Over 50s travelers looking to tick off their bucket list destinations and journey to far flung countries can expect to see more of a country – if they take the train.
Rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel has two epic Antipodean rail holidays departing in the next six months that explore predominantly by train – no internal flights included!
The company’s General Manager, Maria Cook comments “Our escorted tour portfolio changes year on year and we thought now is the time to introduce two new tours that comprehensively explore Australia and New Zealand. We are aware that our travelers will want the long-haul journey to these countries to be worthwhile and will expect to see more, so researching railways and their timetables was a crucial part of the tour planning process!
“As a rail tour specialist, we know that traveling by train enables you to see more of a country at ground level in a set time frame than any other means of transport, so our travelers can expect rail journeys that include first class comfort, private charters and wonderful steam-hauled trips in both Australia and New Zealand.”
Both tours also include stopovers in other bonus bucket list destinations including Singapore, Bangkok and San Francisco.
The Very Best of Australia
A rail tour that covers half of the Australian continent by train. This 24-day epic holiday includes stopovers and sightseeing in Singapore and Bangkok and time to soak up the vibrant Australian cities of Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. Experience rail journeys that travel through incredible, diverse scenery, from the country’s outback ‘red centre’, the Pacific coastline to rich tropical rainforests. Gold class comfort is guaranteed as you journey on the famous Ghan train from Darwin through the centre of Australia to Adelaide, including a day exploring Alice Springs. Relax in Premier and First Class accommodation as the rail journey continues from Adelaide eastwards to Melbourne, Sydney and north towards Cairns, including a trip on the Spirit of Queensland train from Brisbane to Cairns – all delivering amazing scenic and ocean views. No rail tour of Australia will be complete without a ride on the charming Puffing Billy steam train near Melbourne and the Kuranda Scenic Railway that weaves its way through lush rainforests outside Cairns. City sightseeing tours are included together with a Great Barrier Reef day cruise and during a return stay in Bangkok there is the opportunity to enjoy a rail & road trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Departing 5 November 2023, this 24-day ‘bucket list’ holiday costs from £7,945pp (based on two sharing) and includes all flights, Gold Class cabins with meals onboard the Ghan, Premium Overland train seats plus meals, first class tickets on NSW TrainLink XPT services and RailBed class on the Spirit of Queensland train. Lunch and a sightseeing tour of Singapore, lunch & wine tasting in Adelaide and all other excursions are also included together with good quality B&B hotel accommodation and the services of a tour leader throughout.
New Zealand Rail Adventure
With the two bonus bucket list destinations of Singapore and San Francisco on the outbound and return journey, this comprehensive 27-day rail tour of New Zealand delivers an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime! See the best bits of New Zealand’s North and South Islands by riding spectacular rail journeys, experiencing scenic sailings and even driving a Railcruiser! This NZ exploration takes in Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin and Blenheim on the South Island before taking the stunning Interislander Ferry journey to Wellington on the North Island. Here the tour continues to Hamilton, Rotorua and Auckland before travelling home via San Francisco. In between travelers will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Singapore, journeys onboard the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer trains AND ride five steam trains, including a private charter on a Kitson Steam Tram and a trip on the Marlborough Flyer (subject to schedule). Excursions include a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, an incredible Milford Sound Experience, a visit to the amazing Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and a unique ‘RailCruising’ experience on the Rotorua Railway whilst taking in the thermal areas famous geysers and mud pools. All this and time to explore Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and San Francisco.
Departing 9 February 2024, this 27-day holiday is worth the price tag of £8,750pp (based on two sharing) as all flights, rail, coach and ferry travel, quality B&B hotel accommodation, excursions and sightseeing tours are included together with the services of a knowledgeable tour guide throughout.
