Railtrail Main Brochure 2023 FULL PROOF

W elsh W hisky , M ines , M int & S team

N E W TO U R

Introducing a new great value tour to SouthWales based in the heart of theWelsh capital with Steam journeys on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Forest of Dean Railways plus visits the Royal Mint, Rhondda Heritage Park, and an award-winningWelsh distillery.

DAY 1 We arrive in Cardiff and walk the shor t distance to where our hotel is situated in the hear t of the city close to the Castle.There is time to get to know your new surroundings before our evening meal. (D) DAY 2 This morning we depar t from Cardiff by rail and travel over the English border to Lydney before we transfer to nearby Norchard. On arrival we enjoy a visit to the Forest of Dean Railway Museum before we board our train for a nine mile return steam journey on the Forest of Dean Railway . In the afternoon we return over the Welsh border and enjoy free time to explore the historic town of Chepstow that boasts an impressive castle dating from the 11th century. Following our visit, we continue our journey back to Cardiff by rail. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Explore the capital city of Cardiff ★ Steam on the Forest of Dean Railway ★ Visit the historic town of Chepstow ★ Marvel at reservoirs and mountains on the Brecon Mountain Railway ★ SampleWelsh whisky at the Penderyn Distillery ★ Enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Mint Experience ★ Discover the history of Welsh coal mining at the Rhondda Heritage Park Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening plus, one buffet lunch ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage

Fares From £625

5 DAYS

Rhondda Heritage Park

© Shutterstock

DAY 3 We travel by coach to Pant this morning for a steam journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway . Formerly par t of the Brecon & Mer thyr Railway, the line passes the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir on its way to Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons.We enjoy a buffet lunch when we return to Pant Station’sTearoom and have time to view the locomotive workshop before heading to Penderyn Distillery where we enjoy a guided tour and tasting of award-winning Welsh whisky. (B,L,D) DAY 4 Today we travel by coach to the Royal Mint Experience and enjoy a guided tour to discover how metal becomes coins, observe the striking hall and even have the oppor tunity to strike our own coin (extra charge). Following our visit, we continue to the nearby Rhondda Heritage Park for our Welsh Mining Experience at the former Lewis Mer thyr Colliery. Here we gain a fascinating insight into the real life of a coal miner with an informative Black Gold Underground guided tour by a former miner. In the afternoon we return to Cardiff and enjoy free time to explore the many attractions including Cardiff Castle and the National Museum. (B,D) DAY 5 Bidding farewell to Cardiff, we depar t on 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 2 May 2023 Tuesday 29 August 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* £795 £799 £809 £805 £885 £749 £719 £839 £895 £845 £685 £915 £959

STANDARD

£735 £739 £745 £739 £729 £709 £685 £729 £759 £739 £669 £745

HOTEL The Angel Hotel, Cardiff The 3-star Angel Hotel is a beautiful Victorian landmark right in the hear t of Cardiff. Neatly positioned between the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle and located just a shor t walk from Cardiff Central station. The comfor table and traditional bedrooms offer TV, freeWi- Fi and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel’s elegant Castell’s Restaurant overlooks iconic Cardiff Castle. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room. *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 one buffet lunch Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Por terage Scotland £799 £5 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £630 Single Room Supplement £150

Forest of Dean Railway

© FDR © Shutterstock

Brecon Mountain Railway

Chepstow Castle

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

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