Railtrail Main Brochure 2023 FULL PROOF

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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

To 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.

Step into 2023

with Railtrail Tours

Welcome, As we enter our 43rd year of operating quality escorted tours by rail I am delighted to write the introduction to this, our most comprehensive tours programme to date with over 100 departures to a plethora of destinations in Britain and Europe, along with our specialist tour with a difference experiencing steam trains in Australia. I am sure you will agree with me when I say that the last few years have created many issues for each and every one of us. It is with personal pride and peace of mind that I can say that during this particularly difficult time for the travel industry as a whole, and whilst tour cancellations were being forced upon us during the Covid pandemic, Railtrail Tours was able to avoid making any of our wonderful team redundant and, thanks to our unique Trust Account with Lloyds Bank, was able to promptly and pro-actively refund all of our clients’ monies. Trust is a vital ingredient when you choose which holiday company is deserving of your custom. I believe that our ethos of always putting people before profit is as valid for us today as it was when I started the company over four decades ago, and these positive actions have ensured that we have retained our extensive travel knowledge and expertise for the benefit of our happy and contented clients. Over the intervening years, many thousands of people have repeatedly placed their trust in us - an award-winning family-owned, rail holiday specialist. When booking with Railtrail Tours, you can rest assured in the knowledge you are travelling with a company that cares about you, our team, and the environment. Finally, may I ask on behalf of all the team here at Railtrail Tours for your suppor t in voting for us once again in the British Travel Awards.We were absolutely thrilled to win an award in 2020 and with your help, would love to repeat the achievement! Details of how to vote are on page 4 and all voters are entered into a special prize draw – which could mean that you and Railtrail are both winners! Thank you. Kind Regards,

Dave Felstead Owner & Managing Director, Railtrail Tours Ltd

Let Railtrail Tours be your UK holiday route-map in 2023

QUALITY: ★ Over 100 superb escor ted UK rail holidays full of exciting discoveries ★ Winner ‘Best Rail Holiday Company (Small)’ at 2020 British Travel Awards (the most recent) ★ FeeFo PlatinumTrusted Service Award for excellence in customer service achieved for the last three consecutive years ★ The only escor ted rail holiday company with a Loyalty Rewards Scheme ★ Easy to use 24/7 online booking facility or call our friendly Customer Care team on 01538 382323 ★ A gem of a rail holiday company – caring and family run for over 40 years SAFETY: ★ All of our tours and hotels have completed Covid-19 risk assessments ★ A superb team of friendly and experienced Tour Managers

FINANCIAL SECURITY: ★ If we cancel your tour, a prompt full cash refund is available to you ★ Throughout Covid-19, we helped our clients by cash refunding all cancelled tours, keeping phone lines open and delaying balance of payment dates ★ Now let us show you the same superb Customer Care and wonderful destinations that over 40 years of tour experience has created. ★ Our complete programme of UK, European andWorldwide tours can be viewed online at www.railtrail.co.uk

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Railtrail Tours - Big on quality, small enough to care!

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Book now to avoid disappointment www.railtrail.co.uk 01538 382323 BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE, BOOK RAILTRAIL TOURS

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DEPARTURES 2023 Eng land, Ireland, Scotland & Wales

DEPARTURES 2023 Worldwide and Cont inental Europe

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6 7 8 9

Harrogate NewYear Celebration Yorkshire NewYear Celebration

10 11

White Pass Swiss Winter SnowTrain Adventure Harz Mountains Winter Wonderland Australia – Steam on Five Gauges Grand Tour by Rail - The Transpyrenean From Coast to Capital - A Scenic Seine Cruise Harz Mountains Steam - The Jewel of Germany Amsterdam,Tulips, Cheese and Steam Swiss Glacier Express &The Bernina The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn The Great German Rail Ale Trail

N E W TO U R

Indulge in Inverness

60 & 61 62 & 63

N E W TO U R

Scottish Highlands More Inclusive Grand Tour by Rail - Derry to Kerry Grand Tour by Rail –Wales Coast to Coast Grand Tour by Rail – SixWonders of theWaterways Grand Tour by Rail – Coastal Nostalgia in the Sunny South Grand Tour by Rail – Land’s End to John O’Groats Springtime Gardens of Cornwall The Cream of Cornish Coasts & Country Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam Forest of Dean Steam & theWye Valley Nor th Norfolk Coast, the Broads & Steam Roses Battle by Steam Plus Settle & Carlisle Line Yorkshire Gold – Steam, Coast & Country Shipshape & Bristol Fashion

12 & 13 14 & 15 16 & 17 18 & 19 20 & 21

64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71

N E W TO U R

22 23 26 27 28 29 30 31 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

Swiss Mountain Steam

24 & 25

Switzerland’s Steam-Powered Six

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 escor ted rail holiday company operates such a scheme. 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 aWorldwide 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 tours are listed. NewTours 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.

32 & 33

N E W TO U R

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

Isle of Man Explorer

Lake District & Cumbrian Mountains Explorer Nostalgic Lakeland Railways & Cumbria Step Back in Tyne – Discover the Nor th East WelshWhisky, Mines, Mint & Steam Hear t of Wales Steam & the Brecon Beacons Stirling Cities of Scotland by Rail Wonderful Wales

N E W TO U R

N E W TO U R

Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail Springtime Highlander Romantic Highlander Highland Adventure Summer Highlander Queen of Scots Royal Deeside Explorer Orkney & Shetland Explorer

50 & 51 52 & 53

N E W TO U R

54 55

Scotland’s Far Nor th, Shetland & Orkney

N E W TO U R

56 & 57 58 & 59

Hebridean Odyssey

Hebridean Islands Discovery

New Team Member We welcome to our team Ulrich Teitz, former UK Sales Manager, Deutsche Bahn (DB). Ulrich brings exper t knowledge of the German rail system, and European rail companies in general.This will fur ther enhance the quality, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of UK and European railways within Railtrail Tours. Willkommen mein Freund Dave Felstead

Member 2022

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BRITISH TRAVEL AWARDS 2022… VOTE FOR RAILTRAIL!

Railtrail Tours is a long-standing family firm with a great reputation for quality rail holidays, and we are delighted to announce that we have been nominated for the British Travel Awards 2022 in the three awards in the small company category: Best Rail Holiday Company, Best Escorted Group Holiday, and Best Special Interest Holiday .The British Travel Awards are recognised by consumers as the “symbol of excellence” in travel and tourism and we are facing some fierce competition. Voting started on the 4th July 2022 and continues until 2nd October 2022. The British Travel Awards are voted for by members of the public and for you to vote for us would mean a huge amount to all the team. Please get voting on our website and wish us luck. It will only take a minute and we would be hugely grateful for your help THANK YOU.

What makes

different?

Office Team Railtrail We are proud of our independent status, and it is perhaps oppor tune to open our office doors a little wider than usual to give you reassurance 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, Dave Felstead, 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. Paul’s daughter, and Dave’s granddaughter, Megan, is the most recent family member to join our Customer Care team after leaving University. Our Fab ‘Design to Delivery’Team – Carla, Kathy, Ellie and Nick - have many years’ experience in the Tours &Travel industry. Our resident ‘rail enthusiast’ is Henry who in addition to creating our specialist tours, also acts as Tour Manager on some of our heritage and steam tours where his passion,

par ticularly in the steam domain, is a font of all knowledge to the benefit of clients. Our husband and 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 and Marie who suppor ts our Customer Care section. However, we would be nothing without our actual public face – our brilliant Tour Managers...

Les Tindall

Henry Allum

Rosie Sharp

Jim Ayres

Ken Larkins

John Barnett

Sue Bantin

Your Railtrail Tour Managers Every Railtrail tour is escor ted 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!

Shawn Buck

Michelle Blackwell

Graham Croucher

Les Snaith

Chris Lewis

Stephen Smith

Yvonne Cox

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What can you expect from your Railtrail holiday?

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 UKTour 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 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 depar t 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 comfor t 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 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 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 oppor tunity 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 par ticular 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 par t of the booking process, you are required to declare that you (and all your par ty travelling), are capable of: ★ Carrying and lifting your own luggage on and off a train ★ Walking at a reasonable pace as par t of a group ★ Climbing steps and stairs comfor tably A note about Luggage We do include hotel por terage 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. complimentary snack and drink. Tour Base Fares Option

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 par t 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 hiccup 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. Depar ture stations are grouped into regions, as in the example below:

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 fr ich you wish to travel.The amounts s own alo g ide are the tour far per rson (sharing a twin/ double room) including ail travel from and to your home station.

Tour fare travelling First Class* rail from Home station toTour 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 East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

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

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 fur ther details.

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H arrogate N ew Y ear C elebration

Welcome in 2023

N E W TO U R

A relaxing NewYear short break in the beautiful Victorian spa town of Harrogate. Our tour includes an afternoon tea, NewYear’s Eve gala dinner with entertainment and a steam journey on the Embsay and Bolton Railway as well as a trip to the historic city of York.

DAY 1 Arriving in Harrogate , we make our way to the Crown Hotel, located in the hear t of the delightful spa town. After check in we have free time to explore prior to dinner. (D) DAY 2 – New Year’s Eve Today we travel to the medieval walled city of York where we enjoy the day at leisure to explore the city’s hidden gems and iconic historic buildings, including the impressive York Minster. We can take a stroll around preserved medieval streets of The Shambles and visit the many unique shops. In the afternoon we journey back to Harrogate and return to our hotel for an afternoon tea before a special gala dinner * with drinks Happy New Year! A day of relaxation awaits us today. After a leisurely breakfast, the morning is free to relax in the comfor t of our hotel or we can get out in the fresh air and explore the magical atmosphere of Harrogate with its magnificent architecture. In the afternoon, a fabulous trip to the Dales awaits as we transfer to nearby Bolton Abbey for a ride on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway along the former reception and entertainment. (B,LR,D) DAY 3 – New Year’s Day TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Stay in the hear t of theYorkshire Spa town of Harrogate ★ Explore the history and drama of York ★ Steam through the stunning winter scenery of Yorkshire Dales ★ Indulge in a warming lunch on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway ★ Celebrate NewYear in style with a luxurious gala dinner Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening plus 1 afternoon tea and 1 light lunch ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £599

Harrogate

4 DAYS

© MikeUK

Skipton-Ilkley Line, which was built in 1888. During our one hour round trip we enjoy a warming one course lunch with tea and coffee as we sit back and admire the stunning Yorkshire winter scenery. Following our delightful steam railway journey, we return to Harrogate by coach. (B,L,D) DAY 4 We bid farewell to wonderful Harrogate andYorkshire as we make our way homeward. (B) * Please note the NewYear’s Eve gala dinner has a formal dress code.

DEPARTS

Friday 30 December 2022

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST £849 £875 £915 £915 £1035 £909 £799 £685 £805 N/A £949 £809 £915

STANDARD

London: Kings Cross Greater London South of England East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

£735 £749 £775 £775 £839 £769 £695 £645 £709 £655 £789 £715 £775 £599

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotels

HOTEL Crown Hotel, Harrogate This historic 4-star hotel sits proudly in the centre of Harrogate, ideally located close to many of the town’s most popular sites including the Crescent Gardens, Betty’s Tearooms and the Turkish Baths. All bedrooms are individually styled with tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. Meals are served in the elegant Churchill room with oak panelled walls, stained glass windows and ornate ceilings. The genteel surroundings of Henry’s Bar make it for perfect place for a relaxing night-cap. £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 plus 1 afternoon tea and 1 light lunch Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach transfer as described All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Single Room Supplement

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

© EBASR

York Minster

The Shambles

© iStock

© Shutterstock

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

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Y orkshire N ew Y ear S team C elebration

Welcome in 2023

Enjoy NewYear in delightful spa town of Ilkley, surrounded by the wintery glory of the stunningYorkshire Dales.The tour includes a visit to the lovely market town of Skipton, a wonderful NewYear’s Eve celebration with all the trimmings including drinks reception, gala dinner, and live music plus, we enjoy two superb steam journeys on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway and Keighley &WorthValley Railway.

DAY 1 Travelling by train to Ilkley , we meet at the Best Western Craiglands Hotel. We can explore the delightful spa town or enjoy the hotel’s leisure facilities** ahead of a welcome glass of mulled wine, dinner and enter tainment. (D) DAY 2 – New Year’s Eve This morning after a hear ty breakfast we travel to the characterful Yorkshire market town of Skipton . Here we enjoy free time to wander around the many independent shops, alternatively, we can take a stroll on the Millennium Walk, a heritage trail that takes visitors to some of the Skipton’s most impor tant landmarks, including Skipton Castle, High Corn Mill and Caroline Square. In the late afternoon, we return to Ilkley by train and relax before the star t of the New Year celebrations.We begin the evening with bagpipes and pre-dinner prosecco & canapés before we sit down for a Gala Dinner *, followed by a live music from a Soul & Motown Singer and music from a DJ to welcome in 2023! (B,D) DAY 3 – New Year’s Day Happy NewYear!We can enjoy a relaxing morning and if you want to blow away the cobwebs you can a stroll TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Relax with a wonderful stay in the delightful spa town of Ilkley with all the trimmings and live enter tainment on NewYear’s Eve ★ Discover Ilkley’s rich heritage and the famous Moor that inspired theYorkshire anthem ‘On Ilkley Moor Baht ‘at’ ★ Explore the traditional market town of Skipton ★ Enjoy NewYear’s Day in the Dales on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway ★ Steam through stunning winter scenery on the Keighley &Wor th Valley Railway Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening plus 1 light lunch ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £739

Keighley &WorthValley Railway

5 DAYS

© Shutterstock

into Ilkley and enjoy the 1¾ miles Three Bridges Trail circular walk with interesting facts about the bridges and their impor tance in Ilkley’s heritage. In the early afternoon, a fabulous trip to the Dales awaits as we transfer to Bolton Abbey for a ride on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway along the former Skipton-Ilkley Line, which was built in 1888. During our one hour round trip we enjoy a warming one course lunch with tea and coffee as we sit back and admire the stunning Yorkshire winter scenery. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Today we travel by train to visit the Keighley &Worth Valley Railway where we meet our guide and enjoy delicious mince pies on board as we ride to our hear t’s content with our day rover ticket through countryside made familiar through film, the Railway Children. If you fancy a stroll, perhaps take a break to alight at the Brontë heritage town of Hawor th with its cobbled main street and curio shops. After our visit we return to Ilkley by train and enjoy our farewell dinner followed by a quiz*. (B,D) DAY 5 We bid farewell to wonderful Ilkley and Yorkshire as we make our way homeward. (B) * Please note the NewYear’s Eve gala dinner has a formal dress code.

DEPARTS

Friday 30 December 2022

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST £1005 £1029 £1069 £1069 £1125 £1055 £919 £865 £975 £865 £1119 £969 £1079

STANDARD

London: Kings Cross Greater London South of England East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

£889 £905 £925 £925 £949 £919 £829 £809 £875 £809 £939 £869

Scotland £915 £10 Tour Discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £749 Single Room Supplement £120 *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 &Table d’hôte evening meal plus, 1 light lunch Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

HOTEL

BestWestern Plus Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley Full of character and located just a 5-10 minute walk from Ilkley town centre, this grandVictorian hotel has undergone a refurbishment and combines comfor t and good facilities with a small landscaped garden and a woodland path to Ilkley Moor. All 63 bedrooms have been refurbished to a good standard with all rooms containing a TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities. Meals are served in the lovely feature Ballroom and there is also a brasserie restaurant and bar. There is a lift to the second floor, however, due to the age of the building there are stairs to access some bedrooms. ** The hotel has a spa including indoor hydro pool, gymnasium, sauna and steam room (please note charges apply)

Bolton Abbey

© Shutterstock

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

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I ndulge in I nverness

N E W TO U R

Our new indulgent inclusive break will help brighten up the winter months. Exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and staying in the heart of Inverness, this superb rail holiday includes travelling the Kyle Line, a scenic Loch Ness cruise and a distillery visit.

DAY 1 For those booking our rail inclusive package we travel along the spine of Scotland. Leaving the Lowlands behind, the wonderfully picturesque Highland Line takes us through Per th, Pitlochry and over the Cairngorm Mountains to Inverness . Our base in Inverness for the next four nights, is the wonderful Palace Hotel located on the banks of the River Ness. We enjoy a welcome cocktail on arrival before our evening meal. (D) DAY 2 This morning, after a leisurely full Scottish breakfast (with at least 54 choices!), we transfer by private coach to the Glen Ord Distillery where we enjoy a fascinating guided tour, concluding with a wee dram. We enjoy our packed lunch before a cruise of legendary Loch Ness with stunning scenery including historic Urquhar t Castle. In the afternoon we are served afternoon cream tea of scones and cakes when we return to the Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Indulge with our inclusive full board package including wine with dinner, daily cream tea, complimentary tea & coffee throughout the stay, free bar each evening * plus 2 nights enter tainment ★ Take in a whisky distillery tour, with the chance to enjoy a wee dram ★ Cruise across Loch Ness and hear tales of the world’s shyest monster ★ Discover the spectacular and rugged Highland mountain scenery ★ Follow in the footsteps of Sir Michael Palin via “Great Railway Journey of theWorld” to Kyle of Lochalsh ★ Enjoy free time to explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening with wine, 3 lunches, 3 cream teas, complimentary tea & coffee all day and free bar 7pm-10pm each day * ★ Enter tainment on two nights ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home

Fares From £569

5 DAYS

Inverness and River Ness

© Shutterstock

hotel and have time to relax before dinner.(B,L,LR,D) DAY 3 Today we have free time to discover the compact and picturesque city of Inverness. We can visit the magnificent cathedral church, lovely riverside cafes, and historic Old Town. A light lunch is served at the hotel today along an afternoon cream tea of scones and cakes .We can relax at the hotel or spend time in the superb leisure club before dinner. (B,L,LR,D) DAY 4 We take the amazing Kyle Line train , Scotland’s original “ Great Railway Journey of theWorld ”, coast-to-coast through stunning winter scenery and across mountain plateau. Look out for wild deer, eagles, and Plockton village, before dramatic sea vistas are revealed as we arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh . Here we enjoy our packed lunch , overlooking the Isle of Skye, before retracing our steps to Inverness. In the afternoon we warm up back at the hotel with an afternoon cream tea of scones and cakes . (B,L,LR,D) DAY 5 We bid farewell to Inverness and, if travelling by train, return over the mountains to Edinburgh and homeward stations. (B) *Please note free bar excludes deluxe /single malt whisky, cocktails, and champagne/prosecco.

DEPARTS

Sunday 29 January 2023 Sunday 12 February 2023 Sunday 12 March 2023

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST £939 £959 £1015 £1015 £1165 £1009 £999 £935 £879 £919 £1065 £995 £699

STANDARD

London: Kings Cross Greater London South of England East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

£775 £785 £815 £815 £909 £815 £809 £775 £745 £755 £845 £795

HOTEL Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness Overlooking the River Ness, just a shor t stroll from the city centre, this 4-star hotel has well-appointed bedrooms with hospitality tray, radio, TV and free Wi- Fi. The hotel offers a stylish bar and restaurant, relaxing lounge and superb newly refurbished leisure club with indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gymnasium. Scotland £645 £10 Tour Discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £579 Single Room Supplement £120 MARCH Depar ture Supplement £20 *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 &Table d’hôte evening meal, 3 lunches, 3 cream teas, complimentary tea & coffee all day and free bar 7pm- 10pm each day* Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Indulge in inclusive drinks

Glen Ord Distillery

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

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S cottish H ighlands M ore I nclusive

Our great value winter and spring breaks based at the Alexandra Hotel in FortWilliam are packed with fantastic inclusions and stunning scenery! The popular tours explore the beautiful western Highlands and offer excellent excursions, great rail journeys on theWest Highland Line and Kyle Line, full board at the hotel and three drinks vouchers each evening, along with entertainment on two nights.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ The beautiful West Highland Line from Glasgow to For t William ★ The Nevis Gondola cable car ★ Tour of the Ben Nevis Distillery with a wee dram ★ Trundle across the Glenfinnan Viaduct en route to Mallaig on theWest Highland Line extension ★ Take an original ‘Great Rail Journey of the World’ on the spectacular Kyle Line ★ Journey along the Great Glen and Loch Ness ★ Dinner every day, plus 4 lunches ★ 3 Drinks Vouchers each evening in the hotel* ★ Enter tainment on 2 evenings Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening, 4 lunches (3 will be picnic lunches) plus 3 drinks vouchers each evening* ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage DAY 1 For those booking our rail inclusive package, our Tour Manager will meet you at Glasgow Central, transferring across the city to Queen Street Station for our evening journey on theWest Highland Line to FortWilliam . On arrival at our Alexandra Hotel our base for the next four nights, a welcome light evening meal is served. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast your morning is free to explore For t William. We then meet back at the hotel for a light soup and sandwich lunch after which, our local coach takes us the shor t distance to the Nevis Gondola cable car , which whisks us high up Aonach Mor for incredible views. Back in For t William, we visit the Ben Nevis Distillery for a tour and a warming ’wee dram’ before heading back to the hotel for our evening meal. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Today we pick up our packed lunches from the hotel and rejoin the West Highland Line for the final par t of the epic journey to Mallaig . Trundling first past the Caledonian Canal’s locks, we head through rocky mountain landscapes, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct , where 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 before returning to For t William. (B,PL,D)

Fares From £459

5 DAYS

FortWilliam & Ben Nevis

© Shutterstock

DAY 4 This morning a truly stunning coach journey awaits as we travel into the Great Glen, driving alongside Loch Ness en route to Dingwall. Here we join the original ‘Great Railway Journey of theWorld’ made famous from Michael Palin’s trailblazing programme – The Kyle Line . We enjoy our packed lunch as our train climbs past great forests, stopping briefly in small hamlets, before descending through lochs and stunning seascape scenery to Kyle of Lochalsh , overlooking the Isle of Skye. Our circular tour is then completed by coach, heading south through the western Highlands to For t William for our final evening meal. (B,PL,D) DAY 5 The hotel provides one final packed lunch today, as we bid farewell to For t William. For those having booked our rail inclusive package we will see the section of the West Highland Line in wintry daylight glory, climbing high across the heather of Rannoch Moor , whose splendid isolation can only be experienced by train or on foot (no road leads here), before skir ting Lochs Lomond, Long and Gareloch en route to Glasgow, from where we disperse to our home stations. (B,PL) *A maximum 2 vouchers per day can be used for alcoholic drinks, choose from selected house wines and spirits (not including deluxe and single malts), draught lager and beer, soft drinks, tea & coffee.

DEPARTS

Tuesday 14 February 2023 Tuesday 14 March 2023

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia SouthWest Midlands Yorkshire Nor th East Nor thWest SouthWales Nor thWales Hear t of England

FIRST £855 £869 £905 £905 £889 £759 £745 £689 £659 £709 £795 £749 N/A

STANDARD

£665 £675 £699 £699 £705 £615 £615 £589 £575 £585 £639 £615

Scotland £579 £10 Tour Discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £469 Single Room Supplement £95 MARCH Depar ture Supplement £20 *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 &Table d’hôte evening meal, 4 lunches (including 3 packed lunches) plus 3 drinks vouchers* each evening Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Por terage

HOTEL

The Alexandra Hotel, FortWilliam Situated in the hear t of For t William, close to the railway station this traditional 3-star Victorian hotel offers comfor table bedrooms with TV and radio, telephone and hospitality tray.The hotel has a homely bar with open fire and a spacious restaurant offering locally sourced dishes.

Sample a wee dram

Nevis Gondola and Aonach Mor

© AdobeStock

© Shutterstock

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

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W hite P ass - S wiss W inter S now T rain A dventure

OurWhite PassWinter SnowTrain Adventure is a Swiss lakes and mountains tour with a difference. Featuring a great selection of excursions not found anywhere else, you can marvel at the wintry scenery on the Goldenpass Line, the route of the Glacier Express and the Rigi Mountain Railway, travel up Mount Titlis, and relax on the shore of the beautiful Lake Lucerne.

DAY 1 Relax as we let the European train system transpor t us from the bustle of early morning London to Lucerne, then by local train to lakeside Hergiswil by Lake Lucerne and the Seehotel Pilatus, where a welcome evening meal awaits at our hotel. (D) DAY 2 The first of our spectacular excursions features one of Switzerland’s most scenic railways, the Golden Pass Line from Lucerne through classic alpine scenery high over the Brünig Pass to Interlaken. Here we climb up to the pretty Swiss mountain village of Grindelwald, nestled at the foot of the Eiger’s nor th face. Enjoy some free time here before we retrace our tracks to Hergiswil. (B,D) DAY 3 The Snow Express train leaves the shores of Lake Lucerne, heading into the Engelberg Valley through delightful villages nestling at the foot of increasingly steep and lofty mountains. From Engelberg we ascend Mount Titlis on the world’s first revolving gondola – the ‘ Titlis Rotair ’. The gondola rotates a full 360 degrees during its ascent, providing breathtakingly beautiful panoramas as you soar to the mountain station at an altitude of over 3,000 metres above sea After breakfast we head out on the Schölenen Railway line south towards the Gotthard and onwards to Oberalppass . We then experience a taste of the Glacier Express route from Oberalppass, the highest point on the line, through to Andermatt . After free time in this beautiful Swiss mountain village, we return to Hergiswil in time for dinner. (B,D) DAY 5 Blow those cobwebs away on Europe’s first mountain railway ! The Rigi Railway has been transpor ting visitors Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ Local Transpor t Pass ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage level. (B,D) DAY 4 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel to Switzerland and return ★ 4 star hotel beside Lake Lucerne with leisure facilities and fabulous views ★ Experience the Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway ★ Enjoy a breathtaking ride on the Titlis Rotair Cable Car, the world’s first revolving gondola ★ Take the Voralpen Express to the pilgrimage site of Einsiedeln ★ Discover the wonderfully scenic Goldenpass Line rail journey to Interlaken and Grindelwald ★ Spend a day on the route of the Glacier Express ★ Relax on Lake Lucerne’s steamers ★ Make the most of your Local Transpor t Pass to help you explore Lucerne on your free day

Fares From £1659

8 DAYS

Oberalppass Train

© iStock

DEPARTS Saturday 4 February 2023 Saturday 11 March 2023

from all over the world to the top of the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ since 1871. The Rigi was the preferred destination of writers and heads of state during the ‘Belle Epoque’ era between 1884 and 1914. Mark Twain, Tolstoy and Goethe all enthused about the beautiful views and even Queen Victoria wrote that, “We are amused!” Enjoy the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ for yourself on a mountain adventure. (B,D) DAY 6 Our excursion today on the Voralpen Express departs Lake Lucerne, passing Lake Zug , before beginning its ascent through snowbound Rothenthurm High Moor en route to Einsiedeln , whose monastery is Switzerland’s most significant baroque building and most visited pilgrimage site. (B,D) DAY 7 A day at leisure in Hergiswil allows you the oppor tunity to relax and unwind by lovely Lake Lucerne and maybe take full advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities. Alternatively, you can use your l ocal transport pass to visit Lucerne itself by steamer, with its famous Chapel Bridge and Transpor t Museum. (B,D) DAY 8 We return by train across Switzerland to Paris, changing stations for our Eurostar journey to London. (B)

FARES From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to/from Switzerland including Standard Eurostar £1659 Supplement for Standard Premier Eurostar upgrade return £199 First Class rail travel to/from Switzerland including Standard Premier Eurostar £1959 Join & Leave at Hergiswil £1289 Single Traveller Supplement £160 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal Eurostar and rail travel to and from Switzerland in the class of your choice Local Transpor t Ticket All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Por terage GUARANTEED FARE

HOTEL Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil

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

Rigi Railway

© Rigi Railway.

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

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H arz M ountains W inter W onderland

Germany’s timeless Harz Mountains are arguably even more spectacular in winter with the towns half-timbered houses and snow dusted forests resembling a picturesque Christmas card scene. Our popularWinterWonderland tour now includes a day to relax and explore beautifulWernigerode.

DAY 1 We depar t London St Pancras by Eurostar, speeding across Kent and towards France. Our Eurostar terminates at Brussels, where we change onto the German rail system, reaching our hotel in Wuppertal , the Fleming’s Express Hotel, for one night. (D) DAY 2 Wupper tal is well-known throughout Germany for its unique ‘Schwebebahn’ suspended railway, which floats high above the river Wupper. The railway dates from the early 1900s and we enjoy a journey on this ‘dingle-dangle railway’ as it is affectionately known at Railtrail, before re- joining the German rail network, continuing to Hannover and onwards to Wernigerode , where our hotel for five nights is the HKK Hotel. (B,D) DAY 3 Our excursion by regional railway takes us to the historic and charming town of Goslar. At any time of year Goslar, with its imperial heritage and gorgeous Old Town, is wor th a visit. Boasting more than 1,500 half-timbered buildings, Goslar has UNESCO World Heritage status . We learn about the proud history of this thriving town on a guided walking tour. (B,D) DAY 4 The regional rail network takes us to a UNESCO World Heritage site today, Quedlinburg . Quedlinburg’s patchwork of half-timbered houses has led UNESCO to consider it one of the best examples of a medieval town and the Collegiate Church overlooking the town from its hill a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. From Quedlinburg we take the narrow gauge Selketalbahn through the wintry forests to Alexisbad . Here we settle into the cosy atmosphere of a local gasthaus to enjoy light TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel from London to Germany and return ★ Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCOWorld Heritage half-timbered Goslar ★ Experience an action-packed steam-hauled journey up the Brocken Mountain ★ Indulge in ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ at the restaurant at the summit of the Brocken ★ Travel to the beautiful half-timbered town of Quedlinburg, a former imperial capital ★ Steam on the narrow-gauge Selketalbahn Railway Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening at your hotel ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £1099

7 DAYS

Ascending Brocken Mountain

© Chris Lewis

lunch before making the return journey. (B,L,D) DAY 5 This morning we enjoy an exhilarating ride aboard the Brockenbahn , a steam-hauled journey fromWernigerode through wintry landscapes up to the summit of the Brocken mountain to Germany’s highest narrow-gauge station and the Harz region’s highest peak. At the summit we take in the views from the warmth of the restaurant, enjoying ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’. (B,LR,D) DAY 6 Today we enjoy a day relaxing in Wernigerode and have the chance to explore this pleasant Harz town, with its attractive market square and picturesque town hall. We can take a stroll around this pretty town with its half-timbered houses or take a trip up the hill to Wernigerode’s stunning Castle. A fond favourite of the Railtrail Tour Managers is Bar Altora located near to the railway station, it has a miniature railway that delivers your drink to your table…a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon! (B,D) DAY 7 Leaving Wernigerode, we change trains in Hannover and Cologne. In Brussels we join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. (B)

DEPARTS

Sunday 12 February 2023 Sunday 12 March 2023

FARES From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to/from Germany including Standard Eurostar Supplement for Standard Premier Eurostar upgrade return First Class rail travel to/from Germany including Standard Premier Eurostar Join & Leave at Wupper tal/ Wernigerode

£1099

£199

£1459 £875 £120

Single Traveller Supplement MARCH depar ture supplement

£40

6 nights’ bed & breakfast and evening meal Eurostar and rail travel to and from Germany in the class of your choice All transfers, excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager GUARANTEED FARE

HOTELS

Fleming’s Express Hotel,Wuppertal This modern 4-star hotel puts you right in the centre of Wupper tal, close to the main station and just a shor t walk from the Schwebebahn ‘dingle-dangle railway’. The bedrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee- making facilities, and a flat-screenTV. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, and fitness centre. HKK Hotel,Wernigerode This stylish 4-star hotel is ideally positioned close to the historic old town centre and the Wernigerode narrow gauge railway station. The hotel offers well equipped comfor table bedrooms withTV and hairdryer. Enjoy local culinary delights in the buffet restaurant and relax in the Berliner Ziller bar. Leisure facilities at the hotel include a sauna, gym and jacuzzi.

Quedlinburg

Selketalbahn

© dk-fotowelt - AdobeStock

© dj-fotowelt - AdobeStock

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

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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 toWexford, 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!

DAY 1 Customers booking our rail-inclusive package will begin through Galloway to our hotel for one night, the Nor thWest Castle Hotel in Stranraer. (D) DAY 2 Our morning ferry crosses from nearby Cairnryan to Belfast Por t. 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) ★ Standard Class rail travel in Ireland ★ Ferries and coach travel, as described ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage ★ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, a unique natural phenomenon ★ Arrive at the Causeway aboard the Bushmills Railway ★ Discover picturesque Dunluce Castle ★ Experience Nor thern 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 ★ ExploreWaterford 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 Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to/from the mainland ports (Standard or First Class)

Fares From £2199

Wonderful Coastal Rail Journey

© J.Hamilton - shutterstock

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 shor t distance to the stones or take the transfer bus. Returning to Bushmills, we visit the picturesque Dunluce Castle with ruins dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. (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 sites of Ireland’s capital independently. Be sure to visit Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle and enjoy a pint of the black stuff at thriving Temple 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 transpor t us to Waterford, via New Ross , which was the ancestral home of the Kennedys. Here we visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship Bar. (B,D) DAY 7

Dunbrody Emigrant Ship Museum

BlowingWaterford Crystal

Titanic Experience, Belfast

©Tourism Ireland

© Shutterstock

© Chris Hill - Tourism Ireland

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

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