Arena ARH R1819 68pp 29-4-18 LR PAGES

Ahr Valley
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: Bonn – Drachenfels Railway
Our rail journey today takes us to Bonn, the
birthplace of Beethoven and the former capital
of western Germany. Bonn is a great place to
explore, with a long and interesting history to
discover 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 that 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 wineproducing
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
Vulkan Express
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 are another idyllic location,
surrounded by vineyards above the Rhine Gorge.
After lunch we cruise along the Rhine River
and pass the legendary Lorelei, which soars 120
meters above the river to St Gorshausen, and
take the train back to Remagen.
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.
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 experienced
Tour Manager
Plus the following excursions:
• Visit Bonn to explore its infamous
landmarks
• Journey on the unforgettable Dragon
Rock Railway
• Visit the scenic beauty of the Ahr
valley by rail
• Experience a horse-drawn carriage
ride in the Ahr valley
• Journey on the historic Vulkan Express
• Visit the riverside town of Rüdesheim
by rail and cruise
6DAYS
SB
FROM
£699
DATES & PRICES
Tour code: RERHV06
10 September 2018 ................................................£749
8 October 2018 ......................................................£699
Single room supplement from .........................£75
13 May 2019 ..............................................................£699
8 July 2019 ..................................................................£749
Single room supplement from ........................£95
All prices shown are per person
Insurance & deposits – see page 65
PROVISIONAL TRAIN TIMES
Outward journey
Departs London 08.55
Arrives Remagen 16.46
Return journey
Departs Remagen 10.34
Arrives London 18.06
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 an
en suite, TV and telephone. Public areas include
a restaurant, coffee shop, bar with seating area
outside for relaxing, sauna and plunge pool.
The hotel also has a lift.
THE NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM & GERMANY
Hotel, Pinger
To book call us on 01858 438479 or visit us at www.arenarailholidays.co.uk
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