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Rail and Hotel Breaks

Take your pick from a selection of UK destinations and create your very own short break

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Breaks by rail.

Let the rails guide you on a relaxing and eco-friendly getaway by opting for rail and hotel breaks for your next UK short break. Explore the picturesque landscapes of the UK as you travel effortlessly along by rail, revelling in the stress-free journey that awaits.

Our rail breaks in UK offer the convenience of city-centre access, flexible travel schedules, and pocket-friendly ticket choices, making your getaway a breeze. Say goodbye to driving woes and congestion charges and say hello to British rail breaks, your ticket to an eco-friendly adventure.

Our Rail Breaks

With a range of locations across the UK to choose from, our rail and hotel breaks promise a captivating mix of experiences, whether you crave seaside serenity, historical intrigue, or urban exploration.

Explore the vibrant coastal charm of Brighton, where an iconic pier and lively atmosphere make for a delightful getaway. For history enthusiasts, our city breaks to York by train will transport you back in time. Experience the musical heartbeat of Liverpool, home to The Beatles or discover the cultural vibrancy of Glasgow, where art, history, and modernity meet – choose city rail breaks for a great little blend of travel and accommodation.

Explore the bourgeoning coastal city of Brighton. Renowned for its regency architecture and cultural diversity, enjoy its pebble beaches, eclectic arts scene and colourful buzz

London, our vibrant capital, where history and modernity meet; brimming with famous museums, culinary delights, trendy neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks

Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city, enchants with its original Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and literary influence, offering a timeless and cultured break

Liverpool pulses with music history, vibrant culture, and its illustious past. The Beatles' hometown invites you to explore its lively spirit on your next short break

Discover Manchester—from industrial landmarks to thriving resturants, bars, shops and galleries, this eclectic city welcomes you on your next city rail break

York, a medieval treasure, invites you to wander its historic streets. Walk its city walls, explore its varied landmarks and savor its timeless charm; holding copious tales of England's storied past

Historic elegance, vibrant culture, and friendly locals define this northern treasure. Get a taste of the 'toon' in this jewel of the North East brimming with Georgian architechture.

Glasgow, a cultural hub, dazzles with art, history, and modern flair, crowned a UNESCO City of Music. Explore hidden gems and vibrant neighborhoods in the heart of Scotland's largest city

Scotland's capital mesmerises visitors with its historic castle, charming old town, and cultural richness, inviting you to explore its timeless beauty and vibrant festivals

What are Rail Breaks?

How do i book a uk trip by rail with great little breaks, when/how do i receive my tickets for my rail and hotel break, what are the payment options available when booking my uk rail break, what happens to my rail and hotel break in the event of a strike, what destinations are available for uk breaks by rail, if i miss my train on my uk break, can i get the next one, can i upgrade to first class rail travel for my uk break, can i upgrade my accommodation for a uk break, when is the best time to travel on uk breaks by rail, can i book both rail and theatre tickets through great little breaks, what are the advantages of booking rail and hotel together, can i add extra activities or experiences to my uk break, can i make changes to my uk rail and hotel break booking after it is confirmed.

Rail breaks are non-refundable and non-amendable. This means they carry a 100% cancellation charge.

If you need to cancel your UK rail and hotel break please call our customer service team on 01905 792801 who will do their best to assist you. We recommend that customers take out travel insurance before they travel to cover all eventualities.

Is travel insurance included in my rail and hotel break?

No, travel insurance is not included as part of the package however we do recommend that you take out adequate insurance to cover you for your UK break, including rail breaks. If you need any further emergency assistance whilst on your short break, please call our out-of-hours emergency number 01905 679107 and one of our customer service team will assist you.

Are there any child-friendly options for UK breaks by rail?

Yes, we offer a range of child-friendly options for UK breaks by rail. From family-friendly hotel rooms to exciting attractions and activities suitable for all ages.

Are there any discounted UK breaks by rail for seniors or students?

Holders of valid railcards are eligible for discounts as per the policies of the respective train operator. Please note that discounts are not valid on certain fare types.

Are there any group discounts available for UK trips?

Yes, you can enjoy a group saver discount when travelling with friends or family on UK trips by rail, subject to the rail operator. Groups of three to nine adults can save 1/3 on Off-Peak tickets when travelling together. Please note that some fare types may be excluded, and additional terms and conditions may apply.

How far in advance should I book my UK trip?

We recommend that you book your UK trip approximately 12 weeks in advance to secure the best availability and prices. Plan ahead and allow ample time to organise any additional arrangements or special requests.

What amenities are included in the selected hotels?

The amenities included in the selected hotels for each rail and hotel break will vary depending on the property and room type.

Detailed information about the amenities available at each hotel can be found by clicking ‘more info’ on each hotel listed. This will show useful information about each hotel which should help you choose the right hotel for your UK break!

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What is a break of journey?

Did you know that with many tickets in Great Britain, it’s possible to use one ticket and break up your journey as you wish? Let’s take a look at break of journey, what it means and when you can do it.

In a railway sense, a break of journey is when you interrupt your trip part-way through. For example, if you’re travelling from London to Birmingham, then choose to get off in Coventry and visit some friends for a couple of hours, then this is a break of journey.

If you’re just changing trains or using the facilities at the station, then this isn’t a break of journey. For example, you might have 30 minutes between trains and choose to visit a shop on the station concourse.

How long can a break of journey last for?

You can break your journey for as long as your ticket is valid. For example, if you have a day return , you’d need to complete your journey by 04:30 the next morning.

If you have an Off-Peak Return , then you need to complete your outward journey on the same day. You can break your journey on the way back as many times as you like within one month, so long as you don’t ‘double back’ and keep travelling in the same direction. There’s no requirement to complete your journey on the same day.

An Anytime Return has similar rules, but you can use the outward part of your ticket for five days. An Anytime Single is valid for two days.

Finally, if you can’t reasonably complete your journey within the validity of the ticket, and need to stop overnight, you can do this. However, you need to complete your journey the following day, with no further breaks allowed, other than to change trains.

Which tickets allow a break of journey?

Most flexible tickets allow you to break your journey. This includes all tickets marked as ‘ Anytime ‘. When it comes to tickets that are either Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak , it can vary. You can always break your return journey, but some tickets don’t allow you to do this on your outward journey.

You can find this out by checking which restriction code your ticket has. You’ll find this at the bottom of your ticket if it’s an eTicket:

When you follow the link , it’ll tell you what the restriction code means. If it does not mention breaking your journey, then there aren’t any restrictions.

If there is a restriction, you’ll find it in the notes section, such as here for code 3A :

Can I break my journey with an Advance ticket?

Breaking your journey isn’t possible with an Advance ticket. This is because you need to stick to the trains you’ve booked, and complete the journey in one go.

Remember, changing trains and using the facilities at the station doesn’t count as breaking your journey. If you have a long connection and want to be let through the ticket gates to pop to a shop in the station, you should be allowed to do this.

What if a member of staff writes the date on my ticket?

If you have a paper ticket, staff might mark the date on it. This usually happens if you have a return ticket where the return part is valid for a month. This doesn’t affect how long the ticket is valid for and doesn’t mean that you have to complete your entire journey on that day.

Any markings on the ticket do not change how long it’s valid for.

Is there anything else I should know?

The final thing that we’d recommend doing is booking your rail tickets with Railsmartr . We believe in keeping things simple and making rail travel easy to understand and accessible. Whether you want to know about cheap train tickets or the best First Class trains , we’ve got you covered.

We don’t charge any fees either. No booking fees, and no extra fees if you need to change your plans. Why pay more?

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The best UK breaks from a train station

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We’re often hard on our trains in this country. We don’t have smart bars serving pretzels and Pilsners like they do in Germany , or double-decker TGVs like they have in France . But we often forget just how far the UK’s rail system can take us, and with minimal fuss. More than that, how civilised it is to travel by train; to watch Britain slide by over the top of a newspaper or a magazine. Unlike motorways, which feel utterly removed from nature, the train seems to glide through unperturbed cityscapes and landscapes, usually dropping us right in the heart of a place. It’s friendlier to the environment too, which is why the Swedes who coined flygskam (flight-shaming) also coined tagskryt (train-bragging). We wouldn’t recommend bragging, but if you must, here are just some of the finest British destinations reached by train.

Broadstairs, Kent

Best for: bygone beach days Sample journey: St Pancras–Broadstairs: 1 hour 21 minutes Of all the buzzed-about spots along the Kent coast, Broadstairs still provides the most perfect vision of a day at the beach. There’s a bygone feel to sandy Viking Bay, with its Victorian beach huts, swings and the ghost of a funicular, with views above the charming harbour to the fort-like Bleak House made famous by Dickens. While some of the dining options are similarly classic, such as the Thirties Morelli’s gelato parlour on the clifftop, there’s also a foodie scene in a town where restaurant critic Marina O’Loughlin regularly raves about her local haunts. The nearby beaches of Kingsgate and Botany Bay are two of the most wildly beautiful in Kent, with their chalk cliffs and stacks feeling like a proper escape. **Where to eat:**For lunch, either the wonderful fritto misto at the harbourside Flotsam & Jetsam , a new hole-in-the-wall from seafood stalwarts Wyatt and Jones; or the Squid and Nancy roll from The Table , surely Kent’s coolest deli. For dinner, whatever chef Ben Crittenden gives you at tiny Stark , recipient of the area’s only Michelin star (neither Margate nor Ramsgate have any yet). Where to stay: Broadstairs House is a B&B in a four-storey Victorian building that feels like staying with a friend. You could also combine with a trip to Margate – a walk or cycle along the coast – where the Libertines-owned Albion Rooms and mod-Georgian Reading Rooms have more of an edge than anything in Broadstairs.

Aberystwyth

Best for: sea views from the train Sample journey: Euston-Birmingham-Shrewsbury-Machynlleth-Aberystwyth: 5 hours 35 minutes The train route to Aberystwyth is far from the quickest, at least from London , but it’s one of the prettiest anywhere in the UK, the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury running through the rolling Cambrian Mountains and along Cardigan Bay on Wales’s west coast, taking in rare sea views. With its Victorian pier and electric cliff railway, Aberystywyth doesn’t immediately feel like the Welsh Biarritz, as the old moniker goes. But there’s a slow-burn charm here – from the university, the growing food scene and, counterintuitively, from the town’s appearance in Welsh detective drama Hinterland . That’s before you get to exploring the estuaries and thrillingly wild beaches of the Cardigan coast. Where to stay: Overlooking the pier, Gwesty Cymru is an old-school seafront hotel with a restaurant serving local seafood. The smartest stay around is Nanteos , a grand Georgian country house hotel surrounded by woodland to the east of town. Where to eat: While the fish and chips is great at Central Fish Restaurant, Aberystwyth’s foodie buzz has been around more cosmopolitan fare: Spanish deli Ultracomida’s bacalao and crab croquettes, in a space that feels almost like Barcelona, and Ottolenghi-style sumac king prawns and lamb pastilla at airy, wooden-floored Medina .

Best for: Regency romance Sample journey: Paddington-Bath Spa: 1 hour 18 minutes Lusted after by Romans, Georgians and 2021 TV producers – there aren’t many weekend destinations in the UK to match Bath . For all that it’s about its ancient baths and sweeping Georgian terraces which have recently appeared in Bridgerton and The Pursuit of Love , there’s also a more modern edge to this cobbled city. There’s both playfulness and sophistication to homeware stores such as richly textured Nam or mid-century specialists Eight Holland Street , as well as art spaces such as the Korean-inspired Francis Gallery by furniture maker Fred Rigby and Cereal magazine co-founder Rosa Park. Where to stay: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa if you want to experience lovingly restored modern Georgian, albeit with an ambitiously theatrical restaurant; or No.15 Great Pulteney for a more modern twist on the theme, with the 37 one-off rooms featuring curiosities such as a chandelier made of lost earrings. Where to eat: The informal Clayton’s Kitchen is all about inventive British classics from Robert Clayton, who earned a Michelin star each for Hunstrete House Hotel (now The Pig near Bath) and The Bath Priory. The driftwood-industrial Scallop Shell is a turbo-charged fish-and-chip shop with a fish stew with fluffy chips and homemade aioli that’s worth the train journey alone.

Best for: sophisticated varsity vibes Sample journey: King’s Cross-Cambridge: 49 minutes Easily reached from the capital, Cambridge has quietly become rather exciting – for punting and quadrangles, of course, but also for its vaccine studies and some of Britain’s most exciting tech companies. There’s hard-won knowledge going into gentler pursuits here too: the Tobacco Old-Fashioneds from a hand-scribbled menu at the wonderful 196 Cocktail Bar , or ‘the world’s stickiest’ Chelsea buns at the popular Fitzbillies bakery, founded in 1920. The real beauty of Cambridge is that there are stories and ideas everywhere you look – not just in the doorways Nabokov described as waypoints to the past, but in the fact that you might just be drinking your Bould Brothers coffee next to a Nobel laureate. Where to stay: The 2018 reopening of the famous 192-room University Arms made a statement about the new Cambridge. Interior designer Martin Brudnizki ( Annabel’s , The Ivy, Dean Street Townhouse ) has brought a lush modern take on Edwardiana, while the old Parker’s Tavern has been reborn as an eccentric but brilliant restaurant under Petrus alum Tristan Welch. Where to eat: Tradition be damned (or at least reinterpreted): try ‘gut-friendly’ vegan restaurant Stem & Glory , opening at a new site in June , for creative bourguignons, bao buns and kimchi pancakes.

Mallaig/Corrour, Scotland

Best for: grandstanding nature Sample journey: Glasgow Queen Street–Mallaig: 5 hours 20 minutes There can’t be many more beautiful train journeys in the UK than this one up the west coast to Mallaig, across the water from Skye , via Oban and Fort William. Passing Loch Lomond and the aptly named Loch Awe on the way to Oban, the train then stops at Corrour – Britain’s highest station, its bleak rolling moorlands immortalised in Trainspotting – and then snakes across the Glenfinnan viaduct that doesn’t actually lead to Hogwarts. The little fishing town of Mallaig is more a jumping-off point than a destination – from here, the best of the Highlands and islands are within striking distance, including Skye and the gorgeous Small Isles of Eigg, Rum and Muck on the ferry. We’d probably recommend hiring a car or maybe an e-bike in Mallaig, but Skye is also one of those rare places where it’s still just about safe to hitch-hike. Where to stay: The best local stays are on Skye. Kinloch Lodge is a quintessential hunting lodge soaked in Macdonald clan history, offering gillie-led stalking, roaring fires and Scottish seafood; or The Cabin , a timber-clad and glassy Scandi-style eco-lodge with a green roof. Where to eat: In Mallaig, The Cabin exists in a happy intersection between chippie and bistro, known for its local langoustines and serious seafood platters. On Skye, the Three Chimneys restaurant with rooms is a locavore legend, with the devilled pigeon, hake with nettle sauce or halibut with mussel butter coming from no further than the nearby island of Gigha.

Malton, Yorkshire

Best for: a taste of ‘God’s own country’ Sample journey: King’s Cross-York-Malton: 2 hours 24 minutes The market town of Malton , in the Yorkshire Wolds between Scarborough and York , once looked to the Romans for its glory days. But now its higgledy-piggledy streets are abuzz, thanks in no small part to energetic local aristocrat Tom Naylor-Leyland. He has helped style Malton as Yorkshire’s food capital – by enticing butchers, bakers and distillers to the town again, and laying on an ever-more popular festival championing local produce, which will return this August . The town that inspired Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is lovely enough, as are its surrounds, with the exquisite Castle Howard to the south and the North York Moors to the north. Where to stay: The Talbot , owned by the Naylor-Leylands, is a handsome coaching inn given a smart boho makeover by Georgie and Sam Pearman of the Lucky Onion group. The food in the old pub is excellent, from bone-in Yorkshire Shorthorn beef and Whitby cockles to devilled kidneys on sourdough. Where to eat: It’s worth doing one of Tom’s food tours for a true sense of Made In Malton, from the sourdoughs of the Bluebird Bakery to the local Rare Bird gin and passionate local butcher Paul Potts. The New Malton is another great gastropub in a listed building, serving serious pies and home-made chips.

Penzance, Cornwall

Best for: a salty escape Sample journey: Paddington–Penzance overnight For all its charm, Cornwall has never been easy to get to from London, by road or conventional rail. But the Night Riviera sleeper train is a civilised way to do it, rolling into Penzance just in time for breakfast. While Land’s End and wild-turquoise Porthcurno beach are just round England’s south-westerly peninsula, sea-blown Penzance is a worthy destination in its own right, from the exquisite Art Deco Jubilee Pool lido to cool galleries such as The Exchange . The once-scruffy town has been on the up for a while now, with cool new stays to rival nearby St Ives, and seafood to rival Padstow up the coast. Where to stay: The six-room Chapel House , a gorgeous Georgian townhouse given an elegant makeover by former charity exec Susan Stuart, who cooks a serious Full English; or the 16-room Artist Residence Penzance just down Chapel Street, all driftwood-boho and itself a sign of Penzance’s emergence. Where to eat: The spartan interior of The Shore , run by former Restaurant Martin Wishart head chef Bruce Rennie, means there's extra focus on the obsessively sourced seafood. In adjacent Newlyn, the pretty old Tolcarne Inn is headed up by Ben Tunnicliffe, the Michelin-toting local answer to Rick Stein or Nathan Outlaw, who is almost as serious about jazz as he is Cornish seafood.

Rye/Camber, East Sussex

Best for: olde England with an edge Sample journey: St Pancras–Ashford-Rye: 1 hour 9 minutes There’s a dashing of chocolate-box England to this Norman citadel on a hill, with its town crier and Hovis-quaint Mermaid Street – yet there’s also a liveliness and edge to spots such as bakery-with-rooms Whitehouse Rye and Alex MacArthur Interiors , with its off-the-wall chandeliers and giant mirrors in a one-time monastery. Nearby Camber Sands, with its marram-grass dunes and kite-surfers, is one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches within easy striking distance of London – making this an all-round gem of a weekend away. Where to stay: The three-bedroom Mint in Rye is an exquisite conversion of a 15th-century building – Tudor done with style – while The George on the High Street was Rye’s first smart boutique hotel, with an excellent locavore restaurant. In Camber, there’s a Californian vibe to the low-slung Gallivant , almost touching the dunes and the beach. Where to eat: Webbe’s at the Fish Café , in a converted red-brick warehouse, is the place for local fish stews and Rye scallop ceviche, while The Union is a fuss-free gastropub in a timber-beamed medieval building, known for its exquisite 28-day-aged steaks from nearby Park Farm.

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Off-peak tickets

Available at quieter times of the day, Off-Peak tickets offer great value and flexibility.

You can buy them prior to the day of travel or just before your journey. Even better, you can use them any time at weekends and bank holidays.

And if you’re looking for even better value, we have Super Off-Peak tickets that are a little less flexible and offer greater savings.

Using your Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets depends on your journey and day of travel. You can get more information and ticket options using our online booking tool or app.

In general, Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 from Monday to Friday in cities and large towns, and at 09:00 everywhere else. Restriction applies to Single, and both outbound and a return portion of a return ticket, Super Off-Peak tickets will have further restrictions. If in doubt, please check https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ticket-types/ticket-validity-finder/ to verify your ticket for your selected journey.

Which trains are Off-Peak?

Generally, Off-Peak tickets are available for trains in the quieter parts of the weekdays, outside of rush hour. This makes Off Peak ideal for those who are travelling outside of commuting hours, providing more flexibility and even cheaper prices.

Off-peak Single and Off-peak Day Single

Valid for a Single journey between two stations on the date shown on ticket.

Off-peak Day Return

Valid for a Return journey between two stations on the date shown on ticket.

Valid for Travel between 09:30-16:00 and from 18:30 Monday to Friday.

Off-peak Return

Valid for a Return journey between two stations. Outward portion is valid for travel on date shown on ticket. Return portion valid for one calendar month from start date shown on ticket.

Valleys Evening Return

Our Valleys Evening Return (VER) tickets are great value for travelling after the rush hour and then returning the next day.

• Valid for travel on the date shown on the ticket.
• Outward travel is valid on any train after 18:30 every day.
• Return travel is valid up to and including the first departing train the next morning back to the ticket origin. Not valid to any other destination.
• A break of journey is allowed unless otherwise indicated. 
• This ticket can be purchased in advance or immediately before travel.
• You may change your travel plans at any time within the validity of the ticket without having to pay an additional fare. 
• A full refund is available if you return the completely unused ticket to the place of purchase within 28 days of expiry of the ticket.

It is available through all retail channels including on our app , online or though our booking offices .

Where to buy an Off-peak ticket

You can buy an Off-Peak train ticket online , in app , and from a ticket machine or ticket office .

We’ve added the ability for you to spread payments over 3 instalments using PayPal Pay in 3 if your purchase is over £30. You can find more information on this option when you come to the payment screen.

How can I request a change of journey?

• Online - You can change your Off-Peak ticket by logging into My Account and selecting "Order status and refund applications". Select your booking and follow the steps to change your ticket.
• On the phone - Call us on 03333 211 202
• At the station - This process can also be completed at the majority of stations. At the station you will still be required to pay for any difference in ticket prices and may also incur an administration fee depending on the terms and conditions of the ticket purchased.
• Did you know? Multiflex tickets Our lowest single fare for hundreds of regular journeys. Available exclusively on our app

home Rail journeys UK rail journeys independent uk rail breaks

uk rail journeys

Embrace slow travel with our collection of UK breaks celebrating the joy of travelling by rail. Enjoy journeys on some of the UK's best heritage railways including the North Yorkshire Moors Railway or the steam hauled Strathspey Railway or take the Caledonian Sleeper on an overnight journey to Inverness, the Gateway to the Highlands for an exploration of this remarkable region and beyond. With a rail break the journey becomes part of the holiday with the chance to see spectacular scenery as you travel to fascinating destinations across Britain.  

independent uk rail breaks

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Highlights of the Cornish Coast

Experience three of Cornwall’s most charming seaside resorts on this relaxing holiday by train. Your first stop is the...

Stockholm & Copenhagen

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Machu Picchu by Train Short Break

3 days | travel to south america and explore peru's ancient machu picchu.

Discover South America’s ancient ruins, explore the best sights and wander through vibrant markets to get a real taste of Andean village life in the Sacred Valley. Take a winding train journey through the steep Urumbamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Peru’s most famous site. The ancient ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu is truly extraordinary and has to be seen to be believed.

Trip overview

• Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
• Immerse yourself in the culture of Cusco
• Experience traditional Andean life in the Sacred Valley
• This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader. Instead, our local representative in each location will fill this role and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip. This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.
• On Day 2, up to 35 people may join you for the day’s activities. The Machu Picchu tour on Day 3 will be for Intrepid travellers only, with a maximum of 16 in the group.
• This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
• According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the Itinerary for details.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru.  There will be a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at approximately 2pm. Be sure to take it slow while your body adjusts to the altitude (3,400 m). Following the meeting your Intrepid guide will take you on an orientation walk around Cusco.  You’ll visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, past the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Finally you’ll visit the Chocolate museum where there will be an opportunity to sample a hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. This might be a good opportunity to purchase some gifts or souvenirs. There’s a small store where you’ll find various handicrafts and a variety of artisanal chocolate products. Tonight is free. Your guide will be able to recommend some good places to eat!

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this.

This morning starts with a pick-up from your hotel. Pick-up will take place will be between 07:00 and 07:20 in the hotel foyer. The Intrepid representative will confirm this with you at the briefing on day 1. In Cusco some of the streets are quite narrow and many have strict parking restrictions so it's likely you will need to take a short walk with a representative to where the bus is.

Head out to the Sacred Valley on a shared bus service. Known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, this lush and fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.

The first stop is at Pisac ruins from where you will enjoy a lovely view of the Pisac valley and the town below. Explore the market and maybe barter for a few items yourself before heading out to cross the Valley. Leaving Pisac behind you find yourself driving through amazingly fertile lands that are one of the main agricultural areas in the surroundings and that played an important part during Inca times.

We have a stop along the way to enjoy our lunch at Urubamba town and then continue approximately 20-25 minutes until we reach the town of Ollantaytambo, one of the few, if not the only, living example of a city plan that has remained the same for many centuries.

Here you’ll visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, and try to figure out how those terraces were build or the big boulders that are part of the temple of the Sun got to the place where you can find them now, the top of the mountain.

Your guide will point you in the direction of the train station where you will wait for the departure of your train that takes you to Aguas Calientes. (Please note that depending on the time of your train, if your departure time is later then you may have some time to explore the town) A 1.5 hour train ride through the winding Urubamba Valley takes us to Aguas Calientes, nestled in the cloud forest (2040m above sea level) at the foot of the magnificent Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival a representative will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel and give you the last instructions for your tour the very next day.

Overnight at Aguas Calientes hotel

• Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)

After an early breakfast, catch a bus to Machu Picchu (approx 30 minutes along a winding road). The first bus departs at around 6.30am. Please note that you will need to check out and leave your luggage on storage at the hotel while you visit Machu Picchu.

A local guide will take you on a 2 hour tour through the ruins. While it is thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There is plenty of time to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters.

After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities it is time to return to Cusco, travelling first by train to Ollantaytambo (approx 90 minutes) then a shared transfer to Cusco (approx 90 minutes).

Upon your arrival to Cusco your tour comes to an end. Please contact us if you need assistance with extra accommodation in Cusco.

Departure flight on final day:

If you need assistance with this, please speak with your travel agent. After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. Leave your feedback here - http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback

Visiting Machu Picchu: According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

• Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour

Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.

Sunrise at Machu Picchu: The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30am. The estimated arrival time is between 6- 6.30am The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.

On the final day you won't arrive back to Cusco until approximately 1830 (630pm) Please do not book a departing flight prior to 2200 (10pm) We recommend booking an additional night in Cusco tonight.

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Bus, Taxi, Train

Hotel (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This will be used to apply for your Inca permit and if any info doesn’t match your passport, the Inca authorities will refuse your entry. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary. 2. This trip starts in Cusco on Day 1 at 2 pm. This trip finishes upon arrival in Cusco on Day 3. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Former British Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson forced to 'crawl off' train after arriving at King's Cross

The wheelchair racer, who has 11 gold medals to her name, repeatedly posted on social media after there was no passenger assistance to greet her as the LNER train from Leeds got into the capital.

Tuesday 27 August 2024 11:57, UK

Former British Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said she was forced to "crawl off" a train after arriving at London's King's Cross.

The Welsh wheelchair racer, who has 11 gold medals to her name, repeatedly posted on social media platform X late on Monday night after there was no passenger assistance to greet her as the LNER train from Leeds got into the capital.

The train arrived at King's Cross just after 10pm, and after waiting for about 16 minutes, Baroness Tanni said she "decided to crawl off".

One of her X posts read: "@LNER who do I need to call to get off this train!!! It got to KGX 10 mins ago!!!!!"

Another just over 10 minutes later said: "At 22.17 (train got in at 22.02) I decided to crawl off. Had to move all my stuff onto the platform. Member of cleaning staff offered to help. They're not insured."

At 22.17 (train got in at 22.02) I decided to crawl off. Had to move all my stuff onto the platform. Member of cleaning staff offered to help. They’re not insured. — Tanni Grey-Thompson (@Tanni_GT) August 26, 2024

The six-time London wheelchair marathon winner said she is in London to travel to Paris for the Paralympics on Tuesday, which officially begin on 28 August.

LNER managing director David Horne apologised to Baroness Tanni saying "something has clearly gone wrong" and the company will investigate the incident.

Baroness Tanni told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday that she had booked assistance to help her off the 7.15pm train but ended up on the 7.45pm after missing the first.

Despite getting on the later train, she said she "had a contract" to be met at the other end.

"Legally I am allowed to turn up and ask to get on a train," she said.

"We were meant to have level boarding in the UK on 1 January 2020 under the Disability and Discrimination Act but government has kicked the can down the road.

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"I can just about get off the train if I need to, but there are loads of people that can't. I can't really crawl but sit on the floor and drag my legs. There was no one around and I was very angry last night.

"If the train manager hadn't seen me crawling off, I would have had to pull the emergency cord and I would have delayed the train going north."

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An LNER spokesperson said: "We are sorry to understand there has been an issue at London King's Cross station on Monday evening.

"We are in the process of investigating this and are in contact with the customer directly."

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Train drivers’ dispute likely to end after ‘no-strings’ pay offer

Average salary of a train driver, without overtime, would rise from £60,000 to £69,000 if aslef members vote to accept, article bookmarked.

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Two years after the longest and most bitter dispute in the history of British railways began, a settlement appears to be in sight.

The train drivers’ union, Aslef , is recommending acceptance of a “no-strings” pay deal that will see an immediate payment of £6,000 in backdated wages for the typical member.

The agreement, which Aslef members will now vote on, is for three increases:

• 5 per cent for 2022-2023
• 4.75 per cent for 2023 to 2024
• 4.5 per cent for 2024 to 2025.

The deal would see the average salary of a train driver, without overtime, rising from £60,000 to £69,000.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: “We are pleased that after being treated with utter contempt for the last two years by the privatised train companies, and the previous government that was pulling their strings, we finally have a new government – a Labour government – that listens and wants to make the railway work for staff, for passengers, and for the taxpayer.

“‘The offer is a good offer – a fair offer – and it is what we have always asked for, a clean offer, without a land grab for our terms & conditions that the companies, and previous government, tried to take in April last year.

“We will put it to members with a recommendation for them to accept.”

If, as expected, union members vote to accept the deal, it will bring to an end over two years of disruption for rail passengers – which began with train drivers walking out for the first of many one-day strikes in July 2022.

As the deal is backdated, the average member can expect in their next pay packet additional wages of around £6,000 covering the increase for recent years.

The dispute involves the 14 English rail firms whose operations are controlled by the DfT. They comprise all the major commuter and intercity operators, including South Western Railway, Govia Thameslink, Avanti West Coast, GWR, LNER, CrossCountry and Northern.

Since the pandemic, rail revenue has slumped, with taxpayers making up the difference. A succession of Conservative prime ministers and transport secretaries insisted any pay increase was contingent on wide-ranging reforms to working practices.

But Aslef demanded a no-strings pay rise followed by talks with individual train operators on changes to working practices – which would come at a price.

The series of 14 one-day nationwide strikes continued to October 2023. Then Aslef brought in new tactics: “rolling” one-day strikes hitting one region at a time, aimed at causing maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay.

Strikes have been augmented by 11 overtime bans. Refusing rest-day working causes widespread disruption because so much of the rail industry is dependent on overtime – especially on Sundays.

Talks between Tory ministers and the union last took place in January 2023. Since then, train drivers have voted repeatedly with large majorities to continue industrial action.

The Labour transport secretary, Louise Haigh , said: “When I took this job, I said I wanted to move fast and fix things – starting by bringing an end to rail strikes.

“The Conservatives were happy to see the taxpayer pay the price as strikes dragged on and on, and passengers suffered. This Labour government is doing the right thing and putting passengers first.

“If accepted, this offer would finally bring an end to this long-running dispute, and allow us to move forward by driving up performance for passengers with the biggest overhaul to our railways in a generation.”

Grant Shapps, who was transport secretary when the dispute began, posted on X : “Helpful to understand what rail modernisation you’ve achieved in return for this whopping 15 per cent pay rise. If there are no real productivity improvements then this deal with your union paymasters will add to inflation, fail to modernise rail services and let down passengers.”

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which had been conducting sporadic talks, was sidelined as direct negotiations began between the DfT and Aslef.

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