The Complete Four Seasons Collection 2023-24

F estive S axony & W inter S team E xplorer

NEW TOUR

railway, the oldest in the world, first opened in 1901 it spans the 84 metres between Loschwitz and Oberloschwitz, history fans will enjoy the upper station which is full of interesting facts about the construction of this marvellous railway, the views from the upper station are stunning, out over the meadowlands of the Elbe valley below. This afternoon we join a relaxing paddle steamer cruise along the River Elbe, passing by some of the valleys most beautiful landmarks and the historic old town of Dresden all whilst enjoying delicious coffee and cake.Afterwards there is time at leisure to enjoy your choice of another of the Christmas Markets in this A choice today of joining a full day public steam train tour from Dresden across the Czech border to the historically protected town of Liberec for a sightseeing break. Founded in the 13th century Liberec is called the “Bohemian Manchester,” and has been a textile centre since the 16th century. Strolling around the Christmas market in the stunning architecturally protected main square and the Valdštejn (Wallenstein) houses, a set of beautiful half-timbered structures from the 17th century you can easily imagine yourself for a while in the midst of a fairytale. Liberec is truly an undiscovered architectural gem of a town. Alternatively travelling from Dresden by modern express train we cross the border into the Czech Republic to visit the Bohemian city of Prague for a day of sightseeing using an included ‘Hop on Hop off’ bus ticket with commentary that will enable you to view and visit your choice of attractions. We will be returning on an evening train to give you the opportunity of dining at leisure in Prague. (B) DAY 6 Today we transfer by train to the city of music, Leipzig, the birthplace of Richard Wagner and where Bach, Mendelssohn Bartholdy, the Schumanns and Mahler worked. Here we have free time for general sightseeing and wandering in the historic streets exploring this most popular Saxon city and one of Germany’s oldest Christmas Markets which dates back to 1458. This is followed by a return mainline steam train excursion to the historic town of Zeitz. Before returning from Leipzig to Dresden by train. (B) beautiful city. DAY 5

Step into the festive season and combine the nostalgia of heritage steam train travel with visiting famously beautiful towns and cities in Germany and the Czech Republic at the most atmospheric and traditional time of the year – welcome to ‘Saxony & Steam.’

8 DAYS

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Steam along the whole of the Lössnitzgrundbahn from Radebeul to Radeburg and return ★ Ride the Dresden funicular & suspension railways ★ A relaxing paddle steamer cruise along the river Elbe, including ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ ★ Steam on the extended 750 mm Weisseritztalbahn railway from Freital to the spa town of Kurort Kipsdorf in the Ore Mountains ★ Enjoy a mainline steam journey from the Saxon city of Leipzig to the traditional town of Zeitz ★ Choose either a mainline steam train excursion from Dresden to the picture box Czech town of Liberec or travel by modern express train to Prague and sightsee with an included ‘hop on hop off’ bus ticket ★ Experience the magic and excitement at the truly traditional Christmas markets in Dresden, Leipzig, Zeitz, and your choice of Prague or Liberec. ★ Choose the nostalgia of riding steam on the Zittau narrow gauge railway or enjoy a guided walking tour of Dresden including a culinary break with Dresdner Stollen & a glass of Gluhwein ★ Explore the Dresden Museum of Transport with a guided tour included. Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 7 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 1 evening meal ★ Rail travel of your choice and seat reservations where available ★ All transfers, excursions, and admissions as detailed ★ Services of an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DEPARTS Tuesday 28 November 2023

Fares From £1835

FARE From London St Pancras International:

Standard Class rail travel to / from Dresden, including Standard Eurostar Supplement for Standard Premier Eurostar return First Class rail travel to / fromDresden, including Standard Premier Eurostar A Join at Gotha and leave at Dresden A Single Traveller Supplement Fare inclusive of: 7 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 1 evening meal Rail travel of your choice and seat reservations where available All transfers, excursions, and admissions as detailed Services of an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager GUARANTEED FARE

£1835 £199 £1655 £380 £2135

service over the ten miles long route. Or, why not join our local guide for an introductory walking tour around Dresden including a culinary stop en-route, to enjoy “Dresdner Stollen” (typical Christmas cake) and a glass of mulled wine to get us all into the Christmas spirit, The afternoon will be spent at leisure giving time to stroll and explore one of the most magnificent waterfronts in Europe including the stunning Frauenkirche Cathedral, and its ‘golden cross’ inspirational connection with Coventry, the Zwinger Palace and the Semperoper (opera house) amongst numerous beautifully and accurately rebuilt buildings in this beautiful city and the traditional Dresden Christmas Markets where only products made locally can be sold. (B) Please note: We kindly ask that you notify us of your choice at the time of booking or before October 31st. DAY 4 A Today we use our day ticket for the local public transport system which allows us to visit firstly the beautiful funicular railway where we will take a ride on what is agreed to be one of the most beautiful Funiculars in Germany. First operational in 1895 The funicular affords fantastic views of the city’s Loschwitz and Weisser Hirsch district and is also agreed to be a technical masterpiece. We then journey on the nearby suspension

DAY 1 We depart London St. Pancras International and travel by Eurostar and ICE train to Gotha for our overnight at the hotel am Tierpark where we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (D) DAY 2 This morning we depart Gotha to Dresden by train and after dropping off luggage at our hotel we travel by train to Radebeul for a steam run on the 750 mm narrow gauge Lössnitzgrundbahn, a delightful 17 kms line which still operates a public service between Radebeul and Radeburg including some street running! We then return to Dresden and arrive at our accommodation at the centrally located Super 8 Hotel in the heart of this historic city on the first night of the Christmas lights and the superb Christmas Markets that feature a wonderful festive atmosphere where only products made locally are sold giving you the opportunity of purchasing that special Christmas souvenir. (B) DAY 3 This morning after breakfast you have two options. Either board a regional train to the Polish border for one of Saxony’s finest 750 mm narrow gauge steam train journeys from Zittau to the mountain spa resorts of Oybin and Jonsdorf, which is still very much a public

Brussels and onwards to London St Pancras via Eurostar. (B) Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place at the time of tour compilation, we do reserve the right to make substitutions and changes to the itinerary should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

DAY 7 We transfer by train to enjoy a morning of 750 mm gauge steam on the extended Weisseritztalbahn line meandering up the Weisseritz valley. Operating over 26 kms through varying scenery, with 13 stations, and the steepest part of the line including the reopened section to the terminus at Kipsdorf. Known as one of Europe’s great narrow gauge railways, this is a ride not to be missed. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided visit to the Dresden Museum of Transport. We will also have time to explore the Christmas Markets around the church of our Lady before returning to our hotel that evening (B) DAY 8 We conclude our tour with return rail travel aboard the ICE trains from Dresden to

HOTEL • Hotel am Tierpark, Gotha • Super 8 Dresden For further details of our Festive Saxony & Winter Steam Explorer hotels, please visit our website www.railtrail.co.uk

92 92

93

Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk – for full tour details and fares, and to book online or call 01538 382323 – to book or to request a detailed tour itinerary