Private Group Tours

Ffestiniog Travel provide travel expertise for numerous interest and travel groups or families who wish to pursue their hobbies and activities further afield or visit a particular country, event or railway. Numbers can range from a personal family holiday to small private groups of just 5 to up to 30 or more depending on destination. As an escorted tour operator we regularly deal with groups of travellers requiring block bookings on trains, planes and at hotels to destinations around the world. We have a very busy rail and flight Ticket Only department which allows us to create tailor made tours for families and groups of all sizes who want to plan their own route, sightseeing venues and departure dates. We can also provide a tour leader if required (subject to size of group).

The train is a great way for families and private groups to travel through Europe. We can arrange reserved seating, allowing travellers and groups to travel in a safe and comfortable, sociable atmosphere whilst sitting back and admiring the views. A major benefit of group travel is the ability to arrange private charters for day excursions where possible. Private tours for families and groups offer the option of creating a travel 'bubble' which, during the current COVID crisis, may appeal to travellers keen to holiday together.

We have particular specialism in arranging holidays for rail enthusiasts who want to explore heritage railways around the world. We also provide a service to wider special interest groups, arranging travel and accommodation for organisations such as geology and music groups, gardening clubs, history and art societies. Most private groups have their own tour guides who are experts in their field of interest.

If you organise group excursions for special interest groups, organisations and educational institutions or would like to arrange a family holiday please do contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01766 512400 to discuss your requirements.

Here are examples of tours we have arranged for groups:

Train Across Norway’s Arctic Circle

The Dorvefjell in NorwayMultiple dates

Norway is a wonderful place to visit - in the cold or the warm! It's scenery and landscapes are stunning and its railway network allows families and private groups to enjoy the view and the journey as you travel across mountain plateaus and through valleys as far north as the Arctic Circle. Consider a trip to Norway which also has an interesting history, culture and city scene worth exploring.

Details
 

Amsterdam Direct

Eurostar - © Rail EuropeMultiple dates

Amsterdam is the perfect location for a European short break for a family or private group, and now thanks to the introduction of the new direct Eurostar service the Dutch capital is closer than you think. Explore the city’s elaborate canal system and artistic heritage on this short 3-night break and enjoy a journey back in time on the Hoorn to Medemblik Railway and a visit to the Netherland’s National Railway Museum.

Details
 

Bonn & the Rhine in Flames

Rhine in Flames fireworks - © Suman4th/shutterstockMultiple dates

A rail tour offers a great group getaway to many destinations in Europe. The holiday begins as soon as you board Eurostar - sit back and enjoy the journey with fellow travellers to your chosen Continental city. We have created a relaxing 5-day rail break to Bonn, a charming city straddling the Rhine. This is a perfect short group trip, especially for first time rail holidaymakers. Bonn is one of Germany’s oldest cities and has a rich history, including a period as the temporary capital of West Germany. Why not visit at the high point of the cultural calendar for the ‘Rhein in Flammen’ festival when you can expect great rail journeys, river cruises and fireworks!!

Details
 

North of England & Scotland

Keighley and Worth Valley RailwayMultiple dates

A comprehensive tour of the wonderful railways of the North of England and Scotland. Enjoy the wild and scenic part of the North and Scotland courtesy of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, West Highland Line and the Kyle of Lochalsh Line.

Details
 

Dresden Steam Festival

Abend - © Dr. Christof SchröflFestival scheduled for October 2021

The Dresden Steam Festival is an ideal event for a family or private group who are rail and steam enthusiasts. If you are a member of a railway society or group, consider taking the train to Dresden to enjoy its annual Steam Festival. We run an escorted tour to the festival each year for individuals, but we can also arrange a dedicated private tour for your family or group. Below is an itinerary of our escorted tour which can be adapted to suit your needs. If you wish to attend the festival only we can arrange all travel and accommodation for the duration of the event.

Details
 

Mallorca Narrow Gauge

Palma's Gothic CathedralMultiple dates

We have been escorting travellers to Mallorca for the past 10 years and have created a popular tour that allows visitors to explore this beautiful Mediterranean island using its wonderful narrow gauge railway network. It provides the basis for a fabulous family or private group tour enabling travellers to discover the stunning scenery, culture and hospitality that this Balearic island has to offer. The itinerary below gives an idea of what can be covered over a six day break, but it can be adapted to suit an individual group's interests and expectations. Contact us direct at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss options.

Details
 

See the Republic of Ireland by Train

Slea Head, Dingle PeninsulaMultiple dates

How would you explore Eire as a family or private group? There is so much to see from the Causeway Coast to the Wild Atlantic Way and the sunny South East with 11 cities in between! Why not consider taking the train – we can arrange all transport from ferry crossing, train travel to coach sightseeing trips and accommodation to help you experience the scenic wonders, history, hospitality and magical myths of the ‘Emerald Isle’.

Details
 

Behind the Scenes of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Palmerston crossing Snowdon StreetMultiple dates

This specialist tour will appeal to rail enthusiast families and groups as it offers an amazing opportunity to enjoy sights not normally seen by the average passenger. A chance to “access all areas” of the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway. Ride on footplates and learn about the history of this fascinating railway. Please note there is a minimum number of 6 for this itinerary.

Details
 

Private Group Tours to the Isle of Man

Castle Rushen - © Isle of Man TourismMultiple dates

The Isle of Man is one of the UK’s hidden gems with vintage transport systems that literally take you back in time. Ffestiniog Travel has been running tours to the Isle of Man for over 20 years as it boasts wonderful, old-fashioned transportation, from steam railways, trams and even horse drawn trams. We run tours that explore the island and focus on its culture and history or for transport enthusiasts we can arrange ‘behind the scenes’ tours of the working railways and trams.

Details
 

Private Group Tours to Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle - © Kate BerryMultiple dates

Travelling around Scotland by train is one of the most rewarding ways to see the very best of this wild and beautiful country. You can sit back and enjoy some incredible views and experience some unforgettable journeys, including a ride on the West Highland Line, made famous by the Harry Potter films, and named best rail journey in Britain in 2019 for the second year running by top travel magazine Wanderlust.

Details
 

Page 1 of 2

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

Logos Pharos Response ABTOT AITO Quality Charter

Facebook Twitter YouTube Flickr