Our initial programme is again deliberately small - just seven tours. We have found that many special rail events are announced too close to our usual brochure launch date so we intend to publish a number of Railtours Newsletters throughout the year keeping you up to date with new and exciting tours. Already "in the pipeline" is a tour across three European countries behind steam and a long weekend to the Koblenz area for Germany's 175th Railway Aniversary specials featuring over 100 special trains.

The emphasis again is on the USA, always a popular destination, we have built up an enviable reputation with our "on the ground" knowledge and contacts. Our regular modern traction tour combines two very busy areas we have visited before blended into one tour coupled with the Eastern States for a mix of steam, modern traction, sightseeing and Amtrak rides for "first timers" or couples.

A two week concentrated steam tour to Australia - our fourth tour down under and an area we now know very well, includes four exclusive charters plus the fabulous Maitland Steam Festival.

May sees a short break to France based in Paris, while we revisit Sweden, not covered by Railtours for a few years to re-aquaint ourselves with three superb steam lines near stockholm.

Austria, always a joy to travel to, is visited in the winter for steam in the snow and again a summer tour covering 11 narrow gauge lines.

As mentioned that is not the complete Railtours programme - More will be revealed during the year!