Ffestiniog Travel

Saturday 10 November to Thursday 29 November 2012

The majesty of the high Andes and wilds of Patagonia combined with amazing railway journeys make this a trip of a lifetime. This tour takes you on British built historical railways - each with a different gauge – including the astonishing 'Tren a las Nubes' from Salta and the 'Old Patagonian Express' line from Esquel. We are also making several mainline journeys on recently introduced long distance trains to Tucuman and Cordoba.

Day 1   Flight to Buenos Aires

We meet at London Heathrow for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2   Arrive in Argentina

We transfer to our hotel where dinner awaits us. One of the underground railway lines in Buenos Aires keeps its trains above ground in a former tram depot. The Transport Authority allows the Tramway Society to store and maintain its tram collection there. On Saturday and Sunday evenings the overhead wires are switched on and a variety of trams travel a 5km circuit, offering free rides to anyone interested.

Day 3   Depart by Train to Tucuman

A morning departure on the Ferrocentral train which takes us across the Pampa and deep into the Andean North West of Argentina. You will overnight in one of the train’s 2 berth sleepers and breakfast will be included. There is a restaurant car provided on the train.

Day 4   Onwards to Salta

We arrive in Salta mid-morning where our coach will be waiting to take us on a tour of the city, famed for its perpetual Spring-like weather and surrounded by verdant peaks. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure with dinner included this evening.

Day 5   Relaxing day in Salta including City Tour

Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Salta where we visit the Cathedral and the famous Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montaña which houses the bodies of three Inca children found frozen at the summit of Mount Llullaillaco.

Day 6   By train into the Andes

Today we take the 'Tren a las Nubes' train otherwise known as the 'Train to the Clouds'. A 217km journey which passes through 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags. The railway reaches a height of 4,200m above sea level and is one of the great railways of the world - you will be amazed by the striking scenery. The train offers meals on board and there are two stops en route - San Antonio de los Cobres station and La Polvorilla viaduct.

Day 7   Flight to Cordoba

This morning we fly to Cordoba, Argentina's second city, a fascinating mix of old and new. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner will be included this evening.

Day 8   Ride on the Tren de las Sierras

We transfer to the metre gauge Alta Cordoba station today where we join the historic Tren de las Sierras to Cosquin. This line is a re-opened part of the once extensive metre gauge Belgrano Railway and passes through fine mountain scenery - an excursion popular with the locals. We return to Cordoba in the afternoon.

Day 9   Join the El Rayo de Sol to Buenos Aires

Morning at leisure in Cordoba before our departure from the city’s splendid Mitre station on the 'El Rayo de Sol', where we again overnight in sleeper accommodation with breakfast included.

Day 10   Buenos Aires

With a morning arrival into Buenos Aires you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing in the comfort of our hotel.

Day 11   City Tour

A sightseeing tour of the principal sights of Buenos Aires is included today with lunch at Puerto Madero.

Day 12   Visit the Ferroclub Argentina

Today we visit the Museo Ferroviario at Remedios de Escalada, the shed and works serving Plaza Constitution station, which boasts the best selection of preserved engines in the country. Lunch will be included this afternoon.

Day 13   Free Day in Buenos Aires

A free day for shopping, further sightseeing or ride some of the suburban railways. The local railways include trains running on three different gauges and run on old British style signalling, stations and infrastructure.

Day 14   Flight to Viedma and Overnight Train to Bariloche

After our flight to Viedma, we will enjoy a city tour before departing on the Tren Patagonico with sleeper accommodation provided. We head due west towards the Andes. The train journeys 826 miles through varied landscapes as it crosses the Patagonian province of Black River joining the high peaks of the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 15   Arrival in Bariloche

We arrive into Bariloche early afternoon and transfer to our hotel. Bariloche, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, is known as the Switzerland of South America, with Andean peaks surrounding the town.

Day 16   Explore the Argentine Lake District

Today we head south through the Lake District arriving in El Bolsón in time for lunch. We travel through the Patagonian Steppe to Esquel where dinner awaits us. We are joined by Jorge Miglioli an expert on the Old Patagonian Express known as La Trochita. Jorge has published various works on the topic including ‘La Trochita – a journey through time and distance on the Old Patagonian Express’.

Day 17   Old Patagonian Express (La Trochita)

This morning we board our own steam hauled charter train to El Maitén on this most famous of narrow gauge railways. A restaurant car will be attached and several photo opportunities and run pasts will be provided. Our charter train will travel alongside the foothills of the Andes. At El Maitén we will visit the locomotive works and the remains of many of the 79 locos originally purchased for the line. Jorge will travel with us throughout the day and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. We return by road to Bariloche where dinner will be waiting for us in our hotel.

Day 18   Flight to Buenos Aires

We fly to Buenos Aires and overnight in our hotel.

Day 19   Homeward Bound

Transfer to the airport for our flight home.

Day 20   Arrival in London

Arrive London Heathrow.