Ten years ago, rail holiday expert Ffestiniog Travel launched its Small & Traditional (S&T) immersive escorted tour range – a pioneer of sustainable travel to countries and places still untouched by mass tourism.

By 2015 the company was one of the leading tour operators to Romania and its Director, Alan Heywood, realised there was a demand for more authentic travel among its older travellers in the 50+ market to places not found on the tourist maps.  

He said, “Having toured Romania since 2009 we saw an interest from travellers looking for truly 'away from it all' places, where they could learn about the people and their traditions within stunning, scenic landscapes. By including some wonderful railways to ride too, we knew it would appeal to our core customer base!

“We offer older travellers, who have a little sense of adventure and are curious to visit some of those places that they have so far only read about, the opportunity to explore the rural culture and history of destinations off the beaten tourist track. Our small groups, limited to just 15 people, stay in family run guest houses in remote villages and enjoy locally produced food to experience traditional hospitality and our custom serves to support and sustain these local communities.”

Over the last 10 years the company has escorted travellers to such destinations as Romania, Georgia, Albania, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Uzbekistan, Montenegro and Moldova. In 2025 it has eight fabulous S&T tours to choose from including two new destinations - Bosnia Herzegovina and remote areas of the Italian Dolomites.  

Highlights of Bosnia Herzegovina

Thirty years on since the end of the Bosnian conflict the country is welcoming visitors to explore its hidden gems and wealth of history. This new escorted small group tour, limited to just 14 travellers, will discover the scenic beauty and culture of Bosnia Herzegovina. As well as visits to Sarajevo, Mostar and Konjic, the group will encounter places not usually visited by UK tourists including the old medieval capital, Jaice, with its castle, waterfall and riverside water mills, Kravice Waterfalls and Blagaj where an underground river flows out of the mountainside. Rail journeys include the stunning Šargan Eight narrow gauge railway to Serbia, plus the scenic Mostar to Sarajevo line. Departing 14 May 2025, this 8-day escorted tour priced from £2,550pp includes return flights, rail travel, transfers, B&B accommodation in small hotels, some meals, UK tour leader and professional Bosnian guide.

The Italian Dolomites

A small group tour of a maximum of 15 people will encounter amazing alpine scenery, lush vineyards and apple orchards that offer a unique rural experience in Italy's Süd Tirol region. Stay in small private hotels and quality guest houses enjoying home cooked meals for a real taste of the region with local wine, olive oil and cheese tastings. There will be time to explore the historic cities of Verona, Mantua, Trento and Bolzano. Rail highlights are the scenic narrow gauge line from Trento to Mezzana, the line from Bolzano to Merano and Malles near the Swiss border and the unusual Ritten tramway high above Bolzano. This 8-day tour departs on 1 October 2025 and the price from £3,765pp includes return flights, all rail travel, private coach, B&B accommodation in quality guest houses and private hotels, three lunches and four evening meals, excursions and services of a UK tour leader and local professional guide.

Ffestiniog Travel will be returning to some familiar places in 2025 on the following tours:

Romania's Danube Delta & the Carpathians – A trip to a wildlife paradise, travellers will study birdlife from close quarters whilst staying at a small guesthouse in a tiny village reached only by boat and in the company of a knowledgeable English speaking guide. Stay in medieval Braşov and visit a nearby bear sanctuary. Cross the Carpathian Mountains twice by road and train. Departing 15 May 2025 this 10-day tour, from £3,265pp, includes flights, rail travel, private coach, hotel and guest house accommodation, all breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 evening meals plus UK tour leader, local Romanian guide and specialist guides where required.

Greece – Mountains & Myths - Go off the beaten track in the mountains of central Greece, ride the narrow gauge train to Milies and the rack railway from Kalavrita to Diakopto whilst still finding time to visit the “must-sees” ancients sights at Delphi, Olympia and Athens. Departing 9 May 2025, the 13-day tour is priced from £3,690pp including flights, rail travel, private coach, hotel and guest house accommodation, all breakfasts and 8 other meals, excursions plus UK tour leader and local Greek guide.

Springtime in the Caucasus - A comprehensive tour of rural Georgia set in stunning mountain scenery. Visit the highest inhabited village in Europe (reached by 4WD), through the High Caucasus Mountains to the remote hamlet of Kazbegi, ancient cave settlements at Uplishtsikhe and Vardzia. Departing 6 May 2025, this 12-day tour costs from £3,135pp and includes flights, rail travel, coach & 4WD journeys, guest house and hotel accommodation, all breakfasts, 7 lunches and 4 evening meals, excursions and UK tour leader and local guide.

Wines of Southern Romania - Romania is one of the top 20 wine producers worldwide and home to more than 250 wine cellars. This tour visits the historic cities of Timişoara, Sibiu and Braşov, explores the Danube Gorge and Olt Valley, takes a Danube river cruise and enjoys 5 wine tastings in rural, scenic wineries or with local families. Departing 24 June 2025, this 12-day tour is priced from £3,265pp and includes flights, rail travel, hotel and guest house accommodation, all breakfasts, 2 lunches and 8 evening meals plus tour leader and local guide

Albanian Odyssey - This tour of Albania by rail and road takes travellers from the Greek border in the south to the remote and mysterious Albanian Alps in the north to parts of Europe not yet on the tourist map and combines rail travel with culture and history. Return via Montenegro and the famously scenic rail line from Podgorica to Belgrade. The 15-day holiday departs 30 August 2025 and costs from £3,395pp including flights, rail travel, private coach, hotel and guest house accommodation, all breakfasts and 12 evening meals and UK tour leader and local guide.

Rural Romania – Where Time Stands Still - Step back in time in the mountains and forests of northern Romania. Stay in family run “homestays” (en suite) and enjoy local produce. Visit remote Saxon villages with their fortified churches, the Painted Monasteries and ride the narrow gauge railways at Vişeu de Sus and Moldovita. Departing 19 September 2025 this 12-day tour costs from £3,265pp and includes flights, rail travel, private coach, hotel and guest house accommodation, all breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 evening meals, excursions and UK tour leader and local Romanian guide.

Find out more about the company's Small & Traditional range of tours and the ethos behind them.