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Tour Date: 13 August - 08 September 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $14,897.00
Those of us old enough to have been around the block more than a couple of times have probably travelled to most of the great European destinations, perhaps even several times. However, this extraordinary journey presents Great Britain and Europe from a fresh perspective: from the comfort of a railway carriage. In fact, this trip is not so much about the destination, but the journey itself and the glorious landscapes between each port of call. Europe and Great Britain are blessed with some of the most scenic and fascinating train routes in the world and this tour has been designed to take advantage of some of the greatest and most famous. Along the way we will also stop in famous railway hotels, many of them a throwback to the Victorian era - the golden age of railways.
13/08/2012 Australia - Dubai
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Dubai. On arrival we connect with our flight to Glasgow.
Dep Dubai: EK27 0750
14/08/2012 Glasgow - Edinburgh (D)
Edinburgh at night
Arrive Glasgow 12.35
Coach transfer from Glasgow international airport to Edinburgh where we check into the opulent Balmoral Hotel. In the evening we enjoy a hearty welcome dinner in the private dining room of the hotel.
The Balmoral Hotel
1 Princes Street
Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ
Ph: +44-131-556-2414
Fx: 557-3747
15/08/2012 Edinburgh (BD)
A full day at leisure to savour one of the most beautiful cities in Great Britain. The grand capital of Scotland is a fantastic and easy place to walk around. There are too many highlights to mention but Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Arthur's Seat are on the 'must-see' list. The castle is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and, if you're there at 1pm, you're sure to get a loud surprise! The views from the castle are excellent but from Arthur's Seat they are out-of-this-world. Arthur's Seat, incidentally, is the only extinct volcano within a city anywhere in the world. Of course, if all this sounds a little strenuous, why not just walk down the Royal Mile soaking up the atmosphere and, perhaps, stopping to taste one of Scotland's greatest contributions to world civilisation: shortbread! If your palate leans towards something stronger, there are many pubs where you can taste a range of famous Scottish single malt whiskies. Dinner is in the hotel.
16/08/2012 Edinburgh - Mallaig (BD)
A big day as we start our great railway adventure - and what a way to begin! Departing Waverley Station we travel through the Scottish Lowlands en-route to the 'Capital of the Highlands', Inverness. The stunning scenery changes from rolling hills and fertile farmland to a true wilderness (one of the last remaining in Europe, in fact). Welcome to the famous Scottish Highlands. We cross one of the greatest engineering feats of all time, the Forth Bridge. Opened in 1890, this remarkable structure is 1.9km long and consists of 51,000 tonnes of steel. Continuing our journey north-west we cross glorious moorland, mountains, lochs and glens and may even get a glimpse of some of the spectacular wildlife such as deer, foxes, stoats and badgers. We arrive in Inverness and change trains for the second part of today's great journey, to the legendary Kyle of Lochalsh. The route takes us through more fantastic countryside, across the Caledonian Canal and up past Dingwall to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Disembarking, we transfer by coach to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Here we board the ferry for the delightful sea crossing to the fishing port of Mallaig, where we check into the West Highland Hotel for an evening of Scottish merriment!
West Highland Hotel
Mallaig, Inverness-shire
Ph: +44-1687-462210
Fx: +44-1687-462130
17/08/2012 Mallaig - Edinburgh (BD)
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Recently, readers of Wanderlust magazine voted the rail trip from Mallaig to Fort William as the BEST IN THE WORLD, so sit back and enjoy a truly magnificent journey. Leaving Mallaig we head back through more glorious countryside, cross Scotland's shortest river, the Morar, and enjoy glimpses of Morar, Scotland's deepest loch with (as legend has it) its own monster called Morag! The train takes us through cuttings and tunnels, across bridges and viaducts, but the best is yet to come. Soon we savour one of the most famous views in Scotland and arguably the most spectacular rail vista of them all: the great Glenfinnan Viaduct. Arriving in Fort William, we change trains and head to Glasgow on the famous West Highland Line or 'Train to the Isles', as it is also known. We pass Ben Nevis - at 1343m, Britain's highest mountain - and cross another famous landmark, the Horseshoe Viaduct, before arriving in the delightful town of Crianlarich. The line now drops sharply and our route takes us alongside Loch Lomond with its 'bonnie bonnie banks'. Leaving this remarkable landscape behind, we arrive in Glasgow and take our connecting train back to Edinburgh after a momentous day. Dinner is in our hotel.
The Balmoral Hotel
1 Princes Street
Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ
Ph: +44-131-556-2414
Fx: 557-3747
18/08/2012 Edinburgh - York (BD)
Ribblehead Viaduct
Today we head south towards Carlisle, taking a route through Carstairs and Lockerbie and over Beattock Summit. Many of the stations on this line were closed during the Beeching era for ‘economic reasons’ and the mainline over Beattock now holds the unenviable record of the longest distance between two stations in Britain. We cross the border into England just east of the small border town of Gretna, famous for its Green, and arrive in Carlisle. Here we change trains and set off on one of the most celebrated and glorious rail journeys in England: the Settle to Carlisle Line. It doesn’t matter that we are doing the trip in reverse. The Yorkshire Dales and northern Pennines, through which we pass, offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in England. The line took six years to build across some of the most difficult terrain in the country. It features 14 tunnels and 22 viaducts (including the famous 14-arch Ribblehead) and the summit of the line, Ais Gill (no relation!) is the highest point on any railway in England. As we head south, Britain’s industrial heritage becomes evident with large factories and abandoned mills being features of the area. Our train eventually pulls into Leeds, where we catch a connecting train to York and check into one of the city’s famous hotels, the Royal York. Dinner is in the hotel.
The Royal York
Station Parade
York YO24 1AA
Ph: +44-
19/08/2012 York (BD)
Today is free to sample the delights of this great city. The Royal York Hotel is superbly situated close to York Minster and the city centre. There are many options such as walking along the city walls or through the famous Shambles but, if you are still in 'train mode', why not pay a visit to the marvellous National Railway Museum. It's doubtful you will be alone! Dinner is at a local restaurant.
20/08/2012 York - Aberystwyth (BD)
Welshpool to Llanfair railway
Today’s journey takes us south-west through Yorkshire and the Midlands into Wales. Leaving the grand Victorian elegance of York railway station behind, our route takes us through important cities including Leeds, Derby and Burton-on-Trent, where more than 10% of the nation’s beer is brewed! Changing trains in Birmingham, we head out of this industrial heartland through the idyllic Shropshire countryside and across the border into Wales. We disembark at Welshpool and board the delightful Welshpool to Llanfair train for an enchanting trip through the Banwy Valley. In contrast to the dramatic landscapes that have dominated our trip so far, the scenery on this line is softer and more bucolic. From Welshpool to the coast the scenery becomes more rugged and we finally reach the charming coastal town of Aberystwyth. It’s a short walk from the station to our seaside accommodation, the Marine Hotel, where we enjoy a well-earned dinner.
Marine Hotel
Marine Terrace
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 2DA
Ph: +44-1970-612444
Fx: +44-1970-617435
21/08/2012 Aberystwyth (BD)
It’s time to let off a bit of steam! Today we travel on one of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’ – the Vale of Rheidol Railway. A narrow gauge steam locomotive takes us 19 km up the beautiful Rheidol Valley to the remarkable Devil’s Bridge. It is actually three bridges built one on top of the other. We return to Aberystwyth early afternoon and the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the Welsh seaside. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
22/08/2012 Aberystwyth - London (BD)
An eary start this morning as we head back to Shrewsbury, where we change trains for the Heart of Wales Line. This famous route, which was saved from closure by public pressure in the 1960s, and again in 1987, runs for 190 km through the beautiful Welsh countryside and is something of a national treasure. Arriving in Swansea, we change trains and catch the express to London. We travel on the magnificent line Brunel built for the Great Western Railway (famously nicknamed ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’) and arrive in Paddington and transfer by tube to Kings Cross Station, where we check into the beautifully restored Renaissance hotel.
Renaissance
Euston Road
London NW1 2AR
Ph: +44 207-841-3540
Fx: +44 207-841-3579
23/08/2012 London (BD)
A full-day sightseeing tour of the capital by luxury coach. Dinner is nearby to the hotel.
24/08/2012 London (BD)
A full day at leisure in London, followed by dinner in a local restaurant.
25/08/2012 London - Paris (BD)
Our journey today starts at the magnificently restored St Pancras station, the terminus for the Eurostar service and gateway to the continent. Opened in 1868, St Pancras is recognised as one of the finest Victorian buildings and an early arrival is essential here to look around this fantastic station. We board the high-speed Eurostar for the lightning-fast journey to Paris. Some 40 minutes after leaving London the train slows to about 160 km/hr and we enter the Channel Tunnel, to emerge in France 20 minutes later.
The scenery continues to flash by during our 300 km/hr trip until, 2¼ hours after leaving St Pancras, we pull into Gare du Nord station in Paris. We then make the short walk to our hotel. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant.
Mercure Paris Terminus Nord
12 Boulevard de Denain
75010, Paris
Ph: +33-142802000
Fx: +33-142806389
26/08/2012 Paris (BD)
Eiffel Tower
A full-day sightseeing tour of 'Gay Paree' by luxury coach. Dinner tonight is at another local restaurant.
27/08/2012 Paris (BD)
Champs Elysees
A full day at leisure in Paris with a special, uniquely Parisian dinner in the evening.
28/08/2012 Paris - Zermatt (BD)
Hopefully well refreshed after our three-night stay in the world’s most romantic city, we are back on the rails as we head to the Alps. Get ready for some sensational alpine scenery as we journey across the border into Switzerland. Changing trains at Basel, which actually borders three countries (France, Germany and Switzerland) we travel on to Bern. Here we change again for the train to beautiful Zermatt, in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn. Dinner tonight is at a charming local restaurant.
Hotel Butterfly
Bodmenstrasse 21
Zermatt 3920
Ph: +41-27-9664166
Fx: +41-27-9664165
29/08/2012 Zermatt (BD)
A day at leisure in Zermatt where we can simply relax and enjoy this glorious setting or perhaps take a cable car or a rack and pinion railway to one of the various vantage points offering staggering views. Dinner tonight is at another local restaurant.
30/08/2012 Zermatt - St Moritz (BD)
What a journey we have in store today as we travel on the world-famous Glacier Express to St Moritz. ‘Express’ is something of a misnomer as the train takes eight hours to travel 290 km. But why rush when you are travelling through some of Switzerland’s, if not the world’s, most spectacular scenery. It’s a phenomenal railway journey and undoubtedly one of the major highlights of our entire trip. Arriving in the ski resort of St Moritz, we make the short walk to our hotel where dinner is served.
La Margna Hotel
Via Serlas 5,
St Moritz, CH - 7500
Ph: +41 81 836 66 0
Fax +41 81 836 66 01
31/08/2012 St Moritz (BD)
A day at leisure in St Moritz but, for those who can’t get enough of their railways, there is the option to travel on one of many beautiful routes emanating from the town – such as the famous Bernina line or the delightful Engadin line. Dinner tonight is in our hotel.
01/09/2012 St Moritz - Vienna (BD)
Today we leave St Moritz and cross the border into Austria – our destination the magical capital, Vienna. En-route we pass through more stunning alpine landscapes and on arrival we transfer to our hotel nearby, where we enjoy a hearty Austrian dinner.
Westbahn Hotel (or similar)
Pelzgasse 1
1150 - VIENNA
Ph: +43 1982-1480
Fx: +43
02/09/2012 Vienna (BD)
Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
After breakfast we enjoy a half-day walking tour of Vienna. Dinner tonight is in our hotel.
03/09/2012 Vienna (BD)
A full day at leisure in this beautiful city. There will also be the opportunity for the ‘rail nuts’ among us to travel on the magnificent Semmering line. Our last dinner in Vienna is very special as it is at one of the city’s best known and favourite restaurants.
04/09/2012 Vienna - Wernigerode (BD)
German ICE High-speed train
Today we travel into Germany and head for the beautiful old town of Wernigerode. It’s a big train ride (over 1100 km) but the distance is almost inconsequential as we travel on the German ICE high-speed train, which cruises at speeds of up to 300 km/hr. We change trains at Nuremberg and Hanover, with an early evening arrival at Wernigerode. We make the short walk to the Garni Hotel where dinner is served.
Hotel Weisser Hirsch
Marktplatz 5
38855 Wernigerode
Ph: +49 03943 267110
Fx:
05/09/2012 Wernigerode (BD)
Steam train to Mt Brocken
Wernigerode is a charming German town on the northern slopes of the Harz Mountains. It is close to the old East German border and many of the buildings in the magnificent old town date back to medieval times. Today we spend a few hours riding the steam train to the summit of Mt Brocken. In Soviet times, the USSR’s main ‘listening station’ to the West was on Mt Brocken and today it is a museum, accessed by the same train line built by the Russians (there was no road access). It’s a magnificent trip through the forest on a wonderful railway that, in addition to carrying tourists, is part of a 150-km network providing a vital link between neighbouring towns. Dinner is in our hotel.
06/09/2012 Wernigerode (BD)
A day at leisure to explore this lovely town. The old castle offers great views across the town and is well worth a visit in its own right. There are also several very interesting museums, as well as organised guided walks. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel.
07/09/2012 Wernigerode - Frankfurt - Dubai (B)
Emirates
Today we catch the early afternoon train to Frankfurt airport and connect with our flight back to Australia via Dubai.
Depart Frankfurt, Emirates Airlines, EK 48 22.20
08/09/2012 Dubai - Australia
Arrival back in Australia, where we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian airport.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
AUGUST 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $14,897.00
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,797
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and Europe and Australia
* Coach transfer Glasgow - Edinburgh
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All rail travel (first-class where available, including Eurostar and Glacier Express)
* All local transportation
* All meals as specified
* Tour leader
* Sightseeing tours of London, Paris and Vienna
* Visas and courier fees
* Tips and gratuities
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that on this tour, the hotels are located approx 5-10 mins walk from the railway stations and NO transfers for you or your luggage are provided. We therefore recommend that you pack lightly. (A good suitcase with strong wheels is advised).
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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