Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

P earls of T huringia

NEW TOUR

Discover the history and culture of Germany on this action-packed tour based in the beautiful capital of Thuringia. Explore the charming cities of Erfurt, Eisenach, and Weimar, experience a moving tour of the Buchenwald Memorial, visit extraordinary castles, and descend into superb caverns. Enjoy an historic tram charter and travel on the picturesque Thuringian Mountain Railway as we take you on a journey through this incredible region.

DAY 1 Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards to Erfurt and our base for seven nights, the Excelsior Hotel, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast this morning, our guide will meet us for our culinary walking tour of Erfurt to discover the many treasures this beautiful city has to offer. We enjoy our lunch in a local restaurant before spending the remainder to the day at leisure to explore further. (B,L) DAY 3 This morning, we take the train to Gotha where we enjoy a charter on a historic tram at Gotha Waldbahn which has been operating for over 125 years. In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Friedenstein Castle which rises above the city and is a well-preserved monument of the early Baroque period in Germany. Here, we explore the buildings, gardens, and collections plus a visit to the Ekhof Theatre, a jewel of theatre history, before returning to Erfurt in time for our evening meal. (B,D) DAY 4 Today, we transfer to the Oberweissbacher Bergbahn (the ‘Thuringian Mountain Railway’) for a journey on the funicular railway through a romantic gorge with beautiful views of the forest. We enjoy our lunch together before ★ Enjoy an historic tram charter through Gotha ★ Explore the magnificent Friedenstein Castle including the Ekhof Theatre ★ Travel on the scenic Thuringian Mountain Railway ★ Marvel at the incredible caverns of Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes ★ Discover Eisenach and Weimar on fascinating walking tours ★ Visit the extraordinary Wartburg Castle ★ Experience a moving tour of the Buchenwald Memorial ★ Stroll through the treetops at the impressive Hainich National Park Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 7 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 4 evening meals and 2 lunches ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Discover the culinary highlights of Erfurt on a guided tour

Fares From £2599

Erfurt

© Shutterstock

8 DAYS

continuing to the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes for a guided tour of the caverns and caves full of stalactites and stalagmites when we learn the history of the mine. (B,L) DAY 5 After breakfast, we travel by coach to Eisenach where our guide meets us for a fascinating sightseeing tour of this historic city visiting the highlights. Afterwards, we visit the famous Wartburg Castle , the first castle in Germany to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and we enjoy a guided tour of this extraordinary palace before returning to Erfurt in time for our evening meal. (B,D) DAY 6 Today, we visit Weimar for a walking tour of this cultural gem, home to many of Germany’s most influential writers. This afternoon, we visit the Buchenwald Memorial which holds immense cultural and historical significance, and we explore the history of the camp on a moving tour. (B) DAY 7 After breakfast this morning, we visit the ‘City of Roses’ at Bad Langensalza , a town that blooms in every corner with fantastic gardens and colourful half-timbered houses.This afternoon, we visit the Hainich National Park where we walk amongst the treetops on the treetop trail through the foliage of stately trees with impressive views of this remarkable forest. This evening, we return to Erfurt for our final evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 8 We bid farewell to Erfurt and to Germany, returning by rail to Brussels, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. (B)

DEPARTS

Tuesday 2 September 2025

FARES From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to/from Germany, including Standard Eurostar Supplement for Standard Premier Eurostar upgrade return First Class rail travel to/from Germany, including Standard Premier Eurostar

ACTIVITY LEVEL

£2599

£200

£2899 £2299

Join & Leave at Erfurt

Single Traveller Supplement £420 7 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 4 evening meals and 2 lunches Eurostar and rail travel to and from Germany in the class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

HOTELS

Best Western Excelsior Hotel, Erfurt Ideally located close to the main railway station and the historical old town, the Excelsior Hotel offers a welcoming stay including a cosy bar and a sauna. The comfortable bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.

Eisenach

© Shutterstock

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

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