SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: High Speed to Aachen

We take the lunchtime Eurostar train from London St. Pancras to Brussels Midi, where we connect with the high speed train to Aachen. Our hotel is a short walk from the station, with dinner in the hotel restaurant included this evening.

Accommodation - Ibis Aachen am Marschiertor

Day 2: Onwards to Wernigerode

Our morning train is to Cologne, where we change to an ICE service to Hannover. After a stop to change trains we join the regional network again, travelling via Goslar to Wernigerode in eastern Germany, with a late afternoon arrival. We transfer to our hotel located on picturesque Market Square, where we stay for 4 nights.

Accommodation - Hotel Weisser Hirsch

Days 3 to 5: Exploring the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB)

We have included a 3-day Harz Rail Pass to allow you to explore as much as you like of the 140 kms that make up the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway.

A must is a visit to the top of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains and all of northern Germany. There are 11 trains a day which climb to the top of the Brocken, all steam hauled, and on a clear day we will be rewarded with spectacular views of the tree-lined hillsides and surrounding countryside. The Brocken was an important look-out and “listening” post for East Germany in the Soviet era, due to its commanding views across to the west, and today there is a museum at the summit telling the story of its role in the Cold War period.

Quedlinburg, at the far end of the Selketalbahn, is also well worth a visit. This UNESCO World Heritage town can be reached from Wernigerode by travelling over 97km on narrow gauge lines, using your pass, or 42km on standard gauge (at an additional cost). The town has many winding streets in which a large selection of half-timbered buildings crossing five centuries can be found.

Nordhausen, located on the third extremity of the network, combines the narrow gauge railway with urban transport operated by trams, including two HSB operated diesel/electric combination trams. The tour leader will be on hand to assist with timetable planning, to help you make the most of the three days, and will keep an eye on the weather to advise the best day to make the ascent up the Brocken.

Day 6: South to Frankfurt

Transfer to the railway station for a morning train, travelling via Goslar and Hannover to Essen, arriving early afternoon. After checking into the IntercityHotel Essen for an overnight stay, the afternoon is free to explore. Consider taking the 37 minute train journey to Wuppertal to ride the famous Schwebebahn. A local transport card is included in the holiday.

Day 7: Homeward Bound

After a leisurely breakfast you travel south to Cologne where you will board an ICE service to Brussels and take the Eurostar to London. Arrive back in London mid-afternoon.

PRICING

Included:

• Standard class rail travel to and from Germany

• 3-day Harz Rail Pass

• Frankfurt travel card for local transport

• Transfers as stated

• B&B accommodation in good quality hotels (may be subject to change)

• Welcome dinner

• The services of a UK tour leader throughout

Not included:

• Meals other than those described above

• Drinks

• Gratuities and tips

We recommend packing lightly, with one manageable main piece of luggage per person.