A Holiday Brochure That Breathes Optimism Back Into Train Travel

'Plane then Train' tours enable travellers to see more of a country at ground level - making the long flight worth it – Ffestiniog Travel's 2023 worldwide escorted tours guarantee unforgettable rail journeys through incredible scenery alongside cultural discoveries:

Canada in the Snow - Departs 5 February 2023 - 11 Days from £4,070pp

This tour takes you on a journey through a 'winter wonderland' as you traverse Canada's majestic snow-peaked Rockies, frozen prairies and glistening lakes in the warmth and comfort of the famous 'Canadian' train. Explore the vibrant cities Toronto and Vancouver and enjoy the opportunity to visit an icy Niagara Falls. The price includes all flights, rail travel, hotel accommodation, transfers and services of a tour leader throughout.

Indian Hill Railways - Departs 12 February 2023 - 19 days from £6,250pp

After a 3-year hiatus Ffestiniog Travel returns to riding India's astounding former Hill Station railways - Darjeeling Himalayan, Kalka Shimla and Nilgiri – the exact rail tour the company first ran 20 years ago. This annual tour travels through fabulous scenery on railway routes that include engineering feats that almost defy gravity. A wonderful way to tour India - from the Himalayan town of Darjeeling, the capital, Delhi to the Blue Mountains in the South. The price includes all flights, rail travel, excursions, hotel B&B accommodation, some lunches and dinners and the services of a tour leader throughout

Sri Lanka by Rail - Departs 4 March 2023 - 12 days from £5,785pp

See the beautiful country of Sri Lanka on board the wonderful Viceroy Special train that takes you on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, through diverse landscapes, climate, geographical elevations and mist clad mountains, valleys and waterfalls - a visually breathtaking experience. Enjoy chartered train journeys, a private T1 Railcar ride, jeep safari and UNESCO World Heritage Site excursions. The price includes flights, rail travel, excursions, hotel B&B accommodation, some lunches, welcome dinner and services of a tour leader throughout.

Japan – Trains & Cherry Blossom – Departs 28 March 2023 – 19 days from £7,575pp

A comprehensive tour embracing many of Japan's most famous destinations at the best time of year – cherry blossom time. Ride fast and slow trains, both modern and historic, whilst exploring shrines, temples and beautiful ornate gardens. A first class 14-day Japan Pass provides the gateway to extensive travel to see the most of this culturally interesting country. The price includes flights, all rail travel, excursions, hotel B&B accommodation, some dinners and the services of a tour leader throughout.

The Best of Colorado - Departs 15 June 2023 – 11 days from £4,900pp

This holiday includes the definitive selection of the very best and most famous railroads of Colorado that run through magnificent Rocky Mountain and 'Big Sky' scenery. Travel on the Georgetown Loop, Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge, Leadville, Colorado and Southern, Durango and Silverton and Cumbres and Toltec Railroads and experience a touch of the 'Old West'. The price includes flights, all rail travel, use of a private coach, hotel accommodation, some lunches and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Kyrgyzstan – Mountains, Lakes & Nomads – Departs 6 July 2023 – 11 days from £2,615pp

This tour takes you to the most remote destination in Ffestiniog Travel's tour portfolio. Travel by train from the capital Bishkek to Lake Issyk Kul, then drive through the mountains bordering China and along the old Silk Road encountering nomadic farmers with their sheep, horses and cattle along the way. The ultimate away-from-it-all adventure that gives a small group tour a first-hand chance to understand a centuries old way of life. Price includes flights, rail and private coach travel, accommodation, all lunches and evening meals and the services of a tour leader and professional Kyrgyz guide throughout.

Jordan – Steam, Petra & the Dead Sea - Departs 9 October 2023 – 9 days from £3,195pp

A wonderful opportunity to enjoy chartered steam trains on the two last remaining sections of the Hejaz Railway that are still open – journeys that deliver dramatic desert scenery. You can also experience the ancient wonders of Petra, Jerash and Madaba. Overnight in the desert and enjoy leisure time at the Dead Sea. Price includes flights, rail travel, excursions, transfers, half-board hotel accommodation and the services of a tour leader and professional local guide throughout.

The Very Best of Australia – Departs 5 November 2023 – 24 days from £7,945pp

An amazing rail adventure and holiday of a lifetime as you travel through diverse scenery and enjoy vibrant city culture. Travel on the famous “Ghan” train from Darwin to Adelaide before heading to Melbourne for a ride on the Puffing Billy Railway and then on to Sydney before travelling north by train to Brisbane and tropical Cairns to ride the scenic Kuranda Railway and visit the Great Barrier Reef. Free time to explore Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney with stopovers in Singapore and Bangkok that include sightseeing excursions. The price includes flights, all rail travel in first class, B&B hotel accommodation, excursions and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Ffestiniog Travel will also be running many of its popular UK and European tours to destinations in Scotland, Wales, Germany, France, Switzerland, Romania, Montenegro, Norway, Ireland, Spain and Italy – new tours to the Continent in 2023 include:

Greece – Mountains & Myths – Departs 3 May 2023 – 13 days from £3,175pp

This is a small group tour that journeys through mainland Greece in a true 'small & traditional' style, as it includes stays in rural village accommodation. Excursions include visits to the ancient Greek sites of Delphi, Olympia and the Meteora Monasteries as well as some scenic rail travel. Price includes flights, rail and private coach travel, hotel accommodation in Thessaloniki and Athens plus stays in rural homestay guest houses, excursions, all breakfasts and several meals and the services of a tour leader and local Greek guide throughout.

Southern Italy & Sicily – Departs 9 May 2023 – 13 days from £2,965pp

A long-awaited return to Southern Italy and Sicily in an updated itinerary that takes in railways, dramatic scenery and ancient sites. This rail holiday combines narrow gauge lines and great coastal train journeys with some stunning sightseeing. Time to explore the historic sites of Pompeii and Siricusa, ride the Circumetnea Railway and climb Mount Etna. The price includes flights, all train travel, hotel B&B accommodation, excursions and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Lindau & Lake Constance – Departs 4 September 2023 – 9 days from £1,725pp

Based in Lindau on the German shore of Lake Constance, this one-destination trip is a great introduction to holidaying by rail. It includes daily rail excursions to nearby places of interest including Innsbruck (Austrian Tyrol), Obertsdorf (German ski resort in the Allgäu), the Appenzell region of Switzerland plus a circumnavigation of Lake Constance itself by train and boat. The price includes all rail travel, hotel B&B accommodation, excursions, free travel from home station to London on outbound and return tour dates and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Maria Cook added; “As a small independent tour operator we are delighted to offer up to 40 escorted tours in our 2023 programme. Most, particularly the long-haul tours, have just one departure date which on the one-hand means places will be limited (further encouragement to book early), but on the other hand these tours are confirmed well in advance and dates of travel never change giving customers the confidence to plan and book with assurance. Places can be secured with a small deposit at the point of booking – fully and quickly refundable if we are forced to cancel a tour.”