An Austrian Railway Feast:
April 19-May 4, 2002Led by Werner Schorn & Gunnar Holmqvist
Itinerary
Friday, April 19
Depart U.S.
Depart from the U.S. to Vienna on individually arranged flights.Saturday, April 20
Arrival in Vienna (D)
Arrive at Vienna's Schwechat airport after a light breakfast on the plane. For those who arrive by 10:30 a.m. today, tour leaders Werner Schorn or Gunnar Holmqvist will meet you just outside of customs and guide you to Vienna's Westbahnhof. From there, it is a short, five-minute walk to the Hotel Wimberger, where we will spend our first four nightsAfter checking in at the hotel, we will have the balance of the afternoon free to explore or relax after the long flight. Try out the city's extensive subway and streetcar system using your included Vienna transportation card.
Get to know your fellow travelers and tour leaders tonight over welcome cocktails at the hotel. This will be followed by dinner with wine and coffee.
Overnight: Vienna, Hotel Wimberger
Sunday, April 21
Vienna / Austrian Railway Museum (B)
After breakfast we will be met by a local English-speaking guide for a half-day walking tour of Vienna. Stroll along the Kärntnerstrasse, one of Europe's most beautiful boulevards, and see the Opera House. Also nearby are the Hofburg, 13th century home of the Imperial family, and the Imperial Apartments. If you wish, we can make arrangements for you to attend 9:15 a.m. Mass at the royal chapel with the Vienna Boys Choir, a tradition dating back to 1498.This afternoon you will have a choice of visiting the Austrian Railway Museum with Mr. Schorn or taking in Schönbrunn Palace with Mr. Holmqvist. The Railway Museum is located just east of Vienna in Strasshof, and will be celebrate opening day, with many steam engines, old lorries and buses in action. Ride on the steam engine or in historical coaches between the museum and the Strasshof station. There will also be plenty of opportunities to photograph the museum's collection.
Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour through the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, summer residence of the Habsburg family. Forty of the palace's 1440 rooms are open to the public, and are lavishly decorated, with frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Stroll around the palace's beautiful gardens with several fountains. And enjoy excellent views of the city from the Gloriette monument. Dinner this evening is on your own in one of Vienna's many fine restaurants.
Overnight: Vienna, Hotel Wimberger
Monday, April 22
Semmering Pass (B,D)
Today we will ride an Austrian Federal Railways express train over the Semmering Pass on a line that is considered the first mountain railroad in Europe. The Semmeringbahn was begun by railway engineer Carl Ghega in 1848. Opened in 1854, it is still regarded as one of the greatest pieces of railway engineering in Europe.We will ride as far south as Bruck an der Mur, where you'll have time to find lunch on our own and do some train watching. Return to Vienna will be by a series of local trains, with photo stops along the way. If you prefer, you may take an express train back and spend the afternoon in Vienna.
Tonight we will transfer to the Restaurant Mayer am Pfarrplatz for a special dinner together.
Overnight: Vienna, Hotel Wimberger
Tuesday, April 23
Mariazellerbahn and Ybbstalbahn (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to charming St. Pölten and ride the electrically powered 31-inch gauge Mariazellerbahn up into the mountains. The line was electrified in 1911, and its six-axle, siderod-drive locomotives are original equipment, though rebuilt with new bodies. The line also has a new electric-powered train set that reportedly cost as much as a TGV. If you like, dine on your own at the Mariazell station restaurant, known for excellent meals.Transfer from Mariazell to Lunz am See via motorcoach. From here, we will pick up a local narrow-gauge train heading north to Amstetten via Waidhofen a.d. Ybbs, known as the Ybbstalbahn. From Amstetten, we'll hop an IC back to Vienna. If you wish, enjoy dinner in the train's dining car.
Optional Tour to Vienna Woods: Alternatively, spend the day exploring the Vienna Woods, a green belt surrounding the city free from urban development. Mr. Holmqvist will accompany this group, which will join an escorted motorcoach for the half-day excursion. Take in the southern part of Vienna Woods, including the Roman City of Baden, famous for its thermal springs; the former Mayerling hunting lodge, now a commemorative chapel; and the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz (1133). Finally, enjoy a boat ride on the largest subterranean lake in Europe before returning to Vienna, passing Liechtenstein Castle en route.
Overnight: Vienna, Hotel Wimberger
Wednesday, April 24
Vienna (B)
Today is at your leisure in beautiful Vienna. The city has plenty to offer the railfan. As IRT contributing editor Rich Rubin puts it: "With a dense network of subways, trams and buses, Vienna is a joy for those who love to rideThe underground will whisk you to your destination almost before you've had time to admire the cleanliness of the trains or the aesthetic appeal of the stationsFor those interested in urban transit, the masterful system is a joy to behold. Add buses through the historic center and to the suburbs, and you may not step into a taxi during your entire trip" (IRT No. 84, April 1997). Mr. Schorn can help you with your plans to explore any and all of these transportation options.Also recommended are the excellent Museum of Fine Arts and the Belvedere Palace, which offers two art collections. Climb the south tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral for views of the city (you may also take an elevator). Consider taking in a concert or other musical event this evening. Your tour leaders can help make these arrangements.
Overnight: Vienna, Hotel Wimberger
Thursday, April 25
Cruise to Salzburg; Melk Abbey (B,D)
Please have your luggage ready this morning for separate transfer. Meanwhile, we make our way west to Salzburg via train and boat. From Vienna we head to the small town of Krems an der Donau, where we will leave the train and board a ship. Sit back and relax on our 3-hour cruise to Melk, with its Benedictine Monastery overlooking the river. This stretch features some of the most scenic sections of the Danube Valley, with wine-growing villages, forested slopes and imposing fortresses at nearly every bend. Enjoy lunch in the ship's restaurant on your own.In Melk, we will tour the Monastery, which offers excellent views of the town and Danube. It also features an exquisite library with beautifully bound books dating back to the 10th century, but the most impressive is the Abbey, which is heavily decorated with marble, frescoes and paintings.
From here we join another train to Amstetten where we'll switch to an IC train that will take us to Salzburg. We have reservations in the train's restaurant car for dinner. Upon arrival, we walk to our hotel, the Europa, located next door to the main station.
Overnight: Salzburg, Hotel Europa
Friday, April 26
Salzburg (B)
Explore the beauty and musical heritage of lovely Salzburg with a walking tour of the city. Visit the Mirabell Gardens (made famous by The Sound of Music); Dom Cathedral; St. Peter's Abbey, with its interesting graveyard, and several highlights of Mozart's connection to the city, including his birthplace, residence and a statue commemorating the musical genius.The remainder of the afternoon and evening are on your own. You may wish to take the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg castle for wonderful views of the city and valleys below. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. The castle's open-air restaurant is recommended.
A nice ride out of Salzburg is on the Lokalbahn to nearby Oberndorf, home of the church in which "Silent Night" was written and first performed.
Overnight: Salzburg, Hotel Europa
Saturday, April 27
Salzburg (B,D)
Today enjoy activities on your own. Mr. Schorn will help with schedules for any rail day trip you might want to take. Among the choices are: a trip to the nearby German town of Berchtesgaden; a visit to the town of Hallstatt and its salt mines; or a beautiful train ride south to Villach, a 3-hour journey with wonderful mountain scenery.Alternatively, explore Salzburg in depth. Go to the old part of the city and ride a cable car 5,800 feet up to Untersberg for a breathtaking view of the Alps.
A final suggestion is a trip west to Prien am Chiemsee. Here a boat will take you to the small island of Herreninsel, where a short horse carriage ride or 20 minute walk will bring you to the one of King Ludwig's castles, Schloss Herrenchiemsee. The castle is an attempted replica of Versailles: French-style gardens surrounding the Latona fountain, a façade of columns crowned with a flat roof and excessively furnished inside. There is also a museum documenting Ludwig's life in the southern wing of the building.
Wherever you decide to roam, be back at the hotel in time for dinner. We will transfer to the Restaurant Stiftskeller where we'll enjoy a delightful Mozart Dinner, complete with beautiful music. Your excellent meal will be rounded out by several short concerts from a string quintet and several singers. As one past IRT member put it: "Nothing can top this evening!"
Overnight: Salzburg, Hotel Europa
Sunday, April 28
Stern & Hafferl Railways (B)
In the lake district east of Salzburg are several local railways operated by Stern & Hafferl. We'll ride Gmunden's streetcar line, shortest in the world, which runs a mile and a half down to the town's lakefront; a meter-gauge line from Gmunden to Vorchdorf-Eggenberg; a standard gauge line from there to Lambach; and the OeBB's main line from Lambach to Vocklamarkt. Here, you are welcome to diverge on your own: some may wish to take another S&H narrow gauge line to Attersee.Alternatively, make a trip with Mr. Holmqvist to Hellbrunn Palace, just outside of Salzburg, reached by train and streetcar. Built in the 17th century by bishop Marcus Sitticus, the palace is replete with trick fountains and water-powered figures. The palace's attractive gardens should be in bloom, as well. Lunch and dinner will be on your own today.
Overnight: Salzburg, Hotel Europa
Monday, April 29
Salzburg to Innsbruck (B,L)
Please have your luggage ready this morning for separate transfer. Meanwhile, today we head to the mountains - and Innsbruck. Our train takes the route that stays inside Austria's borders, via Bischofshofen, Zell-am-See, and Kitzbuhel. This trip is one of the most scenic rides in Austria, with exceptionally beautiful views of gorges, lakes, mountains and rivers.Today, we'll also sample one of the delights of railroading - a luncheon in the train's dining car.
After check-in at our hotel, ride the Stubaitalbahn, a mountain-climbing streetcar to Fulpmes, high above Innsbruck on the south wall of the Inn Valley. It affords wonderful views over the entire Valley, especially as the sun sets.
Overnight: Innsbruck, Hotel Neue Post
Tuesday, April 30
Innsbruck Streetcar Museum (B,D)
This morning we'll enjoy a chartered streetcar tour of Innsbruck, including a stop at the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art, which is considered the most important collection of costumes and rustic furniture in Austria. We will also enjoy a private tour of the Innsbruck Streetcar Museum.The afternoon is free. Spend your time exploring the city's streetcar system; or take the funicular up the Hungerberg to the Alpen Zoo. Innsbruck, famous as a winter resort, is the gateway to many cable railway trips. The main lines that run west to the Arlberg Tunnel or south over Brenner Pass are also good choices. (Brenner is located just over the Italian border, and is a great place to watch the engines change.)
We'll enjoy dinner together tonight at the hotel.
Overnight: Innsbruck, Hotel Neue Post
Wednesday, May 1
Achenseebahn and Zillertalbahn (B)
This is a mostly steam, mostly narrow-gauge day. Our first trip is on a local train to Jenbach, 22 miles east, where we'll board a 31-inch gauge train of the Zillertalbahn for a round trip behind steam up the flat, broad Ziller valley to Mayrhofen. Return to Jenbach and board a train of the meter-gauge Achenseebahn, a steam-powered cog railway. We'll ride to the Achensee, largest lake in Austria, and return by the same route.Alternatively, you may wish to remain in Innsbruck for the day. Mr. Holmqvist will be leading a group to Swarovski Crystal World, a quick train or bus ride outside of Innsbruck. Here you can watch glass-blowing demonstrations and browse the crystal merchandise, from jewelry to chandeliers.
Overnight: Innsbruck, Hotel Neue Post
Thursday, May 2
Innsbruck to Munich / Zugspitz (B)
There are several ways to travel from Innsbruck to Munich. We've chosen the slower route, taking local trains via Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Here we will board a train of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn to Zugspitzplatt. There, it is a simple hop aboard a cable car, which will take you to the Zugspitz summit, highest peak in Germany (9,725 feet). Be sure to dress warmly!After checking in at the Hotel Maritim, the afternoon and evening are free in Munich. Spend it relaxing in one of the city's more than 100 beer gardens, many of which serve inexpensive meals.
One of Munich's most interesting spots is Schloss Nymphenburg, the royal family's summer residence. The palace's large grounds include formal gardens and woodlands, hunting lodge, a carriage museum and porcelain factory.
The palace itself is lavishly decorated with furniture, paintings and tapestries. Of special interest is the Gallery of Beauties. Conceived by King Ludwig I, the room is filled with paintings he commissioned of the most beautiful women of the era.
Overnight: Munich, Hotel Maritim
Friday, May 3
Deutsches Museum (B,D)
Today we will enjoy a walking tour of Munich with an English-speaking local guide. Visit the Marienplatz, the square in the heart of the city, where the Glockenspiel chimes with a display of jousting knights and dancing coopers. We'll also see the Frauenkirche, the vast late Gothic hall-church whose two domes have become a symbol of the city.After time for lunch on your own, we head to the Deutsches Museum, one of the world's largest museums of science and technology. There is an excellent civil engineering section, including Railway Hall, which houses several famous steam engines - among them the 1912 S-3/6 which powered the Bavarian Express - as well as the first electric locomotive (circa 1879). Other exhibits include the first telephone, the workbench upon which Otto Hahn split his first atom, and a model salt mine. Demonstrations on papermaking, smelting and glass-blowing are also offered.
Tonight we have scheduled a wonderful farewell dinner with wine and coffee at the restaurant Ratskeller, located under city hall in the Marienplatz.
Overnight: Munich, Hotel Maritim
Saturday, May 4
Depart Munich
Today, we say "Auf Wiedersehen!" until we meet again! Transfer to Munich's airport on your own and board your flight back to the United States.
Included in this tour:
Accommodation as mentioned above with full buffet breakfast daily, service charge, taxes and porters in and out
This does not include porterage from/to the airport.
Land-only price of trip:
SAVE $200 per person by booking before November 26, 2001
$2,644 per person, double occupancy
$506 Single supplementAfter November 26:
$2,844 per person, double occupancy
$506 Single SupplementPlease note that a 15-day Eurailpass will be required for this journey.
15-day Eurailpass: $572 per person
15-day Eurailpass Saver: $486 per person
(Please note passengers must travel together at all times with Saverpass.)Many other passes are available if you wish to extend your vacation in Europe. These include the 21-day Eurailpass, first class: $740 p.p.; 21-day Eurailpass Saver, first class: $630 p.p.
The Eurailpass is good in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Please note that the optional Vienna Woods excursion on June 3 is $50 per person. For all other optional excursions listed in the itinerary where specified, Mr. Holmqvist will lead and entrance fees are included. Please request optional tours before final payment.
Not included in the tour cost: Airfare; rail pass; costs of obtaining passports; meals not listed in the itinerary; optional sightseeing unless specified; any expenses of a personal nature, including all forms of travel insurance, laundry service, all alcoholic beverages and all personal beverages other than those included at group meals. Gratuities for tour leaders.
Do you need extra hotel nights?
Pre-tour hotel night, Hotel Wimberger, Vienna: $102 per person, double; $152 single.
Post-tour hotel night, Hotel Maritim, Munich: $85 per person, double; $113 singleDo you need international air?
IRT gets some excellent rates for business class and coach class on many carriers. Please inquire before final payment.Please note: porterage of bags is included throughout the trip except from/to the airports because Society members arrive at different times. Tour leaders will meet those participants arriving the day of the tour prior to 10:30 a.m. Otherwise, we will be delighted to provide a "meet and greet" service, where you will be transferred by private Mercedes with an English-speaking driver. Please let us know upon booking if you will need this assistance. From Vienna Airport to Hotel Wimberger, $74. From Hotel Maritim to Munich Airport, $134. Prices include gratuities.
Please note: tour prices in this brochure are for Society of International Railway Travelers members and one guest only. Non-members pay $50 per person more. Please inquire about Society membership if you are not now a member! New traveling members get membership at half off: $32.50 per year.
Terms & Conditions
How to Book: Call our tour desk at 1-800-IRT-4881 to make a reservation. A deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required. Deposits can be made by check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover). Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Final payment is made by check 90 days before departure.
Passport: A valid passport is required, valid for six months after departure from U.S.
Cancellations: Notice of cancellations must be received by this office in writing before 90 days prior to departure and are subject to a $250 per-person administrative fee. This fee may be applied to a future trip taken within one year. Final payment is due 90 days before the trip. Cancellations occurring within 90 days prior to the trip are nonrefundable . No refunds will be made in the event of "no-shows" or cancellations the day of the trip. No refund will be given for unused portions of the tour. No refund for airline tickets once issued.
Insurance: We highly recommend that all passengers protect themselves with tour insurance to cover your costs in case you must cancel your journey. We will include the cost of insurance on your invoice; if you do not wish to purchase this valuable coverage, deduct the amount and sign and return the invoice to IRT.
Minimum/Maximum Participants: This tour must have at least 25 passengers in order to qualify for special group rates.
Prices: This tour price is based on currency exchange rates in effect at the time of printing. In the event of revaluation or devaluation of U.S. currency, the tour operator reserves the right to make adjustments.
Price does not include: Rail pass, Passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry; telephone calls; meals and alcoholic beverages not listed in the included section; optional sightseeing excursions; services other than those specifically mentioned in the included section; transfers and baggage handling on the day of arrival and departure; accident; sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; and excess baggage charges on aircraft. Please note: our tours officially begin at the first hotel. The tour does not include porterage from the airport to the first hotel; or from the last hotel to the airport. With IRT members coming and leaving at so many different times, this is impossible to arrange on a group basis. However, if you would like the IRT tour desk to arrange a private car and driver for you at additional cost, please notify IRT at time of booking. We will be happy to make these arrangements.
Medical: Any physical or mental condition which may require special medical attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require some walking to take full advantage of the transportation systems of each country we visit.
Baggage: Porterage is limited to one main bag per person. Please note that because of the differing times of arriving and departing flights, porterage to and from the airport to and from the first and last hotels is not included. Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout the trip, and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
Responsibility: The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. (HPC), parent company of The Society of International Railway Travelers, act only as agents for the passenger with respect to travel services. IRT and HPC do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. As a result, IRT and HPC are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such supplier of any other third party over whom IRT and HPC have no control. We can assume no responsibility nor liability in whole or in part for any delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, damage, weather, strikes, acts of God, circumstances beyond our control, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, expense, accident, sickness, injury or death to person or property, or mechanical defect, failure, or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation or other services, for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment beyond our control, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour due to these causes or voluntary cancellations. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
No revisions of the printed itinerary or the "included" section are anticipated; however, IRT and HPC reserve the right to make changes at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and IRT and HPC shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of such cancellation, substitution or changes. All fares as well as ship and train schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special programs, and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change without prior notice. IRT and HPC shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare nor make any other compensation under these circumstances. IRT and HPC cannot be responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers that may result due to operational and/or itinerary changes, regardless if the passenger and/or IRT and HPC make the flight arrangements. Any additional expenses resulting from the above will be paid by the individual passenger. IRT and HPC reserve the right to substitute a similar category for those listed in this brochure. IRT and HPC reserve the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in air fares, currency fluctuations or fuel surcharges and such increases are to be paid to IRT and HPC by the tour participant upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
The air tickets when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances.
By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract.
Behavior: Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT tour guides and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of the tour guide, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger to safety of other passengers the tour manager will issue him or her with a verbal warning. Should this not resolve the matter a second, written, warning will be issued. If the disruptive behavior continues after the second warning then the passenger will be removed from the tour and will have to make his or her own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untravelled portion of the tour will be entertained. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time should such a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
Rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange current at the time of printing and are subject to changes therein, at or before the time of departure. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage is at the owner's risk throughout the trip, unless insured. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time.
Complaints: We strive to offer the very best value in travel services to our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to one of your tour leaders. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office (Hardy Publishing Co., and The Society of International Railway Travelers are located at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205). We will not consider any claims not made to us within two months of completion of your journey. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
To book, please call 800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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