Travelling by special steam hauled trains is a relaxing experience, reminding us nostalgically of a bygone age.
It provides the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of modern day life, a world away from motorway jams and overcrowded commuter trains. Just sit back and relax in your comfortable seats, individually reserved, and watch the countryside slip by.
In addition to day trips in the UK, The Railway Touring Company operates its own steam hauled charter trains throughout the world, using good hotels and lasting for up to two weeks duration. Ring the Railway Touring Company if you wish to receive the overseas brochure.
Premier Dining Class
This is a luxury experience with spacious, comfortable seats. Onboard chefs prepare fresh food for all your meals for the day and it is professionally silver served to your table commencing with a traditional full English breakfast soon after you board. If you like the full works this is for you. A light lunch will be served before you arrive at your destination and a four course meal on the return journey. Whilst enjoying your meals you will be able to watch the lovely scenery, a rare experience nowadays. A fully licensed bar service is always available. Tables are available for four or two. Our tables for two are the ideal choice for an unusual and memorable excursion for a special occasion like a wedding anniversary or birthday. Tables for two can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £15.00 per person. Both passengers will enjoy window seats. The dress code is smart casual, as we like you to travel in comfort.
Premier Dining Class is available up to and including any pick up station before 10:30. Any special dietary requirements can be accommodated so long as we are notified in advance.
First Class
Accommodation is again arranged around tables for four and two in deep cushioned armchairs with lots of room. Tables for two can be guaranteed for an additional charge of £15.00 per person. Both passengers will enjoy window seats. Coffee and tea with Danish pastries will be served in the morning and tea and biscuits on the return journey.
Standard Class
Seats are arranged in groups of four, around a table. All seats are reserved. As in the other classes all seats line up with windows to add to the enjoyment unlike many modern trains. Passengers in First and Standard classes regularly bring hampers and picnics and make the most of it. It’s amazing what you can eat on a day out by train!
Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel
Please pay particular attention to the arrival and departure times as these may vary from those given on the itinaries.
Every effort will be made to ensure that the locomotive, rolling stock, route and timings which are hired in from third parties, will be run as advertised, but the organisers reserve the right to alter these at any time and shall not incur any liability to any person who has bought, or contacted to buy a ticket (boarding pass) or tickets, as a result of any such changes.
On the day of the train, again, all reasonable efforts, within the control of the organisers, will be made to ensure that the train runs as planned but we cannot accept any responsibility for delays, mishaps, alterations or curtailment of the tour from situations outside its control.
The organisers cannot accept responsibility for the options under the control of third parties and are only responsible for returning passengers to their joining stations. Your booking is taken as constituting acceptance of these conditions.
Other than due cancellation by the organisers, no refund is available.
It is regretted that neither pets nor bicycles can be conveyed.
Junior tickets
Junior fares cover children aged 5 to 16 years inclusive.
Family tickets
Family fares are based on two adults and two children.
Gift Vouchers
We are pleased to offer gift vouchers which can be used against any future trip with us. Please telephone the office to order these.
Payment by credit card
As from 15.10.08 payment for our day trips using a credit card will be subject to a 2.1% charge.
THE ATTRACTIONS OF TRAINS
By their very nature trains, especially steam, attract enthusiasts. We will always include a number of photographic opportunities, in the form of false starts and run pasts, also footplate rides, museum and depot visits where practical and possible.
However, many of our clients lack the exclusive interest in trains shown by some enthusiasts. We therefore keep in mind your need for diversity such as visits to castles and historic houses, wildlife, resort style hotels or free time for shopping or exploring. Nevertheless the main attraction is the touring by train, the nostalgia, the companionship on board and scenery outside. In fact, we consider that, on our tours, you will see more scenery and in greater comfort than by coach or cruise liner.
SCHEDULES, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES
We book and advertise tours in good faith. Many scheduled railway organisations - train operators and track operators - only work two months ahead and cannot confirm final schedules to us until that ‘window’. Likewise we cannot advise final numbers until full balances are in. There may be occasional rescheduling or rerouting. The nature of steam trains is that breakdowns, delays and substitutions have to be accepted. Every genuine effort will be made to ensure that the tour runs as planned and advertised, or as close to as possible.
FIRE RISK
In many countries at times of exceptionally dry weather, coal fired steam locomotives may be banned from operating and diesel or electric traction may have to be substituted. Oil fired steam locomotives however are normally still allowed to operate. The Railway Touring Company cannot accept any responsibility for steam bans during high fire risk.
SEAT RESERVATIONS AND OVERNIGHT TRANSIT ARRANGEMENTS
On some trains seat reservations are by individual seats, on others by block or coach. Since the railways concerned make allocation we have to accept and be flexible about the seating arrangements. Where overnight travel is necessary we will arrange either to stay in a convenient hotel en route, to use one of the newer ‘hotel trains’, or to book Standard Class twin sleepers (First Class is often singles). The decisions are based on the length of the journey, the range of scenery likely to be missed overnight and the accommodation options available.
PORTERAGE
Some tours include porterage between station and hotel, some include full luggage transfers between hotels, using either a supplementary road coach or scheduled ‘luggage in advance’ facilities. Porterage, where advertised, is included in the cost. However, there will still be occasions when porters are not available or included, and it will be each passenger’s responsibility to handle their
own luggage.
ACCOMMODATION
We try to use 4-star designated hotels throughout as this offers us the standards of hospitality, catering and service we desire for you. We also seek establishments which are either conveniently located for the railways to minimize transfers, or which afford some unique character.
Where we cannot meet either of these criteria we ensure the best and most comfortable accommodation available.
FOOD AND DRINK
Meals will be taken on trains, boats, planes, in hotels and restaurants and even al fresco (picnic or packed)! Mindful of the diversity of our clients’ tastes we try to adopt a ‘middle of the road’ approach to choosing menus. We must also accept the limitations of on-board catering and wonder at the success that chefs regularly achieve in the confines of train kitchens. Hotel and restaurant meals are usually a set menu, with options for special dietary needs. If you have any special dietary requirements please ensure that you let us know them at the time of booking to ensure we can arrange them for you. Some of our tours include alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee - this is clearly stated, and otherwise guests are responsible for their own refreshments.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH ISSUES
Clients are responsible for holding the necessary and appropriate travel documentation for their journey. For tours outside the UK please ensure your passport has at least six months remaining validity. We assume our clients are British Citizens whose passport shows they have a right of abode in the UK. If your passport is of another country or state, or shows restrictions on return to your country of origin please contact us prior to booking and well in advance of intended use. At the time of publication (November 2009) UK Citizens need visas/permits for the following tour destinations: (£ indicates anticipated cost to individual applicants)
INDIA - £45
ERITREA - £35
EGYPT - £20
SYRIA - £45
We will advise requirements and processing arrangements to clients booking these tours. Where appropriate and possible we will arrange to handle and secure group visas. This is only viable if you can release your passport for sufficient time for delivering, processing and returning the document as part of the group application. If you need your passport in the eight-ten weeks before the tour you will need to consider an individual application.
For late bookings please enquire to ensure you can complete the formalities in time.
Health advice is dependent upon the destination, medical history and current health of each person and we cannot assume any responsibility. You MUST seek advice from your GP or a travel medical centre.
PRETOUR and TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
We will send ‘travellers’ information’ for visa and general planning purposes when appropriate, usually at ‘balance due’ time. If there is nothing special to communicate we will just acknowledge your balance. For all tours we prepare and send an itinerary/programme. This consists of a passenger list with first or ‘known as’ names -where advised -(check on an old acquaintance, aide-memoir for names during the tour), the latest known itinerary with as much detail as necessary (including meal times/locations), emergency and general contact details and usually some general and specific information about features of the tour. This is intentionally a ‘skim’ of the information available and you should research and obtain detailed reference material/maps/schedules etc appropriate to your interests.Air tickets are usually sent to us for onward transmission inside two weeks before travel - please don’t panic! Often rail tickets are group travel documents held by the Tour Manager; you will be provided with joining instructions, which please observe since the party cannot progress until all members are present. Onward tickets, vouchers and coupons are usually held by and distributed by the Tour Manager.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Many clients arrange their own insurance. THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY
cannot assume any responsibility relating to insurance issues and clients should ensure they are familiar with procedures should an incident arise.
This is especially important with medical cover since we do not undertake to secure medical attention, but to hand the patient over to an appropriate and suitable authority.
INFIRMITY AND DISABILITY
Tour managers are responsible for the general care and well-being of the whole group and are neither available, trained nor insured for ‘personal’ care.
Each tour, by way of the trains and terrain being visited, presents its own opportunities and restrictions; clients should ascertain the suitability of the itinerary and facilities relevant to their own needs. We are happy to discuss your concerns before you commit to a booking. We will attempt to accommodate and resolve any needs or problems caused by undisclosed mobility/dietary/general health issues but cannot accept responsibilities beyond those stated above.
We especially draw your attention to the high-altitude tours and cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY AND MAILING LISTS
Your name and address have been secured and/or confirmed from your response to adverts, having been a previous client/enquirer or a referral. We do not share these details with anyone outside Warren Travel Ltd trading as The Railway Touring Company or The Railway Touring Company Ltd. Your personal details - such as credit card numbers/travel arrangements/companions etc will only be held and used within the requirements of tour operating. We are registered under the Data Protection Act.
If you wish to communicate with another client please forward the stamped envelope/package to us; we will add the address and repost the mail. We will not divulge addresses or telephone numbers.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
“We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number T7149.
This ensures that in the event of our failure your money will be protected; if you are on holiday at the time, arrangements will be made for you to complete your holiday and return home. The flights we provide are supplied by other ATOL holders and are protected by their bonds. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.”
PAYMENT FOR YOUR FLIGHT
“The payments you make for your flight are held by us (in our trust account) on behalf of the ATOL holder who is supplying your flight, until the date we pass the money to that ATOL holder. The ATOL holder supplying the flight will issue an ATOL confirmation invoice to confirm its contract with you. We will forward on to you no later than the day after it has been received.”
Status:
We are a direct sell tour operator and retail travel agents. All parts of your holiday are covered by our TTA membership (number T726X), and the air travel on all of our holidays is covered by our ATOL membership (number T7149). The holiday account is summarised on
the statement.
Programme and prices:
As described in the brochure, leaflets, correspondence or amendments notified to you and acknowledged by you.
Deposit/Balance:
Please forward a deposit per person of:
£100 for travel in the UK
£150 for travel within Europe
£350 for travel beyond Europe
Balances are required in time to pay suppliers, usually ten weeks before travel. Sometimes we have to pay group tickets earlier and the balance due date shown on the confirmation will reflect this.
While we are establishing a viable tour group deposits are fully refundable; when we confirm the operation of a tour your deposit will become committed.
Fidelity Insurance:
All bookings are required to be covered by Fidelity Insurance. This is a financial protection insurance, which protects your money until the holiday goes ahead. This is included in the holiday price.
Credit Cards:
Deposits paid by credit card will be excluded from credit card charges, however full balances paid by credit card will be subject to a 2.1% charge. This is the same as we are charged by the credit card companies due to the ever increasing use of credit cards we are no longer able to absorb this cost. There are of course no charges if you pay by Switch, cash, bank transfer or cheque.
Cancellation:
Our cancellation policy for all our tours is as follows:
Cancellation prior to 12 weeks before departure – loss of deposit
Cancellation between 8-12 weeks prior to departure – 25% refund only
Cancellation less than 8 weeks prior to departure – no refund
Passports, Visas and Health:
Travellers are responsible for possessing the correct documentation but we are willing to advise. You should seek professional medical guidance. Where security risk exists or arises Foreign and Commonwealth Office and tourist board guidance will be sought and passed on.
Prices:
Prices are determined against known exchange rates, fuel costs and tax regimes prevailing at 8th December 2009. The exchange rates used for pricing the brochure are as follows:
£1 = 1.10 Euros
£1 = 1.62 US$
£1 = 9.38 Norwegian Krone
£1 = 1.66 Swiss Francs
£1 = 12.32 South African Rand
£1 = 11.58 Swedish Krona
In the event of significant changes we must reserve the right to amend prices.
Warren Travel Ltd trading as The Railway Touring Company acts as booking agent for the service providers whose terms and conditions of booking and carriage apply, copies will be secured upon request. Subject to minimum and maximum numbers booking. Rail components subject to serviceability and operating conditions - ‘best’ alternatives will be provided.
A NO SMOKING policy will be pursued where we have the control or influence of the service.
Pre-book your UK hotels and holiday parking
Consider staying overnight before or after travel. Besides leaving you more relaxed the cost is often little more, if anything, than the cost of parking!
A convenient hotel before departure or after your return can mean you start or end your holiday more rested and relaxed, and possibly avoid the frustrations and anxieties of early morning and late evening travel.
Or, simply pre-book your parking so you know exactly where you are going and what it costs.
Airport Hotels with Holiday Parking
Gatwick from £79 per room
Heathrow from £92 per room
Manchester from £80 per room
Secured Airport Parking
Gatwick from £6.75 per day
Heathrow from £7.50 per day
Birmingham from £4.80 per day
Airport Hotels with Coach, this can be arranged from your local town, prices available on request.
Rail tickets from your home station to departure airport, these can only be booked where two or more passengers are traveling together, price available on request.
Prices correct at 9th December 2009 – Phone for details or indicate your needs on the booking form.
UK Connecting Flights
We can try to arrange connecting flights from your local airport to the main tour departure point if you wish, prices for these connecting flights are available on request.
Travel Insurance
Due to changes in the travel insurance regulations we are no longer able to sell travel insurance direct to our clients – we can however recommend and send details through for travel insurance through Holiday Extras, in conjunction with the Travel Trust Association. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to receive details of this insurance.