Railtrail Main Brochure 2022

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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

T o u r i n g t h e UK & O v e r s e a s b y R a i l

BIG ON QUALITY, SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE.

Hello and welcome It gives me very great pleasure to write this introduction for our 2022 escorted tours programme. I am immensely proud of the fact that our longevity, knowledge, quality and truly friendly personal service is the antithesis of today’s ‘Call Centre’ world, where corporate profit seems to come before everything else. As a long-established family firm that has always put ‘people before profit’ and has acted honourably throughout the pandemic, it is wonderful to be able to again invite you to join us on an escorted rail holiday of your choice. May I say thank you to all of our clients whose votes resulted in our winning the British Travel Association’s prestigious award for the Best Rail Holiday Company (small category). Furthermore, the percentage of votes cast in our favour compared to the number of passengers we carried exceeded any other rail holiday company large or small. May I suggest that amongst the reasons for our success are … • A commitment to providing a caring high-quality service (please see back cover) • We have been awarded the highest classification possible by client feedback company FeeFo – Platinum Status • In addition to the tour package itself our UK tour fares uniquely include travel from your home station to the tour base and we also offer special connecting rail tickets to London St Pancras International for our European tours • All UK & European tours are by rail to and from the tour base – no environment damaging flights • Our unique ‘Railtrail Rewards’ high-street style loyalty points scheme, which is our thank you for your custom • Guaranteed Fares – we guarantee that our UK and European fares will not be increased • 100% financial security - Your tour payments sit in a Lloyds Bank Trust Account which cannot be accessed by ourselves. The trustee transfers your payment to us the day after you return from your tour. In the unlikely instance of your tour being cancelled by us, or our insolvency, the Trustee simply returns your payments to you.

Finally, it was a proud moment for me recently when another generation, my granddaughter Megan, recently joined the Railtrail Tours team which already includes my wife Pauline, son Paul, daughter Julie and a wonderful ‘family-like’ office team here in Leek enhanced by our great team of friendly and experienced Tour Managers nationwide. I trust that you will enjoy a spot of armchair travel browsing the pages of this brochure and that we will have the pleasure of your company in 2022, thank you. Railtrail - Big on quality, small enough to care!

1 ST CLASS

Kind Regards,

42 YEARS

Dave Felstead Owner & Managing Director

Registering Your Email address – Please help us to help you We can assure you that we have never sold/shared client’s information to/with any other company and never will. May we please ask that you register your email address with us. You will be amongst the first to receive our tour news, special offers and incentives that shortage of time and high cost normally preclude us from sending in the traditional post. It also allows us to immediately email you your booking confirmation, and when departure time nears enables us to get your tour itinerary to you speedily and safely. You will also be ‘in the hat’ and may be the lucky winner of our monthly email database draw for £100 of Railtrail vouchers. To register please view www.railtrail.co.uk wait for the brochure pop-up to appear, fill in your details, if you already have your brochure, tick the email promotions only check box and you will receive all Railtrail emails and up-to-date promotions. It will only take a minute. Thank you .

DEPARTURES 2022 England, Ireland, Scot land & Wales

DEPARTURES 2022 Wor ldwide and Cont inental Europe

Page

6 & 7 8 & 9

Grand Tour by Rail – Coastal Nostalgia in the Sunny South

50 & 51

Australia – Steam on Five Gauges

N E W T O U R

Grand Tour by Rail – Derry to Kerry

52 & 53

Grand Tour by Rail – The Transpyrenean

10 & 11 12 & 13 14 & 15

Grand Tour by Rail – Wales Coast to Coast Grand Tour by Rail – Land’s End to John O’Groats Grand Tour by Rail – Six Wonders of the Waterways The Cream of Cornish Coasts & Country Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam Forest of Dean Steam & the Wye Valley Cotswold & Swindon Steam Explorer North Norfolk Coast, the Broads & Steam Roses Battle by Steam Plus Settle & Carlisle Line Shipshape & Bristol Fashion!

Little Trains of the Tyrol

N E W T O U R

The Rhine in Flames

Rhine Rail & Ale Trail

16 17

Germany’s Hanseatic Heritage

18 & 19

Harz Mountains Steam – The Jewel of Germany

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 39 40 41 42 43

Amsterdam, Tulips, Cheese & Steam

60 & 61

Treasures of Northern Tuscany

N E W T O U R

Swiss Glacier Express & The Bernina

The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn

Swiss Mountain Steam

Yorkshire Moors by Steam Treasures of the Peak District Floral Cheshire & Beyond Canals, Steam & Historic Chester

Switzerland’s Steam-Powered Six

N E W T O U R

Extra Benefits Rewarding your Loyalty The vast majority of our customers are either repeat bookings or recommendations and should you recommend Railtrail to someone not already on our database, then when they travel on their first tour YOUR Railtrail Rewards Loyalty account will be credited with points to the value of £25 per person booked if it was a UK tour, £50 per person booked if European / Grand tour, or £100 per person if they travelled on a Worldwide tour. Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club The Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club rewards the loyalty of our most frequent travellers. Once you have travelled with us a minimum of 5 times you automatically become a member of a select club that receive special fare offers, free tour upgrades and gifts including a quality pin badge to wear with pride. The more you travel the higher the reward for bronze, silver and gold members. Focus On Steam For details of all our steam tours please visit www.railtrail.co.uk and click on Steam Enthusiasts Calendar where all of our current steam

Isle of Man Explorer

Lake District & Cumbrian Mountains Explorer Nostalgic Lakeland Railways & Cumbria Step Back in Tyne – Discover the North East

N E W T O U R

Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail Oban & the Magical Isle of Mull

N E W T O U R

36 & 37

Queen of Scots

Springtime Highlander Highland Adventure Summer Highlander

Tranquil Lochs & Serene Skye Orkney & Shetland Explorer

N E W T O U R

Romantic Highlander Hebridean Odyssey

44 & 45 46 & 47

N E W T O U R

Hebridean Islands Discovery

48 49

Wonderful Wales

Heart of Wales Steam & the Brecon Beacons

Railtrail Rewards Loyalty Once you have travelled with Railtrail, we reward your loyalty via our ‘Railtrail Rewards Loyalty’ points scheme. For every pound spent you will receive Loyalty Rewards Points on return from your holiday, which can then be used as a discount on future bookings. Loyalty Points remain valid for 3 years after your return from your holiday. The more loyalty points you earn, the greater the discount you will receive on your next tour. No other escorted rail holiday company operates such a scheme.

tours are listed. New Tours

To receive details of all new tours as soon as they are organised please visit www.railtrail.co.uk wait for the brochure pop-up to appear, fill in your details, if you already have your brochure, tick the email promotions only check box and you will receive all Railtrail emails and up-to-date promotions.

Main picture: Florence © Pauline Felstead

Member 2021

Office Team Railtrail We are proud of our independent status and it is perhaps opportune to open our office doors a little wider than usual to give you re-assurance that ‘Big is not always Best’ and that here at Railtrail we put ‘Quality over Quantity’ when creating tours which ensures we do not overstretch our resources. Where financial security is concerned your money is always fully protected and you can book knowing your holiday is in safe hands, as we uniquely secure your money in a Trust Account until after you return from your holiday tour. Our Founder & Managing Director still heads the company, and as Vice-Chairman of the Association of European Rail Agents (AERA) is also at the forefront of what’s happening on today’s European railways. The family connection also includes Julie Ratcliffe (nee Felstead) who supervises our Customer Care team who are normally the first voices you hear when telephoning Railtrail. Dave’s son, Paul Felstead, has joined the company in a senior Operations role after a long career in the RAF and is waiting in the wings to fly the company flag. Whilst his daughter, and Dave’s Granddaughter, Megan is the most recent family member to join our Customer Care team after leaving University. What makes

different?

Our fabulous ‘Design to Delivery’ Team – Margo, Ellie, Kathy, Carla, Michelle and Kate - have over 100 years’ experience in the Tours & Travel industry. Our resident ‘rail enthusiast’ is Henry who in addition to working in our rail ticketing section also acts as Tour Manager on some of our heritage and steam tours where his passion, particularly in the steam domain, is a fount of all knowledge to the benefit of clients. Our husband & wife team, Mark and Rachel Dickin, have for some years been an essential backbone of the company with Mark keeping our website and analytics up to date and his wife Rachel is possibly the most popular member of the team as she is in charge of finance, and pays the salaries! This excellent team also features Summer who enhances our social media activities in addition to supporting our Customer Care section. Please visit our website, where you might also like to register your email address to receive a weekly email of further Railtrail news and new tours. However, we would be nothing without our actual public face – our brilliant Tour Managers...

Your Railtrail Tour Manager Every Railtrail tour is escorted by one of our team of caring and experienced Tour Managers. We are a family business and so we have hand-picked people to look after our customers who share our values. They are a very well-travelled bunch of people, with the most experienced having over 100 tours under their belt! Your Railtrail Tour Manager is there to make sure things run like clockwork. They have the experience and knowledge to make your travel arrangements straightforward and your holiday as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Plus they are great company too!

What can you expect from your Railtrail holiday?

Inclusive Rail fares Railtrail’s British tours are unique in that, as described opposite, we offer tour fares inclusive of rail travel from any station in the UK, along with seat reservations (where applicable) as part of the tour package. Should you miss your specified train, or a connecting train, your ticket is still valid on the next service. All we ask is that you telephone either the office during office hours, or your Tour Manager outside of office hours, to let us know of your hic-cup in your journey and we will then take control leaving you free to relax and enjoy the remainder of your journey. Please ensure when booking your tour that you give us the mobile phone number that you will be carrying with you on the day so that we can help you and maintain contact with you until you meet up with your Tour Manager. For each UK tour we publish a Fares Table showing not only the fare for those wishing to join at the tour base but also fares offering your choice of First Class (where available) or Standard Class rail travel from every UK mainland rail station. Departure stations are grouped into regions, as in the example below:

Beautiful Britain by Train Explore superb scenery, experience excellent food, stay in quality hotels, visit stunning destinations. A great way to holiday and marvellous value for money. Your Railtrail UK Tour Fare is inclusive of: ★ ★ Your choice of standard or First Class rail travel to and from the Tour Base ★ ★ Half-board accommodation with private facilities at quality hotels ★ ★ All the excursions and attractions featured in your tour ★ ★ Services of an experienced Railtrail Tours tour manager Treat yourself to a little extra luxury and relaxation - choose our First Class rail option. Explore Europe by Train Extraordinary short breaks and tours featuring amazing railway journeys to wonderful destinations to suit all tastes. Our Classic European Tours depart from London St Pancras International where you will be met by your Tour Manager at Searcy’s champagne bar, London St Pancras station with a welcome complimentary drink and snack before boarding your high-speed Eurostar train to the continent. Each tour describes all the included rail travel and excursions, plus your quality hotel accommodation and meals as stated. You may choose to include the extra comfort of the exclusive carriages and refreshments of Eurostar Standard Premier train travel, plus First Class travel for the onward great continental railway journey to the country of For clients wishing to travel independently to join the tour of their choice we offer flexible joining point fares for all tours including the option to join & leave at the tour hotel(s). Included Meals Many tours in this brochure include some light refreshments during the day, whilst on a few continental tours based in beautiful destinations we leave the occasional evening free to give you an opportunity to experience the ambience and dine at leisure in a restaurant of your choice. To avoid any confusion every tour in this brochure summarises the included meals in the fares table and we also include at the end of each day description a simple code that states what meals are included on that particular day. The meals included are: B=Breakfast, L=Light lunch, LR=Light refreshments, D=Dinner. Your Mobility Holidays by train require a reasonable level of physical fitness. Our only wish is for you to enjoy your holiday and it is for this reason that we have to be sure that the tour you have selected is suitable for you. As part of the booking process you are required to comply with a few mobility questions and we ask for your co-operation in answering these. A note about Luggage We do include hotel porterage whenever we can, however carrying luggage is the customer’s responsibility, including onto or off a train. We would recommend a modest sized suitcase with wheels and a retractable handle and a small piece of hand baggage per person. your holiday destination. Worldwide Tours After meeting your Tour Manager at our chosen flight Check-in desk and passing through customs control we have quality relaxation time with complimentary snack and drink. Tour Base Fares Option

Look down the table for the region from which you wish to travel , The amounts shown alongside are the per person (sharing a twin/ double room). i f ich you wish to travel. The mounts shown alongside re the tou fare er ers (sharing a twin/ double room) including rail travel from and to your home station.

Tour fare travelling First Class* rail from Home station to Tour Base & return

Tour fare travelling Standard Class* rail from Home station to Tour Base & return

* Please note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys. On certain high-season departures we apply a Departure Supplement to the fare due to higher hotel or travel costs.

FARE REGION

FIRST £485 £489 £505 £545 £539 £505 £539 £595 £645 £625 £485 £559 £675

STANDARD

London: Paddington Greater London South of England

£455 £459 £469 £495 £469 £469 £455 £495 £519 £509 £455 £485

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland £549 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at hotel £409

If you have a National Railcard the fares table also shows a nominal amount that you can deduct from the tour fare shown.

Alternatively, you may select the Tour Base fare as shown to “Join and Leave” at the tour hotel(s).

Our Concierge Luggage Service Did you know that it is possible to arrange to have your luggage collected in advance from your home and delivered to your UK or European tour hotel, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday by train even more? Using Railtrail’s luggage service allows you to travel light on the first and last days of your holiday, and this special concierge service may not cost as much as you would imagine. Contact us for further details

G rand T ours by R ail –

N E W T O U R

Our new unique Grand Tour by Rail is packed full of seaside charm, heritage steam railways and stunning coastal vistas. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and journey along the stunning south coast staying in Kent, Dorset and Devon visiting many of our favourite nostalgic attractions.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening plus, 1 lunch ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager DAY 1 For those booking rail travel with us, we arrive in Ashford and transfer to our hotel for three nights, the Ashford International Hotel. You may wish to relax in the hotel’s leisure club ahead of dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant. (D) DAY 2 This morning we travel to Hythe for a journey on the superb Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - the world’s smallest public railway (15” gauge). The exhilarating journey takes us to Dungeness where we meet our coach and continue to Dover Castle . Here we step inside the Great Tower and immerse ourselves in the history of this great castle before enjoying a unique visitor experience in the Secret Wartime Tunnels where the dramatic rescue operation of the 1940’s ‘Miracle of Dunkirk’ is vividly bought to life. We take a fascinating tour of the atmospheric WW2 Underground Hospital before returning to our hotel. (B,D) ★ ★ Journey on the nostalgic Swanage Railway ★ ★ Experience the famous Seaton Tramway ★ ★ Visit the picturesque fishing town of Brixham ★ ★ Relax on a scenic Dartmouth River cruise ★ ★ Steam along the English Riviera coastline on the South Devon Steam Railway ★ ★ Discover the beautiful and contrasting coastlines of Kent, Dorset, and Devon ★ ★ Ride the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Heritage Railway ★ ★ Uncover the secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle ★ ★ Take a tour, beer tasting & lunch at Britain’s oldest brewery ★ ★ Climb aboard historic warships ★ ★ Explore the ancient streets of Canterbury ★ ★ Steam on the Kent & East Sussex Railway ★ ★ Enjoy a scenic tour by vintage bus on the Isle of Wight ★ ★ Travel back in time on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway ★ ★ Hop on board the Purbeck Breezer and admire the coastal vistas

Fares From £1769

White Cliffs of Dover

DAY 3 We travel to Chatham Historic Dockyard this morning and discover 400 years of history as we explore the architecture, historic warships and learn about the people that shaped British maritime innovation, engineering, and design. Following our visit, we continue to the Shepherd Neame Brewery where we enjoy a guided tour, tasting and brewer’s lunch . We conclude our day in the ancient city of Canterbury , dominated by its stunning cathedral, the oldest in England. We can explore the extraordinary atmospheric streets and many boutique shops before returning to Ashford. (B,L,D) DAY 4 We commence our transfer day travelling by private coach to the attractive village of Tenterden for a return steam train journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway along their picturesque route to Bodiam and return. We continue aboard our private coach to Hastings where we enjoy free time for lunch before we head to Hastings station to board our train via Brighton and Southampton to Bournemouth and transfer to our hotel for the next three nights. (B,D) DAY 5 Transferring to Lymington, we join the Wightlink ferry to transport us the short distance to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight . Our vintage coach awaits, for a scenic ride along the western side of the island, around the southern tip to Shanklin . We take the

Island Line service to Smallbrook Junction. Due to the low ceiling of Ryde Tunnel towards the northern end of the 8 mile stretch of track, normal size trains cannot operate on the island, which led to the Island Line using refurbished London Underground trains. At Smallbrook Junction we switch onto the nostalgic Isle of Wight Steam Railway , crossing the island’s heart through picturesque countryside to Wootton. Returning from Wootton to the railway’s Haven Street station, we transfer by vintage coach to Yarmouth for our ferry and transfer back to Bournemouth. (B,D) DAY 6 Today we hop on board our Purbeck Breezer open top bus at Bournemouth and travel along the coastal road past the stunning multi-million pound properties of Sandbanks and via the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Purbeck before reaching our destination of Swanage. During our time in Swanage we enjoy a return journey on the nostalgic Swanage Railway, which operates along six miles of track from Swanage past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle. We return to Bournemouth via the Purbeck Breezer bus and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D) DAY 7 After breakfast we commence our transfer to Torquay travelling by train along the scenic route from Bournemouth to Weymouth where our private coach awaits to transfer us into Devon and the seaside resort of Seaton. Here we board our private heritage tram

Swanage

Canterbury Old Town

Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

RH&DR

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

C oastal N ostalgia in the S unny S outh

Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer

Dartmouth Steam Railway

10 DAYS

DEPARTS Tuesday 10 May 2022 Friday 16 September 2022

Kent & East Sussex Railway

DAY 9 We travel by steam train alongside the English Riviera coastline to Churston, then on through the wooded slopes of Long Wood bordering the Dart Estuary to Kingswear. We take a short ferry crossing to the historic resort of Dartmouth where there is free time for some sightseeing and a gentle circular river cruise viewing Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham Village and Sir Walter Raleigh’s Boathouse. We return by steam train to Paignton and onwards to our hotel. (B,D) DAY 10 Bidding farewell to the beautiful South Coast we make our way homeward. (B) HOTELS Ashford International Hotel, Ashford The 4-star Ashford International Hotel is conveniently located for visiting the many attractions that Kent has to offer. The modern en-suite bedrooms are decorated in a contemporary style and offer TV, tea & coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a stylish restaurant and comfortable bar plus, a superb leisure club with gym, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room. Carlton Hotel (May) & East Cliff Hotel (September) Bournemouth Located on Bournemouth’s famous East Cliff the 4-star Best Western Carlton and 3-star Best Western East Cliff offer dramatic views across the bay and are just a 15 minute stroll along the seafront from the shops and pier. The hotels offer restaurant with wonderful sea views, bar, outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers surrounded by gardens. The Carlton Hotel also offers indoor swimming pool, gym, and sauna which guests at the East Cliff can also use. The en-suite bedrooms all feature free Wi-Fi, TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room.

for a delightful return journey on the famous Seaton Tramway along the former railway branch line. After a lunchtime break, we re-board our private coach continuing westwards to Exmouth. From Exmouth we travel by local train for one of England’s great railway journeys alongside the River Exe to Exeter before joining the mainline along the famous coastal route through Dawlish and onto Torquay and our hotel for the next three nights. (B,D) DAY 8 Our morning is free to relax in beautiful Torquay or independently explore the stunning English Riviera . Perhaps visit the neighbouring town of Babbacombe, famed for cliff railway built in 1926 and model village. In the afternoon we reconvene to take the short ferry ride across the bay to the small fishing town of Brixham , home of the ‘Golden Hind’ replica of the iconic Tudor ship. (B,D)

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST* £1955 £1945 £2015 £1985 £1945 £2029 £2149 £2189 £2229 £2215 £2109 £2185 £2259

STANDARD

£1889 £1889 £1915 £1929 £1889 £1939 £1969 £2015 £2035 £1999 £1949 £1989

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland £2055 £30 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £1799 Single Room Supplement £265 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 9 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal plus 1 lunch Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager The Livermead House Hotel, Torquay The elegant 3-star Livermead House Hotel was built in 1820 and has a picturesque seafront location. It is ideally situated just a short walk from the train station and a level walk along the promenade to Torquay town centre. The Livermead House offers a traditional flavour, outstanding sea views and high standards of cuisine. There is free Wi- Fi in all public areas. The hotel has lovely gardens with seating and an outdoor swimming pool plus, snooker room, squash court, gym, indoor bowls, and sauna.

Brixham

Seaton Heritage Tramway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

G rand T ours by R ail –

Here is our recreation of Palin’s second ‘Great Railway Journey’ from ‘Derry to Kerry’! Experience the fabulous line from Coleraine to Londonderry and the scenic East Coast Line from Dublin to Wexford, enjoy the contrasts of Belfast, Dublin, Waterford and Tralee, and wonder at the natural beauty of the Causeway Coast and the Ring of Kerry, all rounded off with a final shindig in Dublin. Cead Mile Failte!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Customers booking our rail-inclusive package will begin their holiday with the ‘Burns Country Line’ through Galloway to our hotel for one night, the North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer . (D) DAY 2 Our morning ferry crosses from nearby Cairnryan to Belfast Port. A local coach awaits our arrival for the transfer to Belfast itself, where we visit the popular Titanic Experience . The world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction is housed at the spot where it all began. We then continue to the unspoilt Antrim coast and our hotel for three nights, the Londonderry Arms in the seaside village of Carnlough. (B,D) ★ ★ Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, a unique natural phenomenon ★ ★ Arrive at the Causeway aboard the Bushmills Railway ★ ★ Taste Bushmills Whiskey at the distillery ★ ★ Experience Northern Ireland’s great scenic rail journey ★ ★ Tour the walls of Derry-Londonderry ★ ★ Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast ★ ★ Sightsee in Dublin’s fair city ★ ★ Take in the Irish Republic’s most scenic railway along the East Coast ★ ★ Learn about Ireland’s emigrant history at Dunbrody Emigrant Ship Museum ★ ★ Explore Waterford and visit the famous Waterford Crystal ★ ★ Trundle through the Suir Valley on the heritage Suir Valley Railway ★ ★ Enjoy the fabulous views of the Ring of Kerry ★ ★ Let your hair down with a final night’s dinner and Irish Show in Dublin ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to/from the mainland ports (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Standard Class rail travel in Ireland ★ ★ Ferries and coach travel, as described ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £1999

Wonderful Coastal Rail Journey

DAY 3 Transferring to Ballymoney, we join arguably the most scenic stretch of railway on the island of Ireland . From Coleraine the line runs alongside the River Bann before passing through Castlerock and Downhill tunnels, the longest in Ireland. From the seaside village of Castlerock we pass Binevenagh Mountain, the track running alongside the golden sands of Benone Strand, with views of unspoilt beaches and rolling waves from the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving in Derry-Londonderry , we enjoy a guided walk on the city walls of Ireland’s only completely walled city, before retracing our tracks to Ballymoney. (B,D) DAY 4 Today we head along the Antrim coastline to Bushmills . Here we board the Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway , a railway built to the Irish narrow gauge of three feet and running for two miles along the track of the former Giant’s Causeway Tram. At the Giant’s Causeway we visit the Visitor Centre and walk the short distance to the stones or take the transfer bus. Returning to Bushmills, we visit the Bushmills Distillery for a tasting of their malts. (B,D) DAY 5 Transferring to Ballymena, our train takes us through Antrim to Belfast. Changing trains, we continue southwards, with the Mountains of Mourne in the distance, crossing into the Irish Republic. From Drogheda to Dublin the railway skirts a pretty coastline of beaches and harbours . In Dublin we stay for two nights at the Academy Plaza Hotel. (B,D)

DAY 6 Today we are free to explore Dublin at leisure with our hop-on, hop-off bus ticket which will take us around the main sights of Ireland’s capital independently. Be sure to visit Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle and enjoy a pint of the black stuff at thriving Temple Bar. (B,D) DAY 7 Leaving Dublin behind, for a few days at least, the most scenic rail journey in the Republic awaits. Heading round Dublin Bay, the coastline really opens out at Killiney Bay and the tracks follow the coastline down through Bray and Greystones to Wicklow, before moving inland through County Wexford. A coach awaits in Wexford to transport us to Waterford, via New Ross , which was the ancestral home of the Kennedys. Here we visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship & Museum , exploring Ireland’s history of emigration, before continuing to Waterford for two nights at Treacy’s Hotel. (B,D)

Dunbrody Emigrant Ship Museum

Blowing Waterford Crystal

Titanic Experience, Belfast

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

D erry to K erry

Bushmills Railway

DAY 8 A factory tour of Waterford Crystal showcases the different skills that go into creating their world-famous product, including glass blowing, cutting, sculpting, moulding and engraving. Today also features a heritage rail excursion through the beautiful Suir Valley on the diesel-hauled narrow-gauge Waterford & Suir Valley Railway . (B,D) DAY 9 Rejoining the Irish rail system, we depart Waterford and travel across Ireland’s beautiful green landscapes. We are not a long way from Tipperary when we change at Limerick Junction, joining a train through County Kerry destined for Michael Palin’s final destination, Tralee . Here we stay for two nights at Benners Hotel. (B,D) DAY 10 A scenic guided tour of the Ring of Kerry takes us through an untouched landscape of rolling hills, fishing villages and tranquil lakes on the dramatically scenic Kerry coastline. Our route passes charming towns, such as Killorglin, Waterville and Kenmare, before spending a little free time in Killarney , sitting at the foot of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. (B,D) DAY 11 Departing Tralee, we cross Ireland from coast to coast, arriving back in Dublin for a final free afternoon’s sightseeing and a final night at the Academy Plaza Hotel. We bid farewell to the Emerald Isle with a final

Giant’s Causeway

12 DAYS

dinner and a rousing send-off of live Irish music and dancing . (B,D) DAY 12 We transfer to Dublin Port for the sea crossing to Holyhead, from where the trains await to transport you home. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 22 September 2022

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST* £2305 £2319 £2359 £2375 £2315 £2259 £2219

STANDARD

£2145 £2165 £2185 £2195 £2165 £2119 £2109 £2115 £2125 £2079 £2125 £2065 £2099 £1999

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A N/A

Ring of Kerry Coastline

£2185 £2295 £2139

HOTELS

North West Castle, Stranraer This comfortable 3-star hotel in Stranraer town centre has been family owned for more than fifty years. ‘The Castle’ was formerly the home of Sir John Ross, an Arctic explorer, who discovered the ice bound trading route now known as the ‘North West Passage’. The hotel offers 72 bedrooms, Regency dining room, Alpine Restaurant and leisure facilities including swimming pool. Londonderry Arms, Carnlough Nestled in the picturesque harbour village of Carnlough, the hotel was built in 1847 as a coaching inn and offers old world charm. The 3-star hotel was once owned by Sir Winston Churchill and has now been run by the same family for over 70 years. The hotel has just 35 bedrooms, a traditional bar, restaurant and lounge with antique furniture and open fire. Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin A 3-star city centre hotel is ideally located just off Upper O’Connell Street on Findlater Place right in the heart of Dublin City within walking distance of Temple Bar, Trinity College, St Stephen’s Green and many other famous landmarks. The hotel has a stylish bar and restaurant. Treacy’s Hotel, Waterford Treacy’s Hotel is a family-run 3-star hotel overlooking the River Suir in the heart of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. The has a great traditional Irish bar called Timbertoes, restaurant and leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool.

Scotland

N/A

Join Stranraer & Leave Holyhead Single Room Supplement £405 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 11 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class*) Rail, ferry & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Dublin’s Temple Bar

Waterford & Suir Valley Railway

Benners Hotel, Tralee The 3-star Benners is a family run hotel located in the heart of Tralee, a Medieval Town and the Capital of the Kingdom of Kerry. This charming hotel has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years and offers bar, restaurant, café and courtyard garden.

Dublin

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

G rand T ours by R ail –

Another unique Grand Tour by Rail, visiting some of our best loved hotels, crossing Wales from coast to coast. From our bases in Carmarthen, Llandrindod, and Llandudno we tick off more steam and heritage railways than you could imagine, plus we bask in the wonderful scenery of the valleys, mountains, and coasts.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We arrive in Carmarthen and walk to the short distance to the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, our base for the next three nights. (D) DAY 2 Our second day is spent exploring the scenic coastline by coach in a region known as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park , including a visit to cathedral city of St David’s , the smallest city in the UK and the resting place of St David, for which the city is bestowed the title of ecclesiastical capital of Wales. (B,D) DAY 3 Today we travel by train to the picturesque seaside resort of Tenby and have a free day to admire fantastic views of Caldey Island, stroll around the pretty cobbled streets or simply enjoy the beach and harbour area. (B,D) ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast & St David’s ★ ★ Enjoy a day in beautiful Tenby ★ ★ Visit the Teifi and Gwili Railways ★ ★ Travel along the picturesque Heart of Wales Line & Cambrian Line ★ ★ Experience the Talyllyn Railway, the mother of all preserved lines ★ ★ Steam on the Vale of Rheidol Railway – one of the Great Little Trains of Wales ★ ★ Marvel at reservoirs and mountains on the Brecon Mountain Railway ★ ★ Visit the Bala Lake Railway ★ ★ Enjoy the fabulous Llangollen Railway ★ ★ Explore Snowdonia on the Welsh Highland Railway, world famous Ffestiniog Railway and picturesque Llanberis Lake Railway ★ ★ Spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway ★ ★ Conwy Valley Line scenic train journey ★ ★ Great Orme Mountain tram ride ★ ★ Stay in some of our most popular hotels Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £1725

Tenby Harbour

DAY 4 No fewer than three interesting and contrasting railway experiences await us today, as we visit the Teifi Railway , a small narrow-gauge railway built by volunteers along a former Great Western Railway branch line. Afterwards, we sample the extended Gwili Railway , running for four miles through unspoilt countryside. Finally, transferring to Llandeilo, we join the Heart of Wales Line , one of Britain’s prettiest rural routes, travelling through tranquil scenery en route to Llandrindod Wells for our four nights stay at the Hotel Metropole. (B,D) DAY 5 A short transfer to Devil’s Bridge allows us to join the Vale of Rheidol Railway , one of the Great Little Trains of Wales. Running to the Cambrian coast, see the countryside change as we travel through rugged mountain scenery, woodland and wide open fields to Aberystwyth , where there is free time to take lunch before our return journey. (B,D)

DAY 6 Today we depart Llandrindod by coach to Newtown, sampling the Cambrian Line , a different route to coastal Cardigan Bay for a journey special to anyone with an interest in railway heritage. The Talyllyn Railway runs for seven miles from Tywyn to Nant Gwernol through the Fathew Valley, passing Dolgoch Falls. Opened in 1865 to carry slate, the railway fell on hard times in

Gwilli Steam Railway

St. David’s

Vale of Rheidol Railway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

W ales C oast to C oast

Great Orme Tramway

Snowdon Mountain Railway

12 DAYS

DAY 11 Heading into Snowdonia, we take a steam train ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway followed, after a relaxing break, by a journey on the amazing Snowdon Mountain Railway . After enjoying this kaleidoscope of vistas, we return through the National Park and Conwy Valley to Llandudno. (B,D) DAY 12 A reluctant farewell to Llandudno and the lovely Empire Hotel sees us make our way to the station for our journeys homeward. (B) **Please note that we have based this itinerary on this year’s timetables for the many heritage railways featured. Where possible the excursions will be steam, although occasionally we may book diesel trains instead if steam trains are not in operation. We may have to juggle one or two of the days to make the itinerary work with the heritage railways once their timetables are announced.

Bala Lake Railway

DEPARTS

Thursday 29 September 2022

the early 1950s. A team of pioneering enthusiasts took over the running of the line and built the world’s first preserved railway . (B,D) DAY 7 Our adventure continues to Pant for a journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway . Formerly part of the Brecon & Merthyr Railway, the line passes the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir on its way to Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons. (B,D) DAY 8 Crossing Wales northwards by coach, we call in at the Bala Lake Railway and the Llangollen Railway on our way to Llandudno where we stay for four nights at the superbly traditional Empire Hotel. (B,D) DAY 9 Our leisurely first day on the North Wales Coast includes a ride on the vintage tramcar to the summit of the Great Orme , offering magnificent views across the Irish Sea. We can enjoy free time to visit pier, shops, beautiful beach, and attractions. (B,D) DAY 10 Take traditional great railway journeys as we head along the beautiful Conwy Valley Line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here we board our narrow-gauge steam train on the world famous Ffestiniog Railway to travel to Porthmadog . After some free time, our journey continues on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarvon from where we transfer back to Llandudno. (B,D)

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST*

STANDARD

London Paddington (Return Euston) Greater London South of England

£1945

£1855

£1959 £1989 £1985 £2025 £1889 £1835

£1865 £1879 £1949 £1865 £1825 £1799 £1865 £1859 £1809 £1845 £1805

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A N/A

£1905

N/A N/A

The Empire Hotel, Llandudno Faithful to its Victorian character, all rooms are furnished with antiques and modern comfortable beds with down bedding - and have private bathroom, TV with satellite, DVD player, safe, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. The award-winning Watkins and Co. restaurant offers the finest local produce; a creative chef, elegant surroundings and friendly service all combine to ensure a memorable experience. The hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and small outdoor heated pool. Scotland £1889 £20 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £1745 Single Room Supplement £250 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 11 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager © Shutterstock £1,999

HOTELS

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen This traditional 3-star hotel is located on the outskirts of Carmarthen, just a short walk from the railway station, castle and town centre. The comfortable bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer & tea/ coffee making facilities. There is a light and spacious restaurant, traditional pub-style bar, lounge and outside terrace. There is also a sauna and small gymnasium. The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells Situated in the spa town of Llandrindod Wells, the 4-star Metropole Hotel is a great base for exploring the varied attractions of the Heart of Wales. The hotel is also a great place to relax, as its Victorian style conservatory houses an 18 metre pool, thermal suites, Jacuzzi, and gymnasium.

Welsh Highland Railway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

G rand T ours by R ail –

Travel coast to coast from Land’s End to John O’Groats, including many of Britain’s great scenic rail journeys along the way. Explore England, Scotland & Wales on a one off, once in a lifetime, grand rail tour of mainland Britain!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Relax in Falmouth, Cornwall ★ ★ Visit Land’s End & Cape Cornwall ★ ★ Marvel at the Welsh Highland Railway & the Ffestiniog Railway ★ ★ Enjoy the Llangollen Steam Railway & a Canal Cruise ★ ★ Unwind in the heart of the Scottish Highlands at Bridge of Orchy ★ ★ Steam across Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train ★ ★ Take in the lovely scenery through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness ★ ★ Stay at the original Railtrail Tours hotel, the Palace in Inverness ★ ★ Enjoy Sir Michael Palin’s original ‘Great Railway Journey’ on the Kyle Line ★ ★ Touch the top of the country at John O’Groats ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £2359

Cape Cornwall

DAY 6 We make the short journey by road to the Llangollen Canal , where we take a breathtaking aerial cruise across one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Canals’ , the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct . Crossing 126 ft above the River Dee, it is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage site. We continue to Llangollen for a little free time to look around the delightful town before a heritage diesel train ride along the beautiful Dee Valley. (B,D)

Travelling alongside the sea wall at Dawlish

DAY 5 Our coach transfers us along the North Wales Coast to Caernarvon , where we board the magnificent Welsh Highland Railway for a steam hauled rail journey climbing into Snowdonia, twisting around forests to Beddgelert and through the much treasured beauty of the Aberglaslyn Pass . At Porthmadog we enjoy some free time for lunch before we embark on the Ffestiniog Railway for a narrow gauge steam adventure , climbing inland to the unique landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog. (B,D)

DAY 1 We arrive in Cornwall in Falmouth for three nights at the fabulous Royal Duchy Hotel. Here we check in and relax ahead of dinner together. (D) DAY 2 We begin our excursions by travelling through charming, un-spoilt Cape Cornwall en route to Land’s End , the westernmost point of Cornwall and England. Our round trip then continues, calling in at the lovely fishing village of Mousehole , before returning to Falmouth. (B,D) DAY 3 A leisurely day allows you to relax in Falmouth. (B,D) DAY 4 We head to Falmouth station which marks the beginning of our adventure northwards. Travelling in the class of your choice once we reach the main line, we cross through Cornwall into Devon , cruising by rail alongside the famous sea wall at Dawlish . Heading through the Southwest, we travel through the beautiful Heartland of England changing trains at Birmingham New Street. At Chester we make our way to the lovely Queen Hotel, opposite the station where we will be based for three nights. (B,D)

Llangollen – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Ffestinniog Railway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

L and ’ s E nd to J ohn O’G roats

Welsh Highland Railway

DAY 7 Our journey north continues in the class of your choice via the West Coast Mainline into Glasgow. Here we continue in Standard Class on the first section of the West Highland Line , dubbed one of the world’s greatest railway journeys. The first part of the rail journey is dominated by wonderful watery landscapes, as we skirt the Firth of Clyde, Loch Long and Loch Lomond , before climbing into the western Highlands to Bridge of Orchy , where we spend two nights at the beautifully renovated Bridge of Orchy Hotel. (B,D) DAY 8 We transfer to Fort William to join the famous ‘Harry Potter’ Jacobite steam train to Mallaig. Glenfinnan Viaduct , Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument and Loch Shiel are viewed before bursting out onto the Atlantic coastline of golden white sands with distant views of Rhum and Eigg. Enjoy time in Mallaig with views across the sea to Skye . (B,D) DAY 9 Leaving Bridge of Orchy behind, we transfer through the dramatic Great Glen , alongside serene Loch Ness , on our way to Inverness for a three night stay at the Palace Hotel. (B,D) DAY 10 The original of Sir Michael Palin’s Great Railway Journeys of the World, the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh , awaits today. Another journey of a lifetime, the Kyle Line connects Scotland coast to coast across great mountain plateaux before the wonderful coastline emerges, with Skye’s brooding Cuillin Mountains in the distance. (B,D)

Jacobite Steam Train Crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct

12 DAYS

DAY 11 Our final excursion completes a wonderful coast to coast odyssey, travelling northwards through stunning coastal Sutherland and into Caithness for a visit to John O’Groats , the furthest inhabited place on mainland Britain from Land’s End, which lies some 874 miles away. Today we also visit a traditional Highlands distillery before returning by road to Inverness to reflect on a tour crossing three countries between the two farthest points, with a host of new and exciting experiences in between. (B,D) DAY 12 Our Railtrail grand tour concludes as we make our homeward journeys, our cameras filled with coast to coast adventures. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 8 September 2022

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST*

STANDARD

London: Out Paddington Return King’s Cross

£2735 £2749 £2775 £2775 £2719 £2795 £2775 £2779 £2775 £2769 £2885 £2799 £2765

£2495 £2505 £2515 £2519 £2499 £2519 £2499 £2505 £2505 £2,495 £2535 £2519

Greater London South of England

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland £2495 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £2369 Single Room Supplement £585 First Class Supplement (for rail during the tour where first class seating is available) £149 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 11 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage Bridge of Orchy Hotel Situated on the West Highland Way, overlooked by mighty Beinn Dorain mountain, the recently renovated Bridge of Orchy Hotel occupies a position of remote, untouched beauty. Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness Overlooking the River Ness, a short stroll from the city centre, this superior quality, traditional Scottish hotel has well appointed bedrooms all en-suite with hospitality tray, TV and free WiFi. Leisure facilities include indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and beauty salon.

Kyle of Lochalsh

HOTELS

Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth Set on landscaped grounds beside the sea, this chic 4-star hotel was built in 1893, one of Falmouth’s first hotels. The en-suite rooms here all feature free Wi-Fi and flat- screen TVs. You may wish to unwind in the hotels indoor heated pool or sauna. Queen Hotel, Chester We have booked the Executive Rooms in this conveniently located hotel, ideally situated directly opposite the railway station. The 4-star Queen Hotel is characterised by its elegance and Victorian heritage. The en-suite executive bedrooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities and bottled water..

John O’Groats

Inverness

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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