Ffestiniog Travel

Fully Escorted 40th Anniversary Tour

Proposed departure date 28th April, 2014

Ffestiniog Travel’s first ever tour was in October 1974 and, to celebrate our anniversary, we are planning something extra special for 2014 – a chance to go Around the World and with lots of extra trimmings! We are only in the early planning stages but an outline of the proposed itinerary is below. Not everybody will want to do the full tour so we are proposing to make it possible to join and leave the group at strategic points along the route. The “forty days” referred to in the title is therefore somewhat arbitrary and it is likely that the length of the holiday will be as little as 10 days or even as much as 50 days according to individual taste.

Below is the proposed day-by-day itinerary and indicates what meals are included on each day  B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner.

Day 1  Monday 28 April 2014

Our 40th Anniversary Tour begins in London, where we meet up at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel late afternoon.  An architectural masterpiece, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, has been frequently cited as one of London's most iconic landmarks. The former Midland Grand Hotel and Grade 1 listed, Victorian building has now re-opened, following a stunning restoration, as a 5-star hotel within the St Pancras International station. This evening we will enjoy our “Welcome Dinner” at the Gilbert Scott Brasserie and Bar. (D)

Day 2  Tuesday 29 April 2014

Morning departure from St. Pancras by Eurostar to Brussels in Standard Premier Class.  Time in Brussels for lunch before we journey in First Class on the ICE service to Frankfurt where we overnight at the Concorde Hotel, a 4-star hotel which has been beautifully restored in the heart of Frankfurt, steps away from the railway station. (B/D)

Day 3  Wednesday 30 April 2014

After a free morning, we make our way back to the railway station for our lunchtime departure to Vienna where we will be staying for the next 2 nights.  The Grand Hotel Wien is only a few steps from the world-famous Vienna State Opera in the very heart of the city and is famous for having been at the very hub of Viennese social life since the turn of the 20th Century. (B/D)

Day 4  Thuesday 1 May 2014

Your morning is free to explore this beautiful and historic city before we make our way this afternoon to the Schönbrunn Palace, Empress Sisi’s former summer residence, where you can stroll through the "Labrynth” and the magnificent grounds before we are taken on a Grand Tour of the Palace.  After our tour we will have dinner at the Café Residenz before finishing off a wonderful day in the magnificent Baroque Orangery where a musical performance by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra will take place. (B/D)

Day 5  Friday 2 May 2014

After breakfast we take a leisurely stroll to the Spanish Riding School where you will see the morning “Exercises” before joining a unique tour which will take you to the various stations of this special institution including - the Winter Riding School, a gem of baroque architecture; the Summer Riding School, one of the quietest and unexpected places in Vienna; the Stallburg, Vienna' s most significant Renaissance building; and the stables of the Lipizzaners. If our visit coincides with the school timetable, we will enjoy a gala performance where we can experience the spectacular perfection of the various "High School" lessons including the "pas de deux" and the "great school quadrille" which requires 8 stallions. Rest of the afternoon and early evening free before we transfer to the railway station for our 2-night rail journey to Moscow. (B/L)

Day 6  Saturday 3 May 2014

Onboard the train.  During the morning you will arrive at Warsaw, Poland, before continuing further East towards the Belarussian Border. (TBA)

Day 7  Sunday 4 May 2014

Morning arrival at Moscow Belorusskaya railway station.  On our arrival we will be met and taken on a 2-hour whirlwind bus tour of the city.  Moscow is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over 15 million people. The city has always loved to make an impression on its visitors with its Red Square, the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre and it now boasts the largest sports arena, the tallest building and the largest residential complex in Europe as well as the largest museum and the largest Orthodox Church dome in the world.  You will surely be impressed by wonderful panoramic views of the old town from different locations. The tour finishes at Vorobiev Hills - the highest point of Moscow with fascinating views of the city..  The Lotte Hotel is ideally located on the New Arbat, the financial and shopping center of Moscow, and just a stone’s throw away from the Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre. After dinner, which has been arranged at the hotel, we have a special treat when we visit the Bolshoi Theatre.  Depending on the schedule we will either be enjoying a night at the ballet or opera. (L/D)

Day 8  Monday 5 May 2014

Walking shoes at the ready!  Today, we will be walking the city as we follow our guide on our tour to see Red Square, the facades of the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM and Lenin's Tomb. We will get an insider's view of Moscow life by riding the Moscow subway and see a few of its most beautiful stations, go shopping for famous Moscow chocolate and vodka at the most elegant grocery store in the country, walk down some of the  Moscow's oldest streets and pedestrian alleys, where every step is steeped in history and art. Lunch will be taken at one of the many restaurants on route.  At the end of our walking tour, we will be met by our coach and taken on a tour of the city at night.  Moscow is a wonderful sight in the evening, when everything is lit up by the lights from the river, the main Tverskaya Avenue to the lively Pushkinskaia Square, as well as the city's buildings and monuments. You can hop off where you want and walk around the places. (B/L)

Day 9   Tuesday 6 May 2014    

Free day to roam around the city. Dinner will be served at the Lotte Hotel before we transfer to Yaroslavsky Station where we board the Irkutsk bound train.  On board facilities vary from train to train, but the basics are the same, with a restaurant car and bar where most of your travelling companions meet up during the day and evening to catch up on the day’s sights whilst we travel further East.  All meals during our journey are included. (B/D)

Day 10  Wednesday 7 May 2014

On board the Trans-Siberian train travelling through Kazan and Ekaterinburg. (B/L/D))

Day 11  Thursday 8 May 2014

On board the train onwards into Siberia itself, via Novosibirsk. (B/L/D))

Day 12  Friday 9 May 2014

On board the train across the River Enisei, at Krasnoyarsk. (L/B/D)

Day 13  Saturday 10 May 2014

Arrival in Irkutsk. A city founded by the Cossacks which is affectionately known as 'the Paris of Siberia'.  From here we will transfer to Listvyanka Village on the shore of Lake Baikal. (B/D)

DAY 14  Sunday 11 May 2014

Today we will be taken on a three hour trip to the Taltsy open air wooden museum on the shore of Lake Baikal.

This picturesque area shows how life was and has been sympathetically restored as a tourist attraction where you can ride Troikas and also buy authentic souvenirs. There is a tea house here also to refresh you after a busy morning sightseeing. We return by coach to the city of Irkutsk and a tour of the city. Dinner will be taken at a local hotel before a transfer to the railway station to continue our journey to Ulan Bataar. (B/D)

Day 15  Monday 12 May 2014

On board the train to Ulan Bataar. (B/L/D)

Day 16  Tuesday 13 May 2014

We arrive Ulan Bataar and transfer over to Terelj National Park.  Terelj National Park is famous for its unique granite rock formations, pristine alpine scenery and diverse flora and fauna. We stay for overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger (means "home") - a sturdy wood and felt tent. (B/D)

Day 17  Wednesday 14 May 2014

We will be met at our accommodation for a transfer to Ulan Bataar.  During the day we will have the opportunity to visit some wonderful places on the Ulan Bator city tour which includes a guided visit to the National History Museum. (B/L/D)

Day 18  Thursday 15 May 2014

Morning yransfer to the railway station to board the Beijing bound train. (B/L/D)

Day 19   Friday 16 May 2014

Early afternoon sees us arriving into Beijing Central Station at the end of our epic Trans-Siberian journey. A Chinese representative will meet us on arrival and assist with transferring to the ‘G’ class bullet train for our onward journey to Shanghai where we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel.  Our home in Shanghai will be at the Les Suites Orient Bund, a city centre retreat where dinner will be served. (B/D)

Day 20  Saturday 17 May 2014

We will be on a city tour this morning around the Bund and Nanjing Road.  The Bund is Shanghai's famous waterfront with modern skyscrapers and aged buildings of the colonial period then on to Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping street in Shanghai before we return to our hotel. Rest of the day and evening free to explore. (B/L)

Day 21  Sunday 18 May 2014

Full day excursion including a visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden and Xintiandi. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower provides the best views of Shanghai, located by the Huangpu River with a height of 468m and followed by a relaxing visit to the Yu Garden, a former private garden with a 400 year history, it features traditional architectural style of the Yangtze Delta. We end the day at Xintiandi, a pedestrian street composed of traditional street format of Shanghai Shikumen and modern development.  After dinner, we will transfer to the railway station for our overnight journey to Xi’an on the Z92 train. (B/L/D)

Day 22  Monday 19 May 2014

On our arrival in Xi’an, we will be met and taken for breakfast then on a morning tour of the city visiting the Provincial Museum, an impressive museum housing more than 370,000 pieces of historical relics.  After lunch at a local restaurant we will be taken to our hotel. We will be staying for the next 2 nights in the only luxury accommodation in Xi'an’s High-tech Industrial Development Zone, which is adjacent to the major multinational enterprises and entertainment and shopping zone. Many famous tourist attractions including the Terracotta Warriors and Xi'an ancient City Wall are also easy to be reached from the hotel. The splendid floor-length windows allow you to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the city and garden-like view of the hotel.  Rest of the day free. (B/L)

Day 23 Tuesday 20 May 2014

Today we visit the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Bell Tower and the Wild Goose Pagoda.  The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum is one of the most important archaeological finds in the 20th Century, with an army of terra-cotta warriors and the bronze chariots entombed in vast underground vaults at emperor Qin's tomb since 2200 year ago. The Bell Tower was first built in 1384, the largest and best preserved of its kind whilst the Wild Goose Pagoda is the city emblem, built in Tang Dynasty for the storage of Buddhist scriptures taken from India by Monk Xuanzang. Evening free to relax. (B/L)

Day 24 Wednesday 21 May 2014

After a relaxing morning we will take the express train to Beijing. On our arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel.  Just steps from the East Gate of the Summer Palace grounds, our hotel, the Aman at Summer Palace, is an ideal location from which to discover Beijing. Housed in a series of pavilions, some of which date back over a century and were originally used by guests of the Palace awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi, this is a serene retreat, with peaceful internal courtyards embracing traditional Chinese architecture, the property provides easy access to such cultural landmarks as the Great Wall, The Temple of Heaven and the hutongs, as well as Beijing’s restaurants, art galleries and other contemporary delights. (B)

Day 25 Thursday 22 May 2014

Full day trip visiting Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in the world; the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in China where 24 emperors' reigned during the Ming and Qing dynasties and  a history spanning around 600 years; the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design where the ancient emperors used to pray for he God's blessing of the whole nation.  Lunch has been included in our tour. (B/L)

Day 26  Friday 23 May 2014

Full day trip visiting the Great Wall, one of the great wonders of the world and the naitonal symbol of China, before continuing on our historical journey to the Ming Tomb, an underground palace for the Ming-dynasty emperors' afterlife and we end the tour at the Sacred Road, "the way leading to Heaven" which is guarded on both sides with 12 stone statues.  Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant. This evening we enjoy the famous Peking Duck Banquet dinner at a local restaurant before being transferred to the airport for our overnight flight to Vancouver, British Columbia. (B/L/D)

Day 26/27 Saturday 4 May - Friday 23 May 2014!!

We depart on our Air Canada flight at 01.50 this morning but due to a quirk of nature as we cross the International Date Line we go back in time and arrive Vancouver, British Columbia at 21.50 on Friday the 23rd May! We transfer over to the Fairmont Hotel, our hotel here in Vancouver. (B/L)

Day 27 Saturday 24 May 2014

Due to our unusual timetable, a day at leisure might be in order where you are free to join one of the many tours the city has to offer or just relax and take advantage of the hotel’s facilities. If you are thinking of exploring the city, you could purchase a ‘Hop on Hop off’ ticket which would take you on a London Double Decker Bus around the many sights of Vancouver.  This evening we visit the base of Grouse Mountain where North America's largest aerial tramway system will take you on a one mile journey high above the second growth forest and between the mountain peaks. The views are breathtaking of the city skyline, ships in the harbour, the glittering Strait of Georgia and far-off Vancouver Island. When you reach the top of the mountain plateau, 3,700ft (1,100m) above sea level, you will have two hours to explore, dine or just enjoy the fantastic view before we return to our hotel. (B)

Day 28  Sunday 25 May 2014

Today we visit Vancouver Island.  Our tour begins as we take the B.C. ferry for a 1.5-hour cruise to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival, we have a scenic drive through exclusive residential areas and parks on the way to downtown Victoria. You'll have free time to explore on your own. Some places that you will have time to visit while in Victoria are: the Royal British Columbia Museum, Miniture World, the Bug Zoo or the IMAX Museum. Before heading back to Vancouver, we’ll have the opportunity to visit to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. The public area of the Butchart Gardens covers 55 acres (22 hectares) and is one of the world's premier floral show gardens.  Return ferry back to the mainland for our last night in Vancouver. (B)

Day 29  Monday 26 May 2014

We transfer from our hotel to the Rocky Mountaineer station where we will travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Overnight in Kamloops. (B/L/D)

Day 30 Tuesday 27 May 2014

Our journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. We overnight at the Rimrock Resort, Banff.  Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park the Rimrock Resort offers some of the best views of the Canadian Rockies. (B)

Day 31  Wednesday 28 May 2014

Today we take a one-way private bus tour to Jasper from Banff which takes you through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and numerous glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada’s two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Sightseeing stops along this beautiful highway will include Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, the Columbia Ice fields, the Weeping Wall and Athabasca Falls. With your stop at the ice field centre you will have the option to take part in the Ice Explorer tour onto the Athabasca Glacier. Afternoon arrival at Jasper and board Via Rail’s 'Canadian' Train to Toronto.  Your onboard  accommodation will be in Sleeper Touring Class (originally called “Silver & Blue”) with private sleeping berths and all meals included. (B/D)

Day 32  Thursday 29 May 2014

Onboard the Canadian. We arrive in Edmonton late evening where the ‘Canadian’ has a scheduled stop before continuing eastwards overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 33  Friday 30 May 2014

Onboard train.  We continue further East as we travel across the Prairies, through Saskatoon and onwards to Winnipeg. Train staff will keep a lookout for wildlife and highlight points of interest along the way. (B/L/D)

Day 34  Saturday 31 May 2014

Morning arrival into Toronto. We transfer over to the Fairmont Royal York hotel located just across the street from Union Station, our home for the next 2 nights. Due to our early arrival, we will be taken on a morning tour of Toronto accompanied by a local guide. Highlights include Eaton Centre, old and new City Hall, Yorkville and the University of Toronto. The remainder of the day is free to explore. This evening we will dine at the CN Tower 360 Restaurant. (B/D)

Day 35  Sunday 1 June 2014

Depart Toronto on a day tour by road to Niagara Falls and the Niagara region. Our tour takes us through the breathtaking scenery of the orchard-laden Niagara Peninsula to Niagara Falls. You'll be served lunch at Niagara Falls, surrounded by panoramic views of the falls. After lunch, we take a trip on the legendary Maid of the Mist boat. On our return to Toronto we will stop at a local winery with wine tasting. Evening free to relax. (B/L)

Day 36  Monday 2 June 2014

We depart Toronto on the full day Maple Leaf service to New York’s Penn Station, arriving late evening.  Onboard Café Bar is available throughout the day for you to purchase snacks and light meals. Our hotel in New York will be the Lowell Hotel on the Upper East Side. (B)

Day 37  Tuesday 3 June 2014

Day at Leisure. Why not visit the Statue of Liberty or take a stroll around Central Park, but remember, New York is the city that never sleeps! (B)

Day 38  Wednesday 4 June 2014

Free day to explore the wonders of New York. Our evening ends with a “Farewell Dinner" at New York's only revolving rooftop restaurant and lounge.  With breathtaking views of many of the city's iconic landmarks, The View Restaurant is a fitting end to our 40th Birthday. (B/D)

Day 39  Thursday 5 June 2014

A free morning for those last minute gifts before we are transferred mid-afternoon to the airport for our flight back to the UK and our journey home. (B)

Day 40   Friday 6 June 2014

Arrive back in the UK early morning. 

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Please note that due to the advanced date, the itinerary might have some amendments before the final itinerary is confirmed.  We have tried to match schedules of trains based on 2013 departures and hope that no major changes are announced for the 2014 season. Accommodation will also be looked at in detail, but we think that the hotels mentioned within the itinerary have the best reviews based on 2012 Tripadvisor and Fodor’s Travel Guide. Centres without named accommodation will be advised at a later date once our ground agents have acquired contracts for 2014.

The approximate cost for the full itinerary is £15,000 per person sharing a twin/double room. As the itinerary has been based on costs and services during 2013 with adjustments to cover year on increases, we are hoping that the rates we will be given for 2014 will be similar or a little more favourable, which may lead to a lower tour cost.

Please contact Mrs Sheryl Vernon-Williams at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01766 772030 if you would like to join or depart the Anniversary Tour at the given points outlined within the itinerary.  An approximate cost will be given for the amended tour itinerary.