Day 1: To Remagen
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels, where we change trains, heading into Germany to the delightful town of Remagen. Our base here for the next four nights is the 3* Hotel Pinger. (D)
Day 2: The Vulkan Express by steam
Today’s excursion is a nostalgic trip back in time as we enjoy a wonderful steam train journey. Having travelled along the Rhine by train to Brohl, we pick up the Brohltalbahn, otherwise known as the Vulkan Express, as it climbs from the riverside into the volcanic Eiffel hills. Normally a diesel operated line, steam trains have been brought to the region for this weekend’s festival, commemorating 175 years of German railways. Opened in 1901, the 11 mile (18km) journey wends its way past castles and across viaducts on its way to Engeln, having climbed 1,310 feet (400m). (B,D)
Day 3:At leisure in Remagen
Enjoy some free time in riverside Remagen or maybe take one of the local trains to further explore the Rhineland. Rail connections north provide easy access to Cologne, with its stunning cathedral, museums and lively brewery taverns. Even closer to Remagen is Bonn, the former capital city of West Germany and birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. By direct train to the south is Koblenz, with a lovely Old Town, from where you can also connect to more quintessential, wine-producing Rhine villages, such as St Goar, Boppard or Rüdesheim. Another possibility is to explore the hills surrounding Remagen, by taking a local train to the famous red wine region of the Ahr Valley and its pretty villages, such as the walled town of Ahrweiler or Altenahr. (B,D)
Day 4: To Cochem by steam
We begin today’s excursion by taking the train southwards to Koblenz. Here we join the steam event, travelling from Koblenz to the delightful riverside town of Cochem. The route takes us along the scenic River Moselle through a unique landscape of vineyards and idyllic riverside villages. The Moselle is quieter than its neighbour, the mighty Rhine, and boasts some wonderful wine towns. Cochem, which is nestled beneath its protective castle, is a delight to explore.We have some free time to visit the Old Town, with its collection of charming, half-timbered buildings, the baroque town hall and the historical mustard mill. Alternatively, why not visit the castle, Cochem’s most famous landmark. Perched high above the Moselle, the location offers striking views of the region. It is easy to see why tourists have been flocking to this beautiful corner of Germany for many generations. (B,D)
Day 5: Return to London
Bidding farewell to Remagen, we return to Brussels, via Cologne. Boarding the Eurostar in Brussels, we speed through the Channel Tunnel and across Kent to our final destination, St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
Conveniently situated close to the railway station in Remagen and just a short stroll from the town centre and the Rhine, the 3* Hotel Pinger is a real local institution – the Pinger family has been running hotels in the area since 1938. All en suite rooms have a television and telephone. The hotel has a lift, traditional-style restaurant, coffee shop, bar with beer garden, lounge and a sauna.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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