Railtrail New Year Broch Euro

NEW YEAR UPDATE

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

FLIP OVER for the UK by Rail

Tour i ng Europe by Ra i l BOOK NOW – DOUBLE LOYALTY POINTS on all tours until end of January

D E P A R T U R E S 2 0 1 9 R a i l t r a i l C l a s s i c C o n t i n e n t a l T o u r s

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Amsterdam, Tulips, Steam & More Steam Bruges, Gent & Flanders Steam * Germany’s Hanseatic Heritage * Rhine Valley Railways Uncorked The Great German Rail Ale Trail Swiss Glacier Express & The Bernina Harz Mountains Steam – The Jewel of Germany St Tropez, Monte Carlo & the Train des Pignes Barcelona, Carcassonne & The Catalan Coast

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Swiss Mountain Steam

13 14 15

Switzerland’s Steam-Powered Six

Swiss Maximum Steam * The Hungaria The Great Dane * *

16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

Swedish Steam & Hanseatic Heritage * Norway’s Majestic Fjords & Steam * The Transpyrenean * * Railtrail Classic UK Tours

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Flip Over

The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn

12 * denotes NEW TOUR * denotes GRAND TOUR by RAIL

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A msterdam , T ulips , S team & M ore S team

NEW I T I NERARY

6 DAYS

We’ve given our popular bulbfields tour a spring clean for next year, adding an extra date as this year’s tour sold out so quickly. This tour features the incomparable bulbs in bloom at Keukenhof Gardens, plus the historic steam train from Hoorn to Medemblik in North Holland. Not forgetting a day in Amsterdam with canal trip and we also stay in Alkmaar to coincide with their cheese market! We then sneak in some extra steam at charming Katwijk

DEPARTS Wednesdays 3 April & 10 April 2019

Leiden, plus more steam at Goes-Borsele, whilst staying at the oldest hotel in the Netherlands.

Fares From £950

★ ★ Experience Alkmaar’s traditional cheese market day ★ ★ Trundle through Holland on Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden’s little train

★ ★ Experience more steam at Goes-Borsele ★ ★ Stay in two traditional and historic hotels

HOTEL Grand Hotel Alkmaar

We couldn’t be in a better position in Alkmaar. Set in the city’s former 19th century Post Office building, we are just a few minutes’ walk from the Grote Kerk medieval church, the market square and cheese museum. Hotel De Draak, Bergen Op Zoom Grand Hotel de Draak is the oldest hotel in the Netherlands. With over 600 years’ experience of hospitality, you will find modern comforts within a medieval building in the very centre of Bergen op Zoom on the Grote Markt square.

★ ★ Enjoy a round trip in North Holland on the Hoorn to Medemblik Steam train and by boat on the Ijsselmeer ★ ★ Take a relaxing cruise amidst Amsterdam’s canals

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ World famous Keukenhof Gardens at its finest with tulips in bloom

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

3

B ruges , G ent & F landers S team

N E W T O U R

5 DAYS

An action packed short-break to St Niklaas in the heart of Flanders, well positioned for our excursions to Bruges, Gent and Antwerp. Bruges is a delight with its pretty canals, squares and belfries. Gent is a similarly beautiful city and we discover it the best way - by boat. In Antwerp, the ‘diamond capital’, we take a tour on a vintage tram and, of course, we include some steam at Maldegem Steam Centre.

DEPARTS

Thursdays 27 June, 8 August & 12 September 2019

Fares From £695

★ ★ Ride one of Antwerp’s vintage trams on a privately chartered tour ★ ★ Enjoy delightful Bruges ★ ★ Tour and tasting at the Halve Maan brewery ★ ★ Get to know Gent from the water on our included canal cruise

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Ibis Hotel St Niklaas

★ ★ Steam at the Maldegem Steam Centre ★ ★ Tour, tasting and welcome dinner at a local brewery ★ ★ Visit Antwerp, the ‘diamond capital’

The Ibis Hotel is situated in the historic heart of St Niklaas within walking distance of all the Market Square and station. Its facilities include a popular and welcoming bar. The modern rooms are equipped with television, telephone and hairdryer.

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

60 4

G ermany ’ s H anseatic H eritage

N E W T O U R

6 DAYS

A brand new tour jam-packed with rail and heritage in a lovely part of Germany. Steam on Germany’s first ever heritage railway, trundle across ‘Devil’s Moor’ on the Moor Express, steam on board Jan Harpstedt and get to know the beautiful Hanseatic city of Bremen on a vintage tram ride, before our final excursion to the port of Bremerhaven to visit the submarine ‘Wilhelm Bauer’.

DEPARTS Thursday 4 July & Wednesday 14 August 2019

Fares From £949

★ ★ Return journey by steam at Bruchhausen Vilsen ★ ★ Visit to Bremerhaven and the U-Boot Museum ‘Wilhelm Bauer’

HOTEL Maritim Hotel Bremen

★ ★ Private vintage tram tour of Bremen with local guide ★ ★ Harbour boat trip in Bremen ★ ★ Trundle across ‘Devil’s Moor’ to Worpswede on board the Moor Express

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A convenient and comfortable 4 star hotel situated close to Bremen Main Station and the green oasis of the City Park, yet within easy walking distance of the Old Town. All rooms boast free wifi and the hotel has a restaurant, bar, indoor pool, sauna and fitness room.

★ ★ Stay in Bremen, a wonderfully preserved Hanseatic city ★ ★ Steam on the 22 kms long Jan Harpstedt line

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

5

R hine V alley R ailways U ncorked

7 DAYS

A tour with scenic branch lines through vineyards, a rack railway, a heritage diesel ride, two cable cars, a steamboat along the Loreley Valley and the Vulkan Express train, plus a sojourn along the picturesque Ahr Valley branch line, with vineyard visit and wine tasting. We’ve even timed this trip to coincide with a local village wine festival!

DEPARTS

Thursday 6 June & Saturday 21 September 2019

★ ★ Return journey on the Vulkan Express by steam or diesel ★ ★ Exploring the Ahr Valley branch line, with vineyard visit and winetasting ★ ★ Soar above the river on Koblenz’s cable car ★ ★ Visit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, overlooking the river ★ ★ Ride Germany’s steepest standard gauge railway – the Hunsrückbahn ★ ★ Relax in beautiful Boppard ★ ★ Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Loreley Valley aboard the Steamship Goethe

Fares From £849

★ ★ Free time in Rüdesheim with included cable car rides

HOTEL Hotel Pinger, Remagen

★ ★ Relax either at Remagen or Ahrweiler Wine Festival ★ ★ Excursion to Königswinter and the Drachenfelsbahn rack railway ★ ★ Return journey on the Kasbachtalbahn Railway

Conveniently situated for Remagen’s centre and its railway station, yet just a short stroll from the Rhine Promenade, the family-run Hotel Pinger is very much the hub of this small Rhineland town. The hotel boasts a traditional restaurant, bar and coffee shop. The Pinger brothers are the third generation to manage the hotel, which was bought as a restaurant by their grandfather and converted into a hotel after WWII.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Standard Class travel from London to Germany and return ★ ★ 6 nights at the family-run Hotel Pinger in Remagen

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

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T he G reat G erman R ail A le T rail

7 DAYS

Combining a myriad of fine German ales with the beautiful Harz Mountains. Here is our love letter to Germany, on the face of it a tour of German beers, from Düsseldorf’s Altbier to Cologne’s rival Kölsch, with Gose, Bockbier, Rotbier and even smoked ale. Yet we delve deeper to discover a country with colourful regional differences of taste, language, culture and lifestyle. All culminating with a ‘steamy affair’ as we lose our hearts in the romantic Harz Mountains and its steam railway, Prost!

DEPARTS Sunday 28 April 2019

★ ★ Tour the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg ★ ★ Experience Schlenkerla smoked beer with lunch at the brewery restaurant ★ ★ Uncover Munich’s brewing heritage at the Oktoberfest Museum ★ ★ Enjoy lunch at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus ★ ★ Final evening ‘Kölsch – Beer, Language & Lifestyle’ tour ★ ★ Farewell dinner at a Cologne Brewery Tavern

Fares From £1345

HOTEL HKK Hotel, Wernigerode

★ ★ Tour & Tasting of Gose beer at Goslar’s Brauhaus ★ ★ Visit the home of Bock beer in Einbeck ★ ★ Guided tour of Nuremberg’s historic centre ★ ★ Tour, tasting and dinner at Nuremberg’s labyrinthine Alstadthof brewery

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

This stylish 4 star hotel is close by the historic Old Town, and features modern, comfortable en-suite rooms. Enjoy culinary delights in the buffet restaurant and relax in the Berliner Ziller bar or Top Fit Club. Inter City Hotel, Nuremberg A modern 3 star hotel situated adjacent to the station and city centre. All rooms are en-suite with individually controlled air-conditioning.

★ ★ Begin with an Altbier tour of Düsseldorf ★ ★ Steam to the top of the Brocken Mountain ★ ★ Enjoy UNESCO World Heritage Goslar’s half-timbered centre

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

7

S wiss G lacier E xpress & the B ernina

6 DAYS

Two of the world’s greatest railway journeys on one tour! Enjoy the classic Glacier Express journey across the Swiss Alps, followed by the Bernina Express in its full glory. Not forgetting Lausanne, Montreux and St Moritz, plus stays on Lake Geneva and in the Engadine Valley.

DEPARTS Fridays 21 June & 6 September 2019

Fares From £1425

★ ★ Admire the scenery from the world famous Swiss Glacier Express with lunch provided ★ ★ Stay in Celerina in the beautiful Upper Engadin Valley close to the Bernina Pass ★ ★ Take in great views of the Upper Engadin Valley from the Muottas Muragl funicular ★ ★ Visit stylish St Moritz ★ ★ Witness two of the world’s great railway journeys on one tour

HOTEL Hotel Au Lac, Lausanne

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Discover the ‘Olympic City’ of Lausanne ★ ★ Stay in a lakeside hotel by Lake Geneva ★ ★ Cruise along Lake Geneva to visit Château Chillon ★ ★ Enjoy free time in lakeside Montreux ★ ★ Marvel at the equally spectacular Bernina Express train journey

A 3* hotel with an enviable location, the belle epoque style and era Hotel Au Lac is situated beside Lake Geneva, just a short ride away from the train station and city centre using your Lausanne Transport Card. The hotel boasts a restaurant, and rooms are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. Hotel Schweizerhof, Pontresina A 3* hotel in the centre of Pontresina offering a genuine and friendly atmosphere as well as an attentive service. Family-run and offering two restaurants plus a hotel bar.

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

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H arz M ountains S team - T he J ewel of G ermany

7 DAYS

A superb rail holiday to enjoy picturesque towns and villages surrounded by a panoramic range of rocky crags romantic valleys, and fairytale woods - full of folklore, witches and steam trains.

DEPARTS

Saturdays 15 June, 20 July & 7 September 2019

Fares From £1055

HOTELS InterCity Hotel, Wuppertal This city centre hotel has a pleasant bar and restaurant serving local and international specialities. Modern en-suite rooms include satellite TV, radio, mini- bar and WiFi. Hotel HKK, Wernigerode This stylish 4 star hotel is close by the historic Old Town, and features modern, comfortable en-suite rooms. Enjoy culinary delights in the buffet restaurant and relax in the Berliner Ziller bar or Top Fit Club.

★ ★ Pastoral landscapes and forests ★ ★ Schwebebahn ‘dingle-dangle’ railway ★ ★ Explore the medieval town of Quedlinburg ★ ★ Discover Wernigerode’s ‘fairytale’ castle ★ ★ Quality hotels in Wuppertal & Wernigerode

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel to Germany and return ★ ★ Enjoy the famous Harz Mountains steam railway; travel freely with our included 3-day Freedom of Harz Pass ★ ★ Traditional ‘Hansel & Gretel’ towns

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

9

S t T ropez , M onte C arlo & the T rain des P ignes

8 DAYS

We have rejigged our French Riviera tour a little this time in order to bring in one of France’s best-known heritage railways. We still visit St Tropez by boat and take the scenic coastal train to Monte Carlo and Nice, but this time we also feature steam on the Train des Pignes!

DEPARTS Thursdays 20 June & 5 September 2019

Fares From £1495

★ ★ Scenic rail journey to the ancient town of Antibes ★ ★ Enjoy a traditional French market day ★ ★ Time at leisure in St Raphael and Frejus for shopping and sightseeing ★ ★ Dine each evening in a Mediterranean restaurant ★ ★ Delightful promenade hotel with palm-fringed waterfront views

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ First Class rail travel to France, including Standard Premier Eurostar ★ ★ Steam on the Train des Pignes ★ ★ Visit the world famous resort of Monte Carlo ★ ★ Cruise to St Tropez ★ ★ Relax in the Mediterranean resort of St Raphael

HOTEL Hotel Continental, St Raphael

Situated in a heart of the town the hotel benefits from its superb location, right on the Mediterranean marina waterfront, a short stroll from the city centre and railway station. Each well-appointed room features cable satellite TV, internet access, air- conditioning, safe, minibar and hairdryer.

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

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B arcelona , C arcassonne & the C atalan C oast Travel in First Class style to the South of France. Relax in a beachside hotel, explore the rocky coves of the Catalan Coast, tasting local specialities, visit colourful Barcelona, the Pyrenees and the perfect medieval walled city of Carcassonne.

8 DAYS

DEPARTS Mondays 3 June & 16 September 2019

Fares From £1450

★ ★ Relax in the Mediterranean resort of Argelès-sur-Mer ★ ★ Travel into the Pyrenees aboard the spectacular ‘Petit Train Jaune’ ★ ★ Enjoy a traditional French market day ★ ★ Visit exciting Barcelona, the proud capital of Catalonia ★ ★ Visit the perfect medieval walled city of Carcassonne ★ ★ Enjoy a home-made Cassoulet, the regional speciality

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Hotel du Lido, Argelès-sur-Mer

★ ★ First Class rail travel to/from Perpignan, including Standard Premier Eurostar ★ ★ Visit enchanting Collioure ★ ★ Explore the coves of the Catalan Coast by rail and road train ★ ★ Winetasting of local wines in Banyuls

Argelès enjoys a vast expanse of sandy beach, with the Albères Mountains in the distance, before the coastline develops into a series of charming rocky coves. The Hotel du Lido has a fabulous beachside location, with its own private beach, surrounded by a shady park. The hotel boasts a restaurant, bar and heated outdoor pool. We have deliberately chosen arrival dates to enjoy pleasant weather, yet away from the hordes of high summer.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

11

T he B ig F ive V ersus T he S toosbahn

NEW I T I NERARY

8 DAYS

We’ve given one of our favourite tours a little bit of extra excitement this year. The Big Five Mountain Railroad Adventure features five completely unique mountain railroad excursions – the Pilatus Railway, the Rigi Railway, the Stanserhorn, the Titlis cable car and the Hammetschwand Lift – all from our base beside lovely Lake Lucerne. But this time we also include the new Stoosbahn – the world’s steepest funicular railway – on what was the free day. Six of the best!

DEPARTS

Saturdays 1 June & 13 July 2019

★ ★ Breathtaking ride on the Titlis Rotair Cable Car, the world’s first revolving gondola ★ ★ Drama and Thrills on the Pilatus Railway, Europe’s steepest cog railway ★ ★ Experience traditional and modern technology at the Stanserhorn ★ ★ Enjoy incredible views at the Hammetschwand Lift, the world’s highest outdoor rock lift ★ ★ Visit to the new Stoosbahn, the world’s steepest funicular railway

Fares From £1455

HOTEL Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil

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

★ ★ 4* hotel beside Lake Lucerne with leisure facilties and fabulous views ★ ★ Excursion on the Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel to Switzerland and return

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

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

S wiss M ountain S team

8 DAYS

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

DEPARTS Wednesdays 19 June, 3 July, 7 August & 18 September 2019

Fares From £1725

as a backdrop. Pure mountain air invites sheer relaxation. Enjoy delicious evening meals with choice of main dishes in the lovely restaurant. Leisure facilities include bar, indoor pool, steam bath, sauna and sunbathing lawn. Bedrooms are en-suite, with TV, radio, telephone, safe, hairdryer and free mini-bar (mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juices and beer).

★ ★ Return rail journey up the spectacular Schynige Platte ★ ★ Lunch at the Schilthorn summit – James Bond 007 mountain ★ ★ Lake Thun cruise & funicular up Harder Kulm ★ ★ Coffee & cake at the Panorama Restaurant at Harder Kulm ★ ★ Stay in beautiful car-free alpine spa town of Wengen ★ ★ Bernese Oberland Pass – offering freedom of the region on your free day

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL

★ ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel to Switzerland and return ★ ★ Shimmering blue lakes, past alpine meadows, up to heavenly skies, by steam train ★ ★ Ride the extended Furka Steam Railway – original route of the Glacier Express ★ ★ The amazing Brienz Rothorn steam mountain railway

Sunstar Hotel, Wengen This 4-star hotel is noted for its caring reputation and beautiful setting with panoramic views. It is located in the centre of Wengen - just 200m from the station - a small, car-free spa town situated on a sheltered terrace at over 1300m above sea level, the majestic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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S witzerland ’ s S team - powered S ix

8 DAYS

Cruise across three Swiss lakes the nostalgic way by paddle- steamer and experience three exhilarating steam train excursions in the Swiss mountains all on one tour based in Lake Lucerne’s lovely Hergiswil. Also featuring the Pilatus Cogwheel Railway and based at a family-run 4* hotel by the lakeside.

DEPARTS

Saturdays 6 July & 7 September 2019

Fares From £1699

★ ★ Drama and Thrills on the Pilatus Railway, Europe’s steepest cog railway ★ ★ Travel across the stunning Brünig Pass by train to Brienz ★ ★ Steam up the famous Brienzer Rothornbahn ★ ★ Enjoy another steam excursion on the Furka Steam Railway ★ ★ Cruise gently around Lake Lucerne by paddle-steamer

HOTEL Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil

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

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

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel to Switzerland and return ★ ★ 4* hotel beside Lake Lucerne with leisure facilties and fabulous views

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

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S wiss M aximum S team

N E W T O U R

10 DAYS

This unique steam-packed ten days includes more highlights than we could have ever envisaged when we started to plan it! Six steam train excursions, 5 paddle steamers, a steam tram, Lucerne’s excellent Transport Museum, Swiss Vapeur Park, and a historic electric train with accompanying absinthe Schnapps! Our visit to Blonay Chamby also coincides with the 2019 Swiss Steam Festival! Oh, and there’s also the Brünig Pass, Voralpen Express and Golden Pass Line to top off our ultimate, scenic Swiss spectacular!

DEPARTS

Saturday 1 June 2019

HOTELS Hotel Banana City, Winterthur

Fares From £2795

The 4* Hotel Banana City boasts en-suite rooms with bath with shower, safe, free mini bar, free WiFi, flat screen TV with radio and USB connector. There are also tea making facilities in the room and free access to the Fitnesspark. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar. Hotel City Oberland, Interlaken The 3* Hotel City Oberland puts you right at the heart of Interlaken on the Hohe Weg in the centre of town. All rooms come with a shower or bath, WC, hair dryer, cable TV, free WiFi, direct outward dialling telephone, radio and safe. Moevenpick Hotel, Lausanne Our final hotel is the 4* Moevenpick in Lausanne, nestled close to the lakefront with the French Alps in the distance. All rooms feature free wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and flat screen television.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Paddle Steam boat trip on Lake Lucerne ★ ★ Paddle Steam boat trip on Lake Brienz ★ ★ Brienz Rothornbahn steam ★ ★ Paddle Steam boat trip on Lake Thun ★ ★ Tour of Bern by Bern Steam Tram

★ ★ Golden Pass Line train to Montreux ★ ★ Paddle Steam boat trip on Lake Geneva ★ ★ Visit to Swiss Vapeur Park ★ ★ Steam charter at Vallée de Joux ★ ★ Paddle boat trip on Lake Neuchatel

★ ★ Historic electric train from Neuchatel to Travers with ‘Green Fairy’ schnapps ★ ★ Steam excursion from St Suplice to Travers ★ ★ Superb Swiss Steam Festival at Blonay Chamby

★ ★ Bauma to Hinwil Steam train ★ ★ Schinznacher Baumschulbahn steam excursion ★ ★ Voralpen Express train to Lucerne ★ ★ Visit to the Swiss Transport Museum

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

15

T he H ungaria

Our tour through central Europe celebrates one of the longest- running international express train services, the Hungaria, which has served the route from Berlin to Budapest since 1960. Comfortable and nostalgic, we have split the journey into bite-sized pieces to enjoy Berlin, Prague and Budapest, all intriguing cities, whilst our route covers great scenery too, plus a stay in historic Nuremberg.

Fares From £1895

★ ★ Enjoy dinner at a traditional Prague brewery tavern ★ ★ Discover Budapest on our guided tour ★ ★ Experience Budapest’s charming Children’s Railway ★ ★ Cruise the Danube whilst enjoying dinner ★ ★ Stay in historic Nuremberg ★ ★ Visit the German Railway Museum ★ ★ Farewell Dinner & Tour at the Altstadthof

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Experience Wuppertal’s ‘dingle-dangle railway’ ★ ★ Tour Berlin, a city with a unique history ★ ★ Nostalgic journeys on the ‘Hungaria’ express train ★ ★ Relax in your seat through Saxon Switzerland ★ ★ Uncover beautiful Prague on a guided tour

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

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11 DAYS

DEPARTS Thursdays 9 May & 10 October 2019

HOTELS Maritim Pro-Arte Hotel, Berlin A 4* design hotel with great facilities, such as bars, restaurant, swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre, yet its location is probably the biggest plus. Situated on Friedrichstrasse, the Pro- Arte couldn’t be closer to Berlin’s cultural epicentre. NH Hotel Prague City On the face of it this is a regular 4* hotel in the Andels district of Prague. Yet walk through the door and you realise that the hotel is on two levels, connected by funicular railway. We couldn’t resist it; we are Railtrail after all! InterCity Hotel Nuremberg A convenient hotel, situated close to the main station and German Railway Museum, yet also just a short walk from the city walls.

Three Corners Hotel Lifestyle, Budapest A brand new 4* hotel in a convenient yet quiet part of Budapest, the Lifestyle Hotel features modern, air- conditioned rooms with minibar, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. During our stay in Budapest we dine in local restaurants, one of which is a Danube river cruiser.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

17

G rand T our by R ail – T he G reat D ane

Following on from our popular Grand Tours by Rail to Norway and Sweden, here is part three of our Scandinavian thriller! The Great Dane is a unique tour through Denmark, beginning in wonderful Copenhagen before ticking off attractions and railways across the country on a superb circular tour of discovery.

Fares From £2495

★ ★ Visit Denmark’s National Railway Museum ★ ★ Ride Funen’s Syd Fyenske Veteransbanen ★ ★ Enjoy a day at Mariager Handest by boat and heritage steam train ★ ★ Explore Aarhus, Denmark’s second city ★ ★ Visit handsome Hanseatic Bremen ★ ★ Ride the Moor Express from Bremen to Worpswede artist colony

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Stay in wonderful Copenhagen ★ ★ Tour Denmark’s capital by boat and coach ★ ★ Steam on the Hedelandsbanen ★ ★ Visit Helsingør and Kronborg Royal Castle ★ ★ Stay in Odense with its Hans Christian Andersen Museum

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

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N E W T O U R

12 DAYS

DEPARTS Thursday 4 July 2019

HOTELS InterCity Hotel, Bremen

Imperial Hotel, Copenhagen The 4* Imperial Hotel is centrally located within a short distance to Tivoli Gardens, The City Hall Square and the main shopping street, Strøget. Best Western Hotel, Randers The Best Western Plus Hotel is centrally located in Randers close to the train station. The hotel is a modern city hotel with a relaxing and informal atmosphere set in historical surroundings with more than 100 years of history.

The Intercity Hotel Bremen is situated right next to the main train station. You can reach the city centre on foot, with its Town Hall, Roland statue and the Bremen City Musicians statue. Plaza Milling Hotel, Odense The Hotel Plaza is one of Odense’s oldest and most beautiful hotels. The hotel is centrally located opposite the King’s Garden, near the railway station and within walking distance to shopping and many of Odense’s attractions.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

19

G rand T ours by R ail – S wedish S team & H ans

We often ask our customers where they would like to go next and Sweden is a popular response. So here it is, a tour spending a week in Sweden, visiting Stockholm and Linköping, three heritage railways and with two gentle cruises along idyllic waterways on board historic vessels. But that’s not all, as our overland adventure uncovers three proud German Hanseatic cities and three more heritage railways.

Fares From £2995

★ ★ Heritage railbus from Västervik to Hultsfred ★ ★ Cruise part of the Göta Canal ★ ★ Visit handsome Hanseatic Bremen ★ ★ Ride the Moor Express from Bremen to Worpswede artist colony ★ ★ Stay in maritime Rostock ★ ★ Steam through the streets to the coast on board ‘Molli’ steam railway ★ ★ Explore attractive Stralsund ★ ★ Steam across Rügen island on the ‘Racing Roland’

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Stay in Stockholm, Scandinavia’s most attractive capital city ★ ★ Steam on the 23 mile long Lennakatten Railway ★ ★ Cruise Lake Mälaren on board historic steamship SS Mariefred ★ ★ Steam on the Östra Södermansland railway ★ ★ Experience Scandinavia’s longest narrow-gauge railway

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

44 20

eatic H eritage

15 DAYS

DEPARTS Saturday 20 July 2019

HOTELS

Radisson Blu Royal Viking, Stockholm Located opposite Stockholm Central Station, the Radisson Blu Royal Viking is well situated for transport and the city’s cultural attractions. The hotel also features an indoor pool, fitness room and a 9th floor Sky Bar, affording great views. Scandic Hotel Linköping City Equally well located for the station and centre, the Scandic Hotel has an award-winning restaurant, bar, gymnasium and sauna.

Maritim Hotel Bremen A convenient and comfortable 4 star hotel situated close to Bremen Main Station and the green oasis of the City Park, yet within easy walking distance of the Old Town. InterCity Hotels InterCity was once part of the German railways, which explains not only their close proximity to train stations, but also their unique policy of including a local transport ticket with your room key. Now part of the Steigenberger group, InterCity Hotels provide comfortable 3-4 star accommodation across Germany.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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G rand T ours by R ail – N orway ’ s M ajestic F jo

Since its introduction two years ago our grand tour of Norway has proven to be extremely popular. Experience the enthralling Flåm Railway and the coast-to-coast Bergen Railway across the roof of Norway. Visit regal Oslo and beautiful maritime Bergen, soaring up the Fløibanen funicular. Cruise the majestic fjords through idyllic nature, climb Mount Hoven by cable car, and visit two great heritage railways.

Fares From £3995

★ ★ Soar up Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen Funicular ★ ★ Step back in time on the Gamle Vossebanen Steam Railway ★ ★ Cruise through the fjords to Balestrand ★ ★ The thrills and spills of the Flåm Railway ★ ★ Soar up Mount Hoven on the Hoven Cable Car ★ ★ Stay beside tranquil Loenfjord at a historic hotel ★ ★ Cruise on UNESCO World Heritage Geiranger Fjord

★ ★ Discover Bremen on board a heritage tram tour ★ ★ Experience the Bergen Railway across ‘the roof of Norway’ ★ ★ Enjoy Bergen from our hotel on the historic Bryggen waterfront

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Return rail to Norway in the class of your choice (Standard Class only in Norway)

★ ★ Enjoy free time in Oslo’s compact centre ★ ★ Ride the Tertitten Steam Railway

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

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rds & S team

18 DAYS

DEPARTS Sunday 23 June 2019

HOTELS

Maritim Hotels Convenient and comfortable 4 star accommodation across Germany with good locations for city and stations. Thon Hotels Modern and comfortable 3 or 4* hotels chosen particularly for their convenient locations for sightseeing and rail travel. Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand What started as a grocer’s shop in 1752 is now Norway’s largest fjord hotel. Ole Kvikne bought the general store and guest house in 1877 and the hotel that resulted is still in the hands of the Kvikne family. Color Line Ferries Comfortable overnight accommodation in inside cabins with dinner and breakfast provided.

Alexandra Hotel, Loen A fifth generation family-run hotel opened in 1884. Situated in a sheltered location in the inner reaches of Nordfjord between towering mountains and deep fjords, the Alexandra is a perfect place to relax.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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G rand T our by R ail – T he T ranspyrenean

The Red Train, the Yellow Train and the Blue Train can be found in many itineraries, but only Railtrail takes you through the heart of the Pyrenees, staying in local hotels and getting to know the region both sides of the border. Our grand tour stays in the foothills and valley stations, primed for spectacular excursions. Add in the Tren del Ciment, a stay on the Catalan coast and the ‘Truffle Train’ through the Dordogne for a fortnight’s adventure not found anywhere else.

Fares From £2095

★ ★ Taste Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine ★ ★ Trundle past mysterious Cathare Castles on the ‘Train Rouge’ ★ ★ Visit the perfect medieval walled city of Carcassonne ★ ★ Experience a cross border rail adventure to Spanish Catalonia ★ ★ Soar up from the valley on the Vall de Nuria rack railway (Blue Train) ★ ★ Visit exciting Barcelona, the proud capital of Catalonia ★ ★ Explore the whole of the ‘Petit Train Jaune’ line

★ ★ Relax in the Mediterranean resort of Argeles-sur-Mer ★ ★ Visit enchanting Collioure

★ ★ Visit Foix and Ax-les-Thermes, charming towns in the foothills ★ ★ Explore the delightful medieval core of Mirepoix

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Steam through the Dordogne on the ‘Truffadou’ Truffle Train

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

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N E W T O U R

14 DAYS

DEPARTS Saturday 1 June 2019

HOTELS

Grand Hotel Terminus, Brive Brive’s railway hotel, the 3* Grand Hotel Terminus, sits opposite Brive- la-Gaillarde train station. Built in 1907 and fully renovated in 2016, it offers modest accommodation just a ten minute walk from the centre of Brive. Vayamundo Resort, Quillan In a region with few hotels, the Vayamundo Resort is located on the outskirts of Quillan in the foothills of the Pyrenees. A former vineyard has been transformed into the beautiful holiday village with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a lake, signposted walks. The resort is busy with families in July and August, but we expect it to be peaceful during our stay in early June. Our accommodation is in studio apartments with balcony and small kitchenette. Breakfast and dinner are provided in Le Brantalou restaurant on site. Hotel Catalunya Park, Ribes de Freser We have chosen the 2* Catalunya Park for ease of access to our

Hotel du Lido, Argelès-sur- Mer The 3* Hotel du Lido has a fabulous beachside location, with its own private beach, surrounded by a shady park. The hotel boasts a restaurant, bar and heated outdoor pool. We have deliberately chosen an arrival date to enjoy seasonably pleasant weather, yet away from the hordes of high summer.

excursions. This family-run hotel in the heart of Ribes boasts an outdoor pool in a large garden. L’Oustalet, Font Romeu One of very few hotels close to the ‘Train Jaune’, the family-run 2* L’Oustalet is set in a beautiful, natural setting and offers an outdoor swimming pool, a traditional restaurant and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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