Great Rail Journeys (www.greatrail.com / Tel: 01904 527180) release their Winter & Spring escorted rail holidays portfolio. With 23 tours in total, it's a treasure trove of destinations just waiting to be discovered. Experience the wonders of winter, or set your compass for south and explore Europe in springtime.

With 11 winter holidays available, there is something for everyone, but the Polar Bear Encounter (https://www.greatrail.com/tours/polar-bear-encounter/), a 9 day tour costing from £5,445pp, is not to be missed. With an exclusive one date only departure of 6th November 2016, this trip is guaranteed to fill up fast. Visiting the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World',  experiencing the thrill of a husky dog mush across the snow, and getting up close to one of the most majestic creatures on the planet; this holiday promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.

If polar bears aren't for you, there are 10 other holidays to choose from to experience the magic of winter, with tours ranging from £1,145pp for the 8 day Glacier Express in Winter (Chur-Kandersteg) tour (https://www.greatrail.com/tours/glacier-express-winter-spring-chur-kandersteg/), to £10,295pp for the unforgettable 19 day Trans-Siberian Express in Winter tour (https://www.greatrail.com/tours/trans-siberian-express-winter/).

Perhaps you would rather be perked up in the New Year with a spring holiday by rail? Choose from 12 tours in the portfolio, leading in from £1,275 for the 8 day Beauty of Andalucía tour (https://www.greatrail.com/tours/beauty-of-andalucia/).

All tours include rail travel and transfers, the services of a dedicated professional UK Tour Manager, quality hotel accommodation, local guides, a comprehensive programme of excursions, many meals in the hotel and at local restaurants and first class service from specialist tour advisors.

“You don't have to wait for summer to have a fantastic seasonal holiday,” says Alex Roberts, Great Rail Journeys Director of Sales & Marketing, “A holiday by rail in winter is straight from the pages of a storybook, and there is no better way to travel to see the delightfulness of spring.”