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Blockbuster film location sites have become 'must see' destinations for the touring traveller. The silver screen has inspired people to visit cities, islands and places of historical interest around the world since movies began.

Rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel believes Sicily looks set to be the next cinema-draw destination in 2023 – not because of its famed 'The Godfather' links, but this time thanks to Indian Jones!

The Italian island plays host to the fifth instalment of the Indian Jones franchise - Dial of Destiny - which opens in cinemas at the end of June. The historic city of Siracusa with its Greek, Roman and Baroque heritage is a perfect backdrop for Harrison Ford's famous archaeologist.

The beautiful city is included in Ffestiniog Travel's Southern Italy & Sicily escorted rail tour which combines train journeys that travel through forested mountains, across unspoilt countryside and along sparkling coastlines with visits to historic landmarks and volcanoes.

Is the popularity of TV shows like The English, Yellowstone and prequel 1923 inspiring travellers to seek out 'Big Sky' destinations of the 'Old West'? Rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel's Best of Colorado tour delivers classic cowboy country as you journey on six pioneering railroads through magnificent Rocky Mountain scenery. This 11-day US tour connects the best railroads in the state by private coach including Pikes Peak, the world's highest Cog Railway which re-opened in 2021 after 4 years; Durango & Silverton Railroad, voted Best Scenic Train Ride in America in 2022 by USA Today Readers and the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad, longest and highest steam railroad in North America. Departing 15 June 2023, this tour priced from £4,900pp (two sharing) includes flights, rail journeys, coach transfers, 'wild west' excursions, time in Denver, hotel stays, some lunches and tour leader.

Switzerland's UNESCO Rhaetian Railway set a new world record for the longest passenger train on 29 October. Measuring 1,910m the train travelled along the stunning Albula/Bernina route. You can experience this scenic journey on Ffestiniog Travel's Rhätischebahn Explorer escorted rail tour. A week's holiday exploring Switzerland's famous railway network. Experience unforgettable train journeys through the magnificent mountainous canton of Graubünden. Based in the picturesque town of Chur there is easy access to the railway network for independent sightseeing with a first-class travel pass or join escorted excursions with your tour leader including an amazing return journey on the Bernina Express, a three-course dinner on board the Gourmino dining train and rides on a Crocodile heritage train and the Rhine Gorge Experience train. The price flights, rail travel, B&B hotel accommodation, a welcome dinner, excursions and travel pass.

Ffestiniog Travel launches its 2023 'Rail Holidays of the World' escorted tour collection that embraces a return to long-haul train travel touring – but book early!

Maria Cook, general manager at the independent specialist rail tour company comments: “As we emerged from the pandemic in 2022 we focused more on offering a choice of tours to destinations in the UK and Europe as people tentatively returned to travelling again.

“For 2023 we have taken the decision to extend our long-haul rail tour range as we feel people are ready to explore further afield and want to see more of the world once again. But we would urge people to book well ahead of departure date to avoid disappointment.

“As a small travel company we have to close bookings on our long-haul tours weeks in advance and often have to disappoint customers who are waiting to decide on a last minute holiday. We are hopeful that the recent 'last minute' trend will ease off as travel confidence improves and people return to planning and booking holidays months in advance. It will certainly help small travel companies trade out of the pandemic.”