A new treyn of thought

Discover Europe this summer with Treyn Holidays, a new tour operator specialising in inspiring escorted holidays by rail. In response to the growing demand for ‘No Fly’ holidays which use rail travel to minimise customers’ carbon footprint, Treyn Holidays have a selection of tours for people looking for a more environmentally friendly way to travel.

The superb collection of great value holidays to Europe are also ideal for travellers wishing to escape frustratingly long check in queues, crowded airport departure lounges, delayed flights and the seemingly endless wait to collect luggage.

Quick and efficient European rail travel is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. With check-in time at St Pancras International only 30 minutes before departure and your holiday beginning the moment you step foot on the train, holidaymakers are able to escape the stresses and strains of flying and enjoy a more relaxed means of travel.

Treyn Holidays’ 12 itineraries which visit destinations such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, range from £245 for a four-day break to Bruges & Ghent to £815 for a nine-day holiday to the Italian cities of Venice, Florence and Bologna.

The Timeless Venice, Florence & Bologna escorted tour offers the opportunity to saviour the historic treasures of northern Italy’s elegant and romantic cities. Based in the mediaeval city of Bologna, highlights include a visit to romantic Venice and a trip to Renaissance Florence. Passengers are free to explore Bologna and the region at their own leisure and can take advantage of an optional sightseeing excursion to the historic city of Rome.

Available with selected departure dates between 28 May and 8 October, the cost is from £795 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, eight nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast (six in Bologna, one in Chambery and one in Mulhouse) and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

Alternatively, discover the breathtaking beauty and spectacular scenery of the French Alps from our base in charming Aix-les-Bains, on a six-day Lakes & Mountains of the French Alps tour. Departing on a number of dates between 22 May and 16 October, highlights include an excursion to the lakeside resort of Annecy and the chance to explore Aix-les-Bains and the thermal spas for which the town is famed.

Days at leisure provide you with the opportunity to travel further afield to locales such as Lake Geneva or to take advantage of an optional excursion to Lyon with its Old Town and its impressive galleries, stylish boutiques and snug bistros.

The cost is from £395 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, five nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

If you are passionate about France then why not enjoy the contrast between sophisticated coastal resorts and the unspoilt landscapes of the Provençal region on the seven-day Nice & The Glamorous Riviera holiday. Experience a journey aboard the charming Train des Pignes from our base in Nice to St André-les-Alpes in the heart of the Verdon canyons and lakes.

Optional excursions include a visit to the tiny principality of Monaco or a tour of St-Paul-de-Vence and the hinterland of the Riviera. A French Rail Pass will also allow you unlimited rail travel to explore the region at your own pace.

Available on selected departure dates between 11 May and 12 October, the cost is from £595 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, six nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, a French Rail Pass and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

For further details visit Treynholidays.co.uk.