Trains and Treasures of Wales:
June 20-July 4, 2003
Itinerary
Day 1: Friday, June 20, 2003
Depart from USA on individually arranged flights.Day 2: Saturday. June 21, 2003
Manchester Betws-y-coed (D)
Arrive in Manchester. Those who arrive by noon will be met at the airport by your guide, Geoff Cooke and transferred to Betws-y-coed via motorcoach. En route, we'll make a rest stop at Chester, a well-preserved medieval city.Overnight: Royal Oak Hotel Stables Lodge, Betws-y-coed. (www.royaloakhotel.net)
The Royal Oak Hotel is a picturesque former Victorian coaching inn situated in the village center amidst the charming Snowdon National Park scenery overlooking the River Conwy. Our accommodations are in the Stables Lodge, a new extension of the main hotel.The afternoon is at your leisure to rest after the long flight. Get to know your tour leader and fellow travelers tonight over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Sunday, June 22, 2003
Great Orme; Bodnant Gardens (B)
Depart Betws-y-coed at 9:30 this morning as we head to the village's Bodnant Gardens (National Trust property) one of the world's most spectacular gardens, situated above the River Conwy with stunning views across Snowdonia. Begun in 1875, Bodnant is the creation of four generations of Aberconways and features huge Italian terraces and formal lawns on its upper level, with a wooded valley, stream and wild garden below.Continue to Llandudno where we will ride to the top of the Great Orme on Britain's longest cable car route. There should also be time to visit the Conwy Suspension Bridge, where the gatekeeper's house has been preserved, and Aberconwy House, a medieval merchants residence. Both the latter are National Trust properties. You will also have the option to visit Conwy Castle (not included in the tour cost).
Overnight: Royal Oak Hotel Stables Lodge, Betws-y-coed.
Day 4: Monday, June 23, 2003
Welsh Highland Railway; Caernarfon Castle (B, D)
Head to Caernarfon this morning to ride on the Welsh Highland Railway. We'll hop aboard the 10:30 a.m. departure to Waunfawr. In 2003 the line will be extended, and the longer journey will be included. Our carriage will be the unique 2 foot gauge Pullman carriage 'Bodysgallen' with bucks fizz and canapés. This line is being rebuilt and will eventually join up with the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog. The locomotives, some wagons, and even the track itself, comes from the Harding Line in Natal, South Africa.On arriving back in Caernarfon just after noon, a short walk will take you to Caernarfon Castle, possibly the most famous of Wales's many castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest and, to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder, Edward 1. Begun in 1283 as a definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold, but as a seat of government and royal palace. Caernarfon's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In 1969, the castle regained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Overnight: Royal Oak Hotel Stables Lodge, Betws-y-coed.
Day 5: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Llechwedd Slate Caverns (B)
This morning our first visit will be to the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, where we will take a ride on the Miner's Tramway a guided tour through an 1846 network of awe-inspiring man-made caverns of cathedral proportions, supplemented with tableaux and demonstrations of ancient mining skills. On the surface, wander through a Victoria Village, where pubs and shops use re-minted Victorian coins. See the 'Old Bank', smithy, lock up, the home of the Blind Harpist of Meirionnydd and the historic railway wagons.Transfer to the Ffestiniog Railway station at Blaenau Ffestiniog in time to join the 11:50 a.m. departure to Porthmadog. Morning tea or coffee with Welsh Cakes will be served as our steam train rolls down the original slate line to the harbor at Porthmadog. The line includes the only complete railway spiral in Britain, as well as great scenery through the Tan-y-Bwlch National Park.
Arrive in Porthmadog at 1:10 p.m., where there will be free time for lunch and to visit the quaint harbor and town that are both within easy walking distance. For railway enthusiasts, a visit to the Boston Lodge workshops will be of interest. The Ffestiniog Railway is famous for its "Double Fairley" locomotives, an articulated type with two boilers facing outwards from a central footplate (cab). It is also home to the oldest Garratt locomotive in the world, originally built for Tasmania. Coincidentally, the Welsh Highland Railway, sister to the Ffestiniog, runs the last Garratts ever built.
Overnight: Royal Oak Hotel Stables Lodge, Betws-y-coed.
Day 6: Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Anglesey; Penrhyn Castle; Llanfair PG (B)
This morning we visit Anglesey to visit Penrhyn Castle. Built from the profits of Welsh slate and Jamaican sugar, Penrhyn Castle is an extravagant example of early 19th century neo-Norman architecture. Its architect was Thomas Hooper, who also designed much of the furniture and filled the castle with intricate carvings, stained glass and handmade wallpaper. Amongst the most interesting features are a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and the spectacular Grand Staircase, which took ten years to build.We will also visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (Llanfair PG), the station with the longest name in Britain. (And you thought the other Welsh names were unpronounceable!?) The name means "St Mary's Church in the hollow of the White Hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave."
Later today, take in Plas Newydd, a traditional home of the Marquess of Anglesey situated on the banks of the Menai Straight. This elegant 18th century house was built by James Wyatt and commands magnificent views of the beautiful mountains of Snowdonia. There is also a military museum that contains the relics of the first Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Overnight: Royal Oak Hotel Stables Lodge, Betws-y-coed.
Day 7: Thursday, June 26, 2003
Snowdon Mountain Railway (B)
This morning, we drive to Llanberis, where we will ride the rack railway to the summit top of the highest mountain in Britain, Mount Snowdon (weather permitting). Most trains are steam-hauled, but some are diesel. At peak season, there may be as many as eight trains on the mountain at one time, so we should see both types. At 1,085 meters (3,560 feet), Snowdon Mountain dominates North Wales. Since 1896, the Snowdon Mountain Railway has been making it easy to reach the mountain peak, from where you can see the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland and the Isle of Man on a clear day. We will spend 30 minutes at the summit before descending again. The total journey time is about 2.5 hours.
After breaking for lunch, we will cross to the other side of Lake Padarn to ride the Llanberris Lakeside Railway. This small railway provides employment for the local community following the closure of the slate mines and remains a fun and friendly trip. The views across the lake are wonderful as we make the 45 minute journey to Penllyn and back. There will be time for a short refreshment stop and visit to the adjacent slate museum before we continue our journey.
Overnight: Royal Oak Hotel Stables Lodge, Betws-y-coed.
Day 8: Friday, June 27, 2003
Llangollen Railway (B, D)
This morning we'll motorcoach to Carrog to ride the Llangollen Railway up the wooded Dee River Valley to Llangollen. We'll also visit the model railway exhibition and factory and take a look around town. Alternatively, you may choose to take a ride on a horse-drawn boat along the Llangollen Canal. Continue to Lake Vyrnwy, stopping off at Chirk Castle, a National Trust Property.Overnight: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
The Lake Vyrnwy Hotel is situated high on the hillside within a 24,000 acre estate and commands breathtaking views of mountains, lake and moorland. Also a bird sanctuary, the estate provides a wealth of wildlife and represents true peace and tranquility, surrounded by lawns, an abundance of rhododendrons, woods and meadowlands. Built in 1860, its heritage has been maintained for well over a hundred years as a retreat for lovers of nature and fine dining. The hotel also offers fishing, sailing, cycling, tennis, clay shooting, archery and many beautiful walking trails. All breakfasts and dinners are included during our stay at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.Day 9: Saturday, June 28, 2003
Corris; Taly-llyn Railway (B, D)
After breakfast, we'll visit the village of Llanwdyn, with its impressive stone-built dam wall. Explore the bird sanctuary and take in the Visitor's Center, as well as other highlights of this village. Continue down the scenic road to Corris, where we will take a break at the Corris Craft Centre. There will be adequate time to visit King Arthur's Labyrinth (on your own) a subterranean "storybook," telling the Welsh version of the legends of King Arthur. A boat ride along a subterranean river passes through a waterfall and into the labyrinth. Here, you will find out that Arthur really was Welsh. Craftsmen and women work at the Centre, where you can see them producing a wide range of handcrafts, including pottery, jewelry, candles and leather. Refreshments are available in the restaurant.
We will continue to the seaside town of Tywyn, where there will be a lunch break. There will be time to visit the narrow gauge museum before we board a train on the Taly-llyn Railway. This small museum gives a nice insight into the development of the narrow gauge railways in Wales.
Our train on the Taly-llyn will depart around 2:00 p.m. The Taly-llyn Railway, the oldest preserved line in Wales, winds up the side of a hill for 11.5 kilometers (7 miles) to the terminal at Nant Gwernol where slate used to be loaded. We will travel in the first class section of a quaint wood-paneled coach. On the return journey there will be a refreshment break at Abergynolwyn. Dinner will be together at the hotel tonight.
Overnight: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Day 10: Sunday, June 29, 2003
Llanfair-Welshpool Railway; Welshpool canal cruise; Powis Castle (B, D)
After breakfast, travel from Lake Vyrnwy to Llanfair Caereinion, terminal of the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway. There will be time to visit the station shop before boarding our train for Welshpool, the far end of the line. For those interested, there will also be a chance to tour the locomotive depot and workshops.Our train will leave Llanfair at 10:00, arriving at Welshpool at 10:50. Our vintage balcony-ended coach will be pre-booked, and will have special tables with white damask and champagne. The 14.5-kilometer (9-mile) line faces some of the steepest grades on any preserved line in the UK as it travels through the beautiful green hills of the Banwy Valley. The steam locomotive may be one of the original two that have worked the line since it opened in 1902, or an import from Finland, Austria or Sierra Leone in Africa.
Upon arrival in Welshpool, we will drive a short distance to the Montgomery Canal for a 1.5-hour canal cruise. The short cruise gives the chance to experience a traditional narrow boat, which will traverse a lock and amble slowly through Welshpool and into the countryside. There will be time to visit the adjacent canal museum on your own.
Next, we will stop at the Old Station, Welshpool. This listed building was originally the station for both the mainline and narrow-gauge railways, but is now a quality shopping area that has retained its railway character. The shops offer a nice selection of ladies' and men's wear, including the Edinburgh Woolen Mill and The Golf Company. You can browse through the many shops with their Welsh flavor, and enjoy lunch at the restaurant. Purchases can be shipped home with a savings of 17.5% VAT on most items.
From the Old Station we will transfer to the nearby Powis Castle and Garden. The world famous garden, overhung with enormous clipped yew trees, shelters rare and tender plants in colorful herbaceous borders. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, the garden retains its original lead statues and an orangery. In the 18th century, an informal woodland wilderness was created on the opposing ridge with fine views over the Severn Valley. Perched on a rock above the garden terraces, the medieval castle contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. It was originally built as a fortress by Welsh princes and was later adapted and enriched by generations of Herberts and Clives. The beautiful collection of treasures from India displayed in the Clive Museum includes textiles, armor, bronze, jade, ivory and a magnificent tent. Return to the hotel for dinner together this evening.
Overnight: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Day 11: Monday, June 30, 2003
Aberystwyth; Vale of Rheidol Railway (B, D)
Today we venture by train to Aberystwyth for a ride on the narrow-gauge steam-operated Vale of Rheidol Railway. The hour-long ride ends at Devil's Bridge, where the rivers Rheidol and Mynach meet in a series of spectacular waterfalls.There will be time to explore the seaside resort on your own. See the University of Wales which includes the National Library. If you are feeling adventurous, hike the zigzag cliff path-nature trail to the top of Constitution Hill for a splendid view. Railfans, however, will prefer to reach the summit by the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, the longest cliff railway in Britain.
Overnight: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Day 12: Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Severn Valley Railway (B, D)
After breakfast, we'll return to England to visit Ironbridge, a World Heritage Site, and the many museums nearby. The Ironbridge Gorge is a monument to the Industrial Revolution. It was here that Abraham Darby pioneered the technique of smelting iron ore with coke leading to the production of the first iron wheels, the first iron rails, the first steam locomotive and the first iron bridge. The Ironbridge Gorge Museum, Britain's best museum of industrial archaeology is made up of: the Iron Bridge & Tollhouse; the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, tracing Darby's success and the history of iron making; Rosehill House, maintained as it was when lived in by an ironmaster in the early 19th century; Blists Hill Open Air Museum, a re-created village of the 1890s; the Jackfield Tile Museum, with large displays of decorative tiles; and the Coalport China Museum, with a fine gift shop. Our visit will concentrate on the Iron Bridge, Blists Hill Open Air Museum and the China Museum.From Ironbridge, we will visit the Severn Valley Steam Railway. We'll board in Bridgnorth at 4:00 p.m. for the 16-mile run to Kidderminster. The Railway, one of England's best preserved, comprises the largest stock of working steam engines in the country. Return to Lake Vyrnwy and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Day 13: Wednesday, July 2, 2003
Train to London (B)
Take in the beautiful countryside as we travel by train from Shrewsbury to London, England. Departure will be at 9:12 a.m., arriving into London Waterloo at 2:06 p.m. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure. The hotel is located within easy walking distance of Leicester Square and Buckingham Palace.Overnight: Thistle Charing Cross, London.
Day 14: Thursday, July 2, 2003
London city tour; Transport Museum (B, D)
Take a morning city tour in an open-air double deck bus, which will highlight London's many attraction, followed by a trip to the London Transport Museum at Covent Garden. The Museum houses old-fashioned buses, trams, trolleys and trains, and offers an in-depth look at London's vast transportation system. Covent Garden is also a great area for last-minute shopping and is within easy walking distance of our hotel. This evening we toast a wonderful trip over a farewell dinner at the hotel.Overnight: Thistle Charing Cross, London.
Day 15: Friday, July 4, 2003
Depart London (B)
Depart London Heathrow or join the Northern Belle*.
Land-only price of the tour:
Save $200 per person if booked by December 18, 2002
$3,499 per person, double occupancy
$834 single supplementIf booked after December 18, 2002:
$3,699 per person, double occupancy
$834 single supplementIncluded in this tour:
- Accommodation as mentioned above with full breakfast daily, service charge, taxes and porters in and out Porterage of bags throughout
- Supplements for all trains, shop visits and museums as mentioned in the itinerary
- Motorcoach transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary: Bodnant Gardens, Conwy Suspension Bridge toll-keeper's house, Aberconwy House, Caernarfon Castle, Llychwedd Slate Caverns, Plas Newydd, Penrhyn Castle, Chirk Castle, Powis Castle, Welshpool canal cruise, Devil's Bridge Park, Ironbridge, London Transport Museum.
- London city tour by bus
- Services of tour leader Geoff Cooke throughout
- Services of private motorcoach driver
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary, including welcome dinner with wine, tea and coffee on June 21 and farewell dinner with wine, tea and coffee on July 2
- Society of International Railway Travelers luggage and nametags
- Gratuities for all included services and meals, except those to your tour leader. Gratuities, of course, are a personal matter and are optional.Not included in the tour cost: Airfare; costs of obtaining passports; meals not listed in the itinerary; optional sightseeing unless specified; any expenses of a personal nature, including all forms of travel insurance, laundry service, all alcoholic beverages and all personal beverages other than those included at group meals. Gratuities for your tour leader.
Please note: All times listed in the itinerary are based on 2002 timetables and are subject to change when 2003 timetables are released.
Terms & Conditions
How to Book: Call our Tour Desk at 1-800-IRT-4881 to make a reservation. A deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required. Deposits can be made by check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover). Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Final payment is made by check 90 days before departure.
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Cancellations: Notice of cancellations must be received by this office in writing before 90 days prior to departure and are subject to a $250 per-person administrative fee. This fee may be applied to a future trip taken within one year. Final payment is due 90 days before the trip. Cancellations occurring within 90 days prior to the trip are non-refundable . No refunds will be made in the event of "no-shows" or cancellations the day of the trip. No refund will be given for unused portions of the tour.
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Minimum/Maximum Participants: This tour must have at least 15 passengers in order to qualify for special group rates.
Prices: This tour price is based on currency exchange rates in effect at the time of printing. In the event of revaluation or devaluation of U.S. currency, the tour operator reserves the right to make adjustments.
Price does not include: Airfare, passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry; telephone calls; meals and alcoholic beverages not listed in the included section; optional sightseeing excursions; services other than those specifically mentioned in the included section; transfers and baggage handling on the day of arrival and departure (except those traveling with Geoff Cooke on the day of arrival); accident; sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; and excess baggage charges on aircraft. Gratuities to your tour leader.
Medical: Any physical or mental condition which may require special medical attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require some walking to take full advantage of the transportation systems of each country we visit.
Baggage: Porterage is limited to one main bag per person. Please note that porterage from the airport to the first hotels is included only for those traveling with Geoff Cooke. Porterage from the last hotel to the airport is not included. Passengers may be responsible for their own bags upon arrival in London. Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout the trip, and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
Responsibility: The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. (HPC), parent company of The Society of International Railway Travelers, act only as agents for the passenger with respect to travel services. IRT and HPC do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. As a result, IRT and HPC are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such supplier of any other third party over whom IRT and HPC have no control. We can assume no responsibility nor liability in whole or in part for any delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, damage, weather, strikes, acts of God, circumstances beyond our control, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, expense, accident, sickness, injury or death to person or property, or mechanical defect, failure, or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation or other services, for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment beyond our control, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour due to these causes or voluntary cancellations. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
No revisions of the printed itinerary or the "included" section are anticipated; however, IRT and HPC reserve the right to make changes at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and IRT and HPC shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of such cancellation, substitution or changes. All fares as well as ship and train schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special programs, and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change without prior notice. IRT and HPC shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare nor make any other compensation under these circumstances. IRT and HPC cannot be responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers that may result due to operational and/or itinerary changes, regardless if the passenger and/or IRT and HPC make the flight arrangements. Any additional expenses resulting from the above will be paid by the individual passenger. IRT and HPC reserve the right to substitute a similar category for those listed in this brochure. IRT and HPC reserve the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in air fares, currency fluctuations or fuel surcharges and such increases are to be paid to IRT and HPC by the tour participant upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
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By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract.
Behavior: Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT tour guides and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of the tour guide, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger to safety of other passengers the tour manager will issue him or her with a verbal warning. Should this not resolve the matter a second, written, warning will be issued. If the disruptive behavior continues after the second warning then the passenger will be removed from the tour and will have to make his or her own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untravelled portion of the tour will be entertained. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time should such a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
Rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange current at the time of printing and are subject to changes therein, at or before the time of departure. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage is at the owner's risk throughout the trip, unless insured. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time.
Complaints: We strive to offer the very best value in travel services to our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to one of your tour leaders. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office (Hardy Publishing Co., and The Society of International Railway Travelers are located at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205). We will not consider any claims not made to us within two months of completion of your journey. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
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