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Still a relatively undiscovered travel treasure, Taiwan offers spectacular scenery, fascinating history and exotic cultural experiences, as well as plenty of rail content for the train connoisseur. This 16-day tour features a chartered steam journey on the famous Alishan Forest Railway, private charters at former sugar mills, memorable rides along historical branch lines and the coast, plus sightseeing in Taipei, Tainan and Kaohsiung City. Taiwan Rail Adventure costs from £3,870 pp (two sharing), including flights (London), B&B, three lunches, six dinners, excursions as per the itinerary, UK tour leader and local English-speaking guide. Departs 14 Feb. 2020.

Held monthly, on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, to celebrate the full moon, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is a magical evening of colour, light and tradition. Experience its mesmerising atmosphere as part of a 20-day South East Asia odyssey that combines the cultural highlights, ancient history and renowned hospitality of two of the region’s most fascinating countries. Departing 29 February 2020, Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong Delta costs from £3,490 pp (two sharing), including flights (London), B&B, all rail & road travel, ten lunches, four dinners, excursions, UK tour leader and local English-speaking guides.

Ffestiniog Travel launches its 2020 collection of worldwide rail holidays, from the Far East, Jordan and far-flung Kyrgyzstan to short-haul European tours. The rail tour operator visits Taiwan and Jordan for the first time guides travellers on an 11-day itinerary exploring Kyrgyzstan, the most remote and untouched destination that the rail specialist has offered in its 45-year history. These tempting trips are joined in the latest Rail Holidays of the World collection by a new wine-themed tour of Romania, a cultural exploration of Armenia, and rail-themed visits to delightful parts of Germany, Italy and France.

Summer holidays are all very well but nothing guarantees a warm glow more than having an autumn escape in the diary. Tick India’s Golden Triangle off the bucket list on this 19-day tour that takes in rail journeys on the spectacular Kangra Valley and Kalka Shimla Railways (part of which is by private steam charter), sightseeing in Agra, Amritsar, Dharamsala, Delhi and Jaipur, and wildlife-spotting during three safaris in Ranthambore National Park. Departing 28 October, the price is from £4,795 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), B&B, 15 lunches & seven dinners, all rail journeys & excursions, and UK tour leader