Railtrail New Year Steam Brochure

STEAM

TOURS UPDATE

®

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

FOCUS ON STEAM WI TH RA I LTRA I L TOURS

2019 BOOK NOW – DOUBLE LOYALTY POINTS on all tours until the end of January

The fascination and nostalgia of a steam locomotive at work never ceases to capture my heart. We are very fortunate there are steam locomotives still at work world- wide, whether it be on heritage railways run mostly by volunteers, steam excursions on the mainlines, or even some still providing a daily timetabled passenger service. Although most Railtrail tours include the enjoyment of at least one steam train journey for many of us that is not enough, and over the decades we have created numerous tours to satisfy the most ardent steam fan.

In the following pages we look to capture your imagination: whether it be a short Easter break touring rural Kent & Sussex, an incredible steam festival in Dresden with some remote rural steam lines, soaring to the skies

climbing the Swiss Alps by steam train, or even hopping over to Oz for a sojourn of steam large and small. It’s all here waiting to be discovered …

Dave Felstead Managing Director, Railtrail Tours Ltd

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Railtrail Tours Ltd, 43 St. Edward Street, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands ST13 5DN

K ent & S ussex E aster S team E xplorer

5 DAYS

We stay beside the River Medway in the historic county town of Maidstone on this fascinating Easter break featuring six famous steam lines, a historic dockyard steam festival - plus a taste of Kent with a real ale Brewer’s Supper.

DEPARTS Thursday 18th April 2019

Fares From £599

★ ★ The Festival of Steam & Transport Gala at Historic Dockyard Chatham ★ ★ The unique Sittingbourne & Kemsley Steam Railway ★ ★ The Spa Valley Railway ★ ★ The Lavender line ★ ★ Shepherd Neame brewery tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Travelodge Hotel, Maidstone

★ ★ Bluebell Railway ★ ★ Kent & East Sussex Railway and loco collections ★ ★ Colonel Stephen’s Museum, Tenterden ★ ★ Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - the world’s smallest public railway

The Travelodge Maidstone Central Hotel is river-side, a short walk from the High Street shops and restaurants. The hotel has a bar and café restaurant, where we will take our buffet-style full English breakfast. Bedrooms are en-suite, and have TV and coffee & tea making facilities. Low cost evening meals are available at the hotel as an optional extra

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

D resden S team F estival & S axon N arrow G auge

Celebrate the best of German steam with the ultimate Saxon Steam holiday. See our previous tour films on our website and 2019 is bigger and better than any before... in fact it is the Ultimate Saxon Steam tour!

Fares From £1799

★ ★ Articulated 8-wheeled Saxon-Meyer locomotives ★ ★ Steam the whole length of the newly extended Weisseritztalbahn ★ ★ A full day on the Zittau-Oybin- Jonsdorf steam line ★ ★ Tour Bertsdorf shed ★ ★ Steam along the whole of the Lössnitzgrundbahn ★ ★ Paddle steamer cruise on the River Elbe ★ ★ Centrally located hotel in Dresden

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ The famous Dresden Steam Festival at Dresden Altstadt Depot ★ ★ 4 mainline steam excursions from Dresden ★ ★ Private steam photo charter on Döllnitztalbahn ★ ★ Private steam photo charter on the Waldeisenbahn Muskau ★ ★ Visit Railway Museum at Weisswasser

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

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THE ULTIMATE TOUR OF SAXONY STEAM

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

9 DAYS

14 DAYS

DEPARTS Wednesday 10 April 2019

OR

HOTELS

Inter City Hotel, Erfurt Situated adjacent to the station the hotel has a pleasant bar and restaurant serving local and international specialities. Modern en-suite rooms include satellite TV, radio, mini-bar and wi-fi. Ibis Hotel, Dresden A short stroll from the station, located in the heart of the city near to the historic Old Town, the Ibis hotel is inviting and modern. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite bedrooms with air-conditioning, wi-fi, satellite TV and and hair dryer. Wilder Mann, Annaberg-Bucholz A lovely traditional hotel located in the Market Square of the Ore Mountains town of Annaberg-Bucholz. The hotel

has two restaurants including a cellar bar. All rooms are equipped with bath / shower, WC, hair dryer, TV, telephone, free wi-fi and minibar. Dorint Hotel, Chemnitz A short walk from the station and in the centre of Chemnitz. The en-suite bedrooms offer hair dryer, TV, free wi-fi, and small refrigerator. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities.

Plus on 14 Day tour only: ★ ★ Visit the superb Chemnitz Heritage Railway Museum ★ ★ Steam on the Chemnitz Parkeisenbahn ★ ★ A full day of steam on the mountainous Fichtelbergbahn ★ ★ Guided tour of Schwarzenburg Railway Museum

★ ★ Rare opportunity to enjoy steam on the remote Schönheide line ★ ★ Additional full day mainline steam excursion in Ore Mountains ★ ★ Steam on the delightful Pressnitztalbahn ★ ★ Lovely hotel in the scenic Ore Mountains Region

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

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B elgium ’ s I nternational S team F estival & M ore

N E W T O U R

5 DAYS

Spend a day at Maldegem’s International Steam Festival, explore Belgium’s seaside by specially chartered vintage tram, steam through the Dutch countryside on the Goes-Borsele Railway and enjoy our private steam charter on part of Belgium’s Puurs- Dendermonde heritage line. Based in gorgeous Gent, explore the city by tram, cruise its waterways and taste Belgian beer at a renowned brewery.

DEPARTS Thursday 2 May 2019

HOTEL Ibis Budget Hotel Gent Dampoort

Fares From £799

A brand new modern 2 star hotel with compact but cosy rooms, en-suite bathroom, free wi-fi and TV. The hotel is strategically situated by the railway station at the entrance of the historical city centre and offers comfort at value for money prices with an unlimited buffet breakfast.

★ ★ Get to know Gent from the water on our included canal cruise ★ ★ Privately chartered ride on the TTO vintage coastal tram from Knokke to De Panne ★ ★ Full day at Maldegem’s ‘International Steam Festival’

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Public steam trip on the Goes-Borsele Railway ★ ★ Private steam charter on part of Puurs-Dendermonde Steam Railway ★ ★ Free morning to explore Gent’s beautiful city centre

★ ★ Rail travel from London to Belgium and return ★ ★ Tour, Tasting and Welcome Dinner at Gent’s Gruut Brewery

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

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C hiltern H ills S team , R ail & A le T rail

N E W T O U R

5 DAYS

A superb variety of steam, from garden railways to a steam gala, as we visit FIVE steam venues and journey through attractive scenery on this amazing short break based in historic Aylesbury.

DEPARTS Thursday 23 May 2019

Fares From £599

HOTEL Travelodge Aylesbury Central

This comfortable, modern hotel situated just a 10 minute walk away from the station and is ideally located in the town centre. Every room has a comfy king size Dreamer™ bed, complete with a cosy duvet and four plump pillows. Rooms also have en-suite shower rooms, a spacious desk, a TV with freeview and wi-fi. Enjoy complimentary hair and body wash and coffee and tea making facilities. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room.

★ ★ Steam/Guinness Diesels on the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway ★ ★ Trip on the Scenic Marlow Branch with Bourne End reversal (The Marlow Donkey) ★ ★ Time to explore Marlow with its famous bridge. ★ ★ Steam and Ploughman’s Lunch at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway ★ ★ Travel on Freight only line to Quainton Road (TBC)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Bekonscot Model Village and Miniature Railway - Private evening visit with buffet ★ ★ Steam charter at the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway ★ ★ Tour of The Malt Brewery, Prestwood ★ ★ Steam at Didcot Railway Centre – Home of The Great Western Society

★ ★ Visit Buckinghamshire Railway Centre for their Steam Gala and Bus Rally. ★ ★ Stay in Aylesbury, the county town of Buckinghamshire.

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

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B avarian 50 S team F estival

N E W T O U R

7 DAYS

The Bavarian Steam Railway Museum celebrate its 50th anniversary at Nördlingen with a super steam festival. We combine this great gala with a summer visit to three glorious scenic steam lines in this beautifully picturesque region.

DEPARTS Tuesday 28 May 2019

Fares From £1395

HOTELS Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart

Close to the station, the hotel has a pleasant bar and restaurant serving local and international specialities. Modern en-suite rooms include satellite TV, and wi-fi. The hotel also has swimming pool, sauna and gym. Arthotel ANA Flair, Nördlingen Adjacent to the station and a short stroll to the historic town centre which is located on Germany’s ‘Romantic Road’. All bedrooms are en-suite and tastefully designed, with wi-fi, TV hairdryer. Breakfast is unlimited buffet.

★ ★ Steam on the Schwäbische Waldbahn ★ ★ Guided tour Heilbronn railway museum (former steam depot) ★ ★ Steam on the Sauschwänzlebahn ★ ★ Mainline steam run from Nördlingen ★ ★ Based in the beautiful medieval walled town of Nördlingen

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Day ticket at the 50 years jubilee of Bavarian steam ★ ★ Private charter on the metre gauge Alb-Bähnle steam line

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

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 wi-fi and TV. 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, TV, free wi-fi, 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 wi-fi, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and TV.

★ ★ 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

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Visit to the Swiss Transport Museum ★ ★ Paddle Steam boat trip on Lake Lucerne ★ ★ Paddle Steam boat trip on Lake Brienz ★ ★ Brienz Rothornbahn steam

★ ★ Bauma to Hinwil Steam train ★ ★ Schinznacher Baumschulbahn steam excursion ★ ★ Voralpen Express train to Lucerne

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

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N orthern F rance N arrow G auge S team

5 DAYS

Enjoy a great steam gala at the unique and historic WW1 Somme line at Froissy, a day exploring the scenic Baie de Somme line and a day commemorating those who fell in the Battle of the Somme a hundred years after the end of the war. Our final visit is to the MTVS line at Crevecoeur for a private steam charter.

DEPARTS Thursday 6 June 2019

Fares From £795

★ ★ Tour of the WW1 trenches at Beaumont Hamel ★ ★ Remember the fallen at the poignant Thiepval Memorial to the Missing ★ ★ Visit the massive Lochnagar Crater ★ ★ Private steam charter on the new MTVS line at Crevecoeur ★ ★ Based at historic Amiens on the banks of the River Somme

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Holiday Inn Express, Amiens

★ ★ Froissy-Cappy-Dompièrre Steam Gala ★ ★ Full day at the superb Baie de Somme line ★ ★ Visit St Valery, a delightful Baie De Somme coastal resort

A good quality, modern hotel adjacent to the station. Spacious, light rooms have been designed to offer you a relaxed stay with tea and coffee making facilities, free wi-fi, TV, telephone and a safety deposit box. The hotel offers an extensive continental buffet breakfast.

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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R oses B attle by S team

8 DAYS

We thought we would celebrate the steam and rail heritage of the north country with our own ‘battle of the roses’ tour, picking off Yorkshire and Lancashire steam and heritage railways every day from our base at an iconic railway hotel. With Railtrail’s love of steam you are sure to come up smelling of roses!

DEPARTS Monday 24 June 2019

Fares From £995

HOTEL Midland Hotel, Bradford

Built between 1885 and 1890 by the Midland Railway Company, the Midland Hotel was a showpiece for the railway company’s northern operations, and is of particular architectural interest, with some of the finest Victorian interiors in the city. Today sees a hotel that has undergone a transformation, with investment to all areas of the building, restoring it to its original greatness.

★ ★ Steam through the South Pennines on the Kirklees Light Railway ★ ★ Go underground at Yorkshire’s National Coal Mining Museum ★ ★ Middleton Railway, the world’s oldest working railway ★ ★ Steam across the moors on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway ★ ★ Sneak across the Pennines to visit the Ribble Valley Steam Railway ★ ★ Visit the fascinating Bury Transport Museum ★ ★ Steam from Bury to Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway ★ ★ Enjoy the scenery on the Settle & Carlisle line

★ ★ Explore Haworth, home of the Brontë family ★ ★ Skirt the Dales by Steam on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway ★ ★ Heritage diesel through scenic Herriot Country on the Wensleydale Railway ★ ★ Tour & Tasting at the Black Sheep Brewery

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Most of Yorkshire & Lancashire’s steam railways on one tour! ★ ★ Stay at Bradford’s iconic Midland Railway Hotel with dinner every evening ★ ★ Keighley & Worth Valley steam

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

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S taffordshire S team , A le & O atcakes

5 DAYS

This superb value steam tour features the Churnet Valley and Rudyard Lake Railways plus the unique Apedale Railway and the annual Steam Gala at Foxfield. All excursions are aboard a vintage coach with more than a taste of real ale as we tour the Titanic Brewery and visit a truly unique famous old pub and enjoy a local delicacy Staffordshire Oatcakes.

DEPARTS Thursday 18 July 2019

Fares From £499

HOTEL Quality Hotel, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

★ ★ View the Moseley Trust collection of narrow-gauge locomotives ★ ★ Private Titanic brewery tour & tasting ★ ★ Real ale pubs galore ★ ★ Vintage bus travel ★ ★ Discover and taste a unique Staffordshire delicacy ★ ★ Great value fare including half-board accommodation

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Foxfield Railway Steam Gala ★ ★ Steam on the Churnet Valley Railway ★ ★ Charming, 10.25” gauge Rudyard Lake Steam Railway ★ ★ Private steam charter Apedale Railway ★ ★ Private steam charter Amerton Railway

Built in 1900 and formerly a grand railway hotel, the Quality Hotel remains iconic to this day. The Leisure Club features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Guests can also enjoy a sports massage by appointment. The elegant Restaurant 66 serves a varied international menu and wine list. Bennett’s Bar serves a selection of bar snacks and features a pool table. Room service is also available. All bedrooms have a private bathroom, tea / coffee making facilities and a television.

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

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N orfolk S team E xplorer

5 DAYS

A superb variety of steam, from garden railways to a steam gala, as we visit SEVEN steam venues and journey through spectacular scenery on this amazing short break based in medieval Norwich.

DEPARTS

Thursday 29 August 2019

Fares From £499

HOTEL Travelodge Norwich Central Riverside

This comfortable, modern hotel is located just a 10 minute walk away from the station and is ideally located in the city centre. Every room has a comfy king size Dreamer™ bed, complete with a cosy duvet and four plump pillows. Rooms also have ensuite shower rooms, a spacious desk, a TV with freeview and wi-fi. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room.

★ ★ Wells & Walsingham Light Railway – see the unique Garratt locomotives ★ ★ Steam on the Mid-Norfolk Railway ★ ★ Idyllic garden setting at Barton House Railway ★ ★ Visit to the preserved Wroxham signal box

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Steam along the scenic Bure Valley line for nine miles ★ ★ Fascinating steam museum and gardens at Bressingham ★ ★ Stay in Norwich, in the centre of this medieval city

★ ★ North Norfolk Railway Steam Gala – a full day of steam nostalgia on “The Poppy Line” ★ ★ Steam ride at Whitwell & Reepham Railway with Sunday Lunch included

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

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T our T he N etherlands B y S team , B oat & T ram

N E W T O U R

7 DAYS

A brand new tour enjoying summer in the Netherlands. Visit the Utrecht Railway Museum, then steam across North Holland from Hoorn to Medemblik and continue by boat to the Zuiderzsee Museum. The highlight for many will be the Dieren Line Steam Gala with many German locos in steam and traction engines. We’ll also travel on the ZLSM line at Simpleveld and the Goes to Barland line with runs pasts included.

DEPARTS

Wednesday 4 September 2019

Fares TBC

★ ★ Steam Gala on the VSM Appledorn to Dieren line ★ ★ A trip on the ZLSM line to Simpleveld ★ ★ Steam on the Stoomtrain Goes to Borselle Line with run pasts and lunch in the old goods shed

★ ★ Steam across North Holland on the Museumstoomtram from Hoorn to Medemblik ★ ★ Visit the Zuiderzsee Museum of historic buildings

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Bookings for this tour open Early January

★ ★ Visit the Utrecht Railway Museum and free time in Utrecht

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

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L oire V alley & F rench N arrow G auge S team

N E W T O U R

5 DAYS

A great steam gala at the unique Pithiviers Transport Museum with its 60cm gauge line to Bellebat, a day of steam at the 60cm gauge Tacot des Lacs Railway with its collection of over 40 locomotives, a private steam charter on the Le Train du Bas

DEPARTS Thursday 12 September 2019

Berry, a trip on the scenic metre gauge Blanc d’Argent Line & the historic city of Orléans.

Fares From £725

HOTEL Ibis Orléans Centre Hotel

At the gateway to the Loire Valley, the ibis Orléans Centre Foch hotel is located in a quiet area of the city centre, 5 mins from the SNCF train station and shopping area. This modern, non-smoking, hotel has wi-fi with all rooms en-suite and air conditioned.

★ ★ Private steam charter on the Metre Gauge Le Train du Bas Berry Line ★ ★ Travel on the scenic Meter Gauge Blanc d’Argent Line ★ ★ Based at the historic city of Oréans

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

COMBINE TOURS & SAVE MONEY! Request details or see website.

★ ★ Pithiviers Transport Museum Steam Gala ★ ★ Full day of steam at the unique Tacot des Lacs 60cm gauge railway.

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

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C entral & S outhern F rance R ail E xplorer

N E W T O U R

8 DAYS

Steam on the scenic Haut Quercy Railway, the cliff top village of Rocamadour, a boat trip in a cave, scenic railcar journey to Claremont Ferrand, a day of steam on the Cevennes Railway & the historic city of Nimes.

DEPARTS Wednesday 18 September 2019

Fares TBC

★ ★ Boat trip though the Padirac Caves ★ ★ Scenic Railcar journey to Claremont Ferrand ★ ★ Full day of steam Cevennes Railway ★ ★ Stay at the historic city of Nimes ★ ★ Steam on the Meter Gauge “Train de l’Ardèche”

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Steam on the Haut Quercy Railway ★ ★ Cliff top village of Rocamadour

These two tours can be combined to make an extended 14 DAY tour.

Bookings for this tour open Early January

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

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G reat C entral G ala & M ore – S team , R ail & A le

5 DAYS

A brilliant Steam, Rail & Ale tour timed to coincide with a magnificent steam gala day at the Great Central Railway, steam along the Great Central Nottingham, plus Peak Rail Steam, and heritage railcar on the Ecclesbourne Valley line. Add in a visit and tour of Marston’s Heritage brewery and a Victorian ale house and we can drink to that!

DEPARTS Thursday 3 October 2019

Fares From £479

★ ★ Real Ale on trains and in stations on GCR including the renowned ‘tin hut’ ★ ★ Based in Derby, the Real Ale capital of the world

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Great Central Steam Gala Day Rover pass ★ ★ Steam at Great Central Nottingham ★ ★ Steam along Peak Rail ★ ★ Ecclesbourne Valley with Heritage Railcar ★ ★ Tour of Marston’s heritage brewery ★ ★ Visit and pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the oldest pub in the world

HOTEL Hallmark Inn, Derby

A 3 star hotel renovated to modern-day standards with all bedrooms equipped with flat-screen televisions, complimentary wi-fi, satellite TV. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily. All evening meals will be taken at the original Midland Railway hotel situated opposite.

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

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G olden O ctober A ustrian S team A dventure We are often asked for an Austrian tour and, well, we don’t do things by halves, so here it is and it’s a big one! This October the Lokpark heritage railway collection at Ampflwang opens its doors with a steam festival. A week later sees a rare steam excursion on the Mariazellerbahn Railway. In between we feature more steam on the Achenseebahn and Zillertalbahn, Innsbruck’s Nordkettenbahn, the Gmunden Tramway, the Traunseebahn, boat trips on idyllic Austrian lakes, a brewery and a schnapps tasting. If you fancy a ‘Golden October’ in Austria, please book early as this is a limited edition tour with only 16 rooms at our small, family-run hotel in Timelkam.

12 DAYS

DEPARTS Friday 4 October 2019

HOTEL Hotel Sonnenhof, Timelkam ★ ★ Brewery Visit at Schloss Eggenberg ★ ★ Schnapps tasting at a local schnapps museum ★ ★ The DB Museum in Nuremberg ★ ★ The Gmunden Tramway with its brand new trams ★ ★ Cruise the pristine waters of Lake Traunsee ★ ★ Heritage journey on the Traunseebahn

Fares From £2095

The 4* Hotel Sonnenhof is a small, family-run hotel on the edge of Timelkam in charming, beautiful green surroundings. With only 16 bedrooms, it means that space on this tour will be strictly limited. Hotel Plankenhof, Pill We are pleased to return to the hotel we used on our last visit to Austria, the 4* Plankenhof in Pill in the Tyrol. A listed building, the Plankenhof dates back to the 15th century and is in the 11th generation of family ownership. Uniquely, the hotel also houses a ‘Museum of Schnapps’! Metropol Hotel, St Pölten A modern 4* hotel on the edge of St Pölten’s Old Town and pedestrian area.

★ ★ Ride on the Mariazell Steam Tramway ★ ★ Steam on the Achenseebahn cog railway ★ ★ Cruise Lake Achensee’s alpine waters ★ ★ Steam on the Zillertalbahn Railway to Mayrhofen ★ ★ Innsbruck’s astounding Nordkettenbahn

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ A day at the Dampflokfest at Ampflwang ★ ★ Night photo steam shoot at Ampflwang ★ ★ Special rare steam excursion on the Mariazellerbahn Railway

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

19

S wanage S team G ala & I sle of W ight S team , B eer & B uses F estival

5 DAYS

Imagine a short break that combines the Swanage Autumn Steam Gala in delightful Dorset plus the amazing Isle of Wight ‘Beer & Buses Festival’, with 80 vintage buses shuttling between a similar number of real ale pubs on the island, plus Isle of Wight Steam, and a tour and tasting at the Ringwood Brewery. We hope this tour is as appealing to you as it is to us!

DEPARTS Thursday 10 October 2019

Fares TBC

Bookings for this tour open Early January

★ ★ Superb nostalgia aboard a 1964 Albion coach ★ ★ Rover Ticket for the ‘Isle of Wight Classic Beer & Buses Festival ★ ★ Isle of Wight World War Two Museum ★ ★ Isle of Wight Steam Railway ★ ★ Services of a Tour Manager who lives on the Isle of Wight

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

HOTEL Travelodge Poole & Travelodge Ryde, Isle of Wight

★ ★ Tour & Tasting at the Ringwood Brewery ★ ★ Dinner at the Inn on the Furlong ★ ★ Full Day Rover at the Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala

The Poole hotel is close to the railway station, just a short walk away from the sea, whereas the Travelodge Ryde at the seaside and where the heritage bus museum is located. Both hotels have a café bar. Rooms come equipped with a double bed, shower and tea/coffee making facilities. Single accommodation is in a double room.

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

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F estive S team in T huringia

N E W T O U R

7 DAYS

A brand new steam tour with a unique twist as we combine fabulous mainline steam, heritage steam depot, vintage trams, a brewery and beautifully traditional German Christmas markets in the fairy-tale image towns of Germany’s rural heartland. Plus the UNESCO World Heritage attraction of Wartburg Castle.

DEPARTS Thursday 5 December 2019

Fares From £1295

★ ★ Guided tour of the Loco shed in Arnstadt ★ ★ Dinner at a Brewery restaurant in Arnstadt ★ ★ Private charter of the historic Waldbahn tram in Gotha ★ ★ Visit Medieval Wartburg Castle Christmas market ★ ★ Guided tour of the railway museum in Weimar

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Private Charter of a historic tram in Erfurt ★ ★ Steam journey on the Wartburg Express ★ ★ Steam journey from Leipzig to Zeitz ★ ★ Journey on the Oberweissbach mountain railway

★ ★ Tour based in beautiful and famous Weimar ★ ★ Optional free-time at the Christmas Markets in Weimar, Erfurt, Leipzig, Eisenach

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

21

B lack F orest N ew Y ear S team C elebration

6 DAYS

Enjoy a special New Year tour as we steam through glorious Black Forest scenery in its magical winter setting on three included steam excursions! We also spend New Year’s Eve in beautiful Freiburg and tour the city at the ‘Gateway to the Black Forest’ by vintage tram.

DEPARTS

Saturday 28 December 2019

Fares From £1295

HOTEL Inter City Hotel Freiburg

★ ★ A third celebration of Black Forest steam on the Three Lakes Line, climbing from Titisee lake-side to almost 1000m ★ ★ Introductory tour of historic Freiburg aboard a private charter vintage tram ★ ★ Celebrate New Year’s Eve in attractive Freiburg

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Situated across the road from the station and features modern rooms with soundproofed windows, flat-screen TV with Sky Sport and Bundesliga, radio, working area and minibar, complimentary wi-fi, nutritious buffet breakfast, restaurant with large selection of international and national dishes, bar with snacks and cocktails, CityTicket for free use of public transport in Freiburg.

★ ★ Steam through the heart of the Black Forest on the Zollernbahn steam line ★ ★ Enjoy a second day of Black Forest steam with a ‘Tunnelfahrt’ on the Schwarzwaldbahn between Triberg, St Georgen and Haslach

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

22

A ustralia – S team on F ive G auges

N E W T O U R

17 DAYS

Seven steam railways including four exclusive charters, two railway museums, a major steam festival featuring parallel running, ride the XPT train between Melbourne and Sydney, plus free time in both cities.

DEPARTS Sunday 5 April 2020

Fares TBC

★ ★ Visit the huge museum collection at Thierlemere ★ ★ Steam ride Thirlmere to Buxton with photo run-pasts ★ ★ Sydney Tramway Museum ★ ★ Exclusive charter of the Sydney Steam Tram ★ ★ Scenic Rail route north out of Sydney to Newcastle ★ ★ Maitland Steam Festival ★ ★ Free time for sightseeing in Sydney ★ ★ Optional tour extension by rail to Brisbane

★ ★ Scenic train ride into the Blue Mountains ★ ★ Visit to the Zig Zag Railway ★ ★ Exclusive steam charter at the 2ft gauge Illawarra Light Railway ★ ★ Exclusive charter at the New South Wales Railway Museum (“Trainworks”) ★ ★ Vintage railcar ride from Picton up to Thirlemere

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

★ ★ Victoria Goldfields Railway (5’3” gauge) return steam ride to Maldon ★ ★ The Puffing Billy Railway ★ ★ Charter at Bellarine Peninsula Railway (3’6” gauge) ★ ★ Steamrail Victoria Newport workshops

Expressions of interest in this tour can be registered via email: enquiry@railtrail.co.uk

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

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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

D E P AR TUR E S 2 0 1 9 R a i l t r a i l S t e a m T o u r s U K & Wo r l d w i d e

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Kent & Sussex Easter Steam Explorer Dresden Steam Festival & Saxon

3

Swiss Mountain Steam Roses Battle by Steam

11 12 13

Great Central Gala & More – Steam, Rail & Ale 18 Golden October Austrian Steam Adventure 19 Swanage Gala & Isle of Wight Steam, 20 Beer & Buses Festival Festive Steam in Thuringia * 21 Black Forest New Year Steam Celebration 22 Australia – Steam on Five Gauges * 23

4-5

Narrow Gauge Steam Belgium’s International Steam Festival & More * Chiltern Hills Steam, Rail & Ale Trail * Bavarian 50 Steam Festival *

Staffordshire Steam, Ale & Oatcakes

6 7 8 9

Norfolk Steam Explorer 14 Tour The Netherlands by Steam, Boat & Tram * 15 Loire Valley & French Narrow Gauge Steam * 16 Central & Southern France Rail Explorer * 17

Swiss Maximum Steam

Northern France Narrow Gauge Steam

10

* denotes NEW TOUR

Railtrail Tours Ltd 43 St. Edward Street, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands ST13 5DN Telephone: 01538 382323 www.railtrail.co.uk