Railtrail New Year Brochure 2024

NEW YEAR UPDATE

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QUALITY ESCORTED HOLIDAYS BY TRAIN

Touring the UK & Overseas by Rail BOOK NOW – DOUBLE LOYALTY POINTS on all tours until end of January

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44 YEARS

A warm welcome, and best wishes for 2024, from all the team at Railtrail Tours.

This New Year update at a bumper 172 pages is our most comprehensive to date containing the widest choice of tours we have ever offered. However, our ethos of providing the best and most professional service whilst retaining all that is best about an independent, family run company remains unchanged. This image-based tours update brochure has always been very popular with our travellers and this edition is no exception with over 20 new tours to destinations as varied as spring in the Scottish Highlands, late summer in Majorca, and steam trains in the glorious fall season in eastern USA. Plus, if you have missed our new tour to Lapland, why not treat yourself to a fantastic start to 2024 and join our January departure. We have also included in this New Year mini brochure a scannable QR code on each of the main images that will take you straight to the full tour itinerary and details as displayed on our website at www.railtrail.co.uk. With new tours being added to our already extensive UK programme featuring destinations as far apart as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Harris & Lewis, we really do have the UK covered.What’s more, our tour fares give you the opportunity of including rail travel from your home station to the tour base as part of the tour package then, should you experience a hic-cup en route, just let us know and we will take over with our expert knowledge and fully flexible ticketing to guide you to the tour base. First class seating, where available, can also be included in your tour package. You can also upgrade on all our European tours too at an often surprisingly low additional fare. Sitting and relaxing aboard the Eurostar whilst speedily and effortlessly journeying from the UK to Europe is the perfect way to start a memorable holiday and, with the European countries retaining many of their rural lines, most of our continental tours contain little or no coach travel. In fact, the ‘Rail Rider’ tours to Switzerland and Bavaria are exactly that – travel by train to explore the beautiful byways and historic towns at a sedate pace. 2 2

Our ‘German Rail Ale Trail’ tour is a perfect and unique way to enjoy the wonderfully varied scenery whilst sampling a myriad of different beers in the historic towns in which they are brewed. Then there’s Switzerland, a land of majestic mountains, idyllic lakes, and arguably the finest railway service in Europe to enjoy spectacular landscapes in the most civilised manner. Discover this wonderful country full of amazing scenery on our unique selection of Swiss tours – checkout our website to see our Swiss Mountain Steam tour film, and others, to discover what our clients think of travelling with Railtrail Tours. The positive reaction to the launch of our 2024 annual brochure published and mailed last September has resulted in great demand for places. However, we are resisting the temptation to increase departures whilst also continuing to limit the maximum numbers per tour to ensure a quality experience when you travel with Railtrail Tours.To secure your spot today, our online booking system is available 24/7 or, if you wish to book by telephone, please call our friendly customer care team. Additionally, if you are not able to confirm a definite booking, they will place a provisional booking on a tour for a short while, without any deposit being paid, until you are able to confirm if you wish to travel giving you flexibility.

It gives me very great pleasure to say that we enter our 44th year with great confidence for the future and I trust that we will have the pleasure of your company this year.

Dave Felstead Owner & Managing Director, Railtrail Tours Ltd

Railtrail Rewards Loyalty Once you have travelled with Railtrail, we reward your loyalty via our ‘Railtrail Rewards Loyalty’ points scheme. For every pound spent you will receive Loyalty Rewards Points on return from your holiday, which can then be used as a discount on future bookings. Loyalty Points remain valid for 3 years after your return from your holiday. The more loyalty points you earn, the greater the discount you will receive on your next tour. No other escorted rail holiday company offers such a scheme. Furthermore, should you recommend Railtrail to someone not already on our system,YOUR Railtrail Rewards Loyalty account will be credited with points when they travel on their first tour. Points will be credited to the value of £25 per person booked if it was a UK tour, £50 per person booked if it was a European / Grand Tour, or £100 per person booked if they travelled on a Worldwide Tour. Worldwide Tours – You can choose to meet your Tour Manager at our chosen flight check-in desk and, after passing through customs control, have quality relaxation time with a complimentary snack and drink before boarding, or you can book the Ground Only fare to travel independently and join at the tour hotel. Your Tour Fare UK Tours – We offer packages including First Class (where available) or Standard Class rail travel from every mainland UK station for each UK tour. However, due to the space within this small brochure, we are unable to print all fares for each tour and so we have indicated a “from” price which is for those travelling independently of our rail package and joining at the Tour Base (typically the hotel). Full details of all fares are available at www.railtrail.co.uk or in our main brochure. European Tours – You can join your Tour Manager at London St Pancras where you will be met with a complimentary welcome drink and snack prior to boarding, or you can travel independently and join at the tour hotel taking advantage of our Tour Base fare.

TOUR INDEX

Pages

Departures in Date Order

5 - 9

Worldwide Tours

10 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 25 26 - 51 52 - 149 150 - 163 164 - 169

Grand Tour by Rail – Europe

Grand Tour by Rail – UK

Classic Tours – Europe

Classic Tours – UK

Steam Tours – Europe

Steam Tours – UK

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Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club The Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club rewards 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. A Note About Luggage We do include hotel porterage whenever we can, however carrying luggage is the customer’s responsibility, including onto or off a train. We would recommend a modest sized suitcase with wheels and a retractable handle, and a small piece of hand baggage per person. New Tours To receive details of all new tours as soon as they are organised, please visit www.railtrail.co.uk , wait for the brochure pop-up to appear, and 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.

Your Mobility All our holidays by train require a reasonable level of physical fitness and unaided mobility. Our only wish is for you to enjoy your holiday and it is for this reason that we must be sure that the tour you have selected is suitable for you.To help you identify the suitability of a tour, our tours are thoughtfully classified based on activity level to help you find the perfect fit. Please visit the ‘Tour Descriptions’ page on our website for further details (www.railtrail. co.uk/Tour-Descriptions) . Additionally, as part of the booking process, you are required to declare that you (and all your party travelling) are capable of: • Carrying and lifting your own luggage on and off a train • Walking at a reasonable pace as part of a group • Climbing steps and stairs comfortably

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Start Date

Title

Duration Page

Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

03/02/2024 White Pass - Swiss Winter Snow Train Adventure

8

26-27

11/04/2024 Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

5

112-113

08/02/2024 Saxony & Harz Winter Steam Extravaganza *

11

36-37

16/04/2024 Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera

5

62-63

12/02/2024 Harz Mountains Winter Wonderland

7

38-39

17/04/2024 Scotland’s Far North, Shetland & Orkney

6

148-149

13/02/2024 Exclusive Inverness & Treasures of the Highlands *

5

106-107

22/04/2024 Isles of Scilly Discovery *

7

54-55

02/03/2024 White Pass - Swiss Winter Snow Train Adventure

8

26-27

22/04/2024 Highland Adventure

4

118-119

05/03/2024 Springtime Highlander

5

114-115

23/04/2024 Royal Deeside Explorer

8

132-133

10/03/2024 Harz Mountains Winter Wonderland

7

38-39

24/04/2024 Amsterdam, Tulips, Cheese & Steam

7

46-47

12/03/2024 Scottish Trilogy - Tayside & Stirling Explorer *

5

108-109

25/04/2024 Springtime Gardens of Cornwall

5

58-59

19/03/2024 Springtime Highlander

5

114-115

25/04/2024 Isle of Man Explorer

5

92-93

04/04/2024 Queen of Scots & Edinburgh

9

130-131

26/04/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - Coastal Nostalgia in the Sunny South 10

16-17

04/04/2024 Springtime Gardens of Cornwall

5

58-59

27/04/2024 Great German Rail Ale Trail

9

40-41

09/04/2024 Dresden Steam Festival & More

8

156-157

28/04/2024 Yorkshire Gold - Steam, Coast & Country

8

164-165

10/04/2024 Amsterdam, Tulips, Cheese & Steam

6

46-47

01/05/2024 Harris & Lewis Island Discovery *

8

144-145

* DENOTES NEW TOUR

5

Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

5

104-105

18/05/2024 Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark

9

52-53

5

74-75

23/05/2024 North East Steam *

6

168-169

5

100-101

23/05/2024 The Australian (Flight Inclusive)

20

10-11

5

110-111

24/05/2024 The Australian (Ground Only)

18

10-11

5

112-113

25/05/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - The Transpyrenean

15

14-15

5

60-61

27/05/2024 Highland Adventure

4

118-119

5

96-97

27/05/2024 Step Back in Tyne - Discover the North East

5

98-99

5

72-73

30/05/2024 Rail & Ramble in Historic Derbyshire *

5

78-79

8

90-91

02/06/2024 Floral Cheshire & Beyond

5

80-81

6

94-95

04/06/2024 Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera

5

62-63

8

166-167

06/06/2024 Queen of Scots & Edinburgh

9

130-131

5

82-83

06/06/2024 Hebridean Odyssey

8

140-141

6

102-103

08/06/2024 Harz Mountains Steam - The Jewel of Germany

7

42-43

8

150-151

08/06/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - Six Wonders of the Waterways 10

18-19

7

146-147

09/06/2024 Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark

9

52-53

5

68-69

10/06/2024 Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam

5

64-65

* DENOTES NEW TOUR

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Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

13/06/2024 Heart of Wales Steam & The Brecon Beacons

5

104-105

08/07/2024 Canals, Steam & Historic Chester

5

82-83

13/06/2024 Nostalgic Lakeland Railways & Cumbria

5

96-97

10/07/2024 Swiss Glacier Express & The Bernina

9

32-33

15/06/2024 The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn

8

28-29

10/07/2024 Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark

9

52-53

17/06/2024 Roses Battle by Steam plus Settle & Carlisle Line

8

166-167

11/07/2024 North Norfolk Coast, The Broads & Steam

5

74-75

18/06/2024 Summer Highlander

5

120-121

11/07/2024 Northern Germany by Steam

9

158-159

19/06/2024 Swiss Rail Rider *

8

30-31

16/07/2024 Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera

5

62-63

19/06/2024 The Orkney & Shetland Explorer

7

146-147

18/07/2024 Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

5

112-113

20/06/2024 Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

5

112-113

19/07/2024 Queen of Scots

8

128-129

24/06/2024 Highland Adventure

4

118-119

20/07/2024 Harz Mountains Steam - The Jewel of Germany

7

42-43

25/06/2024 Romantic Highlander

5

116-117

22/07/2024 Swiss Mountain Steam

9

154-155

27/06/2024 The Cream of Cornish Coasts & Country

5

60-61

22/07/2024 Heritage Bath & Ancient Wiltshire *

5

66-67

29/06/2024 Switzerland Steam-Powered Six

8

152-153

29/07/2024 Step Back in Tyne - Discover the North East

5

98-99

29/06/2024 Treasures of the Peak District

5

76-77

04/08/2024 Floral Cheshire & Beyond

5

80-81

01/07/2024 Wonderful Wales

6

102-103

08/08/2024 Bavarian Rail Rider *

6

44-45

02/07/2024 Royal Deeside Explorer

8

132-133

08/08/2024 Isle of Man Explorer

5

92-93

07/07/2024 Glorious Isles of Scilly *

8

56-57

15/08/2024 Heart of Wales Steam & The Brecon Beacons

5

104-105

* DENOTES NEW TOUR

7

Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

17/08/2024 The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn

8

28-29

11/09/2024 Swiss Rail Rider *

8

30-31

19/08/2024 Swiss Mountain Steam

9

154-155

11/09/2024 The Orkney & Shetland Explorer

7

146-147

22/08/2024 The Hebrides & The Kyle Line *

8

138-139

12/09/2024 Heart of Wales Steam & The Brecon Beacons

5

104-105

27/08/2024 Welsh Whisky, Mines, Mint & Steam

5

100-101

12/09/2024 North Norfolk Coast, The Broads & Steam

5

74-75

30/08/2024 Queen of Scots

8

128-129

13/09/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - Coastal Nostalgia in the Sunny South 10

16-17

03/09/2024 Stirling Cities of Scotland by Rail

5

110-111

14/09/2024 Harz Mountains Steam - The Jewel of Germany

7

42-43

05/09/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - Land’s End to John O’Groats

12

20-21

14/09/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - Six Wonders of the Waterways 10

18-19

05/09/2024 Treasures of the Peak District

5

76-77

14/09/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - The Transpyrenean

15

14-15

05/09/2024 Shipshape & Bristol Fashion!

5

68-69

16/09/2024 Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam

5

64-65

05/09/2024 Timeless Isle of Man Adventurer *

8

90-91

17/09/2024 Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera

5

62-63

05/09/2024 Dutch Maximum Steam Weekend *

5

160-161

18/09/2024 Swiss Glacier Express & The Bernina

9

32-33

08/09/2024 Yorkshire Gold - Steam, Coast & Country

8

164-165

19/09/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - Derry To Kerry

12

22-23

09/09/2024 Roses Battle by Steam plus Settle & Carlisle Line

8

166-167

19/09/2024 Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

5

112-113

09/09/2024 Canals, Steam & Historic Chester

5

82-83

19/09/2024 The Cream of Cornish Coasts & Country

5

60-61

09/09/2024 Wonderful Wales

6

102-103

19/09/2024 Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark

9

52-53

09/09/2024 Forest of Dean Steam & The Wye Valley

5

72-73

21/09/2024 Switzerland Steam-Powered Six

8

152-153

* DENOTES NEW TOUR

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Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

Start Date

Title

Duration

Page

21/09/2024 Lake District & Cumbrian Mountains Explorer

6

94-95

13/10/2024 Avignon & Barcelona Exclusive Rail Explorer *

8

50-51

23/09/2024 Swiss Mountain Steam

9

154-155

14/10/2024 Picturesque Pitlochry & The Enchanted Forest

5

142-143

23/09/2024 South of France Steam *

8

162-163

15/10/2024 Golden Highlander

5

122-123

23/09/2024 Highland Adventure

4

118-119

21/10/2024 Highland Rail Voyager

4

124-125

23/09/2024 Step Back in Tyne - Discover the North East

5

98-99

21/11/2024 Yuletide Yorkshire

4

88-89

24/09/2024 Romantic Highlander

5

116-117

03/12/2024 Festive Highlands Tartan & Taster *

5

134-135

24/09/2024 West Coast Arran & Skye Discovery *

8

126-127

03/12/2024 Royal Berkshire, Oxford & Christmas Castles *

5

70-71

25/09/2024 Swiss Glacier Express & The Bernina

9

32-33

20/12/2024 Spectacular Scotland at Christmas

8

136-137

25/09/2024 Scotland’s Far North, Shetland & Orkney

6

148-149

22/12/2024 Swiss Christmas Snow Train Adventure

8

34-35

26/09/2024 Grand Tour by Rail - Wales Coast to Coast

12

24-25

23/12/2024 Harrogate Christmas Celebration

5

84-85

26/09/2024 Nostalgic Lakeland Railways & Cumbria

5

96-97

30/12/2024 Harrogate New Year Celebration

4

86-87

26/09/2024 Isle of Man Explorer

5

92-93

IMPORTANT NOTE Many of our tours feature the nostalgia of steam trains. Whilst we will endeavour to ensure the journey will be made by steam train, we must reserve the right to either travel by heritage diesel train, or visit an alternative attraction, should the steam train be unavailable or not be timetabled for whatever reason at the time of our visit. All dates are accurate at time of printing.

29/09/2024 Majorca’s Hidden Trails & Treasures *

6

48-49

01/10/2024 Golden Highlander

5

122-123

02/10/2024 Eastern USA Fall Colours Steam (Flight Inclusive) *

13

12-13

02/10/2024 Eastern USA Fall Colours Steam (Ground Only) *

12

12-13

* DENOTES NEW TOUR

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T he A ustralian

20 DAYS BY AIR Ex London From £5989

18 DAYS GROUND ONLY Ex Sydney / Adelaide From £4599

Experience the trip of a lifetime for any dedicated steam enthusiasts! Our escorted rail holiday to Australia boasts at least nine steam train rides including exclusive charters, outback towns, the scenic Blue Mountains, a vintage wooden paddle steamer cruise, and some amazing railway museums. Enjoy comfortable day time rail journeys between Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide with free time in these amazing cities to explore and create unforgettable memories.

Flight Inclusive

Ground Only

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DEPARTS Thursday 23 May 2024 (Flight Inclusive) Friday 24 May 2024 (Ground Only)

★ Steamtown Heritage Centre at Peterborough ★ Charter of the unique “Coffee Pot” steam railmotor ★ Steam hauled journey over part of the original “Ghan” route ★ Free time in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide

★ Relaxing vintage paddle steamer cruise on the Murray River ★ Vintage tram ride in Bendigo ★ Ride the Puffing Billy Railway ★ Broad gauge steam to historic Maldon ★ Premier class travel on the “Overland” train to Adelaide ★ Port Adelaide Railway Museum with steam ★ Steam hauled “Cockle Train” along the coast to Victor Harbour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTELS • Mercure Hotel, Sydney • Batman’s Hill on Collins, Melbourne • Stamford Plaza Hotel, Adelaide • Standpipe Golf Motor Inn, Port Augusta For further details of our The Australian hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

★ Zig Zag Railway in the scenic Blue Mountains ★ Exclusive charter to Thirlmere Railway Museum ★ Steam charter on Illawarra Light Railway ★ 1st class XPT train ride from Sydney to Melbourne

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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E astern USA F all C olours S team

12 DAYS GROUND ONLY Ex Philadelphia/Washington DC From £3399

13 DAYS BY AIR Ex London From £4289

Flight Inclusive

Ground Only

Join us on this truly amazing, new tour to the USA featuring 7 steam lines including marvellous double headed shay locomotives and a phenomenal 2-6-6-2 Mallet in operation. On this action-packed adventure we will also experience two scenic diesel excursions, an Amtrak ride into New York with free time in the infamous “Big Apple”, and two fascinating railroad museums. This is the journey of a lifetime to create lasting memories!

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DEPARTS Wednesday 2 October 2024

★ Visit the historic B&O Railway Museum ★ Explore the Pennsylvania State Railroad Museum ★ Enjoy an Amtrak ride into New York with free time to discover the “Big Apple” ★ Classic vintage diesel rides over scenic lines

HOTELS • Hershey Farm Inn, Strasburg • Ramada Inn, Cumberland • Wingate by Wyndham, Elkins For further details of our Eastern USA Fall Colours Steam hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Enjoy a guided tour of the Strasburg Railway ★ Ride the East Broad Top and visit an amazing historic workshop ★ Discover the Wilmington and Western steam

★ Marvel at a huge Mallet locomotive in operation on the Western Maryland ★ Experience double headed Shay locomotives in the mountains of West Virginia ★ Steam on the Greenbrier Express along the banks of the beautiful Greenbrier River

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

15 DAYS From £2905

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 with visits into Spain and France. 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 an adventure not found anywhere else.

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DEPARTS

Saturday 25 May & 14 September 2024

★ Stay in the perfect medieval walled city of Carcassonne plus a guided tour and river cruise ★ Experience a cross border rail adventure to Spanish Catalonia ★ Soar up from the valley on the Vall de Nuria rack railway (Blue Train) ★ Explore the whole of the ‘Petit Train Jaune’ line ★ Relax in the Mediterranean resort of Argeles-sur-Mer ★ Visit enchanting Collioure

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTELS • Grand Hotel Terminus, Brive • Cartier Hotel, Quillan • Hotel Aragon, Carcassonne • Hotel Catalunya Park, Ribes de Freser • Le Clos Cerdan, Mont Louis • Hotel du Lido, Argelès-sur-Mer For further details of our The Transpyrenean hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

★ Steam through the Dordogne on the ‘Truffadou’Truffle Train ★ Visit the charming towns of Foix and Ax-les-Thermes in the foothills ★ Explore the delightful medieval core of Mirepoix ★ Taste Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine ★ Trundle past mysterious Cathare Castles on the ‘Train Rouge’

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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G rand T our by R ail – C oastal N ostalgia in the S unny S outh

10 DAYS From £1859

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

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DEPARTS Friday 26 April & 13 September 2024

★ Journey on the nostalgic Swanage Railway ★ Experience the famous Seaton Tramway ★ Relax on a scenic Dartmouth River cruise ★ Steam along the English Riviera coastline on the South Devon Steam Railway

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Discover the beautiful and contrasting coastlines of Kent, Dorset, and Devon ★ Ride the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Heritage Railway ★ Uncover the secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle ★ Take a tour, tasting and dinner at Britain’s oldest brewery ★ Climb aboard historic warships

★ Explore the ancient streets of Canterbury and England’s oldest Cathedral ★ Steam on the Kent & East Sussex Railway ★ Enjoy a scenic tour by vintage bus on the Isle of Wight ★ Travel back in time on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway ★ Hop on board the Purbeck Breezer and admire the coastal vistas

HOTELS • Ashford International Hotel, Ashford • Best Western Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth • The Livermead House Hotel, Torquay For further details of our Coastal Nostalgia in the Sunny South hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

17

G rand T our by R ail – S ix W onders of the W aterways

10 DAYS From £1515

There are said to be ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and on this great railway holiday we visit six! Our Railtrail grand tour begins at the very heart of the industrial revolution at a hotel within the Ironbridge World Heritage site, then explores the masterpieces of Victorian engineering with boat trips and steam trains galore.

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DEPARTS Saturday 8 June & 14 September 2024

★ Steam on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway ★ Visit Saltaire, another UNESCO World Heritage site ★ Walk the canal lock staircase at Bingley Five Rise Locks

★ Masterpiece of the canals, breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct ★ Journey on the nostalgic Llangollen Railway ★ Cruise along the Bridgewater Canal, viewing Barton Swing Aqueduct ★ Steam excursion on the East Lancashire Railway ★ Visit Burnley Weavers’Triangle and walk part of Burnley Embankment ★ Discover Queen Street Mill, the last surviving 19th century steam powered weaving mill ★ Boat trip into Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest, and highest canal tunnel in Britain

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ Begin our tour at a hotel within the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site ★ Visit Blists Hill Victorian Village and tour Ironbridge ★ Steam on the Severn Valley Railway ★ Get to know Chester on a River Dee cruise ★ Anderton Boat Lift, marvel of Victorian engineering ★ Discover the country’s last remaining open-pan salt works, now preserved as a museum

HOTELS • Best Western Valley Hotel, Ironbridge • Queen Hotel, Chester • Best Western Oaks Hotel, Burnley • Midland Hotel, Bradford For further details of our Six Wonders of the Waterways hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

19

G rand T our by R ail – L and ’ s E nd to J ohn O’G roats

12 DAYS From £2949

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

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DEPARTS Thursday 5 September 2024

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ Steam across Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train ★ Take in the lovely scenery through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness ★ Stay at the original Railtrail Tours hotel, the Palace in Inverness ★ Enjoy Sir Michael Palin’s original “Great Railway Journey” on the Kyle Line ★ Touch the top of the country at John O’Groats

HOTELS • Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth • Mill Hotel & Spa, Chester • Bridge of Orchy Hotel, Bridge of Orchy • Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness For further details of our Land’s End to John O’Groats hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

★ Relax in Falmouth, Cornwall ★ Visit Land’s End & Cape Cornwall ★ Marvel at the Welsh Highland Railway & the Ffestiniog Railway ★ Enjoy the Llangollen Steam Railway & a Canal Cruise ★ Unwind in the heart of the Scottish Highlands at Bridge of Orchy

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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G rand T our by R ail – D erry to K erry

12 DAYS From £2219

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

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DEPARTS Thursday 19 September 2024

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 Northern Ireland’s great scenic rail journey ★ Tour the walls of Derry-Londonderry ★ Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast ★ Sightsee in Dublin’s fair city

★ Take in the Irish Republic’s most scenic railway along the East Coast ★ Learn about Ireland’s emigrant history at Dunbrody Emigrant Ship Museum ★ Explore Waterford and visit the famous Waterford Crystal ★ Trundle through the Suir Valley on the heritage Suir Valley Railway ★ Enjoy the fabulous views of the Ring of Kerry ★ Let your hair down with a final night’s dinner and Irish Show in Dublin

HOTELS • North West Castle, Stranraer • Londonderry Arms, Carnlough • Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin For further details of our Derry to Kerry hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

• Treacy’s Hotel, Waterford • The Rose Hotel, Tralee • The Harding Hotel, Dublin

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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G rand T our by R ail – W ales C oast to C oast

12 DAYS From £2035

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

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DEPARTS Thursday 26 September 2024

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast & St David’s ★ Enjoy a day in beautiful Tenby ★ Visit the Teifi Railway ★ Discover the National Botanic Gardens of Wales ★ Travel along the picturesque Heart of Wales Line & Cambrian Line ★ Experience the Talyllyn Railway, the mother of all preserved lines ★ Steam on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, one of the Great Little Trains of Wales

★ Marvel at reservoirs and mountains on the Brecon Mountain Railway ★ Visit the Bala Lake Railway ★ Enjoy the fabulous Llangollen Railway ★ Explore Snowdonia on the Welsh Highland Railway, world famous Ffestiniog Railway and picturesque Llanberis Lake Railway ★ Spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway ★ Conwy Valley Line scenic train journey ★ Great Orme Mountain tram ride ★ Stay in some of our most popular hotels

HOTELS • The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen • The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells • The Empire Hotel, Llandudno For further details of our Wales Coast to Coast hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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

8 DAYS From £1799

Our White Pass Winter Snow Train 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.

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DEPARTS Saturday 3 February & 2 March 2024

★ Spend a day on the route of the Glacier Express ★ Relax on Lake Lucerne’s steamers ★ Make the most of your Local Transport Pass to help you explore Lucerne on your free day

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 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.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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8 DAYS From £2089

T he B ig F ive versus T he S toosbahn

One of our most popular Swiss rail holidays featuring five completely unique mountain railroad excursions – the Pilatus Railway, the Rigi Railway, the Stanserhorn, the Titlis cable car, and the Hammetschwand Lift … plus the world’s steepest funicular railway, the Stoosbahn! Experience six of the best Swiss rail journeys from our base overlooking stunning Lake Lucerne!

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DEPARTS Saturday 15 June & 17 August 2024

★ 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

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 ★ Excursion on the Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway ★ Breathtaking ride on the Titlis Rotair Cable Car, the world’s first revolving gondola ★ Discover the Pilatus Railway, Europe’s steepest cog railway ★ Experience traditional and modern technology at the Stanserhorn

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.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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8 DAYS From £2049

S wiss R ail R ider

NEW TOUR

Experience Railtrail’s newest tour to Switzerland. Discover spectacular routes such as the Gotthard, Lötschberg, and Albula Passes on the comfortable and remarkably efficient Swiss trains. Marvel at the scenery on the classic Glacier Express and the Rigi Mountain Railway, uncover the rarely visited “backwater” routes in the east of the country, and enjoy a relaxing lake cruise on this fantastic tour.

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DEPARTS Wednesday 19 June & 11 September 2024

★ Stunning views into the Rhone Valley from the Lötschberg Pass ★ Experience the breathtaking Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway ★ Explore the Heiden rack line, a rarely visited destination ★ Unearth the hidden gems of Eastern Switzerland’s “backwater” routes ★ Discover the mesmerizing beauty of the Albula Pass ★ Enjoy a serene and leisurely cruise on a picturesque lake paddle steamer

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ Discover the scenic and historic Brünig Pass ★ Experience the breathtaking beauty of Montreux on the Golden Pass line ★ Embark on a thrilling journey through the captivating spirals of the legendary Gotthard Pass ★ Journey to the highest point on the route of the Glacier Express

HOTEL Hotel Amaris, Olten

Ideally situated next to the train station and a few minutes’ walk into the picturesque and historic town, this 3-star hotel offers sophisticated rooms with comfort and rest in mind.The spacious rooms offer a shower/toilet, complimentary toiletries, Wi-Fi, and flat screen TV.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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S wiss G lacier E xpress & T he B ernina

9 DAYS From £2499

EXTENDED TOUR

Two of the world’s greatest railway journeys in 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 Engadin Valley. We have also enhanced the tour by adding an outbound overnight in the beautiful city of Basel for a more leisurely travel experience.

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DEPARTS Wednesday 10 July,18 September & 25 September 2024

★ 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

★ Stroll along the picturesque lakeside in Montreux ★ Enjoy time to explore destinations independently with a free transport card ★ Admire the scenery from the world famous Swiss Glacier Express with lunch provided ★ Stay in Pontresina in the beautiful Upper Engadin Valley close to the Bernina Pass ★ Marvel at the equally spectacular Bernina Express train journey

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ Explore the historic city of Basel ★ Take a paddle steamer cruise Lake Neuchatel ★ Discover the ‘Olympic City’ of Lausanne ★ Stay just a short stroll from the stunning lakeside promenade of Lake Geneva ★ Cruise across Lake Geneva to visit Château Chillon

HOTELS • GAIA Hotel, Basel • Best Western Plus Hotel Mirabeau, Lausanne • Hotel Schweizerhof, Pontresina For further details of our Swiss Glacier Express & the Bernina hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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8 DAYS From £1975

S wiss C hristmas S now T rain A dventure

Enjoy Christmas with a difference amidst the lakes and mountains of Switzerland. Marvel at the stunning winter scenes offered by the Goldenpass Line, the route of the Glacier Express, and the Rigi Mountain Railway. Soar up Mount Titlis and relax on Lake Lucerne’s shore at the 4-star Seehotel Pilatus, whose leisure facilities open out onto a fantastic panorama of lake and mountain scenery.

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DEPARTS Sunday 22 December 2024

HOTEL Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ 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 Transport Pass – offering the chance to explore Lucerne on your free day

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.

★ 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

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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S axony & H arz W inter S team E xtravaganza

11 DAYS From £2199

NEW TOUR

Get ready to experience the ultimate steam tour adventure with no less than EIGHT steam lines to explore on this action-packed itinerary! This tour offers an exclusive guided visit to Dresden’s Altstadt steam roundhouse and museum giving a unique insight into the fascinating history of steam engines plus a relaxing tram ride down charming country lanes with picturesque scenery. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Saxony and the Harz from a truly unique perspective.

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DEPARTS Thursday 8 February 2024

★ Ride the route to Kurort Kipsdorf ★ Discover the country tramway at Bad Schandau ★ Special visit to Altstadt roundhouse and museum Dresden ★ Steam up the Brocken Mountain with stunning views ★ Enjoy the Harz narrow-gauge steam experience on the Selketal line to Alexisbad ★ Steam the 40km from Eisfelder to Wernigerode

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ Ride the Saxon Radebeul-Radeburg steam railway line through the suburbs of Dresden ★ Experience the superb Pressnitztalbahn narrow-gauge steam railway ★ Travel onboard the Saxon Meyer steam locomotives on the Oschatz line ★ Scenic steam journey in the snow on the line to the ski resort at Oberwiesenthal

HOTELS • Hotel Am Tierpark, Gotha • InterCity Hotel, Dresden • HKK Hotel, Wernigerode For further details of our Saxony & Harz Winter Steam Extravaganza hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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H arz M ountains W inter W onderland

7 DAYS From £1189

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 popular Winter Wonderland tour now includes a day to relax and explore beautiful Wernigerode.

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DEPARTS Monday 12 February & Sunday 10 March 2024

HOTELS Fleming’s Express Hotel, Wuppertal

This modern 4-star hotel puts you right in the centre of Wuppertal, close to the main station and just a short walk from the Schwebebahn ‘dingle-dangle railway’. The bedrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, and a flat screen TV. 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, comfortable bedrooms with TV 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.

★ 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

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel from London to Germany and return ★ Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage half-timbered Goslar ★ Experience an action-packed steam hauled journey up the Brocken Mountain

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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9 DAYS From £2049

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

A wonderful tour of German beers, from Düsseldorf’s Altbier to Cologne’s rival Kölsch plus Bockbier and even smoked ale. Discover a country with colourful regional differences of taste, language, culture, and lifestyle. Prost!

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DEPARTS Saturday 27 April 2024

★ Enjoy a dinner at Altstadthof brewery ★ Tour the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg ★ Experience Schlenkerla smoked beer with lunch at the brewery restaurant ★ Free time to explore Munich ★ Uncover Munich’s brewing heritage at the Oktoberfest Museum ★ Enjoy lunch at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus ★ Guided tour of Cologne and farewell Kölsch beer tasting

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Welcome evening guided Altbier tour of Düsseldorf with beer tasting ★ Steam to the top of the Brocken Mountain ★ Guided walking tour of picturesque Wernigerode ★ Visit the home of bock beer in Einbeck ★ Guided sightseeing tour of historic Nuremberg ★ Guided tour of the Fels Labyrinth

HOTELS • InterCity Hotel, Düsseldorf • HKK Hotel, Wernigerode • InterCity Hotel, Nuremberg • Maritim Hotel, Cologne For further details of our Great German Rail Ale Trail hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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

7 DAYS From £1475

A great Railtrail holiday to discover picturesque medieval towns and villages surrounded by a panoramic range of stunning mountains, romantic valleys, and fairytale woods - full of folklore, fascinating history, and superb steam trains.

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DEPARTS Saturday 8 June, 20 July & 14 September 2024

★ Discover Wernigerode’s ‘fairytale’ castle ★ Stay in quality hotels in Wuppertal & Wernigerode

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ Enjoy the famous Harz Mountains steam railway, travel freely with our included 3-day Freedom of Harz Pass ★ Visit picturesque timber-framed ‘Hansel & Gretel’ towns ★ View pastoral landscapes and forests ★ Ride on the Schwebebahn ‘dingle dangle’ railway ★ Explore the medieval town of Quedlinburg

HOTELS Fleming’s Express Hotel, Wuppertal

This modern 4-star hotel puts you right in the centre of Wuppertal, close to the main station and just a short walk from the Schwebebahn ‘dingle-dangle railway’. The bedrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a flat-screen TV. 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 railway stations.The hotel offers well-equipped, comfortable bedrooms with TV 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.

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online NOW or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary

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6 DAYS From £1199

B avarian R ail R ider

NEW TOUR

Discover Railtrail’s exciting, new, all-rail holiday to Germany. This value-for-money tour travels over some of Germany’s most scenic rail routes, taking in a large railway museum, a vintage railcar, steam tram, the lovely lakeside town of Lindau, and the opportunity to explore beautiful Munich.

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