Vacationing by train has been part of our history for many years, and it is little wonder why. Full of character, offering unparalleled views and good for the environment – the renaissance of rail holidays is well under way. Travelling by rail adds a whole new dimension to your holiday experience – comfort, convenience, luxury and a truly epic adventure from the moment you depart. Below is some information that we have complied through our years of experience in offering holidays by rail.
Eurostar – London to Lille & Paris
From London St Pancras, Eurostar takes as little as 1 hour 40 minutes to Lille and around 2 hours 15 minutes to Paris. On board, you will have a reserved, semi-reclining aircraft-style seat. You’ll also find a buffer car serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine, spirits, sandwiches, crisps and a few hot snacks. Sterling, Euros and cards accepted. You can eat and drink in the bar area (standing space only, there are no seats) or take your purchases back to your seat. You can also take your own food and drink on board.
TGV – Lille & Paris to Nice
Taking the train is easily the most civilised and stress-free way to travel through France. For Nice, on the French Riviera, we hop on the 186mph TGV at Lille Europe station, or Paris Gare de Lyon station. Sit back, relax and let scenic France pass by the train windows. The journey is around 5 to 6 hours. The train has a buffet car which sells drinks and snacks, but there’s nothing to stop you taking your own food and drink (including wine & beer) to enjoy at leisure.
Eurostar – London to Amsterdam
From London St Pancras, Eurostar takes as little around 3 hours 52 minutes to Amsterdam. On board you will have a reserved, semi-reclining aircraft-style seat. You’ll also find a buffet car serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine, spirits, sandwiches, crisps and a few hot snacks. Sterling, Euros and cards accepted. You can eat and drink in the bar area (standing space only, there are no seats) or take your purchases back to your seat. You can also take your own food and drink on board.
Eurostar – London to Marseille
From London St Pancras, Eurostar takes as little around 6 hours to Marseille. On board you will have a reserved, semi-reclining aircraft-style seat. You’ll also find a buffet car serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine, spirits, sandwiches, crisps and a few hot snacks. Sterling, Euros and cards accepted. You can eat and drink in the bar area (standing space only, there are no seats) or take your purchases back to your seat. You can also take your own food and drink on board.
Eurostar – London to Brussels
From London St Pancras, Eurostar takes as little as 2 hours to Brussels. On board, you will have a reserved, semi-reclining aircraft-style seat. You’ll also find a buffet car serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine, spirits, sandwiches, crisps and a few hot snacks. Sterling, Euros and cards accepted. You can eat and drink in the bar area (standing space only, there are no seats) or take your purchases back to your seat. You can also take your own food and drink on board.
Paris to Milan/Turin
The average journey time from Paris to Milan is 8 hours 20 minutes so you can relax in your aircraft-style seat as the scenic vistas of south east France and northern Italy speed by.
Milan to Bari
From Milan to Bari the train travels the full length of Italy, taking between 6 hours 45 minutes and 8 hours depending on the route taken. Relax and watch varied Italian regions pass by the window as the train heads towards Italy’s ‘heel’.
Morning Departure
Departures from London is early morning, the exact train departure time is confirmed to us 8 weeks before travel. Please bear this in mind when planning your journey to St Pancras. An overnight stay at a nearby hotel prior to travel may be worth considering – call for information.
Travel & Luggage
There are no actual luggage weight restrictions imposed by the rail companies. However, for your comfort and convenience we recommend you limit your luggage to the following: ONE main suitcase⁄holdall with built in wheels weighing no more than 15 to 20kgs per person – Plus ONE small shoulder bag⁄holdall per person. Restricting the bulk of your luggage to manageable sizes will make the journey more enjoyable. You will need to move all your own bags on and off trains and between platforms and transfer vehicles. Our tour manager will be unable to provide physical assistance with luggage. On TGV trains, you may be allocated seats on the the upper floor, which means you would have to carry your bags upstairs. Many train stations and platforms are big and long, sometimes with stairs or escalators. Some stations have lifts, but using them can involve a longer walk, so be prepared for this when walking with your luggage.
Train travel is a relaxing and enjoyable feature of our holidays
However, at times it can be physically demanding as you will be required to walk and move your luggage on and off trains and between platforms and transfer vehicles. Many train stations and platforms are big and long, sometimes with stairs or escalators, so please be prepared for this when walking with your luggage. The Tour Manager⁄Escort will not be able to provide you and⁄or your luggage with physical assistance at anytime. Where overnight or main hotels are less than 150 metres (approx) from the station, no transportation or luggage assistance will be provided.
Please Help us to Help You
In our experience, clients who discuss with us their concerns over mobility limitations and⁄or health issues (including visibility, hearing etc) when booking, are far more satisfied with the level of service we provide and enjoy a more relaxed and fun holiday, compared to those who attempt to cope without the benefit of our expert advice.
We must stress that these holidays are not suitable for users of mobility scooters, wheelchairs or walking aids (frames, sticks, etc).0s generation.
