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Relaxing short-haul rail escapes in May & June to Romania, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and more. With the clocks going forward this Sunday and long light days on their way, what better time to book a Spring escape? Rail holiday specialist Ffestiniog Travel (www.ffestiniogtravel.com) offers four relaxing short-haul itineraries created to make the very most of this delightful time of year…

If unforgettable railway experiences and enchanting scenery rank high on your summer holiday wish list, then this is the trip for you. Exploring the narrow gauge lines from the Bohemian Czech town of Jindrichuv Hradec to Nova Bystrice and Obratan, this 14-day tour also visits lines in Austria and Germany, takes a paddle steamer cruise on the River Elbe, and more. Departing 6 June, the price is from £1,960 pp (two sharing), including rail travel to/from London, Eurostar to/from Cologne via Brussels, 15-day Global InterRail pass, 13 nights’ B&B, transfers & excursions, Dresden public transport ticket and UK tour leader.

To mark World Poetry Day on 21 March 2019 why not pay homage to the life and work of Wales’ great poet, Dylan Thomas? This tailor-made itinerary visits his home town, Swansea, where you’ll spend two nights in the house where he was born, as well as his regular drinking spot, Browns Hotel, and the famous boat house in Laugharne where he spent his final years. There’s time to soak up superb Welsh scenery, too, during journeys on the Heart of Wales and Cambrian Lines, and on the Vale of Rheidol Railway. Departing 20 March (note this trip can be booked at any time of the year), the price is from £455 pp (two sharing), including four nights’ B&B, rail travel (from Swansea) and excursions.

Gastronomy, Gardens and a Floating Hotel! Renowned for its foodie culture yet still relatively under the radar as a European short break destination, Rotterdam’s a great choice for an Easter break. Enjoy a five-night stay on board the ss Rotterdam (former flagship of the HollandAmerica line, now a four-star hotel) as well a ‘Bike & Bite’ tour of the city (combining cycling with delicious snack stops), a ‘Super Combo’ tour with the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens and Euromast Tower, plus a cruise of Spido Harbour amongst its highlights, and a day trip to Amsterdam. Departing 18 April, the price from £855 pp (two sharing), including direct Eurostar from London, B&B and excursions.