Join fellow rail enthusiasts on the aptly named Snowdonian train as it makes its annual 80-mile trip through North Wales’ spectacular Snowdonia National Park, travelling the full length of both the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways over the course of one unforgettable day. Departing 13 April or 8 June, this springtime break costs from £380 pp (two sharing) including two nights’ B&B at the four-star Tudor Lodge guest house in Porthmadog, a full-day journey on the Snowdonian and a souvenir of your trip. Alternatively, treat yourself to a luxury stay at Hotel Portmeirion, in Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’ famous Italianate village, from £475 pp.

From Eastern Canada in the Fall to the Salt Flats of Bolivia. Long-haul rail escapes to the Americas.

With Spring not quite upon us, it might seem premature to be contemplating Autumn. However, those in the know are already planning their travels for later in the year, and bagging themselves the perfect long-haul escape. Rail holiday specialist Ffestiniog Travel is offering a tempting selection of escorted tours to the Americas, departing this September and October.

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.