Great Rail Journeys are getting more intimate: 8 new tours launched

Launched today, a new range of holidays under the ‘Exclusive Small Group Tours’ name by Great Rail Journeys. (https://www.greatrail.com/holiday-types/small-groups/ Tel: 01904 527 180) . The York-based operator, familiar to many as ‘GRJ’ has announced its newest concept of holidays appealing to mature age holiday-makers who love holidays by rail and escorted group touring but want to do it in a more intimate way.

The concept is to take people to more remote and lesser known places throughout the UK and Europe, for them to stay in charming, accommodation with individual character whilst enjoying the many pleasures of travelling by rail that Great Rail Journeys are known for.

The UK’s leader in escorted group rail holidays appreciates that some people prefer to share their holiday with just a few select folk and that some places are best discovered as a smaller group. Some excursions and experiences are not suitable for larger sized groups; thus Great Rail Journeys have developed a range of tours that will never top 20 people and will venture into more off the beaten track locations than in their existing portfolio.

The highlight of each unique holiday is to create memory-making experiences, shared with ‘just a few’ others such as private dining experiences, hands-on experiences and access to places not possible when travelling in a larger group.

Itineraries are unique to Great Rail Journeys where the core focus will remain rail travel, which has earned the operator its award-winning reputation over the past 40 years. Every holiday is covered by the exclusive Great Rail Journeys Price Promise and escorted by a first-class tour manager, carefully chosen for their experience, knowledge and professionalism.

Launching with 8 brand new Exclusive Small Group Tours for 2019 to Italy, Switzerland and France as well as on the doorstep; Wales, Scotland and England, holidays start from £695pp. The first tours for the 2019 season depart on 7th April; Edinburgh, the Jacobite & Isle of Skye – 7 days from £1,595 (www.GreatRail.com/SKS) and Châteaux of the Loire Valley – 6 days from £1,695pp by first class rail (www.GreatRail.com/JSV).

Yorkshire Dales & Moors – 5 DAYS FROM £695pp
Enjoy an immersive visit to ‘God’s Own County’ as we explore Yorkshire as part of an intimate small group, enjoying fantastic local experiences from our base in an elegant 19th-century mansion house. Discover the charms of the Yorkshire moors, enjoy local cuisine, and embark on two incredible heritage railway journeys on this exclusive tour of Yorkshire.

Castles & Wildlife of Scotland – 7 DAYS FROM £1,495pp
A small group tour to Scotland means you have access to some of the country’s most spectacular sights and experiences that just aren’t possible with a larger group. Enjoy accommodation at two bespoke hotels, step back to the golden age of rail travel with an overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper Train and meet the local wildlife.

Edinburgh, the Jacobite & Isle of Skye – 7 DAYS FROM £1,595pp
From journeys on the West Highland Line and discovering previously hidden streets in Edinburgh, to exploring the history of some of Scotland’s famous clans, the heritage of Scotland is fascinating. On a small group tour, you have the benefit of enjoying more exclusive entrances and special experiences such as the fantastic Mary King’s Close and Armadale Castle, both of which are closed off to larger groups.

Anglesey & Mount Snowdon by Steam – 5 DAYS FROM £795pp
Castles, gardens and railways all make an appearance on this enchanting adventure to the beautiful isle of Anglesey, uncovering the sublime charm of North Wales. The small group size of this tour grants us access to another side of such a fairy-tale nation, granting us entrance to stately homes and gardens as well as a stay at the boutique Trearddur Bay Hotel.

Ancient Sicily – 8 DAYS BY AIR FROM £1,695pp
Experience exclusive excursions that simply would not be possible with a larger group, on an intimate tour that takes you around Sicily’s most beautiful sights. From private tours of beautiful gardens and palaces, to tastings of incredible Sicilian wine, enjoy this magnificent taste of Italy on this incredible Italian island.

Mountaintops of Switzerland – 9 DAYS FROM £2,695pp BY FIRST CLASS RAIL
Three of Switzerland’s most unique hotels all contribute to this very special small groups tour around Switzerland. Spend nine days with your head in the clouds at these peerless mountaintop properties, and enjoy journeys aboard impressive mountain railways, with dinner served aboard the Glacier Express as you journey through the ever-changing vistas.

Châteaux of the Loire Valley – 6 DAYS FROM £1,695pp BY FIRST CLASS RAIL
Discover the alluring charms of the Loire Valley on a small groups tour to France. Relish an intimate look around one of the region’s most historically significant castles, sample distinctive wines from a rising star of the French vintner scene and enjoy accommodation in a prestigious 5-Star hotel, which is of course another Château.Avignon & the Ardèche – 7 DAYS FROM £1,695pp BY FIRST CLASS RAIL
This small group tour provides many experiences our larger group tours to this area simply cannot. Soak up the atmosphere of your 12th century hotel, taste wine made from grapevines whose predecessors date all the way back to the first Elizabethan era, and journey through a genuine area of undiscovered France aboard the memorable Train des Gorges.