DESTINATIONS NO-FLY TOURS ESCORTED TOURS
report that customers are also keen to explore home shores, with the British Isles very popular as a no-fly destination. Trafalgar has 10 trips covering the UK and Ireland, using ferry crossings where necessary, including the expansive Britain and Ireland Panorama. This 16-day trip visits 37 cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, reaching north to the Isle of Skye, west to the Ring of Kerry and all the way south to Dartmoor. For something shorter, sister brand Insight Vacations’ Gems of Britain is a five-day break that still packs in London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Edinburgh, the Lakes, Liverpool, Chester, Cardiff, Bath and Stonehenge. Less whistle-stop itineraries can be
found; Back-Roads Touring’s seven- day Corners of Cornwall tour delves into the county’s maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary tradition.
w THE TRAIN’S NO STRAIN Some operators, including Riviera Travel and Travelsphere, forgo long coach journeys for Eurostar rail connections to make the jump to the continent. Others, such as Great Rail Journeys and Ffestiniog Travel, have options that also make the train the star throughout the trip. “The practical, convenient reasons
for travelling by train are numerous,” says Ffestiniog general manager Maria Cook. “No need to check in hours before travel; no luggage or carry-on restrictions; you arrive in a central location so no onward transfers are
There is no denying that travelling by train boasts an appealing old-fashioned charm
necessary; and it is a sociable way to travel that allows you to chat to fellow passengers, read a book or take a stroll. There is also no denying that travelling by train boasts an appealing old-fashioned charm.” Ffestiniog offers both connoisseur
tours for those with a passion for trains, including a new itinerary exploring the tram systems of southeast France, and grand tours, for those who like to explore by rail. For the latter, Switzerland is the most popular destination. Customers are all offered tickets including travel from their home railway station. Great Rail Journeys has a host of
iconic railway journeys and steam train trips, but also emphasises that not all its customers are die-hard rail obsessives. New itineraries include the 10-day All Inclusive Tuscan Villa trip, with a relaxing stay in a rural property and low-key sightseeing bookended by rail travel, from £2,495. Sister value brand Rail Discoveries offers a similarly chilled-out holiday on the French Riviera, the eight-day St Raphael & the Cote D’Azur, from £875.
ABOVE: Edinburgh Tattoo
BELOW: Switzerland
w NO-FLY NICHES Niche and special-interest markets are very well represented in the no-fly sector, and these types of holidays are great introductions for those who haven’t previously taken a tour. The majority of Newmarket Holidays’ no-fly trips are themed breaks in the UK, from heritage and steam railways to overnight trips to flower shows, sporting events or concerts. Some of the most popular are Diana: Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace; Wimbledon Tennis Championship breaks; and the Edinburgh Tattoo. Shearings has introduced Grand Prix holidays for 2018, and Leger Holidays is famous for its multitude of battlefields tours, including the best-selling four-day All Quiet on the Western Front itinerary, visiting the major First World War battlefields of Flanders and France. Travelsphere’s similar Battlefields of France and Flanders by Rail is equally one of its most popular no-fly options. Sister brand Just You offers solo
travellers 26 no-fly tours across five countries, including European short breaks, numerous UK festive holidays and the active Walking the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. Adventure fans can find group tours
to suit in the UK too, from the likes of Wilderness Scotland. The operator has guided walking and cycling trips north of the border, plus more unusual options including sea kayaking, sailing, and wildlife spotting adventures.
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travelweekly.co.uk 31 August 2017
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