New Rail Tours to Celebrate 50 Years of Train Travel

The small independent tour company has remained true to its railway roots, a sister company to the famous Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, based in North Wales, it is committed to remaining a ‘one stop’ specialist for escorted rail tours, Tailored Rail holidays and supplier of tickets for train travel across Europe and worldwide.

Alongside familiar tours and return visits to India, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, France, Spain, Romania, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Morocco travellers can also select from a number of new rail holidays including:

UK

Orcadian Odyssey – Departs 9 May 2024 – 15 days from £3,255pp

A new in-depth rail journey that takes you north from Glasgow to Orkney, with Royal Deeside sightseeing en route. Enjoy stays in Stromness and Kirkwall on Orkney, taking in the must-see highlights of this magical isle with a knowledgeable local guide. Visit the Castle of Mey and overnight in Inverness before returning south to Edinburgh. The price includes all rail, road and ferry travel, B&B hotel accommodation, five evening meals, excursions, services of a local Orkney guide and tour leader.

Rails, Trails & Tracks of the Mid Pennines – Departs 16 June 2024 – 6 days from £1,125pp

Spend a few transport-themed days in Brontë Country including behind the scenes access to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway KWVR). Journey on the Settle-Carlisle Railway, travel by vintage bus and learn more about the industrial history of the area. Price includes all rail travel, B&B hotel accommodation, guided tours, travel on the KWVR and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Scottish Islands & Highlands - Departs 6 September 2024 – 14 days from £3,195pp

A small group tour that travels through the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Meet local islanders and learn more about life on the isles - this holiday aims to be much more immersive than previous tours, using local guides to add depth and value. The price includes all rail, road and ferry travel, B&B hotel accommodation, local guides on several Isles, excursions, some evening meals and lunches and the services of a tour leader.

Europe

Tramways of Germany – Departs 12 May 2024 – 15 days from £2,450pp

A specialist rail and tram tour to Germany that provides a comprehensive exploration of its tram networks both small and large. Travel by train to destinations including Hannover, Bremen, Braunschweig, Berlin, Frankfurt am Oder, Cottbus, Erfurt, Jena and Leipzig and explore using historic and modern tram systems. The price includes all rail travel, transport cards to explore all destinations, B&B hotel accommodation and the services of a knowledgeable tour leader.

Northern France – Departs 19 June 2024 – 15 days from £2,895pp

Journey with Ffestiniog Travel through Northern France, a destination known for its history, cuisine and spectacular coastline. With stays in historic cities including Amiens, Rouen, Quimper and Nantes, excursions to rivers, coast and heritage railways there is something for everyone on this tour. The price includes all rail travel, excursions, B&B hotel accommodation, transfers and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Switzerland – Rails & Trails – Departs 11 June 2024 – 12 days from £2,995pp

This tour offers travellers the opportunity to enjoy Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery – by rail and on foot. With stays in Chur and Interlaken, the itinerary combines rail journeys with stops at various points in the Swiss Alps to enjoy some easy scenic walks. The price includes rail travel, a First Class Swiss Travel Pass, excursions, B&B hotel accommodation, a welcome dinner and services of a tour leader.

Trams & Trains of Austria - Departs 6 September 2024 – 11 days from £2,530pp

Journey via Innsbruck, over the border to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and on to Vienna and Frankfurt. Stunning scenic journeys by standard, narrow gauge, steam, cog railways, cable cars and extensive tram networks – combine panoramic mountain and lake views with metro city travel. Price includes an InterRail Global Pass, B&B hotel accommodation, travel card in Innsbruck and Vienna, excursions and the services of a tour leader throughout.

50^th Anniversary Celebration Tour to the Rhätischebahn – Departs 4 October 2024 – 8 days from £2,620pp

An opportunity to celebrate Ffestiniog Travel’s 50^th Anniversary by returning to the destination of its very first tour in October 1974 - travelling in first class! Ride a privately chartered steam train on the UNESCO Rhaetian Railway, tour the Landquart workshops and journey on the Glacier and Bernina Express trains. Led by original 1974 tour leaders – Alan Heywood and Liz Turner. The price includes First Class travel throughout, B&B hotel accommodation, excursions, some lunches and dinners and the services of two tour leaders.

Mountain Railways of Switzerland – Departs 11 September 2024 – 14 days from £3,475pp

Travellers can spend two weeks touring and ascending the famous peaks of the Swiss Alps – by train! A chance to experience stunning views as you reach mountain summits courtesy of Switzerland’s engineering excellence and gravity defying trains including First Class travel on the Glacier Express and journeys on steam and rack railways. The price includes rail travel and a First Class Swiss Pass, excursions, B&B hotel accommodation and services of a tour leader.

Worldwide

New Zealand Rail Adventure - Departs 9 February 2024 – 27 days from £8,750pp

A fabulous and epic 27-day rail tour that covers highlights of both North and South Islands of New Zealand including spectacular rail journeys, scenic sailings and the unique opportunity to self-drive a 'RailCruiser'! Truly a trip of a lifetime, enhanced by stopovers in Singapore and San Francisco. The price includes return flights in Economy Class, B&B hotel accommodation, sightseeing tour in Singapore, all rail, road and ferry travel (including steam journeys), excursions including Milford Sound, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and Rotorua’s famous geysers and mud pools and the services of a tour leader throughout.

West Coast USA - Departs 9 June 2024 – 15 days from £4,535pp

The enchanting coastal scenery of Northern California, Oregon and Washington State combine with the exciting cities of Seattle, Portland and San Francisco and some truly memorable rail journeys to make this a classic holiday. Travel by modern train along the scenic Pacific coast, ride historic railroads and enjoy a Napa Valley wine train dining experience. The price includes return flights in Economy Class, all rail travel, excursions, B&B hotel accommodation and services of a tour leader.

South American Rail Adventure – Departs 19 October 2024 – 25 days from £10,560pp

An incredible rail holiday that showcases the best of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Spectacular train journeys including the Tren a las Nubes, Tren de las Sierras, Expreso del Sur and Titicaca Train and the famed train to the wondrous Inca site of Machu Picchu. A great way to experience South America, mostly at ground level with only two internal flights. The price includes flights in Economy Class, all rail, road and boat travel, B&B hotel accommodation, six lunches, excursions, services of a tour leader and local English speaking guides.

Small & Traditional Tour Range

Slovenia – Departs 8 April 2024 – 10 days from £3,795pp

An in-depth visit to this beautiful country, travelling from the coastal villages on the Gulf of Venice through the high mountains of the north to the vineyards in the east. Includes the stunning rail line from Nova Gorica to Bled. Stay in village accommodation with locally produced food and wine. This tour is limited to just 15 people. The price includes flights in Economy Class, all rail and road travel, B&B accommodation in private hotels or guest houses, nine additional meals, excursions and the services of a tour leader and local professional guide.

Springtime in Georgia & Armenia – Departs 5 May 2024 – 12 days from £2,775pp

Visit two countries at the extremities of Europe and be rewarded with snow-clad mountains, meadows teeming with wildflowers and a rich and interesting history. Travel by rail and road and visit historic sites, amazing landscapes and stay in remote villages and enjoy friendly hospitality. The price for this small group tour (maximum 12 travellers) includes flights in Economy Class, all rail and road travel, B&B accommodation in hotels and guest houses with ensuite facilities, excursions and the services of a tour leader and local professional guides.

Rambling in Transylvania – Departs 5 May 2024 – 11 days from £2,825pp

This tour combines rail journeys with non-strenuous rambling through scenic Transylvania. Stay in family run homestay accommodation and explore on foot stunning mountain and forest scenery. This small group tour of a maximum of 12 people also visits Viscri where King Charles owns a small property. The price includes flights in Economy Class, rail and road travel, B&B accommodation in hotels and guest houses with en suite facilities, excursions and the services of a tour leader and local professional guide.

Maria Cook added; “We are looking forward to taking our travellers on rail routes to new and familiar destinations and using our expertise and research to add in some special holiday highlights including chartered steam journeys, excursions to railway museums and workshops and cultural landmarks as well as guided tours led by local experts. We look forward to a very special year of rail travel.”