Railtrail A5 FOCUS ON STEAM Broch

STEAM

TOURS UPDATE

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Q U A L I T Y E S C O R T E D H O L I D A Y S B Y T R A I N

FOCUS ON STEAM WI TH RA I LTRA I L TOURS

1 ST CLASS R A I L T R A I L 40 YEARS

2020 BOOK NOW – DOUBLE LOYALTY POINTS on all Focus on Steam tours until end of February 2020

In 2020 we feature a wide selection of our steam tours that I trust will prove as enjoyable and popular as ever for you. April commences our season with two departures for Easter, the annual Kent & Sussex Easter Steam Explorer and a new Isle of Man & Lancashire Vintage Transport action packed 8 day tour. These tours are quickly followed by our two Dresden Steam Festival & Saxon Narrow Gauge tours (please note we have very few places left). Another new UK tour is the Cotswold & Swindon Steam Explorer which has two departure dates both of which are already over half full. The summer months bring a plethora of steam both in the UK and on the continent commencing with a repeat of 2019’s popular Chiltern Hills Steam Rail & Ale tour followed by a relaxing and social Northern & Central France Steam Explorer both departures are in late May. A new tour that particularly excites me: German Summer Steam combines steam over the whole of the Harz Mountains Railway (a rare opportunity these days), the rarely visited Hessencoürrier line, a private steam charter on the super Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn, and the steam

thrash with the mighty 2-10-2T up the steeply inclined Rübeland, a true cacophony of sound! July, August & September sees a diverse selection of steam in Switzerland tours, and a wonderful tour featuring a truly unique event the Meiningen Steam Festival . Much nearer to home is the delightful Staffordshire, Steam, Ale & Oatcakes tour. Or back on the continent the superb Northern Germany & Baltic Coast Steam Explorer including the amazing street running on the Molli. Our Autumn flagship tour USA Fall Colours Steam is proving very popular whilst other ‘Golden October’ steam tours include Austria, Scotland & Yorkshire . Finally, our Festive German steam tours to both Saxony and the Black Forest along with Austria New Year steam tours are all now open to book. All in all a busy year ahead, with a number of other new steam tours still in the pipeline including steaming to Austria, Hungary & Slovenia and Steam, Ale & The Lost Village of Imber ! You may also like to view the 100 and more other rail holidays we have online at www.railtrail.co.uk most of which feature the wonderful nostalgia of steam.

Railtrail - Big on quality, small enough to care!

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Railtrail Tours Ltd • 21 The Smithfield Centre, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands, ST13 5JW

K ent & S ussex E aster S team E xplorer

5 DAYS

We stay beside the River Medway in the historic county town of Maidstone on this fascinating Easter break featuring five famous steam lines, a historic dockyard steam festival - plus a taste of Kent with a real ale Brewer’s Supper.

DEPARTS Thursday 9 April 2020

Fares From £649

HOTEL Travelodge Hotel, Maidstone

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ The unique Sittingbourne & Kemsley Steam Railway ★ ★ The Spa Valley Railway ★ ★ The Lavender line ★ ★ Shepherd Neame brewery tour

The Travelodge Maidstone Central Hotel is riverside, a short walk from the High Street shops and restaurants. The hotel has a bar and café restaurant, where we will take our buffet-style full English breakfast. Bedrooms are en-suite and have TV and coffee & tea making facilities. Low cost evening meals are available at the hotel as an optional extra.

★ ★ Bluebell Railway ★ ★ Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - the world’s smallest public railway ★ ★ The Festival of Steam & Transport Gala at Historic Dockyard Chatham

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Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

I sle of M an & L ancashire V intage T ransport

N E W T O U R

8 DAYS

A superb variety of trams, steam trains, vintage buses, ferries and breweries. We visit the famous Rush Hour enthusiast’s event on the Isle of Man and visit some of the charming but lesser known heritage sites in North West England.

DEPARTS Thursday 9 April 2020

Fares From £799

HOTELS Travelodge New Brighton

Our Wallasey New Brighton hotel has a stunning seafront location within the trendy Marine Point development. All the en-suite bedrooms offer modern facilities including TV and tea & coffee facilities. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of food and drink choices within easy walking distance from this hotel. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room. Empress Hotel, Isle of Man The hotel commands a prime position on the Victorian promenade overlooking Douglas Bay; built at the end of the 19th Century, it has been extensively upgraded and proudly maintains its status as one of the best hotels on the island. All bedrooms have en-suite bathroom, complimentary refreshments, TV, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. Premier Inn Hotel, Deansgate, Manchester Modern hotel typical of the Premier Inn range with restaurant and relaxing bar. All bedrooms are comfortably furnished and offer Wi-Fi, tea & coffee facilities and power shower. Most bedrooms also have a bath.

★ ★ Visit the British Commercial Vehicle Museum ★ ★ Private Steam Charter at the charming West Lancashire Light Railway ★ ★ Visit the Museum of Transport in Manchester ★ ★ Travel on the Manchester MetroLink ★ ★ Evening meal at the Seven Brothers Brewery in the centre of Manchester

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Wirral Transport Museum and heritage tramway ★ ★ Travel on the Merseyrail class 507s and 508s in their final months of operation ★ ★ Extended weekend at the Isle of Man Rush Hour Event

★ ★ Steam on the East Lancashire Railway ★ ★ A trip on the Heaton Park Tramway ★ ★ Visit the Bury Transport Museum ★ ★ Lunch at the Irwell Brewery

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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C otswolds & S windon S team E xplorer

N E W T O U R

5 DAYS

This new great value rail holiday takes us through the beautiful Cotswolds by steam train and on a journey of exploration as we sail through the Gloucester Docks with visits to the Didcot Railway Museum and STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway also included. Round off your holiday in great style with a tour and tasting at the award winning Hook Norton Brewery.

DEPARTS Thursday 23 April & 9 July 2020

HOTEL Jurys Inn Hotel, Swindon

Fares From £399

Situated close to the heart of Swindon, the Jurys Inn is ideally located for the train station and STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway. The en-suite bedrooms offer modern facilities including flat screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi. The hotel features a stylish bar and restaurant.

★ ★ Visit the National Waterways Museum ★ ★ Enjoy free time at leisure in Gloucester and the Cotswold Village of Broadway

★ ★ Walk amongst legendary locomotives at STEAM – Museum of the GWR ★ ★ Learn about the Great Western Society and see their collection at Didcot Railway Centre

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Steam through the Cotswolds on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway ★ ★ Enjoy a tour and tasting at award winning Hook Norton Brewery

★ ★ Explore Gloucester Docks by boat, the most inland port in the country

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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D resden S team F estival & S axon N arrow G auge

We can’t emphasise enough just what a ‘time warp’ tour this is, both in the venues visited and what we are able to do that you can’t do in the UK anymore – Dresden Steam Festival with visiting engines coming on and off shed, footplate rides, tour the reserve collection not normally open to the public. Plus four mainline steam journeys from Dresden hopefully including parallel running, a private steam charter on the Döllnitztalbahn one of the best of the Saxon Narrow gauge lines, and experience two more of the other famous Saxon narrow gauge steam lines. Fares From £1549

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ The famous Dresden Steam Festival at Dresden Altstadt Depot ★ ★ Night photo parade at Dresden Alstadt ★ ★ 4 mainline steam excursions from Dresden ★ ★ Guided tour of Dresden Museum of Transport ★ ★ Private steam photo charter on Döllnitztalbahn ★ ★ Articulated 8-wheeled Saxon-Meyer locomotive ★ ★ A full day rover on the Zittau-Oybin- Jonsdorf line ★ ★ Tour Bertsdorf shed

★ ★ Steam along the whole of the Lössnitzgrundbahn ★ ★ Conveniently located hotels in Erfurt & Dresden

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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THE ULTIMATE TOUR OF SAXONY STEAM

View our amazing tour films of this holiday at www.railtrail.co.uk

8 DAYS

11 DAYS

DEPARTS Tuesday 14 April 2020

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HOTELS InterCity Hotel, Erfurt

Situated adjacent to the station the hotel has a pleasant bar and restaurant serving local and international specialities. Modern en-suite rooms include satellite TV,

radio, mini-bar and Wi-Fi. Ibis Hotel, Dresden

A short stroll from the station and located in the heart of the city near to the historic Old Town. The Ibis hotel is modern and inviting with comfortable bedrooms equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV and en-suite bathrooms with shower and hair dryer.

Plus on 11 day tour only:

★ ★ Steam in the mountains on the Fichtelbergbahn ★ ★ Guided tour of loco shed at Oberwiesenthal ★ ★ Heritage tram ride at Kirnitzschtalbahn ★ ★ Steam along the extended Weisseritztalbahn ★ ★ Steam boat Pirna – Königstein

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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C hiltern H ills S team , R ail & A le T rail

5 DAYS

A superb variety of steam, from garden railways to a standard gauge steam gala, as we visit FIVE steam venues and journey through attractive scenery on this amazing short break based in historic Aylesbury.

DEPARTS Thursday 21 May 2020

Fares From £589

HOTEL Travelodge Aylesbury Central

This comfortable, modern hotel is located just a 10 minute walk away from the station and is ideally located in the town centre. The comfortable bedrooms have en-suite bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi and coffee & tea making facilities. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Bank Holiday Steam at Didcot Railway Centre ★ ★ Sentinel Steam on the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway ★ ★ Trip on the Scenic Henley Branch (The Reagater Line) ★ ★ Steam and Ploughman’s Lunch at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway

★ ★ Bekonscot Model Village and Miniature Railway - Private evening visit with buffet ★ ★ Steam charter at the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway ★ ★ Tour of The Malt Brewery, Prestwood

★ ★ Vintage Bus to Quainton Road ★ ★ Visit Buckinghamshire Railway Centre for their Gala and Bus Rally ★ ★ Stay in Aylesbury, the county town of Buckinghamshire

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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E ssex S team & R ailway C uriosities

N E W T O U R

5 DAYS

A superb variety of attractions, from rural branch lines to a steam gala, as we delight in a plethora of steam/heritage venues whilst journeying through attractive scenery on this amazing short break based in historic Romford.

DEPARTS Thursday 4 June 2020

Fares From £589

HOTEL Travelodge Romford

This comfortable, modern hotel is located just a 10 minute walk away from the station and is ideally located in the town centre. The bedrooms have en-suite bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi and coffee & tea making facilities. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room.

★ ★ Travel around rural Essex on vintage buses ★ ★ Lunch at Wibblers Brewery ★ ★ Two miniature railways and pub meal ★ ★ Travel on the rural Southminster Branch line ★ ★ Visit the Southend Pier Museum ★ ★ Travel on the Southend Pier Railway

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Epping Ongar Railway Steam Gala with vintage buses ★ ★ The Unique Mangapps Farm Railway with everything from London Underground Trains to a Canadian Caboose

★ ★ Heritage diesel at the Colne Valley Railway ★ ★ Travel on the scenic Gainsborough Line over Chappel Viaduct ★ ★ Visit the East Anglian Railway Museum

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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N orthern & C entral F rance S team E xplorer

Our amazing French tour includes SIX steam lines, FOUR inclusive charters and ONE steam gala plus hotel accommodation in picturesque Amiens and the heart of Orléans. Enjoy a great steam gala at the unique and historic WW1 Somme line at Froissy, a day exploring the scenic Baie de Somme line, visit the MTVS new line at Crevecoeur for a private steam charter and private steam charter on the Metre Gauge Le Train du Bas Berry Line. Fares From £1189

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Froissy-Cappy-Dompièrre Steam Gala with 3 engines in steam and freights. ★ ★ Full day at the superb Baie de Somme line ★ ★ Private steam charter on the new MTVS line at Crevecoeur ★ ★ Steam charter on the Chanteraines line  ★ ★ Charter on Pithiviers line

★ ★ Private steam charter on the metre gauge Le Train du Bas Berry Line to Argy ★ ★ Travel on the scenic metre gauge Blanc d’Argent Line railcar to Valencay ★ ★ Based at the historic cities of Amiens and Orléans

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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N E W T O U R

7 DAYS

DEPARTS Wednesday 29 May 2020

HOTELS Express by Holiday Inn Amiens

A good quality, 3-star modern hotel situated adjacent to the railway station and just a short walk from Amiens stunning Cathedral. Bedrooms are spacious and have been designed to offer you a relaxed stay with tea & coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a safety deposit box. The hotel offers an extensive continental buffet breakfast. Ibis Orléans Centre Hotel The 3-star Ibis Orléans Centre Foch is located in a quiet area of the city centre, a 10 minute stroll from the SNCF railway station and main shopping area. The modern hotel bedrooms are en-suite with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. The hotel has a bar and restaurant.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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G erman S ummer S team E xplorer

Come and relax in rural Germany in the warmth of summer and enjoy great steam action at a variety of lines. This is a tour not to miss. A summer sojourn of steam including rare visits to experience the standard gauge Hessencourrier line and an even rarer opportunity to storm up the very steeply inclined Rübeland line. Add in a private steam charter on the narrow-gauge Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn and a visit to Stassfurt locomotive collection in the former DB shed. All topped off with three wonderful days on the Harz Mountains Railway including steam around the Selkethal and the Hasselfelde branch.

Fares From £1599

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Rare opportunity of sensational steam power up the renowned incline of the Rübeland Railway ★ ★ Private steam charter on the 750 mm Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn ★ ★ Guided tour of the MaLoWa railway shed with goulash soup lunch ★ ★ Rare standard gauge steam on the 32 km Hessencourrier line at Kassel ★ ★ 3 days steaming on the Harz Mountains Railway from/to Nordhausen-Wernigerode- Brocken and Quedlinburg-Hasselfelde-Eisfelder Talmühle

★ ★ Visit to view the Stassfurt locomotive collection at the former DB steam shed with barbecue meal ★ ★ Stay in the heart of historic Wernigerode, the capital of the Harz region

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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N E W T O U R

9 DAYS

DEPARTS Saturday 6 June 2020

HOTELS InterCity Hotel, Kassel

This 3-star city centre hotel has a pleasant bar and restaurant serving local and international specialities. Modern en-suite rooms include satellite TV, radio, minibar

and Wi-Fi. Free public transport ticket included during stay. Alt Wernigeroder-Hof Hotel, Wernigerode

This traditional 3-star hotel in Wernigerode town centre offers quiet rooms and a daily breakfast buffet. The Harz steam train station and viewing gallery are a short stroll away. All rooms include a modern bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the hotel’s public areas.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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S witzerland ’ s S team - powered S ix

8 DAYS

See stunning Switzerland in style on our great steam powered railway holiday, based on the lakeshore of lovely Lake Lucerne. Cruise across three Swiss lakes the nostalgic way by paddle- steamer and experience three exhilarating steam train excursions in the Swiss mountains, plus take a trip on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway!

DEPARTS

Saturday 4 July & 29 August 2020

Fares From £1779

HOTEL Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil

This 4-star hotel stands directly at the lakeshore on lovely Lake Lucerne in the village of Hergiswil, just a short train journey from Lucerne itself, surrounded by majestic mountain views. The hotel was bought as a humble guest house in 1911 by ancestors of the Fuchs family, who still own and run the Seehotel. There have been many changes since 1911 and, whilst providing a relaxing base in a great location for all our excursions, the hotel also features a host of leisure facilities, including a large indoor pool, jacuzzi, saunas, sun deck and lakeside terrace.

★ ★ Discover the Pilatus Railway, Europe’s steepest cog railway ★ ★ Travel across the stunning Brünig Pass by train to Brienz ★ ★ Steam up the famous Brienzer Rothornbahn ★ ★ Enjoy a steam excursion on the Furka Steam Railway

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Excursion on the Rigi Railway on one of its rare days of steam ★ ★ Steamboat ride across Lake Zurich from Rapperswil to Zurich with free time in Zurich

★ ★ Cruise gently around Lake Lucerne by paddlesteamer ★ ★ 4-star hotel beside Lake Lucerne with leisure facilities and fabulous views

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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View our amazing tour films of this holiday at www.railtrail.co.uk

S wiss M ountain S team

8 DAYS

Switzerland and steam trains - a delightful combination as we take you to the heart of this beautiful country to experience some amazing mountain rail journeys and glorious lake steamer cruises.

DEPARTS

Wednesday 15 July, 19 August & 16 September 2020

Fares From £1775

★ ★ The amazing Brienz Rothorn steam mountain railway ★ ★ Return rail journey up the spectacular Schynige Platte ★ ★ Lunch at the Schilthorn summit – James Bond 007 mountain ★ ★ Lake Thun cruise & funicular up Harder Kulm

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Coffee & cake at the Panorama Restaurant at Harder Kulm ★ ★ Stay in beautiful car-free alpine spa town of Wengen ★ ★ Bernese Oberland Pass – offering freedom of the region on your free day

★ ★ Shimmering blue lakes, past alpine meadows, up to heavenly skies, by steam train ★ ★ Ride the extended Furka Steam Railway – original route of the Glacier Express

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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N orthern G ermany & B altic C oast S team E xplorer

A great Railtrail steam tour that has much to offer as a summer holiday for enthusiasts and partners alike. We feature an amazing variety of steam lines, a plethora of differing gauges, locomotives, and rolling stock. It is achieved in a relaxing style enabling everyone to unwind and enjoy themselves on a magnificent holiday touring Northern Germany and the Baltic Coast.

★ ★ Steamboat cruise on the Alster ★ ★ The beautiful beaches of the Baltic coast ★ ★ Full day at the Bruchausen-Vilsen steam festival, the oldest heritage railway in Germany ★ ★ Visit the Niedersachsisches Kleinbahnmuseum ★ ★ Steam day on the 22 Kms long standard gauge Jan Harpstedt Line

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ A full day of steam on the Molli with its renowned street running, we also lineside the train for photographic purposes. ★ ★ Vintage tram charter & guided walking tour of historic Rostock ★ ★ Steam along the Rasender Roland on Rügen Island ★ ★ Guided tour of the Putbus Railway Museum ★ ★ Photo session in front of Bad Doberan Loco Shed. ★ ★ Visit to Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland (the World’s largest model railway)

Fares From £1799

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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N E W T O U R

9 DAYS

DEPARTS Sunday 26 July 2020

HOTELS InterCity Hotel, Rostock

A modern 4-star hotel situated adjacent to the railway station and a short stroll from the city centre. The hotel has a stylish bar and restaurant. All en-suite bedrooms have TV, complimentary water and Wi-Fi. Free public transport ticket included during stay. H4 Hotel, Hamburg Bergerdorf Located to the southeast of Hamburg in the charming suburb of Bergedorf with direct access to the city centre via the S-Bahn station. The 4-star hotel offers restaurant with terrace, bar and small spa area with sauna, steam bath and fitness room. All en-suite bedrooms have hairdryer, mini-bar and Wi-Fi. InterCity Hotel, Bremen A modern 4-star hotel located in a quiet area close to the station. All en-suite bedrooms offer air-conditioning, TV and mini-bar. The hotel has a restaurant and bar.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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S taffordshire S team , A le & O atcakes

5 DAYS

This superb value steam tour features the Churnet Valley and Rudyard Lake Railways plus the unique Apedale Railway and the annual Steam Gala at Foxfield. All excursions are aboard a vintage coach with more than a taste of real ale as we tour the Titanic Brewery and visit a truly unique famous old pub and enjoy a local delicacy Staffordshire Oatcakes.

DEPARTS Thursday 16 July 2020

Fares From £499

★ ★ Private steam charter Amerton Railway ★ ★ View the Moseley Trust collection of narrow-gauge locomotives ★ ★ Private Titanic brewery tour & tasting ★ ★ Real ale pubs galore ★ ★ Vintage bus travel ★ ★ Discover and taste a unique Staffordshire delicacy

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Best Western Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Hotel

★ ★ Foxfield Railway Steam Gala ★ ★ Steam on the Churnet Valley Railway – the real ale line ★ ★ Charming, 10.25” gauge Rudyard Lake Steam Railway ★ ★ Private steam charter Apedale Railway

Built in 1900 and formerly a grand railway hotel, the Best Western Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Hotel remains iconic to this day. The Leisure Club features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Bennett’s Bar serves a selection of bar snacks. Room service is also available. All bedrooms have a private bathroom, tea/ coffee making facilities and a television.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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N orfolk S team E xplorer

5 DAYS

A superb variety of steam, from garden railways to a steam gala, as we visit SEVEN steam venues and journey through spectacular scenery on this amazing short break based in medieval Norwich.

DEPARTS

Thurday 3 September 2020

Fares From £499

HOTEL Travelodge Norwich Central Riverside

This comfortable, modern hotel is situated just a 10 minute walk away from the station and is ideally located in the city centre. The well-equipped bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms with complimentary hair and body wash, a spacious desk, TV with freeview and coffee & tea making facilities. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room with a comfy king size bed.

★ ★ Wells & Walsingham Light Railway – see the unique Garratt locomotives ★ ★ Steam on the Mid-Norfolk Railway ★ ★ Idyllic garden setting at Barton House Railway ★ ★ Visit to the preserved Wroxham signal box

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Steam along the scenic Bure Valley line for nine miles ★ ★ Fascinating steam museum and gardens at Bressingham ★ ★ Stay in Norwich, in the centre of this medieval city

★ ★ North Norfolk Railway Steam Gala – a full day of steam nostalgia on “The Poppy Line” ★ ★ Steam ride at Whitwell & Reepham Railway with Sunday Lunch included

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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M einingen S team F estival & M uch M ore

A wonderful steam holiday featuring a truly unique full day excursion travelling by mainline steam from Nuremberg to Meiningen for the annual Open Day at the last major steam works in Europe. Meiningen will be awash with steam as visiting steam hauled excursions arrive from around the country to add to the locomotives in steam within the works giving footplate rides and photographic positioning - unique opportunity to enjoy what has been lost in the UK. Additionally, we enjoy heritage standard gauge steam, travel to the highest steam line station in Germany, numerous railway museums and collections, with a vintage steam tram tour for good measure.

Fares From £1649

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ The unique Meiningen Works Steam Festival ★ ★ Mainline steam Nuremberg to Meiningen ★ ★ Full day mainline steam on the Sauschwänzlebahn ★ ★ Vintage steam tram charter ★ ★ Steam to the mountain top at Oberwiesenthal on the Fichtelbergbahn ★ ★ Visit the DB Railway Museum at Nuremberg

★ ★ Superbly atmospheric locomotive collection at Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg Steam Shed ★ ★ Visit the fabulous double roundhouse locomotive collection at Chemnitz steam shed

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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N E W T O U R

7 DAYS

DEPARTS Wednesday 2 September 2020

HOTELS Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart

The elegant 4-star Maritim hotel is located close to the railway station and main cultural attractions in Stuttgart. The en-suite bedrooms have comfortable furnishings, TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and gym with sauna. InterCity Hotel, Nuremburg The 4-star InterCity is ideally situated next to the train station, in the city centre with the castle and old town only a short stroll away. The hotel has bar and restaurant serving a buffet breakfast with regional and international specialties. The en-suite bedrooms have Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and TV. Dorint Kongresshotel, Chemnitz Located in the in the city centre and just a short walk from the train station. This modern 3-star hotel offers panoramic views from its restaurant and bar located on the 26th floor. All bedrooms en-suite including television, Wi-Fi and tea & coffee making facilities.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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W orldwide T our – USA F all C olours

Discover steam States style and experience outstanding autumnal scenery! Our new Fall Colours tour is a must for all rail enthusiasts featuring double headed shay locomotives, a huge 2-6-6-2 mallet in operation, two diesel excursions, an Amtrak ride and two railroad museums! The tour takes place in late September, a great time to experience the landscape in breath- taking autumn colours and enjoy free time in the fabulous cities of Boston, New York and Washington. Travel with an expert Railtrail Tour Manager who has had over 30 years’ experience of escorting tours to the USA.

Fares Ex London By Air From £4299

Fares Ground Only From £3749

OR

★ ★ Experience the open carriages of the Durbin Rocket! ★ ★ Visit the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum that houses a world-class collection of locomotives ★ ★ Visit some of the earliest locomotives in America at the Mount Clare Roundhouse ★ ★ Spot American bald eagles from the Potomac Eagle vintage diesel train ★ ★ Enjoy free time in the fabulous cities of Boston, New York and Washington ★ ★ Discover Boston’s many micro brewed beers ★ ★ Stay at the Steamboat Inn, a unique paddle steamer themed hotel!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Steam through quintessential New England towns in first class 1920’s vintage coaches ★ ★ Enjoy a scenic steam ride alongside the Delaware River behind a Chinese steam locomotive ★ ★ Ride on double headed Shay locomotives on the Cass Scenic Railroad ★ ★ Take a steam hauled ride through Amish Country on the Strasburg Railroad ★ ★ Ride on the steeply graded Western Maryland Railroad behind the huge C&O 2-6-6-2

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

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N E W T O U R

14 DAYS

DEPARTS Wednesday 30 September 2020

HOTELS Hampton Inn Boston Logan Airport The 3-star Hampton Inn is ideally located close to the airport and offers convenient access to downtown Boston’s many attractions, shops and restaurants via a complimentary shuttle bus. The hotel offers great quality accommodation and has excellent range of facilities including bar, restaurant, fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. The recently refurbished bedrooms offer Wi-Fi, coffee maker and TV. Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Midtown West, New York This 3-star Manhattan hotel is situated close to many of the Big Apple’s world- famous attractions on the doorstep and Times Square is only a 15-minute walk away. The comfortable bedrooms offer Wi-Fi, TV, coffee machine and safe. The hotel does not have a restaurant but there are lots of restaurant options nearby. Ramada by Wyndham, New Cumberland The 3-star Ramada is ideally situated for any rail enthusiasts overlooking the main line train tracks! Set in Cumberland’s historic downtown, this hotel offers a bar, restaurant and fitness centre. The comfortable bedrooms have Wi-Fi, tea/ coffee making facilities, TV and safe.

Fulton Steamboat Inn, Strasbourg The unique 3-star Steamboat Inn is built to resemble a paddle steamer and is bursting with character. The hotel offers themed nautical and Victorian style rooms with TV, refrigerator and coffee machine. The atmospheric Huckleberry’s Tavern and restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a drink. The hotel also has an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness centre. Wingate by Wyndham, Elkins Located in the heart of Elkins, the 3-star Wingate is within walking distance of railway station, West Virginia Railroad Museum, restaurants and charming shops. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and fitness centre. All 61 bedrooms have fridges, coffee makers, Wi-Fi and TV. Grand Hyatt, Washington The 4-star Grand Hyatt is centrally located and ideally based to explore many of Washington’s major attractions. The hotels air-conditioned comfortable bedrooms feature refrigerator, Wi-Fi and TV. The hotel has a lounge bar, bistro restaurant, coffee shop and fitness centre with indoor swimming pool.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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G reat C entral G ala & M ore – S team , R ail & A le

5 DAYS

A brilliant Steam, Rail & Ale tour timed to coincide with a magnificent steam gala day at the Great Central Railway, steam along the Great Central Nottingham, plus Peak Rail Steam, and heritage railcar on the Ecclesbourne Valley line. Add in a visit and tour of Marston’s Heritage brewery and a Victorian ale house and we can drink to that!

DEPARTS Thursday 1 October 2020

Fares From £489

★ ★ Tour of Marston’s heritage brewery ★ ★ Visit and a pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the oldest pub in the world ★ ★ Real Ale on trains and in stations on ★ ★ GCR including the renowned ‘tin hut’ ★ ★ Based in Derby, the Real Ale capital of the world

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Hallmark Inn, Derby

★ ★ Great Central Steam Gala Day Rover pass ★ ★ Steam at Great Central Nottingham ★ ★ Steam along Peak Rail ★ ★ Ecclesbourne Valley with Heritage Railcar

A modern 3-star hotel located within walking distance of the city centre. All en- suite bedrooms are equipped with TV, W-Fi, hairdryer and coffee & tea making facilities. Please note evening meals will be taken at the Hallmark Midland hotel situated opposite.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

24

G olden O ctober A ustrian S team A dventure

12 DAYS

Following great feedback in October 2019 our Golden October Austria Steam Adventure is back and as we don’t do things by halves and it’s a big one! This October the Lokpark heritage railway collection at Ampflwang opens its doors with a steam festival. A week later sees a rare steam excursion on the Mariazellerbahn Railway. In between we feature steam on the Achenseebahn and Innsbruck’s Nordkettenbahn, the Gmunden Tramway, the Traunseebahn, boat trips on idyllic Austrian lakes, and a brewery. If you fancy a ‘Golden October’ in Austria, please book early as this is a limited edition tour with only 16 rooms at our small, family-run hotel in Timelkam.

DEPARTS Friday 2 October 2020

HOTEL Hotel Sonnenhof, Timelkam

The 4-star Hotel Sonnenhof is a small, family-run hotel on the edge of Timelkam in charming, beautiful green surroundings. The hotel offers bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi. Please note the hotel only has 16 bedrooms so space on this tour will be strictly limited. Hotel Jenbacherhof, Jenbach The traditional 4-star Jenbacherhof Hotel is in the centre of Jenbach, approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the station. The en-suite bedrooms have TV, Wi-Fi, safe and hairdryer. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and small spa with indoor swimming pool. Metropol Hotel, St Pölten A modern 4-star hotel on the edge of St Pölten’s Old Town and pedestrian area. The hotel has bar and restaurant serving a buffet breakfast. All bedrooms offer Wi-Fi, TV, telephone and safe.

Fares From £2175

★ ★ Steam on the Achenseebahn cog railway ★ ★ Boat trip on Lake Achensee’s alpine waters ★ ★ Innsbruck’s astounding Nordkettenbahn ★ ★ The German National Railway Museum in Nuremberg

★ ★ The Gmunden Tramway ★ ★ Boat trip on the pristine waters of Lake Traunsee ★ ★ Heritage journey on the Traunseebahn ★ ★ Brewery Visit at Schloss Eggenberg

★ ★ Night photo steam shoot at Ampflwang ★ ★ Special rare steam excursion on the Mariazellerbahn Railway ★ ★ Ride on the Mariazell Steam Tramway

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ A day at the Dampflokfest at Ampflwang

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

25

S team , R ail & A le in S cotland

5 DAYS

Build up a head of steam, uncovering Scotland’s heritage from a different angle. Enjoy the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, soar above the canals by boat on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel and steam through the Highlands on the Strathspey Railway on a tour that also features the best of Scottish brewing.

DEPARTS Thursday 15 October 2020

Fares From £629

★ ★ Steam on the former Highland Railway with the Strathspey Steam Railway ★ ★ Marvel at the vistas as we travel by train to Aviemore ★ ★ Discover quality highland ales at the Cairngorm Brewery ★ ★ Experience a scenic excursion on the re-opened Borders Railway ★ ★ Ride over the Forth Bridge with spectacular photo opportunities

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Stirling Highland Hotel

★ ★ Enjoy the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway ★ ★ Soar 35 metres into the air by boat at the engineering masterpiece Falkirk Wheel ★ ★ Sample a tour and tasting at the Bridge of Allan Brewery

Just a short walk from Stirling Castle, is the historic 4-star Highland Hotel. The hotel’s Scholars restaurant offers quality locally sourced food and the comfortable bar is the perfect place to enjoy a wee dram! The leisure club, including swimming pool is a great place to relax. Built in the 19th century as the city’s High School, this characterful building still houses a working observatory in its roof.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

26

Y orkshire D ales S team , R ail & A le T rail

5 DAYS

Enjoy a trip to wonderful Yorkshire that is packed with steam railways and accompanied by plenty of real ale! This great value tour includes visits to the National Railway Museum, York Brewery, Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway, Black Sheep Brewery and ends with the popular annual Keighley & Worth Valley

DEPARTS Thursday 22 October 2020

Railway Beer and Music festival with over 100 different cask beers and ciders to tempt you!

Fares From £445

★ ★ Steam through the Dales on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway ★ ★ Get a taste for Yorkshire at the Black Sheep Brewery ★ ★ Enjoy a day at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railways Beer and Music Festival

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Great Victoria Hotel, Bradford

★ ★ Stay at Bradford’s Great Victoria Hotel with dinner every evening ★ ★ Enjoy a tour and sample a pint at Brew York ★ ★ Visit the iconic National Rail Museum in York

Built in 1867, the centrally located 4-star Great Victoria Hotel is situated opposite Bradford Interchange rail station. The hotel has 70 comfortable bedrooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel has an elegant bar and a restaurant.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

27

F estive S team in S axony

Enjoy the festive season with a Saxony Steam escorted rail holiday combining two fabulous mainline steam excursions, including a trip to Prague by steam, with three wonderful Saxon narrow- gauge steam lines, plus tours of Dresden Alstadt steam depot and the Transport Museum. Topped off with free-time at both Dresden and Leipzig traditional Christmas Markets where only local products manufactured in the region are sold.

Fares From £1345

★ ★ View the reserve collection not normally open to the public ★ ★ Enjoy the nostalgia of Dresden Altstadt steam shed and locomotives ★ ★ Visit the traditional Christmas markets in Dresden & Leipzig ★ ★ Centrally located hotel in the heart of historic Dresden

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Steam along the whole of the Lössnitzgrundbahn from Radebeul to Radeburg and return ★ ★ Visit the Czech Republic by public steam train ride from Dresden to beautiful Prague ★ ★ Steam on the newly extended Weisseritztalbahn from Freital to Kipsdorf in the Ore Mountains ★ ★ Enjoy a return steam journey from the Saxon city of Leipzig to Zeitz ★ ★ Experience a return journey on the Zittau narrow gauge railway to the Polish border ★ ★ Guided tour of Dresden Museum of Transport

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

28 2

N E W T O U R

7 DAYS

DEPARTS Wednesday 2 December 2020

HOTELS InterCity Hotel, Erfurt

Located adjacent to the railway station, this 4-star hotel has a pleasant bar and restaurant serving local and international specialities. The modern en-suite bedrooms include satellite TV, radio, mini-bar and Wi-Fi. Ibis Dresden Zentrum Hotel, Dresden The 3-star Ibis is ideally situated just a short stroll from the railway station and in the heart of the city near to the historic Old Town. The modern and comfortable en-suite bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV and hair dryer.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

29

B lack F orest N ew Y ear S team C elebration

7 DAYS

Enjoy a special New Year tour as we steam through glorious Black Forest scenery in its magical winter setting on three included steam excursions! We also spend New Year’s Eve in beautiful Freiburg and tour the city at the ‘Gateway to the Black Forest’ by vintage tram.

DEPARTS

Sunday 27 December 2020

Fares From £1479

★ ★ A third celebration of Black Forest steam on the Three Lakes Line, climbing from Titisee lake-side to almost 1000m ★ ★ Tour historic Freiburg aboard a private charter vintage tram ★ ★ New Year’s Eve meal in a local restaurant & New Year’s day free for sightseeing in attractive Freiburg

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL InterCity Hotel Freiburg

★ ★ Steam through the heart of the Black Forest on the Zollernbahn steam line ★ ★ Enjoy an afternoon of Black Forest steam with a ‘Tunnelfahrt’ on the Schwarzwaldbahn between Triberg, St Georgen and Haslach

Ideally located in the city centre and across the road from the train station. The hotel offers modern en-suite bedrooms with soundproofed windows, flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. The restaurant has a bar and restaurant serving a large selection of international and national dishes. Free public transport ticket included during stay.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW

30

A ustria N ew Y ear C elebrations with S team

7 DAYS

A wonderful railway holiday to see in the New Year exploring Austria by train. Celebrate the new year in style at the historic 4-star Hotel Plankenhof in the beautiful Tyrol including a 5-course dinner, a glass of bubbly and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The tour also features two great steam train journeys on the Zillertalbahn and Pinzgauer Railways, traditional Tyrolean music, Schnapps tasting and a trip to the top of the Hafelekar overlooking stunning Innsbruck…this tour has something for everyone!

DEPARTS Tuesday 29 December 2020

HOTELS Hotel Plankenhof, Pill

We are pleased to return to this hotel, the 4-star Plankenhof in Pill in the Tyrol. A listed building, the Plankenhof dates back to the 15th century and is in the 11th generation of family ownership. Uniquely, the hotel also houses a ‘Museum of Schnapps’! InterCity Hotel, Nuremberg A modern 3-star hotel conveniently situated adjacent to the station and close to the city centre. All bedrooms are en-suite with individually controlled air- conditioning, TV and free Wi-Fi.

Fares From £1445

★ ★ 5-course dinner, a glass of Champagne and fireworks on New Year’s Eve ★ ★ Guided tour of Innsbruck, ‘Capital of the Tyrol’ ★ ★ Journey on the Nordkettenbahn funicular and cable car ★ ★ Steam journey on the Pinzgauer Railway to Krimml Waterfalls ★ ★ An evening of Tyrolean music at the hotel ★ ★ A tour & tasting at the hotels in- house Schnapps museum

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Visit the Germany’s National Rail Museum, the oldest railway museum in the world ★ ★ New Year’s Eve steam train journey on the Zillertalbahn to Mayrhofen

★ ★ Stay in the Austrian Tyrol in a 4-star family-run hotel dating back to the 15th century

Call 01538 382323 – to book or speak to our customer care team

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Q U A L I T Y E S C O R T E D H O L I D A Y S B Y T R A I N

D E P AR TUR E S 2 0 2 0 R a i l t r a i l S t e a m T o u r s U K & Wo r l d w i d e

Page

Page

Page

Start Date

Title

Duration Page

Start Date

Title

Duration Page

19/08/2020 29/08/2020 03/09/2020 02/09/2020 16/09/2020 30/09/2020 01/10/2020 02/10/2020 15/10/2020 22/10/2020 02/12/2020

Swiss Mountain Steam

8 8 5 7 8

15 14 19

09/04/2020

Kent & Sussex Easter Steam Explorer

5 8 5 8 5 5 7 9 8 5 8 9 5

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

09/04/2020 Isle of Man & Lancashire Vintage Transport * Cotswolds & Swindon Steam Explorer * Dresden Steam Festival & More

Switzerland’s Steam-Powered Six Norfolk Steam Explorer Meiningen Steam Festival * Swiss Mountain Steam USA Fall Colours Steam *

23/04/2020 14/04/2020 14/04/2020

20&21

15

Dresden Steam Festival & Saxon Narrow Gauge

11

14 22&23

21/05/2020 Chiltern Hills Steam, Rail & Ale

04/06/2020 Essex Steam & Railway Curiosities * 29/05/2020 Northern & Central France Steam Explorer * 06/06/2020 German Summer Steam * 04/07/2020 Switzerland’s Steam-Powered Six 09/07/2020 Cotswolds & Swindon Steam Explorer *

Great Central Gala & More Steam, Rail & Ale Golden October Austrian Steam Adventure

5

24 25 26 27

12

10&11 12&13

Steam, Rail & Ale in Scotland Yorkshire Steam, Rail & Ale Trail

5 5 7 7 7

14

Festive Steam in Saxony *

28&29

5

27/12/2020 Black Forest New Year Steam Celebration

30 31

15/07/2020 26/07/2020 16/07/2020

Swiss Mountain Steam Northern Germany *

15

29/12/2020

Austria New Year Celebrations with Steam

16&17

Staffordshire Steam, Ale & Oatcakes

18

* denotes NEW TOUR

Railtrail Tours Ltd 21 The Smithfield Centre, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands, ST13 5JW Telephone: 01538 382323 www.railtrail.co.uk

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