
Narrow gauge railway at Sochaczew
In the morning you take another loco-hauled PKP Intercity train east to Sochaczew. This is the site of another 750mm gauge railway. On arrival you first visit the museum collection and see a collection of preserved narrow gauge steam locomotives, before enjoying a private charter train over the full length of the line to Wilcze
Tułowskie. Your private charter will be hauled by a vintage locomotive from the local pool. The train will be formed of enclosed and fresh air coaches and pause for run-pasts along the way. Lunch is included. In the late afternoon you return to Poznan by PKP Intercity train. (B L)
Friday 9th May
Steam at Sroda Wielkopolska
Another tour highlight is the visit to the narrow gauge railway at Sroda Wielkopolska, southeast of Poznan. This railway boasts the famed and powerful Px48 postwar tender locomotives, which were built in great numbers from 1948 onwards. You have a private charter train from the sugar mill at Sroda to the rural terminus at Zaniemyśl, once again pausing for photos and run-pasts with the impressive 0-8-0 tender locomotive along the way. A lunch is once again provided, before you return to Poznan by main line train in the afternoon. (B L)
Saturday 10th May
Main line tour on re-opened mountainous lines in Lower Silesia
Today you have an scenic main line charter train with vintage diesel traction on the panoramic hilly lines of Lower Silesia. You first make the short transfer by PKP IC train from Poznan to Wroclaw, before boarding your private charter hauled by the green retro diesel locomotive SU45-079. Restored to immaculate condition, this machine will haul your train south towards the Czech border on the recently reopened main line routes to Swidnica and Jedlina Zdroj. You make a large circular round-trip for the afternoon and eventually end up again at Wroclaw Glowny, one of the finest large railway stations in Poland. From there you return by Intercity train to Poznan. (B L)
Sunday 11th May
Day at leisure in Poznan
After a busy week of touring around Poland and discovering so many unique railway lines and attractions, this day is dedicated to relaxing in Poznan and enjoying all the attractive features the city has to offer. In the evening there’s a farewell dinner at the hotel (B D)
Monday 12th May
Return to London
The time has come to say farewell to Poland, as you have a direct flight from Poznan back to London. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£2195
£325
Ground only £2095 (Poznan – Poznan)
Price includes:
✱ Direct flights from London to Poznan and Poznan to London Luton
✱ 11 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
✱ 6 lunches and 4 dinners
✱ All steam and rail services as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All narrow gauge and main line private charters as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All visits as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All transfers
✱ The services of a local guide
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Spring in Belgium and Luxembourg
Wednesday 28th May to Tuesday 3rd June 2025
This all new tour combines the charm of steam railways, overland tramways, World War II history, relaxing river cruises and the ambiance of historic cities.
• Take advantage of short distance rail travel by Eurostar and Intercity trains from London to Belgium and back from Luxembourg.
• Stay in the historic cities of Namur and Luxembourg at centrally located quality hotels, enjoying their unique ambiance and beautiful architecture.
• Enjoy private charter steam train journeys at the Vicinal overland tramway in Thuin, Belgium and at the Train 1900 heritage railway in Luxembourg. Trips on early 20th century trams and the mining railway in Luxembourg are also included.
• Connect with World War II history and visit the mighty Fort Eben Emael on the Albert Canal in Northern Belgium, site of major fighting in spring 1940. While in the area, you will also have time for a visit to revived Liege, for a ride on its brandnew tramway, or a visit to the city’s landmarks.
• Round off your holiday with a relaxing cruise on the River Mosel in Luxembourg, seeing quaint villages, green vineyards and lovely hillside scenery from the open decks of your sightseeing boat.
Wednesday 28th May
By train from London to Namur
You travel from London St. Pancras by high speed train to Brussels Midi, where you change onto an SNCB Intercity directly to Namur. Namur, which dates back to Roman times, is the capital of Wallonia. For the next three nights you are based in this delightful historic city, which is attractively situated at the confluence of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre and framed by a hilltop fortress and it’s pretty cobbled streets are lined with lively cafes and independent shops. You have some free time to explore this charming city and its delights, before dinner is served at the hotel. (D)
Thursday 29th May
Steam and heritage tramways in Thuin
Today you visit a marvel of tramway heritage. The delightful Tramway du Vicinal Museum in the regional town of Thuin boasts both an electrified stretch of track in the city, as well as a beautiful overland route. Travelling on a heritage tram car from the early 20th century, you will enjoy a private charter for a trip down the streets of Thuin and a visit to the museum depot, before doing the non-electrified overland section on the green steam tramway locomotive HL 303 dating from 1888. Mid-day refreshments will be served at the museum and with both the electric tramway and the steam locomotive numerous photo stops and runpasts will be
made. In the afternoon you return from Thuin to nearby Namur via SNCB service train and have time for an excursion on the scenic aerial cableway to the hilltop citadelle, for views of the city and surrounding region. Dinner is again at the hotel (B L D)
Friday 30th May
World War II history at Fort Eben Emael and Tramways of Liege
After breakfast you take a train from Namur for the 45 min journey to Liege. Liege is famously warm and welcoming, nicknamed the City of a Hundred Steeples and a fast-evolving, vibrant blend of past and present. There you have a quick coach transfer north of the city to Eben Emael fort. Considered in the 1930s one of the
most modern military facilities in the world, it was designed to prevent a renewed German invasion of Belgium. The fort was attacked in May 1940 by a commando operation using German paragliders. You visit this historic World War II site with its crew quarters, gun turrets and expansive, grass covered roof. After the fortress visit you return the short distance to Liege and may then spend individual time at leisure in this regenerated city. You can ride its brand-new 12 km long single line tramway that only just opened in January 2025.
Your complimentary ticket will take you past all the major landmarks, including the best places to either enjoy Belgian street food like frites, waffles or of course beer! You will have the benefit of an individual train ticket from Liege to Namur, so can return to the hotel in Namur when it best suits you. (B)
Saturday 31st May
Steam at the Train 1900 in Luxembourg
In the morning you take a direct EuroCity train for the two hour journey through the Ardennes forest to Luxembourg. You check into your centrally located hotel near the station and have lunch, before taking a local CFL stopping train to Petange, just west of the city. There you have a private steam charter on Luxembourg’s premier heritage railway. A vintage tank engine will pull your steam charter for the full length of the line and through pretty scenery on a meandering and very curvy route to the industrial heritage park at Fond-de-Gras, site of a former coal mine. Rich in industrial archeology and history, this location is ideal for discovering further and photography. You then have a connecting excursion on the local electric mining train that will take you around the former mine and also inside the mountain. Afterwards you return by steam train to Petange. From there it’s back to Luxembourg and a dinner at the hotel. (B D).
Sunday 1st June
Scenic Mosel Railway to Koblenz and River Cruise at Cochem
Today you enjoy a scenic railway journey along
the beautiful river Mosel in both Luxembourg and Germany. You travel on the direct Regional Express from Luxembourg via Trier to Koblenz, Germany, which lies at the confluence of the Mosel and the Rhine. From Koblenz you return to the beautiful town of Cochem, where you enjoy a sightseeing cruise at the most stunning part of the river. After the cruise you return by direct train to Luxembourg for another dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Monday 2nd June
Tramways, funiculars and leisure in Luxembourg
This day you may spend entirely at leisure enjoying one of the finest European cities and all that it has to offer. From the beautiful old town with impressive churches and quaint cobblestone streets, to lofty bridges and viaducts, Luxembourg is well worth exploring. Small, densely populated and wealthy Luxembourg has ancient roots, built on the foundations of a formidable fortress so strong it protected the surrounding area for a thousand years. The Old Quarters at Ville Haute are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dating back to the year 963, the Adolphe Bridge, Modern Art museum Mudam, Place d’Armes, Grand Ducal Palace and Notre-Dame cathedral make the city unique. Add peaceful places like the lovely riverside gardens, the international shopping and the superb cuisine, and there’s something for everyone. It has all new and modern transport attractions, such as a recently built and extended tramway and also an urban funicular. Public transport is free to use for everyone in Luxembourg, so you can easily hop on and hop off. (B)
Tuesday 3rd June
Return to London
You travel back to London by rail, first taking an SNCB Intercity train to Brussels Midi and then changing on to a Eurostar high speed service back to London St. Pancras. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£2050
£295
Ground only £1795 (Namur – Luxembourg)
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating on Eurostar service from London to Brussels and return
✱ First Class seating on all high speed trains (where possible)
✱ 6 nights accommodation with breakfast
✱ 1 lunch and 4 dinners
✱ All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Tramways of Germany
Thursday 5th June to Friday 13th June 2025
This spectacular all-new tour reveals the historic cities and delightful tramways of Saxony, exploring fascinating networks on privately chartered heritage vehicles from the early and mid 20th century. Your adventure includes depot visits, photo stops, ‘rare track’ experiences and sightseeing, all in considerable style.
• Legendary Leipzig is your base, an elegant and vibrant city with an extensive tram network dating back to 1872. With 13 tram lines covering 91 miles and 522 tram stops, it is Germany’s third biggest network.
• Visit nearby attractions on and off the beaten pathincluding best kept secrets like beautiful Plauen’s historic 1894 tramway and quaint Döbeln’s idyllic horse tramway.
• Enjoy luxurious sightseeing in historic city centres, taking advantage of the best of every tram network on board privately chartered vintage vehicles, including rare curves and unusual lines.
• We include a touch of steam at the 15-inch Leipzig Park Railway, a steam-hauled journey with the resident 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ plus live steam at the Wittenberge roundhouse and railway museum.
• The perfect tour for tramway enthusiasts and connoisseurs of vintage transport, and a wonderfully comfortable and inspiring holiday for non-enthusiast partners.
Thursday 5th June
A thrilling journey from London to Leipzig by rail
Delivering adventures from the very start, we travel by Eurostar, Thalys and ICE high speed trains from London St. Pancras via Brussels and Frankfurt to Leipzig. On arrival you’ll check into your central hotel near the station, right in the beautiful heart of Leipzig’s Old Town. This is your base for the tour, where a welcome dinner is served. (D)
Friday 6th June
The legendary tramways and stunning landmarks of Leipzig Leipzig has one of the largest and most diverse tram networks in Europe, but there’s much more
to this ancient historic city. It’s rich in interesting architecture with lovely old districts outside the immediate centre to explore. Today is dedicated to discovering Leipzig from the comfort of your own stylish private heritage tramway. We begin the day at the tram museum, where you’ll see the collection set off over rare track to explore the best parts of the network, travelling through the most attractive parts of the city away from the usual tourist hustle and bustle. As you’ll discover, there’s nothing quite like sightseeing from an elegant 1920s Pullman tram. We’ll travel on lines without regular passenger services, where we’ll pause for photos and refreshments. Once the private charter end’s you’re free to board parts of the network on regular services or enjoy photography at some of the best hotspots
and busiest junctions. Alternatively, simply wander the town centre at your leisure. In the evening you’ll rejoin the group for a tasty evening meal at the historic Bayerischer Bahnhof, one of Germany’s oldest preserved railway stations from the 1840s and now a popular brew house. (B D)
Saturday 7th June
The unique horse tramway of Döbeln Today is dedicated to one of Germany’s best kept secrets, a remarkable attraction brought back to life in 2007. We’ll travel to the little city of Döbeln, southeast of Leipzig, whose horse tramway operated from 1892 to 1926.
Between 2002 and 2007 the line was rebuilt by a group of dedicated volunteers and, in 2009, it was extended to reach the main theatre.
Having taken the train from Leipzig to Döbeln, we travel the full length of the horse tramway in a vintage 1898 coach before visiting the stables and dedicated museum. You’ll have time to film the special tram service framed by the lovely old medieval town buildings. In the afternoon we return to Leipzig via a short train ride, and you’ll have the evening free to get to know the city. (B)
Sunday 8th June
Leipzig Park Railway and Wittenberge Roundhouse
Today it’s all about the steam, which takes centre stage on two different gauges. The first is the tramway to Leipzig’s delightful park railway at Auensee, which has a circular two-kilometre layout around a lake on a 15 inch track. You’ll travel on board the original ‘Pacific’ No. 2 dating to 1928, one of six such perfectly preserved locomotives in Germany.
Afterwards we continue north by Deutsche Bahn service train to Lutherstadt Wittenberge, where there’s a roundhouse and steam locomotive museum right next to the railway station. One of the local tank engines will be in steam, available for rides and photo opportunities, and we include lunchtime refreshments. (B L)
Monday 9th June
Stylish vintage trams in beautiful Plauen
Today we travel by train from Leipzig to Plauen, still in Saxony, but close to the border with the province of Bavaria. Plauen’s compact tram system is framed by scenic castles, cathedrals, and impressive 19th century factories dating from the industrial revolution. The town is known for its active tram preservation society, and we’ll travel on both of its famous vehicles. The Bier Elektrische picks you up at the main station, Oberer Bahnhof, which as the name suggests involves a complimentary beer as you start the city tour on board a typical East German ‘Gotha’ unit. On reaching the depot we’ll switch to the famous green open balconied car 21 from 1905, one of the oldest operational electric tram cars in Germany. We will travel on two branches of the network before returning to the depot, where we transfer to the 1928 car 22, thus experiencing the entire heritage fleet on this exciting tour. Because Plauen is built on hills and valleys the trams climb some thrilling gradients, complete with marvellous views. Lunch is included in Plauen, and we return to base in Leipzig early evening. (B L)
Tuesday 10th June
Adventures on board the wonderful Interurban Tramway of Halle
After breakfast we board a direct DB service to Halle. This is Leipzig’s sister city, whose tramway is framed by the stunning churches and tall towers of the main city square. Here’s where we pick up a private tram with an historic 1920s vehicle. We visit the local tram museum, travel past the city’s most interesting landmarks then change to a 1960s Czech-built Tatra to wind our way along the amazing Interurban line 5 south to Merseburg and Bad Dürenberg, the longest tram route in Germany. The route is lined with fascinating diverse scenery, from historic districts to sprawling factories and wide-open fields. Lunch is included today, as is a dinner at your hotel when we get back to Leipzig. (B L D)
Wednesday 11th June
Fall in love with Germany’s smallest tramway in the Cathedral city of Naumburg
A magical UNESCO World Heritage site awaits you in the inspiring Cathedral city of Naumburg, just 50 minutes or so west of Leipzig. This is home to Germany’s smallest electric tramway, just 2.9km long. Your private charter trip on a 1928 heritage car, complete with plenty of photo stops and a depot visit, is full of interest. You’ll see the landmark cathedral with its characteristic four spires, the town’s main square and Rathaus, plus the magnificent circular medieval ramparts. Lunch is included, and we return to Leipzig in the late afternoon. (B L)
Thursday 12th June
A day of your own to enjoy independent exploring
You’re free to explore on the final day of your tour, complete with a complementary Saxony regional Rover ticket for travelling the region by train and tram. In the evening you rejoin your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Friday 13th June
Back home to London by high-speed train
One last thrill awaits us as we travel from Leipzig through Cologne and Brussels on highspeed trains before boarding the Eurostar – an adventure in itself – for the return trip to London St. Pancras International. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£1845
£325
Ground only £1595 (Leipzig – Leipzig)
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus return seating on Eurostar services from London St. Pancras to Brussels
✱ First Class travel on high-speed trains from Brussels to Leipzig and Leipzig to Brussels (where possible)
✱ 4 dinners and 4 lunches
✱ 8 night’s accommodation with breakfast
✱ All seat reservations and transfers
✱ All the privately chartered vintage tram rides and steam train visits as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Local public transport and rail rover tickets
✱ 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
Swiss Bernese Oberland
Wednesday 25th June to Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.
• Based in Alpine holiday Region of Grindelwald, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.
• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.
• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.
• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.
Wednesday 25th June
London to Grindelwald via Basel
You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. You then journey from Paris to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing by regional train direct to Grindelwald. Here you check into the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star 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 26th June
Free day in Grindelwald
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or take a stroll through the famous
mountain village, embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face. Making use of your Regional Pass you can visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. (B D)
Friday 27th 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 Grindelwald by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)
Saturday 28th June
Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’
A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’. You’ll travel by train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe. The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.
The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.
Georg Trueb Georg Trueb
Georg Trueb
There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Grindelwald you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindlewald with the group or return at your own leisure. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)
Sunday 29th 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 Grindlewald. (B D)
Monday 30th 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 1st 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 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 2nd July
Return to UK
After breakfast it is time to say your farewells and travel by regional train to Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Optional excursion
£2795
£195
£55
Day 6 – ‘The Schilthorn’ mountain visit
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating London to Paris and return
✱ 7 nights at the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star hotel in Grindelwald
✱ 7 dinners
✱ 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
Lyon, Avignon and the French Alps
Tuesday 1st July to Tuesday 8th July 2025
A brand-new tour to the beautiful Roman city of Lyon, the famed provençale town of Avignon and the highest peaks in the Alps of Savoy, including some of the best steam railways and most spectacular mountain trains in France.
• Conveniently based in the elegant city of Lyon throughout, you enjoy scenic cruises on the Rivers Rhône and Saône in both Lyon and Avignon.
• Experience the most spectacular French mountain railways with rides on the iconic Petit Train de la Mure and the steep Tramway du Mont Blanc.
• Enjoy French steam through untouched rural scenery with wonderful rides at the wild Train de l’Ardeche with a Mallet locomotive from 1902, plus travel along the banks of the Rhône behind an old tank engine.
• Explore the cultural and transport attractions of Lyon and Avignon with complimentary public tram tickets, allowing you to get around the cities with ease and comfort, plus discover their distinct rack railways, funiculars and trolleybuses.
• A relaxed holiday with a leisurely pace and lots to see close to Lyon, that is ideal for both railway enthusiasts and common travellers alike.
Tuesday 1st July
London to Lyon by high-speed rail
You travel from London St. Pancras to Paris Nord by Eurostar, before changing onto an SNCF TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon. Located in central France at the confluence of the Rivers Rhône and Saône, this beautiful city boasts an expansive Old Town full of Roman and Medieval heritage, plus spacious squares and romantic bridges. During the next week you will have ample time to see and enjoy all the Lyon has to offer. A complimentary public transport ticket is included for the duration of your stay. You are based at a centrally-located hotel, near all the attractions. Tonight there is a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Wednesday 2nd July
Scenic cruise, vintage transport and leisure in Lyon
As the third-largest city in France, Lyon boasts a unique transport network that includes Metro, tramway, two funiculars, one rack railway and an expansive trolleybus system. All of these modes of transport are not only interesting to discover, but also make it convenient and comfortable to see the city without walking. You will have ample free time today to explore Lyon and all of its cultural and architectural attractions at your own. Together with the tour group, a relaxing sightseeing cruise is also included giving you fine views of all the landmarks from the water. In the evening dinner is back at the hotel. (B D)
Thursday 3rd July
Steam at the Train de l’Ardèche
Just one hour south is this iconic French heritage railway, which is also known as ‘Le Mastrou’ and boasts an 0-6-6-0 metre gauge Mallet locomotive. You make the 28km long return steam journey through the wild landscape of the namesake Gorges de l’Ardèche. The railway passes over several stone-arched viaducts and through remote countryside that is both idyllic and rugged. Along the way there are photo opportunities and lunch is also included today. In the afternoon you return by steam train back to Tournon St Jean and then transfer back to Lyon. (B L)
Friday 4th July
French Alpine Railway at Chemin de Fer de la Mure
Today you venture deep into the French Alps south of Grenoble to the Petit Train de la Mure, an iconic narrow gauge railway famous for its horseshoe curves and stone-arched viaducts in the heart of very remote mountains.
Originally built in the 1880s for coal-mining, the railway was already electrified in the early 20th century and today features valuable Swissbuilt electric locomotives from 1933. You are accommodated in wonderful ‘fresh air’ half-open coaches which provide superb views of the passing scenery. You make the full round-trip on this steeply graded route and have lunch at the terminus, before once again returning by train to the main station at la Mure. (B L)
Saturday 5th July
Alpine splendor at the Tramway du Mont Blanc
The highest mountain in Western Europe awaits today, including a literal high point of the tour at Nid d’Aigle at 2372m (7782 ft) above sea level. Built from 1907 to 1914, this breathtaking, 12km long rack railway rises high into the Alps of Savoy and affords views of valleys below and of course the great white peak itself. You have a fast transfer from Lyon to La Roche-sur-Foron. There you board an SNCF TER train that takes you to Le Fayet. From there you ascend on the rack railway for the round trip to Nid d’Aigle (Eagle’s Nest). On return to Lyon there’s another dinner at the hotel tonight (B D)
Sunday 6th July
Steam at the Chemin de Fer touristique du Haut-Rhône
You visit another French heritage railway with steam traction, conveniently located just east of Lyon along the banks of the Rhône, surrounded by hilly countryside. With 4km of track on
600mm gauge, this delightful little railway boasts wonderful half-open fresh-air coaches, great views and ample opportunities for pictures or filming. The resident stalwart is an 0-6-0 Decauville from 1922. Lunch refreshments are included, before you return to Lyon and have some more leisure time in the city. (B L)
Monday 7th July
Scenic cruise and tramway in Avignon
Located in the heart of the lush Provence region, Avignon is a marvellous UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Old Town and distinct bridges over the Rivers Rhône and Durance. You travel to Avignon by taking a locomotivehauled SNCF TER train from Lyon via Valence over the conventional railway route. On arrival to Avignon, you will be given a tramway rover ticket for the day and can use it to explore the short 5 km tram system with just one line, as well as see the city without walking. The ticket can also be used on the town buses for easy access to the Old Town. After more free time to explore the beautiful Old Town and Promenade, you have a refreshing sightseeing cruise allowing you to see the sites from the water. In the late afternoon you return from Avignon to Lyon by train and have a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Tuesday 8th July
Return to London by rail
The time has come to bid Lyon Adieu as you return to London using a high-speed TGV to Paris and then a Eurostar service to London St. Pancras. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£2295
£395
Ground only £2045 (Lyon – Lyon)
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating from London to Paris and return
✱ 7 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located hotels
✱ 3 Lunches and 4 Dinners
✱ All train travel and transfers
✱ Complementary public transport rover tickets
✱ Site admissions to all the attractions as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast
Lunch - D = Dinner
Rail and Fjords of Norway
Saturday 5th July to Wednesday 16th July 2025
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 5th 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 6th July
Steam on the Krøderbanen and Urskog-Hølandsbanen Railways
Today you take a private road coach to Krøderen and join a steam-hauled train with teak carriages on the Krøderbanen, Norway’s longest preserved railway line. You’ll travel 26 km to Vikersund and back. In the afternoon your road coach takes you to Sørumsand for a chartered trip aboard a
steam-hauled train on the Urskog-Hølandsbanen line. There’ll be photographic run pasts staged on this 750mm gauge preserved railway, once part of the Oslo-Stockholm main line. You return to your hotel in Oslo in time for dinner. (B L D)
Monday 7th 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 8th July
Spectacular mountains and fjords en route to Bergen
Today you leave Oslo on the morning train to Bergen for one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. The route climbs to high altitude at 1,303 metres (4,267 feet), passing lush forests, snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and thundering waterfalls. After Finse, the highest station on the line, your train continues across barren and windswept mountain plateaux with everlasting snow as a stunning backdrop. You pass through tunnels and beside deep fjords as you descend to Bergen to arrive midafternoon. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing in Bergen, a city surrounded by hills and fjords. Sights of note include the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site the fish market, busy quayside, and the home of Edvard Grieg.
Tore Bjorback-Amblie
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 9th 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 10th 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 exmain 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 11th 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 12th 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 for a transfer by 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 13th July
The Setesdalsbanen Narrow Gauge Railway
This morning after breakfast you travel by 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. Later you join a regular train from Kristiansand to Hamar for an overnight stay. (B D)
Monday 14th July
Hamar Railway Museum; Hamar to Åndalsnes via Dombas on the Rauma line
This morning you visit the National Railway Museum at Hamar to view the national collection and take a trip on their steam operated museum line. Early afternoon you travel by train to Andalsnes via Dombas, covering the Rauma line awarded the most beautiful railway line in Europe by lonely planet in 2022, also featured in the Mission:Impossible Dead Reckoning film. On arrival in Andalsnes you transfer by road coach to Ålesundl. You’ll spend the next two nights in Ålesund where dinner is served in the hotel. (B D)
Tuesday 15th July
Cruise the Geirangerfjord
Today, you experience a full day’s cruise along the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords and is rightly famous for its spectacularly high scenic waterfalls. You should arrive back in Ålesund by the early evening, with plenty of time to explore this Art Nouveau seaside town. Dinner is again served in the hotel. (B D)
Wednesday 16th 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)
(Oslo – Oslo) Price includes:
Return flights London to Oslo
11 nights hotel accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels including breakfasts ✱ 2 lunch and 9 dinners
Rail travel as detailed in the itinerary
All transfers
All travel advertised by ship and road coach
The services of a Tour Manager
Alpine Pullman Classic Express
Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July 2025
Enjoy a stunning five-day alpine tour, featuring insights into Switzerland’s rail history, views of its natural beauty, and a tour of one of its most beautiful and populous cities.
• Take in the beautiful Alpine landscapes of Switzerland.
• Visit the Landwasser Viaduct and Albula Railway Museum, and learn about the history of rail travel in the region.
• Ride the Alpine Pullman Classic Express and experience their luxurious carriages and amazing views.
• Enjoy a scenic cruise on the breathtaking Lake Lucerne.
• Get to know the city of Lucerne on a guided tour.
• Enjoy an authentic Swiss lunch at a luxurious restaurant at the peak of Mt Pilatus.
Monday 7th July
Arrive in Davos
Today you take a direct flight from London to Basel, Switzerland. From there, you travel by rail to Davos, a picturesque resort town in the Rhaetian Alps, where you will check into the Central Sporthotel. Davos is home to one of Switzerland’s largest ski resorts, and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as Lake Davos. After checking in you have the rest of the day to explore Davos at your leisure, before making your way back to the hotel for a welcome dinner.
Tuesday 8th July
Landwasser Viaduct and Albula Railway Museum
After breakfast at the hotel, you head to the Rhaetian Railway for a memorable day out. First you travel to Filisur on the Landwasser Express, where you will stop to view and enjoy a tour of the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, this
impressive feat of architecture is a must for any railway enthusiast. Afterwards, you will visit the Albula Railway Museum in Bergün. The museum hosts 600 exhibits, guiding you through the history of rail travel in Graubünden. It features old railway equipment, historical documents and engineering plans, as well as a simulator that allows you to experience driving the legendary Crocodile locomotive yourself. Lunch will be served at Bergün or Filisur. After lunch, you’ll return to Davos and take the funicular up to Schatzalp for some impressive Alpine views, before returning to the hotel for dinner. (B L D)
Wednesday 9th July
Alpine Classic Pullman Express, cruise on Lake Lucerne
Today you meet in reception with your luggage, this will be transferred directly to your hotel in Sarnen. Following check out, you embark on the Alpine Classic Pullman Express to Andermatt. You will travel the famous UNESCO World Heritage route on the Albula line over
the Landwasser Viaduct, and experience the natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s Grand Canyon, as you follow the route over the Oberalp Pass. The nostalgic saloon carriages, with their comfortable armchairs, bay windows, and teak wood furnishings, all contribute to the unique charm of the Alpine Classic Pullman Express. Upon arrival in Andermatt, you continue by rail to Flüelen at the southern tip of Lake Lucerne, travelling through the wild Schöllenen Gorge and along the Reuss. From Flüelen you will board a boat for a scenic cruise to Lucerne. From there you take a short train journey to Sarnen, where you will check into the Hotel Krone for dinner. (B D)
Thursday 10th July
Lucerne tour, Cogwheel railway to Mt Pilatus and cruise
After breakfast at the hotel, you will get to know Lucerne through a guided tour of the city. You’ll be inspired by the numerous market squares, the colourfully painted houses, and
Georg Trueb Christian Ticar
the famous Chapel Bridge. Lucerne is also home to a number of beautiful, original shops which you will have the opportunity to browse. At lunchtime, you take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up the local mountain, the 2173 metre high Mt Pilatus. Here you will enjoy lunch at the Pilatus-Kulm restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, you return back to Alpnachstad, where you take a lake cruise back
to Lucerne. On arrival back in lucerne you return by train back to your hotel in Sarnen, where your farewell dinner will be served. (B L D)
Friday 11th July
Return home
After breakfast, you check out of your hotel and return by rail to Basel Airport for a direct flight home. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£1995
£175
Ground only £1895 (Basel – Basel)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to Basel
✱ 2 Nights Accommodation at 4-star hotel in Davos
✱ 2 Nights Accommodation at 4-star hotel in Sarnen
✱ 4 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
✱ Travel on the Rhaetian Railway from Davos to Filisur
✱ Landwasser Viaduct tour on the Landwasser Express
✱ Albula Railway museum entrance and guided tour at Bahnmuseum Albula in Bergün
✱ Excursion to Schatzalp
✱ Alpine Pullman Express from Davos to Andermatt
✱ Cruises as detailed in the Itinerary
✱ Guided tour of Lucerne
✱ Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals
Christian Ticar
Swiss Bernese Oberland
Wednesday 9th July to Wednesday 16th July 2025
Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.
• Based in Alpine holiday Region of Grindelwald, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.
• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.
• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.
• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.
Wednesday 9th July
London to Grindelwald via Basel
You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. You then journey from Paris to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing by regional train direct to Grindelwald. Here you check into the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star 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 10th July
Free day in Grindelwald
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or take a stroll through the famous
mountain village, embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face. Making use of your Regional Pass you can visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. (B D)
Friday 11th 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 Grindelwald by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)
Saturday 12th 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 by train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe. The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.
The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.
Georg Trueb Georg Trueb
Andrew Thompson
There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Grindelwald you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindlewald with the group or return at your own leisure. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)
Sunday 13th 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 Grindlewald. (B D)
Monday 14th 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 15th 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 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 16th July
Return to UK
After breakfast it is time to say your farewells and travel by regional train to Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Optional excursion
£2795
£195
£55
Day 6 – ‘The Schilthorn’ mountain visit
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating London to Paris and return
✱ 7 nights at the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star hotel in Grindelwald
✱ 7 dinners
✱ A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland
✱ All rail, tram and boat trips as mentioned 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
Steam around the Austrian Lakes
Wednesday 9th July to Wednesday 16th July 2025
Paddle steamers, steam trains, mountain railways and, best of all, fantastic Alpine landscapes all feature on this wonderful holiday tour of the Austrian Lake District.
• Conveniently based in Salzburg throughout, you’ll enjoy a truly relaxed and refined tour itinerary, with ample time for personal leisure and travel exploration of the city’s many attractions, including castles, funiculars, palaces and mountain railways.
• Experience Austria’s finest and most tranquil mountain lakes on private charter cruises featuring genuine paddle steamers, vintage motor vessels and elegant salon ships, including the iconic steamboat ‘Gisela’ from 1871.
• Combine scenic journeys by water with mountaineering excursions on steam-powered rack railways, steep funiculars and panoramic gondolas, taking you to some of Europe’s most spectacular peaks, all in comfort and style.
• The fabulous ‘little trains’ of Austria feature prominently on this holiday, and journeys on the idyllic Zillertalbahn, Pinzgauerbahn, Steyrtalbahn and Pöstlingbergbahn and Achenseebahn narrow-gauge railways let you sample both ‘Plandampf’ and private charter travel with plenty of run-pasts and photo stops.
Wednesday 9th July
Arrive in Salzburg; exploration with all-inclusive Salzburg Card
After a direct morning flight from London to Salzburg you arrive in the birth city of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by mid-day. After transfer to your hotel, you enjoy a welcome lunch and receive a Salzburg Card all-inclusive access pass, allowing full access to the city’s local trolleybus network, the popular fortress funicular and vertical elevator to the top of the Mönchsberg, from where you can enjoy views of the spires and rooftops of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The Salzburg card also covers admission for all city museums, the Mozart sites and the historic Stiegl brewery. Following your discovery of Salzburg, there’s an evening dinner back at the hotel. (L D)
Thursday 10th July
The palaces and mountain railways of Salzburg
Salzburg is packed and stacked with a unique variety of attractions that will appeal to both the common traveler as well as the railway enthusiast. This includes the ornate palace at Hellbrunn with its famous fountains and water displays. From Hellbrunn you continue to the nearby Untersbergbahn, a scenic aerial cableway in the south of Salzburg that takes you to the top of the cragged Untersberg summit at a height of 1972 m above sea level. From there you have stunning views of both the Austrian and Bavarian Alps. After the descent back down you can return by trolleybus to the city centre, for more individual discovery and cultural exploration of Salzburg. For all railway
enthusiasts there is also an inclusive ticket for the Salzburger Lokalbahn, the scenic local railway that serves two branches to the north of the city using vintage stock and passing over several impressive viaducts. In the evening there’s another dinner back at the hotel. (B D)
Friday 11th July
Paddle cruise on Wolfgangsee and steam charter at the spectacular Schafberg rack railway
In the morning there is still time to use your Salzburg Card for all the countless city attractions you might now have yet been able to see and do on the previous two days.
Then in the early afternoon you transfer to the nearby Alpine lake Wolfgangsee for a charter cruise on this serene mountain lake aboard the historic 1873 paddle-wheeler Kaiser Franz Josef. This white-funnelled ship will take you back in time to the glory days of the late 19th century. Afterwards you ascend to the summit of nearby Mount Schafberg by private steam train on its famed rack and pinion railway, the steepest steam-powered rack railway in Austria, dating from 1893. From the top you’ll have stunning evening views of lakes and distant glaciers. You have dinner at the summit restaurant before you descend back down the mountain by steam train just in time for sunset. Then you return by private coach to Salzburg. (B D)
Saturday 12th July
Alpine steam at Zell am See on the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn
After breakfast you travel by ÖBB train to the famed mountainous resort town of Zell am See, a chalet village framed by tall peaks and situated on the banks of a small lake. After a look around the village you have a private steam charter train from Zell am See to the railways’ current end-point at Mittersill with the unique ‘Express’ steam locomotive 73-019. This magnificent 2-6-2 tender locomotive is the fastest narrow gauge steam locomotive in Austria and was built in 1913 for use in Bosnia. Typical Austrian apple strudel and other light refreshments will be served in the bar car of the train at mid-day. In the late afternoon you return to Salzburg by ÖBB service train, which is likely to be hauled by a classic Class 1144 electric locomotive. Tonight you are free to dine at leisure at a local restaurant of your choice. (B L)
Sunday 13th July
Steam at the Steyrtalbahn and Pöstlingbergbahn mountain railway in Linz
Today you take a late morning ÖBB express train from Salzburg to Linz, before continuing by coach to Steyr. Here you experience one of the oldest preserved railways in Austria and one its most idyllic ‘little trains’. The line leads along roughly 16 km (10 miles) through a pretty valley to Grünburg. There will be ample opportunities to photograph the rustic tank engine dating from the early 20th century, before returning to Linz by private coach.
There you board a vintage electric tramway on the panoramic Pöstlingbergbahn mountain railway. This engineering marvel from 1898 is one of the steepest adhesion-only railways in the world with gradients up to 1 in 8.6 (11.6%). Your stylish train first crosses the River Danube,
offering a full view of the urban landscape, before making the climb to the mountain-top at 519 m above sea level. From the top you will have sweeping views of Linz, the Danube and the pretty hillside scenery of Upper Austria. Then you descend back down the Pöstlingbergbahn, with its total length of 4.1 km. At the main square in Linz you enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner at a local Brauhaus, with ornate wooden panelling and tall ceilings. You return by ÖBB Railjet to Salzburg. (B D)
Monday 14th July
Paddle steamer cruise on the Traunsee, Gmunden tramway
This morning you travel to the beautiful lakeside town of Gmunden in the heart of the Austrian Alps, to enjoy a private charter cruise on Lake Traunsee aboard the iconic paddle steamer Gisela of 1871, one of the oldest operational steamboats in the world. You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ship surrounded by incredible scenery with amazing Alpine views. Gmunden is also famous for featuring one of the smallerst urban tramway’s in Austria and you take the scenic tram back to the main line railway station, before returning on ÖBB service trains to Salzburg. In the evening you may enjoy more time at leisure in the city. (B L)
Tuesday 15th 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. 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 D)
Wednesday 16th July 2025
Return to London
After breakfast, you have a direct transfer to Salzburg airport, for a morning flight back to London. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£2295
£345
£2095 (Salzburg – Salzburg)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to Salzburg and back to London
✱ 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
✱ 3 lunches and 5 Dinners
✱ All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All specially chartered trips on heritage trams and vintage ships
✱ All train and road coach travel as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All transfers and visits as detailed in the itinerary
✱ A complimentary 48-hour Salzburg Card tourist pass
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
Railways, River Cruises and World War II History in Poland
Thursday 17th July to Friday 25th July 2025
See some of the most important and fascinating WWII sites in the Polish cities and countryside, on a tour that combines history and culture with First Class railway travel, private tramway rides, scenic river cruises and a narrow gauge steam railway excursion.
• Based throughout in the beautiful historic city of Krakow, this tour takes you to Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Krakow’s Aviation Museum, Gliwice Radio Tower and the Tarnow Old Town with Jewish Ghetto.
• Visits to the inspiring and UNESCO-designated Kazimierz Jewish quarter in Krakow and the Holocaust remembrance site in Oświęcim, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
• First Class travel on PKP Intercity services between the different cities, including a wonderful day-trip on Poland’s most scenic railway line to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, plus excursion on the panoramic Gubalowka mountain-top funicular.
• A privately chartered river cruise below Wawel Castle in Krakow as well as private rides on the fun and popular electric golf carts in Krakow and Tarnow, allowing you to sightsee the main sites and historic landmarks in comfort and style.
• A visit to the amazing salt mines at Wieliczka, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an incredible network of beautiful underground chambers and chapels that are unique in the world.
Thursday 17th July
Arrive to Krakow
Fly direct from London to Krakow. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and will be your base for the entire duration of the tour. After a welcome lunch at your centrally located quality hotel, you are free to have a first look around and explore the Old Town with its expansive main market square and ornate buildings. You will be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket valid for all days of the tour. (L)
Friday 18th July
Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, Oskar Schindler’s factory, sunset dinner cruise on the River Vistula
Today we visit the Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, with its preserved synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. Transport through the narrow alleys and old cobble-stone streets is by electric golf carts. You have an English audio-guide. You drive around the historic districts and then over the River Vistula to the former Jewish Ghetto, where the main square has been turned into an evocative memorial with vacant chairs, commemorating the heroes of the Ghetto. The trip will conclude at Oskar Schindler’s enamel
factory, made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1992 feature film ‘Schindler’s List, where several hundred Jews were saved from death.
Today, the factory is a museum, providing an immersive experience. After the museum visit there is some free time, before a wonderful evening sightseeing cruise on the River Vistula and below Wawel Castle. Full dinner catering and complimentary drinks are included on the sunset cruise. (B D)
Saturday 19th July
Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow and Wieliczka salt mine
Today you visit the Polish Aviation Museum has
one of the finest collections of 1930s and 40s aircrafts in Europe.The museum showcases 22 extremely rare war planes built before 1941, including a unique collection of wooden bi-planes from World War I. In the afternoon you take the train from Krakow main station directly to Wieliczka, where you visit the famed Wieliczka Salt Mine. This stunning underground facility with the unique St. Kinga’s Chapel inside, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening there’s a buffet dinner back at the hotel. (B D)
Sunday 20th July
Heritage tramways and leisure in Krakow
On Sundays during the summer, Krakow’s popular museum tramway is in regular service. You will have a complimentary rover ticket for unlimited rides on the different heritage trams, once again giving you a great opportunity to sightsee the city in style and comfort, without walking. Additionally, this day is dedicated for more free time to individually explore all the cultural attractions that the city has to offer. (B)
Monday 21st July
Scenic railway journey to the Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, Gubalowka funicular
After breakfast you embark on a wonderful train trip in First Class aboard a PKP Intercity train from Krakow to Zakopane. Between Chabowka and Zakopane, the train passes over the most scenic railway line in Poland as it heads directly south towards the rocky cliffs of the Tatra Mountains. After arrival in Zakopane you have a transfer to the town centre on the popular electric golf cars, seeing the characteristic wooden mountain cottages that this resort is known for. Then you ascend to the 1129 m (3704 ft) high Mount Gubalowka on the Swiss-built funicular. From the top you will have wonderful views of mountains and valleys. You have lunch in Zakopane, before taking a late afternoon Intercity train back to Krakow, once again enjoying the fine views along the way. (B L)
Tuesday 22nd July
Trip to Oświęcim and visit of the Auschwitz concentration camp
The town of Oświęcim is located west of Krakow. Today you have a direct transfer from the hotel to the memorial sites and a guided visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, which narrates first-hand the horrors of the Holocaust. The hotel will provide you with lunch to take with you. (B L)
Wednesday 23rd July
Historic Tarnow and train ride in panoramic dome car
The enchanting city of Tarnow, one hour east of Krakow, is one of the best kept secrets in Poland. With a gorgeous Old Town, spacious squares and soaring churches it has much of the same charm and appeal of Krakow, but without the crowds. Additionally the city features poignant World War II history and had its own Jewish Ghetto during occupation. You see the city on a comfortable sightseeing tour by electric golf cart, before enjoying some refreshments at the main square. In the afternoon you return to Krakow on the EuroCity ‘Porta Moravica’, which features a Swiss-built panoramic dome car in its consist. You enjoy the First Class trip back to Krakow in the dome car, with fine views along the tracks. In the evening there’s dinner back at the hotel. (B D)
Thursday 24th July
Visit to the Gliwice Radio Tower in Upper Silesia, narrow gauge steam train in Bytom
Today you travel westbound by Intercity train from Krakow to Gliwice. Located in the Silesian coal-mining region, Gliwice (Gleiwitz) was German until 1945. Gliwice Radio Station is a 118 m (387 ft) tall wooden Radio Tower built by the German Reichspost in 1935. On 31 August 1939, the German’s staged a fake ‘Polish’ attack on the Gliwice radio station, which was later used as justification for Hitler’s long-planned invasion of Poland. The transmitter tower remains the tallest wooden structure in Europe, locally known as the “Eiffel Tower of Silesia”. Afterwards, you visit the nearby city of Bytom for lunch, before taking the local narrow gauge railway and enjoying a steam-hauled journey on a private charter train to the northern terminus Miasteczko Śląskie. You will pass the old Polish-German frontier from the Interwar Years and see numerous border fortifications and bunkers from the late 1930. Runpasts and other photo stops are also included. From the narrow gauge railway you continue to Katowice, where you have some time for sightseeing in the historic city centre before returning to Krakow by Intercity train. In the evening there’s a final group dinner at the hotel. (B L D)
Friday 25th July
Return to London
You have a direct coach transfer from the hotel to the airport and then a return flight from Krakow to London. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£1795
£395
£1695 (Krakow – Krakow)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to Krakow and return
✱ 8 nights accommodation with breakfast at centrally located hotels
✱ 4 lunches and 4 dinners
✱ First Class rail travel on PKP Intercity services with seat reservations, Standard Class travel on local trains, when First Class is not available
✱ All privately chartered river cruises and steam train rides as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Complementary public transport rover tickets in Krakow, Gubalowka funicular tickets in Zakopane
✱ City sightseeing rides and local transfers in comfortable and nimble electric golf carts
✱ Museum and site admissions to all the attractions and memorials as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Local guides and translators
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
The Baltic Seasider
Saturday 26th July to Sunday 3rd August 2025
This new holiday to the Polish coast is packed with several centuries of history, culture, and of course diverse railways. Based in the historic Hanseatic City of Gdansk, your holiday includes visits to the largest castle in the world, the oldest British-built naval destroyer, charming railway trips, important memorial sites from World War II and pristine beaches.
• Visit the elegant seaside resort town of Sopot, the ‘Rimini of the North’, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Malbork Castle.
• Visit the World War II memorial sites at Westerplatte, and step aboard the preserved Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica in the port of Gdynia.
• Enjoy private river and harbour cruises in Gdansk and Gdynia, as well as the sunset sail from Hel across the bay to Gdansk.
• Experience rail journeys on local, regional, and Intercity trains in the region, with vintage traction and First-Class accommodation, plus train trips to the famed Hel peninsula and the seaside branch line to Łeba.
Saturday 26th July
Arrive in Gdansk
A direct flight from London will take you to Gdansk before transferring to your city centre hotel. After a welcome meal at the hotel, you’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring this fine city at leisure. All the major attractions are in the Old Town or along the historic harbour, close to your hotel. You’ll also receive a weeklong public transport rover ticket, so you can explore the city’s local tram network. (L)
Sunday 27th July
Vintage trolleybuses, Destroyer Błyskawica and harbour cruise in Gdynia
The port city of Gdynia was developed during the 1920s and 1930s and boasts several Art Deco landmarks from that era. The German battleship ‘Bismarck’ sailed from it during German occupation in May 1941 on its lone
combat mission to the North Atlantic, before being sunk by the Royal Navy on 27 May 1941. Today, Gdynia remains Poland’s preeminent maritime city. You’ll see more naval World War II history here in the form of the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica (Lightning). The destroyer was decommissioned in 1976 and is now an attractive naval museum in the harbour. Built with its sister ORP Grom (Thunder) in 1935 by Samuel White at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Błyskawica was designed to be faster and better armoured than most destroyers of that time. Withdrawn to safety in UK waters just before the German invasion of Poland, the ship served with its Polish crew under the banner of the Royal Navy for countless campaigns of WWII. After the tour of the destroyer, you have a scheduled sightseeing ride of Gdynia to enjoy, travelling on the vintage trolleybus heritage line that is in service on Sundays in the summer and includes classic vehicles from the 1950s. The day in Gdynia
finishes with an afternoon private sightseeing cruise of the harbour, including complimentary drinks. In the evening you return to Gdansk for dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Monday 28th July
Gdansk Shipyard Museum, Baltic resort at Sopot, Gdansk sunset dinner cruise
This morning you first visit the Gdansk shipyard museum and narrates the history of the Solidarity (Solidarnosc) workers union, which was a key anti-communist movement in the 1980s and contributed to the downfall of the Iron Curtain. You then take a local train from Gdansk’s historic main station dating from 1900 to Sopot. This is Poland’s premier seaside resort, steeped in grand architecture from the early 20th Century. The town’s sandy beach and long boardwalk pier are easily accessible from the railway station, as is the town centre, with
its attractive cafes. Enjoy the seaside resort ambiance, which in the 1920s was known as the ‘Rimini of the North’, thanks to its vibrant cultural life. With your flexible railway ticket, you have free time in Sopot before you take the frequent local train back to Gdansk. In the evening you rejoin your group for a sunset harbour cruise on the River Motława in Gdansk. (B D)
Tuesday 29th July
World War II history in Gdansk, Westerplatte port ferry, and Polish Post Office Museum
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to explore the important WWII history of the city. The first battle of WWII began on the 1st of September 1939 at the Westerplatte fort, inside Gdansk harbour. The port ferry will take you on a scenic harbour cruise down the river and past the port cranes to Westerplatte, to visit the battlefield museum and memorial on the Westerplatte peninsula. After a 90-minute visit, you return by boat to the Old Town to see the World War II Museum as well as the Polish Post Office, site of another heroic ‘last stand’ in September 1939. After the visit to both museums, you are free to spend the rest of the day at leisure and explore more of Gdansk. (B)
Wednesday 30th July
Standard and narrow-gauge railways of the Hel peninsula, World War II history and sunset ferry back to Gdansk
Located north of Gdynia, the Hel peninsula juts out in the Baltic Sea and during the 1930s was of crucial strategic significance for Poland and the protection of the Polish Corridor. Extensive coastal defences were built on the peninsula, which today can be visited as a museum. You take a direct PKP Intercity Train from Gdansk to the seaside terminus of Hel, travelling in First Class and using both electric and diesel locomotives. At Hel, the standard gauge railway terminus is right next to the beaches, and you can stroll along the popular promenade. Then you have a short transfer by popular golf cart to the local military museum and narrow-gauge railway, getting a guided tour of both and having a train ride on the line, originally built for military purposes. After some more time on the sandy, windswept beaches of Hel and time for refreshments, you take the evening ferry from Hel directly back to Gdansk, enjoying the fine views of the Baltic Sea at dusk. (B)
Thursday 31st July
Heritage Steamer in Gdansk and tramway to the Baltic beaches at Stogi
After breakfast you visit the impressive SS Soldek, a permanently moored tall stack steamship along the river quayside. This steampowered 1948 bulk carrier was the first ship built in Gdansk after the war and was in active use until 1980. Its preserved engines and boilers are fully accessible, as are crew quarters and the wheelhouse. Then you enjoy one of the city’s signature attractions, its famed tramway to the seaside at Stogi, where delightful and expansive beaches await all visitors with pristine sands and dunes. After some more free time to enjoy and explore Gdansk, you meet your fellow travellers again in the evening for another dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Friday 1st August
Railway journey on the Baltic branch line to the seaside town of Łeba
Today you explore another one of the region’s attractive railway lines that leads straight to the Baltic Sea and features a combination of both classic electric and vintage diesel traction. You take a PKP Intercity train in First Class from Gdansk station via Gdynia to the junction of Lębork, before a traction change is made and a classic diesel takes you up the branch to the seaside terminus at Łeba. You have a chance to explore this resort and the pretty promenade. In the afternoon you return by PKP Intercity train to Gdansk. (B)
Saturday 2nd August
By train to Malbork Castle and across the iconic Tczew Viaduct
After breakfast you take a direct train from Gdansk to Malbork, traveling by PKP Intercity train hauled by a vintage type EU07 electric locomotive. En route you’ll cross the landmark, 840-metre-long railway viaduct across the River Vistula at Tczew. At Malbork you will visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, largest castle complex in the world, originally established by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th Century. You make the return ride to Gdansk in the afternoon. In the evening there’s a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Sunday 3rd August
Return to London
You have a direct flight from Gdansk back to London. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£1945
£325
£1799 (Gdansk – Gdansk)
Price includes:
✱ 8 nights accommodation with breakfast at a centrally located, quality hotel
✱ Flights from London to Gdansk and return
✱ 1 lunch and 4 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 train rides as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Complementary week long public transport rover ticket
✱ Museum and site admissions to all the attractions and memorials as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
Tramways and Historic Cities of Poland
Monday 4th August to Tuesday 12th August 2025
An all new tour to the historic cities and delightful tramways of Poland, exploring fascinating networks on privately chartered heritage vehicles from the early and mid 20th century, including depot visits, photo stops and ‘rare track’ not available in regular service.
• Staying in the elegant and vibrant cities of Poznan and Warsaw, you will also make excursions to Wroclaw, Lodz and Lublin, exploring the tramways, trolleybuses and cultural highlights of these destinations.
• You will enjoy sightseeing of the historic city centres and each tram network with privately chartered vintage vehicles, giving you exclusive and behind-the-scenes access to depots and museums, photos stops at scenic locations and travel over those unusual parts of the network that are not covered in regular service, including rare curves or unusual lines. Additionally you will also have free time in each city for photography or individual travel on the rest of the tram network using complimentary rover tickets.
• Aside from 1920s trams and convenient point-to-point Intercity train travel, enjoy the narrow gauge trains at the Maltanka Park Railway in Poznan, classic trolleybuses in Lublin, as well as visits and complimentary admission to the large railway museum in Warsaw, the WWII Warsaw Uprising Museum and Warsaw’s Royal Palace and Gardens.
• An ideal tour for tramway enthusiasts and connoisseurs of vintage transport, with the opportunity to see the best of Poland at the same time.
Monday 4th August
Arrive in Poznan
You fly non-stop from London Luton to Poznan in Western Poland. On arrival you transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you will be given a complimentary public transport ticket for use on the extensive tram network. In the evening a welcome dinner will be served at the hotel. (D)
Tuesday 5th August
Maltanka Park Railway and Heritage trams in Poznan
In the morning you first visit the 3.8km long Park Railway at Maltanka.
The line is located in the east of the city and conveniently reached by tram. You will have a private charter train hauled by the resident steam stalwart, a green Borsig locomotive from 1925 or a heritage diesel railcar from 1932, depending on the timely overhaul completion of the steam locomotive. In the early afternoon you then have a private sightseeing tour of Poznan by vintage green tramway, seeing the best parts of the network, covering ‘rare track’, and also visiting the heritage depot. In the evening there’s time to enjoy more of the city, perhaps having dinner at one of the excellent brew houses on the colourful main square Rynek with its medieval landmarks and tall spire city hall. (B)
Wednesday 6th August
Vintage tramways and landmarks of Wroclaw
After breakfast you take a direct PKP Intercity train in First Class from Poznan to Wroclaw. The journey takes 90 mins and you arrive at the most beautiful large railway station in Poland, the elegant Neo Gothic Wrocław Główny terminal from 1904. You have a private tram tour of Wroclaw on a classic 1929 Linke Hofmann standard car, locally built in the city in 1929, when it was still known as Breslau and a part of Germany. Your tramway tour will take you through the heart of the Old Town and past
the beautiful river islands, which are framed by the cathedral. Passing over numerous of the landmark bridges across the River Odra, you will see the very best of Wroclaw. A depot visit, photo stops and travel over tram track not used by regular lines, are some of the highlights. Lunch is also included today and you will then have time to explore the city and the network, with a complimentary local ticket. You return to Poznan in the evening and have dinner at the hotel. (B L D)
Thursday 7th August
Trams and Museums Poznan an on to Warsaw
This morning you have free time to explore Poznan, its historic sites and its tram network. A complimentary visit to the Polish National Museum in Poznan is also included. This gallery is housed in a palace dating from 1904 and features a collection of classic and modernist paintings, ranging from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, including such masters as Claude Monet. In the afternoon you then take a direct PKP Intercity train to Warsaw, where you check into your hotel near Warszawa Centralna station and have dinner there. You will also be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket for easy access in the city throughout the rest of your stay. This will allow you to use all trams, buses and the metro. (B D)
Friday 8th August
Vintage tramways in Lodz
After breakfast you make the 70 minute train trip to Lodz in Central Poland. This is a remarkable city from the Industrial Revolution, famous for its many preserved and beautifully restored red brick textile mills from the 19th century. Lodz therefore was always known as the ‘Manchester of Poland’ and you will see its countless mills and museums by tramway. Lodz is one of Poland’s ‘best kept secrets’, partly due to its long pedestrianised city centre along vibrant Piotrkowska Street. Your vintage tram from the day is a remarkable Polish-built Sanok car from 1929, the only one currently in preservation and operational. You will travel over the most interesting parts of the network on your private charter, including the rarely used loop at Piotrkowska Centrum, before having lunch at the large Manufaktura textile mill complex. In the afternoon you have free time for further tram travel, photography or city exploration, before returning to Warsaw in the early evening on a direct Intercity service. (B L)
Saturday 9th and Sunday
10th August
Vintage trams and top museums in Warsaw
This weekend is dedicated to the fascinating Polish capital city. You start on Saturday with a visit to the national railway museum at Ochota, with its large collection of preserved steam, diesel and electric locomotives, including a unique armoured train from World War II. Then you continue to the nearby Warsaw Uprising museum, one of the best WWII museums in Continental Europe, which narrates the epic yet often overlooked Warsaw Uprising against Germany in August 1944. On Sunday morning you start the day with a visit to the Royal Palace and Gardens in the heart of Warsaw’s rebuilt Old Town, on the banks of the River Vistula. The rest of the weekend you are free to explore the city by tram and metro. As a special attraction, on each summer weekend the Warsaw tourist tram lines are in public service using a large number of vintage vehicles. On each evening there is a dinner buffet back at the hotel. (B D)
Monday 11th August
History and trolley buses in Lublin
Today you visit the castle city of Lublin, southeast of Warsaw. Aside from a historic railway station, ornate old town with spacious squares, it also boasts one of just three trolleybus networks in all of Poland. You ride and photograph the delightful trolleys, see the city in comfort and style, thus enjoying another ‘best kept secret’ off the tourist trail. You return to Warsaw in the evening for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B L D)
Tuesday 12th August
Warsaw at leisure and return to London
In the morning you still have some free time to spend in Warsaw, before taking an afternoon direct flight back to London. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£1595
£295
£1475 (Poznan – Warsaw)
Price includes:
✱ Direct flights from London Luton to Poznan and from Warsaw to London Luton, plus airport transfers
✱ 8 nights accomodation with breakfast
✱ 6 dinners and 3 lunches
✱ All seat reservations and transfers
✱ All privately chartered vintage tram, train travel and visits detailed in the itinerary
✱ Included local public transport and rail rover tickets
✱ The services of a tour guide
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Alpine Pullman Classic Express
Monday 4th August to Friday 8th August 2025
Enjoy a stunning five-day alpine tour, featuring insights into Switzerland’s rail history, views of its natural beauty, and a tour of one of its most beautiful and populous cities.
• Take in the beautiful Alpine landscapes of Switzerland.
• Visit the Landwasser Viaduct and Albula Railway Museum, and learn about the history of rail travel in the region.
• Ride the Alpine Pullman Classic Express and experience their luxurious carriages and amazing views.
• Enjoy a scenic cruise on the breathtaking Lake Lucerne.
• Get to know the city of Lucerne on a guided tour.
• Enjoy an authentic Swiss lunch at a luxurious restaurant at the peak of Mt Pilatus.
Monday 4th August
Arrive in Davos
Today you take a direct flight from London to Basel, Switzerland. From there, you travel by rail to Davos, a picturesque resort town in the Rhaetian Alps, where you will check into the Central Sporthotel. Davos is home to one of Switzerland’s largest ski resorts, and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as Lake Davos. After checking in you have the rest of the day to explore Davos at your leisure, before making your way back to the hotel for a welcome dinner.
Tuesday 5th August
Landwasser Viaduct and Albula Railway Museum
After breakfast at the hotel, you head to the Rhaetian Railway for a memorable day out. First you travel to Filisur on the Landwasser Express, where you will stop to view and enjoy a tour of the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, this
impressive feat of architecture is a must for any railway enthusiast. Afterwards, you will visit the Albula Railway Museum in Bergün. The museum hosts 600 exhibits, guiding you through the history of rail travel in Graubünden. It features old railway equipment, historical documents and engineering plans, as well as a simulator that allows you to experience driving the legendary Crocodile locomotive yourself. Lunch will be served at Bergün or Filisur. After lunch, you’ll return to Davos and take the funicular up to Schatzalp for some impressive Alpine views, before returning to the hotel for dinner. (B L D)
Wednesday 6th August
Alpine Classic Pullman Express, cruise on Lake Lucerne
Today you meet in reception with your luggage, this will be transferred directly to your hotel in Sarnen. Following check out, you embark on the Alpine Classic Pullman Express to Andermatt. You will travel the famous UNESCO World Heritage route on the Albula line over
the Landwasser Viaduct, and experience the natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s Grand Canyon, as you follow the route over the Oberalp Pass. The nostalgic saloon carriages, with their comfortable armchairs, bay windows, and teak wood furnishings, all contribute to the unique charm of the Alpine Classic Pullman Express. Upon arrival in Andermatt, you continue by rail to Flüelen at the southern tip of Lake Lucerne, travelling through the wild Schöllenen Gorge and along the Reuss. From Flüelen you will board a boat for a scenic cruise to Lucerne. From there you take a short train journey to Sarnen, where you will check into the Hotel Krone for dinner. (B D)
Thursday 7th August
Lucerne tour, Cogwheel railway to Mt Pilatus and cruise
After breakfast at the hotel, you will get to know Lucerne through a guided tour of the city. You’ll be inspired by the numerous market squares, the colourfully painted houses, and
Georg Trueb Christian Ticar
the famous Chapel Bridge. Lucerne is also home to a number of beautiful, original shops which you will have the opportunity to browse. At lunchtime, you take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up the local mountain, the 2173 metre high Mt Pilatus. Here you will enjoy lunch at the Pilatus-Kulm restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, you return back to Alpnachstad, where you take a lake cruise back
to Lucerne. On arrival back in lucerne you return by train back to your hotel in Sarnen, where your farewell dinner will be served. (B L D)
Friday 8th August
Return home
After breakfast, you check out of your hotel and return by rail to Basel Airport for a direct flight home. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£1995
£175
Ground only £1895 (Basel – Basel)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to Basel
✱ 2 Nights Accommodation at 4-star hotel in Davos
✱ 2 Nights Accommodation at 4-star hotel in Sarnen
✱ 4 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
✱ Travel on the Rhaetian Railway from Davos to Filisur
✱ Landwasser Viaduct tour on the Landwasser Express
✱ Albula Railway museum entrance and guided tour at Bahnmuseum Albula in Bergün
✱ Excursion to Schatzalp
✱ Alpine Pullman Express from Davos to Andermatt
✱ Cruises as detailed in the Itinerary
✱ Guided tour of Lucerne
✱ Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals
Christian Ticar
Swiss Bernese Oberland
Wednesday 6th August to Wednesday 13th August 2025
Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.
• Based in Alpine holiday Region of Grindelwald, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.
• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.
• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.
• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.
Wednesday 6th August
London to Grindelwald via Basel
You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. You then journey from Paris to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing by regional train direct to Grindelwald. Here you check into the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star 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 August
Free day in Grindelwald
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or take a stroll through the famous
mountain village, embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face. Making use of your Regional Pass you can visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. (B D)
Friday 8th August
Lake Brienz Cruise; Steam on the Brienz Rothorn Railway
This morning you travel by train to Interlaken to enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz at its eastern end. You join a steam train on the 800mm gauge Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), Switzerland’s oldest rack railway and climb 1,678 metres (5,505 ft) from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm Station, just below the summit of Brienz Rothorn Mountain. After free time at the summit to enjoy lunch, you return to Brienz
for an exclusive visit to the BRB depot to view the locomotives and workshop facilities there. In the afternoon you return to Grindelwald by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)
Saturday 9th August
Excursion to Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’
A real tour highlight awaits today on a trip to the famous Jungfraujoch and the ‘Top of Europe’. You’ll travel by train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe. The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.
The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.
Georg Trueb
Georg Trueb
There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Grindelwald you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindlewald with the group or return at your own leisure. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)
Sunday 10th August
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 Grindlewald. (B D)
Monday 11th August
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 August
Excursion to Schynige Platte
Today you enjoy an excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area, famous for its wildflower gardens and views of the majestic mountain scenery. You travel by train to Wilderswil, the junction for the 800mm gauge Schynige Platte Railway from 1893, one of Switzerland’s pioneering lines. The cog train climbs at a sedate 12 kph up to Schynige Platte, passing many panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, eventually revealing the glistening giants of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains to the south. (B D)
Wednesday 13th August
Return to UK
After breakfast it is time to say your farewells and travel by regional train to Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Optional excursion
£2795
£195
£55
Day 6 – ‘The Schilthorn’ mountain visit
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating London to Paris and return
✱ 7 nights at the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star hotel in Grindelwald
✱ 7 dinners
✱ A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland
✱ All rail, tram and boat trips as mentioned 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
Highlights of Switzerland in Summer
Wednesday 6th August to Wednesday 13th August 2025
Experience the splendour of the snow topped Swiss Alps on this spectacular summer holiday. Trips on Switzerland’s most iconic mountain railways are conveniently included, giving you a chance to sample ‘the best of the best’.
• Initially based in the Swiss Riviera town of Vevey on Lake Geneva and the historic city of Brig and Chur, you’ll stay in topquality hotels featuring typical Swiss hospitality.
• Discover Switzerland’s spectacular mountain railways from west to east, including the Rochers-de-Naye, Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Gornergrat, Oberalp Pass, Rhaetian Railway, as well as the UNESCO designated Albula and Bernina lines.
• Travel aboard opulent ‘Belle Epoque’ Pullman Cars over the Golden Pass, plus enjoy private accommodation in the 1930s Art Deco Pullman coaches of the Rhaetian Railway for trips to Arosa and Tirano.
• Sample the amazing BLS ‘Blue Arrow’ on a private charter run in the Bernese Oberland. Journey back in time aboard this wonderfully dynamic streamliner dating from 1938, allowing you to sit next to the driver.
• See impressively engineered railways up close and get the best high-altitude views of the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat summit station.
• Go ’peak-hopping’ on rack railways, funiculars and aerial cableways, whilst exploring local towns and castles with complimentary public transport rover tickets.
Wednesday 6th 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 7th 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. (B)
Friday 8th 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 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 9th 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 Naters allocated within the district of Brig, an historic, elegant city, which has become famous as a major railway junction and gateway to nearby Italy. Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. (B D)
Sunday 10th 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 11th 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 12th 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 Ospizio and the spiralling descent to Poschiavo, before the famed circular viaduct is reached at Brusio and you finish your journey amidst palm trees in Italy. In Tirano, you have time for a look around the station and town, before continuing back north in your Pullman coach. Light lunch refreshments are directly provided with at seat-catering in the Pullman Car. On returning to Pontresina you travel back to Chur over the Albula line aboard another RhB express service. A farewell dinner is served at your hotel. (B L D)
Wednesday 13th 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
Tour price
£2759
Eurostar Plus travel from London St. Pancras International to Vevey and return from Chur. First Class travel within Switzerland where possible.
Single supplement
£345
Ground only £2499 (Vevey – Chur)
Joining the group at the hotel. First Class travel throughout Switzerland.
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus travel from London to Paris and return
✱ 3 Nights Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Astra, Vevey
✱ 1 Night Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel Alex, Naters
✱ 3 Nights Accommodation with breakfast at 4-star Hotel ABC, Chur
✱ 2 Lunches and 4 dinners
✱ All privately chartered vintage trains as detailed in the itinerary
✱ First Class travel on Golden pass panoramic train (Montreux to Zweisimmen)
✱ First Class travel on Glacier Express (Brig – 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:
The Chemnitz Steam Gala
Wednesday 20th August to Wednesday 27th August 2025
This all new tour visits one of Germany’s premier steam locomotive gatherings, including main line running, engine parades and turntable shows at the roundhouse. A private main line charter train with the 475.111 in Central Bohemia and narrow gauge steam on some of Saxony’s most scenic lines complete the exciting programme.
• Start the tour in beautiful Prague and experience the thrill of a private main line charter train from Pilsen to Zatec with the 4-8-2 giant 475.111, one of the most elegant and refined express steam locomotives in Central Europe.
• Enjoy a full weekend at the Chemnitz steam locomotive festival and participate in the wide variety of activities, including main line journeys behind giant tender locomotives, including parallel running.
• Sample the best of Saxon narrow gauge steam with rides at the Weisseritztalbahn, the mountainous Fichtelbergbahn to Oberwiesenthal and also the Chemnitz Park Railway. A ride on the panoramic Augustusburg funicular from 1897 is an added attraction, with wonderful views from the top.
• In both Chemnitz and Prague you’ll be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket, allowing convenient and comfortable travel as well as the opportunity to further explore the two tram networks.
Wednesday 20th August
Arrive in Prague
You have a direct morning flight from London to the Czech capital. After a transfer to your city centre hotel, you check-in and have lunch at the hotel, before having the afternoon to explore this city at leisure. With your complimentary public transport ticket, you could use it to ride up to Prague Castle on the heritage tramway. (L)
Thursday 21st August
Czech main line steam with 475.111 in West Bohemia
A real highlight of European steam awaits today with the elegant and refined Czech Class 475. These mighty 4-8-2 tender locomotives were built by Skoda in the late 1940s and are iconic for their large driving wheels and lofty boiler placement. These graceful machines were
mainstay motive power until the late 1970s. You will travel with the Pilsen-based 475.111 from Pilsen north on the scenic secondary line to Zatec. Along the way you pause for photos and lunch. In the late afternoon your private charter train returns to Pilsen’s elegant Art Nouveau station, from where you return to Prague by Intercity train. (B L)
Friday 22nd August
Prague to Chemnitz and Augustusburg funicular
In the morning you take a direct EuroCity train from Prague to Dresden, travelling through the scenic Elbe Valley along the way, passing castles, villages and rock formations along the way. In Dresden you change for the onward train to Chemnitz and arrive there in the early afternoon. You check into your hotel and have lunch.
Then you make an afternoon excursion with the vintage 1897 funicular to the hilltop castle at Augustusburg, from where there are sweeping views of Saxony and the Ore Mountains to the South. In the evening you are free to enjoy Chemnitz at leisure or join the night photography session at the steam shed, the first festival activity at the Hilbersdorf steam shed. (B L)
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August
Chemnitz Steam Festival
This weekend is dedicated entirely to the large steam locomotive gathering at Chemnitz Hilbersdorf, one of the most impressive steam yards in Germany with two giant, semi-circular roundhouses, large coaling towers and vast tracks for attractive engine displays. There’s also a 600mm field railway on site, where a guest
locomotive will also be in steam. The Chemnitz steam festival offers locomotive parades, turntable shows, locomotive races and parallel running, foot-plate rides and of course main line excursions on the lines towards Dresden or Zwickau. You will be able to participate in all of these activities, including making the main line steam trip with parallel running on uphill gradients. Additionally, you will also visit the 600mm gauge Chemnitz Park Railway, where steam will also be active. After all the action and activities on each day, there will be a dinner back at your hotel. (B D)
Monday 25th August
Steam at the Weisseritz Valley Railway to Kurort Kipsdorf
Embrace on 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 with a powerful 2-10-2 tank engine. Enjoy the panoramic views from the open balconies of your vintage carriage as you pass by historic villages and a large lake.
You return to Chemnitz in the afternoon. Tonight you may spend at leisure in the city, perhaps having dinner at a typical German Brauhaus. (B)
Tuesday 26th August
Steam in the Ore Mountains from Cranzahl to Oberwiesenthal
You travel on a direct DB service train from Chemnitz to Cranzahl, here you board a steam train and travel over the iconic Fichtelbergbahn to Oberwiesenthal, the ‘St Moritz of Saxony’. Your train will be hauled by a type VII K 2-10-2 tank engine. After free time 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 Chemnitz on DB service trains. In the evening there’s a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Wednesday 27th August
Return to London
You travel from Chemnitz by train to Berlin airport, where you have a direct flight back to London. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£1725
£295
£1575 (Prague – Chemnitz)
Price includes:
✱ Direct flights from London to Prague and Berlin to London
✱ 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
✱ 3 lunches and 3 dinners
✱ Public transport rover tickets for trams and trains in Prague and Chemnitz
✱ All privately chartered steam trains, other steam excursions and visits as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All transfers and train travel as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
Steam in Gascony and the Pyrenees
Thursday 28th August to Thursday 4th September 2025
This all-new tour visits the Atlantic region of southwestern France, where there are numerous railway attractions and cultural sights to enjoy.
• Take advantage of efficient high-speed connections and travel by Eurostar and TGV to quickly reach the elegant city of Bordeaux.
• Enjoy the splendour and majesty of Bordeaux, with its spacious squares, classic palaces and distinctive Francophone flair. A complimentary public transport rover ticket will allow you to explore its extensive tramway too!
• Make a short day-trip from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion, one of France’s most charming and dignified wine-growing towns. You will visit a vineyard and taste the world famous red wine.
• Stay at the historic city Bayonne, right next to the sophisticated French seaside resort Biarritz, a beautiful old town located right on the rugged Atlantic coast.
• Experience the thrill of steam in the steam in the Dordogne at the Haut Quercy heritage railway, a line embedded along scenic rock formations and quaint towns.
• Travel on the famed teak-bodied trains of the legendary La Rhune rack railway, one of the most charming mountain railways in southwestern Europe and from where there are stunning summit views of both the Atlantic and the Pyrenees.
Thursday 28th August
London to Bordeaux by rail
You travel from London St. Pancras to Paris Nord by Eurostar, before changing to Paris Montparnasse and continuing from there on a TGV high-speed train to Bordeaux. On arrival, you check into your centrally located hotel and will be given a complimentary public transport rover ticket, allowing you to make use of the excellent tram system. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. (D)
Friday 29th August
Saint-Emilion and vineyard visit
Today you visit the picturesque wine-growing town of Saint-Emilion in the heart of the Bordeaux region. This 12th century fortified
town is wonderfully well preserved, home to architectural and historical wonders like Ursuline’s Convent, where the famous SaintEmilion macaroons were created, the Great Wall, and magnificent Brunet Gate, one of six medieval gates to admire. Many of Saint-Emilion’s cobbled streets, called ‘Tertres’, have metal handrails to help you climb the dramatic steep inclines. Located just east of the city, you visit a local vineyard for a wine-tasting experience. After leisure time in the old town, you return to Bordeaux in the afternoon. (B D)
Saturday 30th August
Leisure, museums and tramways in Bordeaux
Today you may enjoy the city of Bordeaux and
all it has to offer. Beautiful, vibrant Bordeaux is France’s sixth biggest city, home to a variety of fascinating attractions. The Miroir d’Eau, for example, is the world’s largest reflecting pool, an impressive 3450 square metres of black granite on the quayside. The Cathédrale St-André, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates way back to 1096, and the city is home to numerous world-class museums. You can use your complimentary public transport ticket to ride the extensive tramway or enjoy admission to the famed Musée des beaux-arts de Bordeaux, which has a collection of famed 19th and 20th century French painters and is located in a stately gallery. Tonight you are free to sample the best of French cuisine at a city restaurant of your choice. (B)
Georg Trueb
Sunday 31st August
Steam in the Dordogne at the Haut Quercy heritage railway
In the morning you make a direct coach transfer through the Aquitaine region to the Haut Quercy heritage railway, where a charming steam train operates on the hilly terrain between Martel and Saint-Denis-les-Martel. The railway, which is affectionately known as ‘Le Truffadou’ features both French and Polish-built steam locomotives as well as attractive fresh-air open-sided coaches that provide superb views of the surrounding scenery. Once part of the old Bordeaux–Aurillac main line, much of the preserved route passes along numerous noteworthy rock formations. After a full round-trip on the 13 km long line you have time to sightsee the pretty town of Martel before returning to Bordeaux in the afternoon. Martel’s unique skyline offers seven enormous medieval towers to admire. The glorious Palais de la Raymondi, built between 1280 and 1330, was once home to the town’s tax collector. Saint Maur’s church looks more like a fortress than a place of worship. Tonight dinner will once again be at the hotel. (B D)
Monday 1st September
On to Bayonne and Biarritz
After a leisurely breakfast you continue in the late morning by TGV to the historic city of Bayonne, framed by a beautiful cathedral and located at the confluence of the Rivers Adour and Nive. This beautiful Basque seaside town is near the Bay of Biscay has been a fashionable destination since the 1800s, when Napoleon’s wife Empress Eugénie decided to spend her summer holidays here. The city offers countless inviting cafés, excellent fine dining and pâtisserie boutiques. Full of history, elegance and French flair, you get to enjoy Bayonne and nearby Biarritz and all it has to offer for the next four nights. (B D)
Tuesday 2nd September
La Rhune rack railway in the Pyrenees
Opened in 1924, the rack railway from Col de Saint-Ignace to the summit of La Rhune at 881m above sea level is the main mountain railway in southwestern France and technically noteworthy as it still operated using its original teak-bodied coaches and vintage Swiss locomotives. During the ascent, there are sweeping vistas of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, including the view down to Biarritz. After the full-round trip journey, you make the short return by coach to Bayonne and have more late afternoon time at leisure in this lovely city and neighbouring Biarritz. Tonight you are once again free to find your own favorite restaurant. (B)
Wednesday 3rd September
By rail to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye
Travelling along the Atlantic seaside you make the short railway excursion from Bayonne via Biarritz to the fishing village and seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Colorful houses frame the waterfront, which also includes a sandy beach. Railway enthusiasts will enjoy making the short continuation from Saint-Jean to Hendaye, France’s southwestern most port and border station with Spain. This is where the standard gauge railway network also ends. At the pretty station of Hendaye you will have ample time to watch trains or walk across the pedestrian border bridge to Irun, Spain. In the evening you rejoin your fellow travellers for a final group dinner at the hotel in Bayonne. (B D)
Thursday 4th September
Return to London
The time has come to bid France’s Atlantic Coast a fond farewell, as you travel from Bayonne to Paris Montparnasse and then transfer to Paris Nord for the return with Eurostar to London St. Pancras. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£1965
£365
Ground only £1695 (Bordeaux – Bayonne)
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating on Eurostar services
✱ First Class travel where possible on high speed trains
✱ 7 nights accommodation with breakfast inlcuded
✱ 5 dinners
✱ Complimentary public transport rover and art museum admission in Bordeaux
✱ All train travel and transfers
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B
Dinner
Georg Trueb
Alpine Steam Express
Thursday 4th September to Wednesday 10th September 2025
Against the backdrop of the stunning Swiss Alps and wild Jura Mountains, enjoy glamorous steam locomotives on world famous lines, framed by towering peaks and beautiful glaciers.
• Based in the historic and conveniently located city of Olten, you’ll travel on privately chartered steam trains and public steamboats, while also having time to make good use of your First Class Swiss Travel Pass rover ticket to explore Switzerland’s amazing railway network.
• Steam over the majestic Furka Pass on one of the railway’s rarely deployed tank engines on the steeper west to east route from Oberwald to Realp, with breathtaking views and photo stops along the way.
• Experience Swiss steam at its best by land and water, including the hilly steam railway in the Zürich Oberland, the narrow gauge garden railway at Schinznach and the majestic paddle steamers on Lake Geneva.
• Enjoy the plush comfort of 1930s luxury coaches on a main line steam charter in the rugged Val de Travers in Western Switzerland along the old Ligne Franco-Suisse from the 1860s, hauled by an iconic former SBB ‘Tiger’ tank engine.
• Travel through the pastoral Emmental Valley on a private steam charter on the beautiful, freight-only line from Huttwil to Sumiswald.
Thursday 4th September
London to Olten by rail
You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to Paris Gare de l’Est you then journey to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. A short transfer takes you to Olten, your base for the holiday. You check into your quality hotel near the station and the historic old town and have time to relax before a welcome dinner is provided. (D)
Friday 5th September
Main line steam in the Val de Travers in the Jura Mountains
Today you have a free morning to make the most of your Swiss Travel Pass, perhaps exploring new lines or narrow gauge routes in Central Switzerland near Olten. In the afternoon
you travel with the group by SBB train to Neuchatel. You then experience the best of main line steam, travelling in western Switzerland on the old ‘Ligne Franco-Suisse’ from 1860 and eventually branching off onto the spur to Fleurier and St.Sulpice. The last section of the route to St. Sulpice has been without a regular passenger service since 1973 and is only used by heritage steam trains of the association Vapeur Val-de-Travers. You travel aboard one of Switzerland’s best preserved and most elegant rakes of standard gauge coaches, including First Class carriages with plush amenities and atseat-catering. Your main line steam charter from Noiraigue to St. Sulpice is hauled by the famous SBB ‘Tigerli’ tank engine 8511 dating from 1911. In St. Sulpice, you visit the large steam locomotive collection of the VVT group, and a
false arrival of the ‘Tigerli’-hauled train will be staged for photo opportunities. You then have lunch on site, before the steam train takes you back to Fleurier. For the rest of the afternoon you are free to use your Swiss Travel Pass and explore other local railway lines of Canton Neuchatel. (B L)
Saturday 6th September
High altitude steam at the Furka Railway and paddle steamer cruise on Lake Geneva
This morning, after an exciting journey by standard and narrow-gauge service trains from Olten via the Bernese Oberland and Upper Valais to Oberwald, you board a steam train of the legendary Furka Railway and then travel steam-hauled over the original summit route of
Georg Trueb
Georg Trueb
the world famous Glacier Express, seeing the namesake Rhone Glacier up close during several photo stops along the way. Your train will be hauled by the newly overhauled 0-8-0 giant tank engine No. 708, which was brought back to Switzerland from Vietnam. You take the west to east route from Oberwald via Furka to Realp, which features significantly more uphill running than the reverse east to west direction. For the first time in 2024, the steam train now requires no additional banking for the passage through the short summit tunnel. Experience the very best of the Swiss Alps! After arrival to Realp you continue by Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn service train to Brig and then from there take an SBB service on the main line through the scenic Rhone Valley to Vevey. There you have time to take a stroll along the banks of Lake Geneva and see the famed statue of Charlie Chaplin, before capping the day in fine style with a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva aboard the historic paddle steamer “Montreux” from 1904. As the marine steam engine works hard, you will glide past Chillon Castle and the Lavaux terraced vineyards on your way to Lausanne. From Lausanne you return by SBB train to Olten. (B D)
Sunday 7th September
Steam in the Zürich Oberland with two tank engines and steam at the Schinznach Garden Railway for their annual gala
More archaic 19th century motive power awaits you today, as you venture deep into the green hills of Zürich Oberland and travel on Switzerland's premier standard gauge heritage railway from Hinwil to Bauma.
Just recently, the Bauma station complex has been comprehensively re-developed and now features an original, 4-bay station canopy dating from 1859, which was first built for Basel and then moved to Bauma. This amazing structure lends great atmosphere to your steam train departure aboard a green train of ancient four-wheeled coaches hauled by the railway’s immaculate former SBB tank engines dating from the late 19th and early 20th century. You will be hauled by one steam locomotive for the outward trip from Hinwil to Bauma and then a different steam loco for the return leg, with photo stops included. After this splendid steam experience, you transfer by train to Brugg and then take one of the iconic yellow “Postauto” postal coaches for the short connection to nearby Schinznach, where a wonderful 600 mm (two foot) gauge field railway is Switzerland’s premier park railway. Running through attractively landscaped fields full of blossoms and young trees, the railway also circles a large pond and traverses an
impressive viaduct. Simply said it is one of the most “fun” steam operations in Switzerland and this Sunday marks the railway’s annual gala with at least three different locomotives in steam. In the early evening you return to Olten for dinner at the hotel. (B D)
Monday 8th September
Steam in the Emmental with a unique “Boxcab” locomotive
After another free morning, with time to make good use of your Swiss Travel Pass and perhaps explore another rural branch line, you travel with the group in the afternoon to Huttwil, traditional site of a major steam depot and gateway to the famed Emmental region. This traditional Swiss heartland is known for its pastoral landscapes with green rolling hills, gentle fields and lots of grazing cows. The freight-only railway line from Huttwil to Sumiswald is particularly serene and ideal for photo stops with run-pasts. The unique attraction today is the Boxcab steam locomotive Nr. 5 from 1936, which was specifically built for use on the Emmental lines around Huttwil and has the advantage of being suitable for one-man operation. Today the locomotive is unique in Switzerland and has only just been overhauled after years out of service. Back in Huttwil there is still time for a shed visit, before dinner is served in a historic dining car at the railway station . (B D)
Tuesday 9th September
Freedom of Switzerland with your Swiss Travel Pass
Today, use get to make the most of your First Class Swiss Travel Pass to explore the country and its amazing public transport network to the fullest. You could venture on the Old Gotthard Route and Centovalli Railway to Ticino and even Domodossola in Northern Italy, head to Zermatt or enjoy different paddle steamers on Lake Lucerne, Lake Thun or Lake Brienz! Mountain railways off the beaten path or delightful narrow gauge trains also beckon! The Rigi rack railway is also included in the pass. The choice is yours and your Tour Manager will be happy to advise you! In the evening there is a farewell dinner at the hotel to end the tour. (B D)
Wednesday 10th September
Return to London
You return from Olten to London via Basel and Paris, using SBB, TGV and Eurostar high speed services (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£2695
£275
£2395
(Olten – Olten with First Class Swiss Pass)
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating on Eurostar services from London – Paris and return
✱ First Class travel on all rail services throughout (where possible)
✱ 6 nights accommodation with breakfast at the 3-star Hotel Olten
✱ 1 lunch and 5 dinners
✱ First Class Swiss travel pass for travel within Switzerland
✱ All rail trips, steam trains, private charters and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
Please note that ground only does not include rail or flight services from the UK and Return or any transfers to or from your hotel(s) on the first and last day of your holiday. You will be responsible for arranging these yourself.
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
Swiss Bernese Oberland
Wednesday 10th September to Wednesday 17th September 2025
Discover the outstanding natural beauty of Switzerland on this tour to the Bernese Oberland, famed for its shimmering lakes and soaring Alpine peaks, including the towering Jungfrau and the magnificent Eiger.
• Based in Alpine holiday Region of Grindelwald, you’ll explore the Bernese Oberland on Switzerland´s outstanding railway system.
• Enjoy extensive scheduled travel on famous mountain rack railways, including the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’.
• Discover the Swiss capital Bern on a two-hour steam tram tour, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
• There’s also a thrilling excursion to the Schynige Platte mountain area to enjoy, famous for its outstanding views and wildflower gardens.
• Experience unrestricted travel on Swiss trains, trams and buses in tour free time thanks to your complimentary Bernese Oberland Regional Pass.
Wednesday 10th September
London to Grindelwald via Basel
You travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. You then journey from Paris to Basel in Switzerland via Strasbourg. You join a high-speed service at Basel to Interlaken Ost, before continuing by regional train direct to Grindelwald. Here you check into the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star 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 11th September
Free day in Grindelwald
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel or take a stroll through the famous
mountain village, embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face. Making use of your Regional Pass you can visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten illuminated glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible only by a tunnel-lift. (B D)
Friday 12th 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 Grindelwald by train where you can relax before dinner is again served in your hotel restaurant. (B D)
Saturday 13th 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 by train to Kleine Scheidegg before joining a JB train en route to the highest railway station in Europe. The train stops twice at points where there are large windows in the rock face for passengers to admire the views.
The ‘Top of Europe’ itself is a high-altitude building connected to the underground Jungfraujoch Railway Station by a tunnel.
Georg Trueb Georg Trueb
There’s a choice of restaurants in which to take lunch, and a permanent exhibition about the Jungfrau Railway and the Alps. For the return back to Grindelwald you can either travel the same route by train from Kleine Scheidegg to Grindlewald with the group or return at your own leisure. On your return dinner will be served at the hotel. (B D)
Sunday 14th 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 Grindlewald. (B D)
Monday 15th 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 16th 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 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 17th September
Return to UK
After breakfast it is time to say your farewells and travel by regional train to Interlaken. You then travel by express train from Interlaken to Basel before changing trains and continuing to Paris via Strasbourg. There you transfer to Paris Gare du Nord and take a Eurostar service back to London St. Pancras International. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Optional excursion
£2795
£195
£55
Day 6 – ‘The Schilthorn’ mountain visit
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating London to Paris and return
✱ 7 nights at the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort 4-star hotel in Grindelwald
✱ 7 dinners
✱ A standard class Regional Pass valid for days 2 to 7 for travel around the Bernese Oberland
✱ All rail, tram and boat trips as mentioned 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
Autumn in Alsace
Thursday 2nd October to Thursday 9th October 2025
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 historic Basel in Switzerland on a wonderful sightseeing tour by vintage tram and cruise through the canals of Strasbourg on an open-top riverboat.
• There’s also a visit to a hilltop German vineyard town with private wine-tasting and scenic cruise on the River Rhein at the cathedral town of Breisach.
• 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 2nd 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 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 3rd October
Scenic river cruise and tramways in Strasbourg
This morning you board a locomotive-hauled French Railways (SNCF) service train for the short journey from Colmar to Strasbourg,
the capital of Alsace and a place steeped in European history. You have a 75-minute relaxing sightseeing cruise in one of the city’s famed open-top panoramic riverboats, cruising past timber-framed houses, colourful alleys and stately palaces. Later you have free time to discover the Cathedral Square and ‘Petite France’ district at your own pace. You may also take advantage of your complimentary public transport ticket to ride the city’s trams and take the unique international tramway over the River Rhine to Kehl, Germany. You return to Colmar in the late afternoon and have dinner at a typical Alsatian restaurant in the heart of the Old Town. (B D)
Saturday 4th October
Steam along the Rhine in France; hilltop vineyard visit in Germany
After breakfast you travel by road coach to visit the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Rhin, located in the nearby town of Volgelsheim. This standard-gauge railway operates both French and German steam locomotives 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. En route there will be run-pasts and a guided visit to the steam shed. A buffet lunch will be provided in the railway’s convivial bar car. In the afternoon you cross the River Rhine to Germany and visit a spectacular vineyard perched at a hilltop high above Breisach. From there you have gorgeous views of Alsace, Southern Germany, the Vosges
Rudi Schloepker
Mountains and the Black Forest. You will try six different wines as part of the connoisseur experience. In the afternoon you return by coach to Colmar and have a free evening to enjoy all that this beautiful town offers. (B L)
Sunday 5th October
Steam on the Thur Doller Railway; scenic drive along the Alsatian wine route
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 coaches dating from the late 19th century. A powerful early 20th century steam tank locomotive hauls you over this preserved line on a privately chartered train at a time when there is no regular traffic. A 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. You then travel by road coach to Colmar along the Alsatian wine route. (B L)
Monday 6th October
Steam in the Black Forest of Germany; River Rhine cruise at Breisach
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. In the afternoon you drive by coach to Breisach for a River Rhine cruise with complimentary cake and drinks at this pretty cathedral town right on the border between Germany and France. (B L)
Tuesday 7th October
Vintage trams in Basel and museums and trams in Mulhouse
Today you travel by loco-hauled SNCF TER train to Basel, where you enjoy a private sightseeing tour of this attractive Swiss city by vintage tramway from the 1920s. You will cross all three tram bridges across the River Rhine and have superb views of Basel’s Minster and modern skyline. Then you carry on by TER service to Mulhouse, famous for its outstanding museums, with the largest railway and automobile museums in Europe. You will travel by local tramway to the ‘Cité du Train’, the national railway museum of France and one of the largest
collections of steam locomotives in the world. Then you proceed to a collection of classic cars in the nearby ‘Cité de l’Automobile’, which includes vintage sports cars and iconic Bugatti vehicles. In the late afternoon you return to Colmar by train. (B)
Wednesday 8th 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 9th 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
Tour price
£2295
Includes Eurostar Plus on Eurostar, TGV and other SNCF service trains.
Single supplement
£295
Ground only £2025 (Colmar – Colmar)
Please be advised that travel will be allocated in Eurostar Plus carriages on Eurostar services. Please note that ground only does not include rail or flight services from the UK and return or any transfers to or from your hotel(s) on the first and last day of your holiday. You will be responsible for arranging these yourself.
Price includes:
✱ Eurostar Plus seating London to Paris and return
✱ 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.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast
Dinner
Autumn Steam in the Harz Mountains
Friday 17th October to Sunday 26th October 2025
Enjoy Autumn Steam at its best in the spectacular Harz Mountains in Germany, featuring iconic narrow-gauge charters across a stunning landscape of vibrant seasonal colours.
• Explore Germany’s largest narrow-gauge network while based for three days in the historic town of Wernigerode, using your complimentary HSB rover ticket.
• Enjoy scenic trips on the standard gauge Braunschweig and narrow gauge Feldbahn Fortuna heritage railways, with private steam charters hauled by historic tank engines.
• Discover the unique city of Wuppertal with its suspension railway from 1900 and railway viaduct from 1897.
• Further highlights include visits to Hannover and Wuppertal tramway museums, with private charters at both, plus a ride on Braunschweig’s heritage tram to see the rebuilt city palace from 1841.
Friday 17th October
London to Hannover
You travel from London St. Pancras to Hannover in Northern Germany by Eurostar and German ICE. You’ll spend the next two nights in Hannover, at a centrally-located hotel near the station. There’s a dinner at the hotel after arrival. (D)
Saturday 18th October
Steam in Braunschweig and heritage tramway in the Old Town to see the Palace
You begin your tour with a steam highlight, visiting the historic roundhouse and standard gauge steamshed at Braunschweig, the so-called Lokpark. In this railway complex , there’s an intricate internal network of tracks and sidings, that you will have a private charter with a 100-year old tank engine from 1925. You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the impressive steam works, viewing other preserved steam and
diesel locomotives. You then proceed for a visit in the city centre of Braunschweig, at the rebuilt city palace Residenzschloss. Originally opened in 1841, it was destroyed in the Second World War, torn down in 1960 and finally, rebuilt in the early 2000s. A historic tramway will shuttle you between Braunschweig Hauptbahnhof and the city centre on a private charter run. In the late afternoon you return by train to nearby Hannover for an evening at leisure in the city. (B)
Sunday 19th October
Hannover Tramway Museum and arrival to Wernigerode
After a leisurely breakfast, today you visit the Hannover Museum in Sehnde, one of the largest and finest collections in Germany. It has a unique fleet of streetcars and its own running track. You’ll enjoy a private charter on an early 20th-century tram, including photo stops, before a coach transfer to Wernigerode in the Harz Mountains. After checking into your hotel,
there’s ample time to sightsee this lovely German town, famed for its colourful rows of timberframed houses, Gothic city hall and hilltop castle. Your hotel is near the Wernigerode steam yard, and in the late afternoon you can photograph trains returning from Mount Brocken from the visitor observation tower at Wernigerode station. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening. (B L D)
Monday 20th October to Wednesday 22nd October
Steam and scenery in the Harz Mountains
For the next three days, you are free to make the most of your complimentary HSB rover ticket, allowing you to explore Germany’s largest narrow-gauge railway network. Enjoy unlimited steam during the most colourful time of the year and storm up the spiralling line to the summit of Mount Brocken, Northern Germany’s highest point. Alternatively, you can ride the line to
Eisfelder Talmühle or explore the Selke Valley railway from Quedlinburg to Alexisbad and Hasselfelde, the oldest narrow-gauge railway in the Harz Mountains. On a day of your choice, the short main-line railway return ticket from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg is included. Each day, dinner will be served at your hotel. (B D)
Thursday 23rd October
Wernigerode to Wuppertal
The time has come to leave the Harz Mountains and proceed to the lovely Rhineland. You leave after 9:45, so you can still watch the day’s first steam departure from Wernigerode. A coach directly transports your luggage today, as you make your way to Wuppertal. You arrive in Wuppertal in the afternoon and after check-in have some free time for a first ride on the world famous suspension railway. Tonight dinner is at the hotel. (B D)
Friday 24th October
Wuppertal monorail, trip over Germany’s highest railway viaduct and Wuppertal tramway museum
Today you visit one of the most unique transport systems and engineering marvels in the world, the unique ‘dingle dangle’ monorail in Wuppertal, an iconic landmark from 1900. Once thought to be the transport system of the future, it remains the only prototype ever built. You’ll travel the full length of the 13.2km long ‘Schwebebahn’ along and above the River Wupper from Vohwinkel to Oberbarmen. Later you’ll have time to alight and take pictures along the line or sightsee some of the city’s other landmarks. Afterwards you have a ride on the railway line from Wuppertal via Remscheid to Solingen, with this one hour trip passing over Germany’s highest railway viaduct, the Müngstener Brücke from 1897, which sits
some 107 m above the valley floor. Finally you conclude the day with a visit to Wuppertal’s tramway museum, the Bergische Museumsbahn. This 3km long line is what is left of a once much larger urban and inter-urban light rail system. Following a private charter with a vintage 1920s streetcar at Germany’s version of the Crich tramway of Derbyshire, you return to the city centre of Wuppertal for an evening at leisure, perhaps choosing to visit one of the typical German brew houses. (B)
Saturday 25th October
Steam at the Feldbahn Fortuna
heritage railway
To cap your German Autumn Steam holiday in spectacular fashion, today you visit a narrowgauge field railway in the rural countryside of Hessen. A wonderful museum with its industrial works railway has been preserved here, at the site of a former iron ore mine. It operates with a unique collection of different steam locomotives, including the famed ‘Brigadelok’ trench locomotives. You visit both the local museum and travel the full length of the line on your private charter train. You make your return journey to and from the Feldbahn Fortuna using the Cologne-Frankfurt high-speed railway line to and from Limburg Süd, before changing onto a private coach for the short transfer. Lunch at the Fortuna museum restaurant is included. (B L)
Sunday 26th October
Return to London
The time has come to leave Germany, as you travel by high-speed train from Wuppertal via Cologne to Brussels Midi, before changing onto a Eurostar service to London St. Pancras. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£2425
£235
£2195
(Hannover – Wuppertal)
Price includes:
✱ 9 nights accomodation with breakfast in Hannover, Wernigerode and Wuppertal
✱ 2 lunches and 6 dinners
✱ Eurostar Plus travel on Eurostar services and First Class travel on ICE trains*
✱ All specially chartered steam trains as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All rail journies as detailed in the itinerary
✱ All museum visits and private tramway charters as detailed in the itinerary
✱ A 3 day HSB Rover Ticket to cover travel on the Harz Steam trains
✱ All seat reservations and coach transfers
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
*Please be advised that First Class travel will be allocated in Standard Premier carriages on Eurostar services.
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals
Sri Lanka – The Viceroy Special
Thursday 20th February to Saturday 8th March 2025
Explore ‘the finest island in the whole world’ (Marco Polo) on the impressive Viceroy Special Train as you discover the exotic wildlife, holy Buddhist sites, verdant landscapes, unspoilt beaches and rich colonial heritage of this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean.
• Your ‘Viceroy Special’ train comprises two air-conditioned lounge cars and a restaurant and bar car, hauled by British-built Edwardian steam locomotives of the classic 4-6-0 type or diesel locomotive.
• Staying at the best hotels you journey on the Viceroy Special past tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and lush forests as you visit the outstanding historical sites of an island whose recorded history stretches back 2,500 years.
• Countless tour highlights include visits to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a trip to the sacred Buddhist ‘Tree of Enlightenment’ and a jeep safari to Minneriya National Park, heavily populated by wild elephants.
• Discover Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural centre and the sacred city of Buddhism, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and visit the Temple of the Tooth, housing one of Sri Lanka’s most important relics – a tooth of the Buddha.
• With fine cuisine, luxury accommodation and travel and an abundance of photo opportunities, this exotic holiday is a must for even the most seasoned traveller and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those new to steam travel tours.
Thursday 20th February
Fly to Colombo
You leave London on a mid-morning in-direct flight to Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo.
Friday 21st February
Free day to relax
You arrive at Colombo Airport early morning and transfer to the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, where you will spend the day relaxing. (B L D)
Saturday 22nd February
Steam train from the Airport to Kandy via Elephant Orphanage
This morning you transfer to the Colombo Fort Railway station. Here you join the Viceroy Special, a chartered train hauled by B1 class 4-6-0 steam
locomotive No. 340 ‘Sir Thomas Maitland’.
Breakfast and lunch will be served on the train as you travel to Kandy. En-route you stop to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular animal attractions.
Later you continue along the spectacular route into the hills, there will be a stop in Kadugannawa to visit the Railway Museum. On arrival at Kandy you transfer to the luxury 5-star Mahaweli Reach Hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the afternoon before dinner. (B L D)
Sunday 23rd February
Kandy to Nuwara-Eliya, the highest town on Sri Lanka
Today your special train will be hauled by a diesel locomotive as you travel from Kandy into the
sublime green heights of Sri Lanka’s hill country, passing tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and verdant forests. You stop at Nanu Oya village, from where you transfer by road coach to Nuwara Eliya, the highest town on the island. It boasts many colonial style homes with English-type lawns and gardens looking out across a placid lake. You enjoy a visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens following which the rest of the day is free to relax. You’ll stay at the impressive Grand Hotel tonight, where dinner will be served. (B L D)
Monday 24th February
Nuwara-Eliya to Badulla and back
After an early breakfast you transfer by coach to the Nanu-Oya Railway Station for a one-
day excursion on the Viceroy Special along the highlands railway to the mountain terminus station of Badulla. This rail journey is rated one of the world’s best. The rolling hills are strewn with tea plantations, gushing streams and cascading waterfalls. En-route, photo stops at Pattipola Summit Level (15 minutes), Idalgashinna View Point (5 Minutes), a run Past at Demodera Nine Arch Bridge (30 minutes) and a photo stop at Demodera Loop (15 minutes) will be staged. Lunch, tea and coffee will be served on the train. On this scenic journey you descend from the heights of Nuwara Eliya at nearly 2,000 metres down to Badulla at 680 metres on the banks of the Badulu Oya (river). The railway features numerous spirals, loops, spectacular viaducts and quaint colonial stations. You then enjoy a sightseeing tour of Badulla by tuk tuks, before returning to Nuwara Eliya by either coach or on board the train. You stay overnight again at The Grand Hotel. (B L D)
Tuesday 25th February
Nuwara-Eliya
This morning, you have a guided tour of NuwaraEliya scheduled, which includes a visit to the Pedro Estate Tea Plantation & Factory. The rest of the day has been kept free for you to explore Nuwara-Eliya, the self-styled ‘Little England’ set in a scenic valley at the base of the island’s tallest mountain, Piduruthalagala. Colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows and pretty gardens abound here, and the parks, Lake Gregory, the post office and the market place offer excellent reasons to stroll around. You stay overnight again at The Grand Hotel. (B L D)
Wednesday 26th February
Viceroy Special to Kandy
This morning you re-join the diesel hauled Viceroy Special at Nanu Oya. The train descends between mountain ranges through thickly wooded areas to the interior of the island at Kandy for a tour of this sacred city of Buddhism. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings, is Sri Lanka’s cultural centre, and has now become a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tour highlight is the famous Temple of the Tooth, housing one of Sri Lanka’s most important relics – a tooth of the Buddha. In the evening you visit the Kandy Lake Club for a memorable cultural pageant and to watch a firewalking show. Overnight accommodation is at the Mahaweli Reach Hotel this evening. (B L D)
Thursday 27th February
Kandy to Habarana – Visit Golden Temple; Lion’s Rock
You travel by road coach this morning to Habarana, en route you stop off at Dambulla to visit the impressive Golden Temple, a multicave complex containing statues and paintings. Following lunch at your hotel Habarana you visit the 600-foot-high ‘Lion’s Rock’. This massive ancient fortress and palace ruins is surrounded by one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Your accommodation tonight is at the luxury Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Habarana. (B L D)
Friday 28th February
Minneriya National Park; Steam Train to Trincomalee
This morning after breakfast, you have a Jeep safari to Minneriya National Park, which is heavily populated by wild elephants, after which you join a special train, hauled by steam locomotive No.251, at Gal-Oya Junction Station and travel north-eastwards via to Trincomalee, sited on one the world’s finest natural harbours. Lunch is served on the train. On arrival at Trincomalee you visit the Fort Fredrick and the famous Hindu Temple built on Swami Rock within the fort area. In the evening you transfer to the 4-star Chaaya Blu Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B L D)
Saturday 1st March
By steam from Trincomalee to Passekudah (Batticaloa)
After breakfast you re-join the Viceroy Special at Trincomalee Station. Your train will be hauled by steam locomotive No.251 as you return first to Galoya Junction. Here you change direction and head south-eastwards along the Batticaloa branch line. Lunch is served on the train.
On arrival at Valachchenai you transfer to an idyllic beach resort at Passikudah. Batticaloa enjoys a spectacular coastal position surrounded by idyllic lagoons with palm-filtered sunlight glancing off the water. Batticaloa District is also home to the pristine beaches of Kalkudah and Passikudah Bay, and you are free to explore the area at leisure. You stay overnight at the Uga Beach Resort. (B L D)
Sunday 2nd March
Batticaloa beach resort leisure
After breakfast, you have a free day at your beach resort with options to join a boat trip and do some sightseeing, or simply relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beaches. In the afternoon you can enjoy a sightseeing tour of Batticaloa. Batticaloa, situated on the flat Indian Ocean eastern coastal plain where three lagoons and several islands link to the mainland by bridges. Your sightseeing tour includes a walk around
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£7195
£965
Ground only £6495 (Colombo – Colombo)
Price includes:
✱ 15 Nights hotel accommodation (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
✱ “Viceroy Special” luxury train travel as detailed in the itinerary with unlimited tea and coffee service
✱ All visits and coach journeys as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Site visits including entrance fees
✱ Unlimited bottled drinking water
✱ Services of a National Tour Guide
Beach Extension
Price per person £595
Single supplement £325
Price includes:
✱ 3 nights all Inclusive accommodation
✱ Ground transfers
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
the parapet of the small fort, and visits to the Catholic Church and Mahatma Ghandi Park. You spend the night at Uga Bay Beach Resort once more. (B L D)
Monday 3rd March
Steam Train to Maho
This morning you travel by road coach to Habarana. Your train will have left Batticaloa the day before and will be waiting for you. Steaming south-westwards, you pass through areas where elephants roam wild in the jungle. Lunch is served on the train before arriving at Maho Junction, here the locomotive changes from steam to diesel and travels northwards to Kankesanthurai and back to Jaffna. This journey has only been possible since peace was restored in Northern Sri Lanka and the Northern Line reconstructed. The route mainly runs through open country, across the North Central plains. At Elephant Pass, it crosses the lagoons to enter the Jaffna Peninsula. On arrival at Jaffna itself, you transfer to the Jetwing Jaffna Hotel for overnight accommodation and dinner. (B L D)
Tuesday 4th March
City tour of Jaffna
Jaffna Peninsula is a region characterised by fields of Palmyra palms, technicolor temples, holy springs and miles of coastline. After breakfast, you have a city tour scheduled to see its notable buildings, such as the Public Library, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and Jaffna Fort.
The afternoon is free for further sightseeing and leisure. Overnight accommodation is again at the Jetwing Jaffna Hotel. (B L D)
Wednesday 5th March
Anuradhapura, the ancient capital
Following breakfast this morning you travel diesel hauled to Anuradhapura, arriving around lunch for an afternoon tour of one of the historic capitals of Sri Lanka, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sacred city features many ancient ruins, including huge bell-shaped stupas built of small sun-dried bricks, temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient drinking-water reservoirs. You’ll visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya ‘Tree of Enlightenment’, alleged to be the oldest living tree in the world. Tonight, you are accommodated in a tranquil setting at the Palm Garden Hotel. (B L D)
Thursday 6th March
Steam to Mount Lavinia
Today you travel on the Viceroy Special diesel hauled to Maho Junction. Here you change locomotives and travel southwards under steam through Polgahawela Junction, where you join the main line to Colombo Fort and Mount Lavinia Station. On arrival, you check in to the adjacent Mount Lavinia Hotel, an impressive colonial building at this beach resort. In the afternoon there’s an optional visit by road coach to the Dematogoda locomotive depot to view an interesting collection of both broad and narrow-
gauge steam locomotives. A drive around the city of Colombo is also scheduled. In the evening, you return to the Mount Lavinia Hotel for overnight accommodation. (B L D)
Friday 7th March
Mount Lavinia to Galle by “Viceroy Special” Steam Train
Today you set off on the last leg of your journey aboard the Viceroy Special. Departing Mount Lavinia you steam south through outer suburbs and along the coast. The line frequently runs parallel to the beach allowing great sea views. Lunch is served on board before you arrive in Galle for a tour, finishing at the World Heritagelisted old fort complex known as the ‘Ramparts of Galle’. Annexed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and extensively fortified by subsequent Dutch and British custodians, the fort has a remarkable old-world atmosphere after 500 years of occupation. The minimalistic, stately and elegant Lighthouse Hotel is another Sri Lankan gem designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Your farewell dinner and accommodation tonight is at the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel Galle overlooking the Indian Ocean. (B L D)
Saturday 8th March
Return to UK
After breakfast in the hotel, if you have not opted for the beach extension you transfer to the airport for your direct flight back home. (B)
BEACH EXTENSION
Saturday 8th to Tuesday 11th February
(Both days Inclusive)
3 Day Beach Extension
If you have opted for the Beach Extension you transfer by road coach from Lighthouse Hotel Galle to the RIU Ahungalla Hotel for three nights all inclusive accommodation (B L D)
Tuesday 11th February
Return to UK
You have a morning departure from the hotel for your afternoon flight direct to London Heathrow. (B)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
£7195
£965
Ground only £6495 (Colombo – Colombo)
Price includes:
✱ 15 Nights hotel accommodation (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
✱ “Viceroy Special” luxury train travel as detailed in the itinerary with unlimited tea and coffee service
✱ All visits and coach journeys as detailed in the itinerary
✱ Site visits including entrance fees
✱ Unlimited bottled drinking water
✱ Services of a National Tour Guide
Beach Extension
Price per person £595
Single supplement £325
Price includes:
✱ 3 nights all Inclusive accommodation
✱ Ground transfers
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Canada by Rail and Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise
Monday 5th May to Monday 26th May 2025
Travelling by train is one of the finest ways to see Canada. We travel on the famous “Ocean” and “Canadian” trains and watch as this vast and beautiful country unfolds before our eyes. Can there be a better way to see the wide open spaces of the Prairies or cross the world famous Rocky Mountains, where the railway routes are amongst the most beautiful in the world? Our tour includes time spent in the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. We cruise the Inside Passage between Vancouver in British Columbia and Juneau in Alaska. This is a coastal route for ocean going vessels along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific Coast of North America. Cruise ships using this world famous waterway provide unrivalled views of the rocky coastline; allow glimpses of the world’s most undisturbed landscapes; take you wonderfully close to glaciers; and offer opportunities to see rare wildlife such as whales, eagles, porpoises and bears. This is a trip of a lifetime!
Monday 5th May
Flight to Halifax, Nova Scotia
We take a flight from London Heathrow to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and arrive in the mid afternoon. We transfer to the city and check in to our hotel for the next two nights. Halifax has one of the world’s great natural harbours which has given it a rich maritime history. (D)
Tuesday 6th May
Free day in Halifax
Spend the day enjoying all that Halifax has to offer. (B D)
Wednesday 7th May
“The Ocean” to Montreal
This morning we board a luxury train at Halifax Station for the journey to Montreal. “The Ocean” has operated for more than a century along a
very scenic route in eastern Canada. We can relax and enjoy the superb scenery as we travel through Nova Scotia, the forests of eastern New Brunswick, and the lower St. Lawrence River valley. Our accommodation will be in sleeper cabins. (B L D)
Thursday 8th May
We arrive in Montreal in the morning
Today you will have a free day to enjoy Montreal and explore the many attractions and sights of this vibrant city. Check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D)
Friday 9th May
Montreal to Toronto
Today, you will board a high speed connection to Toronto. We travel in comfort with spacious seating and along a route following the
St. Lawrence River valley and to the west of Lake Ontario. Refreshments are available to purchase during the journey. On arrival in Toronto we transfer to a hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D)
Saturday 10th May
Niagara Falls
Today you board a morning train and depart to Niagara Falls. Travelling through the Canadian countryside to one of the most famous destinations in the world. Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls and spans between the Province of Ontario and the State of New York in the United States. Spend the day immersed in the wonder and beauty of this iconic location. Afterwards, you board a service train and travel back to Toronto. Where you will enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B D)
Via Rail
Via Rail
Sunday 11th May
The Canadian
After breakfast, you will board Canada’s premier train “The Canadian”, travelling Sleeper train. We sleep on the train for four nights in cabins which feature a large window with blind, two chairs, and a private washroom with small WC and sink. (B L D)
Monday 12th May
Crossing Canada
“The Canadian” is a transcontinental passenger train operated by Via Rail Canada which crosses four time zones on it’s 4,466 km (2,775 miles) journey. After breakfast, we spend the day relaxing on the train as it travels through spectacular scenery where the sheer size and drama of the landscape makes it much more than ‘countryside’. This is big country, empty but for scattered small communities like Gogama which is typical of the settlements along this section that were created in order to service locomotives. We stop at Hornepayne, which began as a railway town but where today the major industry is wood. We eat on-board “The Canadian” and spend another night in our cosy on-board bedrooms. (B L D)
Tuesday 13th May
Winnipeg
We are now in the Central Time zone and cross the border from Ontario into Manitoba before reaching its capital Winnipeg. The city was originally the hub of the Canadian fur trade due to its strategic location at the junction of three rivers. Today the “Peg” is a city as diverse as the whole of Canada and a destination for architecture, rivers, history, arts, and museums. Leaving Winnipeg we travel westwards crossing the Prairies, the huge undulating plains that span the three provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. (B L D)
Wednesday 14th May
The Rocky Mountains
During the night we pass into the Mountain Time zone and early in the morning our train arrives at Edmonton. Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is located in the beautiful North Saskatchewan River valley. We continue our journey passing through rolling countryside before climbing into the Rockies and arriving in Jasper. Here we have a short break to stretch our legs before we continue our journey to Vancouver. (B L D)
Thursday 15th May
Vancouver
Our train arrives at Vancouver Station today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains. You will check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay for the next two nights. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. (B D)
Friday 16th May
Free Day in Vancouver
Today you have a free day in Vancouver. Spend the day exploring the attractions that Vancouver has to offer. Returning again to your hotel in Vancouver. (B D)
Saturday 17th May
Cruise – The Inside Passage Alaska
In the afternoon we board the Holland America Line cruise ship MS “Koningsdam” for the voyage to Alaska. We navigate the Inside Passage, a world famous waterway which is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by islands and only accessible by sea and air. (B D)
Sunday 18th May
The Inside Passage
The fabled Inside Passage is one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world, and one of the few where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls. We spend a relaxing day cruising the Inside Passage viewing rugged capes, cliffs, glaciers, fjords, forests and neverending dramatic scenery along the channels, passes, straits and islands. Late in the evening we navigate the tight passage of the Seymour Narrows and the Grenville Channel between Pitt Island and the mainland. (B L D)
Monday 19th May
Juneau, capital of Alaska
This morning we cruise into Tracy Arm Fjord where seals and whales make their home and the shoreline sees waterfalls created by melting snow-caps. The dramatic Sawyer Glaciers at the end of the fjord are framed by mountains and are habitat for bears, wolves, deer and moose. After lunch we arrive in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The city is unusual in that there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska, it can only be accessed by air or water. It is known for the surrounding glaciers and rain forest that make up the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the USA. Our ship departs after dinner. (B L D)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single occupancy
Ground only
£10695
£2600
£9995 (Halifax – Vancouver)
Price includes:
✱ Scheduled flights from London to Halifax and from Vancouver to London
✱ 8 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in quality hotels
✱ A days rail travel with overnight accommodation on “The Ocean”
✱ A visit to Niagara Falls
✱ 4 days on “The Canadian” with overnight accommodation on the train
✱ Other meals as shown
✱ 8 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown)
✱ All transfers
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Tuesday 20th May
Skagway; White Pass and Yukon Railway
We arrive at Skagway and spend the day in the historic Gold Rush town that was the gateway to the Klondike. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park tells the story and preserves some of the original structures. Today there is an option to ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railway to White Pass summit (at extra cost). Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railway is one of the most scenic in the world, offering a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels and historic sites. Our ship leaves Skagway late in the evening. (B L D)
Wednesday 21st May
Cruise Glacier Bay
Today we cruise in Glacier Bay where the spectacular scenery and wildlife make it a highlight of the cruise. The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes tidewater glaciers, snowcapped rugged mountains, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords. We shall see a temperate rainforest of spruce trees growing to 120 feet high and our ship will spend time in front of a glacier. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world. It is an incredible experience to watch a colossal chunk of ice split off from a glacier and thunder into the sea, the impact shooting water hundreds of feet into the air. (B L D)
Thursday 22nd May
Visit to Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a major port located on Revillagigedo Island and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. The area contains deep water fjords which were created by retreating glaciers, leaving granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls plunging into placid waters. Ketchikan clings to the shores of the Tongass Narrows, with many shops and houses built right out over the water. The town calls itself the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and a salmon stream flows past the town’s historic Creek Street. The town is home to many museums, galleries and shops and its main attractions are the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park with its display of native Indian totems, and Saxman Village. Our ship sails in the early evening. (B L D)
Friday 23rd May
Cruise the Inside Passage
Today we continue to cruise the Inside Passage on our journey south. (B L D)
Saturday 24th May
Return to Vancouver
We arrive back at Vancouver in the morning after your unforgettable Alaskan cruise. This evening we stay in a centrally located hotel for your final night in Canada where you will enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers. (B D)
Sunday 25th May
Free time in Vancouver
There will be free time to explore Vancouver this morning, a city of rich cultural diversity where North America and Asia meet. An integrated transport system of buses, rapid transit (SkyTrain) and passenger ferry (SeaBus) serve the three parts of the city: the Westside, the Eastside and city centre. Gastown (Chinatown), the market area of Granville Island, the beaches of Stanley Park, and the Strait of Georgia are all of note. In the afternoon we transfer to Vancouver airport for the flight back to London Heathrow. (B)
Monday 26th May
Arrival in the UK
We arrive at London Heathrow in the afternoon.
The Cruise Ship MS Koningsdam features:
• The elegant Dining Room
• Pinnacle Grill
• Lido Market
• Swimming pool, ocean spa and fitness centre
• Casino and movie theatre
• Accommodation is in VA or VC Verandah Staterooms (Upgrades available)
• Meals are included and are available on board (drinks are not included outside of meal times and will need to be purchased separately). Normally only water is provided during mealtimes in the restaurant)
• All shore excursions are not included
The Ocean – Luxury Train:
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included whilst on board (alcoholic drinks are not included)
• All cabins are equipped with a toilet & washbasin some with showers. For those cabins without a shower, there are separate showers in the carriage
The Canadian – Luxury Train:
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included whilst on board (alcoholic drinks are not included)
• All cabins are equipped with a toilet & washbasin. There are no ensuite shower facilities in the cabins, these are outside in the carriage
All of the cabins on The Ocean and The Canadian for double occupancy are twin cabins with stacked single beds.
Please note.
There is no observation car on The Ocean.
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single occupancy
Ground only
£10695
£2600
£9995 (Halifax – Vancouver)
Price includes:
✱ Scheduled flights from London to Halifax and from Vancouver to London
✱ 8 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in quality hotels
✱ A days rail travel with overnight accommodation on “The Ocean”
✱ A visit to Niagara Falls
✱ 4 days on “The Canadian” with overnight accommodation on the train
✱ Other meals as shown
✱ 8 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown)
✱ All transfers
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Colorado and the Rocky Mountains Steam Tour
Friday 8th August to Sunday 24th August 2025
The swingin’ saloons, ornery gunslingers, and Gold Rush all come to life as you visit the heart of the Old West and on stunningly scenic railways.
You’ll start in Denver, with a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum, as well as a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Then there’s travel on the Georgetown Loop and Leadville Railways to enjoy. From Denver it’s on to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway – the highest cog railway in the world. Whilst there you visit the ‘Garden of the Gods’ National Natural Monument. More highlights wait then in Canon City, with a trip following the winding Arkansas River on the Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad. Then it’s on to Alamosa and a journey with the narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. The holiday continues with a visit to the Sand Dunes National Monument. You continue your adventure in true Wild West style as you’ll explore historic Durango and travel on the Durango and Silverton Railroad. You then follow the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ to Grand Junction and return to Denver via one of America’s greatest train trips with the Amtrak ‘Californian Zephyr’. This extraordinary and breath-taking tour is the only way to see all these vintage Wild West highlights together, in one holiday of a lifetime. Book early to be sure not to miss it!
Friday 8th 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 9th 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 10th 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 11th 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 12th 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 13th 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 14th 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 15th August
Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad; on to Alamosa
After breakfast you transfer by coach to Canon City, for a trip on the Royal Gorge Scenic Railroad, there’ll be a midday departure from
Canon City with lunch included on board, hauled by a streamlined, world-famous ‘F-Unit’ diesel loco following the winding, tumbling Arkansas River deep within the soaring, 1,000-foot granite cliffs of Colorado's Royal Gorge. You’ll travel in Vista Dome class, seated in enclosed, glassdomed iconic carriages with full access to the open-air gondola car, which is ideal for superb sight lines and unrestricted photography. After your trip you continue by coach to Alamosa and check-in to your hotel for the next three nights. (B L)
Saturday
16th August
Cumbres & Toltec Railroad and San Luis Valley Brewery Visit
After breakfast you have a morning departure from Alamosa on board the Rio Grande train to Osier, there’s a chance to take photos here as run pasts will be staged. You’ll enjoy lunch on board. Returning to Alamosa you’ll then visit San Luis Valley Brewery and Restaurant for dinner. (B L D)
Sunday 17th August
Steam at the world famous Cumbres and Toltec Railroad
This morning you experience the Antonito Excursion at the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. First you transfer by specially arranged motorcoach from Antonito to Chama stopping at Osier for lunch. Afterwards, you board the train from Chama and travel back to Antonito. You travel to Antonito by steam train with allocated seating, enjoying the panoramic views of the authentic Western scenery. Overnight accommodation is again in Alamosa. (B L)
Monday 18th August
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)
(Denver – Denver)
Price includes: ✱ Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return ✱ 15-nights accommodation in quality hotels
✱ 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
✱ All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
included each day are shown as:
Tuesday 19th August
Steam at the Durango and Silverton Railroad
After breakfast you have a morning departure from Durango to Silverton, for a round trip adventure on a line originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore from Southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountain. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear on this spectacular Narrow-Gauge Railroad, travelling in 1st Class which provides complimentary morning pastries, non-alcoholic beverages and custom first-class amenities. You’ll arrive back in Durango late afternoon. (B)
Wednesday 20th August
Durango Yard Tour,
then ‘Million Dollar Highway’
Today you have a relaxing breakfast and morning in Durango, allowing time for a guided tour of the roundhouse, with full behind-thescenes access and time for some steam train photography as the morning trains leave for Silverton. You’ll then travel by coach over the breath-taking ‘Million Dollar Highway’ north via Silverton where you will have a break for lunch.
After lunch you continue along the San Juan Skyway to Ouray. Overnight accommodation is in Ouray tonight. (B)
Thursday 21st August
Grand Junction
You rejoin your coach this morning and continue northwards to Grand Junction, with time en route for plenty of photography and nature watching. Officially U.S. Route 550, this is one of the roads on the Trails of the Ancients Byway. There will be a short stop at Ridgway to see the Galloping Goose No. 1 in the Railroad Museum there. Afterwards you check into your centrally located hotel in Grand Junction for your overnight accommodation. (B)
Friday 22nd August
Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’ to Denver
This morning after breakfast you’ll travel on the Amtrak ‘California Zephyr’, departing Grand Junction at mid morning, reckoned one of the greatest train trips in all of North America. You’ll climb through the heart of the Rockies, and then further west through the snow-capped
Sierra Nevadas. Other route highlights include the Moffat Tunnel and Colorado's Gore, Byers and Glenwood Canyons. This is one of the top Amtrak Routes in America, and your seating is in coach class on the upper deck. You arrive at Denver Union Station in the early evening for accommodation reserved at the same hotel as at the start of the tour. (B)
Saturday 23rd August
Fly back to UK
After breakfast, you have some free time to relax in Denver before you transfer to the airport for your evening flight back to the UK. (B)
Sunday 24th August
Arrival in London
You arrive back in London at midday.
Andrew Jackson
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Tour Summary
Tour price
Single supplement
Ground only
£5795
£695
£5395 (Denver – Denver)
Price includes:
✱ Scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Denver and return
✱ 15-nights accommodation in quality hotels
✱ 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
✱ All train travel, transfers, visits and tours as detailed in the itinerary
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as:
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson
Canada by Rail and Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise
Monday 8th September to Monday 29th September 2025
Travelling by train is one of the finest ways to see Canada. We travel on the famous “Ocean” and “Canadian” trains and watch as this vast and beautiful country unfolds before our eyes. Can there be a better way to see the wide open spaces of the Prairies or cross the world famous Rocky Mountains, where the railway routes are amongst the most beautiful in the world? Our tour includes time spent in the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. We cruise the Inside Passage between Vancouver in British Columbia and Juneau in Alaska. This is a coastal route for ocean going vessels along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific Coast of North America. Cruise ships using this world famous waterway provide unrivalled views of the rocky coastline; allow glimpses of the world’s most undisturbed landscapes; take you wonderfully close to glaciers; and offer opportunities to see rare wildlife such as whales, eagles, porpoises and bears. This is a trip of a lifetime!
Monday 8th September
Flight to Halifax, Nova Scotia
We take a flight from London Heathrow to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and arrive in the mid afternoon. We transfer to the city and check in to our hotel for the next two nights. Halifax has one of the world’s great natural harbours which has given it a rich maritime history. (D)
Tuesday 9th September
Free day in Halifax
Spend the day enjoying all that Halifax has to offer. (B D)
Wednesday 10th September
“The Ocean” to Montreal
This morning we board a luxury train at Halifax Station for the journey to Montreal. “The Ocean” has operated for more than a century along a
very scenic route in eastern Canada. We can relax and enjoy the superb scenery as we travel through Nova Scotia, the forests of eastern New Brunswick, and the lower St. Lawrence River valley. Our accommodation will be in sleeper cabins. (B L D)
Thursday 11th September
We arrive in Montreal in the morning
Today you will have a free day to enjoy Montreal and explore the many attractions and sights of this vibrant city. Check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D)
Friday 12th September
Montreal to Toronto
Today, you will board a high speed connection to Toronto. We travel in comfort with spacious seating and along a route following the
St. Lawrence River valley and to the west of Lake Ontario. Refreshments are available to purchase during the journey. On arrival in Toronto we transfer to a hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (D)
Saturday 13th September
Niagara Falls
Today you board a morning train and depart to Niagara Falls. Travelling through the Canadian countryside to one of the most famous destinations in the world. Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls and spans between the Province of Ontario and the State of New York in the United States. Spend the day immersed in the wonder and beauty of this iconic location. Afterwards, you board a service train and travel back to Toronto. Where you will enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B D)
Via Rail
Via Rail
Sunday 14th September
The Canadian
After breakfast, you will board Canada’s premier train “The Canadian”, travelling Sleeper train. We sleep on the train for four nights in cabins which feature a large window with blind, two chairs, and a private washroom with small WC and sink. (B L D)
Monday 15th September
Crossing Canada
“The Canadian” is a transcontinental passenger train operated by Via Rail Canada which crosses four time zones on it’s 4,466 km (2,775 miles) journey. After breakfast, we spend the day relaxing on the train as it travels through spectacular scenery where the sheer size and drama of the landscape makes it much more than ‘countryside’. This is big country, empty but for scattered small communities like Gogama which is typical of the settlements along this section that were created in order to service locomotives. We stop at Hornepayne, which began as a railway town but where today the major industry is wood. We eat on-board “The Canadian” and spend another night in our cosy on-board bedrooms. (B L D)
Tuesday 16th September
Winnipeg
We are now in the Central Time zone and cross the border from Ontario into Manitoba before reaching its capital Winnipeg. The city was originally the hub of the Canadian fur trade due to its strategic location at the junction of three rivers. Today the “Peg” is a city as diverse as the whole of Canada and a destination for architecture, rivers, history, arts, and museums. Leaving Winnipeg we travel westwards crossing the Prairies, the huge undulating plains that span the three provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. (B L D)
Wednesday 17th September
The Rocky Mountains
During the night we pass into the Mountain Time zone and early in the morning our train arrives at Edmonton. Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is located in the beautiful North Saskatchewan River valley. We continue our journey passing through rolling countryside before climbing into the Rockies and arriving in Jasper. Here we have a short break to stretch our legs before we continue our journey to Vancouver. (B L D)
Thursday 18th September
Vancouver
Our train arrives at Vancouver Station today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains. You will check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay for the next two nights. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. (B D)
Friday 19th September
Free Day in Vancouver
Today you have a free day in Vancouver. Spend the day exploring the attractions that Vancouver has to offer. Returning again to your hotel in Vancouver. (B D)
Saturday 20th September
Cruise – The Inside Passage Alaska
In the afternoon we board the Holland America Line cruise ship MS “Koningsdam” for the voyage to Alaska. We navigate the Inside Passage, a world famous waterway which is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by islands and only accessible by sea and air. (B D)
Sunday 21st September
The Inside Passage
The fabled Inside Passage is one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world, and one of the few where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls. We spend a relaxing day cruising the Inside Passage viewing rugged capes, cliffs, glaciers, fjords, forests and neverending dramatic scenery along the channels, passes, straits and islands. Late in the evening we navigate the tight passage of the Seymour Narrows and the Grenville Channel between Pitt Island and the mainland. (B L D)
Monday 22nd September
Juneau, capital of Alaska
This morning we cruise into Tracy Arm Fjord where seals and whales make their home and the shoreline sees waterfalls created by melting snow-caps. The dramatic Sawyer Glaciers at the end of the fjord are framed by mountains and are habitat for bears, wolves, deer and moose. After lunch we arrive in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The city is unusual in that there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska, it can only be accessed by air or water. It is known for the surrounding glaciers and rain forest that make up the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the USA. Our ship departs after dinner. (B L D)
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single occupancy
Ground only
£10695
£2600
£9995 (Halifax – Vancouver)
Price includes:
✱ Scheduled flights from London to Halifax and from Vancouver to London
✱ 8 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in quality hotels
✱ A days rail travel with overnight accommodation on “The Ocean”
✱ A visit to Niagara Falls
✱ 4 days on “The Canadian” with overnight accommodation on the train
✱ Other meals as shown
✱ 8 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown)
✱ All transfers
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Tuesday 23rd September
Skagway; White Pass and Yukon Railway
We arrive at Skagway and spend the day in the historic Gold Rush town that was the gateway to the Klondike. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park tells the story and preserves some of the original structures. Today there is an option to ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railway to White Pass summit (at extra cost). Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railway is one of the most scenic in the world, offering a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels and historic sites. Our ship leaves Skagway late in the evening. (B L D)
Wednesday 24th September
Cruise Glacier Bay
Today we cruise in Glacier Bay where the spectacular scenery and wildlife make it a highlight of the cruise. The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes tidewater glaciers, snowcapped rugged mountains, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords. We shall see a temperate rainforest of spruce trees growing to 120 feet high and our ship will spend time in front of a glacier. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world. It is an incredible experience to watch a colossal chunk of ice split off from a glacier and thunder into the sea, the impact shooting water hundreds of feet into the air. (B L D)
Thursday 25th September
Visit to Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a major port located on Revillagigedo Island and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. The area contains deep water fjords which were created by retreating glaciers, leaving granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls plunging into placid waters. Ketchikan clings to the shores of the Tongass Narrows, with many shops and houses built right out over the water. The town calls itself the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and a salmon stream flows past the town’s historic Creek Street. The town is home to many museums, galleries and shops and its main attractions are the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park with its display of native Indian totems, and Saxman Village. Our ship sails in the early evening. (B L D)
Friday 26th September
Cruise the Inside Passage
Today we continue to cruise the Inside Passage on our journey south. (B L D)
Saturday 27th September
Return to Vancouver
We arrive back at Vancouver in the morning after your unforgettable Alaskan cruise. This evening we stay in a centrally located hotel for your final night in Canada where you will enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers. (B D)
Sunday 28th September
Free time in Vancouver
There will be free time to explore Vancouver this morning, a city of rich cultural diversity where North America and Asia meet. An integrated transport system of buses, rapid transit (SkyTrain) and passenger ferry (SeaBus) serve the three parts of the city: the Westside, the Eastside and city centre. Gastown (Chinatown), the market area of Granville Island, the beaches of Stanley Park, and the Strait of Georgia are all of note. In the afternoon we transfer to Vancouver airport for the flight back to London Heathrow. (B)
Monday 29th September
Arrival in the UK
We arrive at London Heathrow in the afternoon.
The Cruise Ship MS Koningsdam features:
• The elegant Dining Room
• Pinnacle Grill
• Lido Market
• Swimming pool, ocean spa and fitness centre
• Casino and movie theatre
• Accommodation is in VA or VC Verandah Staterooms (Upgrades available)
• Meals are included and are available on board (drinks are not included outside of meal times and will need to be purchased separately). Normally only water is provided during mealtimes in the restaurant)
• All shore excursions are not included
The Ocean – Luxury Train:
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included whilst on board (alcoholic drinks are not included)
• All cabins are equipped with a toilet & washbasin some with showers. For those cabins without a shower, there are separate showers in the carriage
The Canadian – Luxury Train:
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included whilst on board (alcoholic drinks are not included)
• All cabins are equipped with a toilet & washbasin. There are no ensuite shower facilities in the cabins, these are outside in the carriage
All of the cabins on The Ocean and The Canadian for double occupancy are twin cabins with stacked single beds.
Please note.
There is no observation car on The Ocean.
Tour Summary
Tour price
Single occupancy
Ground only
£10695
£2600
£9995 (Halifax – Vancouver)
Price includes:
✱ Scheduled flights from London to Halifax and from Vancouver to London
✱ 8 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in quality hotels
✱ A days rail travel with overnight accommodation on “The Ocean”
✱ A visit to Niagara Falls
✱ 4 days on “The Canadian” with overnight accommodation on the train
✱ Other meals as shown
✱ 8 days Inside Passage cruise (see breakdown)
✱ All transfers
✱ The services of a Tour Manager
All prices shown are per person based on two persons sharing.
Meals included each day are shown as: B = Breakfast - L = Lunch - D = Dinner
Wild, Wild West Rail Adventure
Sunday 14th September to Monday 29th September 2025
Embark on an Adventure of a Lifetime with the Wild, Wild West Rail Adventure! This 16-day journey takes in the wild west of California, Nevada, and Utah. Visit and ride on many of the historic and famous railroads of the Western United States.
• Visit Alcatraz, board the Napa Valley Wine Train, spend a day at the California State Railroad Museum, and have dinner in Old Sacramento.
• Visit the heart of the Mother Lode Gold Country, home of the Sierra Railroad, ride the California Zephyr, and try your luck at the Reno Casino Hotel and Spa.
• Ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to the heart of the Comstock Lode, experience a real Western BBQ at the Alpine & Western Pacific Railroad, and visit Nevada State Railroad Museum and ride their historic trains.
• Enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Tahoe, journey across the loneliest highway in America, visit ancient Native American carvings and an operating gold mine.
• Ride the Nevada Northern Railway and visit Wendover Airfield.
• Visit Promontory Point, where the Golden Spike was driven to complete the Transcontinental Railroad, and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner.
Sunday 14th September
Welcome to the City by the Bay!
After your flight, you will arrive at San Francisco International Airport.
Welcome to California and the USA! Your local hosts will greet you at the airport; look for the MacLean Adventures flag. You transfer to your hotel for check in, the rest of the day and evening are yours to settle in and relax.
Monday 15th September
Free day
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you have a full day and night to explore the city at your leisure. (B)
Tuesday 16th September
Lunch in Chinatown; Alcatraz; North Beach dinner
San Francisco is home to one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. The Chinese immigrants who settled here played a crucial role in building the Transcontinental Railroad through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch. After lunch, explore the infamous Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals. On this tour, you’ll learn about the island’s fascinating history, discovering stories of daring escapes, infamous inmates, and the daily life of those who lived and worked on The Rock. The tour also offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay. After returning from Alcatraz Island, you will take a short walk to North Beach,
San Francisco’s Italian district, and enjoy dinner at Fior D’Italia, America’s oldest Italian restaurant. This iconic restaurant offers a rich culinary tradition and a warm, inviting atmosphere, providing the perfect end to an exciting day of exploration. (B L D)
Wednesday 17th September
Peju Winery; Napa Valley Wine Train
After breakfast, you transfer by coach to Napa Valley, travelling north to the picturesque Peju Winery. Established in 1983, Peju Winery is at the heart of this renowned wine region. Here, you’ll experience a family-style lunch paired with a selection of their award-winning wines. Peju Winery offers a perfect blend of exquisite wine, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery.
Afterwards, you take the coach to your hotel in Napa Valley. After checking in, you have time to relax and unwind. You’ll regroup for a short walk to the Napa Valley Wine Train, where you will embark on a unique dining experience.
As you travel through the heart of Napa Valley’s vineyards, you’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner, providing a perfect blend of fine dining and stunning views.(B L D)
Thursday 18th September
Old Sacramento; California State Railroad Museum
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Sacramento, the capital of California. Established in 1850, Sacramento is best known for its role during the California Gold Rush.
Your visit includes exploring historic Old Sacramento, a district filled with preserved 19thcentury buildings, museums, and shops. You will check in at Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, where you will find several shops and other amenities. In Old Sacramento, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from for lunch. The beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings will give you a taste of California’s rich heritage. After lunch, you will visit the California State Railroad Museum, where you will receive a guided tour that highlights the pivotal role railroads played in California’s history. You will get to see one of the original Golden Spikes! After the tour, you’ll ride on the California Southern Railroad in one of their historic cars, offering a nostalgic journey along the Sacramento River, and providing a glimpse into the golden era of rail travel. To finish the day, you will enjoy dinner at the elegant Firehouse Restaurant, located just a short stroll from the hotel. Savour the charming ambiance and expertlycrafted cocktails while soaking in the rich history and sophisticated atmosphere of this iconic establishment. (B D)
Friday 19th September
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
This morning you depart for Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, in the Mother Lode region of the California Gold Rush, home to the Sierra Railroad. This historic lumber railroad features several vintage trains, a fully operational roundhouse, and well-maintained shops. You’ll spend the day exploring the rich history of the region, learning about the pivotal role railroads played during the Gold Rush. After a day of discovery, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Old Sacramento. (B L D)
Saturday 20th September
California Zephyr; Reno Casino and Spa
Today, you’ll embark on an epic rail journey along the historic Transcontinental Railroad over Donner Pass, riding on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one of the most scenic train routes in the United States. Enjoy lunch in the dining car as your train ascends the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains. This route, completed in 1869, was a monumental feat that connected the East and West Coasts, transforming the nation. This rail adventure, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, will be an unforgettable experience. Later, check into your hotel in the heart of Reno, Nevada. Enjoy slots, table games and poker, as well as swimming pools, a full-service salon, and designer boutique shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own in one of many award-winning restaurants the resort has to offer. (B)
Sunday 21st September
Virginia & Truckee Railroad
Today you travel to the Eastgate Depot of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, a historic line established in 1869 to transport silver and gold from the Comstock Lode. Your journey will take you by train to the historic Virginia City, a well-preserved relic of the Wild West. Visit Boot Hill Cemetery, the final resting place of many pioneers and miners, and stroll along the wooden boardwalks that line the streets, where you can find numerous shops, saloons, and eateries. In the afternoon, you will board the train to Carson City, Nevada’s capital. After arriving in Carson City, you will be the guests of your tour hosts, Hawley and Jill, for an authentic Western home-cooked BBQ. Their home is also the site of the Alpine & Western Pacific Railroad, one of Nevada’s largest garden railroads, featuring meticulously crafted miniature trains and landscapes. As you enjoy the delicious BBQ, you’ll be treated to music and entertainment, capturing the spirit of the Wild West. To top off this memorable day, you’ll have the chance to watch a breathtaking Nevada sunset, creating a picture-perfect end to your day of exploration and adventure. (D)
Monday 22nd September
Franktown Meadows; Nevada State Railroad Museum; Lake Tahoe dinner cruise
Depart for Franktown Meadows, sitting on the historic right-of-way of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Although there are no remaining traces of the old railroad today, Franktown Meadows has been transformed into a world-class equestrian centre.
Ground only
(San Francisco – Salt Lake City)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to San Francisco and return from Salt Lake City to London ✱ 14 nights accommodation
✱ 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
✱ All transfers and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
✱ 10 railroads
✱ 3 tour hosts
✱ 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
You will be treated to a short equestrian demonstration, highlighting the excellence for which the centre is known. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by serene pastures and the peaceful ambiance of the countryside.
Your next destination is the Nevada State Railroad Museum, a short drive away. You will have the opportunity to explore a fascinating collection of historic trains. You will not only be able to view these magnificent machines up close, but also experience the thrill of riding on some of them. The museum showcases a rich history of Nevada’s railroads, offering a glimpse into the past with meticulously preserved locomotives and carriages. Your journey continues with a scenic drive over Spooner Summit, leading you to the breathtaking Lake Tahoe, home of the Ponderosa Ranch of TV’s Bonanza! At Lake Tahoe, you’ll board the M.S. Dixie II, an iconic paddle-wheeler renowned for its charm and elegance, for an unforgettable sunset dinner cruise. The cruise will take you to Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in the United States. Emerald Bay is famous for its emerald-green waters and the historic Vikingsholm Castle. While on the M.S. Dixie II, you’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner. This part of your trip promises to be both visually stunning and deeply memorable. (L D)
Tuesday 23rd September
The Loneliest Highway in America
Today’s journey will be an epic adventure like no other. You will be traversing the entire state of Nevada on the legendary Highway 50, famously dubbed “The Loneliest Highway in America.” Highway 50 earned its nickname due to its remote and sparsely populated stretches. The isolation offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast, unspoiled landscapes of Nevada, with its rolling deserts, mountain ranges, and expansive skies. Your first stop will be at Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area. Here, you explore ancient petroglyphs, which are carvings etched into rock surfaces by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago.
As you continue your journey, you’ll pass through small, historic towns that echo the days of the Old West. Along the way, you’ll see remnants of Nevada’s rich mining history, with abandoned mines and ghost towns dotting the landscape. Highway 50 also offers unparalleled natural beauty. The stark, stunning desert scenery creates a sense of endless adventure. By the end of the day, you will have experienced the heart and soul of Nevada in a way few others ever do. Nevada hosts the largest gold and silver deposits in the world, and your journey will include an extraordinary visit to an operational open-pit gold mine at Ruby Hill. The site provides a real insight into the modern mining process, from ore extraction to processing. During your visit, it’s possible you might witness a blast, which is sure
to be a dramatic and educational experience, showcasing the sheer scale and power involved in modern mining operations.
After your long journey across the Silver State, you will check into the local Prospector Hotel and Casino in Ely, Nevada, a beloved establishment that blends the charm of the Old West with modern comforts. As you explore the hotel, you might notice historical photographs and artifacts that tell the story of Ely’s past. The hotel’s small casino offers a range of gaming options and, for those interested in a bit of relaxation, the hotel also features an indoor pool and hot tub. In the evening, you will have dinner at the hotel’s Margareta’s restaurant, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. (L D)
Wednesday 24th
September
Nevada Northern Railway
Today promises to be one of the most memorable days and nights of your adventure! You will step back in time over a hundred years as you explore a historic railroad and its shops, preserved exactly as they were a century ago. This visit will transport you to an era when railroads were the lifeblood of America’s westward expansion. Your day will be filled with a variety of activities designed to immerse you in the rich history and operations of the railroad. You’ll explore the meticulously preserved shops where skilled craftsmen still work. These shops are a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Next, you will ride on historic trains. The restored locomotives and
carriages offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing us to imagine what it was like to journey across the rugged landscapes of Nevada over a century ago. There will also be opportunities to operate handcars, giving you a taste of the physical effort required to maintain and use these early transportation methods. The day will be filled with interactive experiences that bring the history of the railroad to life. Guides and historians will be on hand to share fascinating stories and insights about this pivotal period in American history. You will dine aboard one of the historic trains as it takes you on a journey into the high desert. After dinner, you will venture further into the desert to view the night skies. This part of Nevada is known for its clear, dark skies, free from the light pollution that obscures the stars in many other places. Local astronomers will join you, bringing their telescopes and expertise, and guide you through the celestial wonders above. This stargazing session will be a magical end to your day. (B L D)
Thursday 25th September
Wendover Airfield; Great Salt Flats
Travel to the historically significant and ultra top-secret Wendover Airfield. This airfield played a pivotal role as the training grounds for the crews who brought an end to World War II in the Pacific by dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As you leave the Silver State, you will stop for lunch at one of the local casinos. Following lunch, you will drive across the vast expanse of the Great Salt Flats, a unique and otherworldly landscape that has been the site of numerous land speed records. This scenic leg of your journey will bring you to Salt Lake City. Known for its beautiful architecture, historic Temple Square, and stunning mountain backdrop, Salt Lake City offers a variety of attractions and activities. You will check in at the Grand America Hotel, which features handcrafted Richelieu furniture, original works of art, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. You will enjoy dinner at Tuscany, a beautiful restaurant offering a fine Italian dining experience. (B L D)
Friday 26th September
The Heber Valley Railroad
You will ride on the historic Heber Valley Railroad. Established in 1899, this railroad once served as a vital transportation route for goods and passengers in the region. Today, it offers a relaxing and nostalgic journey through some of Utah’s most stunning landscapes, providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains
and beautiful natural scenery. As the train winds through the Valley, you might spot a variety of native wildlife such as mule deer, bald eagles, elk and coyotes. Enjoy the leisurely pace and take in the natural beauty that defines this remarkable area. Enjoy dinner at one of the many great places within walking distance of your hotel. (B L)
Saturday 27th September
Golden Spike National Park; Farewell dinner
Continuing your historical exploration, you travel northwest to Promontory Point, home to the Golden Spike National Historical Park. This site marks the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, with the ceremonial driving of the Golden Spike. This monumental event linked the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, transforming transportation and commerce across the United States.
At Golden Spike National Historical Park, you’ll have the opportunity to see the two replica steam engines, the Jupiter and No.119, positioned as they were on that historic day for perfect photo opportunities. These locomotives are faithful reproductions of the originals that met nose-tonose to mark the joining of the rails. Our Wild, Wild West Rail Adventure comes to an end, but before we say goodbye, we will all enjoy a farewell dinner together. Nestled at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, La Caille offers an unparalleled dining experience and atmosphere. As we dine in the beautifully appointed Grand Pavilion, you’ll be surrounded by the charm and elegance that La Caille is renowned for. Before dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the three-acre vineyard, where you can savour the sights and scents of the flourishing grapevines. Enjoy the refreshing canyon breeze on the patio, offering a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for reflection on our journey. This evening is a perfect opportunity to share memories and stories from our adventure and celebrate the friendships we’ve made. La Caille promises to provide an unforgettable conclusion to our remarkable journey together. (B L D)
Sunday 28th September
Depart From Salt Lake City Airport
Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport for an overnight flight back to London Heathrow. (B)
Monday 29th September
Arrive London Heathrow
You arrive back in the UK at London Heathrow.
Ground only £10295 (San Francisco – Salt Lake City)
Price includes:
✱ Flights from London to San Francisco and return from Salt Lake City to London
✱ 14 nights accommodation
✱ 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
✱ All transfers and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
✱ 10 railroads
✱ 3 tour hosts
✱ 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
Meet the Team
Kelly Osborne Managing Director
David Zemaiciunas Operations Assistant
Julia Barrett Office Assistant
Operations Assistant
Operations Assistant
Our friendly team are available to answer any questions and to help you make a booking –please feel free to contact us on 01553 661 500 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm or by email to enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk
Online Shopping
Visit our online shop to purchase themed Railway Touring Company merchandise. Currently Bookmarks, Greeting Cards and Postcards. We will be adding to our range as new products become available.
www.railwaytouring.net/shop/
Hollie Kimber Senior Assistant Manager
Jade Mott
Ellie Copping Office Assistant
Rachel Jackson Operations Manager
Annabelle Benjamin
Jack Amos Office Assistant
Online Brochures
Please visit our website www.railwaytouring.co.uk to view and download our latest UK Day Trips, UK and Worldwide Rail Holiday Brochures for 2025.
Terms and Conditions
The attraction of trains.
By their very nature, trains, especially steam hauled trains, attract enthusiasts. Our tours will always include a number of photographic opportunities, where this is practical and possible. Many of our customers do not have the same exclusive interest in trains shown by some enthusiasts; therefore, we keep in mind the need to diversify our tour programmes. We do this by including visits to castles and historic houses, and to wildlife parks, using accommodation in resort style hotels, and providing free time for shopping and exploring. Nevertheless the main attraction and therefore the emphasis of our tours is travel by train, which includes the nostalgia, the companionship on board, and the passing scenery. We consider that those travelling on our tours will see more scenery and in greater comfort than by road coach or cruise liner.
Schedules and services.
We arrange and advertise tours in good faith. Many scheduled railway organisations – train operators and track operators – only work two months ahead and therefore cannot confirm final schedules to us until that ‘window’ and confirmation is received. Likewise we cannot confirm and advise final numbers for a tour until full balances have been received from tour customers. Tours may be subject to occasional rescheduling or re-routing. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that each of our tours runs as planned and advertised, or as close to it as possible.
Fire risk.
At times of exceptionally dry weather, coal fired steam locomotives may be banned from operating and diesel or electric traction may have to be substituted. Oil fired steam locomotives however are normally still allowed to operate. The Railway Touring Company cannot accept any responsibility for steam bans during times of high fire risk.
Seat reservations and overnight travel arrangements.
On some trains seat reservations are by individual seats, on others by block booking or complete carriage. Since the railways concerned make the allocations, we have to accept and be flexible about the seating arrangements. Where overnight travel is necessary we will arrange either to stay in a convenient hotel en-route, to use one of the newer ‘hotel trains’, or to book Standard Class twin berth sleeper car trains (First Class is often single berth). These decisions are made on the basis of the length of the journey, the range of scenery likely to be missed by overnight travel, and the accommodation options available.
Porterage.
Some tours include porterage between stations and hotels; some include full luggage transfers between hotels, using either a supplementary road coach or scheduled ‘luggage in advance’ facilities. Porterage, where advertised, is included in the cost. However, there will be occasions when porters are not available or included and it will be each customer’s responsibility to handle their own luggage.
Luggage and Passenger Assistance.
Whilst most major stations are equipped with lifts, escalators or walking ramps, not all smaller stations feature these facilities. We therefore recommend that you use a lightweight case with wheels, to allow you to best handle it. Please also ensure that your packed case is still light enough for you to successfully lift it in and out of trains and to enable you to walk comfortably with it. You will be responsible for your own luggage whilst on holiday. Passenger Assistance can be booked upon request, if required and necessary. Please let us know prior to the start of the holiday, should you require assistance.
Accommodation.
We aim to use 3 or 4-star designated hotels throughout our tours as this offers us the standards of hospitality, catering and service that we would wish for our customers. We also seek out establishments which are either conveniently located for the railways in order to minimize transfers, or which afford some unique character. Where we cannot meet either of these criteria we ensure the best and most comfortable accommodation is available.
Single supplements.
We are pleased to advise that we do not financially benefit from single supplement charges. Supplement charges only apply due to hoteliers charging higher rates for rooms that are solely occupied. All of our prices listed are per person based on two persons sharing. Therefore, any room that is solely occupied does incur a charge, whether it be a single or double room. If a double room is preferred please state your preference at the time of booking in order for us to obtain a quote, double rooms for single use may be slightly more expensive than the single supplement stated. All other elements of our tours are priced on a per person rate, so no extra fees are applied for solo customers.
Ground only.
Please be advised that ground only travel is where you the customer, makes their own way to a designated tour joining point, normally the first hotel or overnight stay on the holiday. Ground only does not include rail or flight services from the UK or return. It also does not include any transfers to or from your hotel(s) on the first and last day of your holiday. You will be responsible for arranging these yourself.
Food and drink.
Meals will be taken on trains, boats, planes, in hotels and restaurants and even al-fresco, picnic or packed! Mindful of the diversity of our customer’s tastes we try to adopt a ‘middle of the road’ approach when choosing menus. We must also accept the limitations of on-board catering and marvel at the success that chefs regularly achieve in the confines of train kitchens. Hotel and restaurant meals are usually a set menu, with options for special dietary needs. If customers have any special dietary requirements they must please ensure we know them at
Terms and Conditions
the time of booking. In this way we can make the necessary arrangements for customers with special requirements. Some of our tours include alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee, in which case this is clearly stated in tour information. Otherwise customers are responsible for paying for their own refreshments.
Passports, visas and health issues.
Customers are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK, customers must ensure that there is at least six months validity remaining on their passports after returning back to the UK. We assume our customers are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right to reside in the UK. If a customer has a passport of another country or state, or one that indicates restrictions on return to their country of origin, then they must please contact us prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. We will advise customers of the requirements and processing arrangements for visas where they are required. We will offer any help we can in arranging customers’ visas. Health advice is dependent upon the destination, medical history and current health of each customer participating in a tour and we cannot assume any responsibility. Customers MUST seek advice from their GP or a travel medical centre.
Pre-tour and travel documents.
We will send out information to tour customers for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at the ‘balance due’ time. If there is nothing significant to communicate then we will simply acknowledge that the customer’s balance of payment has been received. We prepare and send a booklet of information to tour customers for all tours. This includes a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names, where advised, (to check on an old acquaintance, aide-memoir for names during the tour); the latest known itinerary with as much detail as necessary (including meal times/locations); emergency and general contact details; and usually some general and specific information about features of the tour programme. This is intentionally a small part of the information available and tour customers are advised to research and obtain detailed reference material, maps, schedules etc. appropriate to their particular interests. Air travel tickets are usually sent to us for onward dispatch less than two weeks before travel – please don’t panic! Rail tickets are often group travel documents held by the Tour Manager. In this case tour customers will be provided with joining instructions, which must please be observed since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Tickets, vouchers and coupons for onward travel during a tour, are usually held and distributed by the Tour Manager.
Travel insurance.
Many customers arrange their own travel insurance. The Railway Touring Company cannot assume any responsibility relating to travel insurance issues and customers should ensure that they are familiar with procedures should an incident occur. This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to obtain medical attention, but to hand over the customer to an appropriate and suitable authority. You will need to double check with your insurance providers that your terms cover you for such things like a pandemic i.e Covid-19 or if you fall ill whilst away and need emergency medical treatment, if you are unsure we highly advise you to contact your provider to see if you are covered, not all policies cover for this.
• If you have not purchased your holiday insurance you will be looking for the following standard of cover, Medical and repatriation costs if you become unwell with any coronavirus (including Covid-19) or contagious disease.
• If your trip or holiday has to be cancelled because you or a travelling companion are diagnosed with any coronavirus (including Covid-19) or contagious disease and are unable to travel.
• Emergency repatriation costs to bring you home if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) impose travel restrictions (while you’re at your destination), either in the UK or at your destination, and has requested you to return to the UK.
Infirmity and disability.
Tour managers are responsible for the general care and well-being of the whole group and are neither available, nor trained or insured for individual ‘personal’ care. Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions. Customers should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities available relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss customers’ concerns with them before they commit to a booking. We will attempt to accommodate and resolve any needs or problems caused by undisclosed mobility/dietary/general health issues but cannot accept responsibilities beyond those stated above. It is your responsibility to disclose an accurate description of your mobility and any other relevant information relating to your health and fitness at the time of booking. We would especially draw the attention of customers to the tours that visit high-altitude locations and the resulting possibility of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. You must contact and advise us of any changes to your level of mobility or health and fitness between booking your holiday and departing on your tour.
Behaviour and damage
Railway Touring Company reserves the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without any form of prior notice, the holiday arrangements of any customer whose behaviour is such that it causes or is likely to cause, in our reasonable opinion, or in the opinion of any Railway Touring Company Tour Manager (if on an escorted holiday) or any other person in authority, any distress, damage, danger or significant annoyance to a third party, or damage to property. In these circumstances all our obligations to you under our contract or otherwise will cease to be applicable, full cancellation charges will apply and we will not be liable for any refund, compensation or costs incurred by you whatsoever. You may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel or other supplier prior to departure. If you fail to
Terms and Conditions
make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us as a result of your actions together with all costs we may incur in pursuing any claim against you.
Confidentiality, privacy and mailing lists.
Customers’ names and addresses have been obtained as a result of their response to advertisements, having been a previous customer or enquirer, or a referral from some other party. We do not share these details with anyone outside Warren Travel Ltd. trading as The Railway Touring Company or The Railway Touring Company Ltd. Customer’s personal details such as credit card numbers, travel arrangements, companions etc. will only be kept to be used within the requirements of tour operating. We are registered under the Data Protection Act. If one customer wishes to communicate with another customer, then please forward the stamped envelope/package to us. We will add the address and post on the mail. We will not divulge any addresses or telephone numbers. Please refer to our website for information regarding our Privacy Policy ensuring you fully understand it. Your acceptance of our Privacy Policy is deemed to occur upon your first use of Our Site.
Financial protection.
We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and hold Air Travel Organizers’ Licensing Scheme (ATOL) Number T7149. This ensures that in the event of the failure of our Company, customers’ money will be protected. If customers are on holiday at the time of Company failure, arrangements will be made for them to complete their holiday and return home. The flights we provide are supplied by other ATOL holders and are protected by their bonds. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.
Payments for flights.
The payments that customers make for their flights are held by us in our trust account, on behalf of the ATOL holder who is supplying the flight, until the date that we pass the money to that ATOL holder. The ATOL holder supplying the flight will issue an ATOL confirmation invoice to confirm their contract with the customer. We will forward this to the customer no later than the day after we have received it.
The Travel Trust Association (TTA).
The TTA is a trade association of travel agents and travel organisers, established to provide financial protection for the customer. The TTA lays down strict guidelines on how the customer’s funds should be handled, and each member must adhere to those guidelines. Every TTA member pays the customer’s funds into a designated trust account which is supervised by an independent trustee; a Banker, Chartered or certified Accountant or Solicitor.
Why your travel arrangements are totally safe with the Travel Trust Association.
The Travel Trust Association (TTA) recognises that for many people a holiday is the one chance to really relax – so it is important that customers are able to feel completely confident about their travel arrangements from the moment they make their booking. By choosing an approved TTA Member, customers can be sure that their travel plans are totally secure. These arrangements exceed the statutory levels of consumer protection. Customer’s funds are secured in Trust by the Travel Trust Association Trustees.
Travel Trust Association
2 Crown Square Woking GU21 6HR 01483 545 780 www.traveltrust.co.uk
The holidays in this brochure that include air travel are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CCA). Our ATOL number is T7149. ATOL protects customers from losing their money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond, to be lodged with them. If a firm goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to the customer, or if already abroad on holiday, arrange for the customer to complete their holiday and fly home.
Status.
The Railway Touring Company is a direct sell tour operator and retail travel agent. All parts of a customer’s holiday are covered by our TTA membership (number T726X), and the air travel for all of our customers’ holidays is covered by our ATOL membership (number T7149). Warren Travel Ltd, trading as The Railway Touring Company, acts as a booking agent for the service providers whose terms and conditions of booking and carriage apply to our tours. Copies of these terms and conditions will be obtained from the relevant service providers and forwarded to customers on request. Tours will be confirmed and take place subject to minimum and maximum numbers booking. Railway components of a tour are provided subject to the serviceability of motive power and stock, and the operating conditions prevailing at the time of the tour. In the event of a failure to operate services as advertised then ‘best’ alternatives will be provided. Programme and prices.
Details of each tour programme and its cost are published in our tour brochure, in leaflets, by correspondence, or by amendments notified to customers. Customers are required to acknowledge their acceptance of this information. Payments.
All tour bookings should be accompanied by payment of a deposit per person as follows: £200 for travel in the UK £250 for travel within Europe – £350 for travel beyond Europe
Terms and Conditions
A confirmation of booking will be sent to customers which includes a statement of their account and a balance due date. The balance of payment is required in time for us to pay our suppliers, usually twelve weeks before travel. There are occasions when we are required to pay for group tickets earlier than this and the balance due date will reflect this. Due to the high costs involved with debit and credit card transactions our preferred methods of payments for balance payments are cheque or bank transfer.
Fidelity insurance.
It is a requirement that all tour bookings be covered by Fidelity Insurance. This is a financial protection insurance that protects the customer’s money until the tour takes place. The cost of this insurance is included in the tour price.
Customer cancellation by you, before Tour departure.
The cancellation charges below have been calculated as a pre-estimate of the losses we would incur in the event you cancelled your holiday within the stipulated time period. The scale of cancellation charges is as follows:
- Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before tour departure – loss of deposit* (*Loss of deposit means the loss of the full brochure deposit amount)
- Cancellation between 8-12 weeks prior to tour departure – 25% refund of tour cost
- Cancellation less than 8 weeks prior to tour departure – no refund
Depending on the reason for your cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned.
Cancellation by you due to extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances.
You have the right to cancel your confirmed arrangements before the departure date without paying the above cancellation charges in the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at your holiday destination or its immediate vicinity and significantly affecting the performance of the arrangements or significantly affecting transport arrangements to the destination. In these circumstances, we shall provide you with a full refund of the monies you have paid but we will not be liable to pay you any compensation. Please note that your right to cancel in these circumstances will only apply where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against travel to your destination or its immediate vicinity. For the purposes of this clause, “extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances” means warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or its immediate vicinity.
Alterations and cancellations by us.
Railway Touring Company start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance and occasionally, we have to correct errors and/ or make changes to the information contained in our brochures, our website and other details, both before and after bookings have been confirmed, and also cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so.
Please note that occasionally due to events outside our control, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, or unexpected or unforeseen circumstances, we may have to make changes to your itinerary with little or no notice.
Cancellations by us: All our escorted holidays are organised on the basis of a minimum number of clients. In the unlikely event the holiday (which would include any individually purchased variations or extensions), has to be cancelled because of insufficient numbers, you will be informed at least 6 weeks prior to departure. We will not cancel your arrangements less than 6 weeks before departure except for reasons of Events Beyond Our Control or failure by you to pay the final balance.
We will not be liable for any consequential loss you may suffer or pay any compensation to you.
Passports, visas and health.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct travel documentation for tours, and this includes passports, visas and health certificates. We are willing to give advice on passport and visa requirements but customers should seek professional guidance on medical related matters. We shall obtain guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and tourist board where a security risk exists or arises in respect of a tour destination. This information will then be passed on to tour customers.
Prices.
Prices are determined against known exchange rates, fuel costs and tax regimes prevailing at 7th November 2024. The exchange rates used for prices quoted in this brochure are as follows:
£1 = 1.15 Euros
£1 = 1.21 US Dollars
£1 = 1.1 Swiss Francs
£1 = 12.58 Norwegian Krones
In the event of significant changes we must reserve the right to amend prices.
A NO SMOKING policy will be pursued where we have the control or influence over the service that we are providing on our tour. Our chartered steam trains.
Whenever possible we hire steam trains for our exclusive use. This allows us the flexibility, within operational parameters, to run to our
Terms and Conditions
requirements. It also enables us to stop the train for photographs of the scenery; the train itself; and sometimes staged train movements, known as run-pasts. We can often arrange for tour customers to ride on the footplate of the locomotive, should they wish, but at their own risk. Since our tours often number around 40 customers there are occasions when we have access to older trains with limited capacity, and sometimes to facilities not normally available to large groups or individuals. However, on occasions due to popularity and where space permits this number can be exceeded.
Scheduled trains.
Where we travel by scheduled train, with few exceptions, we travel First Class in reserved seats or reserved carriages. This has proven to be much better value for money since the additional space, comfort and lack of crowding are obtained at a worthwhile supplement compared with Standard Class travel.
Alternative airports, independent travel and extensions.
Our customers come from throughout the UK and overseas. Wherever possible we choose flights which allow connections from local airports, and prices for these connecting flights start at around £149 return. Most overseas tours allow for independent travel arrangements whereby customers may extend their stay, stop en route, or make their own travel arrangements. We can provide a ‘ground only’ quotation for all of our tours so that overseas customers and independent customers can make their own way to and from the tour joining point.
Extra tours and tour updates.
Throughout the year we keep pace with an ever-changing world. It is often possible to initiate new tours after our brochure has gone to press, and to make alterations to published information, so please check our website for the most up-to-date information.
Website – www.railwaytouring.net
Our web site provides details of all our tours plus information about additional tours and amendments to our tour programme. Don’t forget to bookmark our web site amongst your favourites. We welcome contributions of photographs that customers have taken on our tours and that they are willing for us to use in publicity materials.
Booking information.
Customers should ensure that they read all our ‘Booking Information’ before booking a holiday with us.
Pre-tour and post-tour UK hotels and holiday parking.
We are able to arrange customers’ pre-tour and post-tour hotel accommodation, car parking, coach and train travel, and connecting flights. Customers may wish to consider staying overnight before and/or after travel on one of our tours. A night in a conveniently located hotel before departure or after return can mean that the customer begins or ends the tour more rested and relaxed. It may also avoid the frustrations and anxieties of early morning and late evening travel. Pre-booked car parking can also be arranged for customers.
Examples:
Airport hotels with holiday parking
• Gatwick from £120 per room
• Heathrow from £150 per room
• Stansted from £125 per room
Secured airport parking
• Gatwick from £9.00 per day
• Heathrow from £18.00 per day
• Stansted from £9.00 per day
Travel by road coach from and to the customer’s local town together with overnight hotel accommodation can be arranged. Prices are available on request. Rail tickets from and to the customer’s home railway station to the tour departure point can only be booked where two or more passengers are travelling together. Prices are available on request.
The prices quoted above are correct at the time of print and may be subject to change and can vary depending on your preferences.
UK connecting flights.
We are willing to make enquiries and, where possible, arrange connecting flights from the customer’s local airport to the main tour departure point. Prices are available on request.
Travel insurance.
Due to changes in the travel insurance regulations we are no longer able to sell travel insurance direct to our customers. We can however recommend and send to customers details of travel insurance through Holiday Extras, in conjunction with the Travel Trust Association. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to receive details of this insurance.
Reservation Form
T itle .................... Forename .................................................................. Surname ................................................................
Title Forename Surname
*DOB = Date of Birth
Please ensure your names are as they appear in your passport.
*
Address of first named .................................................................................................................................................................................
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. Ground only) please clearly state your choice(s).
Please also specify any dietary requirements, health or mobility 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).
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.