A Railfan's Trip to Germany and More:
From High-Speed to Steam
May 22-June 6, 2003
Itinerary
Thursday, May 22
Depart U.S.
Depart from the U.S. to Düsseldorf on individually arranged flights.Friday, May 23
Arrive Düsseldorf (D)
Arrive at Düsseldorf's airport. If you arrive by 10:30 a.m., you will be greeted at the airport and directed to one of six hourly trains (the S-Bahn) from the airport to the city center and our hotel. Alternately, you may choose to fly into Frankfurt, Brussels or Amsterdam, and take the new high-speed ICE 3 train to Düsseldorf.This afternoon, join Werner Schorn for a private streetcar tour of Düsseldorf's Old Town. Established in the 13th century, Düsseldorf was once a fishing village, but now stands as an economic and fashion center of Germany. The legendary city has been almost completely restored since World War II.
Tonight you will get to know your tour leader and fellow travelers over a welcome cocktail and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Düsseldorf
Saturday, May 24
Düsseldorf (B, D)
After breakfast, you will have two options: Mr. Schorn will be leading our group on one of the newest rail services in Europe, the ICE 3-dubbed Europe's super train-providing high-speed service from Cologne to Frankfurt at a top speed of 205 m.p.h. Passengers will enjoy the train's interior wood trim and spacious, dark blue leather seats. This new service will cut one hour off travel time from Cologne to Frankfurt when it begins service in December of 2002.The other option today is to enjoy any of Düsseldorf's 18 museums, the German Opera House, or the many shops and pubs at your leisure. Of course you will need to shop on the Königsalle- known as the Kö-one of the world's most elegant shopping boulevards, lined with high fashion boutiques and sidewalk cafés.
Dinner will be together at the Restaurant on the Rheinturm (Rhine Tower), with an expansive view over Düsseldorf.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Düsseldorf
Sunday, May 25
Utrecht: Dutch Railway Museum (B)
Today we head north to Utrecht, Netherlands, aboard one of Germany's top-of-the-line ICEs (Intercity Express). These high-speed trains are designed with an emphasis on passenger comfort, making the two-hour journey fly by.Upon arrival, Mr. Schorn will take railfans to enjoy a private guided tour of the Dutch Railway Museum, located in the former Maliebaan station and home to many locomotives, carriages, buses and trams.
Our professional, local guide will take another group to experience Utrecht by foot and boat. First we'll glide through the 14th century canals of the once-bustling city, then pace our way through the sights, including the Dom, the Netherland's tallest church. Tonight is at your leisure; you may choose to dine at the hotel restaurant, or you may select a cute nook for authentic German cuisine.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Düsseldorf
Monday, May 26
Bochum: Steam Engine Museum of DGEG (B)
A one-hour ride on a regional train will take us to Bochum, about 60 miles northeast of Düsseldorf. The small town is home to the Eisenbahnmuseum where we will again have a private guided tour. This museum was founded by rail enthusiasts and is Germany's largest rail museum under private ownership. The Eisenbahnmuseum is housed in the historical railway workshops of the Royal Prussian Railway, which dates from 1916. Highlighting the collection are 15 steam locomotives.Alternatively, join a local guide for a trip to Cologne, spelled "Köln" in German. We will take a 30-minute Intercity train to Cologne and have a tour of the city. We begin exploring the oldest city on the Rhine at the majestic, recently restored Gothic cathedral (Dom) and continue on to the 4711 Cologne factory for a tour.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Düsseldorf
Tuesday, May 27
Düsseldorf to Berlin by ICE (B, L, D)
After enjoying a hot breakfast at the Dorint, we will hop aboard ICE 924 for the nearly 4-hour ride across the north of Germany to Berlin. We'll enjoy lunch together in the train's restaurant car, known for excellent meals.Upon arrival in Berlin, we'll check into our hotel. It's perfectly situated for a rail tour: it's part of the rail station complex. This afternoon, we'll use our included Berlin city card, good for use on the city's public transportation, to tour Germany's capital. The extremely efficient S-Bahn and U-Bahn lead to all of our destinations.
Later we will board a private coach which will take us to see the ruins of the Berlin Wall, recalling the days of the Cold War. Gain insight to how the city has changed since the Wall's destruction. Berlin is now bustling with buildings and the stress of reunification after decades of Communist/Allied divisions. It's one of Mr. Schorn's favorite cities. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.
Overnight: InterCity Hotel, Berlin
Wednesday, May 28
Berlin's S-Bahn Museum; Potsdam and Palace of Sanssouci (B)
After breakfast, we will tour captivating Berlin in a privately chartered car of the S-Bahn. We'll familiarize ourselves with the S-Bahn system and then take in the S-Bahn Museum. Later, we will depart Berlin for Potsdam."A trip to Berlin would not be complete without paying a visit to Potsdam and the Palace of Sanssouci," according to Fodor's Germany 2002. So we shall; the green meadows of Potsdam will be a perfect contrast to the bustling city life of Berlin. The Spree and Havel Rivers will provide miles of gorgeous landscape to take in. We will travel by train through the city of Potsdam until our arrival at historic Sanssouci. The French translation says it all, "without a care," so we shall leisurely explore the summer residence of Prussia's most famous king, Frederick the Great. We will return to Berlin tonight where you may enjoy dinner on your own.
Overnight: InterCity Hotel, Berlin
Thursday, May 29
Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin, with its large display of steam trains. This turn-of-the-century factory hall houses a large collection of locomotives, aircraft and old automobiles, among others. You are free to stay as long as you want, as museum departure will be at your leisure.This afternoon, you are free to roam about the streets of Berlin. So why not stroll past the shops and cafés of Kurfüstendamm? Or visit the shops on Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse, or take in "The Story of Berlin," a multi-media presentation and museum which, eerily, was built over a bomb shelter.
Tonight we will dine together at the TV Tower Restaurant at Alexanderplatz with a panoramic view of Berlin.
Overnight: InterCity Hotel, Berlin
Friday, May 30
Berlin to Wernigerode and the Harz Mountains (B, D)
Following breakfast, we will hop on a train to the heart of the Harz Mountains: Wernigerode. Our charming hotel is located right in the square of this quaint town of half-timbered buildings, a real medieval castle and endless crannies to explore. This fascinating region was only recently opened to the west; there are few natives who speak English and few tourists. Just a ten-minute walk from our hotel is the Wernigerode Westerntor Station, central office and locomotive and car repair shops of Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB), which in English means "Harz Narrow-Gauge Railways."After a visit to the shops, we will return to the hotel for dinner. The chef prepares excellent regional and continental dishes, served in a beautiful setting.
Overnight: Hotel Gothisches Haus, Wernigerode
Saturday May 31
Brocken Mountain: the Brockenbahn (B, D)
Today, we will be treated to one of our tour's highlights: a trip by special train with two steam engines and traditional wagons to the summit of the legendary Brocken. At 3,747 feet, Brocken is northern Germany's highest summit. For more than 40 years, the Brocken was used by the Communist regime as a military base and was off-limits to all but the Soviet military. In June, 1992, public rail service resumed to this famous mountain, the legendary meeting places of witches on Walpurgis Night. In good weather, the view from the summit is splendid! After a day of spectacular scenery, we will travel back Wernigerode to enjoy dinner at our hotel.Overnight: Hotel Gothisches Haus, Wernigerode
Sunday, June 1
The Selketalbahn (B, L)
The meter-gauge Selketalbahn is also part of the HSB, and that's what we will take today. This is among the most beautiful and romantic routes of the entire Harz narrow-gauge system. For many years, this railway has been an "open secret" for nature lovers. Its more than 32-mile route between Gernrode, Harzgerode, Hasselfelde and Eisfelder Talmühle is wild and untamed, brimming with wildlife, trees and flowers.First we ride to Gernrode, then transfer to a steam-powered train, which takes us on a romantic ride through the Selke Valley. A stop in Alexisbad will allow plenty of time for to explore, have lunch and take photographs before returning by the same route.
Overnight: Hotel Gothisches Haus, Wernigerode
Monday, June 2
Dresden via Leipzig (B, D)
Today we say goodbye to Wernigerode and travel east to Dresden, with a stop in Leipzig en route. Leipzig is famous for several of its inhabitants: Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Goethe and Schiller. It is also famous for its mammoth railway station, one of the largest in Europe. We will tour the city's Tram Museum, home of 20 historical streetcars. Then we will zip through Leipzig's charming streets in a private tram, capturing the allure of this classic German city."Fascinating Leipzig is more than just the economic, cultural and administrative capital of Saxony. The stately city, founded at the confluence of three rivers (the Parthe, Elster and the Pleisee) has been a city of western civilization and economic life since the 15th century when it acquired its lofty status as a protected trade-fair location." (The International Railway Traveler No. 98, Aug. 1998)
This afternoon we continue to lovely Dresden, located on the banks of the Elbe River. View the yellow and pale green façades that make Dresden so enchanting. After arrival at our hotel, we will dine together.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Dresden
Tuesday, June 3
Dresden (B, L)
After another grand buffet breakfast this morning, we will discover the buzzing cosmopolitan city of Dresden. With our professional Dresden guide, we will begin our day with a chartered streetcar tour around the "Florence of the North."The city of Dresden abounds with activities for both the general tourist and the railfan alike, with its plethora of architecture, art and nearby 750-mm-gauge steam railway. Our special streetcar will also take us past areas that illustrate all too well the monumental city-planning ideals of Communism. We will enjoy lunch together in this fabled city of art and culture, then break off for the afternoon.
Railfans will join Mr. Schorn for a visit to Dresden's interesting Verkehrsmuseum (Transportation Museum), followed by an optional trip to the city's Streetcarmuseum. Our professional, local Dresden guide will take another group to the world-class Semper Opera and The Zwinger. There, we will tour the Meissen porcelain exhibit. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Dresden
Wednesday, June 4
Dresden to Chemnitz & Hilbersdorf (B, L)
Today we travel to historic Chemnitz, formerly known as Karl-Marx-Stadt. On our privately guided tour of the city, we will see the imposing Karl Marx monument with a plaque bearing the famous words, "Workers of the world, unite!" Also in this industrial and intellectual center, we will visit the 12th century Rote Turm (Red Tower) and the millionyearold petrified tree trunks.We will then travel to nearby Hilbersdorf and enjoy a tour by historic streetcar around the town. We'll also pay a visit the Railway Museum Hilbersdorf with its steam, diesel and electric engines. This afternoon we travel back to Dresden, relaxing as we roll through the beautiful scenery. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Dresden
Thursday, June 5
Radebeul & Radeburg by steam train (B, D)
Following a buffet breakfast, we'll sample the S-bahn 1 from Dresden to Radebeul Ost. There, we'll hop a narrow-gauge steam train built in 1900, traveling across fields and offering pretty lake views. See Moritzburg's stunning royal Saxonian castle from the train as we travel north to Radeburg. There will be time to explore the town and have lunch on your own before returning to Dresden via steam train and S-bahn again.Tonight, we enjoy our last feast together. For our farewell celebration, we'll dine at a local restaurant in Dresden with our new-found friends. Here, we will toast yet another wonderful rail journey and say our good-byes.
Overnight: Dorint Hotel, Dresden
Friday, June 6
Return to U.S. (B)
All good things must end! Our tour ends today after breakfast. Return to the U.S. on individually arranged flights.
Included in the tour cost:
- Accommodation at first-class hotels as mentioned above, including service charge and taxes
- Porterage in and out of hotels in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Wernigerode and Dresden
- Welcome dinner with wine and coffee
- Buffet breakfasts daily; other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Farewell dinner with wine and coffee
- Public transportation cards for Düsseldorf, Berlin and Dresden
- Harz Narrow-Gauge Railways pass for Wernigerode
- Private streetcar tour in Düsseldorf
- Entrance fee and guide to the Dutch Railway Museum or local guided tour and canal cruise in Utrecht
- Entrance fee and guide to the Steam Engine Museum of the DGEG in Bochum or local guided trip to
Cologne, with city tour including factory visit
- Private coach for city tour of Berlin
- Chartered S-Bahn in Berlin
- Entrance fees to the museums in Berlin as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private coach for the city tour of Potsdam
- Entrance fee to Sans Souci Palace and Park
- Entrance fees to the HSB repair shops in Wernigerode
- Tram tour and guide in Leipzig
- Tram tour, guide and entrance fee in Hilbersdorf
- Tram tour, guide and Verkehrsmuseum entrance fee in Dresden
- Guide for city tour of Dresden with entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- Chartered car on steam train to Radebeul/Radeburg
- Separate luggage transfers between all hotels
- Various train reservations and supplements, all first class where available
- Gratuities for all included services and activities, with the exception of gratuities for your tour leader
- Services of a full-time professional tour leader, Werner Schorn
Land-only cost:
$3,120 per person, double occupancy if booked by December 16
$3,320 if booked after December 16
Single supplement: $570
Please note: A European railpass will be required for this journey. There are numerous options depending on your travel plans. These rates are in effect if you book before Dec. 16. New pass rates (not yet announced) will go into effect in 2003.
15-day Eurailpass: $572 per person
15-day Eurailpass Saver: $486 per person
(Please note passengers must travel together at all times with Saverpass.)Eurail Selectpass (good for any 3 adjoining countries)
10 days in 2 months: $502
Eurail Selectpass Saver (two or more people traveling together)
10 days in 2 months: $428Many 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.
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 personal beverages other than those included at group meals. Gratuities for tour leader, which are at your discretion.Do you need international air?
IRT gets excellent rates for business class and coach class on many carriers. Please inquire upon booking. We will propose a price and schedule. Please note: If you are connecting through Brussels, Frankfurt or Amsterdam, your connection will be faster and cheaper if you do it by rail on the new high-speed service. Your rail pass would cover the cost.Do you need extra nights? Please order upon booking.
Düsseldorf Dorint Hotel: $122 per twin room/$84 per single room
Dresden Dorint Hotel: $145 per twin room/$95 per single room
Prices include breakfast, service charge and taxesPlease note: porterage of one main bag is included throughout the trip except from/to the airports because Society members arrive at different times. We will be delighted to provide a "meet and greet" service, for additional cost, where you will be transferred by private car with an English-speaking driver. Please let us know upon booking if you would like this assistance.
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 non-refundable . 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.
Insurance: We strongly recommend that all passengers protect themselves with tour insurance to cover costs in the event of cancellation. Upon booking (or in advance upon request), we will send a brochure about tour interruption/cancellation insurance. We recommend purchasing insurance coverage immediately upon booking. In order to cover pre-existing conditions, coverage must be purchased within 10 days of the initial trip deposit.
Minimum/Maximum Participants: This tour must have at least 20 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: Airfare, 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. Gratuities to your tour leader.
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. Passengers will be responsible for their own bags upon arrival in Düsseldorf. and upon departing Dresden. Baggage will be handled throughout the rest of the tour. 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 of your tour leader. 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.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
Send us e-mail with comments or questions
