The Complete Four Seasons Collection 2023-24

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

12 DAYS

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.

DAY 8 Crossing Wales northwards by coach, we call in at the Bala Lake Railway and the Llangollen Railway on our way to Llandudno where we stay for four nights at the superbly traditional Empire Hotel. (B,D) DAY 9 Our leisurely first day on the North Wales Coast includes a ride on the vintage tramcar to the summit of the Great Orme , offering magnificent views across the Irish Sea. We can enjoy free time to visit pier, shops, beautiful beach, and attractions. (B,D) DAY 10 Take traditional great railway journeys as we head along the beautiful Conwy Valley Line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here we board our narrow-gauge steam train on the world famous Ffestiniog Railway to travel to Porthmadog . After some free time, our journey continues on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarvon from where we transfer back to Llandudno. (B,D) DAY 11 Heading into Snowdonia, we take a steam train ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway followed, after a relaxing break, by a journey on the amazing Snowdon Mountain Railway. After enjoying this kaleidoscope of vistas, we return through the National Park and Conwy Valley to Llandudno. (B,D) DAY 12 A reluctant farewell to Llandudno and the lovely Empire Hotel sees us make our way to the station for our journeys homeward. (B) **Please note that we have based this itinerary on this year’s timetables for the many heritage railways featured.Where possible the excursions

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 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

DEPARTS

Thursday 28 September 2023

Fares From £1979

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST £ 2175 £2219 £2249 £2259 £2295 £2149 £2095 £2245 £2299 £2165 £2159 £2155 £2295

STANDARD

London: Out Paddington Return Euston

£2109 £2119 £2139 £2139 £2125 £2085 £2055 £2119 £2159 £2075 £2065 £2065 £2149 £1999

Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

Scotland

DAY 2 Our second day is spent exploring the scenic coastline by coach in a region known as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, including a visit to cathedral city of St David’s , the smallest city in the UK and the resting place of St David, for which the city is bestowed the title of ecclesiastical capital of Wales. (B,D) DAY 3 Today we travel to train to the picturesque seaside resort of Tenby and have a free day to admire fantastic views of Caldey Island, stroll around the pretty cobbled streets or simply enjoy the beach and harbour area. (B,D) DAY 4 This morning we journey on the Teifi Railway, a small narrow-gauge railway built by volunteers along a former Great Western Railway branch line. Afterwards, we enjoy a visit to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, a beautiful mix of modern and historic gardens and home of the world’s largest single-span glass house. Finally, transferring to Llandeilo, we join the Heart of Wales Line, one of Britain’s prettiest rural routes, travelling through tranquil scenery en route to Llandrindod Wells for our four nights stay at the Hotel Metropole. (B,D)

DAY 5 A short transfer to Devil’s Bridge allows us to join the Vale of Rheidol Railway , one of the Great Little Trains of Wales. Running to the Cambrian coast, see the countryside change as we travel through rugged mountain scenery, woodland, and wide open fields to Aberystwyth , where there is free time to take lunch before our return journey. (B,D) DAY 6 Today we depart Llandrindod by coach to Newtown, sampling the Cambrian Line, a different route to coastal Cardigan Bay for a journey special to anyone with an interest in railway heritage. The Talyllyn Railway runs for seven miles from Tywyn to Nant Gwernol through the Fathew Valley, passing Dolgoch Falls. Opened in 1865 to carry slate, the railway fell on hard times in the early 1950s.A team of pioneering enthusiasts took over the running of the line and built the world’s first preserved railway. (B,D) DAY 7 Our adventure continues to Pant for a journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway . Formerly part of the Brecon & Merthyr Railway, the line passes the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir on its way to Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons. (B,D)

Join & Leave at Hotels

£20 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Single Room Supplement £250

*Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 11 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

will be steam, although occasionally we may book diesel trains instead if steam trains are not in operation. We may have to juggle one or two of the days to make the itinerary work with the heritage railways once their timetables are announced.

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

DAY 1 We arrive in Carmarthen and transfer the short distance to the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, our base for the next three nights. (D)

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