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Mountain escapes in the UK, Europe & India for late summer & autumn departures.

City breaks and beach escapes are all very well but, for a relaxing holiday away from the crowds, you can’t beat the mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery at a slower pace with an escorted tour from rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel, choosing from either a Connoisseur Tour(for those with a specific passion for railways) or a Grand Tour (for those with a general interest in exploring the world by train).

Avoid airport anxiety and keep your carbon footprint to a minimum with a relaxing stay at the famous Italianate Portmeirion Village, set alongside the beautiful North Wales coastline. From your four-star base, enjoy steam journeys and wonderful views on the world-famous Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, accompanied by an expert guide. Arriving 1 October, the Ffestiniog Railway & Portmeirion Luxury Break costs from £775 pp (two sharing), including half board at the Hotel Portmeirion, first class rail tickets and tour leader.

Aimed at the rail connoisseur, this ten-day holiday has the beautiful city of Salzburg, as its base. Explore its castles, palaces and UNESCO-listed old town and enjoy daily escorted excursions that include unique ‘behind the scenes’ access at a number of railways, private steam charters, guided tours, visits to the famous Krimml Waterfalls and Stiegl Brewery, and much more. Departing 13 August, Behind the Scenes in Salzburgerland costs from £1,685 pp (two sharing), including Eurostar and onward rail (via Cologne), nine nights’ hotel B&B (two in Cologne, seven in Salzburg), three lunches and tour leader.

Travel beyond the Arctic Circle to the Land of the Midnight Sun on this delightful Scandinavian summer escape. As well as ample time to explore the cities of Bergen, Oslo, Trondheim and Stockholm at your own pace, expect scenic rail journeys on the famous Flam Railway (reached by cruising up the beautiful Sognefjord), the privately-owned Inland Railway, the Iron Ore Route connecting Norway and Sweden, and more. Departing 2 July, The Grand Arctic costs from £3,359 pp (two sharing) including flights (London) to Bergen/from Stockholm, 14 nights’ B&B, 15-Day Global InterRail Pass, excursions, farewell dinner and tour leader.