Ffestiniog Travel Adds Burma

All aboard for an exotic rail adventure! Burma joins India & Sri Lanka in Ffestiniog Travel’s tempting selection of South Asia escorted tours

Without seeking to wish the summer away, now’s the perfect time to start planning an early 2016 escape… particularly if you’re keen to head to warmer climes during the winter months. Aimed at those with a passion for railways, specialist tour operator Ffestiniog Travel offers three exotic itineraries – to Burma, India & Sri Lanka – that are sure to tick all the boxes with train enthusiasts looking for something special for their next holiday.

Eloquently illustrating Ffestiniog Travel’s expertise in securing specially chartered trains for its valued clients, each itinerary blends fascinating rail journeys with superb opportunities to experience the spectacular landscapes and cultures of the countries it visits. Travel aboard the Viceroy Special in Sri Lanka or on the three magnificent railways that served the former British Hill Stations in India while, in Burma, the chance to witness metre gauge steam trains – seen for the first time in over ten years, thanks to Ffestiniog Travel’s private charter arrangements – awaits true train connoisseurs.‎

In BURMA…

NEW for 2016, Ffestiniog Travel introduces Burma Adventure – its inaugural visit to this fascinating hidden country, described by George Orwell as being a ‘land like no other’. Highlights of this sublime 20-day escorted tour include three days of private steam charters on the remote Burma Mines Railway, journeys over the Gokteik Viaduct and along the ‘Burma Road to China’, overnight stays at Inle Lake and Golden Rock, and sightseeing in Mandalay, Bagan, Yangon and Singapore. You’ll also take to the water to enjoy a picnic cruise on the Irrawaddy to Minguin Pagoda, a cruise to watch the sunset from the temple steps in Bagan, and travel by canoe motor boat on Inle Lake to visit local markets and lake monasteries.

Ffestiniog Travel tour leader Michael Whitehouse’s blog – A Burma Adventure: Railways & Sightseeing – offers further insight into travelling through Burma by train, and can be read here.

Departing 10 January 2016, the price is from £5,995 pp*.

In INDIA…

Admire engineering excellence, stunning sights and equally impressive gradients during Ffestiniog Travel’s annual tour of the Indian Hill Railways, a popular 21-day itinerary that features a private steam charter from Shimla (setting for Channel 4’s recent ‘Indian Summers’ TV series) to Kathleeghat. Clients will also travel by privately chartered carriage or railbus on the Kalka Shimla Railway, by private steam charter on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and by scheduled service on the Nilgiri Railway – thereby visiting the three hill stations featured in the BBC’s popular ‘Indian Hill Railways’ series. And, as if that wasn’t enough, workshop visits, a journey on the ‘Joy Train’ (from Darjeeling to the summit at Ghoom) and sightseeing in Amritsar, Delhi and Ooty are also included in this varied and interesting itinerary.

Departing 21 February 2016, the price is from £4,595 pp*.

In SRI LANKA…

Explore Sri Lanka by Rail, relishing an unforgettable combination of rail experiences that include a private charter on the 75 year-old Viceroy Special (Sri Lanka’s only steam train) with an ascent into the hill country that is considered to be one of the finest rail journeys in the world, both in terms of its structural achievement and breath-taking scenery. This 12-day holiday also features a private ride on the T1 Rail Car and escorted visits to must-see sights such as the Temple of the Tooth, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa World Heritage Site and Dambulla Cave Temple.

Departing 26 February 2016, the price is from £3,620 pp*.

*Prices are based on two people sharing and include scheduled flights, B&B, most other meals, all rail journeys, transfers, excursions and admission charges as per the itinerary, English-speaking local guides and the services of a tour leader from London and throughout the holiday.

For a preview of Ffestiniog Travel’s selection of escorted tours for 2016 – both in South Asia and worldwide, please click here. Alternatively, visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com or call 01766 772 030. Ffestiniog Travel’s 2016 Rail Holidays of the