Germany, Austria & the Czech Steam Festival

Day 1 – London to Cologne

A mid-morning departure by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels then onwards to Cologne where we have an overnight stay. A welcome dinner is included this evening.

Day 2 – Cologne to Nuremberg

Morning departure from Cologne, arriving Nuremberg early afternoon for a 3-night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 – Railway Museum

Excursion to one of Germany’s best railway museums displaying virtually all classes of engine in use at the end of the German steam era. The museum is in the old roundhouse loco shed and still retains the feel of a working depot.

Day 4 – Oberweissbacher Bergbahn 

Today we take an excursion to the Oberweissbacher Bergbahn and Schwarzatalbahn, a funicular railway leading on to an isolated line and the remote village of Cursdorf.

Day 5 – Nuremberg to Vienna

Morning train to Vienna, arriving around lunch time. The rest of the day is free to explore this exciting city’s history, culture or simply enjoy its amazing transport network, there is something for everyone. We stay here for 3 nights.

Day 6 – Day Trip to Salzburg

By train to Salzburg where we have a day to explore. The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is dominated by churches, castles and palaces. We head back to Vienna late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Day 7 – The Semmering Line

Today we travel from Vienna to Graz across the stunning Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Including 41km of tunnels and viaducts, it is a most impressive feat of engineering with spectacular views enroute. There will be time for lunch in Austria’s second city Graz before returning to Vienna for the evening.

Day 8 – Continue to Prague

A morning train sees us arrive in Prague around lunch time for a 3-night stay. We have the rest of the day to enjoy this stunning city. Why not visit sights such as the Old Town, Jewish Quarter or Prague Castle.

Day 9 – Steam Locomotive Festival

Today we will travel to Benesov to spend a full day at the Steam Locomotive Festival. There will be several vintage steam and diesel locomotives and railcars running special departures and your ticket will enable unlimited access to all. You will also have access to the Vehicle Exhibition displaying an array of locomotives, vintage cars and model railways.

Day 10 – Prague Transport Museum

Enjoy a guided tour of the Public Transport Museum, which houses a unique collection of trams and trolleybuses and take a ride on a privately chartered vintage tram.

Day 11 – Prague to Dresden

By train to Dresden, arriving around lunch time. We have the rest of the day to enjoy Dresden, where we have a 2-night stay.

Day 12 – Dresden

Today we make a return trip on the two local steam railways located on the outskirts of Dresden, the Weisseritztalbahn and the 17km Loessnitzgrundbahn line from Radebeul.

Day 13 – Dresden to Cologne

A morning train back to Cologne, following a change of trains we arrive late afternoon. We regroup for a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 14 – Cologne to London

We take a morning train from Cologne to Brussels and where we connect with the Eurostar service to London, arriving mid-afternoon.