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Swap February Grey for Snowy Alpine Railways

Created: 13 October 2026

Escape February's grey skies for ten days of snow, sunshine and spectacular Swiss rail travel. Ffestiniog Travel's Snow on the Alps, is an ideal introduction to Switzerland by train. Based in Chur and Thun, the escorted tour combines independent sightseeing with optional guided excursions, giving first-time rail travellers the reassurance of a group while leaving plenty of freedom to explore. The star attractions are journeys on the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway, the Bernina Express and Glacier Express, where winter landscapes unfold from the comfort of First Class. Travel over dramatic viaducts and through snow-covered valleys, with views towards glaciers and the high Alps - plus dinner in a heritage Rhaetian Railway dining car. Departing 9 February 2027, the price from £2,955pp includes return rail travel, First Class Swiss Travel Pass, B&B hotels, excursions, dining-car meal and UK tour leader – exceptional value.

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Thomas the Tank Engine Creator's Canadian Rail Adventure Rediscovered

Created: 06 October 2026

A piece of Ffestiniog Travel history has been brought to life in The Canadian Wonderland Tour 1980 Diary, a newly published account by Reverend W. Awdry, creator of The Thomas the Tank Engine Series, and his brother George. The previously unseen material records their 19-day rail journey across Canada, organised by rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel and led by founder Alan Heywood, described as their “trusty shepherd”. Scribbled diaries, photographs and memories capture what they called a “great trip” and offer a charming glimpse into the early days of international rail touring. Over four decades later, Ffestiniog Travel continues to explore Canada by rail. Eastern Canada in the Fall departs 6 October 2027 for 14 days, from £5,145pp, combining Montréal, Québec City, Toronto and Niagara Falls with VIA Rail, the Polar Bear Express to remote Moosonee and the spectacular Agawa Canyon autumn colours.

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Steam, History & Surprises: Discover Poland by Rail

Created: 29 September 2026

Discover Poland by rail on Ffestiniog Travel's new 14-day specialist tour, combining superb railway experiences with fascinating sightseeing, it offers a rewarding taste of a country that will surprise rail touring travellers. The highlight is a full day at the spectacular Wolsztyn Steam Locomotive Parade, featuring more than a dozen steam engines from across Europe, at Europe's last depot still operating regular steam passenger trains. Explore Poznan, Warsaw and Krakow by tram, visit two outstanding railway museums and Chabowka Rolling Stock Heritage Park, and discover the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine and historic Auschwitz. There is also a chartered vintage tram ride in Frankfurt an der Oder. Departing 29 April 2027, the price from £2,825pp includes rail travel from London, quality B&B hotels, excursions, public transport tickets, taxes and an experienced tour leader throughout – exceptional value.

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Southern Italy & Sicily – See More of Italy by Train

Created: 22 September 2026

Discover the spectacular south of Italy and Sicily on Ffestiniog Travel's 12-day escorted rail adventure. Fly from London to Naples before travelling by rail through Calabria and Sicily, combining scenic coastal routes, narrow-gauge railways and fascinating Roman and ancient sights. Explore the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius as a backdrop, before travelling south to Cosenza and experiencing the Calabrian railway to Catanzaro, including its impressive rack railway. Cross the Straits of Messina by train ferry, one of Europe's last passenger train ferries, then discover Taormina and Mount Etna. Ride the spectacular Circumetnea Railway around Etna before continuing to Syracuse and Palermo. Departing 11 May 2027, the price from £4,500pp includes flights, all rail travel, quality B&B hotels, excursions, transfers, taxes and gratuities, local guides and a UK tour leader throughout.

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Discover the World, Gently – Small & Traditional Tours for 2027

Created: 15 September 2026

For travellers who prefer authentic experiences over more crowded tourist hotspots, Ffestiniog Travel's Small & Traditional collection offers an inspiring alternative.

Created following the success of the company's pioneering tour to rural Romania in 2009, this specialist programme has grown steadily over the past 17 years to include some of Europe's and Asia's most fascinating emerging destinations.

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