Trip vs trip
Explore Wales by Rail vs London, Paris & Italy by Train
Two ways to do a similar journey. Every number below is from the operators' own published details, verified on the dates shown on each trip page.
| Explore Wales by Rail adeo Travel | London, Paris & Italy by Train Authentic Europe | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days | 11 days |
| From price | $3,426 | $1,717 |
| Price per day | $264 | $156 |
| Rail share | 92% | 27% |
| Pace | relaxed | relaxed |
| Comfort | classic | |
| Guiding | Self-guided independent rail tour, with a private guided day tour between Tenby and Aberystwyth | Self-guided |
| Countries | Wales, England | England, France, Italy |
| Named trains | Vale of Rheidol Railway, Welsh Highland Railway, Ffestiniog Railway | Eurostar, , |
| Nights on board | no | no |
Which one, honestly
- For value: London, Paris & Italy by Train costs the least per day here: $156 against $264 (Explore Wales by Rail).
- For time on the train: Explore Wales by Rail spends the most of the trip on rails: 92% rail share, against 27% (London, Paris & Italy by Train).
- For support level: Explore Wales by Rail and London, Paris & Italy by Train are escorted; Explore Wales by Rail and London, Paris & Italy by Train run independently, so you set the daily plan.
Explore Wales by Rail: worth knowing
- All six hotels are given as a choice between two named properties, such as "Castell Deudraeth or Portmeirion Hotel", so the confirmed hotel depends on availability.
- Day 5's journey between Tenby and Aberystwyth is a private chauffeur-guided car tour, not a rail leg, the only day of the 13 that does not use the train.
- BritRail Passes do not cover the London Underground, and taxis or transfers from stations to hotels are not included.
London, Paris & Italy by Train: worth knowing
- Tourist taxes are not included in the price and must be paid locally.
- Several highlights, including the Oxford/Cotswolds/Stonehenge, Normandy/Champagne/Loire, and Pompeii/Tuscany/Amalfi coast day tours, and the Lake Como extension, are optional add-ons at extra cost, not included in the base package.
- The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm scheduling directly with Authentic Europe.