Unusual rail holidays - not just for train spotters

Are you are fed up with laying on the beach and fighting the hordes to visit all the usual tourist attractions? Do you want to introduce a bit of culture into your holiday and see areas of countries which you may have visited before but never known these parts existed? Well a holiday with PTG Tours offers culture and a chance to do something a bit different.

PTG holidays all have a railway theme but include visits to exciting locations which are nearby, such as the UK, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria and Sweden, and further afield, such as the USA, Ukraine, Argentina, Cuba and Russia. Each trip boasts visits to places of interest, like historic cities, gardens, vineyards, port lodges, river cruises and much more. From 'rail cruising' the coast and mountains of north-west Spain aboard the legendary El Transcantabrico, to visiting the world-renowned Royal Palaces of St Petersburg via steam hauled special train, PTG Tours has got it all.

Let the train take the strain

PTG Tours use vintage locomotives (sometimes steam) and carriages, where available, therefore adding to the atmosphere. By using trains we allow you to see the most beautiful areas from the comfort of your First Class seat in the most relaxing and safest form of transport. Many of the areas we visit are only visible from the railway line.

On our special charter trains, whenever possible, first class carriages are used with a maximum of 30 people per coach, giving everyone space to spread out. We only use quality hotels, normally 4 star. All our tours are limited to small groups leading to an unrivalled friendly atmosphere. There is no better way to see these fascinating countries than travelling by train and staying at the finest hotels.

Expert local knowledge of the area

On all our tours you have the services of our guides to help you as much or as little as you feel you need. Our guides are ex-pats who have lived in Portugal or Spain for many years and therefore have extensive knowledge of the areas we visit and are able to help with any language barriers in the more remote regions. All tours are fully escorted by a PTG Tour Manager except the Douro River Cruise.

If it's gastronomic delights you are after, these holidays come up trumps here too. Whether it's visiting Sweden's famous Ice Bar, tasting Portugal's finest wines and ports in the Douro Valley or enjoying a typical Bulgarian feast, accompanied by a traditional folklore performance, you won't be starved of sumptuous fare and wine specialities. PTG Tour Guides will talk you through the history of each national dish as you enjoy it.

Tours currently available in August, September and October are; Vintage St Petersburg (Russia), Douro River Cruise (Portugal), Vintage Port (Portugal) and US Grand Fall (USA).

For further information, visit: PTG.co.uk