Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

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QUALITY ESCORTED HOLIDAYS BY TRAIN

Touring the UK & Overseas by Rail

BIG ON QUALITY, SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE.

Welcome to Railtrail Tours As we enter our 45th year of operating our popular escorted rail holidays, Railtrail Tours, as always, aims to provide high-quality, unique, and memorable experiences and, in line with this commitment, we are revamping our current tours for a fresh and enhanced experience; whilst also introducing brand new tours which will be added to our already extensive programme, offering a wider variety of destinations for you to explore. Whether your perfect tour is to relax enjoying serene countryside, historic towns and cities, or superb gardens… We have tours for you! Perhaps you wish to experience the nostalgia of steam trains from a bygone age… We have tours for you! Maybe even cycling or hiking through these wonderful locations… We have tours for you! Whatever your choice, I feel sure that somewhere within our collection there are tours that will attract, fascinate, and excite your imagination and you can be assured that our professional experience as your tour organiser will create the most memorable of tours for you. ‘Team Railtrail’ consists of a group of senior rail travel experts each with a lifetime of experience in the travel industry, combined with the innovative vision and vivacity of our younger team members.We invite you to travel the environmentally friendly way with us on the railway. I am also delighted to introduce Railtrail Travel Services offering European rail tickets for your adventure across Europe. Whether your journey is large or small, our ticket-only consultants will find the most convenient route for you and book the best tickets for

your journey. Further details can be found on our website at www.railtrail.co.uk/Travel-Services . Finally, please remember this brochure is but a snapshot in time. Every day sees us create new tours to exciting new destinations so please visit, and continue to monitor, our website at www.railtrail.co.uk to view our most up to date programme of tours and departures. Kind Regards,

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45 YEARS

Dave Felstead Owner & Managing Director, Railtrail Tours Ltd

Why travel with Railtrail Tours …

Railtrail Tours – Big on Quality, Small enough to Care! BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE, BOOK RAILTRAIL TOURS www.railtrail.co.uk 01538 382323 ★ Quality tours organised by rail experts with a lifetime of rail travel knowledge and experience ★ Our tour itineraries are full of vibrancy and imagination reflecting our unrivalled knowledge ★ FeeFo Platinum Trusted Service Award for excellence in customer service – the highest classification achievable ★ 100% Financial Security – Our flight-inclusive holidays are protected by ATOL (ATOL No. 9056) and non-flight packages are protected by ABTOT (ABTOT No. 5577) ★ Secure and easy to use 24/7 online booking facility or call our friendly Customer Care team on 01538 382323 ★ The only escorted rail holiday company with a Loyalty Rewards Scheme ★ A superb team of friendly and experienced Tour Managers

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TOUR INDEX

Exciting Changes in 2025 Tour Descriptions

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We have been working hard to create fresh, exciting, and exclusive adventures for you to experience and have been adding tours to our extensive programme of varied destinations.To help you find your perfect adventure, we have introduced new categories to describe the nature of each tour and these categories are: Classic A selection of our best-selling Classic rail holidays exploring iconic, time-honoured destinations and visiting well-loved attractions. Classic Plus A collection of extended rail adventures, spanning 10 days or more, offering dynamic itineraries for you to explore more locations, visit more attractions, and enjoy more excursions. Signature Discover our carefully curated tours for smaller groups, staying in luxurious hotels and enjoying exclusive experiences at top destinations. Timeless Voyage A collection of exclusive tours featuring luxurious river cruises through breathtaking locations and iconic landscapes. ABTOT Railtrail Tours is now a member of ABTOT (ABTOT Member No. 5577) who provide financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 and, in the highly unlikely event of our insolvency, all monies paid to us in advance for a booking will be refunded so you can relax knowing that you are fully protected on any Railtrail Tours holiday. Further information can be found on our website at www.railtrail.co.uk . Treefo We are excited to be using Feefo - the world’s largest verified reviews provider - to fund tree-planting projects in return for the honest feedback you leave us. Our subscription to Treefo means that every time you leave us a review, we help fund a tree-planting project.

Classic Tours

6 – 59 6 – 44 45 – 59 60 – 77 60 – 63 64 – 73 74 – 77 78 – 87 78 – 82 83 – 87 88 – 95 88 – 91 92 – 95

UK & Ireland European

Classic Plus Tours

UK & Ireland European Worldwide

Signature Tours

UK & Ireland European

Timeless Voyage Tours

UK & Ireland European

Railtrail Rewards Loyalty Once you have travelled with Railtrail, we reward your loyalty via our Loyalty Points Scheme. For every pound spent you will receive Loyalty 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 offers such a scheme. Furthermore, should you recommend Railtrail to someone not already on our system,YOUR Railtrail account will be credited with Loyalty Points when they travel on their first tour. Points will be credited to the value of £25 per person booked if it was a UK Tour, £50 per person booked if it was a European / Classic Plus Tour, or £100 per person booked if they travelled on a Worldwide Tour. Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club The Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club is an exclusive club rewarding 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 offers, promotions, free tour upgrades, and gifts including a quality pin badge to wear with pride. Focus On Steam For details of all our steam tours please visit www.railtrail.co.uk and click on “Steam Tour Calendar” where our unique programme of steam tours are listed. New Tours To receive details of all new tours as soon as they are organised, you can subscribe to our newsletter by visiting our website at www.railtrail.co.uk , clicking on “Newsletter”, and completing the form.You will receive Railtrail emails with details of new tours, upcoming tours, and up-to-date promotions.

Member 2024

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What can you expect from your Railtrail holiday?

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). Look down the table for the region from which you wish to travel.The amounts shown alongside are the tour fare per person (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 For each UK tour we publish a Fares Table showing not only the Tour Base Fare (join and leave at the hotel) but also fares offering you a choice of First Class (where available) or Standard Class rail travel from every UK mainland rail station. Departure stations are grouped into regions, as shown in the example below: Inclusive Rail Fares Railtrail’s UK tours are unique in that 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.

Your Tour Fare UK Tours

We offer packages including First Class (where available) or Standard Class rail travel from every mainland UK station for each UK tour. Your Tour Fare is also inclusive of: ★ All accommodation as detailed with private facilities ★ Rail and coach travel, with transfers as described ★ All excursions and admissions as detailed in the itinerary ★ Services of an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager European Tours Our European Tours depart from London St Pancras where you can join your Tour Manager and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and snack prior to boarding.You may choose to include the added comfort of the exclusive carriages and refreshments with Eurostar Standard Premier. 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 a complimentary welcome drink and snack before boarding. Flight upgrades are available on request, or you may wish to book the Ground Only fare to travel independently and join at the tour hotel. Included Meals Some light refreshments and evening meals are included in many of our tours however, on a few tours based in popular 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 details the included meals in the itinerary using a simple code at the end of each day description that states what meals are included.The meals are coded as follows: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, LR = Light Refreshments, D = Dinner. Your Mobility All our holidays by train require a reasonable level of physical fitness and unaided mobility. To help you identify the suitability of a tour, our tours are thoughtfully classified based on activity level to help you find the perfect fit.

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 London: Paddington Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Scotland Heart of England

FIRST* £755 £759 £785 £799 £635 £765 £819 £885 £949 £859 £935 £869 £1009

STANDARD

£685 £689 £705 £715 £609 £695 £679 £735 £759 £715 £705 £709

£805 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £565

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).

Leisurely Tour – A relaxing tour with minimal physical activity plus downtime to wander and discover at your own pace. Moderate Tour – An engaging tour with moderate physical activity with walking, occasional steps, and activities on most days.

Tour Base Fare For clients wishing to travel independently of our rail package to the tour of their choice, we offer flexible joining point fares for all tours including the option to join and leave at the tour hotel(s).This Tour Base Fare is shown in the Fares Table. Our Concierge Luggage Service 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. 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. Please ensure that your mobile phone remains switched on so that you are contactable during your journey. Our inclusive rail fares mean that, 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 any hiccup in your journey and we will then take control leaving you free to relax and enjoy the remainder of your journey.

Active Tour – An energetic tour with physical activities and adventures on most days which could include longer walks, challenging steps, and hills. Additionally, as part of the booking process, you are required to declare that you (and all your party travelling) are capable of: • Carrying and lifting your own luggage on and off a train • Walking at a reasonable pace as part of a group • Climbing steps and stairs comfortably Our tour descriptions are intended as a guide and our friendly Customer Care Team are happy to discuss tour suitability with you should you have any further queries. Please visit the ‘Tour Descriptions’ page on our website for further details ( www.railtrail.co.uk/Tour-Descriptions ).

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Meet The Team

Office Team Our Founder, Owner, and Managing Director, Dave Felstead , is still at the helm of the company and his firm belief in customer satisfaction and experience means that Railtrail provides an individual and personal experience to all our customers. Dave’s small, family run company ethos is at the heart of the Railtrail Team. The family connection runs to Dave’s children, Paul , who has joined the company as Operations Manager after a long career in the RAF, and Julie , who occupies a key role in our DeliveryTeam. Paul’s daughter, and Dave’s granddaughter, Megan , is the most recent family member to join Team Railtrail in our Ticketing Team. Our husband-and-wife team, Mark and Rachel have, for some years, been an essential backbone of the company working in senior roles with Mark keeping our website and analytics up to date whilst Rachel is possibly one of the most popular members of the team in charge of the finances and paying the salaries! The first voice you hear when contacting Railtrail is usually Marie or Phil , our excellent Customer Care Team.Their in-depth knowledge of our tours enables them to provide friendly, helpful advice, going above and beyond to provide an individual experience for our clients. Our fantastic Product Design Team sees Ellie , Summer , Les , and Ulrich using their destination knowledge and imagination to create and coordinate all our vibrant and varied tours contracting key elements. Our resident ‘rail enthusiast’ is Henry who, in addition to creating some of our specialist tours, acts as aTour Manager and brings his passion and knowledge of steam directly to our clients. Heading up our Ticketing Team is Carla , working alongside Megan and Lee , organising your domestic and international rail journeys and seat reservations.Their knowledge and experience ensure that you are travelling on the most suitable route available – this is the team that keeps you on track! Working alongside Julie in our DeliveryTeam are Gail and Esther who bring our tours to life, contracting attractions and other suppliers, and diligently putting the final touches to your tour itinerary to ensure you have the best possible experience on your holiday.

Tour Managers 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! Finally, we have our newest member of Team Railtrail, Bethany , who looks after our marketing and social media channels as well as compiling, collating, and transferring into print all the above quality, imagination, excitement, and ethos of Railtrail Tours in the form of your annual brochures.

Les Tindall

Henry Allum

Rosie Sharp

Jim Ayres

Ken Larkins

John Barnett

Chris Lewis

Yvonne Cox

Shawn Buck

Michelle Blackwell

Graham Croucher

Les Snaith

Back (Left to Right) Megan, Summer, Ellie, Julie, Paul, Gail, Ulrich, Mark, Dave Front (Left to Right) Esther, Phil, Marie, Carla, Rachel, Bethany

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H ighland A dventure

Experience a magical Scottish rail adventure on this fantastic short break in Fort William combining the glorious West Highland Line with the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Highlands on the Nevis Range Gondola, cruise across Loch Linnhe, and indulge in a tour and tasting at the Ben Nevis Distillery.

DAY 1 Journey from your home station to Glasgow and, on arrival, we take an early evening meal before boarding our train for the glorious journey past lochs, through forests, and over mountains on the spectacular West Highland Line to Fort William . Here, we will make our way to the Alexandra Hotel, our base for the next three nights. Those on our ‘Tour Base Fare’ will dine independently before meeting the group at the Alexandra Hotel. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a cruise on Loch Linnhe , a scenic loch with an abundance of wildlife such as seals, porpoises, otters, and perhaps a golden eagle. On our return to Fort William, we have some free TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Journey by train on the stunning West Highland Line ★ Cruise Loch Linnhe in search of seals and porpoise ★ Soar to the heavens and experience stunning views on the Nevis Range Gondola ★ Marvel at spectacular Highland scenery ★ Enjoy a tour and tasting at the fascinating Ben Nevis Distillery ★ Steam on the famous “Harry Potter” Jacobite train to Mallaig ★ See the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument at the head of Loch Shiel ★ Cross the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 3 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £619

4 DAYS

Jacobite on Glenfinnan Viaduct

© Shutterstock

time to take lunch and explore the quaint shops before we take a tour of the fascinating Ben Nevis Distillery . We will learn about the vibrant history of one of the oldest licenced distilleries in Scotland concluding with a tasting of their whisky and, afterwards, we will soar skyward in the Nevis Range Gondola on a scenic ride to experience stunning panoramic views of the Highlands and Ben Nevis itself before returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal. (B,D) DAY 3 Today, our adventure continues aboard the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train* to Mallaig journeying over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, capturing the views of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument, Loch Shiel, and Loch Eilt. There is time to explore the picturesque harbour town of Mallaig , with its majestic views across to the Isle of Skye, before we return to Fort William for our final evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 4 After breakfast, we bid farewell to Fort William and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys. (B) *We reserve the right to travel by heritage diesel train should the steam locomotive not be available / timetabled at the time of our visit.

DEPARTS

Tuesday 1 April, 24 June & 23 September 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £1149 £1169 £1219 £1219 £1305 £1059 £1075 £1005 £935 £1005 £1149 £1085 N/A

STANDARD

£865 £885 £915 £915 £995 £859 £859 £829 £795 £809 £909 £865 £775 £619 £180

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

June & September Departure Supplement £80 *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. 3 nights’ bed, breakfast & 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 Single Room Supplement

Ben Nevis Distillery

© Shutterstock

HOTEL

The Alexandra Hotel, Fort William Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil and close to the railway station, the Alexandra Hotel features a homely bar with an open fire and a spacious restaurant offering locally sourced dishes. The comfortable bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Fort Willam & Loch Linnhe

Glenfinnan Monument

© Shutterstock

© Shutterstock

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

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S team & S ail in the E nglish R iviera

Enjoy a beautiful rail holiday along one of Britain’s most iconic routes to the English Riviera with the opportunity to explore the beauty and charm of Devon’s magnificent coastline by boat as well as travelling on two of Devon’s finest steam railways. Stay in a picturesque seafront location with sea view rooms included plus enjoy free time in Torquay and Dartmouth to discover these vibrant and historic towns.

DAY 1 For those travelling with us by train, we will experience one of England’s most quintessential holiday welcoming moments – the Great Railway Journey along the sea wall at Dawlish – before climbing high into the rural pasturelands of the Devon hills then descending back to the coast to arrive on the English Riviera at Torquay . We transfer to the Livermead House Hotel and enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 Today we travel to Totnes where we join the oldest preserved steam railway in the south-west, the South Devon Railway , and follow a scenic seven-mile rail journey connecting the beautifully maintained stations at Totnes and Buckfastleigh . We enjoy free time at Buckfastleigh where we can visit the Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary, located next to the railway station and only a few minutes’ walk from the platform or, alternatively, we can venture a little further and visit nearby Buckfast Abbey and Gardens. (B,D) DAY 3 Today is free to relax inTorquay or explore the stunning English Riviera .You may decide to take the short ferry Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Arrive in Torquay along one of Britain’s truly great coastal rail journeys ★ Journey on the scenic South Devon Railway to Buckfastleigh ★ Travel on the Dartmouth Steam Railway along the beautiful English Riviera coastline ★ Glorious sightseeing around Torquay ★ Enjoy free time to explore Dartmouth, an historic naval town ★ Take in a circular cruise viewing sights from the majestic River Dart ★ Stay in a hotel on the stunning seafront with sea view rooms included

Fares From £645

5 DAYS

South Devon Railway

© Shutterstock

ride across the bay to the small fishing town of Brixham, home of the ‘Golden Hind’ replica of the iconic Tudor ship or perhaps visit the neighbouring town of Babbacombe, famed for the cliff railway built in 1926 and model village. We reconvene at the hotel for our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 4 This morning, 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 for our final evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast it is time to bid farewell to Torquay and journey homeward. (B)

DEPARTS

Monday 7 April, 12 May, 9 June, 7 July, 11 August & 1 September 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £889 £895 £929 £955 £739 £905 £985 £1095 £1189 £1049 £1039 £1069 £1259

STANDARD

£805 £809 £829 £839 £705 £815 £829 £889 £935 £855 £795 £875

Scotland £999 £5 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £650 July,August & September Departure Supplement £40 Single Room Supplement £NIL (no supplement on true single rooms) *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. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & 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

Dawlish Seawall

© GWR

Kingswear Castle

© iStock

HOTEL

The Livermead House Hotel,Torquay Built in 1820,The Livermead House Hotel has a picturesque seafront location, is ideally located just a short walk from the railway station and offers outstanding sea views and high standards of cuisine.The hotel has lovely gardens with seating and an outdoor swimming pool plus a snooker room, squash court, gym, indoor bowls, and sauna.The bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, complimentary toiletries,TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Brixham Fishing Village

© Shutterstock

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

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S cottish S team , M alt & A le T rail

Build up a head of steam and uncover Scotland’s heritage from a different angle. Steam through the Highlands on the nostalgic Strathspey Railway, experience the scenic Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, sail through the sky on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, and enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine.Visit the magnificent equine sculptures of The Kelpies and the fantastic Stirling Castle plus indulge in a whisky distillery tour and a brewery tasting.

DAY 1 On arrival in Perth , we make our way to our hotel for five nights, the Royal George Hotel, where we enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast today, we head northwards to explore the beautiful Trossachs Range by coach, and we enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine on board the ‘Lady of the Lake’, named after the famous poem by Sir Walter Scott. We complete our day with a tour of the Glenturret Distillery where we discover the history, heritage, and traditional art of making single malt whisky at Scotland’s oldest working distillery finishing with a dram of their superb whisky. (B,D) DAY 3 One of Scotland’s great rail journeys awaits us today as we head north into the Cairngorms , passing dense forests and wild moors, flanked by the Grampians, on our way to the mountain resort of Aviemore . Here we enjoy a return steam excursion from Aviemore to Broomhill on the preserved section of the Highland Line known as the Strathspey Steam Railway passing through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey on a nostalgic journey. We enjoy free time in the charming town of Aviemore before returning to Perth by rail. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Enjoy a guided tour of the world’s largest equine sculptures – The Kelpies ★ Experience the scenic Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway ★ Steam on the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway ★ Marvel at the vistas as we travel by train to Aviemore ★ Delight in a tour and tasting at Glenturret Whisky Distillery ★ Sail through the sky on a unique engineering masterpiece – The Falkirk Wheel ★ Take a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the ‘Lady of the Lake’ ★ Indulge in a tasting at the Bridge of Allan Brewery ★ Enjoy free time in Stirling plus a visit to the fantastic Stirling Castle Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 5 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £939

6 DAYS

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

© Shutterstock

DAY 4 This morning, we travel by private coach to Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway for a return ride along the scenic line past waterfalls and travelling over the Avon Viaduct. Whilst here we will visit the Museum of Scottish Railways , Scotland’s largest railway museum, which illustrates the history of railways in Scotland through fascinating displays. We journey onwards to the Bridge of Allan Brewery where we are joined by one of their guides for a unique presentation of the brewery learning the secrets of their brewing techniques before sampling their wonderful ales. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast this morning, we travel to Stirling by private coach enjoying free time and a visit to the stunning Stirling Castle to discover a world of colour, splendour, and glorious craftsmanship. Following our visit, we travel to The Kelpies where we enjoy a brief tour of these magnificent equine sculptures discovering the intricate details, complexity, and engineering that created these fantastic pieces of art. We reboard our coach for the short transfer to the nearby Falkirk Wheel , an incredible feat of engineering and design, where we experience a ride on the world’s only rotating boat lift being lifted 35 metres before sailing seamlessly onto the Union Canal. On our return to Perth, we will enjoy our final evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 6 We bid farewell to Perth as we make our way homeward. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 10 April, 15 May, 19 June, 17 July & 18 September 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION

FIRST* £1185 £1195 £1245 £1249 £1319 £1215 £1195 £1145 £1095 £1165 £1275 £1209 £1045

STANDARD

London: Kings Cross Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

£1075 £1079 £1109 £1109 £1149 £1075 £1079 £1055 £1029 £1055 £1119 £1079

HOTEL Royal George Hotel, Perth The well-appointed Royal George is idyllically located on the banks of the River Tay and has been welcoming guests since 1773. This home-from-home offers relaxation by the log fire inThe Helen MacGregor lounge with unspoilt views of the Perth Bridge and the River Tay plus a fitness suite and a games room.The charming bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. *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. 5 nights’ bed, breakfast & 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 Scotland £989 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £949 May & June Departure Supplement £50 July & Sept Departure Supplement £100 Single Room Supplement £65

Falkirk Wheel

Strathspey Railway

© AdobeStock

© AdobeStock

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

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P icturesque H ighland S easons

NEW TOUR

Experience a relaxing circular tour of the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Discover some of the most stunning scenery and landscapes from the comfort of your seat, steam on the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train across the fantastic Glenfinnan Viaduct, journey on Scotland’s “Great Railway Journey of the World” plus enjoy free time to explore the picturesque city of Inverness.

DAY 1 Journey from your home station to Inverness travelling along the spine of Scotland on the wonderfully picturesque High Line through Perth, Pitlochry, and over the Cairngorm Mountains. On arrival in Inverness, we will make our way to the Palace Hotel, our base for the next two nights.We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 Today, we take the amazing Kyle Line train, Scotland’s original “Great Railway Journey of the World” , coast-to-coast through stunning scenery and across mountain plateau. Look out for wild deer, eagles, and the palm trees of Plockton Village, before dramatic sea vistas are revealed as we arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh . Here we enjoy a light lunch in the renowned Kyle Hotel, overlooking the Isle of Skye, before retracing our steps to Inverness. (B,L,D) DAY 3 This morning, we enjoy free time in Inverness to discover this compact and picturesque city.We can visit the magnificent cathedral church, lovely riverside cafés, and historic Old Town before departing by road and travelling alongside Loch Ness , with a short break for photography and monster spotting. We then continue through the beautiful Great Glen to Fort William where we check-in to our hotel for two nights, The Moorings at Banavie . (B,D) Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Marvel at spectacular Highlands Mountain scenery ★ Experience the “Great Railway Journey of the World” to Kyle of Lochalsh ★ Steam on the famous “Harry Potter” Jacobite train to Mallaig ★ Take the fabulous Highland Line climbing through the Cairngorms ★ See the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument at the head of Loch Shiel ★ Cross the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct ★ Enjoy “monster spotting” at Loch Ness ★ Journey by train over Rannoch Moor on the stunning West Highland Line ★ Free time to explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands

Fares From £999

5 DAYS

Inverness Castle

© Shutterstock

DAY 4 After breakfast this morning, we take a magical train journey along the rail route to the Isles aboard the Jacobite Steam Train* . We cross the fantastic Glenfinnan Viaduct, overlooking Loch Shiel and the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument; a view made even more famous in the “Harry Potter” films. We round Loch Eilt with its trees of the ancient Caledonian Forest and burst out onto the white-sanded Atlantic shoreline at Morar. Catch distant views of the Isles of Eigg and Rum before we reach the terminus at Mallaig overlooking the Isle of Skye. After a sightseeing break, we return to Fort William. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast, we bid farewell to Fort William and travel by train along the stunning West Highland route over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor to Glasgow for our homeward journeys. (B) *We reserve the right to travel by heritage diesel train should the steam locomotive not be available / timetabled at the time of our visit.

DEPARTS

Tuesday 22 April, 13 May, 17 June, 15 July & 7 October 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION

FIRST* £1455 £1469 £1515 £1515 £1499 £1345 £1329 £1265 £1219 £1285 £1385 £1335 N/A

STANDARD

London: Out - Kings Cross Rtn - Euston

£1235 £1249 £1279 £1279 £1279 £1179 £1179 £1149 £1125 £1145 £1205 £1179

Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

Scotland £1129 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £1009 May, June & October Departure Supplement £100 July Departure Supplement £140 Single Room Supplement £450 *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. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & 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 & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Glenfinnan Viaduct

© AdobeStock

HOTELS

Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness Nestled on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness Castle, the Palace Hotel & Spa offers an elegant bar and restaurant, relaxing lounge, and a superb leisure club with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and gymnasium. The individually styled bedrooms provide private bathrooms with a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities. Moorings Hotel, Fort William Set amidst the picturesque Highlands on the banks of the Caledonian Canal, the Moorings Hotel offers warm Scottish hospitality with a stylish restaurant serving seasonal dishes and a relaxing lounge bar providing local ales. The modern bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat-screenTV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Kyle of Lochalsh

© Shutterstock

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

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R oyal D eeside E xplorer

Discover the diversity of Scotland on this fantastic tour in Aberdeen and Dundee. From royal life at stunning castles to iconic waterfronts, from wildlife cruises to heritage transport, this nostalgic tour has something for everyone. Explore the rich history and beauty of two wonderful coastal Scottish cities perfectly combined with a couple of wee drams!

DAY 1 Journey from your home station to Aberdeen and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Station Hotel, our base for the next four nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 This morning, we travel by private coach to Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family, and we discover the castle’s fascinating history, famous residents and visitors, exploring the largest room in the castle, the Ballroom, plus the exhibitions, grounds, and gardens. Following our visit, we transfer to the Glen Garioch ★ Enjoy dolphin spotting on a harbour cruise ★ Meet Highland cattle on a working farm visit ★ Visit Crathes Castle, a classic Scottish tower house with glorious gardens ★ Enjoy railway nostalgia at the Royal Deeside Railway ★ Visit Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, Britain’s first military airfield ★ Journey on the Caledonian Railway ★ Stroll around Dundee’s redeveloped waterfront including the V&A Museum of Design ★ Explore Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother ★ Indulge in a gin tasting in the picturesque village of Glamis Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 light refreshment ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Visit Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family ★ Sample a wee dram at the Glen Garioch Distillery ★ Discover the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen on a guided tour

Fares From £1489

Royal Deeside Railway

©iStock © iStock

DAY 4 This morning, we travel by private coach to the Lochton of Leys Farmhouse, the home of Aberdeenshire Highland Beef , where we meet the herd of pedigree Highland cattle up close and learn about the history of this native breed on an exclusive 1-hour guided tour followed by tea/coffee served with shortbread. We then continue to nearby Crathes Castle where turrets, gargoyles, and the ancient Horn of Leys are just a few of the fascinating features we discover at this classic Scottish tower house. Following our visit, we make our way to the Royal Deeside Railway , which is unique in having served all British Monarchs, from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. We board our train for a two-mile journey before returning to our hotel in time for our evening meal. (B,LR,D) DAY 5 After breakfast, we enjoy magnificent views as we travel to Montrose to visit the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre , the first operational military airfield in Great Britain, and dedicated to aviation history dating back over 100 years. Following our visit, we continue to the Caledonian Railway for a return journey along the four-mile branch line between the town of Brechin

Distillery , one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, for a tour and a wee dram of one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies. (B,D) DAY 3 After breakfast today, we enjoy a guided tour of the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen where we will visit the highlights of the city including the historic Old Town, the castellated Citadel at The Castlegate, and the striking gothic Marischal College. Following our tour, we enjoy free time to explore the city’s many attractions including Provost Skene’s House, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and the famous shopping ‘Granite Mile’. This afternoon we enjoy a 1-hour harbour and dolphin cruise with a fascinating talk on the history of the port before sailing into Aberdeen Bay to spot dolphins and wildlife. (B,D)

RRS Discovery

Marischal College,Aberdeen

© Shutterstock

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

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Glamis Castle

© Shutterstock ©i Dreamstime

to the countryside stop of Bridge of Dun. After our fascinating day of heritage, we continue our journey to Dundee and arrive at our base for the next three nights, the Malmaison Hotel. (B,D) DAY 6 Today we enjoy a day at leisure in our new base of Dundee and we can visit the impressive V&A museum, discover maritime history at Discovery Point, explore the McManus Art Gallery & Museum, make use of the Dundee hop-on, hop-off bus, or stroll the waterfront before reconvening for our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 7 After breakfast this morning, we journey by private coach to Glamis Castle and enjoy a guided tour to learn the rich history of the castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and the

Balmoral Castle

© Shutterstock.

8 DAYS

birthplace of Princess Margaret. Following our tour, we spend some time in the quaint village of Glamis and visit the characterful Gin Bothy where we enjoy a talk and gin tasting in one of their cosy and rustic tasting rooms before returning to our hotel in the afternoon for our final evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 8 After breakfast, we bid farewell to Dundee and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys. (B)

DEPARTS

Tuesday 22 April & 1 July 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION

FIRST* £1809 £1825 £1875 £1869 £1999 £1875 £1859 £1775 £1719 £1805 £1929 £1849 £1635

STANDARD

London: Kings Cross Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

£1675 £1679 £1705 £1705 £1785 £1705 £1685 £1655 £1625 £1659 £1739 £1695

Scotland £1579 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards £10 tour discount for National Trust Members Join & Leave at Hotel £1509 July Departure Supplement £40 Single Room Supplement £490 *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. 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 light refreshment 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

Caledonian Railway

© AdobeStock

HOTELS

Station Hotel,Aberdeen Ideally located opposite the railway station and in the heart of the Granite City, the historic Station Hotel offers a brasserie restaurant serving exquisite dishes in modern and contemporary surroundings plus a relaxing bar. The comfortable bedrooms provide a bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities. Malmaison Hotel, Dundee Located in the heart of Dundee and on the banks of the River Tay, the Malmaison offers a remarkable backdrop housed in a historic building and boasting many original features.The Malmaison Bar & Grill serves delightful dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and the modern bar is the perfect place to relax.The stylish bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with a power shower and complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, digital TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre

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

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I sle of M an E xplorer

Experience the fantastic Isle of Man at its very best! Discover the heritage of this independent isle and enjoy fantastic steam journeys, unique electric trams, mountain railways, horse drawn trams, and spectacular views at the summit of Snaefell.Visit the medieval Castle Rushen and the fascinating Old House of Keys plus free time to explore the harbourside town of Ramsey all from a wonderful seafront hotel.

DAY 1 For those travelling on the rail and ferry inclusive package, we arrive in Douglas on the Isle of Man and make our way to our hotel located on the Victorian promenade overlooking Douglas Bay. We can enjoy a stroll along the seafront before our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 Today we enjoy a ride behind steam on the magnificent Isle of Man Railway , the longest narrow-gauge steam line in Britain to still use original carriages, to Port Erin with time to view the excellent refurbished railway sheds, steam trains, and carriages at the neighbouring Railway Museum. We return by steam train to Castletown and visit Castle Rushen, one of Europe’s most finely preserved medieval fortresses plus the fascinating Old House of Keys , the former meeting place of the Isle of Man Parliament, where you may even have the chance to join a debate in the chamber. Alternatively, you can enjoy a full day of steam alighting Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Discover the captivating heritage of this independent isle ★ Ride behind steam on the magnificent Isle of Man Railway ★ Visit Castle Rushen, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress ★ Explore the fascinating Old House of Keys ★ Journey on the unique Manx Electric Railway ★ Enjoy a private steam charter at Laxey Mines ★ Marvel at spectacular views from the Snaefell Mountain Railway ★ Steam on the narrow-gauge Groudle Glen Railway ★ Enjoy free time to explore the harbourside town of Ramsey ★ Rover ticket for all the Isle of Man Railways

Fares From £765

5 DAYS

Horse Drawn Tram

© IOM Railways

at whatever stations you wish to explore before reconvening for our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 3 After breakfast, we begin a great day of heritage boarding the Manx Electric Railway to Laxey where we have a steaming on the mines railway and visit Lady Isabella - the Great Wheel of Laxey. Afterwards, we depart Laxey by tram to Ramsey where we enjoy free time to take lunch and stroll around the pier and harbour before returning by electric railway and horse-drawn tram to Douglas. Alternatively, you can use your travel pass to take a bus from Ramsey to Peel to explore the island’s main fishing port and Peel Cathedral. (B,D) DAY 4 Today, we travel by tram to Laxey where we transfer to the electric Snaefell Mountain Railway for our journey to the top of the island’s highest peak, Snaefell at 2,036ft, where breathtaking views await. After a lunchtime break, we return to Laxey and continue by tram to Groudle for a steam train journey on the narrow-gauge Groudle Glen Railway to the cliff tops of Sea Lion Rocks. We return to Douglas and can visit the Manx Museum , bursting with artefacts unique to the Isle of Man from Viking treasures to the world famous TT races, before returning to the hotel for our final evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast, our island exploration draws to a close as we board the morning ferry to Heysham and head homewards. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 24 April, 15 May, 14 August & 25 September 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £1119 £1119 £1179 £1195 £1135 £1025 £1005 £1019 N/A £945 £1095 £1065 £1079

STANDARD

£965 £979 £1009 £1009 £979 £929 £919 £939 £905 £885 £959 £935 £955 £765

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

Join & Leave at Port of Heysham £840 August & September Departure Supplement £40 Single Room Supplement £150 *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. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & 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

Laxey Wheel

© Visit Isle of Man

HOTEL

Ellan Vannin Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man The seafront Ellan Vannin Hotel is perfectly located on the Victorian promenade with a beautiful view of Douglas Bay. The bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Peel Castle

Manx Electric Railway

© Liam Miller

© Shutterstock

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

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