Christmas Rail Holiday

There’s still time to plan a festive break with rail holiday specialist, Ffestiniog Travel

Whilst ignoring all the “how many days is it until Christmas?” messages popping up on magazine pages and Facebook feeds at this time of year is one way to approach the forthcoming festive season, for those who like to plan their Advent activities in advance, it’s time to take action. Coming to the aid of anyone not yet sorted for atmospheric shopping opportunities or a picture-perfect escape over the Christmas period itself, specialist tour operator Ffestiniog Travel is offering three escorted small group tours taking in some of Europe’s most scenic spots.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS – BUDAPEST & STRALSUND

Visit the Christmas Markets of vibrant Budapest or the pretty UNESCO World Heritage town of Stralsund (on Germany’s Baltic Coast) on one of two eight-day holidays, both brimming with festive ambience and unforgettable sightseeing that includes optional excursions to Bratislava and the narrow gauge forest railway at Miskolc (Budapest itinerary), and to Aachen, Cologne and the narrow gauge steam railways of Molli Bahn and Rügensche Baderbahn (Stralsund itinerary).

As well as escorted rail journeys and visits to local attractions, each holiday also allows ample time for clients to explore independently, should they so wish. Included with the Budapest holiday is an InterRail Pass for Europe, giving unlimited mainline rail travel within mainland Europe as well as free travel from your home station in the UK to London before and after the holiday. Unlimited mainline travel within Germany – using an InterRail One Country pass –  is included for the duration of your stay as part of the Stralsund holiday.

Prices are from £970 pp (two sharing) for Stralsund and from £1,050 pp (two sharing) for Budapest. Both tours depart on 24 November and include standard rail class travel throughout (Eurostar from London to/from Brussels), seven nights’ B&B (plus one evening meal on the Stralsund itinerary), InterRail passes (plus public transport ticket for Budapest, Nuremberg & Bonn on the Budapest itinerary) and the services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour, including on the optional excursions.

SPEND CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR IN SWITZERLAND

Swap soap opera omnibus editions and re-runs of The Sound of Music foryour own slice of mountain perfection on a 15-day Christmas & New Year in Switzerland escorted tour. Travelling through stunning winter scenery, enjoy the independent sightseeing benefits of the first class Swiss Travel Pass included, or join your fellow travellers on inclusive – but optional – excursions to Zermatt, St. Gallen, Lucerne and Montreux. You’ll also be among the first passengers to experience the new Gotthard Base Tunnel: at 57 km, it is now the world’s longest railway tunnel.

Departing 21 December, the price is from £2,380 pp (two sharing), including rail travel to/from Switzerland, a first class Swiss Pass, first class travel on the world-famous Glacier and Bernina Express trains, escorted optional excursions, 14 nights’ B&B, eight dinners (one of which is a New Year’s Eve Dinner in Chur) and the services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour.

PREFER TO GO IT ALONE?

As well as its popular escorted tours programme, Ffestiniog Travel also offers a tailor-made holiday planning and ticketing service for those who prefer to travel independently. The expert team can assist in creating personalised itineraries to accommodate an array of festive season travel requirements – from clients looking to escape the UK for an indulgent Christmas break with all the trimmings (rail travel, accommodation and/or excursions as required) to those simply seeking help with booking tickets for their highly anticipated trip home to visit friends and family.

GOT CHRISTMAS COVERED BUT STARTING TO PLAN NEXT YEAR’S HOLIDAY?

Ffestiniog Travel’s Rail Holidays of the World 2017 brochure is now available, filled with tempting escorted tours across the UK, Europe and beyond. Take a Grand Tour of Wales (nine days, from £1,580 pp*) or a journey to The Western Isles of Scotland (13 days, from £2,355 pp*); visit the Dresden Steam Festival (eight days, from £910 pp*) or South Africa’s Stars of Sandstone Heritage Steam Festival (16 days, from £3,995 pp*); take a trip-of-a-lifetime to Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong Delta (20 days, from £3,100 pp*) or enjoy a touch of America’s Old West on a Colorado tour that travels through spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery on some of the State’s most iconic railroads (13 days, from £3,550 pp*).

*Depending on the itinerary chosen, prices include rail travel and transfers, flights (where applicable), B&B accommodation, excursions and the services of a tour leader throughout. All prices are based on two people sharing; single supplements apply.  

For more information on Ffestiniog Travel’s tailor-made rail holidays, ticket-only service, and European and worldwide escorted tours, call 01766 772 030, email info@ffestiniogtravel.co.uk or visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com.