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East German Snow and Steam Railway Holiday

The Erzgebirge Express

The Erzgebirge Express

Snow, Steam And Schnapps

Holiday date: Thursday, 13th February 2025
Europe
Germany
6 days for  £1169 per person
£2338 for two people sharing
Single supplement £210
Tour reference: EZ6/1
Price, based on 1.1 Euro to the £. (see Booking Conditions for currency fluctuation clause)

Escape to a winter wonderland on the Czech border in Germany. Steam in the snow is so atmospheric, and in the Erzgebirge region it’s pretty much guaranteed at this time of year. Climb aboard the Erzgebirge Express for a winter break to remember.

Holiday Highlights

Ascend the highest peak in Saxony
11 miles of steam on the Fichtelbergbahn
Historic trams in Chemnitz
German humour at the Erzgebirge Modellbahn
Two further steam railways in the woods and hills
The most scenic branch-line in Germany? - to Cranzahl

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 - Thursday

Our adventure begins late morning at St Pancras International from where we travel by Eurostar to Brussels and on by international train to Cologne for an overnight stay close to the station and Cathedral.

Day 2 - Friday

A morning ICE train delivers us to Leipzig. Marvel at this Cathedral like station before we travel on to Chemnitz. One last change of train and we are on the Cranzahl branch line as far as Annaberg. This line is delightful as it winds down the valley, criss-crossing the river, and climbing into the Erzgebirge Mountain range.

Meals: Breakfast
By Rolf-Dresden - Own work, CC ASA 3.0, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:St%C3%BCrmer_2.jpg
Day 3 - Saturday

A morning train to Cranzahl delivers us to the northern terminus of the Fichtelbergbahn. This steam railway runs all year round but is at its best in the winter months as views are clearer and the steam enhanced in the crisp mountain air. Our support coach will provide photographic opportunities during a full round trip. At Oberwiesenthal we will ascend the mighty Fichtelberg (4000ft) by gondola (or coach if you prefer). In the afternoon we are off to the nearby Pressnitztalbahn for more steam action in a wooded valley, following a babbling river, it's idyllic!

Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Sunday

Our main focus today is the Museumsbahn Schoenheide. This is much more akin to a traditional UK preserved railway and winds its way through the fields and hills to a brush factory in the middle of nowhere - all great fun! But that's not all we have for you. We cannot leave the Erzgebirge region without a visit to Modellbahn Erzgebirge. Never mind Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, this is much more fun. It's the largest Gauge 1 layout in Europe and represents the local area and it's railways - on which you will have travelled. A close inspection reveals comic additions in the woods and through house windows - it really is unique fun..

Meals: Breakfast
By Atelier Aurablume Claudia Werner - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79383264
Day 5 - Monday

We are using today as a travelling day to break the long journey home and make for a comfortable arrival time in London, but not before an action packed morning. With luggage aboard our support coach we once again enjoy the marvellous branch line up to Chemnitz. Here we take to the streets by tram ending up at the Chemnitz tram museum for a private opening. Back at the station we bid our coach farewell and board a local train to Leipzig, followed by an express to Frankfurt and an overnight at a hotel next to the station with a finale evening meal included.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 6 - Tuesday

A relaxed return journey aboard the morning ICE train to Brussels. A comfortable change to the Eurostar follows, seeing us arrive back in London mid-afternoon reflecting on a super wintry adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Fun all the way ...

So climb aboard and join our Erzgebirge Express this February. Guaranteed steam, guaranteed snow and guaranteed guarantees about steam and snow – what could be more certain – let’s have some fun!


Railways

Coming soon!

Our Hotel(s)

4 Star

Marriott Hotel, Cologne

Situated in the vibrant city center of Cologne, Germany, Marriott Hotel offers stylish accommodations near celebrated attractions. A plush 4 star, close to the station and Cathedral.

Features and Facilities

All public areas non-smoking
Gift/newsstand
Shoeshine stand
Coffee/tea in-room
Mobility accessible rooms
Room service
Concierge desk
Newspaper delivered to room, on request
Safe deposit boxes
Valet dry-cleaning
Air conditioning
Alarm clock
Electrical adapters
Iron and ironing board
Luxurious bedding - down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens
Mini fridge
Color TV
4 Star

Hotel Wilder Mann, Annaberg-Buchholz

We overnight in each direction to break up the journey but for the bulk of the holiday are based on the town square in a very traditional 4 star, steeped in history. It is the ideal base to explore from and benefits from a number of local restaurants, if one fancies stepping out of an evening.

Features and Facilities

Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Bar
Private bathroom
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Flat-screen TV
Telephone
24-hour front desk
Lift
Wake-up service
4 Star

Intercity Hotel, Frankfurt

Features and Facilities

Free WiFi
TV
Central Location
Environmental Certification
Air conditioning
Bar
Non smoking hotel
Restaurant
Tea and coffee station
Refrigerator
Soundproof windows

What's included

Transport

All heritage railway rides
All public transport journeys, in standard class accommodation
Private coach transfers throughout the holiday

Entertainment

All entrances
Detailed itinerary/information pack
Services of courier throughout

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis

What's not included

Travel to/from the holiday start point
Personal holiday insurance
Porterage
Other meals
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