These new itineraries - which include classic rail journeys on iconic Pullman trains that truly evoke the golden age of travel - are complemented by the reintroduction of three existing Jules Verne trips, amongst them an eight-night cruise that encompasses highlights of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Jules Verne’s Managing Director, Francis Torrilla, comments:
“We are very pleased to be adding new tours to our UK & Ireland collection for 2021, and to build on the success of other tours that we have offered to these destinations over the last few years. In expanding the collection, Jules Verne is also responding to feedback from our clients, some of whom have already travelled domestically with us before and are keen to do so again, whilst others have expressed a preference to stay closer to home when discussing their travel plans with us for next year.
We appreciate that these are turbulent times for anyone considering a holiday. However, as with all Jules Verne arrangements, our UK & Ireland tours are fully bonded with ABTA (our overseas tours are also bonded with ATOL), ensuring that clients can book with us in complete confidence. This commitment is further reinforced by our 100% Price Guarantee, meaning that the holiday price you pay is fixed and will remain so, even if our costs subsequently increase.”
Jules Verne’s UK & Ireland tours for 2021 are…
In SCOTLAND:
NEW - A Highland Fling by Steam: on the Majestic Mayflower
Renowned worldwide for its beautiful scenery, what better way to experience Scotland than by Pullman train? Travelling in luxury from London to Edinburgh, your journey will be powered by diesel until York, at which point the majestic B1 Mayflower takes over as you continue north of the border by steam. An original British Rail engine, built in 1948, the Mayflower was returned to service in 2019 following a complete overhaul and is a sight to behold, resplendent in her distinctive apple green livery.
Upon arrival in Scotland, sample some of the most scenic railway lines in Europe, if not the world, under steam. Explore the Fife Circle Line, travel coast to coast across the spectacular Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh, journey from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle via Britain's most rural railway (the Far North Line), and take the Highland Main Line south along the Firth of Clyde to Ayr. From here, the Jules Verne group will travel to Troon for an overnight stay at the celebrated Trump Turnberry hotel before journeying onwards - hauled once again by steam - through the lowlands of Scotland before crossing the border.
The English section of this unforgettable itinerary is not without its memorable railway moments either, including the stunning Cumbrian Coast route. Rarely travelled by steam, expect close to 100 miles of stunning views as the railway line hugs the narrow strip between the Irish Sea and the Lakeland Fells.
Departing 6 May 2021, eight nights cost from £3,995 pp (two sharing).
NEW - The Flying Scotsman to Edinburgh
Described as the most famous steam locomotive in the world, the Flying Scotsman was built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and set two world records for steam traction in its time - including becoming the first steam locomotive in the UK to reach 100 mph, in 1934 - before being retired from regular service with British Rail in 1963. Experience it for yourself on a four-day long-weekend trip that promises the comfort of Pullman carriages, attentive service and fine dining as the Flying Scotsman retraces the historic route (London to Edinburgh) for which it is famed. Spend three nights at the five-star Balmoral Hotel whilst exploring the vibrant, UNESCO-listed Scottish capital, taking the opportunity to travel on the Fife Circle Line and over one of the world’s most famous structures, the spectacular Forth Bridge.
Departing 24 June 2021, three nights cost from £1,499 pp (two sharing).
Also in Scotland, 2021 sees Jules Verne reintroduce…
Caledonia Calling
Boasting some of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful settings, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are the setting for this seven-night escorted tour. Starting in historic Edinburgh, the Jules Verne group will journey through the sublime scenery of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, crossing the haunting landscape of Glen Coe to Fort William and hopping aboard the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, before visiting the Hebridean islands of Skye, Harris and Lewis, and travelling onwards to Inverness, capital of the Highlands.
Departing Autumn 2021, seven nights cost from £2,195 pp (two sharing).
In WALES:
NEW: The Welsh Dragon
Explore Snowdonia and North Wales from the comfort of your train seat on this three-night trip, which includes unforgettable steam journeys on the region’s beautiful railway lines. Arriving from London in steam-hauled Pullman carriages, the experiences that await in Wales include one of the most remote and scenic railways in Britain, the Central Wales Line (The Heart of Wales). Encompassing the Carmarthenshire Hills, the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains, the famous Barmouth Bridges and Harlech, amongst other highlights, this section of the trip terminates in Pwlhelli, the group’s Snowdonia base from where there are a range of optional excursions. Visit the Italianate village of Portmeirion (setting for 1960s cult TV classic, The Prisoner) and enjoy journeys on some of the great little railways of North Wales.
The Jules Verne group will also travel by steam from Bangor along the North Wales Coast Line and continue across the stunning Welsh Marches (passing Ludlow and Hereford) before heading onwards to Chester and then back to London.
Departing 4 September 2021, four nights cost from £2,250 pp (two sharing).
In IRELAND:
NEW: The Shores of Ireland
Discover the heritage and mystical Celtic charm of the Emerald Isle on this seven-night trip that takes in Belfast, Dublin, Donegal and Galway, exploring incredible legends and arresting landscapes as well as allowing ample free time to enjoy the famously warm welcome for which Ireland is renowned. Among the itinerary’s many highlights are a day’s fishing on Strangford Lough (with lunch and the chance to sample local craft beers), a walking tour of Belfast’s Shankill area, a visit to a traditional farm in Donegal, Slieve League (Europe's highest sea cliffs, with spectacular views of the coast and the Sligo Mountains) and a tour of Killybegs Harbour (Ireland’s largest fishing port). Explore Connemara (a Gaelic land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains, plus small characterful villages), and enjoy a wild food walk and picnic in the Burren (one of Ireland’s six National Parks), a visit to Doolin Music House (to experience traditional Irish music in the home of a local musician), a cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher and a visit to Dublin’s historic Kilbeggan Distillery.
Departing May & October 2021, seven nights cost from £1,995 pp (two sharing).
Also in Ireland, 2021 sees Jules Verne reintroduce…
In the Footsteps of Giants
Travel to a land where giants carved the coastlines and fairies dwell in the boreens (narrow country lanes) on an Irish Tale that follows in the footsteps of some of the country’s literary greats. This 11-day journey kicks off with a city tour of Belfast and visits the world-famous Giant’s Causeway before heading south to Sligo to explore the scenery that so inspired W.B. Yeats (visiting his final resting place at Drumcliff Churchyard, at the foot of Benbulben). Enjoy a drive through the vast Connemara peninsula and visit the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, the isolated Aran Islands, Killarney National Park and Blarney Castle (home to the Blarney Stone). Historic Dublin and the Ring of Kerry - Ireland’s most famous and panoramic route - are also among this itinerary’s myriad delights.
Departing 10 September 2021, ten nights cost from £2,395 pp. (two sharing).
Encompassing Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, Jules Verne also offers its popular Celtic Seaways cruise for 2021 departures:
From isolated islands and mystical lochs to towering mountains and dramatic castle ruins, this expedition cruise on board the MV Ocean Atlantic includes excursions by Zodiac boat, giving unrivalled access to abundant bird and wildlife. Sailing from Dublin to the beautiful Scottish coast, visit the picturesque Isles of Islay, Mull, Skye, Orkney and the Shetlands, explore the charming and classic port towns of Campbeltown, Port Ellen, Oban, Portree, Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy a taste of Scotland during three whisky distillery visits.
Departing 20 May 2021, eight nights cost from £2,495 pp (two sharing).
Booking with Confidence:
- Jules Verne has over 40 years’ experience of creating extraordinary adventures, pioneering voyages and inspirational journeys worldwide.
- Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded, and winner of many travel awards, Jules Verne’s experienced team of Personal Travel Experts have genuine first-hand knowledge of the company’s tours and destinations and are on hand throughout to organise every detail of each holiday, ensuring that clients can book in complete confidence.
- This commitment is further reinforced by Jules Verne’s 100% Price Guarantee; the holiday price is fixed when clients book and will remain so, even if Jules Verne’s costs increase subsequently.
- Jules Verne is among the travel companies applauded by Which? Travel in its recent report for complying with Package Travel Regulations in respect of giving customer refunds during the current coronavirus crisis.
For more information, or to book with Jules Verne, call 020 3553 3722 or visit www.vjv.com.
Press: For more information on Jules Verne, including high res images, please contact Karen Carpenter or Lizzie Cooper at Travel PR (email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk or l.cooper@travelpr.co.uk). At Jules Verne, please contact Prini Holmes-Reilly (email prini.holmes-reilly@vjv.co.uk).
