House of travel UK & Ireland Brochure 2017 | Page 60

Take to the Tracks
There really is something delicious about
travelling by rail, especially in Europe. There’s
timeless atmosphere in the grand old stations
– a sense of adventures to be had in far-off
places. It’s easy to imagine you’re in the
19th century, about to embark on a grand
European tour. The first intercity service
opened in 1830 between Liverpool and
Manchester. Aside from the romanticism of a
bygone era, there’s a lot to be said for including
rail travel in a European itinerary. The rail
networks of both Europe and the United
Kingdom are efficient and widespread, and
the trains are well-maintained, comfortable
and generally run on time (in some countries
you can set your watch by their arrival and
departure).
BritRail Pass & Ireland Pass Eurostar Belmond Grand Hibernian
A BritRail Pass, available in both Consecutive
and Flexi Day options, provides you the
freedom to travel on the national rail
networks of England, Scotland and Wales. The
popular Flexi Pass allows travel over a specific
number of days within a set period; whereas
the Consecutive Pass is cheaper but the days
of travel need to be consecutive. Eurostar is the number one choice for travel
between the heart of London and the heart
of Paris or Brussels via the Channel Tunnel.
Avoid the stress of airports, costly transfers
and taxes as Eurostar whisks you to your
destination in style and comfort. Launched in August 2016, the Belmond
Grand Hibernian is taking rail touring around
Ireland to a new level. Famed for its historic
cities, lush green farmland, quaint towns and
spectacular natural scenery, Ireland has long
been the domain of self-drives or coach tours,
but now there’s a new way to see this beautiful
country, by luxury train. Elegant carriages
and authentic Irish cuisine complemented by
fine wines and attentive service, all help make
this iconic journey extremely memorable.
Ireland Pass
Explore further using this one single pass. With
this, you can have unlimited travel across the
whole of the rail network including Northern
Ireland, and also The Republic of Ireland.
UK Point to Point Fares
If you are planning only one or two train trips,
always check out the range of fares available in
Standard or First Class. These fares sometimes
attract discounts of between 15%-60%,
available for instant purchase. The earlier you
book the greater the level of discount.
Fast Train
“Did you know that if your train journey
is 4 hours or less, you will arrive at your
destination faster by train than your total
flying experience?”
London-Manchester journey time: 2hrs 7mins
London-Edinburgh journey time: 4hrs 22mins
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Classes of Service
Business Premier offers a 1st class service
designed specifically for the business traveller
giving access to lounges, priority check-in, full
catering and more.
Standard Premier offers a 1st class experience
with freedom and space to work or unwind.
It includes a complimentary light meal and
beverages served at your seat.
Standard Class offers comfort, convenience
and value for money with the option to
purchase refreshments from one of the two
buffet cars.
Discounted Fares
Eurostar offers a range of discounted fares
including special child, youth and senior
discounts, available as one way or return
fares.
Three classic itineraries are currently offered,
all starting and finishing in Dublin. The first
is a 2 night journey north to see Belfast and
the Giant’s Causeway. The second heads
south on a 4 night journey to Cork, Limerick,
Galway, Killarney, Westport and the Cliffs of
Moher. The third itinerary combines the two
aforementioned journeys to make a 6 night
option.
Belmond also operate the famed Venice
Simplon-Orient-Express through Europe and
the Northern Belle in the UK, so they know
what they’re doing! Sit back, relax and take in
the stunning views whilst enjoying amazing
Irish hospitality.
Departures: Daily Departures: Daily Departures: Set departures
Duration: 3 days in 1 month Duration: 2.5 hours to Paris Duration: 2, 4 or 6 nights
Price Guide From: $293 (Flexipass) Price Guide From: $105 (one way) Price Guide From: $6187 (2 nights)
The price guide shown is per adult based on low season travel. Specials or surcharges may apply depending on travel date.