golden age of travel belmond

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The Golden Age of Travel by Steam

Departs at 11:45 from London Victoria & Returns 16:00 to London Victoria

Step back into the glamorous 1920’s aboard the Belmond British Pullman. Dress to impress and experience true vintage luxury, highlighted by tantalising modern cuisine.

Enjoy this unforgettable experience as it was in times past. Sip champagne, delight in breathtaking landscapes and take the time to admire the magnificent steam locomotive.

Contact us for a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and examine the vintage steam engine before the train departs on your journey. – A must for all rail enthusiasts.

The following journeys are also available by steam at select times throughout the year: Bristol & Brunel’s SS Great Britain by Steam Historic Bath by Steam Christmas Lunch by Steam

• Steam-hauled round-trip journey aboard the train
• Welcome Champagne Reception
• Sumptuous Five-course lunch
• Half a bottle of wine per person

Guide Price From £490 pp

2024 British Pullman Departure Dates

BELMOND BRITISH PULLMAN

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THE GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL

Board British Pullman at London Victoria Station and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. Your smartly uniformed steward welcomes you into your carriage, where you have time to soak up the lavish art deco details from your plush armchair. Note the polished marquetry and plush textiles, the brass luggage racks and silken lampshades, as well as your pristine table, set with bespoke cutlery and glassware. Soon, the train departs, and a glass of chilled champagne is in your hand. The adventure has begun! Heading out of London and into the Kent countryside, savour a delicious five-course feast crafted from the tastiest seasonal ingredients and complemented by our sommelier’s choice of wines. As you gaze out at the vistas, feel time slow down, enjoy the buzz in the carriage and relish the nostalgia of a golden age. The route takes you via Canterbury to Dover, where you alight briefly onto the platform for some lively entertainment and tempting local refreshments. Back on board, the train begins its return journey via Folkestone and Paddock Wood. Coffee is served before you arrive back at London Victoria.

Includes: -Round trip travel aboard the British Pullman Luxury train. -Welcome Champagne reception on board. -Sumptuous five-course lunch. -Wine specially selected by our sommelier to accompany the seasonal menu. -Coffee, tea and petit fours.

Departs London Victoria 11:05am and returns to London Victoria at 16.15pm.

Available Dates and Prices from pp

April 2024 Thursday 11 April 2024 £435 Thursday 25 April 2024 £400

May 2024 Thursday 16 May 2024 £400

Please email [email protected]

To check availability for this Luxury Day Excursion by train.

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Belmond British Pullman Golden Age of Travel - Steam train

Pulled by steam locomotive. champagne and canapes. lunch with wine..

• Our Price £420 .00
• Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

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Belmond British Pullman Golden Age of Travel - Steam train:  

The experience.

• An exquisite four-hour journey aboard the British Pullman luxury steam hauled locomotive, looping back to the departure point.
• Champagne reception
• Five course silver service lunch
• A bottle of wine per couple
• Teas, Coffees and petit fours

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Belmond British Pullman – The Golden Age of Travel

Step back in time to the glamorous 1920s aboard the famous British Pullman train. A fine dining experience awaits in the beautiful vintage carriages, each made unique with intricate marquetry and art deco designs. Your table is set with starched white linen, specially commissioned china and sparkling cut glassware. Sit back and relax as the liveried stewards care for your every need. Marvel at the ever-changing view through your window as you journey through Kent, the garden of England. Sip champagne, take in the vistas, and you’ll find yourself smiling in anticipation of the Chef’s seasonal menu. Read about the train’s storied history, imagining the famous faces who once passed along the carriages. Whether a gift for someone special or you’re simply spoiling yourself, this will be a day to remember.

Victoria Station

About this excursion

£585 per person    (Date to be confirmed) 

On arrival at Victoria Station you will board the Belmond British Pullman, the sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world’s most famous trains. With its beautifully restored marquetry, crystal glass and deep upholstered armchairs, the Pullman carriages provide a unique and original setting for all kinds of celebrations and social occasions. Aboard its gleaming carriages, you can enjoy a fabulous memorable day out with excellent cuisine, complemented by fine wines.

This day includes:

• Round-trip travel aboard the Belmond British Pullman luxury train
• Welcome champagne reception on board
• Sumptuous five-course lunch
• Half a bottle of wine per person
• Coffee, tea and petits fours

The cost of this trip includes super luxury transport to and from Milton Keynes and Victoria Station, your journey on the train with a glass of champagne on arrival, followed by a five course fine dining lunch with wine and, of course, treats.

A deposit of £75 per person will secure your place.

Belmond British Pullman is the perfect place to celebrate, dress up, and enjoy world-class cuisine and service. To maintain an elegant and enjoyable atmosphere for our guests, they have certain dress code expectations. Please avoid casual clothing, including denim, trainers, baseball caps, collarless T-shirts and shorts. They reserve the right to ask guests not suitably attired to change, otherwise they may refuse boarding. While jackets and ties are not essential, smart attire and even formal dress is welcomed. You can never be overdressed aboard this beautiful train.

Book on this excursion

Bookings are closed for this event.

• About Travel Treats

Our policy is to give our guests the best possible day out, offer a quality service and, most importantly, to ensure everyone has fun.

We provide days out with a difference, using luxury air-conditioned transport and our excursions are fully escorted. On all day trips we include surprise treats and we provide the glasses and napkins too.

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Golden age of travel by Steam - British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

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• British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary so wanted to do something memorable and I'm so... read more

What an amazing day from beginning to end. Staff were amazing and attentive, actors spectacular and... read more

Golden age of travel by Steam

We had a lovely 4 hours on the Belmond British Pullman. I had asked to travel on the coach Audrey as that was my late mother’s name and I must admit I did have a tear in my eye when I was given my seat on that coach. The service and food was excellent and I wished the journey was longer.

Dear Guest Thank you very much for kindly taking the time to review us following your recent journey. I must say that my reservations team on check in also had a tear in their eyes when you shared your wonderful story and I am so happy that you were able to remember your mother in such a special way. Warm regards Craig

Yesterday had the "Golden Age of Travel" a round trip around the South Downs enjoying a 5 course lunch,pulled by a steam train. A huge thank you to Lydia on Check-In, who lent me her own phone charger, so I was able to charge up my camera, which I had stupidly forgot to do. So was able to record the event, which was a combined "Big Birthday" present for myself and husband, from a group of friends. Many,many thanks! The whole experience was fantastic, food exquisite, and drink very drinkable.Could highly recommend.

Dear Guest Thank you very much for kindly taking the time to review us following your recent journey. The team and I are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and I will be sure to share your kind words with Lydia, who will be thrilled that you captured some great birthday footage! Very best Craig

We a loved our trip. The waiters/waitresses were excellent. The food was good too and plenty of tea top ups. Cakes looked amazing too pretty to eat. I have never photographed my food before but I did these. Really was fun and a real treat. Our carriage was lovely but they all are. We were encouraged to have a walk along the train to see them all. Will certainly travel with the Belmond British Pullman again.

Dear Guest Thank you very much for kindly taking the time to review us following your recent Paddington Afternoon Tea journey. We were all really happy on board with the fun and colorful Paddington cakes and I am delighted that you enjoyed them (and got some good photos too!). I do hope that we are able to welcome you back on board soon. Kind regards Craig

Took the Belmond British Pullman from Victoria London to Aintree for The Grand National. The train journey itself, the ambience, staff, meals was excellent. The organisation in picking us up from Aintree and coaching us to the race course and return was excellent. The big disappointment was the could not accommodate a diabetic type 2. We were served muffins, biscuits and cake on the journey up which I had to refuse as there was no alternate. The return trip I was given chopped up fruit salad. I made an email complaint to the company, for us pensioners this was a one off trip, due to the cost of the trip. Got a prompt response from ANDOR KARADI, Train Manager who is offering us 10% discount off our next trip and a free bottle of bubbly. As we won’t be affording another trip I feel very let down. David Terry

Dear Guest Thank you very much for kindly taking the time to review us following your recent journey. My sincere apologies that we did not have suitable alternative available for you on board. We do work very hard to identify all guest dietaries prior to departure and to ensure that we have a range of options available and I share your disappointment that we let you down on this occasion. I know that our Train Manager has shared his contact details and I do hope that we can work to welcome you back on board in the future. Kind regards Craig

Superb experience. We were transported back on time to a bygone age. The staff were friendly, informative about our carriage (Audrey) and the journey. Foord was excellent and the service great. Certainly worth the money for a special occasion.

Dear Guest Thank you very much for kindly taking the time to review us following your journey. I am delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and I will be sure to share your kind words with Mitchell and all the team in Audrey. I do hope that we can welcome you back on board soon. Very best Craig

My husband and I attended the Paddington Bear themed afternoon tea for our first wedding anniversary. The trip itself was around the Surrey hills so didn’t have the greatest of views but the train itself is beautiful and our coach was elegant. Prior to day itself you do not find out where the train will go you only receive details of the length and that it is a round trip where you do not get off. The staff were lovely so I cannot fault them at all. I was disappointed however by the amount and quality of food served for the price. The afternoon tea consisted of four fingers of sandwiches, two small scones and four miniature cakes which were a vanilla cupcake, a chocolate tart, a brownie and a piece of battenberg. The cakes were beautiful but not amazing in taste. When asked if we would like a couple more finger of sandwiches there were only a few left so my husband had two but I could only have one as they had run out of vegetarian ones. The afternoon tea came with tea or coffee and a glass of sparkling wine at the start. The trip was also described as having activities for all ages but unless you had children with you the only entertainment was singers who sang one song and passed through to the other carriages. I took the British Pullman two years ago for their murder mystery trip. For nearly the same price I had a five course meal and half a bottle of wine. The price of this trip was not justified.

Dear Guest Thank you so much for kindly taking the time to share your comments following your recent journey with us. Thank you also for your valuable feedback concerning the afternoon tea, which I have shared with our culinary team. Warm regards Craig

CALL: +44 20 3640 8887

The Garden of England Luxury Train Day Trip

Travel through Kent aboard the British Pullman

Treat yourself or a loved one to a journey back in time onboard the glorious British Pullman vintage train. The Garden of England journey aboard the British Pullman will take you back to the Golden Age of Travel. You will experience fine dining and silver service on board one of the country's most luxurious vintage trains, the British Pullman, whilst journeying through the Kent countryside, AKA: The Garden of England. Upon boarding the British Pullman luxury train, you will be welcomed with a glass of British sparkling wine, which you can enjoy whilst soaking up the Art Deco surroundings of your carriage and admiring the countryside that passes by your window. Before long your dedicated steward will delight you by serving a five-course lunch, which the onboard chef will have expertly prepared. Kent’s finest quality produce has inspired the menu and, here’s the magic: you’ll be able to visualise where each delicacy was grown, farmed or harvested as you circle through the county. Your tastebuds will be tantalised by the delicious asparagus, apples and cherries to Romney Marsh lamb and Whitstable oysters.

‍ Provenance is key and the Head Chef of the British Pullman, Jon Freeman has personally selected each supplier for their quality produce. The menu is specially curated by Chef Jon Freeman alongside his favourite farmers and artisan producers for The Garden of England luxury train journey and the menu will change throughout the year to offer the best seasonal ingredients, meaning you’ll always sample the most coveted specialities of the season. With your five-course meal, you will also be able to enjoy a Kentish bottle of wine, specially selected by the British Pullman sommelier. Your journey will take you past rolling hills, forests, towns, villages and the sea, giving you a delightful smorgasbord of vistas. Enjoy an after-lunch coffee with Petits fours before the British Pullman arrives back at London Victoria Station, where your journey concludes.

Included in the Golden Age of Travel luxury train journey;

• Scenic round journey aboard the British Pullman luxury train
• Sparkling drinks reception on board
• Sumptuous five-course lunch
• Half a bottle of English wine per person
• Coffees and teas
• Petits fours

Please note: Tables for three and tables for one are quite limited on the British Pullman so please ask us before booking.

Your booking will not be confirmed until you receive official confirmation and an itinerary from our concierge team

Choose your date & book:

Book with a 25% deposit*, welcome aboard.

The Belmond British Pullman at a glance

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Why choose luxurytraintickets.com, price match, book with a deposit, complimentary concierge, human customer services, no hidden costs, journeys worldwide, terms and conditions.

This is a brief overview of our booking terms and conditions. Please note each individual operator has their own terms and conditions and by booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com you are also accepting the operator's terms. For more information regarding operator terms and conditions please contact us or the operator directly. PLEASE NOTE: Receiving receipt of payment is not confirmation that your booking has been successful. We will contact you one to 10 working days after you have paid to confirm your booking, take further details of those travelling and send your itinerary. In the rare instance your booking cannot be fulfilled for any reason, such as the operator cancelling a journey or anything else beyond our control, we will be in touch with alternative options or will refund your payment. All prices shown are for one adult ticket. Sleeper journeys are based on two adults sharing accommodation. Single occupancy of cabins may incur additional charge. Prices are set by the operator and may change at short notice. We endeavour to ensure prices are always accurate and update our own website as soon as possible. All timings and details of included tours and activities are for guidance only and will only be confirmed in your travel documents that will be emailed to you 7 days before departure. For any questions including discounts, offers or group pricing, please contact [email protected]. As an authorised ticketing agent of luxury train journeys, we may need to pass some of your details (such as your name and dietary requirements) on to the train operators in order to complete your booking. This is done so the operators can add you to their guest list, send you your tickets and ensure the meals served to you onboard meet your dietary requirements. By booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com, you are agreeing that you allow such necessary details to be shared with the operators under the cause of legitimate interest. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email [email protected]. There are a limited number of private tables and cabin types onboard. While we keep our website updated regularly, there may be occasions when private tables or cabin types become fully booked meaning we are unable to fulfil your booking requirements. Should this be the case, we will contact you to discuss alternative options and refund any payments made. We have the right to refuse the request of a deposit when a journey is scheduled to depart in less than 16 weeks. If you choose to book with a deposit you must pay the remaining balance in full 15 weeks before departure at the latest. Should you fail to pay the remaining balance 15 weeks prior to departure, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking. Deposits are accepted by request. Most journeys require a 25% deposit to secure a booking however some specialist journeys do require a 50% deposit. Please contact us for confirmation. Tickets are sent electronically around 5 days before departure. You will not receive tickets or any form of 'gift pack' in the post. This is in an attempt to reduce paper use and do our part for the environment. By booking a journey you agree to these terms, the terms set out by each individual operator and our cancellation policy . Please contact LuxuryTrainTickets.com for further terms or for clarification.

01347 82 52 92

Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm | Saturday 9am – 3pm

The Belmond British Pullman

The golden age of travel, embrace the luxury of the belmond british pullman.

Fine-dining experience

The iconic british pullman train, round-trip travel, step back in time to the glamorous 1920s aboard the famous belmond british pullman train.

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British Travel Award winners

Specialists in luxury rail holidays, tailor-made just for you, the golden age of travel on the british pullman includes:.

• Round-trip travel on the Belmond British Pullman luxury train
• Welcome champagne reception on board
• Sumptuous five-course lunch: British seasonal table d’hôte menu
• Wine specially selected by our sommelier to accompany the seasonal menu
• Coffee, tea and petits fours

Dates: Various dates throughout the year – 2024

LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR 2024 

11th & 25th April 

Step back in time to the glamorous 1920s aboard the famous Belmond British Pullman train on this classic journey.

Departing from London Victoria at approximately 11:05 and returning the same day at 16:15. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents. 

The Golden Age of Travel Journey

Your journey.

Step back in time to the glamorous 1920s when you board the famous vintage train at London Victoria station. A fine dining experience awaits in your beautiful wood-panelled carriage, resplendent with art deco designs. Your table is set with starched white linen, specially commissioned china and sparkling cut glassware.

Relax as liveried stewards take care of your every need. Admire the ever-changing views through your picture window. Read about the train’s storied history, imagining the famous faces that once passed along the carriages.

The Signature Journey – step back into a Golden Age of Travel aboard the Belmond British Pullman. Enjoy fine food and wine as you set off on a round-trip through Britain’s glorious countryside.

Further information

What to wear.

Smart day wear is appropriate. You can never be overdressed on this iconic train. Please do not wear jeans or trainers.

About the Belmond British Pullman

The Belmond British Pullman is glorious in every respect. Originally conceived as “Palaces on Wheels” by George Mortimer Pullman, each lavishly appointed carriage is an original 1920s and 30s masterpiece from the golden age of rail travel.

Lovingly restored with breathtaking attention to detail, each car is a symphony of intricate marquetry, inlaid mosaic floors, sparkling crystal and beautiful Art Deco design.

Relax within deeply upholstered armchairs and celebrate the sovereignty of Britain’s gloriously unique heritage. Sip champagne and embrace an element of the world’s most romantic and exclusive adventure.

The Belmond British Pullman can carry up to 226 passengers and the carriages seat between 20 and 26 passengers in each. On board passengers are seated in either ‘coupé’s’ (small compartments seating up to four people) or in the open car mostly at tables for two. There is a limited number of single tables and tables for three in the open car.

Further information and booking

For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email [email protected]

FURTHER INFORMATION

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Nostalgia tourism is big business. The Golden Age of Travel conjures up images of romance, adventure, and luxury. And while today's travel delivers on convenience and accessibility, there's something about those bygone days that is so alluring. If you’re keen to return to the Golden Age of Travel, these are the destinations to set your sights on.

Recreate the Grand Tour With a Trip to Italy

The Grand Tour was a 17th- and 18th-century rite of passage for the landed gentry. After finishing university, well-heeled Englishmen set off in search of art, culture, and enlightenment on a journey that educated them about ancient civilizations and the treasures of the Renaissance. Follow in their privileged footsteps with a stay in the delightful city of Florence for the Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia, Pisa for the Piazza dei Miracoli, and of course, Rome for its historic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Although the Grand Tour typically lasted for months or sometimes years, modern high-speed transport makes it easy to condense such an itinerary into a couple of weeks.

Take the Orient Express to Venice

When it began service in 1883, the Orient Express first carried passengers from Paris to Vienna. The route was quickly extended, first to Giurgiu in Romania and then to Constantinople (Istanbul). The train soon became synonymous with extravagant indulgence. Today, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, operated by luxury operator Belmond, follows a similar route and terminates at Italy’s most captivating city, Venice. The opulent interiors of the vintage carriages from the 1920s hark back to the Golden Age of Travel with wood paneling, luxurious upholstery, and five-star service. In Venice, stay at the effortlessly elegant Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island or book a room at the intimate Gritti Palace right on the Grand Canal.

Feel Like Royalty in the Palaces of Rajasthan

Famous for its havelis, forts, and elegant palaces, the northern Indian state of Rajasthan contains many heritage properties that have been opened up for tourism. They boast exquisite antique furnishings, elaborate carvings, and colorful artwork as well as fine dining restaurants and luxurious spas where pampering is standard. Outside the palace walls, prepare for an assault on your senses as you come face to face with the sights, sounds, and smells of modern India. The pink city of Jaipur has just been granted UNESCO World Heritage status and it’s hard to imagine a better place to recreate the past.

Relax on the Beaches of Beautiful Biarritz

Chic, sophisticated Biarritz located on the French stretch of the Bay of Biscay, captured the imagination of Europe’s royals in the 19th century and has been in vogue ever since. Dubbed the “Queen of Resorts and Resort of the Kings,” this elegant seaside town also entertained the likes of Coco Chanel, Winston Churchill, Pablo Picasso, Frank Sinatra, and Ava Gardner. Stay at the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz overlooking the Grande Plage, which was built for Empress Eugénie de Montijo by her husband Napoleon III, or one of the splendid Art Deco hotels such as Le Régina Biarritz , which was built in 1907. Drink tea at the Miremont where pastries and sweet treats have been satisfying customers since 1872.

Immerse Yourself in Cultural Salzburg

Wandering the characterful lanes of the Altstadt, today’s visitors see Salzburg more or less as Mozart would have seen it a couple centuries ago. The great composer was born in 1756 on the Getreidegasse, and would have been familiar with the elegant townhouses, Baroque churches, and pretty fountains that grace the city today. Festival season provides a fitting soundtrack with classical concerts, opera performances, and plays to entertain the cultured and the curious. If you’re looking for somewhere historic to stay, you don’t have to stray far. The Goldener Hirsch has been welcoming guests for centuries.

Gaze Over the River Nile at Aswan

Built by Thomas Cook in 1899, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel is perhaps Egypt’s most famous heritage hotel. Novelist Agatha Christie loved to stay there and based her book Death on the Nile there. She’s not alone among famous guests either. Over the years, the hotel has attracted statesmen, royalty, and celebrity guests including Princess Diana, Tsar Nicholas II, Jimmy Carter, and Winston Churchill. Howard Carter, who was famous for rediscovering Tutankhamen’s tomb, also stayed there. Enjoy a glass of hibiscus tea on the terrace overlooking Elephantine Island and watch feluccas glide into the sunset as they would have done when the hotel first opened.

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• Belmond British Pullman

The Golden Age of Travel By Steam

Protection Promise

Abta protected, covid plus travel insurance, best price guarantee, exclusive instant rewards, low deposits, trip details, why book with us.

Lose yourself in the romance and magic of 1920s train travel on this spectacular steam-hauled journey.

Take photographs of the immaculate, gleaming steam locomotive while it is stationary at London Victoria Station. Then it is time to board the famous Belmond British Pullman train for a fine-dining experience like no other. Your liveried steward will help settle you at your table, which is set with fine linen and bespoke tableware. Take time to admire the magnificent marquetry and art deco flourishes of your vintage carriage. As your gastronomic journey through the Surrey Hills begins, your steward will take care of all your needs. Sip champagne, marvelling at the ever-changing views through the window and the plumes of steam trailing through the sky. Read about the train's history and imagine the famous passengers who once enjoyed its opulent interiors. Before long, the first delicious course of Chef's seasonal lunch is served, which is sure to bring an even bigger smile to your face.

• Round-trip travel aboard the Belmond British Pullman luxury train
• Steam-hauled locomotive
• Welcome champagne reception on board
• Fine-dining silver service
• Sumptuous five-course lunch: British seasonal table d'hote menu including Great British cheese board, biscuits and chutneys
• Half a bottle of wine per person
• Coffee, tea and petits fours
• We have over 36 years knowledge and experience selling reputable Holidays Worldwide
• Our extensive portfolio includes all holiday types from budget to bespoke tailormade luxury
• We are the biggest UK operator of Belmond trips
• We are a Worldwide Luxury Holiday Specialist
• We are a Group Booking Specialist
• We are Affiliated with Midcounties Co-operative Ltd
• All holidays booked with us are both ABTA & ATOL Protected
• We offer low deposits
• We offer Instalment Payment Plans to Pay off your Holiday in instalments

Instant Breaks Limited is a trading name of the Vertical Travel Group registered under ABTA P8314.

When you book your holiday with us you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide financial protection for your money when you buy a package holiday

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www.instantbreaks.com, Address: 14 Hemmells, Basildon SS15 6ED, United Kingdom. ABTA P8314. Est. 1986 © 1988 - 2024 Instant Breaks Limited .

Holiday Deals - Sizzling Savings

Book with us with complete confidence. We want to ensure you experience a safe and enjoyable holiday – throughout your booking journey and every step of the way we are committed to advising you expertly, honestly and flexibility giving you financial security and peace of mind both of which are now more critical than ever.

• Our Holiday packages are ABTA bonded and ATOL protected where you holiday package is flight or flight inclusive, ensuring your financial security and peace of mind.
• We offer a flexible balance payment of 12 weeks giving you more time to pay for your trip.
• We will advise you of any public health policies issued by the hotel, resort or destination you choose and any restrictions they may have in place.

No booking fees! At the moment, you can book your Disneyland® Paris package without booking fees and save £25.81. There's never been a better time to book!

If you have any questions, our customer care team are here to give you all the information needed to guide you through every step of your holiday journey. We also have our Instant Breaks Live Chat in the corner of this page, who'll be able to help at any time. If you still need to speak to our team, please visit our contact us page.

ATOL & ABTA Protection

We know it's important to feel protected when booking your holiday. That's why all the holidays sold on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme when you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday. Plus we're members of ABTA!

You're Fully Protected When booking a holiday, there's a lot to keep in mind from choosing the best hotels to selecting your travel and holidays extras! One of the most important things to know is that you and your money are protected. That's why Instant Breaks is a proud member of ABTA, helping us to provide a service that guarantees peace of mind to all of our customers.

While it's great to know that you're financially protected, it's good to understand what this actually means and so we're here to tell you just that!

What is ATOL Protection? Let's start with the basics, ATOL stands for 'Air Travel Organiser's Licence'.

When you book a flight or flight inclusive Holiday with us, your money is protected by ATOL. This means that in the unlikely event that we or any of your travel providers go bust, you'll be able to continue with your holiday or a suitable alternative holiday (at no extra cost) or receive a refund of the amount paid to us.

How does it work? All you need to do to become ATOL protected is book a flight or flight inclusive Holiday with us - it really is that simple!

What do I get? You will receive an official certificate! Once you've paid pr made a deposit, we'll issue your Flight Plus ATOL certificate. Make sure you take this with you when you travel, just in case.

• Over 112K Holiday Makers returning home safely
• Over £183m refunded so far
• More than 500K holidays being reimbursed

What is ABTA? ABTA - The Travel Association is a trusted travel brand that has been operating for over 65 years, representing travel companies and tour operators, as well as offering both legal and financial support to the travelling public.

ABTA offers protection for package holidays that don't include air travel but may include rail, cruise or self-drive elements, for instance. If your travel company fails and your holiday can no longer go ahead, you will be entitled to a refund if you're yet to travel. If you are already on holiday, you can carry on enjoying your holiday knowing that alternative arrangements will be made to bring you home through ABTA.

Instant Breaks are proud full ABTA members, so you can travel with confidence! When you make any booking with us, you can be confident that your holiday is protected no matter what. In the unlikely event that something does go wrong, our ABTA membership guarantees that your money will be safe.

Code Of Conduct All ABTA-bonded companies are bound by a code of conduct, ensuring high standards when you book your holiday. If you don't feel like these have been met or you have been mis-sold a holiday, ABTA is there offer support and advice.

Booking with an ABTA member like us, comes with some big benefits! You'll have peace of mind knowing that your holiday is booked through a reputable company and is financially protected. Holidays are a big investment and it's important to know that, in the unlikely case that something goes wrong with your travel company, your money is safe. ABTA offers round-the-clock support, protection, and expertise, making it easy for you to get advice whenever you need it.

What is the difference between ATOL & ABTA? ATOL and ABTA both offer protection schemes for the travelling public. The main difference between the two is what is included in that protection. ABTA covers package holidays that include rail, cruise or self-drive transport but does not offer protection for flight-based packages. ABTA also provides advice for people who believe their holiday package has been mis-sold and are seeking compensation.

ATOL covers package holidays that include flights- for example, a flight and accommodation package. If your travel company ceases trading, you will be entitled to a refund if you have not yet travelled. If you are on holiday at the time, you will be flown home with repatriation flights through ATOL. However, ATOL does not cover flights which have been purchased directly through the airline.

Another difference between the two is that ATOL is a compulsory licensing system run by the government, while ABTA is a voluntary scheme that travel companies can sign up to if they meet the requirements.

Price Match Guarantee

We track competitor prices to ensure we can offer you the lowest price when you book with Instant Breaks.

Found your holiday cheaper somewhere else? We will do our best to match it! If you find your holiday (or hotel only) on an ABTA and ATOL protected travel website, we will look to match the lower price.

How do I make a claim? Simple! Before you make your booking, give one of our friendly Sales Team members a call on 0800 880 6660 and they will be able to confirm the validity of the price you found and see if we can match the price with your new Instant Breaks booking.

• Call us immediately as the price you find needs to match ours at the same time you contact. Prices change frequently, so we promise you the best price at the time of booking.
• Website(s) must be ABTA and ATOL protected and it must be a package or hotel-only booking. We cannot offer matches for flight-only bookings as airline prices are always subject to change.
• The price you find must be based on the same Eurostar, Eurotunnel, flight or accommodation, same travel dates, duration, board basis, any extras, insurance and the same currency as your Instant Breaks booking.
• Make sure the price you find has not been reduced by a voucher, loyalty scheme or group discount.
• Check the cancellation terms of the booking match ours. We won't be able to match a non-refundable room type against a refundable room type.
• Sometimes competitors' website may display a price or prices no longer available or otherwise incorrect and where we believe this could be the case we will check with the competitor / travel provider directly to make sure the price shown is accurate.
• We do not accept claims from customers who have made bookings with another travel provider and then attempt to make a claim.

We offer money saving deals, exclusive freebies and instant rewards when you book with us. Any rewards will be highlighted at the time of booking online or over the phone by our sales team.

BOOK ONLINE TODAY & PAY A MINIMUM DEPOSIT

Booking a holiday in these changing climate can make you hesitant, but here at Instant Breaks we have you covered with our tailor-made covid cover plus travel insurance cover offering you the flexibility to book now and make should your holiday plans change later - we have can have you covered!

If your holiday is cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, you will be financially covered, along with benefits of a travel insurance policy we can now cover you for the following benefits below before starting your trip.

• Testing positive - You re now covered for cancellation costs if you, a travelling companion or someone you intend to stay with test positive for Covid within 14 days of your trip starting.
• Being hospitalised - You are now covered for cancellation costs if you or a travelling companion are hospitalised because of Covid in the UK within 28 days of your trip starting
• Denied boarding - Cover for cancellation costs if you are not allowed to board your flight, ferry, Eurostar or Eurotunnel as a result of a postive Covid test or raised temperature as taken at the time of departure by a qualified person.
• Covid abroad - Medical cover up to £10,000,000 included as standard if you catch Covid whilst abroad including medical bills, relatives costs and extra travel costs.
• Repatriation - Cover if it is medically necessary to bring you home if you caught Covid whilst travelling abroad in Europe on a single trip basis.
• Cancellation/Curtailment - Cover if your booked accommodation is required to close after you have checked in because of you, a guest or employee being diagnosed with Covid.

Got a question?

Trains and the Silver Screen

The cinematic allure of train travel has been a Hollywood obsession for decades, from murder mysteries to romantic comedies. We explore the romance of the rails.

All Passengers for Hollywood

“Don’t you find respectable people terribly... dull?” Marlene Dietrich says huskily in the 1932 film Shanghai Express . Shadows wax and wane across her face in a darkened sleeping car, revealing curls, jewels and a knowing, arched eyebrow. It’s true that her role as the temptress Shanghai Lily benefited from the looser morals of Pre-Code Hollywood, the time before censorship began in 1934. But the atmosphere is all the more enchanting thanks to the setting: a train.

Even when high-end train travel was more common, directors still found trains to be an exciting setting for their plots. Romances could be slowly teased out; stories could develop in hidden compartments; sparks could fly across carriage tables. But are these experiences banished to the past, leaving us only dreaming of being rocked to sleep in a gilded cabin? Are these movies with train travel the closest we can get to living out our own Dietrich fantasy?

Not at all. The opulence of Shanghai Express can be experienced today aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train . Drawing inspiration from the Far East, the train travels between Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Its historic carriages were designed by Nippon Sharyo in Japan then remodelled in Singapore. Decorations include Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery. Rumbling past famed landmarks and lush jungle, a journey transports you back to an era that still enchants on the big screen.

The popularity of movies set on trains helped make celebrities of its actors. Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave shot to fame after playing stylish travelers in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes . The pair must team up when a woman goes missing on their journey from an unknown European country to London. Darting in and out of carriages to unearth hidden clues, the pair tease, scold and flirt with one another. The British humour—dry, quick and with a touch of nonchalance —makes this one of Hitchcock’s most charming comedies. The Lady Vanishes represents the excitement of train travel: what hijinks will unfold? Will there be crime-busting, or will you meet with a handsome stranger? Such is the film’s comedic allure that Orson Welles reportedly saw it eleven times.

Though we hope no murder plots unfold aboard our Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, it’s certainly a trip that will provide lifelong memories. As you are whisked away from your departure station and back in time, you’ll experience many of the cherished traditions of train travel. Connect with strangers; listen to the stories told by liveried stewards; marvel at stunning craftsmanship in every nook and cranny. Who will you encounter as you take your seat in historical Bar Car 3674? Will the meeting be as fateful as the one in North by Northwest , where Cary Grant meets a mysterious femme fatale aboard a sleeper train? Or will you simply marvel at the snow-capped Swiss mountains framing your route into Italy?

The train in Brief Encounter , the second best British film of all time according to an expert poll, is almost a character in itself. The classic love story sees a married woman, Laura, fall in love with a handsome stranger at a railway station. She has something in her eye, he helps remove it—a classic movie meet cute. Her train journey from the peaceful English countryside into town to meet her beloved is an inner journey, too. Striking shots of Laura gazing out of her carriage window reflect both her excitement and the wistful allure of the unknown. This characterizes train travel: its unhurried approach allowing you to reflect, to take things slow, to collect your thoughts.

Aboard the British Pullman, A Belmond Train , unhurried journeys allow you to travel through England countryside just like Laura. Departing from London, experiences range from steam-hauled trips to murder mystery lunches and quintessentially British afternoon teas. The restored 1920s carriages have themselves seen action on the silver screen, such as in Agatha starring Vanessa Redgrave and Paddington 2 . The train’s history is palpable, from the legacy of the statesmen who graced the carriages to the art deco furnishings. Lush pastures roll past your window, inviting you to daydream in blissful comfort.

With travelers becoming increasingly eco-conscious and indeed nostalgic, train travel is enjoying a boom in popularity. Perhaps it’s a collective yearning to experience something brand new after a year of routine and familiarity. Who could you meet aboard a luxury train? Will your new companion be a stylish socialite like Gene Tierney, who enchants the protagonist aboard a train journey in Leave Her To Heaven ? Or will laughs-a-plenty be the soundtrack to your trip, like Carole Lombard’s zany adventures in Twentieth Century ? The treasures of train travel are waiting to enchant, entertain and inject much-needed vitality back into your wanderlust.

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Belmond are connoisseurs in the art of luxury train travel, curating an iconic portfolio worldwide. We blend enchanting destinations with vintage carriages, immersive excursions with delectable cuisine, and ultimate comfort with genuine service - you'll never have a greater escape. Spreading across South America, Europe and Asia, our celebrated trains spirit you to some of the world’s most exciting destinations in unforgettable style. Our collection includes the first luxury sleeper train in Ireland, Belmond Grand Hibernian, as well as two luxury Day Trains in the UK, Belmond Northern Belle and Belmond British Pullman, the Belmond Andean Explorer and Belmond Hiram Bingham in Peru, the Eastern & Oriental Express in Southeast Asia and of course, the world famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Discover our luxury train collection and unveil the exceptional world of Belmond.

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The iconic Eurail Global Pass lets you discover up to 28 different countries and a large choice of rail passes covering a single country or 2,3,4 adjoining countries for those wishing to focus on specific countries.