BOOKING INFORMATION

Advance booking is normally essential. Occasionally we can take 'on the day' customers but please call us the day before to check. All fares include a reserved seat. Bookings will be acknowledged. Tickets are posted about eight days before departure, along with finalised timings and reservation details. Applications for refunds (including transfers to other dates or itineraries) can be accepted up to two weeks before the date of travel (less an administrative charge of ten per cent, minimum five pounds) but after then no refunds or transfers are normally available. In the unlikely event of a trip being cancelled all monies shall be refunded but no other liability shall be incurred.

ALL TIMINGS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE PROVISIONAL and are intended only as a guide. We are sorry but pets and bicycles are not accommodated.

Smoking is not permitted in any part of our trains, nor on railway stations or connecting coaches. First Class dining accommodation is not considered suitable for children. Standard Class junior fares apply to those under 16 years. Standard Class accommodation includes a buffet car selling drinks, sandwiches and other light refreshments.

First Class dining accommodation includes meals as described. Wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks can be ordered from the wine list and are charged as extras (usual credit and debit cards are very welcome). In line with usual restaurant practice we do ask guests not to bring their own drinks. First Class seating is at tables of two and four. A separate 'table for two' can be guaranteed for a supplement of £30 (£15 per person).

Usual credit and debit cards (but not American Express) are welcome. Usually the full amount is charged at the time of booking but we can, or request, delay the debit until the first day of the preceding month (e.g., 1st June for all July tours). If you place a telephone booking but wish to pay by cheque we will issue a reference number and hold your seats for seven days. The reference number should be entered on the booking form.

All details in this brochure are given in good faith on the basis of information supplied by Network Rail and the other railway authorities, but we cannot accept responsibility for changes imposed outside our control. Many factors can affect the running of trains so punctuality and any implied onward connections cannot be guaranteed.

MAKE UP A PARTY! We would be delighted to discuss group discounts for parties of ten adults or more, or whole carriages. Early application is essential.

The train operating company for the Ocean Liner Express is Direct Rail Services Ltd. For other excursions it is DB Schenker (formerly EWS) unless indicated otherwise.

IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES FOR LONG WEEKEND EXCURSIONS:

Bookings for excursions which include overnight accommodation must be made using the special booking form. Places are reserved on payment of a deposit of £75 per person, with the balance payable six weeks before the departure date. On these excursions, refunds can be entertained up to the date on which the balance is due, less an administrative charge of £25 per person. After then a fee of 25% of the total cost is payable, but no refunds can be entertained less than two weeks before departure. Please bear these conditions in mind when considering travel and cancellation insurance. For your own peace of mind, we strongly recommend that you do take out such insurance. For those customers who do not already hold an annual travel policy, information on combined travel and cancellation insurance is available at Post Offices. The full benefits of cancellation insurance are normally available only if the policy was in force at or close to the time of booking.

Current EU package regulations require us to include the following statement in respect of tour packages of more than 24 hours in duration. Monies are held in a trust account until completion of the excursion. If you have any problems during the trip please speak initially to the Chief Steward or Train Manager who will do everything possible to help. If the matter cannot be resolved please write to UK Railtours at the address provided.