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.

Ffestiniog Travel has added Trams & Trains of Portugal to its programme of Connoisseur Tours, aimed at clients with a specific passion for railways. Amongst its highlights, this nine-day escorted itinerary features an historic steam train ride through the Douro Valley, a scenic rail journey along the Portuguese coast and travel on the seasonal narrow gauge Sintra Tram. Departs 22 June 2018.

For engineering excellence and breath-taking scenery, there are few rail journeys finer than Sri Lanka’s Viceroy Special, the country’s only steam train. What better time to experience its delights (by private charter) than in winter, when this beautiful teardrop-shaped island basks in balmy day-time temperatures reaching the low 30°Cs, while the UK average is closer to 10°C? Departing 28 February, Explore Sri Lanka by Rail costs from £4,445 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), rail/coach journeys & excursions as per the itinerary, ten nights’ B&B, welcome dinner, ten lunches, tour leader and local guide. One overnight flight. 

Spend 10 nights discovering Norway and witness the Northern Lights before visiting Sweden. Ffestiniog Travel offers an escorted tour to the land of the Northern Lights, travelling by train across the Arctic Circle with a further unforgettable journey on Sweden’s Ofoten Railway. The price is from £2,750 pp (two sharing) including flights (London) to Oslo/from Kiruna, B&B, two dinners (one at the Ice Hotel), all transfers & excursions, and tour leader. Departs 20 February 2018.