Ffestiniog Travel has escorted eight tours to little known, land-locked Slovakia since 1998 and is amazed that it still remains relatively undiscovered by the tourist. If you love Prague then a visit to its nearby, smaller neighbour Bratislava is a must. It mirrors the architecture, history and culture of the Czech capital – but without the overcrowding!

Beyond the capital, Slovakia continues to delight with breath-taking, mountain and forest scenery, heritage landmarks and charming, unspoilt towns and villages. Rail Tour operator Ffestiniog Travel even include a narrow gauge steam rail journey through a forest and a scenic rail journey across the High Tatra Mountains.

Now in its tenth year, the Dresden Steam Festival 2018 promises informative presentations, fascinating displays and the chance to ride on some of Germany’s most impressive rolling stock. A must for steam train enthusiasts, this eight-day holiday also features journeys on the Weisseritztalbahn and Loessnitzgrundbahn steam railways, and an Elbe river cruise by historic paddle steamer. Departing 4 April, the price is from £1,035 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar to/from Brussels, onward rail to Dresden (via Aachen out/Cologne back), two-day entry to the Dresden Steam Festival, seven nights’ B&B, excursions and tour leader.

A magical display of lights and fireworks over the River Rhine as Europe’s largest boat parade sails by, Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames) is a must-see event. Experience its delights on a five-day escorted tour that also features a ride up the Drachenfels on the cog railway, and on the iconic Schwebebahn suspension railway, plus free time in the historic cities of Trier and Cologne. Bonn & The Rhine in Flames costs from £645 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar to/from Brussels, onward rail to Bonn (via Cologne), unlimited local transport in Bonn, four nights’ B&B, excursions and tour leader. Departs 3 May.

New Channel 4 series ‘Coastal Railways with Julie Walters’ explores some of the UK’s most interesting train journeys. Episode four (Sunday 17 December, 8pm) travels to North Wales, visiting the Talyllyn Railway (inspiration for Thomas the Tank Engine) and the famous Ffestiniog Railway through Snowdonia National Park. Experience both of these, and more, on Wales: From North to South, from £1,810 pp (two sharing) including 12 nights’ B&B, four dinners, 11 lunches, all rail travel, transfers and excursions, and tour leader. Profits from Ffestiniog Travel support the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.