Ffestiniog Travel

Named ‘2013 European Green Capital’ thanks to its sustainable transport policy and enviable CO2 emissions, the French city of Nantes also has lots going for it as a short break destination. Prettily situated on the Loire River and close to France’s spectacular Atlantic Coast, it’s easily reached by train (of course) for a three-day sojourn. Price is from £362 pp (two sharing) including return travel by Eurostar and TGV (via Lille), two nights’ B&B in a four-star hotel and a 24-hour public transport ticket, to explore the city when you get there. 

As the UK becomes ever-more frenetic, imagine travelling back to a bygone age, when farmers worked their fields with horses and drew water from picture-postcard wells. Rural Romania is one of Europe’s last places to do just this; especially enjoyable on an escorted tour. Departing 12 May, ‘Romania – Life as it used to be’ costs £2,195 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), first-class rail travel within Romania (where available), 12 nights’ B&B, some lunches/dinners, transfers and the services of a tour leader from London, plus professional local guide. Click on Romania - Life as it Used to Be for a full itinerary.

Fans of the sweet stuff need look no further for an Easter short break than Bruges. So renowned is the canal-side city for its chocolate that there’s even a museum dedicated entirely to it (with lots of free samples!) as well as plenty of atmospheric cafés and pretty shops selling all manner of chocolate treats. A four-night trip over Easter costs from £420 pp (two sharing) including return Eurostar to Brussels, onward rail travel to/from Bruges and four nights’ B&B in a centrally-situated hotel. 

Seattle, San Francisco and some of North America’s most memorable rail experiences are among the highlights of a two-week West Coast USA trip that’ll tick all the boxes for train travel fans. As well as city, coast and countryside sightseeing, the tour features an overnight journey on Amtrak’s ‘Coast Starlight’, a gourmet meal on the Napa Valley Wine Train, a ride through redwood forests on the ‘Skunk Train’, and much more. Price of £2,895 pp (two sharing) includes flights (London), transfers, accommodation, some meals and a tour leader throughout. Departs 11 June. See West Coast USA tour page for full itinerary.