Holiday information

Transcription

Holiday information

H O L I D AY S W I T H A D I F F E R E N C E
2007
Something completely different …
COMFORT AND FRIENDSHIP
At PTG Tours we pride ourselves on the enjoyment
that you get from our tours. On our special charter
trains, whenever possible, first class carriages are
used with a maximum of 30 people per coach giving
everyone space to spread out. We only use quality
hotels, normally 4 star. All our tours are limited to small
groups leading to an unrivalled friendly atmosphere.
Many of our customers have become good friends
and return time and time again. PTG Tours Limited
was established in 1998 and has built up a good
strong reputation for quality and reliability.
There is no better way to see these fascinating
countries than travelling by train and staying at the
finest hotels.
PLENTY FOR EVERYONE
Our holidays are for anyone looking for something a
bit different. They have a railway theme but include
visits to historic cities, gardens, vineyards, port
lodges, river cruises and much more. We use vintage
locomotives (sometimes steam) and carriages, where
available, therefore adding to the atmosphere. By
using trains we allow you to see the most beautiful
areas from the comfort of your First Class seat in the
most relaxing and safest form of transport. Many of
the areas we visit are only visible from the railway line.
FLEXIBILITY
We have regular tours throughout the year varying
from one to ten days. On most tours you have the
option of joining the complete tour or just the days
that interest you the most. We can also arrange
extra nights if you wish to extend your stay. A single
supplement is also available.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
On our tours we have a great mixture of men and
women, couples and singles. A typical Vintage Port
tour will be 32 people of which about 28 would be
couples. Each day is general quite short with no early
starts. A typical day on the Vintage Port Holiday for
example would start at 10am and finish by 6pm. Also
you can often opt out of a day and have a free day of
your own time.
WHY PORTUGAL?
Just two hours by air from London but with a mild
climate throughout the year, wonderful beaches
and a mass of historical interest. Very little crime,
wonderful, cheap food and drink and peace loving
and welcoming people, are just some of the reasons
for choosing Portugal.
Portugal’s borders have remained unchanged for 800
years, its 10 million people speak their own language,
follow their own unique cultural traditions, and have
a centuries-old history of proud independence from,
and deep distrust of neighbouring Spain. For a small
country, the regions of Portugal are immensely varied.
The rural Minho and Trás-os-Montes in the north are
the most traditional – some would say backward. The
south of the country could not be more different. The
Algarve, blessed with beautiful sandy beaches and
a wonderful warm Mediterranean climate all year
round. Two great rivers, the Tagus and Douro, rise in
Spain and then flow westwards across Portugal to the
Atlantic Ocean. From the wild upper reaches of the
Douro valley, comes Portugal’s most famous product
– port wine, from steeply terraced vineyards hewn out
of the mountainsides. At the mouth of the Tagus and
Douro stand Portugal’s two major cities, Lisbon and
Porto (Oporto) respectively. Lisbon, with its narrow
17th century streets, vintage trams and castle of
St.George. Porto with its medieval streets and water
front.
Travellers in Portugal will find a mild-mannered, easygoing people. At the same time they have an innate
sense of politeness. There is a special weakness for
children, who are cherished, indulged and welcomed
everywhere. Portugal is one of Britain’s oldest allies
with a friendship going back over 400 years.
DOURO VALLEY
Many of our tours include Portugal’s most beautiful
region, the port vineyards of the Douro Valley. This
wide river valley was tamed by a series of dams in
the 1970’s enhancing the beauty of the area even
more. The only way to see the area at its best is by
train and river cruise. Our tours combine both forms
of transport to give you an unforgettable experience.
We also visit the spectacular Tamega, Corgo and Tua
valleys which feed the Douro and are still served by
narrow gauge railways that cling to the sides of the
mountains. Visits to vineyards, the palace of Mateus
and port lodges complete the experience.
WHY NORTHERN SPAIN?
Spain is a land of variety. The climate and landscape
vary from snow-capped peaks in the Pyrenees,
through the green meadows of Galicia and the
orange groves of Valencia, to the desert of Almeria.
It is also the most mountainous country in Europe
after Switzerland and Austria. All this results in a
greater range of landscapes than any other European
country. In Spain we concentrate on the regions of
Galicia, Catalonia and the beautiful unspoilt north
coast. Galicia is Spain’s undiscovered province
in the far north west of the country. A region of
spectacular mountains, fertile valleys and a rugged
coastline producing the best shellfish in Europe. We
visit the historic cities of Santiago de Compostela,
Vigo and Corunha as well as the Island of Cies one
of Spain’s National parks. The railway lines in the
region take us through some of the most fantastic
scenery in Spain, both coastal and mountains, places
that just can not be seen by road, the ultimate way
to see this fascinating area. In Catalonia we have
Barcelona, undoubtedly one of the finest cities in
Europe, combined with the foothills of the Pyrenees
mountains.
USA AND BEYOND
In 2004 we formed ties with the Rail Travel Center in
the US to offer fascinating tours through the diverse
landscapes and history of the States. We also had our
first trip in Cuba. In 2007 we are pleased to introduce
new destinations including Bulgaria, Sweden, St
Petersburg, Ukraine and Argentina.
FREEDOM AND SECURITY
On all our tours you have the services of our guides
to help you as much or as little as you feel you need.
Our guides are ex-pats who have lived in Portugal or
Spain for many years and therefore have extensive
knowledge of the areas we visit and are able to help
2 | PTG TOURS • Tel/Fax: 01235 768855 • www.ptg.co.uk
with any language barriers in the more remote
regions. All tours are fully escorted by a PTG Tour
Manager except the Douro River Cruise. PTG Tours
Limited is an established company with hundreds
of very satisfied customers. Unlike some other tour
operators we pre-pay all our suppliers (hotels, trains,
coaches etc) before you leave the UK. Therefore in
the very unlikely event of something happening
to the Company while you were away your holiday
would not be affected in anyway. A Company
Director also accompanies many of the holidays.
All our international travel is also arranged by ATOL
registered companies.
MEALS
On all our tours (except to the US) breakfast is
included each morning. Some other meals are
included and these are marked under each day on
the itinerary; B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
WHO WE ARE
Paul and Lisa Spracklen are the Directors of the
Company and help run the company from the UK.
You will probably meet Paul as he accompanies
many of the tours.
Michelle Kerry (based in the UK) and helps with
administration and handling the telephone.
Stephen Martin (based in the UK) Acts as Tour
Manager on US and Sweden tour and works to
create new tours to add to the PTG portfolio. For
2008 Stephen is creating tours to New Zealand and
Italy.
Marion Matthews (based in the UK) acts as Tour
Manager on many of our tours including Spain,
Portugal and Bulgaria. For 2008 Marion is setting up
a very exciting tour to Canada.
Graham and Marita Garnell (based in Lisbon,
Portugal) are our key people in Portugal and have
been leading our Vintage Port holidays from day
one (we have now run this particular holiday 24
times!). If you travel on any of our Portugal tours
then the chances are that Graham and Marita will
be looking after you.
Stephen Williams (based in Portugal) leads some of
our Portugal and Northern Spain trips.
John Bennett and Angelina Pons (based near
Barcelona, Spain) are our key people in Spain and
set up and lead most of our tours in Spain and
other Spanish speaking countries such as Argentina
and Cuba. John will also be leading our tour in
Ukraine this year.
Jacobo Yuste (based in Spain) organises our hotels,
coaches and other off-rail activities.
Mark Minnett and David Eakins (based in UK) help
out on our enthusiast tours.
Our full 2007 holiday programme
Rail and Culture Holidays
April 21 to 28
Undiscovered Portugal VIP
Portugal
April 21 to 28
Douro River Cruise
Portugal
May 16 to 27
Vintage Port
Portugal
May 18 to 21
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
UK
May 19 to 26
Classic Bulgaria
Bulgaria
June 8 to 11
The Orcadian Weekend
UK
June 8 to 17
El Transcantabrico
Spain
June 16 to 23
Douro River Cruise
Portugal
June 30 to July 7
Galician Paradores
Spain
July 7 to 17
Vintage Sweden
Sweden
August 11 to 18
Vintage St Petersburg
Russia
September 1 to 8
Douro River Cruise
Portugal
September 12 to 23
California Dreaming
USA
September 12 to 23
Vintage Port
Portugal
October 1 to 12
US Grand Fall Tour
USA
October 3 to 14
Vintage Port
Portugal
Special tours for Railway Enthusiasts
April 28 to May 6
The Great Spanish Track Bash
Spain
Sept 30 to 9 October
Steamy Ukraine
Ukraine
October 3 to 8
Annual Enthusiast Events
Portugal
Oct 31 to 11 November
A Bit of Argy-Bargy
Argentina
Tel/Fax: 01235 768855 • www.ptg.co.uk | 3
UNDISCOVERED PORTUGAL VIP
21 to 28 April 2007
You are invited to join us on an exclusive
rail based holiday to the little visited,
but very scenic, central Alentejo region
of Portugal. This is a sparsely populated
area of rolling hills, olive and cork trees,
whitewashed villages, megaliths and
castles. The attraction of this area is
its tranquillity and laid back people.
Therefore our tour will be at a leisurely
pace with plenty of time to see each
place that we visit. We visit the mountain
top walled towns of Marvão-Beira and
Castelo de Vide, the palace at Vila Viçosa,
and the historical gem of Evora. Our
transport around this “untouched” area of
the rail network is by our own VIP Railcar
with air conditioning, luxury seats, and
all round views from the large picture
windows.
Minimum participants 20
Maximum participants 30
Saturday 21 April (D) Our luxury coach will meet us at Lisbon airport and take us
the short distance to Oriente station where we join our special railcar. Our 90 minute
journey takes us north and onto the branch line to the fine town of Tomar. We stay
here for four nights in the excellent Dos Templarios 4-star hotel, complete with indoor
and outdoor pools. We have plenty of time to settle in and relax before our welcome
meal.
Sunday 22 April (B) This morning there is time for exploration of the fine town of
Tomar. Founded in 1157 by the Order of the Templars, the town is dominated by the
12th-century castle containing the Convento de Cristo. This morning is free for your
own exploration of the town and castle. In the afternoon our coach will take us to the
enchanting 12th-century Castelo de Almourol, set on a tiny island in the middle of the
wide river. After time for exploration we return to our hotel by rail in plenty of time for
dinner.
Monday 23 April (B) On our rail journey today we head east to the junction at Torre
das Vargens to join the Ramal de Alcacer. We now start winding our way up into
the mountains of the Serra de São Mamede, a remote region that has a fascinating
range of flora and fauna. This is a national park and vultures and eagles soar over
the red deer, wild boar and cat-like genet. Our destination is the mountain top town
of Marvão-Beira. Our coach will meet us at the remote station and take us up to the
town set dramatically at 2,828ft on a spectacular escarpment facing Spain. We have
a couple of hours for exploration of the town with its 13th-century fortifications
blending into the exposed natural granite which completely enclose the collection
of whitewashed houses and 15th-century church. After time for lunch our coach will
take us the short distance to the nearby walled town of Castelo de Vide. Although
not as impressive as Marvão, this spa town is still well worth the visit. We have a break
here to wander through the maze of tiny streets before our coach takes us to the
station for our journey back to Tomar
Tuesday 24 April (B) Leaving at 10am we travel by rail across the rural and sparsely
populated Alentejo plains to the border city of Elvas. Here the old town’s fortifications
are among the best preserved in Europe. Elvas was liberated from the Moors in 1230
but for the next 600 years suffered regular attacks from Spain. We have plenty of time
to explore the old town and visit the Ramano-Moorish castle, the cathedral and the
amazing aqueduct with its 843 arches. In the afternoon we return to Tomar in our
railcar.
Wednesday 25 April (B) Leaving Tomar behind we have a 200 kilometre journey along
rural lines south to the World Heritage City of Évora; our base for the final three days.
We stay at the fabulous “Convento do Espinheiro” in a quiet location outside of the
city.
Thursday 26 April (B) This morning we have an optional visit to some of the nearby
megaliths and standing stones followed by a wine-tasting of some of the wines from
this unique region. In the afternoon we have a guided walking tour of this famous
city. Sights include the Roman Temple of Diana, the convent, the cathedral, the chapel
of bones and the aqueduct. You may of course instead spend the time on your own
exploration or shopping or just relaxing around the hotel pool.
Holiday information
Friday 27 April (B) Our first visit today will be to the town of Estremoz and we will
travel by rail; something which has only been possible by special train since this
line closed to passengers in 1989. There is time to explore the medieval upper town
dominated by a 13th-century marble keep and the tiled murals (azulejos) in the
Capela da Rainha Santa before we visit the small railway museum. In the afternoon
we visit the lavish palace of Paço Ducal in the moorish town of Vila Vicosa, where the
streets really are paved with marble! The palace was the favourite residence of the
Dukes of Bragança and we can visit the vast kitchen, chapel, armouries and the formal
gardens. We return to Evora late afternoon.
Saturday 28 April (B) We return to Lisbon by rail for the short coach transfer to the
airport. Or why not stay on in Lisbon at the fine Hotel Tivoli Tejo.
Hotel Dos Templarios in Tomar (4 nights)
Superb 4-star hotel (voted their favourite in Portugal by PTG clients). Large
comfortable bedrooms with balconies and luxury bathrooms. Good restaurant, indoor
and outdoor swimming pools, and gardens on the banks of the river.
Convento do Espinheiro near Evora (3 nights)
Heritage Hotel & Spa is a luxurious hotel located in Évora - classified by UNESCO as
a “World Heritage City.” The building was originally a convent dating back to the XV
century, and is considered a national monument. The origins of the Convento do
Espinheiro are connected to a legend that tells of an apparition of the Virgin Mary
above a thorn-bush (espinheiro) around the year 1400. In 1412, a oratory was built in
honour of Our Lady and finally in 1458, during the reign of King Afonso V, and due to
increasing pilgrimage, a church and convent were built and settled by monks of the
Order of St. Jerónimo.
It is now a magnificent 59-room hotel, set in a beautiful garden area of approximately
eight hectares.
Holiday Prices (per person)
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Full 7-night holiday to/from UK in a
shared room: from £1,099
Full 7-night holiday to/from Lisbon in a shared room: £999
Single room supplement: £250
Extra nights in Lisbon: £80 per room
Your Holiday Price Includes
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All trains and excursions as listed in the itinerary.
Luxury hotel accommodation with breakfast each morning.
Services of our tour guides in Portugal.
(holiday is fully escorted)
Getting to Lisbon from the UK
British Airways and TAP operate direct flights
from Heathrow and Gatwick. There is also a direct
Easyjet flight from Luton. Overland rail travel is
also available from Waterloo via Eurostar and the
Sud-Express.
Recommended Flights
TP343 13.50 Gatwick to Lisbon a. 16.20
TP355 11.45 Heathrow to Lisbon a. 14.15
Return fares from approx £100.
Overland Travel (leaving on 20 April)
Eurostar : 10.39 Waterloo to Paris a. 14.17
TGV : Paris to Irun a. 21.28
Sud-Express : 22.00 Irun to Lisbon a. 10.42
(with sleeper berth).
Return fare approx £320.
5
VINTAGE PORT
16 to 27 May
12 to 23 September
3 to 14 October
You are invited to join us on a unique
holiday to the stunning Douro Valley
Port wine area of northern Portugal, the
world’s first demarcated wine region,
and to the historic city of Porto (Oporto)
itself. Following the Douro upstream
we discover a world of neat terraced
vineyards producing fine wines and
ports.
The only way to see this beautiful region
is by rail and river (there are few roads
in the valley itself ). The narrow gauge
railways up the Tamega, Corgo and Tua
valleys are also vital to a visit to this
region.
Wednesday (D) Our TAP Air Portugal flight leaves Heathrow at 13.40. Direct flights also
available from Gatwick, Stansted and Liverpool* and overland travel from Waterloo via
the Eurostar. We will be met at Porto airport by our guides and luxury coach which will
take us direct to the 4-star Estalagem Porto Antigo for our overnight stay. This is on the
banks of the Douro at Mosteiro (75 minutes from airport) set in a scene reminiscent
of an Alpine lake. You also have the option to make the journey by rail while our
coach takes our luggage on to the hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome meal
(included) in the hotel restaurant when we will give a full introduction to the days ahead
and you will have an opportunity to meet your tour managers.
Thursday (B) This morning we take the train the short distance to the lovely country
station of Livracao. Here we transfer to the metre gauge Tamega line for a journey up
the Tamega river. Our destination is the pretty riverside town of Amarante, one of the
gems of northern Portugal. Here rows of 17th-century mansions with their brightly
painted balconies line the narrow streets. There will be time to visit the Monastery and
other sites during our guided walk around the town. We then join our coach for the
short journey to the vineyards at Quinta da Aveleda, one of the region’s top Vinho Verde
estates with its fine gardens. Our coach will drop us back at Penafiel station for our rail
journey back to Mosteiro, arriving early evening. (11.15 - 18.45)
Friday (B, D) Today’s special train is on the wonderful “Corgo” narrow gauge line. It
winds its way up the Corgo river valley from Regua to the provincial capital of Vila Real,
including a famous horseshoe bend where the railway doubles back on itself. Definitely
one of the great railway journeys of the world. We have our own special vintage train.
Barring any fire-risk this should be hauled by Mallet steam loco E214 which has now
returned to service. At the end of this breathtaking journey we shall be taken the short
distance by road to the Casa de Mateus for a visit to the splendid manor house and
gardens. Returning to Vila Real we have a break in the town to visit the shops. A pleasant
10-minute stroll takes us back to the station where our vintage train waits to take us
back down the valley to Regua. In the evening we visit the wonderful Quinta da Casa
Amarela vineyard for a guided tour and meal. We stay at the 4 star Regua Douro Hotel
on the banks of the river. (09.00 - 16.30)
Saturday (B) Morning is free. In the afternoon we join another steam hauled vintage
train. This restored vintage train is formed of 2-8-4T locomotive 0186 built in 1925
and five wooden bodied carriages of a similar age. We travel up the river through
breathtaking scenery of terrace vineyards and olive trees, to the riverside station at Tua
(about a 90 minute run). En-route we stop for water at the picturesque riverside town
of Pinhao. Many of the most famous names in port production have quintas close to
the railway station which is decorated with dazzling tile panels depicting scenes from
bygone days of port production. On board we are treated to traditional singing and
served local delicacies and port wine. After a break we return on the steam hauled
special to Regua. (14.30 - 18.00)
Sunday (B,L) This morning we join our river cruiser at the dock by our hotel. Travelling up
river we pass through three of the dams built in the 1970’s to tame this once wild river.
One of the locks we pass through is 32 metres deep and an unforgettable experience.
This is a stunning valley of steep terraced vineyards and dramatic rock cliffs. A full three
course lunch with wine is served on board and included in your tour price. At Pocinho
we leave the boat and return to Regua by train. (08.30 - 17.15)
Holiday information
Monday (B) We depart from Regua and journey back up the Douro to Tua. Here we
join our train on the metre gauge “Tua Valley” line. This is the most spectacular line in
Portugal as our train hugs the side of the rocky ravine and climbs for over an hour and a
half through a wild and unspoilt area of tiny isolated villages. We eventually arrive at the
important town of Mirandela, with its restored Roman bridge. We have a break here with
time for your own exploration and lunch. Early afternoon we return to Regua by coach.
Late afternoon and evening are free. (09.20 - 15.30)
Tuesday (B,L) Late morning we join our river cruiser and cruise down river through the
picturesque port wine area of steep terraced vineyards which stretch right down to
the waters edge. A full 3-course lunch is served on board before we pass through the
famous Carrapatelo dam. At 35 metres deep this is one of the deepest navigable dams
in the world; an experience not to be missed. We continue down river and pass through
the smaller Crestuma Dam. We are now in an area of woodlands, small vineyards and
river beaches. Late afternoon we arrive in the fine city of Porto and get to see this
ancient city from the river with its fine collection of bridges, two of which were built by
Eiffel. Overnight in Porto. (12.00 - 18.30)
Wednesday (B) Leaving the hotel at 10am we have a leisurely walk down through the
fascinating medieval quarter of the city to the Ribeira district where we join our vintage
tram for a trip along the remaining route along the waterfront to the tramway museum.
After time for lunch we visit Taylor’s port lodge complete with port tasting. For those
on the full 11-night holiday the afternoon is free for exploration of the city. Those on
the 7-night option will be taken by taxi/coach to the airport for your flights home.
Alternatively you may take this as a free day for your own exploration. (10.00 - 14.00)
Thursday (B) Today is free for your own exploration of Porto. Alternatively join our
rail trip to visit the important city of Viana do Castelo in the Minho region with
plenty of time to explore this unspoilt city, lined with Manueline, Renaissance and
Baroque mansions and to enjoy lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants here.
(12.00 - 20.00)
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Full 11-night holiday from Stansted
Full 11-night holiday from Heathrow or Gatwick shared room: £1,239
Full 11-night holiday from/to Porto
Special 9-night holiday from Liverpool
shared room: £1,079
Full 7-night holiday from Heathrow
shared room: £899
Full 13-night holiday from London Waterloo
via Eurostar shared room: £1,449
Single room supplement: £30 per night
PTG Terms & Conditions Apply
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4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast each morning
- 2 nights in Mosteiro, 4 nights in Reguna.
- 5 nights in Porto.
Other meals as listed in the itinerary.
L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Getting to Porto from the UK
Friday (B) Our first stop this morning is Lousado where we have a visit to the narrow
gauge railway museum before we continue on the Linha de Guimarães. We have a
pleasant 45-minute journey along the Vizela river. At Guimarães we have time to explore
this well preserved medieval town famed as the birthplace of the nation. We also
visit the superbly preserved 10th-century castle and the palace of Paço dos Duques.
(09.00 - 17.00)
Saturday (B,D) Our rail journey today takes us to the religious and commercial centre of
Braga. Our first stop is at Portugal’s most spectacular religious sanctuary of Bom Jesus
do Monte, complete with a funicular railway dating back to 1882. Finally our coach drops
us in the city centre where we have time for a walking tour including the cathedral. We
return to Porto by rail late afternoon. (11.00 - 18.00). In the evening we all meet up for a
farewell meal.
Ryanair and TAP operate direct flights from
Stansted and Heathrow. Overland rail travel is also available from Waterloo via Eurostar and Sud-Express.
Recommended Flights
FR8345 06.30 Stansted to Porto a. 08.55
TP385 13.40 Heathrow to Porto a.15.45
FR9202 16.25 Liverpool to Porto a.19.05
Sunday (B) Our coach returns us to Porto airport for our morning flights back to the UK.
All days are very leisurely. The approx start and end times are shown at the end of each days
itinerary e.g (11.15 - 18.45). * special 9-night itinerary available from Liverpool; arriving on
the Thursday and leaving Saturday evening.
7
DOURO RIVER CRUISE
21 to 28 April
16 to 23 June
1 to 8 September
You are invited to join us on a unique holiday
to the stunning Douro Valley Port wine area of
northern Portugal, the world’s first demarcated
wine region, and to the historic city of Porto
(Oporto) itself. Following the Douro upstream
we discover a world of neat terraced vineyards
producing fine wines and ports.
One of the only ways to see the river, and
make the most of the wonderful scenery is by
river cruiser. Our ship is the 68 metre “Invicta”
She cruises at an average speed of 12 knots.
On board is a large sun deck, panoramic bar
and restaurant. Each of the 40 cabins has an
en-suite shower and WC, twin beds, TV, desk
and a picture window. The whole boat is airconditioned.
Saturday (D) Various flight options between the UK and Oporto including direct flights
from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Liverpool. Flight time is 2 hours. Overland travel
from London Waterloo can also be arranged. You will be met by the PTG guide and
taken by taxi to Vila Nova de Gaia Quay to join the river cruiser “Invicta”. Dinner on board.
Overnight in your own en-suite cabin.
Sunday (B,L,D) We set sail during breakfast and travel up river through a beautiful area
of small villages and river beaches. Late morning we pass through the Crestuma Lever
dam and into a stretch of the river with steeper valley sides and areas of woodland and
vineyards. Lunch is served on board before we have a short stop at the village of Caldas
de Aregos. Setting sail again we reach the famous Carrapatelo dam which, with a water
level difference of 35 metres, is the deepest navigable lock in western Europe. We arrive
in Regua mid afternoon and have a tour to the Mateus Palace and gardens before we
continue up river to Pinhão. In the evening we have dinner at the fine Vintage House
Hotel. Overnight on-board moored in Pinhão.
Monday (B,L,D) After breakfast the morning is free followed by wine tasting. During
lunch we depart up river. This stretch of the river is the most spectacular area of rock
cliffs, terraced vineyards and olive trees. The Douro Valley Railway follows the banks of
the river as far as Pocinho. En-route we pass through the Valeira and Pocinho dams to
reach our destination of Vega Terron in Spain. This is the last navigable point on the river.
Dinner on board and overnight moored in Vega Terron. (B,L,D) After breakfast we travel
by coach to the fine Spanish city of Salamanca; Spain’s finest showcase of Renaissance
and Plateresque architecture. We have a guided tour of the historical sites including the
fine Plaza Mayor and Cathedral. Lunch in a local Spanish restaurant and visit a Spanish
Flemengo show. We return to our river cruiser in time for dinner and sail back down river
to Barca d’Alva.
Tuesday (B,L,D) After breakfast we have a coach tour to Figueira Castelo Rodrigo; a
tiny fortified village still with its 13th-century walls. Returning to the ship we set sail
back down-river to Pinhão. This is a fine riverside town surrounded by famous port
wine quintas. Time for your own exploration. Portuguese show and dinner on-board.
Overnight in Pinhão.
Wednesday (B,L,D) We continue down-river and through the Bagauste dam to reach
Regua. We then take a road excursion to the old episcopal city of Lamego, which has a
wealth of baroque churches and mansions. We see the 18th-century pilgrimage church
and shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Our Lady of Cures), situated high above the
city with magnificent views of Lamego and the valley below. We return to the cruiser
for lunch and continue down river, through the Carrapatelo dam to arrive at Melres. We
transfer to the nearby Alpendurada Monastery for dinner. Overnight on board at Melres.
Thursday (B,L,D) After breakfast we sail back down the lower Douro, through Crestuma
Lever dam and back to the fine city of Porto. After lunch on board we have a guided tour
of this city full of interest, ancient buildings and port wine lodges. Dinner and overnight
on board.
Friday (B) After breakfast you will be taken by private taxi back to the airport for your
flights back to the UK. Alternatively we can book you in to one of the fine hotels for extra
nights for your own time to enjoy and explore the city.
Holiday information
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Full 7-night holiday from Stansted
twin cabin: £1,059
Full 7-night holiday from Heathrow twin cabin: £1,129
twin cabin: £999
•
•
Single cabin supplement: £290.
Upper deck Cabin: £250. (total)
Recommended Flights
FR8343 06.35 Stansted to Porto a. 08.55
TP385 13.40 Heathrow to Porto a.15.45
FR9202 16.25 Liverpool to Porto a.19.05
Restaurant
Gallery
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CAT.2
CAT.1
MAIN DECK
UPPER DECK
1
DOURO DECK
1
2
2
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220
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224
Ryanair and TAP operate direct flights from
Stansted, Liverpool and Heathrow. Overland rail
travel is also available from Waterloo via Eurostar
and Sud-Express.
3
4
Bar
115
117
All excursions as listed in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation in en-suite cabin with breakfast, brunch and dinner each day.
Services of our tour manager in Portugal.
Getting to Porto from the UK
Lounge
116
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Reception
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3
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4
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9
CLASSIC BULGARIA
19 to 26 May 2007
A Balkan country with spectacular mountains
and a coastline on the Black Sea, Bulgaria was
part of the Ottoman empire for around 500
years, although the Orthodox tradition remained
strong. Bulgaria is full of ancient man made
wonders and stunning scenery.
There have been many improvements in
Bulgaria since the collapse of Communism and it
is on course for membership of the EU in 2007
Saturday 19 May (D) Our scheduled British Airways flight departs from London
Heathrow at 08.35 for our 3-hour flight to the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. On arrival we
transfer to the hotel and check in. Short panorama tour of Sofia and welcome dinner
at the hotel. Overnight. Direct flights are also available from London Gatwick. Overland
travel by rail is also available. Please call us for more details.
Sunday 20 May (B,D) Morning trip by slow passenger train* along Iskar river gorge and
Cherepishki Monastery, founded in the 14th century and picturesquely located on the
right bank of Iskar River ( a deep experience, right away from the modern world ). Return
to Sofia. Dinner with folklore performance. Overnight stay in Sofia. * If we have a large
group them we will travel on a steam hauled special train
Monday 21 May (B,D) Departure by fast train Sofia – Pleven (3 hours). Short stop for
sightseeing in Pleven and continue with car/ minibus to Veliko Turnovo – the Mediaeval
Capital city of Bulgaria. Tour of Tsarevets Royal Hill with the fortress, Baldwin tower ( the
leader of the 4th crusade ), visit Samovodska Charshia of crafts. Overnight.
Tuesday 22 May (B,D) Morning tour of Arbanassi museum village located on a hill above
Veliko Turnovo. Departure by road to Shipka peak, crossing one of the most beautiful
parts of the Central Balkan Range. En route short stop at Etura Open Air ethnographic
complex. Visit Shipka memorial church. Arrival in Kazanluk: the cenre of the Rose
Valley known as well as the valley of the Thracian Kings. We have the chance to test
rose products (once 75% of the world rose attar was produced in Bulgaria). The roses
should be in bloom. Visit one of the Thracian tombs in the region. Departure to Plovdiv.
Overnight.
Wednesday 23 May (B,D) Free day in Plovdiv for sightseeing. Plovdiv has 6 000 years
of history and was once the capital city of Philip the 2nd of Macedonia (the father
of Alexander the Great). Visit the Old Plovdiv architectural site with the Roman
Amphitheatre, St. Constantine and Helena Church, Hindlian House. Afternoon wine
tasting at a boutique wine cellar in Brestovitsa village. Return to Plovdiv.
Thursday 24 May (B,D) Early morning transfer to Septemvri railway station and
departure by passenger train: Septemvri – Velingrad – Avramovi Kolibi – Jakoruda
– Bansko. Total duration of the journey is around 5 hours. Septemvri station was
constructed in 1870 by Baron Hirsch (German entrepreneur who in the 19th century
guaranteed a grandiose project to construct a network consisting of 2,500 kilometres
of railway lines in the Turkish-occupied Balkans). Avramovi Kolibi is the highest railway
station in Bulgaria 1267m above sea level - crossing one of the most beautiful parts of
the Rhodopes mountains, 15 tunnels, the Mesta river valley. Late afternoon arrival in
Bansko museum town. Dinner with folklore performance at a typical Bansko mehana.
Today is also The Holiday of the Cyrillic Alphabet and Bulgarian Culture the best
loved public holiday by the Bulgarian people with plenty of traditional festivals and
celebrations.
Friday 25 May (B,D) This morning we have a short trip on the narrow gauge railway
from Bansko to Dobrinishte. Departure by road to Sofia. On the way: visit Rila Monastery
(UNESCO site, the largest Monastery in Bulgaria). Evening arrival to Sofia and dinner at
the hotel.
Saturday 26 May (B) Free time and transfer to the airport. Our flight for London
Heathrow departs at 14.35 arriving back in London at 15.55.
Holiday information
Weather
Generally nice, sunny weather. So everything should be green, fresh, with full of life.
During the day expect temperatures up to 18-20 degrees C (to the north of the Balkans
- a bit lower, down in the region of Plovdiv maybe up to 25 degrees). In the mountain
regions (Veliko Turnovo, Bansko, Sofia) the evenings are a bit cold. Due to a special
microclimate Sofia has in May (because of the winds crossing the mountain) - short
rainfalls can be expected.
Overland Travel
Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London (Waterloo) at 12:09 and arriving
at Paris Nord at 15:59. Walk from the Gare du Nord to the nearby Gare de l’Est.
Holiday Prices (per person, half
board)
•
•
Full 7-night holiday to/from Heathrow
shared room: £839.
Full 7-night holiday to/from Sofia
shared room: £669.
•
Single room supplement: £100.
SPECIAL OFFER £100 OFF
Travel from Paris to Vienna on the ‘Orient Express’, leaving Paris Gare de l’Est at 17:16 and
arriving in Vienna at 08:30 next morning. This is of course the real Orient Express, not
the expensive tourist one. The Orient Express has comfortable modern air-conditioned
Austrian couchettes (4-berth and 6-berth), and a modernised sleeping-car with 1- 2and 3-bed rooms with washbasin. Spend the day in Vienna (luggage can be left at the
station).
Travel from Vienna to Sofia by direct sleeping-car, leaving Vienna at 20:03 and arriving in
Sofia at 17:40 next day. This train travels via Budapest and Belgrade (Hungary & Serbia).
Just one sleeping-car of the Bulgarian railways runs direct Vienna-Sofia, with 1-2- and
3-bed compartments with washbasin. There is no restaurant car, so take you own food,
water and beer or wine, and enjoy the ride...
As this is the first year we have run this
tour we are offering a £100 per person
discount off the above prices on
bookings received before 31 January
2007.
•
•
•
Hotel accommodation (3-star) with breakfast and evening meal each day.
Services of our tour guides.
Getting to Bulgaria from the UK
British Airways and BulgariaAir operate direct
flights from Heathrow and Gatwick respectively.
Overland rail travel is also available from Waterloo
via Eurostar and the Orient-Express.
Recommended Flights
BA890 08.35 Heathrow to Sofia a. 13.40
BA891 14.35 Sofia to Heathrow a.15.55
Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
11
EL TRANSCANTABRICO
8 to 17 June
Also May to September
Pure luxury as we “rail cruise” the coast and
mountains of North West Spain aboard the
legendary El Transcantabrico. Starting from the
World Heritage City of Santiago de Compostela
we also visit Santander, Bilbao and León, and
travel the length of the legendary “La Robla” line.
Friday 8 June Our flight leaves London Heathrow (flight also available from Stansted) at
11.35 for our two hour journey to La Coruna. On arrival we transfer by coach to Santiago
deCompostela (45 minutes). Afternoon and evening are free. Overnight at the fabulous
Parador Reis Catolicos right next to the Cathedral of St.James in this World Heritage City.
There is also a Ryanair flight from Liverpool to Santiago on a Thursday and Saturday.
Saturday 9 June (B,L,D) The journey begins in historic Santiago de Compostela, the city
of St James and the focus of the pilgrim route. A city tour allows us to savour the beauty
of the old quarter, the Obradoiro square as well as the famous Cathedral. Lunch in
Santiago. From Santiago we take our coach to Ferrol, where the train awaits us to begin
our rail journey to Vivero, an attractive walled town on the beautiful north coast. Tour of
Vivero and dinner.
Sunday 10 June (B,L,D) Breakfast on board . We continue by train through the scenic
landscape called the ‘Rias Altas’ or ‘Upper Estuaries’ on to Ribadeo, set magestically on
the mouth of the River Eo. Trip by boat on the estuary. Tour of Ribadeo and lunch. From
here we get into the province of Asturias in Luarca, the ‘white town’ of the Green Coast.
Dinner in Luarca
Monday 11 June (B,L,D) Our train travels towards Cudillero, a charming fishing village
situated in a sheltered cove. From there to Oviedo, capital of the Asturian Principality,
a city of great elegance known for its gastronomic delights and some of the finest PreRomanesque monuments of Spain. Lunch in Oviedo. Afterwards we travel to Gijon, the
impressive city on the Asturian coast. Dinner in Gijon.
Tuesday 12 June (B,L,D) This morning we arrive in Arriondas as we enter into the heart
of Asturias. We take our coach up to the National Park ‘Picos de Europa’, visiting the
lakes Enol and Ercina, and the sanctuary of Covadonga. Lunch in Cangas de Onis. In
the afternoon we will follow the River Sella as it winds down to the charming town
of Ribadesella. From here we travel on to the beautiful seaside resort town of Llanes.
Dinner in Llanes.
Wednesday 13 June (B,L,D) During breakfast the train will arrive in Cabezon de la Sal.
From here we will take our coach and visit the Neocave Museum of Altamira which
incorporates a replica of the nearby Stone Age caves famous for their pre-historic
paintings. We continue on to Santillana del Mar, a beautiful medieval village captured in
time. We enjoy a tour of the village and then have lunch in Santillana. In the afternoon
the train will take us to Santander,
capital of Cantabria, a beautiful coastal
city. Tour of the city followed by
dinner. If you wish you can visit the
local Casino after dinner.
Thursday 14 June (B,L,D) After
breakfast there will be free time in
Santander. Lunch on board while
travelling to Bilbao, a modern bustling
city, where the river reaches the sea.
The tour of the city includes a visit to
the famous Guggenheim Museum.
Holiday information
In the afternoon the train will arrive to Mercadillo. Dinner in Mercadillo.
Friday 15 June (B,L,D) In the morning we arrive in Vado Cervera from where we will be
able to view some of the Romanesque art and architecture of the province of Palencia,
as we pass through the towns of Carrion de Los Condes,Villalcazar de Sirga and Fromista.
Lunch in Villalcazar.. We move on to Guardo where we take the train to Cistierna. Dinner
in Cistierna.
•
•
•
Full 9-night holiday from Heathrow/Stansted
in a double suite on-board: from £1,899
Full 9-night holiday joining in Santiago leaving in Leon in a double suite on-board: £1,799
Full 7-night EL Transcantabrico only in a double suite on-board: £1,585
•
Single room/suite supplement: £840 (9 nights), £750 (train only).
Saturday 16 June (B,L) During breakfast the train will arrive in old León, as it traverses
the river valleys sculptured by the rivers Curueña and Torio. Leon is a town full of history
with an important old quarter situated around the 13th c. Cathedral, a masterpiece of
Gothic architecture, the Collegiate church of San Isidoro and the magnificent Parador of
San Marcos, with its Spanish Plateresque façade. Lunch in Leon. The afternoon is free for
your own exploration of this fine city. Overnight in the fabulous San Marcos Parador.
Sunday 17 June (B) This morning we catch a service train to Valladolid (for flights back
to Stansted) or Madrid for our evening flight back to Heathrow. Also direct flights from
Madrid to other UK airports.
•
•
•
Meals as listed in the itinerary.
B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Services of our tour guides in Spain.
Accommodation
Getting to Spain from the UK
Travellers on the Transcantábrico enjoy a journey especially designed for rest and
privacy, sleeping in comfort as the train stops at each station overnight. This means
that your sleep is not disturbed by moving and jolting and gives those who enjoy
nightlife an opportunity to go out and sample the atmosphere of each town. The
train will be waiting for them at the station. Each compartment (all are suites)
has a double bed, minibar, wardrobe, writing desk and telephone with an outside
line. The floors are carpeted and the private bathroom has a hydro sauna, turbo
massage, steam bath and hairdryer. Air-conditioning and heating are controlled
individually. All suites have large windows with curtains to contemplate the passing
scenery. On the outside, the suite carriages have the same design as the rest of the
train, to which they are connected internally, for the convenience of all passengers.
Recommended Flights
Iberia operate direct flight to La Coruna from
Heathrow and Ryanair operate a direct flight to
Santiago de Compostela from Stansted.
Flights to Madrid from many regional airports.
IB4133 11.35 Heathrow to La Couruna.
FR8378 08.00 Stansted to Santiago
Thursdays/Saturdays only:
FR9152 06.20 Liverpool to Santiago.
The Lounges
The Transcantábrico has four lounge carriages, absolute rail gems due to their
external design and internal decoration and finish. These are the common areas
of the train, where many a lasting friendship has begun throughout the train’s
seventeen years of history.
Gastronomy
As the Transcantábrico follows the Cantabrian coast and the lands of old Castilla
and León, food will obviously play an important part on the itinerary. Many of the
most demanding Gourmets and Chefs maintain that Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the
Basque Country and Castilla & León offer the best cuisine of all the Spanish regions.
The restaurants not only select the highest quality ingredients to be prepared by
great professionals, but are also genuine gastronomic centres, offering an excellent
combination of regional dishes and international cuisine.
13
GALICIAN PARADORES
Saturday 30 June (D) We depart from London Heathrow at 11.35 for our 2-hour flight to La
30 June to 7 July
Join us for a seven day tour of Galicia, Spain’s
undiscovered province in the far north west of the
country. A region of spectacular mountains, fertile
valleys and a rugged coastline producing the best
shellfish in Europe. We will visit the historic cities of
Santiago de Compostela, Vigo and Corunha as well as
the Island of Cies one of Spain’s National parks. The
railway lines in the region take us through some of
the most fantastic scenery in Spain, both coastal and
mountains, places that just can not be seen by road,
the ultimate way to see this fascinating area. This
trip is made all the more special as we stay in luxury
Paradores with fine-dining included.
Coruna. We then take the train south to Pontevedra one of Galicia’s oldest towns, superbly
situated on a hillside above the Ria de Pontevedra. Alternatively, for those interested in
discovering the railways of the region, the journey may be made by rail while your luggage
is taken on to our hotel, the Hotel de Galicia for our first nights stay. The rail journey will
partly follow the Ria Arousa one of the fine deep inlets which are a feature of the Galician
coastline and which help to create the supposed perfect conditions for the cultivation of
shellfish. There will be a short guided walk of this fascinating city in early evening before a
group dinner featuring some of the local cuisine of the area. Ryanair also have direct flight to
Santiago de Compostela from Stansted and Liverpool.
Sunday 1 July (B,D) In the morning there will be a little more time for exploring before we
set off by coach and then boat to visit one of the oyster and mussel farms situated out in the
centre of the ria with the opportunity, of course, to sample some of the fine produce. Before
returning to Pontevedra for our overnight stay.
Monday 2 July (B,D) Today we leave Pontevedra and make the short journey by rail to Vigo,
the largest city in Galicia and one of the largest fishing ports in Spain. Again our journey will
follow one of the spectacular rias with superb views out to the Atlantic. We then travel by
boat to the fabulous island of Cies out in the entrance to the Ria Vigo sheltering the city and
surrounding area from some of the worst of the Atlantic storms. Inhabited from Celtic times
the island is now a nature reserve and there are very few residents actually on the island.
Fabulous beaches and walks up to the summit of the island make this one of Spain’s best kept
secrets. Returning to Vigo our special vintage train (subject to group size) awaits. The journey
to Ourense follows the River Minho which forms the border between Spain & Portugal and
much of the line is right on the bank of the river. At Ourense our coach will meet us to take us
to our Parador deep in to wooden valley of the Ribeira Sacre.
Tuesday 3 July (B,D) Today we visit the Ribeira Sacra, one of the most spectacular, unspoilt
parts of Galicia. We travel by boat along the River Sil, a steep sided, virtually uninhabited
valley. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the wonders of the monastery.
Wednesday 4 July (B,D) We start our day with a visit to Monforte de Lemos and the
interesting fledgling rail museum which, in addition to a British built Mikado steam loco, has
examples of Alco and English Electric locos in working order and a fine collection of restored
coaches. We now travel by train along another of Galicia’s superb lines, this time following first
the River Sil and then the River Minho back to Ourense, before we head north-west to the city
of Santiago do Compostela. The journey of about 2 hours is yet another of Galicia’s fantastic
rail journeys, a very curvaceous route where the land around is often in excess of 3,000 feet.
Overnight stay in Santiago do Compostela.
Thursday 5 July (B,D) We spend the whole day exploring the famous pilgrimage centre of
Santiago a fantastic world heritage city. In the middle ages Santiago de Compostela was
Christendom’s third most important place of pilgrimage after Jerusalem and Rome. Around
the Praza do Obradoiro is an ensemble of historic buildings that has few equals in Europe and
the resting place of Saint James. The cathedral with its twin baroque towers soaring high over
the Praza do Obradoiro, this monument to St James is a majestic sight, as befits one of the
great shrines of Christendom. There will be a guided walk of the old city after which there will
be sufficient time to further explore at your leisure.
Holiday information
Friday 6 July (B,D) Santiago is such a fascinating city, and being the last full day of the tour,
some may prefer to remain in the city. However, as an option there will be the chance to
travel by service train (approx 1 hour) to visit another of Galicia’s interesting coastal cities,
Corunha. This is the largest city in Galicia situated on a curving bay in the far north west of
Spain. Important historically, it was from here that the Spanish Armada set sail in 1588, the
city being attacked unsuccessfully by Drake a year later. There was also a significant battle
during the Napoleonic wars in 1809 which resulted in the death of the British commander,
Sir John Moore. Today, the city is known as the crystal city on account of the very striking
glazed windows found on most of the buildings. We will have a trip on the vintage tram route
which has been recently restored and, for those, energetic enough, a visit to Hercules Tower,
supposedly the oldest lighthouse in the world.
Saturday 7 July (B) Today, our coach will collect us at the hotel in plenty of time to make our
way back to the airport to catch our flight back to London.
The Paradores are a range of luxury hotels based in buildings of historic or architectural
importance. On this holiday we stay at three of the very finest:
Parador de Pontevedra (2 nights)
This Parador occupies a palace which was formerly the residence of the Counts of Maceda.
It rises up in the historical centre of the tow. Distinguished, stately and illustrious are three
adjectives which define an interior where famous details, antiques and regal style furniture
abound, and there are also relaxing views over the garden.
Parador Santo Estevo (2 nights)
The new Parador is housed in the Santo Estevo de Rivas de Sil monastery, in Nogueira de
Ramuín (Ourense) with spectacular views over the Ribeira Sacra. The Monastery is one of
Galicia’s oldest, founded in the 6th century a.c.e. The original construction is Romanesque,
though does show Gothic tendencies. Wonderful woodland walks in the huge grounds.
•
•
Full 7-night holiday to/from UK in a shared room: £1,199
Full 7-night holiday from/to Santiago in a shared room: £1,099
•
Single room supplement: £350 Your Holiday Price Includes
•
•
•
Hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner each day.
Getting to Spain from the UK
Iberia operate direct flight to La Coruna from
Heathrow and Ryanair operate direct flights
to Santiago de Compostela from Stansted and
Liverpool.
Recommended Flights
IB4133 11.35 Heathrow to La Couruna.
FR8378 08.00 Stansted to Santiago
FR9152 06.20 Liverpool to Santiago.
Parador “Hostal dos Reis Catolicos” (3 nights)
Mixture of history, art and tradition, the dream of pilgrims and an emblem of Santiago, the
‘Hostal Reyes Católicos’, located in the Plaza do Obradoiro, forms a magnificent golden corner
with the Cathedral, in one of the most visited regional capitals of the world. The ‘Hostal’, which
originated as a Royal Hospital in 1499 to give shelter to the numerous travellers making
their way to Santiago, Considered to be the oldest hotel in the world, it is also one of the
most luxurious and beautiful. It has four cloisters of immense beauty, elegant living rooms,
spectacular bedrooms and a luxurious dining room.
15
VINTAGE SWEDEN
7 to 17 July
This will be PTG’s first tour to Sweden, but we
intend to make it very special. Starting at the
historic city of Stockholm, our tour will embrace
a circuit through central Sweden, taking in many
of Sweden’s best known preserved lines and
railways. In order to best utilise our time and
provide some journeys along routes with limited
or no passenger service, we are chartering a
classic Swedish rail car from a preservation
society for several of the days. Our aim is to
combine seeing the highlights of Swedish
railways with an introduction to local Swedish
culture and foods.
We are sure this will be an interesting and
memorable PTG tour.
Grangesberg
Angelsberg
Stockholm
Karlstad
Orebrd
Falkoping
Vastervik
Saturday 7 July (D) Our scheduled British Airways flight leaves London Heathrow at
14.05 for the two and a half hour flight to Stockholm. Stockholm is well serviced by
flights from the UK, the majority arriving at Arlanda airport from which it is a simple rail
journey to central Stockholm, and our hotel is located close to the station. Some budget
airlines arrive at Skavsta airport from which there is an airport bus to Stockholm and
again the terminus for this is by the station and close to the hotel. We will use for our
first night the 5 star Scandic Continental. From here we will go out to a typical Swedish
restaurant in the old city for dinner with a classic Swedish menu.
Sunday 8 July (B,D) We start our first full day in Sweden with a guided walking tour
around central Stockholm, before catching the train at 11.25 hours on the first leg of
our circular tour to Mariefred. We go first by modern standard gauge train to Läggesta,
where we have a 150m walk to the narrow-gauge station to catch the steam train
to Mariefred. There will be plenty of places where people can buy anything from an
ice-cream, via beer and sandwiches, to a full meal. Then we will take a guided tour of
Gripsholms Castle, basically a sixteenth century castle, containing the National Portrait
Gallery of Sweden. Later in the afternoon we catch one of the few trains that runs right
down to the pier on the large Malaren lake. Here we board our boat for the 3.5 hour
cruise back to Stockholm. We are served a typical Swedish meal during the cruise. On
arrival in Stockholm, those who want to, have the option to visit the famous Ice Bar for
an evening drink.
Monday 9 July (B) We travel on our own special train (a classic vintage Swedish rail car)
from Stockholm to Ängelsberg, which is a World Heritage Site. A guided tour around the
Ironworks site, and a ferry to and tour around the Oil Refinery, will be provided. There
are places where lunch can be bought. We then re-join our chartered train to go to
Grängesberg, where the Railway Museum has the world’s ONLY working steam-turbine
locomotive, as well as some much older locomotives built in England. Finally, from here
we go to Örebro by charter train, where we stay in the Scandic Grand Hotel.
Tuesday 10 July (B,L) On Tuesday morning, we take our baggage to our own charter
train at Örebro station, before joining a diesel “rälsbuss” which will take us to the Nora
Bergslags Veteran Jernvägen. This is (or claims to be!) The oldest public railway in
Sweden – it celebrated the 150th anniversary of its opening in 2006 – and our first stop
will be at Järle, which is accepted as Sweden’s oldest station, where a morning coffee is
included. We will then continue to Nora, where we will have a tour of the facilities – Nora
claims to have the most complete “old railway environment” anywhere – before taking
an included lunch in the stationary restaurant car. From Nora we shall travel to Bofors, to
visit the Nobel Museum in the house where Alfred Nobel lived for the last part of his life,
and then on to Degerfors, where we will rejoin our own train to travel on to Karlstad for
the night.
Wednesday 11 July (B,L) It may be necessary to have an early start today, since we are
travelling in our charter train on a busy but single-tracked railway to Mellerud, and we
have to be there by 10 o’clock. A bus will take us the few miles to Håverud, where we
transfer to a boat for a trip up the Dalslandskanal – starting with the famous Aqueduct.
The Canal crosses the original “river” – a short stream rushing down from one lake to
another – and road and river bridges cross the lot! We will go as far as Långbron, taking
lunch on the way, and then return to Mellerud by rälsbuss. Our special train then takes
us to Falköping, where we stay at Kurorten Mösseberg. This is placed high up with
superb views, but is a little way from the old town.
Holiday information
Thursday 12 July (B) Today we use a coach to visit two remnants of
the once extensive narrow-gauge system of Västra Götaland (this part
of Sweden). We visit the Antén- Gräfnäs railway first, where we should
have a steam train. From Antén we head for Skara, hopefully seeing some
runestones and/or megalithic graves along the way. From Skara, another narrow gauge
steam train will take us to Lundsbrunn at 16.00, and takes an hour and a half for the
round trip. Our coach then returns us to our Hotel in Falköping.
Friday 13 July (B,D) Today we again use a coach. We set out about 8:30 for the drive
via Nässjö to Hultsfred; any who desperately want to do so could travel the first part of
the journey by train (at their own cost), but the second section has a decidedly sparse
service. We are aiming to reach Hultsfred about 11, and there we will transfer to a
chartered narrow-gauge rälsbuss for the scenic 72km to Västervik. We should be able to
stop along the way for photographs, and also for a sandwich lunch. We hope to be able
to stop also where the narrow-gauge line meets the standard gauge one for the threerail section – about 5 km – in to Västervik. There will be a break here to look around
this pleasant little old town before we re-join our coach for the final stretch back to
Stockholm. On arrival in Stockholm we will check in to our Hotel, and then go out for a
Gala meal at a typical Swedish restaurant. Those who really want to travel by train from
Västervik to Stockholm will be able to do so (at extra cost). However, you would arrive
back in Stockholm too late to join the group for the Gala dinner.
Saturday 14 July (B) For those leaving today we recommend the 15.40 BA flight back to
Heathrow. The tour continues for those staying on (D): Stockholm is an enthralling city
that has much to offer both for the general tourist and the rail enthusiast. As part of the
final 3-days, we will be providing every client with a Stockholm Card, which provides
unlimited use of public transport (including suburban trains, but not main-line ones)
throughout Stockholm’s “Län” (or County), as well as free entry to many museums. We
will be organising a programme as outlined below to which you will be free to dip in
and out as you wish.
We have a guided sightseeing tour by bus and boat in the morning and after snack
lunch in central Stockholm, a visit to the Vasa Museum (the Vasa sunk on its maiden
voyage in 1628 and was recovered in 1961) in the afternoon.
•
•
•
•
Full 11-day holiday from UK in a shared room:
£1,699
Full 11-day holiday from/to Stockholm in a shared room: £1,599
8-day holiday from UK in a shared room: £1,399
8-day holiday from/to Stockholm in a shared room: £1,299
•
Price Includes (full option)
•
•
•
•
Hotel accommodation.
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Getting to Stockholm from the UK
Direct flights operate from Heathrow and
Stansted. SAS airline offer cheap flights from
many UK airports via Oslo.
Recommended Flights
BA780 14.05 Heathrow to Stockholm a. 17.35
BA779 15.40 Stockholm to Heathrow a.17.15
(Sweden is one hour ahead of the UK)
FR054 12.25 Stansted to Stockholm a. 15.40
FR055 16.05 Stockholm to Stansted a. 17.20
Sunday 15 July (B) We take a day-trip to Drottningholm, travelling by lake steamer to
reach the Royal Palace a little way up the lake, which also has the world’s oldest working
theatre – with stage lifts and turntables and so on from the eighteenth century. Guided
tours of both the Palace itself and of the Theatre – in English – are included in the
tour. We will again arrange an evening meal together. There will probably be vintage
electric trains – open to all comers – operating on the Roslagsbanan, the narrow-gauge
suburban railway, today.
Monday 16 July (B, D) There is a lot more to see in and around Stockholm. A morning
tour to the famous Open Air Museum “Skansen” is included. Alternatively, a visit to the
Royal Palace or the Cathedral of Stockholm is possible. We will leave the afternoon
free for participants to do what they wish, whether visiting something particular, or
shopping, or merely gathering their strength for the return home tomorrow! We will
have a farewell meal tonight, and for those who wish it, a visit to the Ice Bar.
Tuesday 17 July (B) Return flights to the UK. We recommend the 15.30 British Airways
flight to Heathrow.
17
VINTAGE ST PETERSBURG
11 to 18 August
A new holiday based in possibly the world’s
greatest city, St Petersburg, Russia. We stay at a
4-star hotel in the centre of the city. During our
stay we have a steam hauled special train to
visit the world renowned Royal Palaces and a
charter train on the scenic coastal line to Vyborg
and a river trip. With plenty of time for your own
exploration of the wonders of St Peterburg. After
exploring St Petersburg we have the option of
continuing to Moscow for a 2-night stay.
Maximum participants 40.
St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is often referred to as
the Venice of the North or the Paris of the East, but its beauty is really a brand all its own.
From the White Nights festival during the mysterious summer twilight to top theatre
and ballet productions and concerts on magical winter evenings, the city offers a vibrant
cultural life that is second to none.
Saturday 11 August (L,D) Leaving London Heathrow at 09.55 we travel on the direct
British Airways flight to St Petersburg. Flight time is just over 3 hours and lunch is served
on-board. Indirect flights are available from other UK airports. Road transfer to our 4-star
hotel in the centre of the old city. After time to settle in we meet for a short orientation
tour of the city followed by a welcome dinner at the “Kronverk” restaurant.
Sunday 12 August (B,L) Today we enjoy a full day touring stunning St Petersburg.
Included are the Winter Palace and Hermitage with one of the world’s finest collections
of art. We also visit the Peter & Paul Fortress where all but one of Russia’s Tsars lie at rest,
Palace Square, Nevski Prospect, St Isaac’s Cathedral and the Aurora battleship. Lunch is
taken aboard a privately chartered boat whilst you enjoy cruising the canals of the city
sometimes known as the ‘Venice of the North’.
Monday 13 August (B,L) Today we join our steam-hauled private charter train for the
short run to Pushkin. This was Russia’s first railway line, opened in 1836, with originally
one track for the Tsar, and another for everyone else! On arrival lunch is taken in the
Podvorye restaurant with traditional folk music before touring Catherine’s sumptuous
Summer Palace, including the world-renowned ‘Amber Room’, now fully restored.
Tuesday 14 August (B,L) This morning we travel by hydrofoil directly from the heart
of the city along the Gulf of Finland to Peter the Great’s retreat at Peterhof, where the
stunning water gardens were inspired by Versailles. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant
before we visit the large railway museum which houses Russias largest collection of
vintage locomotives and railway artifacts. In the evening why not visit the theatre, opera
or circus (not included).
Wednesday 15 August (B, L) A free morning for your own leisure or exploration of the
city. Our guides will be on hand to assist with planning your time if required. We meet
for a buffet lunch aboard a charter vintage tramcar as we travel around the city. St
Petersburg has one of the world’s most extensive tram systems. In the afternoon we visit
the fascinating “October Small Railway or Children’s Railway”. This 750mm line was one
of a series throughout the old Soviet Union to train youngsters to become railwayman
on the “Big Railway”. The St Petersburg line opened in 1948 and was extended to
4.2km in length as recently as 1999. We will ride on the line behind their vintage diesel
locomotive and coaches.
Thursday 16 August (B, L) This morning we board our privately chartered railcar and
head north-west along the scenic route hugging the Gulf of Finland, where we stop to
enjoy a traditional Russian shashlyk (barbecue) lunch. Wine, champagne, caviar and, of
course vodka, are served to accompany your lunch before arrival in the city of Vyborg. A
tour of this city, once part of Finland, is included. For those returning to St Petersburg we
take the “Repin” international express train with the option to dine in the restaurant car.
For those continuing on to Moscow we have free time allowed for you to take dinner at
your leisure in the restaurant of your choice (not included). Late evening you board the “Lev
Tolstoy” overnight sleeping car Express train to Moscow, with accommodation in twin-berth
sleeper compartments.
Holiday information
St. Petersburg Option
Friday 17 August (B, D) A free day for your own exploration or leisure. In the evening we
meet up for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
•
•
Full 8-day holiday from London in a shared room: £1,499
Full 8-day holiday from St. Petersburg in a shared room: £1,199
•
Saturday 18 August (B,L) In the afternoon we transfer to the airport for our British
Airways flight back to London Heathrow arriving at 17.40. Indirect flights are available to
other UK airports.
Moscow Option
Friday 17 August (B, L) We have a morning arrival in the Russian capital, once the centre
of the communist world. The imposing architecture here is the perfect contrast to St
Petersburg. We visit the city’s principal attractions. These include Red Square with its
trademark St Basil’s Cathedral, the panorama from the University hill and a trip on the
Moscow Metro - like no other mass transit system in the world - with stations decorated
with marble, stained glass, mosaics, statues and chandeliers! After lunch at a local
restaurant we check in to our fine central hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own
leisure. In the evening why not visit the Bolshoi Ballet (cost not included)
•
•
•
•
Saturday 18 August (B, D) The morning is set aside for a visit to the Kremlin, including
the Armoury with the best collection of Russian ceremonial regalia, including the worldrenowned Trans-Siberian Fabergé egg. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure. The
day is rounded off with a farewell dinner.
British Airways operates a daily direct flight from
Heathrow to St. Petersburg. Flight times is 3 hours,
15 minutes. From Manchester Finnair offer flights
via Helsinki from about £220. Other indirect
flights are available from other UK airports.
Sunday 19 August (B, D) Free morning. After lunch we provide you with an airport
transfer for your return flight from Moscow to the UK, with dinner served on board.
4-star hotel accommodation.
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Services of our tour guides in Russia.
Getting to St. Petersburg from the UK
Recommended Flights
BA878 09.55 Heathrow to St. Petersburg a. 16.10
BA879 17.10 St. Petersburg to Heathrow a. 17.40
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities of travellers to the Russian
Federation are required to obtain a tourist visa for
entry to the country. Full details will be supplied
with your booking confirmation.
19
US GRAND FALL TOUR
Monday 1 October Our scheduled United Airlines flight departs from London Heathrow at 08.55
1 to 12 October
for our 8-hour flight to Washington. Here we change planes for a short (1 hr 20min) flight to Albany.
Alternatively there are plenty of flights from other UK airports to New York for the regular Amtrak
service train to Albany. Our first nights is at the fine Crowne Plaza Albany hotel in the heart of
downtown. Flight departures also available from Manchester and other UK airports.
Tuesday 2 October (L) We depart Albany this morning on our chartered coach and travel through
Join this very special tour emphasizing branch line
trains, meals in country inns, beautiful lake cruises and
continuous views of the vibrant colours that define
the New England autumn.
Train journeys include a diverse collection of railways,
ranging from the steam powered Mount Washington
Cog Railway to Amtrak’s VERMONTER. Lake
Winnipesaukee provides the background as we enjoy
a wonderful turkey dinner in the Winnipesaukee RR
diner. We also ascend the yawning gulf of Crawford
Notch on the Conway Scenic RR and ride past covered
bridges and waterfalls on the Green Mountain RR.
The White Mountain Central RR takes us through
Franconia Notch behind a Shay or Heisler steam
engine; and we enjoy an elegant dinner on the Café
Lafayette Dinner Train. We ascend the tallest peak
in New England, Mount Washington, on the world’s
first steam powered cog-railway and take a lovely
journey up the Connecticut River on the White River
Flyer. Cruises include the island-dotted waters of
Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the century-old lakesteamer “Mount Washington” and sailing beautiful
Lake George to Paradise Bay on the historic lake
packet “Mohican”. As always, our tour includes relaxing
multinight stays at charming inns and grand hotels,
historic sightseeing, and special meals at unique
venues.
the upper Hudson River Valley and the Green Mountains of Vermont to Bellows Falls, where we
travel on the Green Mountain RR’s Green Mountain Flyer to Chester on the former Boston route of
the Rutland RR. En route we pass two covered bridges and cross the Williams River Gorge above
a thundering waterfall! Our Welcome Lunch is at the Fullerton Inn in the “stone village” of Chester
before departing east on our coach. Our final destination today is the village of Meredith on the
northwest shore of New England’s largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee. We stay four nights at the cosy
Inn at Mill Falls.
Wednesday 3 October (B,L,D) Today we re-create the Boston and Maine Railroad’s once-famous
circuit of Lake Winnipesaukee by rail, lake-steamer and coach. This morning we board the centuryold “M/V Mount Washington” for a voyage on the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee from Weirs Beach
to Alton Bay. We then travel by road along the shore and ascend to the unique Castle in the Clouds,
a restored mansion commanding a stunning vista over the lake. We have a buffet luncheon here
at their cafeteria. This evening we travel on the Winnipesaukee Railroad along the shore from
Meredith south through Weirs Beach to Laconia while enjoying a delicious turkey dinner, carved to
order at each table!
Thursday 4 October (B,L) We travel by road north to the village of North Conway to board the
Conway Scenic RR’s Crawford Notch train. This may be the most spectacular preservation railway
line in the Northeast as it ascends past rushing rivers and up very steep grades through Crawford
Notch. Enroute, the views of the Notch and Mount Washington from the Frankenstein Trestle (its
real name) are wonderful! We have a fine picnic lunch on the train. At Fabyans Station we re-board
our coach and drive to Base Station to travel on the steam-powered Mount Washington Cog RY.
We ascend to the 6,288 foot summit, the crest of New England. Enroute we travel from deep forests
to open alpine tundra. On a clear day, the summit vista encompasses four states and the Canadian
province of Quebec! We return to Meredith in early evening.
Friday 5 October (B,L,D) Today is devoted to views of high peaks and glorious fall colours by
coach and train. We travel first to the wonderful Canterbury Shaker Village where we learn about
their history and beliefs and see the buildings and crafts in this former Shaker community. Lunch is
included here. We then drive the magnificent Kancamaugas Highway to Franconia Notch. At Clark’s
Trading Post we travel on the Shay or Heisler steam-powered White Mountain Central RR. Another
stop allows us to view the former site of the famous “Old Man of the Mountain” rock-face and Echo
Lake. Our final activity today is a real treat: an elegant dinner on the Café Lafayette Dinner Train.
Our journey follows the former Boston and Maine Lincoln branch along the tumbling waters of the
Pemigewasset River this evening.
Saturday 6 October (B,L) We begin today with a drive to White River Junction VT, a major hub of
railway traffic both in the 19th century and now. Our journey is on one of the newer preservation
railroads, the White River Flyer, travelling up the highly scenic former joint Boston and Maine/
Canadian Pacific “Alouette” line to Norwich. The tracks closely follow the Connecticut River enroute.
A scenic drive takes us north into the most unchanged part of the state, the lovely region called
the “Northeast Kingdom”. We stop at the beautiful village green in Craftsbury Common. Alfred
Hitchcock shot many of the scenes for his black comedy “The Trouble with Harry” here fifty years
ago. Those familiar with the movie may recognize some of the locations! A few miles further we
enjoy a wonderful luncheon at the Victorian Craftsbury Inn. We then continue along the dormant
tracks of the “Covered Bridge Route” of the Lamoille Valley RR, seeing the last mainline railroad
covered bridge at Wolcott. We stay three nights in the famous resort village of Stowe at the Green
Mountain Inn (one of the Historic Hotels of America), located in the heart of the village.
Holiday information
Sunday 7 October (B,L) We drive west through the gorge of the Winooski (Onion) River to
Burlington VT on the shores of Lake Champlain, then continue south a few miles to Shelburne. Here
we tour the estate of the Webb family, Shelburne Farms, and taste the award-winning cheese still
produced here. This afternoon, we explore the extraordinary Shelburne Museum, with lunch tickets
included for the cafeteria. The Museum superficially appears to be a recreated New England village
but actually is far more. Within the museum the former Shelburne depot of the Rutland RR seems
to await the departure of a steam train, pulled by the last steam locomotive of the Central Vermont
RY. Perhaps the most remarkable treasure is the huge, fully-furnished walking-beam steamboat “S.S.
Ticonderoga”, which was dragged overland two miles from Lake Champlain to the museum in the
1950s. We return to Stowe in late afternoon.
Monday 8 October (B,L) We leave the rails to enjoy unique experiences on a day devoted to the
birds and foods of Vermont. Our first stop is Cold Hollow Cider Mill to taste their wonderful apple
cider. A few miles south in the deep woods, we visit the Birds of Vermont Museum at Huntington.
Here, one man has carved all the birds native to Vermont and displayed them in natural habitat
dioramas. Lunch is at the famous Trapp Family Lodge overlooking the spectacular mountains and
valley back toward Stowe.
Tuesday 9 October (B,L,D) We board Amtrak’s VERMONTER at Waterbury for a scenic run to White
River Junction on the New England Central RR. This is the former Central Vermont RY and includes
a crossing of the Green Mountains at Roxbury Summit and the gorges of the Winooski and White
Rivers. We pass three covered bridges at Northfield village and see some of Vermont’s prettiest
towns from the train this morning. A short drive takes us to Woodstock for an included luncheon
in this beautiful inn. We then drive to Plymouth Notch, a village preserved as a state historic site as
the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge. Our hotel for the night is the Clarion Hotel at Cavendish
Pointe in Proctor. Tonight we have an included dinner at the Echo Lake Inn, a lovely Victorian resort.
Wednesday 10 October (B,L) We begin with a short drive to Weston to visit the famous Vermont
Country Store, where we can shop, sample wonderful food products, or walk the village and
photograph the classic village green. Another short drive brings us to the lovely village of Arlington,
where Norman Rockwell lived and painted for a number of years. Our included luncheon is at the
beautiful Arlington Inn. Following lunch, we drive to Manchester and explore Hildene, the home of
Robert Todd Lincoln, sole surviving son of the President. Later we cross into the Adirondack region
of New York for a two-night stay at the landmark Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.
Thursday 11 October (B,L) This morning we drive to the restored stone citadel of Fort
Ticonderoga. It has a beautiful prospect looking across Lake Champlain to the Green Mountains
of Vermont. A short drive brings us into the beautiful Adirondack Mountains for lunch at the
Algonquin Restaurant overlooking Lake George in Bolton’s Landing. At Lake George village we
board the M/V Mohican lake packet for a cruise up “the Lake Lucerne of America” past high peaks,
magnificent estates and rocky islands to Paradise Bay. Our return drive is on the Adirondack
Northway, which won national awards for its harmonious design in the protected wild lands of
Adirondack State Park. Great vistas of Schroon Lake and the surrounding peaks mark the route.
•
•
Full 12-day holiday to/from Heathrow or Manchester in a shared room: £2,250
Full 12-day holiday to/from Albany in a shared room: £1,799
•
•
•
•
•
Hotel accommodation each day.
B=Breakfast, CB=Continental bf,
L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Getting to Albany from the UK
British Airways, Virgin and many US Airlines offer
regular flights to New York for connecting flights
or the Amtrak train to Albany.
Recommended Flights
UA919 11.50 Heathrow to Washington DC a. 14.52
UA5585 17.05 Washington DC to Albany a. 18.26
UA5586 19.11 Albany to Washington DC a. 20.45
UA924 21.53 Washington DC to Heathrow a. 10.00
US1597 11.20 Manchester to Philadelphia a. 14.00
US3344 16.27 Philadelphia to Albany a. 17.31
US3925 13.30 Albany to Philadelphia a. 14.36
US1596 20.35 Philadelphia to Manchester a. 08.35
(Albany is 5 hours behind the UK)
Friday 12 October (B) The “turning point” of the Revolutionary War was the 1777 defeat of British
General John Burgoyne at the two Battles of Saratoga. Benedict Arnold, later the most infamous of
traitors, was the hero of the American cause at the second Battle of Saratoga. We see the unique
“Traitor’s Monument” to Arnold’s wounded foot on our tour of the beautiful National Military Park.
We have free time before transfer to Albany airport and depart on the 19.11 United Airlines flight
back to the UK with a short stop of just over an hour in Washington DC. Arrival back in the UK is
at 10.00 on Saturday morning. Alternatively catch the lunchtime Amtrak service to New York for
various flights options back to the UK.
Add on night in New York
We can easily arrange add-on nights in New York before or after the tour with rail tickets for the
Amtrak service to Albany.
21
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
Wednesday 12 September Various direct flights from Heathrow to Los Angeles or indirect flights
12 to 23 September
from most major UK airports. Hotel accommodation for the next four nights are included at the
legendary Millennium Biltmore Hotel in the heart of the city. This hotel hosted the annual Academy
Awards show for over 30 years. Its public rooms are a fantasy of 1920s Italian-Renaissance glamour,
while the bedrooms have been modernized to offer contemporary comfort and amenities. .
Thursday 13 September (L) We travel by Light Rail (contemporary interurban electric railway)
Train travel highlights include the routes of the
Southern Pacific’s renowned “Coast Daylight” and
“San Joaquin Daylight” streamliners and the Santa Fe’s
“Golden Gate” line. On these famous lines we travel on
Amtrak’s contemporary double-decker California cars
and very comfortable double-decker Superliners.
Historic trains are highlighted in Southern California
at the Orange Empire Railway Museum and at the
LA County Fairgrounds. At Felton we ride the narrow
gauge Roaring Camp and Big Trees steam line into a
stunning grove of giant redwoods. Our Sacramento
treat is a tour of the California State Railroad Museum,
The centrepiece of the restored Old Sacramento
District. We also enjoy lunch in the dome-diner on the
Napa Valley Wine Train. In the Sierra Nevada region we
ride the steam-powered Sierra RR out of Jamestown.
Sightseeing includes touring the restored Cunard
Lines former flagship the original “Queen Mary”,
Universal Studios Hollywood, the Aquarium of the
Pacific, the lovely Spanish mission at San Luis Obispo,
William Randolph Hearst’s “castle” at San Simeon,
and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park by steam
train. Another lunch is included on the restored
sternwheeler “S.S. Delta King”, permanently moored
in Old Sacramento. We travel into the stunning peaks
of the High Sierra Nevada Mountains, tour Yosemite
National Park with lunch at the Ahwanee Hotel, and
explore the Gold Rush country with a tour of the
restored Columbia mining camp.
from Los Angeles to Long Beach this morning. The line begins in a subway, then emerges onto a fast
dedicated right-of-way as we roll southwest. This was the last line of the immense Pacific Electric
Ry. network to be abandoned (in 1962) and the first to be reopened in the late 1980s. The PE once
ran nearly 1,000 miles of electric trolley and interurban lines in southern California. Arriving in Long
Beach, the Light Rail trams run right down the middle of the road, exactly as the PE’s “Red Cars” once
did! Upon arrival we take the shuttle to the pier where the magnificent former Cunard Lines flagship
the “RMS Queen Mary” is moored. We have a self-guided tour of this elegant art-deco vessel and
enjoy our Welcome Lunch on-board. Adjacent to the great ship is the superb Aquarium of the Pacific.
Here 19 major habitats display the marine treasures of the Pacific Ocean. We return to Los Angeles
by Light Rail.
Friday 14 September (L) We board the fast “Red Line” subway at the hotel for the run north to the
Universal Cities terminus. This is home to the most accessible of Hollywood movie studios. The day
is spent enjoying the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour, a true “experience of the movies”. We drive
through active sets on a rubber-tired tram (you could see a star!), Then enjoy free time to participate
in the interactive rides that recreate scenes from such famous films as “Jaws”,“Jurassic Park” and (of
course, in California) Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Terminator”. There also is plenty of time to visit the
shops of the Universal City Walk Hollywood complex. Each participant has an “all you can eat” lunch
pass valid at any of the three on-studio cafes. We can return to the hotel at our leisure on the “Red
Line”.
Saturday 15 September Today is an unusual day of rail exploration. First we travel by road
east to the little town of Perris, home of the Orange Empire Railway Museum. The collection here
demonstrates the evolution of the vast Pacific Electric system and the days of branch-line steam
in southern California. We ride the restored trolley line and demonstration railway (which often is
steam-powered). Later we drive to San Bernardino and board the doubledecker commuter trains of
Metrolink. The San Bernardino Metrolink Line follows a former Pacific Electric/Southern Pacific route
back west to Los Angeles. We detrain at the Los Angeles County Fair enroute. The Fair continues
to showcase the agricultural bounty of the L.A. Basin, but its particular draw for this tour is its
outstanding train exhibit. The centrepiece is a preserved Union Pacific “Big Boy” articulated 4-8-8-4
steam engine, the largest railway locomotive ever built. There are great rides and shows to enjoy
independently at the Fair as well! Later we return by Metrolink to the gloriously restored Los Angeles
Union Passenger Terminal and from there to our hotel on the “Red Line”. There are several afternoon/
early evening departures; and we can return on our choice of trains.
Sunday 16 September (complimentary on-train beverages and snacks) This morning we take
one of the world’s most beautiful main-line train trips, riding the legendary former Southern Pacific
“Coast Route” to San Luis Obispo. Amtrak’s PACIFIC SURFLINER streamliner takes us north in the
comfort of upgraded Pacific Business Class with complimentary on-board non-alcoholic beverages
and snacks. More complete meals can be purchased in the café car. The line literally hugs the shores
of the Pacific Ocean for over 100 miles from Oxnard to Lompoc. Much of this track is remote from
any roads. In places, the line runs on bluffs hundreds of feet above the waves. In the early afternoon
we alight at San Luis Obispo and visit the beautiful Spanish Colonial Mission of San Luis Obispo de
Toloso, built as part of Father Junipero Serra’s chain of missions in 1732. We stay at the Holiday Inn
Express San Luis Obispo. (CB) San Francisco newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst built his
fantasy “castle” at the pretty village of San Simeon, 40 miles north up the rugged coast from San Luis
Obispo. We tour the estate this morning, exploring the amazing Main House and lovely gardens.
Later we board Amtrak’s COAST STARLIGHT Superliner for a very scenic trip north to San Jose.
Holiday information
We continue on the former Southern Pacific “Coast Route”, ascending the rugged Cuesta Grade as we
leave San Luis Obispo. The line twists around multiple horseshoe curves as its crests the Coast Range.
Dinner can be purchased in the restaurant car, and there is a mid-train dome-lounge car to enjoy as
well. We stay at the Travelodge on the Alameda in San Jose.
Tuesday 18 September (CB,L) We drive high into the Coast Range this morning to the former
logging camp of Felton and board the three foot narrow gauge trains of the steam-powered
Roaring Camp and Big Trees RR. This line ascends on very steep grades and through switchbacks to
a terminus in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where we detrain to admire a grove of giant
redwoods. Our lunch is a Lumberjack Barbecue at Felton before we return to San Jose and board
Amtrak’s CAPITAL double-decker streamliner for the run northeast to Sacramento. The line closely
follows San Francisco Bay through Oakland and Berkeley, offering matchless views of San Francisco
and the Oakland Bay and Golden Gate Bridges en route. We overnight for three nights in the heart of
Old Sacramento at the Vagabond Inn.
Wednesday 19 September (CB,L) Our hotel is just steps from the restored gold-rush center of
California’s capital city, the Old Sacramento District. Here we explore the matchless exhibits of the
California State Railroad Museum which include the only surviving Southern Pacific “cab forward”
articulated steam engine; a diner from the Santa Fe “Super Chief”; and the restored terminal of
the Central Pacific RR, the western portion of the first Transcontinental Railway. We enjoy a very
special lunch on the sternwheeler “S.S. Delta King”, sister ship of the legendary “S.S. Delta Queen”.
Many “steamboaters” are unaware that these renowned vessels originally ran an overnight service
between Sacramento and San Francisco. Later we visit the Discovery Museum, which displays
the natural and human history of California. There is free time to shop and further explore Old
Sacramento or take an optional ride on Sacramento’s new Light Rail network.
Thursday 20 September (CB,L) We drive northwest this morning into the beautiful Napa Valley,
center of California’s wine production. At the beautiful village of the Napa we board the Napa Valley
Wine Train for a round-trip journey to St. Helena. We enjoy a multi-course gourmet lunch in the
elegant dome-diner as we ride. Later we drive some of the pretty back roads of the valley en route
back to Sacramento.
Friday 21 September (CB,L) Early this morning we walk across the street to Sacramento’s elegantly
restored Southern Pacific depot and board Amtrak’s double-decker SAN JOAQUIN streamliner for
a fast run south to Modesto. Here we re-board our coach for the drive to Yosemite National Park.
En route we ascend into the towering peaks and thundering cascades of the High Sierra Nevada
Mountains. We have lunch at the landmark Ahwanee Hotel before enjoying a free afternoon in
Yosemite Valley. The National Park Service operates a free tram every few minutes on a circle tour
routing throughout the valley. The trams make frequent stops at scenic views, so we can linger to
photograph Yosemite or Vernal Falls and then reboard a later tram. Early this evening we have a
short transfer to our home for the night, the Yosemite View Lodge.
Saturday 22 September (L,D) We drive into former Gold Rush Country in the foothills of the Sierra
Nevadas today. At Jamestown we visit the steam-era roundhouse and shops of the Sierra Railroad
at Railtown 1897, riding their steam hauled train as well. This line has been used many times in
Hollywood films and TV programs, so we may recognize both the train and the scenery! Lunch is
included at Jamestown’s historic National Hotel before we explore the restored Columbia miners’
camp at Columbia State Park. This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner in the diner riding the
diesel-powered Sierra Railroad Dinner Train round-trip from Oakdale. We overnight at Oakdale’s
comfortable Best Western Rama Inn.
Holiday Prices (per person, half
board)
•
•
Full 12-day holiday to/from Heathrow or Manchester in a shared room: £2,100
Full 12-day holiday to/from Los Angeles in a shared room: £1,600
•
•
•
Single room supplement: £300 Flight upgrade to premier economy: £500
Flight upgrade to upper-class: £2,000
•
•
•
•
Hotel accommodation each day.
B=Breakfast, CD=Continental bf
L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Getting to Los Angeles from the UK
Many airlines, including British Airways and Virgin
offer direct flights to Los Angeles from Heathrow.
Indirect flights are available from other UK
airports.
Recommended Flights
VS007 11.30 Heathrow to Los Angeles a. 14.50
VS008 17.20 Los Angeles to Heathrow a. 11.45*
KL1076 09.55 Manchester to Amsterdam a. 12.20
KL0601 13.15 Amsterdam to Los Angeles a. 15.20
KL0602 17.50 Los Angeles to Amsterdam a. 13.15
KL1087 15.20 Amsterdam to Manchester a. 15.40*
* next day
(Los Angeles is 8 hours behind the UK)
Sunday 23 September (CB) This morning we board Amtrak’s double-decker SAN JOAQUIN at
Modesto for a fast run through the rich farm and ranch lands of the San Joaquin Valley on the
former Santa Fe “Golden Gate” streamliner route. The diner-lounge car sells light meals enroute. At
Bakersfield we reboard our coach for the ride over the Coast Ranges back to Los Angeles. We transfer
to Los Angeles International Airport at about 4:30 p.m. for return flights to the UK arriving Monday.
23
CORNWALL & ISLES OF SCILLY
Friday 18 May (L,D) You are warmly welcomed aboard our private train as it makes its way
18 to 21 May
In conjunction with Pathfinder Tours we present a
land cruise to West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
A truly beautiful part of the British Isles basking in a
warming micro climate created by the Gulf Stream.
A visit to this ancient land is always a joy. Travel in
style aboard our First Class Premier Dining Train, and
enjoy a 3 night stay in a warm and welcoming Cornish
hotel, your base for a weekend of exploration and
enjoyment of the attractions and sights that represent
some of the best Cornwall has to offer.
Pick up/set Down (Approx Times)
York
09.30
19.15
Doncaster
10.00
18.45
Sheffield
10.30
18.15
Chesterfield
10.50
17.55
Derby
11.20
17.25
Burton on Trent
11.35
17.10
Tamworth H L
11.55
16.50
Birmingham NS
12.20
16.25
Cheltenham Spa
13.15
15.30
Bristol P'way
14.00
14.45
Bristol TM
14.15
14.30
Smoking is not permitted on the train or on
the road coaches.
Holiday Prices
•
•
•
•
Premier seat at table for 4
£659 per person
£699 per person
Premier table for 4
£2,556
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
across country to the south-west. Liveried stewards will serve you at seat with a selection of
appetizing refreshments. After last pick up at Bristol a sumptuous four course Dinner will be
presented and enjoyed as we pass through the beautiful rolling scenery of Somerset, Devon
and Cornwall, en-route to journeys end at Penzance. On arrival we check into our hotel for the
3-night stay.
Saturday 19 May (B,D) After breakfast set out on your chosen option for the day, returning
to the hotel in time for dinner.
Option A: THE ISLES OF SCILLY - ST. MARY’s
Sail from Penzance aboard the ’Scillionian’ to the small group of islands that make up the
Scillies. You will land on St. Mary’s late morning and have a little under five hours to explore
and enjoy this very laid back ‘heart’ of the islands. Included is a very unusual open top vintage
bus tour before returning late afternoon aboard the ‘Scillionian’ to Penzance.
Option B: TRESCO GARDENS IN THE ISLES OF SCILLY
As option A but transfer by inter-island boat [cost included] from St. Mary’s to nearby Tresco
island for the world famous sub tropical Abbey Gardens. Around three hours will be available
to explore. Like to save time and experience helicopter flying? For a supplement of £80 per
person we can arrange a return helicopter flight from Penzance to St. Mary’s or Tresco.
Option C: CORNISH GARDENS
Travel by road coach with a local Blue Badge guide and spend a relaxing day visiting Trevarno
and Trebah, two of Cornwall’s magnificent gardens. Trebah is a magical 26 acre sub-tropical
paradise, created in a valley that tumbles down to its own small private beach on the Helford
River. Trevarno is a beautiful 35 acre Victorian garden and grounds set in the heart of an
historic estate. It is a plant man’s paradise with many notable features.
Sunday 20 May (B,D) After Breakfast you will set out again on your chosen option for the
day. All options will return you to your hotel in time for evening dinner.
Option D: RIVER FAL CRUISE AND FALMOUTH
A circular journey by coach, with the services of a Blue Badge Guide, taking you via the
cathedral city of Truro to the upper reaches of the River Fal, where you join a cruiser for the
delightful journey down through the Carrick Roads to Falmouth. On arrival you are then free
to explore this charming port and town, with its mix of shops and attractions including the
National Maritime Museum, before returning west via Helston.
Option E: WILD WEST CORNWALL
This is an easy day coach excursion right around the stunning coastline of Penwith,
the peninsular in the far west of Cornwall. The seascape is one of rugged Atlantic cliffs
interspersed with beaches and small harbours. A number of breaks will be enjoyed and a local
guide will be on hand to relate tales of local myths and legends.
Option F: CORNISH GARDENS - as option C above
Monday 21 May (B,L) After transfer from your hotel rejoin the special train and depart
Penzance station, with the Great British Breakfast enjoyed as we travel homeward through
the undulating west country landscape. Later in the journey further enticing refreshments will
be served, depending on your leaving station. We hope you will go home taking some great
memories and recollections so that you can look back in years to come at a lovely weekend
enjoyed.
THE ORCADIAN WEEKEND
Friday 8 June (B,L,D) You are warmly welcomed aboard our first class private train
where, for those joining at Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa, Bristol Parkway, Cheltenham
Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Birmingham New Street and Stafford an excellent traditional
Breakfast will be served. Those joining at Crewe or Preston will enjoy a lighter repast. For
everyone afternoon refreshments will be presented before arrival at Perth, where there
is time for a leg stretch and short exploration of this historic city. Evening Dinner is then
enjoyed as we traverse the undulating Highland main line through the beautiful central
Highlands en-route to Inverness. On arrival check in to your hotel for the three night stay.
Saturday 9 June (B,L,D) After a hotel breakfast we set out on our first full day in the
Highlands. Firstly by road coach, and accompanied by a knowledgeable blue badge guide,
we leave Inverness for the start of this circular itinerary by travelling along the shore of the
one and only Loch Ness, stopping off at the visitor centre. The A87 main road is then taken
for the scenic drive through Glen Moriston and alongside Loch Cluanie, passing below the
‘Five Sisters’ to Shiel Bridge and Eileann Donan Castle (see photo above). After a spot of
lunch and a very interesting guided tour of this rebuilt castle continue along Loch Duich
to Kyle of Lochalsh, with its views of the Isle of Skye. There will be time to explore this
small harbour town before joining our special train for the rail journey along the length of
the scenic ‘Skye Line’. A Scottish Evening Dinner will be enjoyed as the train winds its way
back to Inverness alongside lochs and through the hills and mountains. A superb end to
the day!
8 to 11 June
In conjunction with Pathfinder Tours we present
our most popular UK railcruise, with a three night
stay in Inverness, the self proclaimed ’Capital of the
Highlands’. We know that the combination of first
class travel, good meals and accommodation, coupled
with the spectacular Highland scenery, is a winning
combination for a most enjoyable weekend, especially
with the long Scottish summer days.
Sunday 10 June (B,L,D) We depart early from our hotel and take full advantage of the
long summer days in the north of Scotland. As we leave Inverness behind a full Scottish
Breakfast is served as our special train travels through the beautiful and varied Ross-shire
and Caithness scenery to Georgemas Junction. Here we Transfer to road coaches as we
explore along the rugged Coast of Caithness. A short break is taken at Dunnett Head, the
most northerly point of the British mainland, before continuing to the Castle of Mey for
a visit. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother first saw what was then Barrogill
Castle in 1952, while mourning the death of her husband King George VI. Falling for
its ruined charm, and hearing it was to be abandoned, she declared “Never! It’s part of
Scotland’s heritage. I’ll save it”. The Castle was the property of the Queen Mother until 1996
when she generously gifted it with an endowment to The Castle of Mey Trust. We continue
our day with a break at John O’Groats. The magic of this name has drawn visitors for many
years in ever greater numbers and it is good to say that you are no longer greeted with
just a windswept car park. Considerable investment now provides a tourist information
centre and community of quality shops for crafts and other products. Our final destination
is Wick, a town that revolves around its seafaring traditions.
Today it is an interesting mix of influences and elements.
The harbour remains both active and interesting, while the
town centre has considerable character. After an enjoyable
afternoon we rejoin the train at Wick for Evening Dinner as
we head back to Inverness.
Monday 11 June (B,L,S) Depart Inverness, with the Great
British Breakfast served once more as we travel south
through the beautiful Highlands. There will be a brief stop
at Perth and a four course Luncheon will be served as
we return to England. For those of you leaving the train
later in the evening, a supper will also be enjoyed. As we
return you to your original station we hope you will leave
the train with memories of a wonderful weekend just
enjoyed amongst the magnificent scenery of the Scottish
Highlands.
Pick up/set Down (Approx Times)
Swindon
06.45
22.05
Chippenham
07.00
21.50
Bath Spa
07.15
21.35
Bristol P'way
07.40
21.10
Cheltenham Spa
08.20
20.20
Worcester SH
08.45
19.50
Birmingham NS
09.35
19.00
Stafford
10.15
18.00
Crewe
10.45
17.30
Preston
12.00
16.00
Smoking is not permitted on the train or on
the road coaches.
Holiday Prices
•
•
•
•
£745 per person
£799 per person
Premier table for 4
£2,880
10% discount if you book any other non-UK holiday with us in 2007.
25
Enthusiast
THE GREAT SPANISH TRACK BASH
Saturday 28 April
28 April to 6 May
After the overwhelming success of our “Clear the
FEVE” tour we are happy to offer another “track bash”
to this fascinating area of Northern Spain. We feature
some of Spain’s finest lines including the threatened
Madrid to Burgos route and the incredible Pajares
route through the mountains before the bypass
tunnel opens. Also many freight only lines around
Barcelona, Tarragona and Oviedo. A luxury road coach
will “shadow” the tour and transfer our luggage for us.
Overland Option Leaving London Waterloo at 15.11 we take the Eurostar service to Paris Nord
arriving at 18.53. Private taxi transfer to Paris Austerlitz station from where we depart at 20.32
on the night sleeper service to Barcelona arriving 08.24. We have full sleeper berths (where
possible with private showers).
Flight Options (D) Various flight options from many UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick,
Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, East Midlands, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Bristol and
Bournemouth. Welcome meal and overnight in Barcelona.
Early arrivals can explore this fascinating city or travel on the vintage blue tram.
Sunday 29 April (B) This morning we visit the workshop and depot of the local FGC railway
company with various narrow gauge diesel and steam locos to see. Our diesel hauled special
train then takes us through the city to visit the freight only line into the docks before we head
north and visit the freight only line to Suria. In the afternoon we transfer to the re-opened
rack railway for a spectacular climb up Montserrat mountains to visit the monastery and
the Black Virgin shrine; the holiest site in Catalonia. Plenty of time for exploration before our
coach takes us on to Lleida for the first of our 2-night stay.
Monday 30 April (B) Our special train this morning is hauled by a restored class 308 diesel as
we head south-east from Lleida via Rues before we head along the coast to Tarragona to visit
the network of freight only docks lines here. We return to Lleida via Monzon for our overnight
stay.
Tuesday 1 May (B) In the early afternoon we catch the Altaria loco-hauled (at the time of
writing) train to Madrid for your own free time to explore this fine city. Alternatively stay with
our coach as we visit some of the works taking place on the new high speed lines and see
(with photo opportunities) works trains hauled by ex-BR class 37 locomotives. We also visit
the local depot where they are based. We then catch evening AVE train to Madrid. A third
option is to travel on the service train on the fine branch line to Pobla de Segur in the foothills
of the Pyrenees before catching the evening train to Madrid. Overnight in a country hotel
outside of Madrid.
Wednesday 2 May (B) One of the highlights of our trip as we travel by special diesel hauled
train on the threatened line from Madrid to Burgos. This is a fascinating rural non-electrified
line and we will have some photo stops en-route. Our locomotive will be a vintage ALCo 321
(or maybe even a 316). We will have a break in the fine town of Burgos where you can take
lunch or visit the tomb of legendary hero El Cid. We then continue west to León for the first of
our 2-night stay. León is a fine city with a superb Cathedral famous for its stained glass.
Thursday 3 May (B) Real highlight of the trip as we take a 321 ALCo (hopefully a different
one) over the stunning Pajares pass route. This is Spain’s most gruelling route and was
electrified as early as the 1920s. So a real one off chance for diesel haulage. A new long
tunnel is under construction to bypass the main section of this route so do it while you can!
The summit is at over 4000ft. We also visit a whole group of freight only lines including; Leon
avoider, Oviedo avoiding line route via Viella, El Entrego, Musel Puerto from both directions
(possibly we might get permission to cover the port authority lines in which case we do the
whole circle), S.Juan de Nieva, Soto del Rey power station. Overnight in León.
Friday 4 May (B) Another of Spain’s finest rail journeys as we leave the broad gauge national
system and venture onto the FEVE metre gauge system. Our special train will be hauled by 2
x 1500 locomotives from León to Bilbao. This route is through stunning scenery with green
valleys and amazing rocky mountains. En-route, at Balmaseda, we hope to change to another
Holiday information
pair of 1500 locomotives before we take the cross city route to join the Basque line onward to
San Sebastian and Hendaye before returning to San Sebastian for our overnight stay. A rare
chance to do the Eskotren lines loco hauled. For those flying back from Barcelona we catch
the overnight sleeper train with twin berth sleeper.
Saturday 5 May
Overland Option
(B) We catch the 10.27 train from Hendaye to Paris Asuterlitz arriving at 16.00. After our
transfer to Paris Nord we catch the 18.16 Eurostar service back to London Waterloo arriving at
19.58
Flight Option from Bilbao
(B) The morning is free for your own exploration of San Sebastian. Alternatively join our
coach transfer to the nearby Basque railway museum at Azpeitia for a diesel hauled charter
using one or two of their preserved locos. There should also be a public steam hauled train in
operation. In the afternoon special FEVE charter back to Bilbao for our overnight stay
Flight Option from Barcelona
Various flights back to the UK.
Sunday 6 May Time to explore Bilbao including the famous Guggenheim museum before
flights back to the UK. Alternatively catch the daytime train (10.05) back to Barcelona.
•
•
•
•
•
Full 8-night holiday from Waterloo shared room: £1,249
Full 8-night holiday from Heathrow
shared room: £1,099
Full 8-night holiday from Barcelona to Bilbao
shared room: £999
Full 7-night holiday from Barcelona to San Sebastian shared room: £9.49
All special trains only, no accommodation, meals or other travel: £699
•
Single room supplement: £30 per night Your Holiday Price Includes
•
•
•
Quality en-suite hotel accommodation with breakfast each morning.
Services of our tour guides in Spain.
Getting to Barcelona from the UK
British Airways, Iberia, Ryanair and Easyjet all
operate direct flights to Barcelona for many of the
UK's main airports.
Recommended Flights
BA480 14.30 from Heathrow a. 17.35
BA2488 14.15 from Gatwick a. 17.20
EZ6025 10.35 from Bristol a. 13.45
EZ6401 09.50 from Newcastle a. 13.25
BA1796 09.20 from Birmingham a. 12.50
FR9146 12.05 from Liverpool a. 15.20
FR7823 13.55 from Glasgow a. 17.30
FR9912 16.40 from Bournemouth a.19.35
FR (Ryanair) flights are to Girona airport.
(transfer to Barcelona hotel is extra)
27
Enthusiast
ANNUAL ENTHUSIAST EVENTS
Wednesday 3 October Leaving London Heathrow at 14.10 a 2-hour flight brings us to the
3 to 8 October
Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Direct flights also available from Gatwick and Luton. Overland
travel with the Eurostar from Waterloo can also be arranged via Paris or Lille and the SudExpress. Overnight at the Hotel Tivoli Tejo.
Thursday 4 October (B) Culture Option 1: Join our coach trip, 30km outside of Lisbon, to the
Our annual enthusiast event in Portugal where we
visit some of Portugal’s best lines using a wide variety
of locomotives. Plenty of culture as well as we visit the
fascinating walled towns of Marvão-Beira and Silves
and the palace at Mafra. All nights are spent at the
fine Hotel Tivoli Tejo in Lisbon.
Palácio de Mafra. This is a massive Baroque palace and monastery which dwarfs the nearby
small town. It was built during the reign of Portugal’s most extravagant monarch, João V. No
expense was spared with 52,000 men employed resulting in a palace with one of the world’s
finest libraries of 40,000 gold embossed books. En-route to the palace we stop at the region’s
biggest market at Malveira.
Culture Option 2: Free for your own exploration of this fine city. Close to the hotel is the
Parque de Nacos which the site of Expo 98 and still has plenty to see including the world
renowned Oceanarium.
Enthusiast Option: We take a local hauled train north to the rail centre of Entroncamento. Here
we visit the maintenance depot and works. We also visit the training school, with its many
plinthed steam locos, and the national museum collection.
Friday 5 October (public holiday in Portugal) (B) The first day of our special charter train.
This is formed of all first class carriages and a restaurant car. Today we will be hauled by a
Bombardier 1961 diesel locomotive from the Carga sector. Heading north from Lisbon we
reach the junction at Setil and take the, now pretty much freight only, Linha do Vendas Novas
to join the southern section of CP at Bombel. From here we head south down the Linha do
Sul. We travel through an unpopulated area of cork forests and hills. We have several photostops en-route.
Culture Option: Alight at the pretty rural station of Messines-Alta. Here we are met by our
coach and a local guide for a tour of the Monchique mountains and to the walled town of
Silves. Here we can visit the 11th-century moorish castle and the 14th-century cathedral. We
rejoin our special train at Tunes.
Enthusiast Option: We continue south and join the Algarve line at Tunes before continuing
east to the regional capital of Faro. Here we have a break with time to visit the preserved oldtown within the original city walls. In mid afternoon we return west to Tunes and head back
north. This line climbs steeply so listen out as our locomotive works hard. During the journey
an evening meal will be served in the restaurant car (pay on the day). We return to Lisbon via
the new route over the Ponte 25 Abril suspension bridge.
Please note that if the freight only line to Aljustrel has reopened (due in 2nd half of 2007) then our
itinerary will be modified slightly to take in a visit to this line.
Saturday 6 October (B) Our special train this morning will be hauled by two vintage electrics
from the 2501 or 2551 series. The locomotives date to the early 1960s and are being phased
out. These locomotives take us north to Entroncamento where we change to a diesel 1551
locomotive before we head east to the junction at Torre das Vargens to join the Ramal de
Alcacer. We now start winding our way up into the mountains of the Serra de São Mamede,
a remote region that has a fascinating range of flora and fauna. This is a national park and
vultures and eagles soar over the red deer, wild boar and cat-like genet. The normal passenger
service was withdrawn from this line in 2005. Our destination is the mountain top town
of Marvão-Beira. Our coach will meet us at the remote station and take us up to the town
set dramatically at 2,828ft on a spectacular escarpment facing Spain. We have 3 hours for
exploration of the town with its 13th-century fortifications blending into the exposed natural
Holiday information
granite which completely enclose the collection of white-washed houses and 15th-century
church. We return, as outward, to Entroncamento where we change locomotives to a different
2501/51 locomotive for our journey back to Lisbon. Again evening meals will be available in
the restaurant car.
Sunday 7 October (B) Our first loco today will be an Alsthom 1901 series diesel. Leaving
Lisbon we head north to Entroncamento. Again we change locos and leave with an English
Electric 1401 locomotive on the front of the train and a MLW 1551 series on the rear (top and
tail). Our first destination is the freight only branch to the power station at Pego. We reverse
here with the MLW locomotive now powering the train and head east along the Beira-Baixa
line to Rodão. This section of line is very scenic as we follow the spectacular valley of the Rio
Tejo. All being well our train will now traverse the short freight only branch line to the paper
mill. Returning to the main Rodão station we alight and join our river cruiser for a trip on
the river and through the spectacular “Portas do Rodão”. Here two huge rocks force the river
through a spectacular gorge. Rejoining our train we return as outward to Entroncamento.
We hope to change loco again here for an unspecified diesel for the fast run back to Lisbon.
During the journey evening meals will be available in the restaurant car.
Monday 8 October (B) You can spend the day exploring Lisbon or join us on a boat trip
across the Tagus river to Barreiro. Here we visit the large locomotive works and depot and
see the long lines of withdrawn locomotives including the famous Portuguese “class 50s”. We
transfer back to the airport for the 17.50 BA flight back to Heathrow or flights to other UK
destinations. Alternatively return overland travel via the Sud-Express and Eurostar.
Summary of locos types which should be used (all from the Carga sector):
1401, 1551 x 2, 1901, 1961, 2501, 2551 x 2 (all on special train)
5601 x 2 (on service trains to/from Entroncamento)
PTG Terms and Conditions Apply.
•
•
•
Full 5-night holiday from Heathrow shared room: £799
Full 5-night holiday from Lisbon
shared room: £665
4-night holiday joining in Lisbon on the 4th October in a shared room: £599
•
•
Single room supplement: £30 per night 3-days special trains only: £439.
(no accommodation or other travel)
Hotels
All nights are spent at the fine 4-star Hotel Tivoli
Tejo. All rooms are of a high standard with ensuite bathroom etc. A good breakfast is included
each morning.
•
•
•
4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast each morning.
Please note on-train meals are not included.
Getting to Portugal from the UK
Direct flights operate from Heathrow, Gatwick and
Luton. Prices from £70 return. Overland travel
via Eurostar (from Waterloo) and the Sud-Express;
approx £360 return with sleeper.
Recommended Flights
BA502 14.10 Heathrow to Lisbon a. 16.50
BA497 13.55 Lisbon to Heathrow a. 16.30 or
BA503 17.50 Lisbon to Heathrow a. 20.30
29
Enthusiast
STEAMY UKRAINE - Rail Cruise
Sunday 30 September Our scheduled Ukrainian International Airlines flight leaves London
Gatwick at 12 noon for our direct flight (3 hours 20 mins) to Kiev. The evening is free in Kiev
for your own exploration or to travel on the vintage tramways. Overnight at Hotel in Kiev.
30 Sept to 9 October
Join us for a 7-night rail cruise through this
fascinating former-Soviet country. We have a journey
of over 2,000 km into the Carpathian mountains with
fantastic scenery, seven different steam locomotives,
plenty of run-pasts and photo opportunities. Our
accommodation is on-board the train in twin-bedded
cabins and all our meals are provided in the on train
dining car.
Monday 1 October (B,D) It the morning we have a sightseeing tour on Kiev including St.
Sophia Cathedral and Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves), which are both UNESCO
World Heritage Sites. Alternatively there is time to travel on the tramways (22 different routes),
trolley buses and the funicular. Our special “hotel train” leaves Kiev early evening and our
dinner will be served on-board. Our overnight journey is diesel and electric hauled to the
town of Grechany (south west of Kiev).
Tuesday 2 October (B,L,D) Our journey today is from Grechnay to Gusaytin and we will be
steam hauled throughout. Our locomotive is an oil fired SO “sergo” type which was built in
the 1940s. These are 2-10-0 locomotives originally used for heavy freight trains. We will have
runpasts and photo opportunities en-route. Breakfast and lunch will be served during the
journey. In the evening we switch to a diesel loco for the overnight journey via Kolomyya to
Delyatin.
Wednesday 3 October (B,L,D) Double-headed steam today with ER and EM class 0-10-0
locomotives for the journey up into the Carpathian mountains to Rakhov. Hopefully there will
be snow on the ground. Rakhov is a border post with Romania and it will be interesting to
see the two gauges here; Ukraine being 5 foot and Romania standard gauge. The ER ”Erka”
locomotive was built in the 1940s and used for lighter freight work. Our EM locomotive dates
from the 1930s and was also used on freight work. Again plenty of photo opportunities and
runpasts and meals served on-board. Overnight parked up at Rakhov.
Thursday 4 October (B,L,D) Today we travel through the Carpathian mountains with an L
“Lebedyanka” class 2-10-0 locomotive. Again these were originally freight locomotives which
date from the 1950s. Our ER and EM locomotives from yesterday remain in steam on the rear
of the train giving some excellent runpasts and photo opportunities. Overnight travel diesel
and electric hauled on to Vapnyarka.
Friday 5 October (B,L,D) Yet another different steam locomotive will haul our train, this time
a SU 2-6-2. These were originally passenger locomotives and date from 1950. Our journey
is from Vapnyarka to Gayvoron via Zyatkovtsy. Again plenty of food served by our attentive
crew. Overnight stabled in Gayvoron.
Saturday 6 October (B,L,D) Today we have a charter trip on the narrow gauge 750mm line
from Gayvoron. This will be our sixth different steam locomotive, a 0-8-0 type GR locomotive
again from the 1950s. Overnight journey to Khristinovka with a diesel locomotive.
Sunday 7 October (B,L,D) Our final main line steam run and our seventh different steam loco.
This should again be from the SO type but coal-fired. Our journey takes us from Khristinovka
to Pogrebische. After dinner we return overnight to Kiev with diesel haulage.
Monday 8 October (B) A free day for further exploration of Kiev. Overnight in hotel in Kiev.
Tuesday 9 October (B) Morning road transfer to Kiev airport for our 09.00 direct flight back
to Gatwick. Indirect flights also available to other UK airports.
Holiday information
Visiting Ukraine
UK nationals no-longer need a visa to visit the Ukraine. The political situation is stable and
crime is low. It is PTG’s policy that all customers must have comprehensive travel and medical
insurance.
Weather
In October the average temperature in Kiev is 12 degrees but will probably be colder in the
mountains.
The Hotel-Train
Our train consists of generator car, shower carriage, staff car, restaurant car, bar car, music
saloon, 2 x sleeping cars. Sleeping compartments are twin beds (not bunks). The shower car
has 5 showers, a sauna and a massage parlour.
•
•
Full 9-night holiday to/from Gatwick in a
shared room/cabin: £1,899
Full 9-night holiday to/from Sofia in a
shared room/cabin: £1,599
•
Single room supplement: £450 Your Holiday Price Includes
•
•
•
•
7 nights on-board the hotel-train, plus on night each side ast a good hotel in Kiev.
Meals as shown in the itinerary:
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Getting to Barcelona from the UK
Ukraine International Airlines have a daily direct
flight from London Gatwick. There are various
non-direct routes available from many UK airports,
normally at no extra charge.
Recommended Flights
UR502 12.00 Gatwick to Kiev a. 17.20
UR501 09.00 Kiev to Gatwick a. 10.30
(Ukraine is 2 hours ahead of the UK)
31
Enthusiast
A BIT OF ARGY-BARGY
Wednesday 31 October Various cheap flight options from many UK airports to Madrid.
Here we catch the overnight flight to Buenos Aires the capital of Argentina. This leave
Madrid at 00.05 for our 12-hour flight arriving in Buenos Aires at 08.20.
31 Oct to 11 Nov
Thursday 1 November On arrival we transfer to our city centre hotel. The rest of the day
is free for your own relaxation and acclimatisation.
Our first visit to Argentina to sample ex-CP and
RENFE locomotives. Highlight of the trip will be a
5-day (2,500 km) special train in a circular route
from Buenos-Aires (in the east) to Mendoza (in
the west) taking in many nonpassenger lines.
Plenty of depot visits and photo opportunities.
CULTURE visits such as historic places and a
vineyard will be included where possible.
Friday 2 November (B,D) Today we have two options. For the rail buffs we will provide
information on local service trains with a guided tour of the main stations for those
who want to ride ex-CP 1400 and other diesels on local services (not included). For
those wanting a bit of culture we have a walking tour of Buenos Aires including a visit
to the Casa Rosada presidential palace with possibly the world’s most famous balcony
where Eva Peron (Evita) used to address the crowds. Evening visit to a Tango show with
a welcome meal.
Saturday 3 November (B) The first day of our special train, hauled by ex-CP 1400
locomotive(s). One or two locos to be confirmed. We travel north west over the FC
Mitre line from Buenos Aires to Rosario (about 300 km). This is the third-largest city in
Argentina and located on the western shore of the Paraná River. On arrival we visit the
Talleres Perez workshops. Overnight in Rosario.
Sunday 4 November (B) The second day of our special train as we continue west from
Rosario to the large city of Córdoba (about 400 km). Called the Heartland of Argentina
for its location in the geographical center of the country, Córdoba has a strong colonial
history blending with modern economic growth. It is Argentina’s second-largest city,
a major industrial center, but retains many of its historical buildings dating from the
colonial era. Again we visit the workshops on arrival. Sleep Cordoba.
Monday 5 November (B) Remaining with our special train we head west and south to
the city of Mendoza (about 500 kms on freight only lines). Route is FC Mitre southwards
via Rio 3º to Rio 4º; then FC San Martin Rio 4º--Sampacho — V.Mercedes — San Luis
— La Paz — J.N.Lencinas — Palmira — Mendoza. Overnight in Mendoza.
Cordoba
Rosario
Mendoza
Laboulaya
BA
Tuesday 6 November (B) Today we have a free day for your own exploration of
Mendoza. We also have optional visits to Mendoza and Palmira railway depots and
photo opportunities. Alternatively join a visit to a local wine lodge. Mendoza is on
a major road between Argentina and Chile. It is a frequent stopover for climbers
heading up Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere) or for other
mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and outdoor activities. In the winter,
skiers come to the city for its easy access to the Andes. Mendoza developed because of
its position on the South Trans-Andean Railways where the Argentine and Chilean rail
lines link. Beyond Medoza the metre gauge line (currently out of use) crosses the Andes
to reach Chile.
One of the main industries of the Mendoza area is wine making. Another large industry
is olive oil production. Overnight in Mendoza.
Wednesday 7 November (B) Leaving Mendoza our special will take the following route
on FC San Martin Mendoza—La Paz—Justo Daract—Vicuña Mackenna—Laboulaya.
Again a distance of about 500kms on freight only lines. Sleep Laboulaya
Holiday information
Thursday 8 November (B) Our special returns to Buenos Aires via the following route:
Laboulaya — Rufino — Saforcada — Junin — Chacabuco — Rawson — BA. Some of
which is freight only. Overnight in BA.
Friday 9 November (B, L) Today we visit the preservation centres of Ferroclub. They have
one standard-gauge and one broad-gauge depots. We have a special train hauled by
one of their preserved locomotives hopefully from Lynch to Fatima. At Fatima we have
an included Argentine style BBQ lunch with folk music. Overnight in BA
Saturday 10 November (B) Free day in BA as we travel on some of the local suburban
services. Optional visit to the Tram Museum which includes 2 ex-Porto tramcars. Special
tram charter ride through the streets. Our return flight leaves BA at 22.35 for the 12
hour flight to Madrid arriving 14.30 (Sunday), You may if you wish stay on in BA for extra
nights at £40 per person (shared room), £70 per person (single).
Sunday 11 November Onward flight connections from Madrid to many UK airports.
Argentina
Around 50,000 British nationals visit Argentina every year. Most visits are trouble-free.
British nationals do not require a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist. On presentation of
a valid British passport you will be granted a 90-day stay in the country. For full details
on travel to Argentina visit the UK Foreign Office web site at www.fco.gov.uk
Argentina is a country of immense beauty and proportions. Its geographic diversity
spans the most breathtaking terrain from Antarctica, through the wild, glacier-filled
mountains of Patagonia and massive open plains of La Pampas to the deserts and
tropical jungles in the north.
Buenos Aires
Downtown Buenos Aires is as sophisticated as any European city, with its wide avenues,
fine colonial architecture and rows of pavement cafes. The city was built by French,
Italian and Spanish immigrants and the Porteños (locals) still regard themselves as
more European than South American. Travellers walking through the leafy parks and
boulevards could be forgiven for thinking they were in Madrid, Paris or Milan.
We expect our special 5-day train to be hauled by one or more ex-CP 1400s throughout.
However other locos may appear. There should be the opportunity to sample plenty of
service trains with any number of ex-CP, Alco and other locos.
•
•
•
Full 12-night holiday from UK in a shared room: £1,999
Business-Class upgrade (Madrid-BA) from £1,200
Full 10-night holiday from/to Buenos Aires in shared room: £1,399
•
•
5-day special train only: £999
(no accommodation or other travel)
Price Includes (full option)
•
•
•
Hotel accommodation (3 or 4 star) with breakfast each morning. Other meals as listed in the itinerary.
L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Getting to Buenos Aires from the UK
Direct flights operate from Paris, Madrid and some
US cities. Prices from £500 return. Cheap flights
available from UK to Paris or Madrid.
Recommended Flights
IB3167 18.50 Heathrow to Madrid a. 22.10
IB6843 00.05 Madrid to Buenos Aires a. 08.20
(total flight time 14 hrs, 25 mins)
IB6844 22.35 Buenos Aires to Madrid a. 14.30
IB3166 16.30 Madrid to Heathrow a. 17.50
(total flight time 14 hrs, 15 mins)
33
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Your completed booking form confirms your acceptance of the
Booking Conditions of PTG Tours Limited (hereinafter referred to as PTG)
listed below:
1. PTG are providing your holiday in the destination country. Any
travel between the UK (or other countries) and Portugal/Spain, will be
arranged with a bonded ATOL agent or direct with the airline involved.
Any monies paid for travel from the UK to Portugal/Spain will be on
behalf of the ATOL agent or airline. A contract will exist between you and
the ATOL holder once they issue a confirmation invoice, which we will
send to you as soon as we receive it.
2. Hotel bookings are made in good faith from the brochures supplied
to us. Facilities do change with or without notice and PTG cannot be
held responsible. Accommodation, unless otherwise stated, is on a Bed
& Breakfast basis sharing twin/double rooms. Single rooms may be
available in the hotels concerned and any extra charges will be notified
to you at the time of booking. We reserve the right to provide alternative
hotels to those named in the itinerary provided they are to a similar
standard.
3. Booking for the tour is conditional on you having suitable travel
insurance from the time that you place your booking. PTG cannot accept
any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any medical problems,
injuries, losses or damage, howsoever caused, during your participation
in this holiday.
4. For tours within the EU we recommend that you bring a European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (EU Citizens only) available free from main
UK Post Offices, to cover basic medical expenses in the EU.
5. All customers travelling must have valid passports. Non UK passport
holders should check with their own Embassy regarding any possible
visa restrictions applicable to the destination country.
6. Any special requests will be passed to the relevant supplier but
cannot be guaranteed.
7. The price for the tours are based on an exchange rate of 1.45
Euros to the £ for European tours and 1.8 USD to the £ for other tours.
We reserve the right to increase the price of the tour in the unlikely
event that there is a major fluctuation in the rate of exchange. Any
prices which include travel from the UK are subject to change and will
be confirmed at the time of booking. These could decrease for early
bookings but could increase for late bookings.
8. Should the tour be cancelled for any reason our liability will be
limited to the return of all monies paid to PTG.
9. PTG will not be held liable for any losses or inconvenience should
the late arrival or cancellation of any train upset our schedule. We reserve
the right to substitute alternative transport, in the unlikely event that the
advertised transport becomes unavailable for any reason.
10. The following cancellation charges will apply.
Period before departure written notification is received by us:
42 days or more = deposit • 29-42 days = 50% of total holiday cost
15-28 days = 60% of total holiday cost • 5-14 days = 90% of holiday cost •
less than 5 days (or no show) = the total cost of the holiday.
11. Your confirmation/invoice will show the date the balance is due for
payment and this date must be strictly adhered to.
12. All details shown in the itinerary are provisional and subject to on
the day availability.
13. PTG cannot be held responsible if any late running results in you
missing your flights/transport back to your home country. Please make
sure that your travel insurance covers such eventuality.
14. PTG reserves the right to refuse a holiday booking from anyone
without giving a reason. PTG also reserves the right to ask anyone to
leave the tour, without recompense, if we feel that their behaviour is
affecting the enjoyment or safety of others or jeopardising the good
name of PTG.
15. In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and
Package Tours Regulations1992” all passengers booking with PTG are
fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of
all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from
cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the
insolvency of PTG. A certificate detailing this cover will be given to each
passenger as evidence of cover. This insurance has been arranged by
International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by Insurers
who are members of the Association of British insurers.
16. Any changes to these conditions will be advised in writing.
PTG Tours Limited • Registered in England and Wales No. 3901223
Registered Office: 17 Withybed Way, Dunston Park, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 4DG
Brochure photographs
Cover:
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Train in Upper Douro valley, Portugal (Darren Walker)
Aqueduct in Tomar, VIP railcar at Vale do Peso (Jim Hill)
Hotel in Tomar, VIP railcar interior (Jim Hill), VIP railcar at Oriente station
Douro Valley steam train, Douro Valley View
Waterfront in Porto, Casa de Mateus gardens
Douro river cruise ship, The Invicta docked in Porto
Invicta restaurant, Invicta twin cabin
Rila Monastery, Bulgarian wine cellar, Cherepishki Monastery
Plovdiv Amphitheatre, Rila Monastery, Alexander Nevsky
El Transcantabrico train on La Robla, typical scenery, double bed cabin
Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Transcantabrico plaque
View of Ribeira Sacra, La Coruna tram and Torre de Hercules
Pontevedra, Parador Santo Estevo
Preserved Swedish railcar, Ariel view of Stockholm © Monolinea (iStockphoto.com)
Narrow gauge steam loco, steam ship © Bart Claeys
(iStockphoto.com)
Summer Palace © Dainis Derics (iStockphoto.com), Steam loco from national collection
Peter the Great’s palace, Red square in Moscow © Ivan Chuyev (iStockphoto.com)
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Back cover:
Yosemite National Park © Loic Bernard (iStockphoto.com), Roaring Camp and Big Trees
“S.S.Delta King”, Amtrak “The Capital”
Mount Washington railway © Kenneth C Zirkel (iStockphoto.com)
Lake Winnipesaukee © Robert Manley (iStockphoto.com), Covered bridge © Norman Reid (iStockphoto.com)
Scilly Isles at sunset © Stephen Rees (iStockphoto.com), Cornish tin mine © Kevin Britland (BigStockphoto.com)
Eileann Donan Castle © Andreas Sandberg (iStockphoto.com)
FEVE 1500 locomotives at La Robla
Typical Asturian scenery, Barcelona blue tram
Marvao-Beira, 1961 series locomotive, Silves
1551 series locomotive, 1901 series locomotive, view over Lisbon
Ukraine steam locomotives (David Fletcher), Kiev Cathedral (Colin Miell), Kiev Funicular
Ukraine steam loco at sunset (Ian Martin), Narrow gauge steam loco (Richard Bowen)
Ferroclub diesel loco, ex-CP 1400 diesel
ALCo locomotive, Casa Rosada
Vine with grapes © Moritz van Hacht (iStockphoto.com)
HOLIDAY BOOKING FORM
Please book me the following places on your holiday(s)
Holiday
Start Date
No. of Places
Option
Could you also please arrange with a registered ATOL agent on my behalf the following travel to connect with the holiday(s):
Leaving from:
Form of travel:
Air
Overland
(Please leave blank if you are arranging your own travel to connect with the holiday)
Full Name(s) of Participants
Contact Address:
Postcode:
Telephone No:
Mobile No:
Email:
Special requirements
or information you
should be aware of:
Passport No:
o Please find enclosed my cheque for the deposit * per person per holiday.
(* Deposit is £250 per person except for the El Transcantabrico and Non-European holidays where a deposit of £750 per person is required)
OR Please deduct the deposit from the following Credit/Debit Card: Visa o Mastercard o Maestro
I understand that there will be a 1% surcharge for payment by Credit Card (no surcharge for Maestro).
o
* If booking within 5 weeks of departure then please send full payment.
Card Number:
Start Date:
Maestro Issue No:
Expiry Date:
Signature of
cardholder:
I confirm that I accept PTG Tours Limited Standard Terms and Conditions and that the balance of my booking is payable
28-days before departure. I also confirm that I have suitable travel insurance cover for the full duration of the holiday.
Please send this booking form to:
PTG Tours Limited, Gable House, Letcombe Hill, East Challow, Oxon OX12 9RW
n
Fax: 01235 768855
PTG Tours Limited
Gable House, Letcombe Hill, East Challow, Oxon OX12 9RW
Tel/Fax: 01235 768855
E-mail: [email protected]
www.ptg.co.uk

Holiday information

Transcription

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