THURINGIAN STEAM, September 3rd - 9th
Another opportunity to visit Thuringia, to coincide with the annual Meiningen steam locomotive Works open weekend,The 8 day tour is based in the state capital of Erfurt, as usual, travelling by rail from London. The city has an interesting tramway system, a well preserved city centre, dominated by two medieval churches, and a variety of good restaurants.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Thursday) Mid morning departure by Eurostar from London Waterloo to Brussels thence onward to Koeln.
Friday) Our journey continues by ICE, to arrive in Erfurt early afternoon. Remainder of the day free to enjoy the city , and maybe explore the tramway system.
Saturday) By regional train to Klostermansfeld, to visit part of the once extensive narrow gauge network of mineral lines in the eastern Harz, the Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn which is now preserved,
Sunday) Today we visit Meiningen steam locomotive works for the annual open weekend. Steam specials converge on the town, and other visiting engines contribute to the steamy atmosphere.
Monday) The Thuringerwaldbahn – a rare survival of a rural forest tramway which runs from Gotha to Tabarz, with its own branch to Walterhausen. We hope to charter the vintage 1928 car for the journey. Afterwards we continue to Eisenach, once the home of Martin Luther and the Bach family.
Tuesday) We journey along the scenic Schwarzatal valley line to reach the fascinating Oberweissbacher funicular and hilltop tramway.
Wednesday) A free day to explore as you please. You may wish to visit the historic cities of Naumburg, Weimar, or Arnstadt, another town with Bach connections. Alternatively, for those who would prefer more steam, one could easily travel to Nordhausen and take the daily steam service to the summit of the Brocken, or with a change of trains, to Wernigerode and back.
Thursday) By ICE to Frankfurt thence onward via Koeln and Brussels for Eurostar to London, returning early evening.
OUR HOTEL
We will be based at the InterCity Hotel, conveniently close to the station.
Tour price is £895 per person sharing twin / double room, with £110 single supplement if required. This includes travel with the group from London, excursions as outlined, and hotel accommodation as usual on a bed and breakfast basis. Deposit £150 per person to confirm bookings.
Please note that faster rail services in 2009 between Brussels and Koeln MAY allow us to continue beyond Koeln on the first day, thus allowing more time in Erfurt. Details to follow when available.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Thursday) Mid morning departure by Eurostar from London Waterloo to Brussels thence onward to Koeln.
Friday) Our journey continues by ICE, to arrive in Erfurt early afternoon. Remainder of the day free to enjoy the city , and maybe explore the tramway system.
Saturday) By regional train to Klostermansfeld, to visit part of the once extensive narrow gauge network of mineral lines in the eastern Harz, the Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn which is now preserved,
Sunday) Today we visit Meiningen steam locomotive works for the annual open weekend. Steam specials converge on the town, and other visiting engines contribute to the steamy atmosphere.
Monday) The Thuringerwaldbahn – a rare survival of a rural forest tramway which runs from Gotha to Tabarz, with its own branch to Walterhausen. We hope to charter the vintage 1928 car for the journey. Afterwards we continue to Eisenach, once the home of Martin Luther and the Bach family.
Tuesday) We journey along the scenic Schwarzatal valley line to reach the fascinating Oberweissbacher funicular and hilltop tramway.
Wednesday) A free day to explore as you please. You may wish to visit the historic cities of Naumburg, Weimar, or Arnstadt, another town with Bach connections. Alternatively, for those who would prefer more steam, one could easily travel to Nordhausen and take the daily steam service to the summit of the Brocken, or with a change of trains, to Wernigerode and back.
Thursday) By ICE to Frankfurt thence onward via Koeln and Brussels for Eurostar to London, returning early evening.
OUR HOTEL
We will be based at the InterCity Hotel, conveniently close to the station.
Tour price is £895 per person sharing twin / double room, with £110 single supplement if required. This includes travel with the group from London, excursions as outlined, and hotel accommodation as usual on a bed and breakfast basis. Deposit £150 per person to confirm bookings.
Please note that faster rail services in 2009 between Brussels and Koeln MAY allow us to continue beyond Koeln on the first day, thus allowing more time in Erfurt. Details to follow when available.