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Delayed because of Covid, and now because of the war between Ukraine and Russia, this tour of two neighbouring countries is designed to appeal to those wishing to travel by vintage “modern traction” to visit as many depots as possible in a short space of time.

In Romania our transport will be by a “78” Class diesel railcar unit ROMANIA AND THE UKRAINE – built by Malaxa between 1939 and 1954; and in the Ukraine, by a “D1” Class diesel unit, built in Hungary by Ganz-MAVAG between 1960 and 1980.

Our provisional itinerary has been drafted on the principle that airline and international rail schedules will be similar when we go, to those which operated prior to the Coronavirus Pandemic – indeed it assumes that the Budget Airlines remain in business, which is by no means a certainty! It uses Wizzair flights from and to Luton, but doubtless flights from other UK airports will be possible, and in any case the tour can be purchased “land-only” i.e. without the flights from and to the UK; and indeed a “Romania-only” and a “Ukraine-only” package will also be made available.

ROMANIA AND THE UKRAINE To look after the interests of steam enthusiasts, an extension is offered in the Ukraine – there will be a visit to the Children’s Railway in Kiev, and a tram charter in Lwow, but the main objective is to travel on the narrow-gauge steam railway based on Haivoron; followed by a charter with a “Su” 2-6-2 on the very scenic Racov branch. Afterwards we will cross the border into Romania again, for trips on the n.g. steam forestry railways at Moldovita and Viseu de Sus, before returning overnight to Bucharest and our Wizzair flight back to Luton.

Precise dates have not yet been fixed, but we will be aiming for April/May – perhaps over a public holiday, to reduce the number of days’ leave needed by working folks. The following day-by-day programme is therefore definitely to be regarded as “work in progress”.

Day 1 Evening departure from Luton to Constanta, and overnight Hotel Ibis or similar.

Day 2 Touring Romania with “78” diesel railcar, with depot visits.

Day 3 As above

Day 4 As above, ending up in Bucharest, for evening flight to Luton. Or, for those continuing to Ukraine, overnight Hotel Ibis, Bucharest.

Day 5 Participants taking “Ukraine-only” tour depart Luton by morning flight to Kiev, arriving lunchtime, and overnight in Kiev. Those already in Romania take a morning train – Tr. 380/118 – with sleeping cars – takes us from Bucharest across Romania and the Ukraine to Kiev, arriving……

Day 6 …..08.08. Touring Ukraine with "D1" railcar unit based kin Korolevo, one of the D1's home depots, with depot visits.

Day 7 As above...

Day 8 ....end up in Khrystinivka, another of the D1's home depots. To Kiev, for lunchtime flight to Luton; or continue (Days 8 & 9) for visit to Kiev Children's Railway, and some "Classic Traction" and continue by service train to Lwow for a tram charter, and overnight.

Day 10 Transfer to airport for late morning flight to Luton.

or:

Day 9 Transfer to Haivoron for day on n.g. steam (GR-280) and return to Kiev for overnight.

Day 10 by service train to Lwow, and on to Ivano Frankovsk for overnight.

Day 11 Charter with "Su" 2-6-2 Ivano Frankovsk - Rachov with photo run-pasts. Transfer across border to Viseu de Sus, Romania, for dinner and overnight Hotel Gabriela or similar.

Day 12 Day on the Viseu de Sus n.g. steam forestry railway. In the evening, transfer to Moldovita for dinner and overnight.

Day 13 Day on the Moldovita n.g. steam forestry railway. In evening, transfer to Suceava for dinner, then board overnight couchette train to Bucuresti Nord.....

Day 14 .....arriving early morning, and transfer to airport for mid-morning flight to Luton arriving early afternoon.

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A grand tour, but which obviously cannot run at present, due to another war - the war in Ukraine - visiting places of interest and fascination relating to the Second World War.

This 18-day tour, timed to mark the Anniversary of the end of World War II, covers many of the most significant places, from Dunkirk in the west, to Moscow in the east. For much of the journey we will travel, and sleep, 1st Class in some of the finest European international trains, evoking something of the pre-war elegance of Continental train travel. But we will also use, where appropriate, high speed day trains (1st Class or best available), road, autobahn and Rhine steamer, using superior tourist class hotels - all in the **** or ***** category, all rooms with private facilities.

Accommodation on overnight trains in double-bedded compartments with washbasins, and showers, w.c. etc. at the end of each carriage; except in Russia where the "Fir" train sleeping compartments include showers. Single bedded compartments will be available at a supplement.

Breakfast and dinner are provided throughout, and the tour is inclusive of all necessary entrance fees for the visits and sightseeings mentioned in the tour itinerary, as are all gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant and chamber staff, railway employees, coach drivers and local guides. We will be accompanied by the services of multi-lingual Tour Directors, local guides, and guest lecturer(s) specialising in military and historical aspects of the period, and of the locations we will be visiting.

Depending upon nationality some travellers will require visas for travel through and to certain countries on the tour, and the cost of such visas is not included in the tour price as it will vary according to your country of origin. However we offer an optional visa service and the necessary forms and instructions will be provided closer to the time of travel.

Similarly, travel insurance is not included in the tour price, but you are strongly advised to take out suitable insurance for the trip, to cover among other things, medical expenses, loss of money/valuables, and repatriation to your country of origin in the (hopefully unlikely) event of hospitalisation.

Click here for a summary of the places to be visited on the tour.

Click here for the Daily Itinerary, kindly noting that train times etc. can change between now and the date of the operation of the tour. The tour price based upon sharing double/twin rooms in the hotels, and double compartments on overnight trains, is £5,995; the supplement for single rooms in the hotels, and single bed compartments on overnight trains, is £1,300. The tour complement is limited to 90 persons so early booking is advised as the tour is very likely to be over-subscribed. A deposit of £500 payable by cheque to Enthusiast Holidays, or by Visa, MasterCard or American Express, will ensure that we update you regularly on the progress of the tour, and the final balance payment will become due approximately 3 months prior to departure, when the "Final Itinerary" with all details, will be published. At this point your deposit is refundable in full if, for any reason, that "Final Itinerary" fails to meet with your approval.

Your money is protected by bonds held with the successors of British Rail International Ltd. and Rail Europe Ltd., representing as voyages-sncf, French Railways SNCF; and SNCB Belgian Railways and other European state railway administrations.

Enthusiast Holidays (Italiarail Ltd.), 26, Onslow Gardens, South Croydon CR2 9AB, United Kingdom Tel. +44 20 8657 8649 or (from within the UK) 020 8657 8649 or email info@enthusiasthols.com

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China (Sandaoling for "JS" 2-8-2's performing the last real work by steam traction in the world), narrow gauge passenger at Huanan, and the Baishan slate railway - electric; and the Tiefa Steam Festival, for SY 2-8-2 on photo-charters)

Originally planned for February 2020, this tour was cancelled in view of the Coronavirus outbreak in China, but which subsequently engulfed the whole world. The result is that there were no direct flights between the UK and China, and UK citizens are not yet allowed into China for tourist purposes. That has now changed, and things are gradually returning to normal.

Next winter, we hope to be just in time to see the very China (Sandaoling + Huanan n.g. steam, Baishan electric slate railway) and Tiefa steam festival, January 2025?

China (Sandaoling + Huanan n.g. steam, Baishan electric slate railway) and Tiefa steam festival, January 2025?

last of the JS 2-8-2 operation - much of their work having being replaced by a conveyer belt! - just a handful surviving there, and working the nearby deep mine at Erjing.

We continue to Huanan for more passenger trains - this time narrow gauge, and finally to Baishing for a most unusual and rarely visited slate railway, operated by electric locomotives.

We are waiting for confirmation of the exact dates of the "Tiefa Steam Festival" - and even that it will happen at all! - but if it does, it will provide an excellent chance to recall the days when SY were rushing hither and thither with passenger trains in this mining area centred on Daobingshan, where we will probably stay, for 2 nights.

If you have already registered your interest in this tour, we will keep you updated. If not, please email info@enthusiasthols.com

Can you remember the early years of the 21st Century, when we would regularly fly to China, and travel – often by overnight train – to the far reaches of Inner Mongolia, to freeze our b******s off waiting for “QJ” 2-10-2’s on the Jingpeng Pass, or at Bautao, or perhaps Tiefa for the passenger trains – with the most stunning smoke effects from the engines in the still winter air, not to mention the sounds, so effectively captured on video! (Although not yet HD, nor yet 4K, because we didn’t have it then!) But now we do…… but sadly all of that has gone – however with two exceptions – Sandaoling mine at Hami, near to Urumqi in the extreme north-west of China, where powerful “JS” 2-8-2’s still pound noisily out of the pit at Sandaoling, and where operations are now expected to last until at least until our visit in January 2024; and Tiefa, where two "SY" 2-8-2's are retained in operational condition, and they are expected to perform on passenger and freight photo-charters.

Photos courtesy CBR Rail Ltd. Tour operation subject to renewal of our CAA ATOL licence

Proposed itinerary: in course of preparation, but a synopsis is as follows (dates subject to change once the period of the Tiefa steam festival is confirmed).

Jan. 16 - Fly London-Beijing.........

Jan 17 - ....and connect with flight to Hami. Transfer to Sandaoling for 3 nights.

Jan 18 & 19 - in Sandaoling

Jan. 20 - a.m. in Sandaoling; evening train to Urumqi for overnight.

Jan. 21 - Urumqi - Jiamusi flight and overnight Jiamusi

Jan. 22 - Huanan steam passenger charter all day; evening overnight soft class train to Changchun

Jan. 23 - road transfer Changchun - Baishan for slate mining narrow gauge railway; overnight Baishan. China (Sandaoling + Huanan n.g. steam, Baishan electric slate railway) and Tiefa steam festival, January 2025?

Jan. 24 - Baishan n.g. slate railway. Overnight Baishan

Jan. 25 - Morning in Baishan; transfer to Tiefa (Daobingshan) for 4 nights.

Jan 26 - 28 - Tiefa steam festival.

Jan. 29 - by trains to Beijing for overnight.

Jan 30 - transfer to airport for flight to London LHR, arriving same day.

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Tour Programme - for details CLICK ON LINKS BELOW

We are pleased to be able to re-launch this "Classic Traction" tour - originally planned more than three years ago - in a more concise, and cheaper form. It mainly uses a charter train, drawn by former British Rail electric locomotives of classes 86 and 87, run by the independent company "Bulmarket", on the standard gauge, and operating on an itinerary which should still provide close to 500 kms of haulage by these iconic locomotives. On the scenic 760mm narrow gauge line from Septemvri to Velingrad, we take a service train hauled by one of the Henschel diesels which have operated this line since they were introduced in 1965, also celebrating their 60th Anniversary, but which are now gradually to be replaced. Click here for more information on them.

There will be depot visits in all the key locations, specifically Sofia, Septemvri depot, Septemvri wagon works, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and the Transport University in Sofia (Todor Kableshkov) and perhaps Bulgaria - May or October 2026 - 2 versions, for "classic traction" fans, and for steam enthusiasts most interestingly, a visit to the extensive Maritza Iztok mining complex, where we will spend some hours, including riding a charter train using Maritza Iztok's own locomotive(s).

On the narrow gauge - a section of the scenic Rhodope Mountain line from Septemvri to Velingrad - we will be using a service train, for which we have requested one of the Henschel diesel locomotives which date from 1965 and which have dominated services up until now - they are gradually to be replaced by modern power. And continuing the narrow gauge theme, a visit to the salt railway at Burgas is also being considered.

Bulgaria - May or October 2026 - 2 versions, for "classic traction" fans, and for steam enthusiasts The tour price includes en-suite accommodation on a twin-share basis (single rooms subject to availability at the supplement mentioned above) in 3/4 star hotels on dinner, bed and breakfast basis, with lunch boxes provided daily; travel by service and charter trains as per the itinerary, and the tour will be fully escorted both by local tour escorts and by a British railway enthusiast tour director.

Bulgaria - May or October 2026 - 2 versions, for "classic traction" fans, and for steam enthusiasts

Click on this link The “Classic Traction Tour” information sheet - October 2025 for the full "Classic Traction" tour itinerary, which will likely be mostly kept for a 2026 tour.

The Steam tour

On the steam front, Bulgaria continues to amaze us, adding steam engines to their heritage fleet, of which this tour intends to take full advantage, operating them on mostly lightly-trafficked lines, in what we hope will be warm, sunny early autumn weather! However maintaining historic steam locomotives, even in former Eastern European countries, is an expensive business, and chartering them is too! which is why our negotiations for this part of the tour are not yet fully complete. The itinerary shown is provisional.

One highlight of the trip will be the use of the narrow gauge 2-10-2 tank, 609.76, on part of the mountainous Septemvri system.

Bulgaria - May or October 2026 - 2 versions, for "classic traction" fans, and for steam enthusiasts Another highlight will surely be 2-12-4T 46.03 nicknamed "mother bear" because of its size. It recently spent two days operating Children's Christmas specials after repair so should be ready for our trip in October - also recently completed is 0-8-0 26.26, a Prussian G7 looking splendid; other performers will be 2-8-2 01.23 or 4-8-2 03.12, with ex-DR Class 42 16.27 "on the subs. bench" only because it is probably more of interest to German enthusiasts than British.

Bulgaria - May or October 2026 - 2 versions, for "classic traction" fans, and for steam enthusiasts As always, ample time will be allowed for photo-stops and run-pasts, which will be managed by Bulgarian enthusiast-guides like Assen Stoyanov - who managed the British 2011 tour, and who has kindly agreed to lead our tour again this year - very familiar with the topography of the Bulgarian railways, and have excellent communications with the loco. drivers, who are also experienced in operating this type of tour.

The exact tour price is still to be calculated and will be confirmed a.s.a.p., but it will include half-board (dinner, bed and breakfast) en-suite accommodation in 3/4 Star hotels on a twin share basis, and lunch boxes daily. Single room supplement also t.b.a. The tour will be fully escorted throughout as mentioned above.

Bulgaria - May or October 2026 - 2 versions, for "classic traction" fans, and for steam enthusiasts A German group visited Bulgaria in October 2022 with considerable success, and we expect our 2026 tour - in both steam and classic traction versions - to be even more memorable!

Please keep an eye on these pages which will be updated as news comes in - preliminary detailed itineraries for both versions of the tour can be found below left. There is also a booking/ registration form, which enables you to secure your place, and prompts us to keep you updated as to progress of the tour; or you can simply email us on info@enthusiasthols.com

Click here for the full Steam Tour itinerary (provisional at this stage)

Click here for the full Classic Traction tour itinerary (also provisional at this stage)

Photo credits: ex-BR Class 86 and 87 electric locos - Chris Milner; Bulmarket; Maritza Iztok EL2 No. 125 - Chris West; Henschel diesel at Yakoruda on 76cm Rhodope mountain line - V.C.K.Allen

You can see our Youtube video "Bulgaria Steam, diesel and electric 2011, 2022 and 2024" by clicking on the image below. https://youtu.be/WBjc_OJ7U5o

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"Les Chemins de fer du Creusot" is still celebrating the return of 241P17 after 4 years of work. The most powerful steam locomotive in Europe, will be back in action again this year!

The 2024 tour programme, which has just been announced, is to be operated by 241P17, and (on the Guedelon Express) together with 2-8-0 140C27, built in 1917 by North British in Glasgow! like the one illustrated here (Sarrguemines, 1969).

We are happy to make individual bookings for you on all of these CFC trips, including Eurostar + TGV rail to and from Le Creusot where these journeys start; and appropriate hotel accommodation; and if you need it, transport between Le Creusot TGV station and the town station (where the special trains start and finish). Please note that some details including exact schedules, are still being finalised by CFC as we prepare this advance information (January 2024)

This page still being prepared

"Guedelon Express" - 20th May - Le Creusot (dep. 08:40) - Cosne-sur-Loire and return, via Etang, Luzy, Cercy, Decize and Nevers. 2Cl return trip, including entrance to the castle, and lunch basket £119; 1st Class £139

Guédelon Castle is currently under construction near Treigny, on the site of an old sandstone quarry. Construction started in 1997 - it is an experimental archaeology project - which some observers have described as "completely bonkers!" - aimed at recreating a 13th-century France - 2024 - the return of 241P17! castle and its environment using period techniques, dress, and materials.

In order to fully investigate the technology required in the past, the project is using only period construction techniques, tools, and costumes. Materials, including wood and stone, are all obtained locally. Jacques Moulin, chief architect for the project, designed the castle according to the architectural model developed during the 12th and 13th centuries by Philip II of France.

The photograph shows how far construction had reached in 2020. Our special train will be worked by both 241P17 and 140C27, and at the castle you should see quarriers, stonemasons, carpenters, blacksmiths, tile makers - all transforming and enhancing stone and wood, and delivering the secrets of the builders of the Middle Ages to you.

"Chateaux of the Loire" - June 10 & 11, 2023 (dep. London June 9th; return to London June 12th)

France - 2024 - the return of 241P17! A perfect "long weekend", travelling by Eurostar and TGV, to Le Creusot - out on Friday, back on Monday - with Saturday and Sunday devoted to a journey to and from Tours with 241P17, including dinner and overnight at the hotel in Tours, and visits to two of the most famous chateaux - Chenonceau on Saturday afternoon, and Villandry on Sunday morning.

Our special train - headed by 4-8-2 241P17, will leave Le Creusot early on Saturday morning, travelling via Etang, Luzy, Cercy-La-Tour, Decize, Nevers, Bourges, Vierzon and St. Pierre des Corps, arriving in Tours at around 14:00. A lunch basket is served prior to arrival. A short (40 minutes or so) drive brings France - 2024 - the return of 241P17! us to the magnificent chateau of Chenonceau, where our entrance ticket entitles us to visit both the castle and the gardens. Returning to Tours, we have an included dinner before retiring for the night.

On Sunday morning after breakfast, another short (25 minute) drive brings us to the Chateau of Villandry, for a morning exploring the house and its remarkable gardens, before returning to Tours to catch our special train departing approx. 14:09 and arriving at Le Creusot 21:56. An evening lunch basket will be served en route.

The price of £299 2nd Class, and £325 1st Class, is based upon twin/double room accommodation in Tours.

If you are travelling from the UK to join any of these tours, you will normally need accommodation in Le Creusot the night before the trip starts, and probably the night it ends. Recommended hotels are the F1 Le Creusot TGV** or Kyriad ** - both room-only and near to Le Creusot TGV station; or the Hotel La Petite Verrerie, - in Le Creusot town and walking distance from Le Creusot SNCF station. If you want to go it alone, you will need to budget for taxis between Le Creusot TGV/Novotel and Le Creusot SNCF/town or v.v. because although the distance is not great, it is not "walking distance" unless you are very fit (or very mean!) Details of such bus services as exist, will also be provided.

We can of course book this hotel accommodation for you, and as licensed and bonded agents for SNCF we can offer special (RIT = Rail Inclusive Tour) return fares from St. Pancras to Le Creusot TGV and return - best available fares and hotel rates will be quoted at time of booking, and train times confirmed.

Please note that the "Chateaux of the Loire" tour in June, is inclusive of Eurostar and TGV travel from/to London, and the overnight hotel accommodation in Le Creusot, as well as that in Tours on the trip itself. Price for the June 10/11 railtour only, without travel from/to London, nor hotel accommodation in Le Creusot, available on request.

"Baie de Somme" THIS PAGE UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Just across the English Channel, and much nearer than Le Creusot, is Noyelles, on the old main line from Calais to Paris - the route of the "Fleche d'Or" or "Golden Arrow" - and the hub of the Bay of the Somme Railway, with branches to Le Crotoy, and to St. Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer.

Baie de la Somme schedule 2023

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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 across the North Sea. For more information about the Harwich - Hoek v. Holland sailing, see Ferry to Hook of Holland and Harwich | Stena Line; for more information about the European Sleeper, see The Good Night Train to | European Sleeper

Departures Mondays, from November 3rd 2025 until June 8th. 2026

Secret Europe - ŁÓDŻ, Poland Winter and Spring 2025/2026, and optional stopover in Berlin 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 Rubinstein, 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 06:20 the next morning.

Day 2 (Tuesday) Time to look around Berlin before catching the EuroCity train EC45 Berlin - Warsaw express at 09:48 - but we alight at Kutno at 13:57. Not long to wait for our connecting train at 15:05 to Lodz Widzew, arriving 16:22. 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 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. Secret Europe - ŁÓDŻ, Poland Winter and Spring 2025/2026, and optional stopover in Berlin

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 (06:00 from Łódz Widzew station) brings us to Kutno at 07:30, where we board the Warsaw-Berlin InterCity train EC246 at 07:38, getting us to Berlin Hbf. at 12:06 . 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 €1.15 = £1.

Optional stopover in Berlin

Day 5 (Friday) Łódż - Kutno - Berlin as above, arriving 12:06. 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 10:06 on the Inter-City service to Amsterdam, alighting at Amersfoort at 15:26. Connect with the 15:40 local train via Utrecht to Rotterdam Alexander, arriving 16:31

. 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 08:47, and arrives 10:17. 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 gained 2 minutes!

Prices + Departures Winter 2025/Spring 2026 Mondays, November 3rd - June 8th.

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 €1.15 = £1.

LODZ ONLY £799 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 £979 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.

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IN WINTERTIME, EXPERIENCE ITALY AT ITS MOST SERENE!

Winter 2023/2024 - Departures on any day of the week, between 1st November 2023 and 31st March 2024. Prices based upon two people sharing double/twin hotel rooms on bed & breakfast basis; with Standard Class rail travel;, and seat reservations where required. £899

Supplemental charges for optional upgrades:

For 1st Class rail travel throughout - £395

For single-room hotel accommodation, £295

All prices are based upon RoE of €1.15 = £1 and are subject to availability, and will be confirmed at time of booking, as will exact train times when these are confirmed by the railway operators.

Discount fares are available to/from London St. Pancras International from most major UK rail stations, in conjunction with this tour - prices on request.

Hotel note: The hotels chosen for this tour - Milan: Hyatt; Venice: Hesperia or Continental; Rome, Amalfi; Florence Corona d'Italia - were selected for their quality, and proximity to the railway stations. In the event that any of the above hotels are not available, alternative hotels with similar features and location will be offered.

The classic Grand Tour highlights of Italy - Venice, Rome, Florence and Pisa - feel magical even in Winter. The summer crowds that swarm with selfie-sticks are long gone, and you can stroll the storied streets alongside the locals, stopping for a glass of wine, taking your time in museum galleries, lingering over dinner.

Summertime visitors rarely have the time to meet and talk to Italians - and the locals are often too busy to talk to visitors - but the country's mild winter days are calmer and you'll find that shopkeepers and restaurateurs have time to chat.

With this tasting-menu of a trip, you can enjoy a quiet evening taking in the sunset over Venice's Piazza San Marco, get up close and personal with Michaelangelo's David in Florence, spend a morning exploring the Colosseum in Rome, and grab that classic photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, all inside a week's time. The high-speed trains to and around Italy can stretch a week into something more generous, less harried. Take your time, slow down and indulge a little in la dolce vita.

The following itinerary assumes departure from London on Saturday, returning on Sunday - different timings may result from travel on other days of the week.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Leave London St. Pancras at 08:01 via Eurostar, arriving in Paris Gare du Nord at 11:20. Cross Paris to the Gare de Lyon for the 12:38 TGV train to Milan, Porta Garibaldi station (arriving 19:49), just a short walk from your hotel Hyatt or similar.

Day 2 Leave Milan Centrale station at 11:45 by the Freccia Argento (Silver Arrow) train to Venice Santa Lucia station arriving at 14:12. As you walk out of the station you are right on the Grand Canal! Turn left, and in minutes you will be checking in at the Continental or Hesperia Hotel, for 2 nights' stay with breakfast.

Day 3 Free day to explore Venice TIP! The No. 1 Vaporetto (waterbus) runs about every 12 minutes, and takes you all the way from Ferrovia (the Santa Lucia railway station, a few minutes from your hotel) along the Grand Canal, passing under the Rialto Bridge, and ending at San Marco, for the Piazza San Marco and the Campanile! With a 1-day ticket you can hop and off wherever you like (remembering to validate your ticket every time you board!) for a memorable day. Click here for a short (7 minutes) video clip of Venice, guided by acclaimed Tour Guide, Maxwell Wray.

Day 4 Depart Venice at 10:26 for Rome, arriving at the Termini station 14:25. Check into the Hotel Amalfi (2 nights with breakfast), before enjoying the afternoon and evening in Italy's capital.

Day 5 Free day in Rome.

Day 6 Depart Rome at 09:10 for Florence, arriving 10:46. Check into the Hotel Corona d'Italia, in the historic centre, near to the railway station, for 1 night's stay with breakfast.

Day 7 Enjoy your morning in Florence. Catch one of the frequent trains to Pisa for afternoon sightseeing. At 16:56, jump on the Frecciabianca (White Arrow) train to Milan Centrale arriving 20:40 for your overnight stay at the Hotel Hyatt or similar.

Day 8 Leave Milan Porta Garibaldi station by TGV at 12:10, to arrive Paris Gare de Lyon at 19:16. Cross Paris to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar train departing at 21:12 for London St. Pancras, arriving 22:30

21:T1097,

Seven Markets, seven ways to celebrate Christmas spirit in this city on the Rhine. Bookings open Spring 2024

Winter 2024 - departures November 22, 29; December 6, or 13. Prices per person based upon 2 people sharing twin/double rooms.

Hotel Domstern, steps from the railway station, lies in Cologne's historic old town; £345 (single room supplement £69; supplement for 1st Class Eurostar and rail travel, £99)

Excelsior Hotel Ernst, is a full-service 5-star hotel opposite Cologne's cathedral; £409 (single room supplement £166; supplement for 1st Class Eurostar and rail travel, £99)

All prices are based upon RoE of €1.20 = £1 and are subject to confirmation at time of booking, as are exact train times.

The towering spire of Cologne's Gothic cathedral is echoed by the narrow, lighted Christmas tree at its base. Arranged around the tree, 160 lighted stalls lure Christmas shoppers with hand-crafted goods (in some stalls, you can watch artisans working), and holiday treats like mugs of steaming glühwein (mulled wine) or glühmost (hot apple cider) paper cones of roasted chestnuts, marzipan sweets, cakes and cookies. This sprawling, festive Alter Markt is only one of seven Christmas markets in Cologne, each with its own mood and attraction. From the angel-themed Neumarkt stalls to a Santa's Village set up in Rudolfplatz and the maritime holiday celebrations in the tented stands at the city's Rhine harbour, Cologne's mood during the season is festive, inclusive and magical. Beyond the twinkling lights of the markets, the city's charming cafes, museums and entertainment venues add to the experience of Christmastime in Germany. Fröhliche Weinachten!

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Friday

Depart London St. Pancras mid-morning on Eurostar service to Brussels, with ample time before the departure for Germany for arrival in Cologne mid-afternoon. Check into your choice of hotels, Domstern *** or Excelsior Ernst ***** for 2 nights' stay with breakfast included.

Day 2 - Saturday

Enjoy breakfast and then spend your free day exploring the markets and streets of Cologne.

Day 3 - Sunday

Pick up some last minute gifts before your mid-morning train back to Brussels, connecting with the Eurostar service which gets you back to London St. Pancras approximately 16:00 (4 p.m.)

Later departure times are available on both legs of the journey - details on request.

These tours are operated by Enthusiast Holidays’ parent company Italiarail Ltd. 26, Onslow Gardens, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 9AB Tel. 020 8657 8649

info@enthusiasthols.com

22:T199e,

Winter 2025 - departures November 23, 30; December 7, and 14. Prices include return Eurostar and rail from London St. Pancras to Wernigerode via Brussels, Cologne and Hannover, and are based upon 2 people sharing twin/double rooms.

Hotel Ringhotel Weisser Hirsch, a classic 4-star hotel right on the market square, and the oldest hotel in Saxony-Anhalt; £579 (single room supplement £199); supplement for 1st Class "Eurostar Plus"and rail travel , £169
Hotel Altora, 3-star hotel ideal for steam railway enthusiasts, overlooks the station and depot, and lies within walking distance of the market; £499 (single room supplement £110); supplement for 1st Class "Eurostar Plus" and rail travel, £169.

All prices based upon an exchange rate of €1.20 = £1, and are subject to confirmation at time of booking, as are exact train times.

The small town of Wernigerode—already quaint beyond reason, with cobbled streets of 15th century half-timbered houses and a Gothic town hall right out of a fairytale—truly pulls out the stops during the Advent market season. Snow dusts the steep roofs of town echoing the frosted peaks of the surrounding Harz Mountains. Vendors, selling locally made crafts and delicious holiday treats, arrange their stalls around a 30-foot Christmas tree erected in the market square. Enjoy a slice of stollen and a mug of steaming glühwein as you browse the booths selling children’s toys, knitwear, artisanal glass, hand-carved nativity scenes, and regional treasures.

For added holiday magic, the visit to Wernigerode includes a journey through snowy pine forests to the top of the Brocken, the highest mountain in the Harz, by narrow-gauge steam railway. Not picturesque enough? Catch an early train home (your bags crammed with holiday presents) in time for a stop in the UNESCO-protected old town of Goslar to see the morning chiming of the famous glockenspiel before continuing home, infused with warm Christmas spirit.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Friday: Depart London St. Pancras by Eurostar at 07:04. Arrive Brussels 10:05; your train for Germany leaves at 11:25. Arrive Wernigerode 18:39, and check into either the Hotel Ringhotel Weisser Hirsch ****, or the Altora ***, where you'll stay 4 nights, breakfast included.

Day 2 - Saturday Visit the Christmas Market in Wernigerode's market square.

Day 3 - Sunday Travel by narrow-gauge steam train to the Brocken and back, the tallest mountain peak in the Harz and the site of a Cold War communications centre. (Click on the image of the steam train, above right, for a video clip of the trip up to the Brocken).

Day 4 - Monday Swing through the Christmas Market again and maybe visit Wernigerode Castle, a 19th Century Schloss with medieval foundations.

Day 5 - Tuesday Your train departs Wernigerode at 07:19 to arrive in Goslar in good time for the 09:00 Glockenspiel (Click on the image below left, for a video clip). Then on to Brussels for the Eurostar service to London St. Pancras, arriving 21:57.

Later departure times are available on both legs of the journey (on the return, those opting for the later departure would miss the 09:00 Glockenspiel chimes in Goslar). From London St. Pancras, an 11:04 departure gets you to Wernigerode at 21:42; from Wernigerode, a 10:20 departure gets you back to London St. Pancras at 19:43. Full details will be supplied prior to departure when exact train times are known - all journeys will involve changes of train in Cologne (Koln); additional changes of train may be in Hannover or Frankfurt (M) or Duisburg.

Discount fares are available to/from London St. Pancras from most major UK rail stations, in conjunction with this tour - prices on request.

These tours are operated by Enthusiast Holidays' parent company Italiarail Ltd., 26, Onslow Gardens, South Croydon, Surrey, UK CR2 9AB info@enthusiasthols.com

23:T19d8,

Dec. 16 Fri. London/Delhi AI112 21:30/11:20*

Dec 17 Sat. ….Transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to Railway Museum (which opens daily except Mondays). Overnight in Delhi.

Dec 18 Sun. Transfer to Gahri Harsaru (27kms from Delhi) for a run with WP7200 to Farrukhnagar, (12kms) and return. Its regular departure time was 09:30 but ours will presumably be a charter, and assuming that the loco. faces west, this is a trip best taken late morning/afternoon. Continue by train to Rewari, for visit to locomotive depot where a number of historic Indian locomotives are based and serviced. Return to Delhi (18:02/19:35 to Delhi Sarai Rohilla for dinner and overnight.

Dec 19 Mon. Depart New Delhi 07:40 for Kalka arr. 11:45. Connect into “Himalayan Queen” departing Kalka 12:10 for Shimla arr. 17:30. Dinner and overnight Honeymoon Inn ***, 0.6 miles from railway station.

Dec 20 Tue. Special train with KC520 Shimla – Kaithlighat and return. Dinner and overnight Shimla.

Dec 21 Wed. After early breakfast, by road to Palampur (120 miles) for special train with 2’ 6” gauge “ZB” 2-6-2 No. 66, Bagnall 1952, to Baijnath Paprola 14kms) and return, with multiple run-pasts. Afterwards by road to Pathenkot Cant. for Tr. Exp 12356 departing 21:50 for Lucknow, arr. 12:25 Thu……

Dec 22 Thu. …and transfer to Hotel I.P Palace or similar, near to railway station, for lunch, accommodation in day rooms until departure at 17:35 by Tr. RDi 12436 to New Jalpaiguri, arr. 12:15 Friday.

Dec 23 Fri. By road to Darjeeling, for 3 nights HB at Ramada India - "Christmas Special" - Christmas/New Year Darjeeling Gandhi Road (opposite railway station).

Dec 24 Sat. In Darjeeling

Dec 25 Sun. In Darjeeling

Dec 26 Mon. Depart Darjeeling by Tr.52540 08:00/15:10 to New Jalpaiguri (or by road if group wants more time photographing morning trains in Darjeeling; then Tr. 12346 19:25 arriving Kolkata (Calcutta) Howrah station at 05:10.

Dec 27 Tue. Transfer to hotel for breakfast, followed by the whole day exploring Calcutta, photographing its trams, marvelling at the traffic on the Howrah bridge, and visiting the Howrah railway museum. Dinner and overnight Calcutta.

Dec 28 Wed. Today we take Express 12703 departing Calcutta Howrah station at 07:25 for the 125kms to Kharagpur, for a journey with the Garratt to Medinipur, a distance of 22 kms or so, returning in the afternoon and transfer back to Calcutta. Because of the short distance we will try to achieve more than one return run, so that tour participants can both ride, and photograph, the train. The engine is an “N” class 4-8-0 + 0-8-4 Beyer Garratt, built 1929 at their works in Gorton, Manchester. Return to Calcutta for dinner and overnight.

Dec 29 Thu. After a leisurely morning in Calcutta, we transfer to the airport for our flight departing 13:50 for Coimbatore arr. 18:30, and transfer the 50 miles or so to Ooty for dinner and overnight.

Dec 30 Fri. Full day photographing and riding the “toy train” from Ooty to Coonoor and v.v. n.b. we will have to pre-book tickets for a selected journey(s) on this popular India - "Christmas Special" - Christmas/New Year service. Dinner and overnight Ooty

Dec 31 Sat. Another full day Ooty. Dinner and overnight.

Jan 1 Sun. Today we travel by road to Mysore, calling in for a visit to the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary en route – see elephants having a bath! and on to Bangalore for dinner and overnight.

Jan 2 Mon. Bangalore is the location of one of the oldest working steam locomotives in the world – East India Railways No. EIR21, a Kitson Well Tank 2-2-2 of 1855, and which is planned to operate on the line to Mysore (or part of it, as the whole line is 145kms long!) If indeed it is operational, we will have a charter train on the line towards Mysore, and back, before retiring to our hotel in Bangalore for dinner and overnight.

Jan 3 Tue. BLR/BOM 12:00/14:30? and overnight in Bombay? maybe a day or two there before flying back to London? Or BLR/GOI 17:00/18:10 for a few days relaxation on the beaches of Portuguese Goa before flying back to London 06:55 GOI/BOM/BOM/LHR 13:55 with Virgin Atlantic.

This itinerary assumes that the MAWD at Guwahati (and the trip on the Bramaputra river which was packaged with it) no longer operates. Should it be reinstated we will try to include it in this comprehensive itinerary. It also assumes that rail timetables, airline schedules etc. will have returned to something like normal by the time of our tour. As these things are by no means certain, no deposits are needed now - just register your interest info@enthusiasthols.com so that we can keep you personally updated as to progress. We are in constant touch with the railway and tourism authorities in India - whose 2021 global conference "Romancing the Rail" highlighted their commitment to reviving heritage steam operations in India as conditions and funds allow.

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