Rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel continues to champion the world's historic railways with a series of 2026 escorted tours that spotlight classic steam, narrow-gauge lines and scenic rail journeys across Central Europe. Designed for lovers of railway heritage and those seeking rich, cultural experiences, these small-group holidays explore Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, taking in some of the most enchanting rail routes and landscapes on the Continent.  This spring Ffestiniog Travel rail fans can treat themselves to a choice of three tours.

Dresden Steam Festival

This 8-day tour invites enthusiasts to one of Europe's best-loved steam celebrations. Travellers will enjoy festival highlights over the Steam Festival weekend before riding historic narrow-gauge lines including the Weisseritztalbahn and Lößnitzgrundbahn, plus a scenic day trip along the Elbe on a historic paddle steamer. The tour also includes B&B hotel accommodation, excursions, selected meals, rail travel and the services of a UK tour leader throughout. Departing 9 April 2026, prices start from £1,895pp.

The Harz Explorer

This rail holiday celebrates the world-famous Harzer Schmalspurbahnen narrow-gauge network in Germany. With over 140 km of track and daily steam train services threading through the Harz Mountains, this 7-day adventure delivers three full days of steam travel, superb scenery, B&B hotel accommodation, rail journeys, guided excursions and services of a UK tour leader throughout. Departing 30 May 2026, prices start from £1,665pp.

Narrow Gauge in Bohemia & Lower Austria

Travellers will travel via Dresden, riding its nearby steam railways before exploring charming narrow-gauge lines from the Bohemian Czech town of Jindřichův Hradec and Austrian routes between Gmünd, Groß Gerungs and Litschau, passing through enchanting countryside. The 15-day escorted tour departing 11 June 2026 includes an InterRail pass, B&B hotel accommodation, excursions, and the services of a UK tour leader, with prices from £2,645pp.

Each of these tours blends heritage rail experiences with cultural sightseeing, local exploration and expert guidance - offering travellers the perfect way to celebrate spring with steam, scenery and unforgettable journeys.

Commenting on the continued importance of heritage rail travel, Maria Cook, General Manager of Ffestiniog Travel, said: “Many of these heritage and steam railways are living museums, cared for by passionate communities and volunteers, and they deserve to be experienced and supported. Travelling on these lines is not just about nostalgia – it is a wonderful way to explore beautiful landscapes, reach fascinating places and gain a real appreciation of the engineering brilliance that shaped modern travel. By including them in our escorted tours, we help ensure these historic railways and special steam events continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy.”

See all Ffestiniog Travel's 2026 escorted rail holidays at www.ffestiniogtravel.com