Eleven guests embarked on the operator’s first Scottish Highlands Railways trip since lockdown, which departed on 21 August.
They were accompanied by a tour guide and Newmarket product director Andy Jones.
All of Newmarket’s September and October departures will be accompanied by a tour guide and member of the operator’s product and operations to monitor adherence with new Covid protocols and direct contact with clients during the tour.
The company has since operated a weekend Belfast tour, and is now working on restoring "an extensive UK and Ireland programme".
Jones said it was vital customers felt confident travelling. "We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to safely get tours up and running again, ensuring each and every component of our tours are operating in a Covid-friendly way."
Suppliers have been subjected to extensive Covid health and safety audits, said Jones, while tour managers are also required to complete new training.
Customers, meanwhile, are being sent tour-specific documentation before they travel, which includes information on precautions taken to ensure their safety while on tour, and expectations of guests such as observing any social distancing and mask wearing requirements.
Jones said there was "great camaraderie" among the group, and appreciation of the lengths pursued to make the trip possible.
He added that while consumers were still understandably cautious, Newmarket was pleased to have demonstrated tours can be operated safely and "with confidence" with the right planning and vigilance.
"We are fully aware of our responsibility to our customers to make that happen, but also to ensure for the wider industry this is achieved successfully so we can be a part of rebuilding consumer confidence," said Jones.
"That is a really important consideration as we work together to get our industry back on its feet again.”
Newmarket has close to 100 departures planned for September and October.
