Ffestiniog Travel is delighted to open bookings for its 2026 collection of Small & Traditional (S&T) escorted tours - intimate, immersive experiences that steer away from mass tourism to reveal a country's heart and heritage. With group sizes capped at around 20 or less, these journeys prioritise meaningful encounters, local culture, and relaxed travel through scenic, often overlooked corners of the globe.

As a rail holiday expert Ffestiniog Travel's S&T collection includes as much rail travel as possible but exploring beyond the tourist tracks takes priority.

New for 2026: Treasures of Turkey
Embark on a 14-day odyssey through Turkey's richest landscapes, from the iconic bazaars of Istanbul to the volcanic beauty of Cappadocia, before venturing to eastern Kars and the ancient ruins of Ani. Return by rail to Istanbul, soaking up the nation's history and hospitality along the way. Departing 14 October 2026, the price from £4,530pp, includes flights, B&B hotel accommodation, rail travel, 8 evening meals, guided excursions, entrance fees, a private Bosphorus cruise, and the services of a UK tour leader and local guide.

Other Tours

• Uzbekistan & the Silk Road
  Delve into the legacy of Emperor Tamerlane with a 12-day exploration of Central Asia's Silk Road cities including Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Delight in exploring ancient mosques, colourful monuments and trading caravanserais. Departing 10 April 2026, the price from £3,095pp includes flights, rail travel, B&B accommodation, all lunches and selected evening meals plus excursions and services of a UK tour leader and professional Uzbek guide.
• Romania's Danube Delta & the Carpathians
  Discover Europe's wildest wetlands by boat, visit bear sanctuaries and remote mountain villages, and stay in locally owned guesthouses. Departing 15 May 2026, this 10-day tour costs from £3,300pp and includes flights, rail, road and boat travel, B&B hotel and guesthouse accommodation with ensuite, selected lunches and meals and services of a UK tour leader and Romanian guide.
• Western Romania & the Danube Valley
  Traverse historic Transylvanian towns, ride a privately chartered steam train on narrow-gauge lines and cruise the scenic Danube Gorge. Departing 5 June 2026, this 10-day tour is priced from £3,110pp which includes flights, rail travel, a Danube River cruise, B&B hotel and guesthouse accommodation with ensuite, some lunches and evening meals and services of a UK tour leader and Romanian guide.
• Kyrgyzstan – Mountains, Lakes & Nomads
  Journey into nomadic life amid the high-altitude splendour of Kyrgyzstan, exploring the Silk Road's remote trails, learning how locals still hunt with eagles, and visit traditional yurt camps. Departing 2 July 2026, the 12-day tour costs from £3,025pp and includes flights, rail and road travel, B&B accommodation with ensuite, all lunches and evening meals, excursions and services of a UK tour leader and professional Kyrgyz guide.
• Albanian Odyssey
  Travel from the Greek border to the rugged Albanian Alps, connect with warm local communities and witness the country's rich historical tapestry. Departing 29 August 2026, this 15-day tour costs from £3,600pp and includes flights, rail and road travel, B&B hotel and guesthouse accommodation, 12 evening meals, excursions and the services of a UK tour leader and Albanian guide.
• Mountains & Coast in Montenegro
  Combine the serenity of wild mountain terrain with the charm of Adriatic coastal towns, including a rail journey on the celebrated Belgrade–Bar line. Departing 7 September 2026, this 13-day tour costs from £3,205pp and includes flights, rail and road travel, B&B hotel accommodation, some lunches and evening meals and the services of a UK tour leader and Montenegrin guide.
• Rural Romania – Where Time Stands Still
  Experience authentic village life in Maramureș and Bucovina, staying in homestays, riding narrow-gauge steam railways, and visiting painted monasteries. Departing 18 September 2026, this 12-day immersive tour costs from £3,330pp and includes flights, rail and road travel, B&B hotel and guesthouse accommodation, 8 lunches and 8 evening meals, excursions and the services of a UK tour leader and local Romanian guide.

General Manager, Maria Cook comments; “These Small & Traditional tours exemplify Ffestiniog Travel's passion for slow, conscious travel - a chance to connect with landscapes, traditions and people in genuine, lasting ways.”

For more information or to book: visit https://www.ffestiniogtravel.com/escorted/small-traditional or call 01766 512400.