4 Seasons With Railtrail 2018/19 Brochure

Harz Mountains & Rübeland Festive Steam

N E W T O U R

We have been escorting groups to the Harz Mountains for many years, come spring, summer, autumn or winter. This one is a little bit different though, staying in the mountain resort of Braunlage at our hotel in superior rooms with balcony, with two special steam runs, including a rare visit to the Rübeland Railway and three Christmas Markets. A Festive tour to warm your Harz!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We depart London St Pancras by Eurostar, speeding across Kent and towards France. Our Eurostar terminates at Brussels, where we change onto a high-speed train into Germany. From Hanover we coach into the heart of the Harz Mountains and the Maritim Berghotel, our base for four nights. (D) DAY 2 A short transfer takes us to the historic and charming town of Goslar. At any time of year Goslar, with its imperial heritage and gorgeous Old Town, is worth a visit. With more than 1,500 half-timbered buildings, Goslar deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the town hosts one of northern Germany’s best Christmas Markets in one of the most beautiful surroundings. (B,D) DAY 3 Transferring to Wernigerode, we enjoy an exhilarating ride aboard the Brockenbahn, a steam-hauled journey from Wernigerode through wintry landscapes up to the summit of the Brocken mountain to Germany’s ★ ★ Standard Class travel from London to Germany and return ★ ★ Special ‘Glühwein Express’ steam journey up the Brocken Mountain ★ ★ Free time at Wernigerode’s lovely Christmas Market ★ ★ Rare visit to the Rübeland Steam Railway for its ‘Advent Express’ excursion ★ ★ Free time to visit Rübeland’s charming Christmas Market ★ ★ Excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Goslar with its Christmas Market

Fares From £899

5 DAYS

highest narrow-gauge station and the Harz region’s highest peak. We have booked a special departure called the ‘Glühwein Express’, also featuring a warming glühwein in the hostelry at the mountain’s peak. Returning to Wernigerode, we have some free time to discover the sights, sounds and smells of the Wernigerode Christmas Market, beautifully nestled within the market square in front of the picturesque town hall. Wander amidst the quaint half- timbered buildings sampling the delights of traditional German advent, overlooked by Wernigerode’s stunning castle. (B,D) DAY 4 A rare treat today! The Rübeland Railway was originally built in the 1880s to connect Blankenburg with Tanne in the Harz Mountains, some 30 kilometres away. Although the line was closed gradually, a 14 km section of track has been preserved from Blankenburg to Rübeland itself. We are hoping that the Prussian preserved steam locomotive 95 – 027 named “Queen of the Mountains” will return from overhaul for a route with tight turns, tunnels and the Krockstein Viaduct. At Rübeland we have free time at the charming and small village Christmas Market before making our return journey. (B,D) DAY 5 Leaving Braunlage, we transfer straight to Hanover to join the high-speed railway line to Cologne. In Brussels we join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. (B)

DEPARTS Thursday 29 November 2018

HOTEL Maritim Berghotel Braunlage This 4* hotel is located in the mountain resort of Braunlage at the foot of the Wurmberg mountain on the edge of the Harz National Park. Amenities include the Roof Garden café, with stunning views of the Harz, a restaurant, bar and Old English Pub, plus leisure facilities including a swimming pool. For this tour we have chosen Superior Rooms with balcony and views across Braunlage. Single Traveller Supplement £80 4 nights’ bed, breakfast and evening meal Eurostar Standard Class rail travel Standard Class rail travel to Hanover and return All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager FARE From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to / from Germany, including £899 Standard Eurostar

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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