What’s the difference between First and Standard Class?
“First Class” and “Standard Class” refers to the class of rail travel which you will primarily use. In all other senses, Great Rail Journeys treat their groups equally. So your standard of hotel, your excursion programme and the quality of service you receive from their staff remains the same.
First Class is always more spacious and includes meals and drinks on certain journeys - as noted in the tour itinerary. Whilst slightly less spacious, Standard Class accommodation in Europe is generally still more comfortable than you may be used to in the UK.
What’s the dress code?
Wear what you are comfortable in and what is appropriate for the tour, remembering that the more outfits you bring the heavier your cases will be! Customers generally find a sturdy pair of shoes they are able to walk in is useful - particularly for tours including sightseeing and guided walking tours. Other suggestions include a waterproof jacket, umbrella, sunglasses and ‘layers’ so you are able to dress for the weather, whether that be sun, snow or both! Where more formal wear is required (e.g. gala dinners on the river cruises), Great Rail Journeys will inform you of this in your holiday documentation - generally, this will entail a shirt and tie for men and equivalent for ladies.
Overall it is important to dress for the weather in your destination, so check weather reports before you travel.
What facilities will my hotel have?
Great Rail Journeys’ hotels are carefully selected to provide keen value for money, a warm welcome with high-quality service and comfortable rooms, all in convenient locations with amenities close at hand.
They indicate the official star rating and provide a short description of each hotel on the ‘Hotels’ tab found on their tour pages. The hotel description details its location and facilities to help you decide if the hotel is suitable for your needs. Most hotel bedrooms on Great Rail Journeys are equipped with a private bathroom, telephone and colour television, with the exception of certain speciality accommodation such as safari lodges. Many hotels also offer hairdryers, minibars, safes, tea and coffee making facilities and so on and where these are available, they will be detailed in the ‘Hotels’ section. If you have any further questions about the hotel included on your tour, please do not hesitate to telephone Great Rail Journeys on 01904 734 154.
Full details about the facilities available at all of their hotels will be forwarded to you with your holiday documentation.
Does Great Rail Journeys accept children on their holidays?
Of course - though Great Rail Journeys feels it only fair to make it known that their clientele is generally drawn from a more mature age group and children may not necessarily enjoy the long train journeys and the types of activity that they organise. If you are unsure, please discuss your requirements with a member of their staff.
What does Great Rail Journeys do about special requests for diets or rooms?
Any requests for special diets or room allocations must be requested at the time of booking. They pass rooming and dietary requirements on to the relevant hoteliers and suppliers, who will do their best to help. Please advise their staff as early as possible when booking.