Stop Press

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

Mountain escapes in the UK, Europe & India for late summer & autumn departures.

City breaks and beach escapes are all very well but, for a relaxing holiday away from the crowds, you can’t beat the mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery at a slower pace with an escorted tour from rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel, choosing from either a Connoisseur Tour(for those with a specific passion for railways) or a Grand Tour (for those with a general interest in exploring the world by train).

Avoid airport anxiety and keep your carbon footprint to a minimum with a relaxing stay at the famous Italianate Portmeirion Village, set alongside the beautiful North Wales coastline. From your four-star base, enjoy steam journeys and wonderful views on the world-famous Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, accompanied by an expert guide. Arriving 1 October, the Ffestiniog Railway & Portmeirion Luxury Break costs from £775 pp (two sharing), including half board at the Hotel Portmeirion, first class rail tickets and tour leader.

Aimed at the rail connoisseur, this ten-day holiday has the beautiful city of Salzburg, as its base. Explore its castles, palaces and UNESCO-listed old town and enjoy daily escorted excursions that include unique ‘behind the scenes’ access at a number of railways, private steam charters, guided tours, visits to the famous Krimml Waterfalls and Stiegl Brewery, and much more. Departing 13 August, Behind the Scenes in Salzburgerland costs from £1,685 pp (two sharing), including Eurostar and onward rail (via Cologne), nine nights’ hotel B&B (two in Cologne, seven in Salzburg), three lunches and tour leader.