British Isles Rail and Sail itinerary AUG 2024 Steam Dreams

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

British Isles Rail & Sail Itinerary

2024 Itinerary ARR DEP
29 AUG Fly from Australia to London
London
After arriving at London Heathrow and clearing arrival formalities, join a private transfer to your hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Great Scotland Yard Hotel (or similar)
30 AUG

London
Today you will join a half day sightseeing tour of London which includes entry to Buckingham Palace. This afternoon enjoy one of the must-do delights of London – High Tea at the famed Ritz Hotel. This evening join fellow travellers at your hotel.
Overnight: Great Scotland Yard Hotel (or similar) – (B)

31 AUG

London to Southampton – After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Southampton port to board Regal Princess.
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,D)

4pm
1 SEP

At sea
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)

2 SEP

Cork (Cobh) – Ireland
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)

7am 6pm
3 SEP

Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) – Ireland
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)

7am 7pm
4 SEP Belfast – Northern Ireland
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)
7.30am 8pm
5 SEP Holyhead – Wales
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)
8am 6pm
6 SEP

At sea
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)

7 SEP Lerwick – Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)
7am 6pm
8 SEP Invergordon – Scotland
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)
7am 6pm
9 SEP South Queensferry (Edinburgh) – Scotland
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)
7am 7pm
10 SEP At Sea
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)
11 SEP Le Havre – France
Overnight: Regal Princess – (B,L,D)
7am 8pm
12 SEP Southampton to London – Disembark Regal Princess and travel to Salisbury to visit Stonehenge. This extraordinary 4,500-year-old marvel of human endeavour rises from an ancient landscape. You will have access to the Visitor Centre, world-class permanent exhibition and the monument. Later, transfer to your London Hotel.
Overnight: Great Scotland Yard Hotel (or similar) – (B)
7am
13 SEP London – Full day at leisure
Overnight: Great Scotland Yard Hotel (or similar) – (B)
14 SEP London – Full day at leisure
Overnight: Great Scotland Yard Hotel (or similar) – (B)
15 SEP

London to Pwlhelli – Transfer to London Paddington Station to board your Steam Dreams steam-hauled rail tour.

The train will head across the country to Shrewsbury. Pause here to say farewell to the steam locomotive before resuming your journey diesel-hauled on one of the most beautiful journeys in Britain – the stunning Cambrian coastline. Travel up through the mountains of mid-Wales before descending to the West side of the country to Machynlleth, shortly before reaching the coastline of the Irish Sea.

For the rest of the journey you are never more than a short distance from the sea as you climb up and down cliffs – a dramatic backdrop for those enjoying their evening meal. The train will then cross the world famous two-mile-long Barmouth Bridge past the ancient capital of Wales, Harlech, and turn west towards the LLeyn peninsular before arriving at Porthmadog and Pwlhelli as the sun sets. From here, guests will be transferred to hotels in Snowdonia for a three night stay.

On train dining today: 3 course breakfast with bellini cocktail followed by a light one course lunch and 4 course evening meal with a glass of champagne and ½ a bottle of wine per person.

Overnight: Portmeirion Village or Castell Deudraeth (B,L,D)

16 SEP

Snowdonia – Optional excursions or day at leisure.

You will now have two days to marvel at Snowdonia’s towering peaks and breath-taking valleys, discover the rich heritage of the region or embark on a journey along some of the most famous little railways in the world. The famous Little Trains of Wales are certainly one of the best ways to soak up the magnificent landscape. Visit the Ffestiniog railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway or the relatively recent addition of the 24 mile long Welsh Highland Railway that cuts through Snowdonia from Porthmadog to Caernarfon.

Optional excursions away from railways may include visits to Bodnant Gardens or some of the beautiful castles of the region at Beaumaris and Penrhyn (available early 2024).

Overnight: Portmeirion Village or Castell Deudraeth. Dinner is at your hotel. (B,D)

17 SEP Snowdonia – Optional excursions or day at leisure.

Overnight: Portmeirion Village or Castell Deudraeth. Dinner is at your hotel. (B,D)

18 SEP

North Wales to Cardiff – After breakfast in your hotel, transfer to Bangor or Llandudno Junction to meet the train. Then set off, steam hauled, along the stunning North Wales coastline, offering views to Snowdonia to the south and sandy beaches to the north. Cross back into England at Chester and then head south to Crewe. Here have a short stop to wave farewell to the steam locomotive and welcome the diesel locomotive which will power the next stretch of the journey.

Head south back through Shrewsbury and join the spectacular Heart of Wales Line, rarely used for passenger charters. Curving through dramatic scenery of mountains, forests, wild rivers, green meadows and pretty towns and villages, the railway crosses two impressive viaducts at Knucklas and Cynghordy. After passenger stops in South Wales in the evening, terminate at Cardiff Central in the evening.

On train dining today: 3 course breakfast with bellini cocktail followed by a light one course lunch and 4 course evening meal with a glass of champagne and ½ a bottle of wine per person.

Overnight: New House Hotel or Parkgate in Cardiff. (B,L,D)

19 SEP Cardiff to London – After a relaxing morning in your hotel in South Wales, set off steam hauled on your final adventure. The return journey is a truly a feast for the eyes as you steam westwards along the Severn Shores Line, with breath-taking views of the estuary. Winding your way past Chepstow Castle, beguilingly stretched along a limestone cliff, you’ll pass into the magical Cotswolds. From here, continue along the Thames Valley back to the capital, returning just after rush hour. On arrival at London Paddington Station transfer to your London hotel. Rest of evening at leisure.

On train dining today: 3 course breakfast with bellini cocktail followed by a 4 course lunch including a glass of champagne and ½  a bottle of wine per person and a light snack before arrival back into London early evening.

Overnight: Great Scotland Yard Hotel (or similar) – (B,L,LS)

20 SEP London
This morning transfer to London Heathrow for your flight home to Australia. (B)
21 SEP Arrive Australia.

Note: Meal arrangements are dependent on timings, provision of utilities and access to re-stock and may be subject to change. Crusie Express/Steam Dreams reserve the right to alter the nominated hotel at any destination provided the alternative hotel is of an equivalent standard.

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