020 8657 8649
* Please note that prices can fluctuate, partly because of changes in exchange rates, and partly because availability of the best fares can diminish closer to the date of travel. You will be advised of any changes at the time of booking. In general, the longer in advance you book, the lower prices will remain.
SECRET EUROPE – Łódz, Poland – CULTURAL CAPITAL WITH TURN OF THE CENTURY CHARM, and POLAND’S “HOLLYWOOD”
A railway adventure using Eurostar (the Channel Tunnel train), the new “European Sleeper”, a EuroCity train and a local train through the rolling Polish countryside, and – if you choose to take the Berlin extension – a Dutch Metro, and the iconic Hook of Holland – Harwich ferry, the last passenger ferry across the North Sea.
Departures Mondays, from March 25th until June 10th.
Virtually unknown outside Poland and renowned for its vibrant cultural life, in Łódz (pronounced “Woodge”) you’ll find charming turn-of-the-century architecture and the longest pedestrian street in Europe. Stroll 5 kilometres of boutiques and atmospheric cafes, restaurants, and bars—or take a cycle rickshaw.
This hidden city (pop. 715,000) claims a rich Jewish history, plus concert halls, theatres, the home of famed pianist Artur Rubenstein, and the resplendent Teatr Wielki opera house. It also boasts one of the most celebrated film schools in the world, the Museum of Cinematography, and a “Walk of Fame,” with stars commemorating internationally-known names like Roman Polanski and Andrzej Wajda embedded in the pavement on Piotrkowska Street, outside your hotel!. It’s Poland’s Hollywood. The former textile manufacturing town also charms with its inventive contemporary spaces, including Manufaktura, a former factory complex featuring trendy shops and dining. In summer, don’t miss the central square—transformed into a beach, complete with deckchairs. Find out why many have long considered Łódz one of Poland’s best-kept secrets.
Featured in Michael Portillo’s TV programme, Great Continental Railway Journeys.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Monday) Depart London St. Pancras by Eurostar at 15:04 for Brussels arriving 18:05 (Continental time – 1 hour ahead of UK time); the European Sleeper departs at 19:22 to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, arriving 06:18 the next morning.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Time to look around Berlin before catching the EuroCity train EC45 Berlin – Warsaw express at 09:52 – but we alight at Kutno at 14:05. Not long to wait for our connecting train at 14:49 to Lodz Widzew, arriving 16:07. Take a taxi or the tram to Kościuszki, a few steps from the 1888-built Grand Hotel on Piotrkowska Street, newly renovated to the highest of standards, where you’ll stay for 3 nights, breakfast included. Opera tickets are available when there is a Saturday performance – programme and prices on request.) The Teatr Wielki (Great Theatre) is a very short walk from the hotel.
Day 3 (Wednesday) Free day for exploring Łódz. 
Day 4 (Thursday) A second day to enjoy Poland’s third city (until recently, its second city!) The street (Piotrkowska St.) is bustling with native people and tourists, and it is a beautiful day with fluffy clouds and blue sky in the landscape. Interesting fact: did you know that the picture on the left shows Artur Rubenstein at his piano – it used to have a coin slot, into which you put a coin to get a rendition of Chopin, Poland’s most celebrated composer – but the local residents put superglue into the slot to stop the noise, so now it doesn’t work!
Day 5 (Friday) An admittedly early start today (05:56 from Łódz Widzew station) brings us to Kutno at 07:08, where we board the Warsaw-Berlin InterCity train EC246 at 07:48, getting us to Berlin Hbf. at 12:07. Leave again on InterCity Express ICE558 at 12:46 to Koln, arriving 17:09, connecting into ICE12 leaving at 17:41 for Brussels Midi, arriving at 19:35. Finally Eurostar leaving at 20:56 for London St. Pancras, where we arrive at 21:57 UK time.
OR: Day 4 (Thursday) Depart Łódz Widzew at the more comfortable time of 15:52 for Kutno, arr. 17:14. Connect into the Warsaw – Berlin InterCity train at 17:38, arriving Berlin Hbf. 22:06. Join the “European Sleeper” (which has come from Prague via Dresden) at 22:56 for Brussels Midi, arriving 09:27 Friday morning.
Finally by 10:56 Eurostar to London St. Pancras arriving at 11:57 local time.
Based on 2 people sharing double or twin hotel rooms; “double” sleeping car accommodation on Brussels/Berlin overnight “European Sleeper” train (and v.v. if this return option chosen); and exchange rate of €1.10 = £1.
Optional stopover in Berlin
Day 5 (Friday) Łódż – Kutno – Berlin as above, arriving 12:07. Hotels Inter-City or AO Berlin Hauptbahnhof (near the railway station) for 2 nights with breakfast.
Day 6 (Saturday) Day free in Berlin.
Day 7 (Sunday) Depart Berlin Hbf. at 09:54 on the Inter-City service to Amsterdam, alighting at Amersfoort at 15:24. Connect with the 15:28 local train to Rotterdam Alexander, arriving 16:16. From here, the new Rotterdam Metro Line B (yellow on the map) and which runs every 30 minutes, takes you to Hoek van Holland Hafen in plenty of time to walk onto the Stena Line ferry departing at 22:00 to Harwich….
Day 8 (Monday) arriving 06:30 (UK time) The connecting train to London Liverpool Street leaves at 08:00, and arrives 09:38. Interesting fact – in 1952, this train, which was named the “Day Continental”, took 1 hour 32 minutes for the journey, and that was with a steam locomotive! After 70 years of progress, we have actually lost 6 minutes!
Prices + Departures Spring 2024 Mondays, March 25th – June 10th.
Based on 2 people sharing double or twin hotel rooms; “double” sleeping car accommodation on Brussels/Berlin overnight “European Sleeper” train; and double inside cabins on Hoek v. Holland – Harwich ferry; exchange rate of €1.10 = £1.
LODZ ONLY £699 per person; single room supplement in Grand Hotel, Lodz, £98. Supplements – (subject to availability) for berth in a “Single” sleeper compartment on overnight rail journey, £tba.
LODZ + BERLIN £879 single room supplement £155.50 Supplements (subject to availability) – for berth in a “Single” sleeper, or “Single” sleeper compartment on “European Sleeper”, overnight rail journey, £tba. For a “single” cabin on the Hoek v. Holland – Harwich ferry, £t.b.a.
020 8657 8649 Enthusiast Holidays (Italiarail Ltd.)
26, Onslow Gardens, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 9AB, United Kingdom
info@enthusiasthols.com www.enthusiasthols.com
All prices, and train times will be reconfirmed at time of booking. Discount fares are available to/from London St. Pancras International, and Harwich, from most major UK rail stations, in conjunction with this tour – prices on request.