Following a most enjoyable Christmas tour in  2007 we have decided to revisit the Harz Mountains, a beautiful region of forested hills and medieval towns which we normally explore during the summer months. We will be based in Wernigerode, which hosts a Christmas Market in the town square, dominated by the fairytale medieval town hall. This delightful setting adds to the unique charm and atmosphere of a German Christmas Market.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Wednesday) Mid morning departure by Eurostar from the new terminal at London St Pancras to Brussels, thence onward via Koeln to Wuppertal for our overnight stop. Evening free to enjoy the Christmas market in the city centre.

Thursday) Time for a ride on the Schwebebahn, the unique overhead railway, before we continue on by ICE train to Hannover and thence to Wernigerode.

Friday) A morning run via narrow gauge steam railway to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany. The line climbs through forested hills to reach the summit, which offers wonderful panoramic views, and we would expect snow on the upper part of the line at least. Afternoon free in Wernigerode to enjoy the town and the market.

Saturday) We spend the day enjoying steam on the rural Selketalbahn, very different in character to the Brocken line, and thence to the market at the medieval town of Quedlinburg.This is a delightful, yet little known town, and much of the centre has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Sunday) By main line service to Braunschweig (Brunswick) for standard gauge steam, departing from the main station to Wittmar and return, a route we have not been able to feature in any previous tour.

Alternatively you might wish to visit Goslar with its medieval centre, or nearby halberstadt with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, one of the finest in Germany.

Monday) A day to explore the narrow gauge as you please, with the flexibility of a rover ticket for the system.

Tuesday) After breakfast we depart for Hannover, thence onward via Koeln and Brussels, returning  to London  early  evening.

OUR HOTEL

We will be based at the Alt Wernigerode Hof Hotel in Wernigerode, a comfortable hotel which we have used on many previous tours. For our overnight stop at Wuppertal we will stay at the InterCity Hotel, conveniently situated close to the station.  As usual this is arranged on a bed and breakfast basis which  allows us to sample  some of the delightful local  restaurants.

Tour price is £695 per person sharing twin / double room, with £85 single supplement if required. This includes travel with the group from London, excursions as outlined above, and six nights hotel accommodation.