Travellers with a preference for avoiding the family crowdswill be aware of the long summer school holiday looming, so why not prepare now by booking an early September escape to The Western Isles of Scotland? Travel the length of the Outer Hebrides and explore the magical Isle of Skye before returning to the mainland for iconic rail journeys and visits to some of the country’s cultural jewels. Departing 7 September, the price is from £2,355 pp (two sharing) including 12 nights’ B&B, 10 evening meals, transport and excursions as per the itinerary, and tour leader throughout.

Ffestiniog Travel offers an escorted tour that takes in three of Japan’s main islands, combining trams and trains with spectacular sightseeing and a visit to the recently opened Kyoto Railway Museum. The price is from £4,990 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), first class Japan Rail Pass, B&B, welcome dinner, rail journeys & excursions, tour leader from the UK and a local guide in Japan. Departs 19 September.

Whether staying closer to home this year or keen to venture further afield, a train aficionado or simply looking for a relaxing break, rail holiday specialist Ffestiniog Travel has an array of escorted tours, all departing in June - that are just the ticket. 

Travel beyond the Arctic Circle to the Land of the Midnight Sun via historic cities, outstanding scenery and wonderful rail experiences on a two-week journey through Norway & Sweden. Summer’s a fabulous time to visit Scandinavia and what better way to enjoy it than by train: the Global InterRail pass that comes with this holiday giving unlimited travel across both countries. Departing 27June, The Grand Arctic costs from £2,895 pp (two sharing) including flights (London) to Bergen/from Stockholm, welcome & farewell dinners, 15-day Global InterRail Pass, 14 nights’ B&B, excursions and the services of a tour leader throughout.