Railtrail The Complete Collection 2018
®
QUAL I TY E SCORT ED HOL I DAY S BY TRA I N
THE COMPLETE 2018 COLLECTION
BRAND NEW
Autumn & Festive Tours & Summer Late Availability
Let Railtrail Tours be your Guide to the UK & Europe!
Golden Autumn Tours – Pages 3-6 We have designed several special tours to coincide with spectacular autumn colours. Scotland is stunning in October, whereas our European adventures experience the Harz Mountains and Austria in all their autumnal glory.
Classic UK Tours – Pages 31-42 England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands – we’ve got these islands pretty well covered.
From a 4 day short break to a 10 day grand tour, exploring this country by train is scenic, relaxing and often nostalgic. What’s more, you can join any of our UK tours from your local station!
Railtrail Festive Tours – Pages 7-19 Our exciting Festive and Christmas tours are hot off the press! This year you can choose from England, Scotland, Belgium,
Classic European Tours – Pages 43-48 Our continental tours begin with a welcome drink and pastry at St Pancras with your Tour Manager before your adventure begins by Eurostar. Then let the European rail system whisk you to your
Germany and Switzerland for your festive tour. We thought we’d take this opportunity to share with you some early festive cheer!
destination in speed and comfort. It’s breakfast in London and dinner in the Swiss Alps or the French Riviera.
Railtrail Rail Ale Trails – Pages 20-24 Heritage, steam and brewing tradition – they seem to belong together. Our 2018 programme features Yorkshire, Scotland and the Midlands, whereas our Bruges &
Gent Festive Cheers tour on page 15 includes Christmas Markets and fascinating Belgian breweries. Cheers!
Focus on Steam Tours – Pages 25-30 Each year Railtrail organises steam-packed holidays in the UK and Europe especially for those who, like me, have enjoyed a life-long
passion for steam. If you would like a full ‘Focus on Steam’ brochure, please tell us. Meanwhile, here is a small selection to whet your appetite.
Grand Tours by Rail – Golden Galloway & the Glorious Grampians
N E W T O U R
A new Grand Tour designed to experience the golden glow from Galloway to the Grampians in all their autumnal glory. Travel from Scotland’s most southerly point to its most northerly point! Imagine the Nith Valley Line, the West Highland Line, the Far North Line, the Kyle Line, the Highland Line, the Strathspey Steam Railway, plus the Tay and Forth Bridges all on one tour! And just to be completist we’ve chosen three ‘Palace Hotels’!
10 DAYS
DEPARTS
Monday 8 October 2018
Fares From £1495
★ ★ Enjoy Dave’s original ‘Great Railway Journey’ on the Kyle Line ★ ★ Touch the top of the country at John O’Groats & Dunnet Head ★ ★ Experience the Highland Line’s dramatic scenery ★ ★ Take lunch on board the Strathspey Steam Railway ★ ★ Unwind at Atholl Palace, an original Victorian hydro hotel ★ ★ Marvel at Queen’s View ★ ★ Sample a ‘wee dram’ at Edradour Distillery ★ ★ Visit Edinburgh and its Royal Mile ★ ★ Cross the Tay Bridge and the magnificent Forth Bridge
HOTELS Cally Palace, Gatehouse of Fleet www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk/ hotels/cally-palace-hotel Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness www.bestwestern.co.uk/ hotels/best-westerninverness- palace-hotel-spa Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry www.athollpalace.com
★ ★ Autumn colours galore in the Galloway Forest Park ★ ★ Enjoy the West Highland Line past lochs and over Rannoch Moor ★ ★ Take in the lovely scenery alongside Loch Ness ★ ★ Stay at the original Railtrail hotel, the Palace in Inverness
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Relax at Cally Palace in its splendid grounds ★ ★ Visit Scotland’s southern tip at the Mull of Galloway ★ ★ Admire the scenery on the Nith Valley Line
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
3
Golden October Steam in the Harz Mountains & More
N E W T O U R
This special ‘Golden October’ tour is timed to be in the Harz for a Brocken steam Sonderzug. After further visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Rammelsberg mine complex and Goslar, plus a trip on the Thale cable car and scheduled Selketal steam, we head to the Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn for one of their rare ‘Infozug’ steam days. Finally, from Kassel we enjoy the Hessencourrier ‘Golden October’ steam excursion to Naumburg, another rarity from Railtrail.
7 DAYS
DEPARTS
Tuesday 2 October 2018
HOTELS Maritim Berghotel Braunlage This 4* hotel is located in the mountain resort of Braunlage at the foot of the Wurmberg mountain on the edge of the Harz National Park. Amenities include the Roof Garden café, with stunning views of the Harz, a restaurant, bar and Old English Pub, plus leisure facilities including a swimming pool. For this tour we have chosen Superior Rooms with balcony and views across Braunlage. InterCity Hotels 4* and 3* accommodation well- connected for rail travellers. Once part of the Deutsche Bahn but now part of the Steigenberger Hotel Group, InterCity Hotels are usually close to the railway stations and your room key also acts as a local public transport ticket during your stay.
Fares From £1199
★ ★ Round trip on the Thale cable car ★ ★ Steam on the Selketal Railway from Alexisbad to Gernrode ★ ★ Free time in UNESCO World Heritage Quedlinburg ★ ★ Excursion on the Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn Infozug with English speaking guide ★ ★ Return steam excursion on Hessen Courrier’s ‘Golden October’ to Naumburg
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Special ‘Sonderzug’ steam journey up the Brocken Mountain ★ ★ Guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Rammelsberg mine ★ ★ Free time in picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Goslar
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
4
Golden October Austrian Steam Adventure
N E W T O U R
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 Austrian Railway Society 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 5 October 2018
HOTELS Hotel Sonnenhof, Timelkam 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 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. will be strictly limited. Hotel Plankenhof, Pill
Fares From £1895
★ ★ Innsbruck’s astounding Nordkettenbahn ★ ★ 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
★ ★ Special rare steam excursion on the Mariazellerbahn Railway ★ ★ Steam on the Achenseebahn cog railway ★ ★ Cruise Lake Achensee’s alpine waters ★ ★ Steam on the Zillertalbahn Railway to Mayrhofen
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ A day at the Dampflokfest at Ampflwang ★ ★ Night photo steam shoot at Ampflwang ★ ★ Ride on the Mariazell Steam Tramway
★ ★ Brewery Visit at Schloss Eggenberg ★ ★ Schnapps tasting at a local schnapps museum
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
5
Golden Highlander
A circular tour of the spectacular ‘Great Railway Journeys of the Scottish Highlands’. You may have seen them on TV; now you can experience some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in Europe.
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 18 October 2018
Fares From £455
HOTELS Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness A classic Scottish ‘station
hotel’, the Royal Highland offers guests the charm and elegance of a distinguished past. The bedrooms have been tastefully contemporised whilst retaining their unmistakably traditional feel, including satellite television and even a choice of pillows. Alexandra Hotel, Fort William Situated close by the railway station this comfortable Victorian villa hotel offers all rooms en suite with TV and radio, telephone and hospitality tray. The dining room is proud of its locally sourced Table d’Hôte menu.
★ ★ See the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument at the head of Loch Shiel ★ ★ Cross magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, of Harry Potter movie fame ★ ★ Enjoy “Monster spotting” at Loch Ness ★ ★ By train over Rannoch Moor on the stunning West Highland Line ★ ★ Free time to explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Spectacular Highlands mountain scenery ★ ★ The “Great Railway Journey of the World” to Kyle of Lochalsh ★ ★ Ride the magical West Highland Line to Mallaig ★ ★ Take the fabulous Highland Line climbing through the Cairngorms
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
6
The Roses Christmas Markets & Steam
N E W T O U R
Although this tour is timed to coincide with Harrogate’s Christmas Market weekend, it includes so much more! We also visit two of the country’s best known Christmas Markets, contrasting charming York with metropolitan Manchester, and feature two great steam railways, one in Yorkshire and one in Lancashire, plus UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire. We’re coming up smelling of roses again with festive cheer!
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 15 November 2018
Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage
Fares From £395
★ ★ Experience steam on the East Lancashire Railway during it’s ‘Lancashire Weekend’ ★ ★ Explore Manchester’s excellent Christmas Markets
HOTEL The Midland Hotel, Bradford
★ ★ Visit the National Railway Museum, with its superb collection ★ ★ Step back in time on the Keighley & Worth Valley Steam Railway ★ ★ Take in the beautifully preserved Saltaire village and Salt’s Mill’s Hockney collection
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Built between 1885 and 1890 by the Midland Railway Company, the Midland Hotel was a showpiece for the railway company’s northern operations, with some of the finest Victorian interiors in the city. The Midland has hosted many Prime Ministers, plus famous entertainers like Laurel & Hardy, George Formby, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. In 1905 the Shakespearean actor Sir Henry Irving died on the hotel staircase following his appearance at the Theatre Royal, to be attended by his manager, Bram Stoker! Today sees a hotel that has undergone a transformation, with investment to all areas of the building, restoring it to its original greatness.
★ ★ Stay at Bradford’s historic railway hotel, the Midland Hotel ★ ★ Enjoy Harrogate’s Christmas Market ★ ★ Uncover York and its St Nicholas fayre
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
7
Winchester, Salisbury & Bournemouth Christmas Markets
Browse Winchester’s Christmas Market, set beneath its magnificent cathedral, enjoy Salisbury’s own festive market and impressive Gothic cathedral, then contrast with Bournemouth’s own German-inspired stalls on a great value short break to the Dorset coast.
4 DAYS
DEPARTS
Monday 10 December 2018
Fares From £295
HOTEL The Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth One of Bournemouth’s original grand hotels, combining Victorian elegance with modern comfort, the hotel boasts a leisure club featuring swimming pool, gym and sauna. The Carlton was built in 1861 as a private house for a religious minister. Converted into a hotel, it became host to the rich and famous as Bournemouth developed as a bathing resort. Interestingly, the hotel played its part in the D-Day Landings when General Eisenhower and Field Marshall Montgomery discussed landing plans at the hotel, having watched exercises from the East Cliff.
Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage
★ ★ Wonderfully set Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market ★ ★ Browse Bournemouth’s Christmas Market ★ ★ Bournemouth seaside hotel with leisure facilities ★ ★ Single Supplement only £45
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Salisbury Christmas Market amidst the cathedral city ★ ★ Travel through the New Forest by train to Winchester
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
8
Dresden, Ore Mountains & Prague Festive Steam
A firm favourite for a number of years, we return to Dresden for a festive tour packed with steam. This time around we’ve turned it into more of a touring holiday, with excursions from Dresden including the return of a fabulous steam-hauled run to Prague, plus the Ore Mountains explored from nearby Chemnitz.
8 DAYS
DEPARTS
Wednesday 5 December 2018
HOTELS B&B Hotel, Erfurt
Fares From £1399
Well-situated for central Erfurt, this modern hotel has en-suite bed rooms include Sky TV and free WiFi. City Hotel, Dresden Radebeul Well located for the Lössnitzdackel steam railway, the 4* City Hotel is has an indoor pool, restaurant and a bar/lounge. All 126 rooms offer WiFi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Dorint Hotel Chemnitz A modern 3* superior hotel, featuring bar, restaurant, gym and sauna. Bedrooms are en- suite and feature satellite tv, telephone wifi and hairdryer.
★ ★ The final extension of the Weisseritztalbahn to Kipsdorf included ★ ★ Explore the renowned Christmas Markets in Dresden & Prague ★ ★ Dresden Museum of Transport & Alstadt steam depot ★ ★ View glorious Saxon countryside & villages off the tourist trail ★ ★ Final night in Wuppertal with its famous Schwebebahn ★ ★ An all-rail holiday
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Stay close to the beautiful city of Dresden at this magical time of year ★ ★ Superb mainline steam excursion to Prague ★ ★ Fabulous Saxon narrow gauge steam on four famous rural lines: the Fichtelbergbahn,
Weisseritztalbahn, Döllnitztalbahn & Lössnitzdackel
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
9
Swiss St Nicholas Snow Train Adventure
Here’s something a little bit different - an 8 day tour to our popular hotel on Lake Lucerne, but with a festive twist! Compare Hergiswil’s village Christmas Market with Lucerne’s, which is actually inside the station, and the stunning market in Einsiedeln’s abbey square. Marvel at the Golden Pass route across the Brünig Pass, the revolving cable car at Mount Titlis and the local cable cars up Mount Pilatus. Cruise on Lake Lucerne, take the Rigi Railway up the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ and relax at two St Nicholas Parades.
8 DAYS
DEPARTS
Friday 30 November 2018
Fares From £1395
★ ★ Visit Hergiswil’s own village Christmas Market ★ ★ Witness Hergiswil’s St Nicholas Parade ★ ★ Wonderfully scenic Goldenpass Line rail journey over the Brünig Pass to Interlaken ★ ★ Relax on Lake Lucerne’s steamers ★ ★ Explore Lucerne Christmas Market, fittingly located inside the station ★ ★ Local Transport Pass – offering freedom to explore Lucerne on your free day Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ ★ Local Transport Pass ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage
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.
★ ★ Experience the traditional St Nicholas hunt parade in Küssnacht ★ ★ Breathtaking ride on the Titlis Rotair Cable Car, the world’s first revolving gondola ★ ★ Take the Voralpen Express to the pilgrimage site of Einsiedeln ★ ★ Spend time at Einsiedeln’s Christmas Market beneath the abbey
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel to Switzerland and return ★ ★ 4* hotel beside Lake Lucerne with leisure facilities and fabulous views ★ ★ Excursion on the Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
10
Festive jacobite More inclusive
Designed to coincide with the winter season of the Jacobite Steam Train, this new tour stays at the Alexandra Hotel in Fort William and packs in lots of content, with three included excursions, all meals included during your stay at the hotel and some drinks each evening, along with entertainment on two nights on our welcoming winter warmer in the western Highlands.
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Tuesdays 4 & 11 December 2018
Fares From £425
★ ★ 3 Drinks Vouchers each evening in the hotel
HOTEL The Alexandra Hotel, Fort William Situated close by the railway station this comfortable Victorian villa hotel offers all rooms en suite with TV and radio, telephone and hospitality tray. The dining room is proud of its locally sourced Table d’Hôte menu.
★ ★ Entertainment on 2 evenings Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening plus 4 lunches (3 will be picnic lunches) ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage
★ ★ Steam across the Glenfinnan Viaduct en route to Mallaig on the West Highland Line ★ ★ Take an original ‘Great Rail Journey of the World’ on the spectacular Kyle Line ★ ★ Coach trip along the Great Glen and Loch Ness
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ The beautiful West Highland Line by Jacobite Steam Train ★ ★ The Nevis Gondola cable car ★ ★ Tour of the Ben Nevis Distillery with a wee dram
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
11
Frankfurt, Rüdesheim & Cologne Christmas Markets
N E W T O U R
From our base in the heart of the Rhine Gorge we visit Frankfurt’s fantastic Christmas Market, set within the historic reconstructed Old Town, Rüdesheim’s village Christmas Market and cruise the atmospheric Rhine Gorge to the legendary Loreley Rock. On our way home we stop in Cologne for our final evening to visit another of Germany’s finest Christmas Markets, set beneath the masterpiece Cologne Cathedral.
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 6 December 2018
Fares From £645
HOTEL Rheinhotel Lamm, Assmannshausen
The Rheinhotel Lamm is family run 3-Star hotel in Assmannshausen, close to the railway station and situated on the banks of the Rhine. En suite rooms are comfortably furnished and have a television, hairdryer and safe. Public rooms include a comfortable lounge and welcoming bar. The hotel also has a number of larger than usual double rooms with direct views of the Rhine at a supplement of £65 per person (double occupancy)
★ ★ Visit Rüdesheim Christmas Market ★ ★ Cruise the Loreley Valley ★ ★ Discover Assmannshausen’s wines with a winetasting at your hotel ★ ★ Explore Frankfurt Christmas Market in its historic Old Town
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Spend your final evening at Cologne Christmas Markets Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
★ ★ Standard Class rail travel to Germany and return ★ ★ Stay in the heart of the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
12
Rhine Valley Christmas Markets & Steam
Hot chestnuts, almonds, glühwein – Germany’s Christmas Markets are a taste sensation. Explore Cologne’s varied markets, the quaint smaller markets of Linz and Ahrweiler, and explore the Rhine Valley by rail, including the Vulkan Express by steam!
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 13 December 2018
Fares From £499
HOTEL Hotel Pinger, Remagen Conveniently situated for Remagen’s centre and its
★ ★ Return journey on the Kasbachtalbahn Railway ★ ★ Return journey on the Vulkan Express by steam ★ ★ Visit to Ahrweiler Christmas Market Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening at your hotel ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
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 ★ ★ 4 nights at the family-run Hotel Pinger in Remagen ★ ★ Excursion to Cologne with its
five Christmas Markets ★ ★ Excursion to Linz & its Christmas Market
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
13
Harz Mountains & Rübeland Festive Steam
N E W T O U R
We have been escorting groups to the Harz Mountains for many years, come spring, summer, autumn or winter. This one is a little bit different though, staying in the mountain resort of Braunlage at our hotel in superior rooms with balcony, with two special steam runs, including a rare visit to the Rübeland Railway and three Christmas Markets. A Festive tour to warm your Harz!
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 29 November 2018
Fares From £899
★ ★ Excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Goslar with its Christmas Market Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
HOTEL
Maritim Berghotel Braunlage This 4* hotel is located in the mountain resort of Braunlage at the foot of the Wurmberg mountain on the edge of the Harz National Park. Amenities include the Roof Garden café, with stunning views of the Harz, a restaurant, bar and Old English Pub, plus leisure facilities including a swimming pool. For this tour we have chosen Superior Rooms with balcony and views across Braunlage.
★ ★ Free time at Wernigerode’s lovely Christmas Market ★ ★ Rare visit to the Rübeland Steam Railway for its ‘Advent Express’ excursion ★ ★ Free time to visit Rübeland’s charming Christmas Market
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Standard Class travel from London to Hanover and return ★ ★ Special ‘Glühwein Express’ steam journey up the Brocken Mountain
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
14
N E W T O U R
Bruges & Gent Festive Cheers
A tour packed with festive cheer, designed with fans of Belgian beers in mind, but also featuring Christmas Markets amidst the timeless gables, belfries and waterways of Bruges and Gent. We visit three Christmas Markets, three breweries, cruise the waters of Gent and trundle along the North Sea coastline on a privately chartered vintage tram, all from our brand new 4* hotel in Bruges.
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Sunday 9 December 2018
Fares From £675
HOTEL Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges The brand-new 4* Radisson Blu hotel in Bruges is situated close to the railway station and the historic city centre, with a cosy lounge, bar and restaurant, the station outside your door and all the delights of Bruges within walking distance.
★ ★ Tour & tasting at the fascinating Gentse Gruut Brewery ★ ★ Visit Gent’s excellent Christmas Market ★ ★ Spend time at Ostend’s Christmas Market ★ ★ Specially chartered vintage tram on the North Sea Coast Line
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Tour & tasting at De Dolle Brouwers, ‘The Mad Brewers’! Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Breakfast every day, plus one evening meal and three lunches ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
★ ★ Rail travel from London to Belgium and return ★ ★ Tour & tasting at Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges ★ ★ Explore Bruges and its Christmas Market ★ ★ Included boat trip along Gent’s waterways
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
15
A Grand Tour of Scotland at Christmas
8 DAYS
The West Highland Line by Jacobite Steam Train, the Kyle Line & the Cairngorms Line – experience a truly magical pre-Christmas rail tour of the Scottish Highlands in all their wintry glory, followed by a relaxing and homely Christmas in Stirling with all the trimmings and an excursion to Edinburgh.
DEPARTS
Thursday 20 December 2018
HOTELS
Fares From £975
The Stirling Highland Hotel Our base over Christmas is set in the heart of Stirling, just a short walk from Stirling Castle. The Highland Hotel is 4 star and its restaurant boasts an AA Rosette . Rooms are well equipped and the restaurant and bar provide comfortable surroundings to unwind in a festive atmosphere. The Alexandra Hotel, Fort William Situated close by the railway station this comfortable Victorian villa hotel offers all rooms en suite with TV and radio, telephone and hospitality tray. The dining room is proud of its locally sourced Table d’Hôte menu. Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness A classic Scottish ‘station hotel’, the Royal Highland offers guests the charm and elegance of a distinguished past. The bedrooms have been tastefully contemporised whilst retaining their unmistakably traditional feel, including satellite television and even a choice of pillows.
Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening plus 2 lunches ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel car parking – if you wish to join at the Tour Base and drive to the Stirling Highland, you can park there for the duration ★ ★ Hotel Porterage
★ ★ Take an original ‘Great Rail Journey of the World’ on the spectacular Kyle Line ★ ★ Cut through the Grampians on the Cairngorm Line ★ ★ Enjoy a relaxing Christmas in the 4* Stirling Highland Hotel with an entertainment programme ★ ★ Boxing Day excursion to Edinburgh with time to explore its fabulous Christmas Market
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ The beautiful West Highland Line to Fort William ★ ★ Tour of the Ben Nevis Distillery with a wee dram ★ ★ Jacobite Steam Train across Glenfinnan Viaduct en route to Mallaig
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
16
Swiss Christmas Snow Train Adventure
How do you fancy a Christmas with a difference amidst the lakes and mountains of Switzerland? Marvel at wintry scenery on the Golden Pass 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* Seehotel Pilatus, whose leisure facilities open out onto a fantastic panorama of lake and mountain scenery.
8 DAYS
DEPARTS
Saturday 22 December 2018
Fares From £1475
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.
★ ★ Wonderfully scenic GoldenPass Line rail journey to Interlaken & Grindelwald ★ ★ Experience a day on the route of the Glacier Express ★ ★ Relax on Lake Lucerne’s steamers ★ ★ Local Transport Pass – offering freedom to explore Lucerne on your free day Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ ★ Local Transport Pass ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage
★ ★ Excursion on the Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway ★ ★ Breathtaking ride on the Titlis Rotair Cable Car, the world’s first revolving gondola ★ ★ Take the Voralpen Express to the pilgrimage site of Einsiedeln
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Your choice of First or Standard Class rail travel to Switzerland and return ★ ★ 4* hotel beside Lake Lucerne with leisure facilities and fabulous views
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
17
Harz Mountains & Rhine Valley Christmas Cracker
N E W T O U R
Combining two of our favourite destinations at that ‘wonderful time of the year’, enjoy the pre-Christmas festivities in the wintry Harz Mountains, with tempting Christmas Markets & the Brocken by steam. Then celebrate Christmas itself by the Rhine in riverside Remagen, sailing along the Loreley Valley from beautiful Boppard, climbing through the Ahr Valley by train and experiencing the Vulkan Express.
9 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 20 December 2018
Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening at your hotel, plus two lunches ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
★ ★ Excursion by train to the scenic Ahr Valley ★ ★ Christmas Party with live music and 5 course dinner ★ ★ Excursion to Boppard in the Rhine Gorge ★ ★ Scenic Rhine Gorge river cruise ★ ★ Return journey on the Vulkan Express heritage railway ★ ★ Guided historical walk around Remagen with mulled wine
Fares From £1295
HOTELS Hotel HKK, Wernigerode
This stylish, English-speaking, 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. Hotel Pinger, Remagen 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.
★ ★ Visit Goslar Christmas Market, arguably the finest in northern Germany ★ ★ Contrast with Wernigerode’s charming Christmas Market ★ ★ Steam ride to the top of the Brocken
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Standard Class travel from London to Germany and return ★ ★ Dinner every evening, plus two lunches
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
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Black Forest New Year Steam Celebration
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.
6 DAYS
DEPARTS
Friday 28 December 2018
Fares From £1295
HOTEL Inter City Hotel Freiburg 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 WiFi, 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.
★ ★ 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
★ ★ 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
Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every day, including New Year’s Eve ★ ★ Eurostar and rail travel to and from Germany, and all local rail ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
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Great Central & More – Steam, Rail & Ale Trail
A brilliant Steam, Rail & Ale tour timed to coincide with the huge Great Central Model Railway event, steam along the Great Central Nottingham, plus Peak Rail Steam & Vintage bus rides. Add in a visit and tour of Marston’s Heritage brewery and a Victorian ale house and we can drink to that!
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 14th June 2018
Fares From £459
HOTEL Hallmark Hotel, Derby A 3 star hotel renovated to modern-day standards with all bedrooms equipped with flat-screen televisions, complimentary wireless Internet, satellite programming. 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.
Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Half Board accommodation at the Hallmark Inn, Derby ★ ★ Evening meals at the former Midland Railway hotel ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
★ ★ Tour of Marston’s heritage brewery ★ ★ Visit and pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem ★ ★ 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 Day Rover pass ★ ★ Admission to the GCR Model event at Quorn ★ ★ Steam at Great Central Nottingham ★ ★ Steam along Peak Rail ★ ★ Vintage Bus rides in the Peak District
visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for all tour details and fares, and to book online NOW
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Spitfire, Titanic & Staffordshire by Steam
Spitfire and Titanic? Okay, we’ve got your attention! Yes, we see Spitfire RW388 at the Potteries Museum and visit the Titanic Brewery for a tour and tasting, but this superb value tour features so much more – the Churnet Valley, 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.
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 19 July 2018
Fares From £415
HOTEL North Stafford Hotel, Stoke-on-Trent Whilst retaining its period architectural glory, the North Stafford Hotel now offers more budget accommodation in a warm and welcoming atmosphere; this beautifully designed Victorian railway hotel is directly opposite the station, situated in the heart of “The Potteries” city of Stoke-on-Trent. Relax in the Clayhanger bar and Winton Suite lounge; free WIFI is available throughout the public areas of the hotel. The en-suite rooms are fully equipped to give a comfortable and homely feel with facilities including trouser press, TV, hairdryer, telephone and tea/coffee making.
★ ★ Private Titanic brewery tour & tasting ★ ★ Real ale pubs galore ★ ★ Vintage bus travel ★ ★ See Stoke on Trent’s Spitfire ★ ★ Stay in a heritage railway hotel. ★ ★ Great value fare including half-board accommodation
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Foxfield Railway Steam Gala ★ ★ Steam on the Churnet Valley Railway – The real ale line ★ ★ Charming, 10.25” gauge Rudyard Lake Steam Railway ★ ★ Private steam charter Apedale Railway
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
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Yorkshire Dales Steam, Rail & Ale Trail
Enjoy a day at the Keighley & Worth Valley Steam Railway, pop into a Timothy Taylor inn, visit two other great Yorkshire heritage railways, one a steam ride through the foothills and one a diesel journey through Wensleydale. We also feature two great breweries from our base in Ilkley just below the famous Ilkley Moor. Don’t forget your hat!
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 11 October 2018
Fares From £455
HOTEL The Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley A lovely Victorian hotel with modern comforts and a warm welcome, with a lounge with log fire in which to relax in the evening. The Craiglands is just a short walk from the centre of the traditional Yorkshire market town of Ilkley and sits beneath Ilkley Moor, immortalized in Yorkshire’s unofficial ‘national anthem’.
★ ★ Enjoy Haworth in the heart of Brontë Country ★ ★ The first round’s on us at a Timothy Taylor pub in Keighley! ★ ★ Experience a tour, pie and a pint at Wharfedale Brewery ★ ★ Steam through the Dales on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Discover Ilkley from a hotel close to Betty’s and other attractions ★ ★ Steam to your heart’s content with a Keighley & Worth Valley Railway day rover
★ ★ Discover Wensleydale on board the preserved Wensleydale Railway ★ ★ Get a taste for Yorkshire at the Black Sheep Brewery
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
22
Scottish Steam, Rail & Ale Trail
Build up a head of steam, uncovering Scotland’s heritage from a different angle. Enjoy a day at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, soar above the canals by boat on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel and steam through the Highlands on the Strathspey Railway on a tour that also features the best of Scottish brewing.
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 18 October 2018
Fares From £565
HOTEL Stirling Highland Hotel
Just a short walk from Stirling Castle, the Highland Hotel is 4* and its restaurant boasts an AA Rosette. Its free car park allows you to drive to your holiday and join at tour base, should you wish, whereas the leisure club, including swimming pool, is a great place to relax. Built in the 19th century as the city’s High School, this historic building still houses a working observatory in its roof.
★ ★ Steam on the former Highland Railway with the Strathspey Steam Railway ★ ★ Marvel at the vistas as we travel by train to Aviemore ★ ★ Enjoy Highland ales at the Cairngorm Brewery
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage
★ ★ Enjoy a day at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway ★ ★ Soar 35 metres into the air by boat at the engineering masterpiece Falkirk Wheel ★ ★ Experience a tour and tasting at Harviestoun Brewery
★ ★ Scenic excursion on the recently opened Borders Railway
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
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Swanage Gala & Isle of Wight Steam, Beer & Buses
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!
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 11 October 2018
Fares From £495
HOTEL Travelodge Poole & Travelodge Newport Isle of Wight We have chosen Travelodge hotels as they offer affordable, good standard accommodation. The Poole hotel is close to the railway station, just a short walk away from the sea, whereas the Travelodge Newport Isle of Wight puts you at the centre of one of the island’s small towns. 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.
★ ★ 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
★ ★ Tour & Tasting at the Ringwood Brewery ★ ★ Dinner at the Inn on the Furlong ★ ★ Full Day Rover at the Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
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Roses Battle By Steam & The Worth Valley At 50
At the end of June the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway celebrates its 50th anniversary with a once-in-a-generation week of festivities of steam and diesel, with locos of all sizes, plus a recreation of the line’s inaugural running in 1967. We thought we would celebrate 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 opening the batting you are sure to come up smelling of roses!
8 DAYS
DEPARTS
Monday 25 June 2018
Fares From £895
★ ★ Go underground at Yorkshire’s National Coal Mining Museum ★ ★ Special charter, museum and loco shed tour at the Middleton 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
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.
★ ★ Skirt the Dales by Steam on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway ★ ★ Heritage diesel through scenic Heriot Country on the Wensleydale Railway ★ ★ Tour & Tasting at the Black Sheep Brewery ★ ★ Steam through the South Pennines on the Kirklees Light Railway
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Most of Yorkshire & Lancashire’s steam railways on one tour! ★ ★ Stay at Bradford’s iconic 4* Midland Hotel with dinner every evening ★ ★ Tickets included to two days at the Keighley & Worth Valley 50th Anniversary Gala
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
25
Northern Germany & Baltic Coast Maximum Steam
N E W T O U R
Enjoy a superbly relaxing summer steam tour as we meander across Northern Germany on a sojourn of discovery to enjoy the very best of the steam railways from town, countryside to seaside! A great Railtrail steam tour that has much to offer as a summer holiday for enthusiasts and partners alike. We feature an amazing variety of steam lines, a plethora of differing gauges, locomotives, and rolling stock. It is achieved in a relaxing style enabling everyone to unwind and enjoy themselves on a magnificent holiday.
11 DAYS
DEPARTS
Friday 29 June 2018
★ ★ Standard gauge steam Geesthachter Eisenbahn ★ ★ Steam boat cruise on the Alster ★ ★ The beautiful beaches of the Baltic coast
HOTELS Hotel Die Kleine Sonne, Rostock ★ ★ Private narrow-gauge steam charter at Mühlenstroth ★ ★ Standard gauge steam day on the 15 kms Angelner Dampfeisenbahn at Süderbrarup
Fares From £1795
This English speaking hotel is centrally located in the Hanseatic city of Rostock, less than a 10-minute walk from Rostock Harbour. All rooms at Die Kleine Sonne are non-smoking and feature a flat- screen TV, Wi-Fi internet and a private bathroom with shower. A rich breakfast buffet is available each morning. The cosy hotel bar has a table football table and serves a selection of snacks in the evenings. Numerous café and restaurants nearby including Mediterranean cuisine, wines and tapas are available at the Weinwirtschaft lounge in Located to the southeast of Hamburg in the charming suburb of Bergedorf with direct access to the city centre via the S-Bahn station. Combining maritime flair with premium comforts, the hotel features 203 modern guest rooms, an open-air restaurant with beer garden, and a wellness area with a fitness centre. All bedrooms are fitted with bathroom and shower, hairdryer, satellite TV, desk and mini-bar. Wifi available in the lobby. B&B Hotel, Osnabrück A modern, clean, budget style hotel. Located in a quiet area close to the staton. All rooms fitted with double glazing, desk, wardrobe, television, telephone, bathroom with shower, WC and washbasin. the hotel directly across the road. H4 Hotel, Hamburg Bergerdorf
★ ★ Vintage tram charter Rostock ★ ★ Visit to Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland (the World’s largest model railway) ★ ★ Mainline steam Stadthagen- Rinteln return ★ ★ Visit Osnabrück Railway Society depot ★ ★ Steam day on the Hasetalbahn
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Standard and narrow-gauge steam on Rügen Island ★ ★ Rover ticket on the Rasender Roland ★ ★ A full day of steam on the Molli with its renowned street running, plus private lineside photo bus
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
26
Meiningen Steam Festival & Much More
A wonderful steam holiday featuring a truly unique full day excursion travelling by mainline steam from Frankfurt to Meiningen for the annual Open Day at the last major steam works in Europe. Plus steam on heritage lines of various gauges. Meiningen will be awash with steam as visiting steam hauled excursions arrive from around the country to add to the locomotives in steam within the works giving footplate rides and photographic positioning - unique opportunity to enjoy what has been lost in the UK. Additionally, we enjoy heritage steam from Feldbahn to standard gauge with a vintage steam tram tour for good measure.
6 DAYS
DEPARTS
Wednesday 29 August 2018
Fares From £1375
HOTEL Maritim Hotel, Frankfurt Centrally located Frankfurt hotel featuring all non-smoking rooms complete with mini-bar, laptop sized safe, flat screen TV and free Wifi. The hotel has three restaurants, a lobby bar and café.
★ ★ 600 mm private steam charter Bad Orb - Wächtersbach ★ ★ Private visit to Darmstadt Steam Depot ★ ★ Standard gauge steam Bad Nauheim-Münzenberg ★ ★ Feldbahn ‘Old Timer’ Festival
★ ★ Full day mainline steam with Pacific haulage and heritage coaching stock ★ ★ Frankfurt Tram Museum ★ ★ Vintage steam tram charter
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ The unique Meiningen Works Steam Festival
Call 01538 382323 – to book or to request another Railtrail Tours 2018 brochure
27
World War I Centenary & Somme Steam Gala
N E W T O U R
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 almost a hundred years after the end of the war. Fittingly, our final visit is to the replica of the Armistice Carriage at Compiègne, a railway carriage in which the German surrender was made.
5 DAYS
DEPARTS
Thursday 27 September 2018
Fares From £795
HOTEL Hotel Campanile, Amiens A good quality, modern, hotel adjacent to the station complete with café, bar and restaurant. Spacious, light rooms have been designed to offer you a relaxed stay: courtesy tray with tea, coffee and biscuits, flat screen TV, direct telephone and Internet connection for your computer. Extensive local produce continental buffet breakfast with freshly baked bread and pastries.
★ ★ Tour of the WW1 trenches at Beaumont Hamel ★ ★ Remember the fallen at the poignant Thiepval Memorial to the Missing ★ ★ Visit the massive Lochnagar Crater ★ ★ End the tour at the Armistice Carriage in Compiègne ★ ★ Based at historic Amiens on the banks of the River Somme
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Froissy-Cappy-Dompièrre Steam Gala ★ ★ Full day at the superb Baie de Somme line ★ ★ Visit St Valery, a delightful Baie De Somme coastal resort
Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details, fares, e-brochures, and to book online
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