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Ffestiniog Travel launches 2012 Rail Holidays of the World
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.
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Beat Brangelina at their own game...
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.
Antipodean anticipation: start saving for the ride of your life
Rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel introduces incredible rail journeys across Australia and New Zealand
Journeying to the other side of the earth can’t be undertaken lightly because it usually involves saving – both time and money. With Ffestiniog Travel, you pay only a £200 deposit and have several months to plan....and get excited.
The Antipodean Tour (11 February to 3 March 2012)
The ultimate holiday to Australia and New Zealand, combining the best rail journeys in both countries: across Australia on The Ghan with the comforts of a Gold Service sleeper; the legendary 'Puffing Billy' steam railway through the Dandenong Ranges; the 'TranzCoastal' past the Kaikoura mountain ranges bound for Christchurch; and the 'TranzAlpine' (recognised as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys) following spectacular gorges and river valleys up to Arthurs Pass, and lush beech rain forest down to Greymouth. And there’s plenty of time to relax and explore between tracks. Soak up Singapore, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Sydney and Hong Kong. And in New Zealand visit Auckland, the Agrodome Sheep Show and the fascinating Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves by underground boat.
The 22-day tour costs £5,680 pp (two sharing) including international flights (into Singapore, back from Hong Kong), First Class rail travel in Australia, quality hotel accommodation with breakfast, some meals, transfers, excursions, expert guiding and visa.
The Legendary Ghan (11-25 February 2012)
Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route, The Ghan – a luxury, shining silver, air-conditioned train - takes you on an epic 2,979 km journey from one edge of Australia to the other, from Darwin to Adelaide. There is simply no better way to experience the Outback. Sightsee in Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Hong Kong; enjoy a tour of Alice Springs including the headquarters of the Flying Doctor Service; chill out in elegant Adelaide’s Glenelg beach resort; and go loco on ‘Puffing Billy’.
The 15-day tour costs £4,335 pp (two sharing) including international flights (into Singapore, back from Hong Kong), Gold Class rail travel and all meals on The Ghan, quality hotel accommodation with breakfast, transfers, excursions, expert guiding and visa.
Get on track for this year’s Christmas Markets with Ffestiniog Travel
Rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel has published its 2011 escorted Christmas market tours. Featuring a number of atmospheric and lesser-known markets in Europe, each trip is rail themed and designed to allow as much free time as possible – perfect for perusing those markets or exploring the local area by train.
Choose from the following festive tours in the run-up to Christmas:
Three Countries Christmas Markets – from £540 pp
Take the train to not one, but three Christmas markets this December. Gastronomic goodies aplenty will be found in Liege – its central square and the neighbouring Place du Marché stage one of Belgium's biggest Christmas markets, and at Cologne enjoy no less than seven markets and the city’s famous Gothic cathedral backdrop. Finally, cross the Dutch border to picturesque Valkenburg, the largest subterranean Christmas market in Europe where you can enjoy a festive drink in a Roman cave. Departing 9 December, this four-night tour costs from £540 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar from London, all rail travel and B&B hotel accommodation.
Christmas Market Bamberg – from £985 pp
Make scenic tracks to the World Heritage city of Bamberg. Famed for its unique nativity trail, it’s possible to see more than 400 diverse nativity scenes dotted throughout this historical city. Packed full of festive goodies, the atmospheric market is held in the heart of the old town. Retail therapy aside, there’s also a chance to visit a steam locomotive works in nearby Meiningen and a railway museum in Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg. The numerous markets in Cologne await on the return journey. Departing 1 December, this seven-night tour costs £985 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar from London, all rail travel and B&B hotel accommodation.
A Viennese Christmas – from £1,550 pp
Spend Christmas Day on the picturesque Semmering Pass, the oldest mountain railway in Europe. It’ll certainly be one to remember, and there will even be a ‘Mozart dinner’ at the Piaristen Keller in Vienna, a 300-year-old converted monastery, to round off the celebrations. A private tour of St Stephens Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse and Schӧnbrunn Palace also features. Departing 22 December, this six-night tour costs £1,550 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar from London, all rail travel, some meals and B&B hotel accommodation. A gala meal on Christmas Eve and an operetta on Boxing Day are also included.
To book, visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com or call Ffestiniog Travel – Unforgettable Rail Journeys on 01766 772030 for more information.
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