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Coastal rail journeys, vintage railroads and even a wine train!

Created: 07 February 2024
From a unique gourmet wine train experience through California's Napa Valley, steam-hauled journeys on vintage railroads to visiting Alcatraz – exactly 90 years since it became a prison - rail tour operator Ffestiniog Travel proves you can see more of a far-flung country within the timeframe of a 2-week holiday by plane then train. Its 15-day West Coast USA rail holiday journeys from Seattle to San Francisco on board Amtrak's Coast Starlight, following the Pacific coastline through Washington State, Oregon and California. The stunning scenery of the Cascade Ranges, Columbia River Gorge and Sacramento River contrasts perfectly with city sightseeing in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. Departing 9 June 2024 and priced at £4,535pp (two sharing) this tour includes return flights, all rail travel, excursions, B&B hotel accommodation and services of a tour leader. See the full itinerary here
 

10 of the Best Rail Journeys from 50 Years of Train Travel!

Created: 16 January 2024

Having spent the last 50 years travelling thousands of miles around the world by train, how do you choose your top ten rail journeys?

As part of rail tour operator Ffestiniog Travel's 50th anniversary celebrations, its founder Alan Heywood was invited to do just that.  Since leading his very first tour to Switzerland in 1974, Alan has escorted hundreds of rail travellers around the globe – and continues to do so at the age of 83! In 2024 he will once again return to Switzerland and lead tours to Romania, Georgia, Armenia and Slovenia!

With so many rail journeys to choose from, he has managed to select his top 10 personal favourites and briefly explains why:

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Beat the Crowds and visit Uzbekistan in early 2024!

Created: 10 January 2024
As the Central Asian state of Uzbekistan gains exposure as a leading tourist destination for 2024, rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel is advising travellers to go sooner rather than later! British passport holders do not need a Visa to enter Uzbekistan if the visit is less than 30 days and this easy accessibility to a country that boasts some of the most beautiful cities in Asia is proving an appealing factor among a growing number of tourists. Ffestiniog Travel escorted its first tour to Uzbekistan in 2017 and says now is the time to beat the future crowds and travel the old Silk Road experiencing Uzbekistan's fascinating history and culture within a small group led
by an experienced tour leader and expert local guide – Departs 19 April 2024 – full details here Uzbekistan and the Silk Road
 

Celebrating 50 Years of Rail Holidays where the Journey Began

Created: 27 December 2023

Rail Tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel will mark its milestone 50th anniversary year in 2024 with a special celebratory tour to Switzerland – the destination of its very first escorted tour in 1974 – complete with the original tour leaders!

The company’s founder Alan Heywood established the rail tour company while working as Traffic and Commercial Manager at the Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales. Through conversations with visitors to the heritage railway he realised there was a strong interest to travel further afield by train and experience scenic rail journeys around Europe.

In October 1974 Alan, now 83 years old, escorted his very first overseas tour to Switzerland, a destination he knew would appeal to those who enjoyed the railways of the Welsh Highlands! Such was the interest that a second tour had to be laid on to accommodate over 70 travellers!

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Ffestiniog Travellers Choose the Train to Resume their Wanderlust

Created: 05 December 2023
The younger climate-conscious generation may be driving the green agenda, but older travellers are also jumping on board, according to rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel – following a bumper booking year!

The small independent rail tour company provides a one-stop rail travel service for the over 50s, offering escorted rail tours, bespoke tailored rail holidays and supplies train tickets for independent travel across Europe and worldwide.

Details
 

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Why Choose Ffestiniog Travel?

  • UK's first rail tour operator to run an overseas escorted rail holiday in 1974
  • Created for people who love rail holidays and exploring the world’s heritage railways
  • Dedicated rail holiday specialist - great destinations, sightseeing and unparalled railway content
  • Train ticket supplier for worldwide rail operators - we can plan and arrange your rail journey to anywhere
  • Knowledge of the world’s rail routes makes us leading specialists in escorted and Tailor Made rail holidays
  • Over 60% of our existing rail tour travellers return to holiday with us year after year
  • Committed to supporting rail travel and heritage railways around the world
  • Our profits support the continued preservation of the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
  • Small, dedicated rail holiday travel team offering an award winning personal service

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