DR R617 20pp A4 Arena low res

Vulkan Express
YOU R HOLIDAY
INCLUDES
• Return Eurostar from London to
Brussels
• Return rail from Brussels to Cologne
and connecting rail journey to Remagen
• Five nights’ half board
accommodation in Remagen
• Services of our Tour Manager
Plus the following excursions:
• Visits to Cologne, the Ahr valley and
Rüdesheim
• Boat trip along the Rhine
• Journey on the Dragon Rock Railway
• Horse-drawn carriage ride in the
Ahr valley
• Journey on the Vulkan Express
Great Little Trains of the Rhine Valley
6DAYS
FROM
£659
Journey through a storybook landscape of towering hilltops, ancient castles, enchanting
forests and old-world towns, which are all infused with history and legends, and bound
together by the mighty Rhine. Our relaxing holiday is a wonderful way to see this famous
river valley as we step aboard the Vulkan Express –a delightfully preserved railway that
whisks you up the Eifel mountains, we also enjoy a journey on the Dragon Rock Railway,
the home of German legend; ride in a horse-drawn carriage in the beautiful Ahr valley,
take a scenic boat trip along the Rhine and discover the highlights of the magnificent city
of Cologne and the pretty wine town of Rüdesheim – all of which is enjoyed from our
riverside base with rail travel throughout.
Day 1: London – Remagen
We journey from London to Brussels by Eurostar,
where we join the high-speed rail connection to
Cologne. From here we take a local train along
the Rhine to Remagen and check in at our hotel,
our base for the next five nights.
Day 2: Cologne
Our rail journey today takes us to Cologne, a city
dominated by its magnificent gothic cathedral.
A climb up the south tower to the viewing
platform rewards you with extensive views
across the city and the Rhine. The architecture
is striking, from Romanesque churches, simple
post-war and classic modern buildings, to many
historic monuments. A walk into the medieval
old city reveals the lively old market square
and historic town hall, the oldest in Germany.
Cologne also offers excellent shopping and is
of course most famous for its eau de cologne
legacy. We travel by rail for a short stay in Bonn,
before enjoying a scenic boat trip along the
Rhine which takes us to Königswinter. From
here we take a journey on a small train up the
Drachenfels (Dragon Rock). This is the most
famous of the seven Siebengebirge mountains
and, according to legend, is where Siegfried slew
the dragon who lived in a cave on the mountain.
Although you aren’t likely to spot any dragons
on your train ride, the scenery is striking. After
a delightful return journey, we take a train and a
ferry across the Rhine and return to our hotel.
Day 3: Ahr Valley
We travel by train along the Ahr valley, an area
of broad plateaux and narrow gorges where
picturesque half-timbered towns nestle in the
landscape and castles crown hill summits. This is
the most northerly of Germany’s wine-producing
regions that is mostly dedicated to the production
of red wines. Seldom is this wine exported so
our special excursion to Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler
will give us the opportunity to sample some and
purchase a souvenir bottle or two, as well as enjoy
a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Day 4: Vulkan Express
We enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Vulkan Express, a
privately owned narrow gauge train. The journey,
through one of the most scenic valleys of the
Rhine, takes 1½ hours, passing castles, crossing
viaducts and going through a tunnel as we ascend
the Eifel mountains to the village of Engeln.
Day 5: Rüdesheim
Today we travel through the Rhine Gorge by
train, passing the legendary Lorelei to reach
the quaint wine town of Rüdesheim. The
Drosselgasse is the hub, lined with taverns
serving the Rheingau region’s finest riesling wines.
The Niederwald monument, which depicts the
mythical figure of Germania, can be reached by
cable car, where spectacular views of the Rhine
valley and castles can be enjoyed. The ruins
of Ehrenfels Castle is another idyllic location,
surrounded by vineyards above the Rhine Gorge.
Day 6: Remagen – London
We depart our hotel in the morning and retrace
our route to Brussels, where we join Eurostar for
the return to London.
Cologne
DATES & PRICES
Tour code: RERHV06
7 August 2017........................................................... £659
11 September 2017.................................................. £659
Single room supplement.......................................£70
Travel Insurance
Please call for details
All prices shown are per person
PROVISIONAL TRAIN TIMES
Outward journey
Departs St Pancras 08.55
Arrives Remagen 16.47
Return journey
Departs Remagen 11.08
Arrives St Pancras 17.03
YOUR HOTEL
Hotel Pinger, Remagen
This 3 star establishment is owned by the Pinger
family, who have been running hotels in the area
since 1938. It is conveniently located close to
the railway station and the town centre, and
offers comfortable rooms all of which have en
suites, TVs and telephones. Public areas include
a restaurant, coffee shop, bar with seating area
outside for relaxing, sauna and plunge pool. The
hotel also has a lift.
Hotel Pinger, Remagen
Eifel National Park
To book call us on 01858 438 328 and quote R617 or visit us at www.arenarailholidays.co.uk
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