Little Trains of Wales

Breathtaking peaks, spectacular lakes, rich history and heritage and a vibrant and unique culture. Every year, Snowdonia National Park's astonishing landscapes attract millions of visitors. This favourite Crusader tour stays in attractive Llanberis and includes a ride on Britain's only rack and pinion railway, the epic Snowdon Mountain Railway! The Ffestiniog Railway is truly a 'Great Little Railway' and the oldest independent railway company in the world today. Experience Snowdonia' s spectacular scenery on the Welsh Highland Railway between historic Caernarfon and Beddgelert.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights in Llanberis with dinner & breakfast- Glass of wine with dinner on last night- Welcome tea/coffee & after dinner- Ffestiniog rail fare- West Highland rail fare- Snowdon Mountain Railway fare- Porterage

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach a comfort stop will be made en route for lunch before arriving at your hotel in the heart of Snowdonia later in for your 4 night stay. DBB

Day 2 - 4 At leisure in Llanberis with two included excursions and one optional excursion

Llanberis enjoys a wonderful lakeside location at the foot of Snowdon with plenty to see and do on your free day. Take a stroll beside the water, visit the National Slate Museum (entrance FOC) or take a ride on the narrow-gauge Llanberis Lake Railway, where little steam engines take you on a five-mile return journey alongside Lake Padarn. Alternatively you may like to join the optional excursion to the seaside.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Welsh Highland Railway & Ffestiniog Steam Railway
(Exact route of the day subject to final train schedule)
Outstanding scenery, comfortable carriages and historic engines await you today in the heart of Snowdonia. Glorious coastlines, ancient oak woodlands, mountains, rivers and castles, all beckon as you embark on your journey on two award winning railways. Joining at Caernarfon, the journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Porthmadog (fare included) has to be one of the most spectacular ways to see the awe-inspiring scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. There is time in Porthmadog for a spot of lunch before continuing with the next part of your heritage railway journey on the Ffestiniog Steam Railway. The unique steam-hauled trains run along 13 miles from Porthmadog on the coast to Blaenau Ffestiniog in the mountains (fare included). Your coach awaits you as you disembark and head back to Llanberis with a scenic drive through the Snowdonia National Park. (NB Exact routing of the day may change subject to final train schedule. Subject to timetable confirmation, we may need to operate a coach transfer between stations in order to facilitate the day)

Snowdon Mountain Railway
The Snowdon Mountain Railway, Britain's only rack and pinion railway starts from Llanberis and travel 4.7 miles to the summit of Snowdon, a place of legend 1.085 metres above sea level. This epic journey has been experienced by some 12 million travellers since 1896. Snowdon Summit's Visitor Centre, Hafod Eryri, first opened in June 2009. It receives on average half a million visitors a year and it's not hard to see why. On a clear day the views can stretch as far as Ireland. On arrival at the Summit, railway passengers and walkers are welcomed into a modern contemporary environment, an amazing feat of engineering on the top of a mountain. This unique building was built to withstand the mountain weather conditions, whilst blending in with its natural surroundings. The building is clad in oak and granite, and panoramic windows reveal wonderful views to the valleys below. During your 30 minute stopover you can venture to the cairn of the highest mountain in Wales and England, 1085m above sea level. May operate with a steam or diesel engine. NB October train operates with diesel engine

PLEASE NOTE that the summit is not due to open until June 2024 and for the May departure the train will therefore operate up to Clogwyn Station which is 3/4 of the way up the mountain. Clogwyn Station is located on an exposed ridge, overlooking Llanberis Pass and Clogwyn Du'r Arddu cliffs. Nearby lies a group of huge boulders that once tumbled from cliffs above and are rumoured to be the home of a witch named Canthrig Bwt who would try to catch children climbing on the rocks. May be a steam or diesel engine

OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Llandudno - 'The Queen of Welsh Resorts'
Lovely Llandudno is one of the most popular seaside resorts in North Wales. Situated between the Great and Little Orme headlands, this beautiful seafront is perfectly framed. To complement the view there is a wonderful promenade along the Blue Flag beach and the longest pier in Wales (2295 feet, 700 metres).

Day 5 - After a hearty Welsh breakfast, all aboard for the journey back to your home towns.

This itinerary has been produced well in advance of the 2024 holiday season and is subject to change and finalised train timetables.The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis

Being cradled between two lakes Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, as well as the Welsh mountains, the location is quite simply breath taking. Few hotels can command such wonderful views as the 3* Royal Victoria Hotel which is set in this picturesque location directly opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway and just a 10-minute walk away from the town centre.


All 104 bedrooms are well decorated and equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The large restaurant is stylish and bright and there is a relaxing, cosy pub-style bar with comfortable seating.

There is also an elegant lounge and beautiful gardens. There is a lift to most floors.

Hotels
• Royal Victoria Hotel (Llanberis) - View Information