Britain's closest neighbour across the Channel has been a popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers for decades. The majority of travellers tootle their way through France by car, but Dan May, Ffestiniog Travel’s European rail ticket specialist, believes for those who travel light there is a more appealing alternative of getting around France - the train! Read more in his latest blog.

Blending the mainland delights of Barcelona and Valencia with the pretty Balearic island of Mallorca, this eight-day, tailor-made Spanish escape also features a ride on the narrow gauge ‘Orange Express’, an historic tram ride to Soller and several scenic rail journeys. The price is from £1,175 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar (via Paris or Lyon) to Barcelona and return flight (Palma) to London, seven nights’ B&B, rail travel on the Spanish mainland, Montjuïc Cable Car ride, guided tour of Palau de la Mùsica Catalana, a Barcelona Travelcard and a Valencia Card.

What better way to set yourself up for autumn than with a foray to The Far West of Ireland, where spectacular scenery and fascinating history await? This ten-day escorted tour explores the Emerald Isle by train, combining journeys on Iarnród Éireann’s modern fleet with heritage rail experiences such as the Lartigue Monorail and West Clare Railway. Departing 21 September, the price is from £1,465 pp (two sharing) including nine nights’ B&B (three in Dublin, two each in Limerick & Cork, one each in Galway & Tralee), return ferry (Holyhead to Dublin), rail tickets, Explorer Pass, excursions and tour leader service throughout.

Enjoy the best of both worlds on an early autumn trip to Belgium that combines the variety of an escorted tour with the delights of returning to the same hotel at the end of each day. Based in Bruges, where a guided walking tour and chocolate-making workshop are among the highlights, there are visits to Ghent and Ostend to look forward to, as well as a steam train ride to Maldegem and a visit to the town’s popular Steam Centre.  Departing 15 September, Bruges: Canals, Culture & Chocolate costs from £550 pp (two sharing) including four nights’ B&B, excursions, standard-class rail travel and tour leader service throughout