Welcome to Railtrail Tours
A family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 40 years.
Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care
01538 382323
Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Welcome to our unique programme of steam and heritage tours which are now open for booking. Below you will find a fantastic series of steam tours in the UK, Europe, and Worldwide including ever popular steam and heritage destinations such as Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, America, Australia and New Zealand.
We look forward to the pleasure of your company soon discovering destinations that other tour operators do not reach.
Please also find our Expressions of Interest section at the bottom of this page. These are tours that are currently being finalised which will then be added to the tour list once released. You can follow the link to Express Your Interest and be one of the first to receive details of the tour as soon as they are available.
 | Bavarian Rail Roamer 8 Aug 2024 (6 days) - Fares from £1199 Discover Railtrail's exciting, new, all-rail holiday to Germany. This value-for-money tour travels over some of Germany's most scenic rail routes, taking in a large railway museum, a vintage railcar, steam tram, the lovely lakeside town of Lindau, and the opportunity to explore beautiful Munich.
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 | Heart of Wales Steam 15 Aug, 12 Sep 2024 (5 days) - Fares from £690 Introducing four great preserved steam railways and a scenic mainline on one great rail holiday based in the Heart of Wales spa town of Llandrindod Wells. View coastlines, valleys, reservoirs, and mountains from your window on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, the Heart of Wales Line, the Brecon Mountain Railway and, last but not least, the Talyllyn, the world’s first ever preserved railway.
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 | Swiss Mountain Steam 19 Aug & 23 Sep 2024 (9 days) - Fares from £2939 Switzerland and steam trains - a delightful combination as Railtrail Tours take you to the heart of this beautiful country to experience some amazing mountain rail journeys and glorious lake steamer cruises. Plus, for 2024, we have enhanced the tour by adding an outbound overnight in the beautiful city of Basel for a more leisurely travel experience.
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 | Dutch Maximum Steam Weekend 5 Sep 2024 (5 days) - Fares from £1199 Experience a fantastic major steam festival featuring big engines, demonstration freight trains, and traction engines plus a steam powered sawmill, model railways, and lots more on this exciting and action-packed tour. We also visit three other steam railways in the Netherlands, enjoy a vintage boat cruise, and explore a superb outdoor recreated village museum in this short break, value for money tour.
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 | Yorkshire Gold - Steam, Coast & Country 8 Sep 2024 (8 days) - Fares from £1339 Discover the delights of England's most diverse county with our Yorkshire Gold tour staying in superb hotels in the spa town of Harrogate and coastal resort of Scarborough. Enjoy steam nostalgia in the magnificent Dales, explore historic houses & gardens, stroll York's medieval streets, sail the Leeds & Liverpool canal, and steam across brooding moors to charming Whitby.
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| | Forest of Dean Steam & The Wye Valley 9 Sep 2024 (5 days) - Fares from £689 From our hotel in the beautiful Forest of Dean we explore the magical region between the Welsh borderland and the River Severn including three heritage steam railways and a boat trip on one of the country's most scenic river landscapes. We also visit some of the areas many charming towns and villages including Broadway 'Jewel of the Cotswolds', picturesque Ross-on-Wye, and the historic market town of Abergavenny.
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 | Roses Battle By Steam 9 Sep 2024 (8 days) - Fares from £1099 We thought we would celebrate the steam and rail heritage of the north country with our own 'battle of the roses' tour, including Yorkshire and Lancashire steam and heritage railways every day from our base at an iconic railway hotel. With Railtrail escorting this great railway holiday you are sure to come up smelling of roses!
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 | Swiss Rail Roamer 11 Sep 2024 (8 days) - Fares from £2049 Experience Railtrail's newest tour to Switzerland. Discover spectacular routes such as the Gotthard, Lötschberg, and Albula Passes on the comfortable and remarkably efficient Swiss trains. Marvel at the scenery on the classic Glacier Express and the Rigi Mountain Railway, uncover the rarely visited "backwater" routes in the east of the country, and enjoy a relaxing lake cruise on this fantastic tour.
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 | Harz Mountains Steam 14 Sep 2024 (7 days) - Fares from £1475 A great Railtrail holiday to discover picturesque medieval towns and villages surrounded by a panoramic range of stunning mountains, romantic valleys, and fairytale woods - full of folklore, fascinating history, and superb steam trains.
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 | Swiss Glacier Express and the Bernina 18 & 25 Sep 2024 (9 days) - Fares from £2499 Two of the world’s greatest railway journeys in one tour! Enjoy the classic Glacier Express journey across the Swiss Alps followed by the Bernina Express in its full glory. Not forgetting Lausanne, Montreux, and St Moritz plus stays on Lake Geneva and in the Engadin Valley. We have also enhanced the tour by adding an outbound overnight in the beautiful city of Basel for a more leisurely travel experience.
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 | Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail 19 Sep 2024 (5 days) - Fares from £759 Build up a head of steam, uncovering Scotland’s heritage from a different angle. Enjoy the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, soar above the canals by boat on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, cruise Loch Katrine, and steam through the Highlands on the Strathspey Railway. This great railway holiday also features The Kelpies, a distillery tour, and a brewery visit.
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 | South of France Steam 23 Sep 2024 (8 days) - Fares from £1899 We are proud to offer this highly anticipated, special tour to the South of France riding steam hauled trains over some of the most scenic routes in France. Experience the stunning Doux Gorge line to the gourmet town of Lamastre, an exclusive charter train, the superb viaducts aboard the Cévennes steam train, and steam into the Provence countryside plus a ride along the Mediterranean coast and a fantastic branch line into the mountains.
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| | USA Fall Colours Steam (Flight Inclusive) 2 Oct 2024 (13 days) - Fares from £4289 Join us on this truly amazing, new tour to the USA featuring 7 steam lines including marvellous double headed shay locomotives and a phenomenal 2-6-6-2 Mallet in operation. On this action-packed adventure we will also experience two scenic diesel excursions, an Amtrak ride into New York with free time in the infamous "Big Apple", and two fascinating railroad museums. This is the journey of a lifetime to create lasting memories!
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 | USA Fall Colours Steam (Ground Only) 2 Oct 2024 (12 days) - Fares from £3399 Join us on this truly amazing, new tour to the USA featuring 7 steam lines including marvellous double headed shay locomotives and a phenomenal 2-6-6-2 Mallet in operation. On this action-packed adventure we will also experience two scenic diesel excursions, an Amtrak ride into New York with free time in the infamous "Big Apple", and two fascinating railroad museums. This is the journey of a lifetime to create lasting memories!
This is the Ground Only option and you will have to make your own flight arrangements to Philadelphia and return from Washington Dulles.
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 | New Zealand Steam Adventure (Flight Inclusive) 7 Feb 2025 (26 days) - Fares from £9995 Experience the trip of a lifetime on our unique escorted tour to New Zealand showcasing the best of both the North and South Islands. Immerse yourself in the charm of KiwiRail's scenic routes with breathtaking rides on all three journeying through magnificent mountain scenery and coastlines. Enjoy numerous charter trains, exclusive steam charters, a lake cruise, visits to railway museums, and much more plus time to explore and soak in the culture, beauty, and history of this amazing country.
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| | New Zealand Steam Adventure (Ground Only) 10 Feb 2025 (22 days) - Fares from £7995 Experience the trip of a lifetime on our unique escorted tour to New Zealand showcasing the best of both the North and South Islands. Immerse yourself in the charm of KiwiRail's scenic routes with breathtaking rides on all three journeying through magnificent mountain scenery and coastlines. Enjoy numerous charter trains, exclusive steam charters, a lake cruise, visits to railway museums, and much more plus time to explore and soak in the culture, beauty, and history of this amazing country.
This is the Ground Only option and you will have to make your own flight arrangements to Auckland and return from Christchurch.
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 | Swiss Winter Snow Train Adventure 8 days 1 Feb, 22 Feb & 15 Mar 2025 Fares from £1889 Marvel at Switzerland's wintry lake and mountain scenery on this snow train adventure with a difference featuring a selection of excursions not found anywhere else. Journey on the scenic GoldenPass Line, travel the route of the Glacier Express, discover the historic Rigi Railway, and ride the breathtaking Titlis Rotair. Visit the pilgrimage site of Einsiedeln, enjoy free time to explore wonderful Lucerne, and relax on the shore of Lake Lucerne.
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 | Harz Mountain Winter Wonderland 7 days 10 Feb & 10 Mar 2025 Fares From £1395 An adventure to warm your Harz! Experience spectacular winter scenery in Germany's timeless Harz Mountains, journey through beautiful snow dusted forests on exhilarating steam-hauled rides, and travel on a unique suspension monorail. Marvel at breathtaking panoramic views, visit picturesque medieval towns with fantastic half-timbered houses, and enjoy free time to relax and explore the quaint town of Wernigerode.
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 | Saxony & Harz Winter Steam Extravaganza 14 Feb 2025 (11 days) - Fares from £2399 Experience the ultimate steam tour adventure in Germany with no less than ten steam lines to explore on this action-packed itinerary! Journey through beautiful landscapes on exhilarating steam hauled rides, travel on a unique suspended monorail, ride charming branch lines on the Zittau Railway, and visit the fascinating Altstadt roundhouse in Dresden.
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| | Canadian Rail Explorer (Flight Inclusive) 22 March 2025 (13 days) - Fares from £7999 Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a unique rail journey across Canada aboard the iconic train - "The Canadian". Travel in a classic 1950's train with dome cars, tail observation car, and fantastic dining car across the Canadian Shield, wide-open Prairies, and dramatic Rockies. Visit vibrant cities including Montréal and Toronto, gaze out at the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, soak in coastal breezes in Vancouver, and take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria on this unforgettable tour.
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| | Canadian Rail Explorer (Ground Only) 22 March 2025 (12 days) - Fares from £6999 Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a unique rail journey across Canada aboard the iconic train - "The Canadian". Travel in a classic 1950's train with dome cars, tail observation car, and fantastic dining car across the Canadian Shield, wide-open Prairies, and dramatic Rockies. Visit vibrant cities including Montréal and Toronto, gaze out at the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, soak in coastal breezes in Vancouver, and take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria on this unforgettable tour.
This is the Ground Only option and you will have to make your own flight arrangements to Montréal and return from Vancouver.
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 | Steam & Sail in the English Riviera 5 days 7 Apr, 12 May, 9 Jun, 7 Jul & 11 Aug 2025 Fare From £645 Enjoy a beautiful rail holiday along one of Britain's most iconic routes to the English Riviera with the opportunity to explore the beauty and charm of Devon's magnificent coastline by boat as well as travelling on two of Devon's finest steam railways. Stay in a picturesque seafront location with sea view rooms included plus enjoy free time in Torquay and Dartmouth to discover these vibrant and historic towns.
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| | Dresden Steam Festival & More 8 April 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £2159 Every year Dresden hosts one of the major steam festivals in Europe, and this year is no exception! Visit magnificent steam locomotives at the festival, experience two main-line steam rides, travel on a unique suspended monorail, and ride charming branch lines. Journey through beautiful landscapes, ride a vintage tram charter, and enjoy free time to explore the historic city of Dresden.
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| | Amsterdam Tulips, Cheese & Steam 9 & 30 April 2025 (7 days) - Fares from £2159 Experience the Netherlands on a fantastic tour featuring the incomparable bulbs in bloom at Keukenhof Gardens, the historic steam train from Hoorn to Medemblik, a relaxing cruise across the beautiful IJsselmeer plus a stay in Alkmaar to coincide with their Cheese Market! Not forgetting a day in Amsterdam including a canal trip and the opportunity to sneak in some extra steam at Goes-Borsele.
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 | Serene Gardens of Cornwall 5 days 24 Apr & 7 Aug 2025 Fares from £830 Experience a joyful Cornish holiday visiting some of the most enchanting gardens in Cornwall from great grandeur to hidden sanctuaries. Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan, relax in the tranquillity of Pinetum Gardens, learn the history and secrets of Pencarrow House, and visit the world-renowned Eden Project plus enjoy a nostalgic steam journey.
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 | Step Back in Tyne - Discover the North East 6 days 28 Apr, 19 May, 14 Jul & Sept Fares from £780 The mighty River Tyne is bordered by the unspoilt beauty, history, and heritage of Northumberland & Durham. This attraction packed short break time-travels from the Romans of Hadrian's Wall and Vindolanda, through historic Anglo-Saxon Bamburgh, to the Victorian 'living history' of Beamish plus a boat trip to view the stunning wildlife of the Farne Islands and two excursions on the South Tynedale Railway and Heatherslaw Light Railway.
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 | Historical Wonders of Wessex & Portsmouth 6 days 28 Apr, 19 May & 23 Jun 2025 Fares from £1049 Delve into the history of Wessex, once the capital of England, and go beyond the surface at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stepping aboard iconic warships including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and Mary Rose. Explore the stunning Cathedrals of Winchester and Chichester, uncover the legendary Arthurian Round Table at Winchester Castle, stroll through the charming Queen Eleanor's Garden, visit the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, plus take a ride on the nearby heritage railway 'Watercress Line'.
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 | Yorkshire Gold - Coast & Country 7 days 6 May & 23 Sept 2025 Fares from £1690 Discover the delights of England's most diverse county on our Signature Tour staying in the beautiful, cathedral city of York. Experience steam nostalgia in the Yorkshire Dales, explore fascinating historic houses and gardens, indulge in a fabulous food tour of Harrogate, and sail the Leeds & Liverpool canal. Stroll through the medieval streets of York and enjoy free time in Skipton and Whitby with the best fish & chips in Yorkshire!
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| | Bristol, Cider & Gorge-ous Cheddar 7 days 8 May, 19 June, 3 July & 14 Aug 2025 Fares from £829 Explore Bristol's fascinating past and join us as we discover iconic modes of transport from Brunel's SS Great Britain, the ship that changed maritime voyaging, to the world's fastest passenger jet, supersonic Concorde. Enjoy a harbour boat trip and a nostalgic train journey on the Avon Valley Railway plus a visit to the pre-historic Cheddar Gorge caves tasting the world-famous Cheddar Cheese, a tour and tasting at Thatcher's Cider Farm, and discover the history of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. |
 | Classic Cornwall Coast & Country 5 days 8 May, 26 Jun, 10 Jul, 18 Sept Fares from £899
Experience a delightful Cornish rail holiday as we meander along scenic branch lines, capturing the cream of the coastal and countryside views, visiting charming ports, seaside resorts, an award-winning vineyard, and the world-renowned Eden Project plus time to explore Padstow, Looe, Penzance & St. Ives.
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| | Roses Battle by Steam plus Settle & Carlisle Line 8 days 12 May, 16 Jun & 8 Sept Fares from £1299 Celebrate the steam and rail heritage of the north country with our very own 'Battle of the Roses' tour based at an iconic railway hotel. Journey on the fabulous Settle & Carlisle Line, experience steam nostalgia with fantastic Yorkshire and Lancashire steam and heritage railways every day, visit the fascinating Bury Transport Museum, and indulge in a distillery tour and tasting. You are sure to come up smelling of roses!
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 | Wonderful Wales 6 days 12 May, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 18 Aug & 8 Sep 2025 Fares from £1130 Steam through Snowdonia on this fantastic tour in wonderful Wales. Experience nostalgic steam journeys including the spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway, journey on the beautiful Conwy Valley Line, enjoy a magnificent tram ride, and visit the beautiful Bodnant Garden. Discover the heritage, history, and beauty of Wales.
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 | Canals, Steam & Historic Chester 5 days 13 May, 8 Jul & 16 Sept 2025 Fares from £735 Explore the industrial age of waterways and railways on this fantastic tour based in historic Chester featuring two of the 'Seven Wonders of the Canals'. Discover the world of canals at Ellesmere Port, cruise across the fantastic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, marvel at the Anderton Boat Lift, and enjoy a nostalgic journey on the Llangollen Railway.
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 | Seine & Normandy River Explorer 8 days 15 May 2025 Fares from £2409 Journey through the heart of France exploring ancient cities and iconic landscapes on this luxurious seven-night river cruise along the Seine. Experience the medieval charm of the Normandy capital of Rouen, marvel at the architectural diversity of Le Havre, discover the picturesque landscapes of Étretat, and immerse yourself in art and nature at Monet's House and Garden plus free time to explore the most romantic of cities, Paris!
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 | Forest of Dean Steam & The Wye Valley 5 days 19 May & 8 Sept 2025 Fares from £759 Explore the magical region between the Welsh borderland and the River Severn in the beautiful Forest of Dean including three heritage railways, a cruise along one of the country's most scenic river landscapes, and visits to fascinating museums. Enjoy time to explore some of the many charming towns and villages including Broadway (Jewel of the Cotswolds), picturesque Ross-on-Wye, and the historic market town of Abergavenny.
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 | Welsh Whisky, Mines, Mint & Steam 6 days 16 Jun & 11 Aug 2025 Fares from £890 Discover Wales on this great value tour based in the fantastic city of Cardiff. Enjoy nostalgic steam journeys on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Forest of Dean Railway, experience fascinating guided tours at the Royal Mint Experience and Rhondda Heritage Park, and visit St Fagans Museum. Indulge in a whisky tasting at an award-winning Welsh distillery plus enjoy free time to explore Cardiff and Chepstow.
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| | Swiss Mountain Treasures 11 days 23 Jun, 11 Aug & 6 Oct 2025 Fares from £4669 Enjoy a delightful combination of Switzerland and steam trains and experience amazing mountain railways, glorious lake cruises, and magnificent panoramic views. Journey on historic railways including the Brienz Rothorn Railway, Furka Steam Railway, and Brünig Steam Railway, visit the Schilthorn summit, and discover impressive glacier waterfalls plus enjoy free time to explore this beautiful region.
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 | Enchanting Voyage Through the Heart of Scotland 9 days 22 October Fares from £3899 Embark on a brand new and exclusive tour in Glasgow including a six-night leisurely cruise along the endlessly beautiful Caledonian Canal aboard the stunning Lord of the Glens. Journey through the heart of Scotland along the intricate inland waters with breathtaking scenery and fascinating excursions at every stop, enjoy a guided tour of Glasgow, and taste some of the finest whisky. Indulge yourself in exquisite cuisine, First Class travel, and relaxation on this luxurious, small group tour.
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 | The South African Aug 2025 (15 or 16 days) - Fares from £11999 Ground only - Air fare in the region of £1800* Our exclusive South African tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the allure of South Africa from the comfort of a luxurious train carriage. Explore the continent's rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and natural wonders, and traverse along a route that weaves through South Africa's iconic Table Mountain and majestic Victoria Falls. Revel in the splendour of these awe-inspiring landmarks while indulging in world-class service.
Don't Miss This Adventure of a Lifetime! Express your interest in receiving details of this tour as soon as they are available
* wont know airfare until mid September 2024. |
| | Please keep visiting the Railtrail Steam Calendar for updates to our site. Many thanks for looking. |
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