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Ffestiniog Travel launches 2013 Rail Holidays of the World

Sunday, 26 August 2012 16:32

New brochure adds several European itineraries alongside perennial train travel favourites

Specialist rail operator Ffestiniog Travel has launched its new Rail Holidays of the World 2013 brochure, packed with a tempting selection of escorted and tailor-made journeys across the globe. Holidays featured in the brochure are divided into three collections, offering something for every type of train traveller:

  • Grand Rail Tours - for those looking to explore the world by rail and enjoy a fulfilling mix of culture, leisure, like-minded company and comfortable accommodation during the journey.
  • Connoisseur Rail Tours - for those with a specific passion for railways who wish to indulge this enthusiasm within the framework of a refined and relaxing holiday.
  • Signature Rail Tours - provide the flexibility to travel anytime, anywhere in the world. Trips can be tailor-made for couples or groups who have a specific itinerary in mind, including accommodation and guided sightseeing en route, as well as all rail arrangements.

Ffestiniog Travel also offers Special Interest Tours, creating bespoke itineraries for organisations and clubs that reflect their hobby or activity, as well as a popular Ticketing service - for rail journeys across the UK and Europe – provided through its dedicated department, Myrailtrip (www.myrailtrip.co.uk).

Says Maria Cook, General Manager: “With almost 40 years’ experience in creating rail holidays for people with a passion for travel and trains, we really understand what our clients want. Whether it’s a short hop across the Channel for a European city break, a trip-of-a-lifetime to celebrate a special occasion or simply a return ticket to see friends and family in the UK or further afield, Ffestiniog Travel’s expert team is always on hand to help.”

“In an industry that’s increasingly fixated on economies of scale and moving large numbers of holidaymakers from A to B as cost-effectively as possible, we remain refreshingly down to earth and focused on the content and quality of our arrangements rather than the volume. Ffestiniog Travel is a small company with a boutique approach to creating holidays, backed up by an ATOL licence and financial protection guarantees that give clients complete reassurance when booking their holiday with us.”

New for 2013 are five Grand Rail Tours and three Connoisseur Rail Tours:

Grand Rail Tours

  • Featuring a breathtaking mix of some of the UK’s very best railway and coastal scenery, The Hebridean – Scottish Western Isles is an 11-day exploration of the Outer Hebrides. From £1,600 pp* departing 3 June 2013.
  • Discover a wealth of history against stunning natural backdrops on a 13-day Discover Bohemia itinerary that takes travellers from the medieval city of Prague to the lakes and forests of South Bohemia. From £1,665 pp* departing 28 September 2013.
  • An excursion to the Lascaux Caves, a cruise in a replica 18th century ‘garbares’ (traditional flat-bottomed boat) and a ride on the Truffadou Railway are among the highlights of the seven-day Castles in the Dordogne tour. From £1,095 pp* departing 11 September 2013.
  • Classic culture and stunning scenery combine on a 15-day Florence, Lake Garda and Swiss Alps itinerary that includes time in Florence, Siena, Lombardy, Venice and Montreux as well a journey on the Glacier Express. From £2,325 pp* departing 10 September 2013.
  • Follow the ‘Romantic Road’ from Würzburg in the north of Bavaria to Füssen in the south on a 15-day Bavaria and Austrian Tyrol tour that features many memorable railway experiences as well as a visit to ‘Mad’ King Ludwig’s Castle. From £1,850 pp* departing 4 September 2013.

Connoisseur Rail Tours

  • Timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the world’s first underground railway, the ten-day Behind the Scenes in London & the South East tour uncovers some of the hidden secrets of the capital’s transport system and travels behind the scenes at several steam railways in Kent. From £1,360 pp* departing 25 April 2013.
  • The 15-day Tramways of Germany tour samples some of the country’s finest tram networks, travelling on lines of three different gauges on a wide variety of vehicles, and to cities that include Brussels, Cologne, Manheim and Dresden. From £1,645 pp* departing 16 June 2013.
  • Visit wartime venues spanning almost nine centuries - from the Bayeux Tapestry of 1066 to the liberation of France at the end of World War Two - on the unique ten-day Railways and Wartime – Northern France itinerary. From £1,450 pp* departing 1 July.

The leading UK specialist operator to Romania, Ffestiniog Travel has added two new tours there for next year. Romania – Life as it used to be takes travellers back to a bygone age. This 13-night itinerary departs on 12 May 2013 and costs from £2,195 pp*. Or visit in autumn, when Romania’s forests and mountains are at their very best. Departing 19 October 2013, Romania’s Golden Colours features family-run home-stay accommodation, locally-grown produce and rural life during a 12-day tour that costs from £1,955 pp*.

2013 sees Ffestiniog Travel return to Spain and Japan after a break of several years. Departing 13 June, Green Hills of Spain and La Rhune is a 15-day holiday combining the spectacular northern coastline with visits to several of Spain’s vibrant cities, plus a short trip to south-western France (from £1,625 pp*). In the Far East, Japan – North to Hokkaido includes the world-famous Shinkansen Bullet Train and Banetsu Monogatari steam train, remote branch lines and much more. Departing 25 September, the price is from £5,187 pp*. Also making a welcome return is Indian Hill Railways, encompassing three exceptional railways that served the former British Hill Stations. Departing 10 February 2013, this holiday promises engineering excellence, fierce gradients and stunning scenery in equal measure. Price is from £4,350 pp*.

Back for 2013 by popular demand, too, is FR Behind the Scenes. A sell-out success in 2012, this five-day itinerary offers a unique insight into normally-unseen aspects of its sister company – the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Watch the locos being prepared, visit areas not usually open to the public and experience unforgettable journeys on both lines as well as a private ‘Behind the Scenes’ day trip on a special steam-hauled two-coach train. Departing 6 June & 12 October 2013, the price is from £595 pp*.

* Depending on the itinerary chosen, prices include rail travel and transfers, flights (non-UK tours), accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, excursions and the services of a tour leader throughout. All prices are based on two people sharing – single supplements apply.

For further information, or to request a copy of the new 2013 brochure, contact Ffestiniog Travel on 01766 772030 or visit the new website at www.ffestiniogtravel.com.

 

Enjoy Two-for-One Swiss Rail Passes with FFestiniog Travel

Tuesday, 28 February 2012 13:21

Rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel is pleased to announce that it will be offering two Swiss Saver Passes for the price of one, entitling travellers to unlimited journeys over four consecutive days on railways, boats and most alpine postbuses throughout Switzerland.

The offer applies to the four-day Swiss Saver Pass on departures from 1 April to 31 May and from 1 September to 30 November in 2012. A 50% saving is also being offered on all funicular and mountain railways, plus free entry to 400 museums in Switzerland.

The same two-for-one deal can be snapped up on the four-day Swiss Saver Flexi Pass, which allows travel dates to be selected individually, rather than over consecutive days. This pass is valid for one month and, even on the days it is not in full use, a 50% reduction is guaranteed.

Children aged six to 15 years accompanied by at least one parent, also travel for free with a Family Card. Prices start at just £157 for two second-class four-day Swiss Saver Passes (full price for two would be £314).

The four-day Swiss Saver Flexi Pass costs from £181 for two people (full price for two would be £362). The two-for-one offers apply to two people travelling together at all times. Ffestiniog Travel can tailor-make travel itineraries to suit individual requirements throughout Switzerland.

A four-night itinerary departing London St Pancras costs from £670 pp (two sharing) including return travel to Basel (via Eurostar), four nights’ B&B in the pretty lakeside town of Wilderswil and two second-class four-day Swiss passes. To book, call Ffestiniog Travel 01766 772030 or click here to find out more.

 

Mystery Shopper Praises Ffestiniog Travel Service

Monday, 14 November 2011 12:54

Ffestiniog Travel’s customer service when dealing with European Rail journeys has received high praise in a Eurostar Mystery Shopper Report run by RailFuture.

The Railway Development Society Ltd, campaigning as Railfuture, is an independent voluntary body for rail users which monitors and promotes the services of Eurostar and the new environmentally friendly journey opportunities they have introduced.

As part of their 2011 survey, run between June and September, they ran a Mystery Shopper exercise to see how well promoted the Eurostar service is elsewhere on the British rail network; how helpful and informative are the call centres that customers might phone; and how easy or helpful are the websites they might visit.

Here’s what they said about Ffestiniog Travel:

“Ffestiniog Travel – Fantastic! Helpful operator who took details and said she would email back as they were very busy.  Was able to offer prices and times of trains from Nottingham to both Paris and Interlaken. If required she could obtain Paris Visite Cards as well.

“Excellent service says our shopper as Ffestiniog would have rung back if the customer was not on email.”

Out of those who were contacted by the mystery shopper the report stated - “The only one-stop-shop using the telephone for tickets from the UK to all of Europe would seem to be Ffestiniog”

The report went on to view various websites and commented on Ffestiniog Travel; “Tells you to telephone them for information as they prefer to talk you through the options owing to the complexities of connections and station changes’

Maria Cook, General Manager at Ffestiniog Travel said; “We are delighted with this feedback as it shows that our commitment to direct customer service is appreciated.  Despite the increase in online travel booking systems people still like to talk to a person, especially when dealing with complex travel arrangements in the UK, Europe and even worldwide.

“We have a very dedicated team who are familiar with rail operators throughout the world and this knowledge enables them to plan a rail journey that fulfils a client’s expectation’.

For more information about Ffestiniog Travel's Rail Ticket Services click here

 

 

Ffestiniog Travel launches 2012 Rail Holidays of the World

Tuesday, 30 August 2011 13:22

Specialist rail operator Ffestiniog Travel has launched its new Rail Holidays of the World 2012 brochure, offering a unique selection of escorted and tailor-made train journeys across the globe.

A re-designed website, with refreshed content and an improved user-friendly format, is now live. To make choosing a rail holiday as easy as possible, the new look brochure and website divide Ffestiniog Travel's eclectic range of rail tours into three collections:

  • Grand Rail Tours for those looking to explore the world by rail and enjoy a fulfilling mix of culture, leisure, like-minded company and comfortable accommodation
  • Connoisseur Rail Tours that appeal to those with a specific passion for railways within the framework of a refined and relaxing holiday
  • Signature Rail Tours offering the flexibility to travel anytime, anywhere in the world. Trips can be tailor-made for couples or groups who have a specific rail itinerary in mind.

Says Maria Cook, General Manager: "At Ffestiniog Travel, we want our customers to enjoy discovering railways that are remarkable for their engineering and memorable for the landscapes through which they travel. From the little steam railway sensations of North Wales and the phenomenal railway feats through the Swiss Alps, to the colonial charms of India's Hill Stations, our new, revitalised 2012 programme offers something for everyone."

She adds: "With almost 40 years of experience as a specialist rail operator, our tried and tested tours offer just the right combination of travel, culture and leisure. As specialists in our field, we can fulfil almost any rail-themed request, whether it's a single ticket or a complicated rail itinerary anywhere in the world. We can source the fastest route, book high-speed trains, scenic routes, overnight sleepers and reserve couchettes or seats, all at the best available price."

New highlights for 2012 include:

Grand Rail Tours

  • The 18-day USA Canyons & Railways itinerary soaks up the remarkable landscape of Western USA, travelling on some of the nation's pioneering railroads, and discovering the raw beauty of its canyons, valleys, deserts and National Parks. San Francisco, Yosemite, and the Bryce and Grand Canyons are just some of the highlights. From £3,835 pp departing 6 September 2012.
  • The 16-day Balkans Revisited trip combines Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro with enticing rail journeys that really get under the skin of these lesser-known destinations. There's also a rare chance to experience one of Europe's most spectacular pieces of railway engineering on the renowned Šargan Eight. From £2,290 pp departing 11 May 2012.
  • The 12-day Orcadian – Scotland in the Summer tour offers a heady mix of spectacular rail travel, including the Jacobite steam train made famous by the Harry Potter films, a trip to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain on the funicular and excursions to Orkney, the Spey Valley and Fort William. From £1,530 pp departing 29 June 2012.

Connoisseur Rail Tours

  • The 20-day Argentina – from the Andes to Patagonia contrasts the majesty of the high Andes with the wilds of Patagonia on breathtaking rail journeys that make this an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. British-built historical railways including the 'Old Patagonian Express' feature and there's plenty of time to soak up vibrant Buenos Aires. From £6,250 pp departing 10 November 2012.
  • The 10-day Best of Benelux tour is rich in memorable rail interest, featuring steam, heritage and well-known scenic lines. This is a relaxing trip with time to savour the scenery, culture and cuisine of Belgium, Holland and the Duchy of Luxembourg. Rail enthusiasts will relish old favourites and new experiences. From £1,435 pp departing 7 September 2012.
  • The five-day Ffestiniog Railway 'Behind the Scenes' tour promises a unique insight to the world's oldest independent railway. This is an exclusive itinerary, only available through Ffestiniog Travel (sister company to the railway). The newly-completed Welsh Highland line also means that there is now 40 miles of scenery to enjoy. From £580 pp departing 19 May 2012.

All tours are escorted and include return air travel where applicable, train travel for the duration of the trip, accommodation with breakfast (two sharing), some meals and excursions depending on itinerary, and the services of a dedicated and knowledgeable tour leader. Free time is prioritised and excursions are carefully selected to enhance the overall experience.

For further information, or to request a copy of the new 2012 brochure, contact Ffestiniog Travel on 01766 772030 or click here.

 

Beat Brangelina at their own game...

Wednesday, 17 August 2011 15:42

Feeling a little envious of Brad and Angelina’s private train charter from London to Glasgow? Rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel’s eclectic new 2012 escorted tours offer a plethora of private train charters as follows, and they’re a far cry from the rumoured £40,000 a pop:

The India Hill Stations tour departing 12 February 2012

Capturing the nostalgia of rail travel in the days of the Raj, this magical tour of India includes travel on a chartered vintage rail car to Shimla, and private steam trains on the famous Darjeeling Railway and Nilgiri Rack Railway into the heart of the Blue Mountains. This 21-day tours costs from £4,250 pp.

The Sardinia tour departing 15 June 2012

Travel the length and breadth of this beautiful country entirely by private train (except the final journey between Mandas and Cagliari) and enjoy its culture and delicious cuisine. This 10-day tour costs from £2095 pp.

Les Petite Trains de France departing 7 September 2012

Make tracks on France’s collection of little trains that travel from the Somme to Nice. There’s a chance to run you own railway and drive your own private train on the Chemin de Fer de Vallée de l’Ouche. This 17-day itinerary costs from £2350 pp.

The Swiss Rail Adventure departing 14 September 2012

A new tour that whisks participants through the best of the Alpine scenery in the Swiss Alps and includes a two-hour private steam tram around Bern. This 15-day itinerary costs from £2285 pp.

Escorted tours are based on two sharing and include air (departing London) or rail travel to the destination, all train travel, hotel accommodation with breakfast, some excursions and the services of an experienced guide. Private trains are of course shared with the group, usually consisting of around 25 participants.

 


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To request a copy of the latest Rail Holidays of the World Brochure click here

Tel: 01766 772030

Email: info@ffestiniogtravel.co.uk