Enjoy the experience as a visual cinematic journey through landscapes and towns, people and places. Cruising the rails is slow travel by rail at its best, switching off from the demands of the day and watching the world through the window.
New slow travel by rail itineraries in 2026
Ffestiniog Travel, one of the UK’s longest established specialist rail tour operators, has launched new holiday itineraries, from Mexico to the Mountains of Switzerland.
New specialist tours for rail enthusiasts and train tourers include a 12-day rail holiday to Denmark & Northern Germany which features visits to Hamburg’s world-famous Miniatur Wunderland, steam journeys on the Mollibahn, Rasender Roland and Veteranbanen, a nostalgic cruise aboard the Hjejlen paddle steamer and an exclusive visit to the Danish Tramway Museum. (6–17 July 2026)
Experience the Swiss Mountains & Lakes on a 14-day escorted tour, which includes a First Class Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel and journeys on iconic mountain railways and funiculars, the Golden Panoramic Express and paddle steamer cruises on four Swiss lakes. Highlights include ascents of the Brienzer Rothorn, Gornergrat, Mount Rigi, and Mount Pilatus, as well as visits to Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne, and Zermatt. (2–15 September 2026)
Treasures of Turkey is an escorted 14-day tour through Turkey’s fascinating history, culture, and landscapes to include Istanbul’s iconic sights, a Bosphorus cruise and the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus, with the volcanic scenery of Cappadocia. The adventure continues to the eastern city of Kars, close to the Armenian border, before returning to Istanbul aboard the Dogu Express. (14–27 October 2026)
Linking long haul destinations via plane and train adventures, the company has launched a 16-day escorted tour in Mexico. This takes in the legendary El Chepe Express through the Copper Canyon and the festive Tequila Express, Travellers will cruise Topolobampo Bay, and take the InterOceanico Train and the Tren Maya. Guided tours include Mexico City, Campeche, and the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, with time to relax in Playa del Carmen. (5–20 March 2026)
About the Company
From its first escorted tour to Switzerland in 1974, Ffestiniog Travel has grown into an internationally respected rail holiday specialist, offering both escorted tours and tailor-made rail holidays worldwide. Its expertise spans UNESCO World Heritage railways, narrow-gauge & steam lines and iconic rail experiences including the Bernina and Glacier Express in Switzerland, The Ghan in Australia, TranzAlpine in New Zealand, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India, Rocky Mountaineer services in Canada, Norway’s Flåm Railway and closer to home, Scotland’s Jacobite steam train.
Ffestiniog Travel, owned by the Ffestiniog Railway Trust, maintains strong links with its sister company the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Over the years, Ffestiniog Travel has donated almost £2 million to the Trust to support the continued preservation of both heritage steam railways
For more news click here.
