Ffestiniog Travel

Friday 7 September to Sunday 16 September 2012

A tour rich in memorable railway interest with steam, heritage railways and famous awe inspiring lines. With time to savour the scenery, culture and food as we journey at a relaxed pace through Belgium, Holland and the Duchy of Luxembourg, once again Ffestiniog Travel has created a unique European tour for rail enthusiasts revisiting old favourites and introducing new rail experiences.

Day 1   To Charleroi

We leave London St Pancras on a midday Eurostar service to Brussels connecting with an intercity service to Charleroi, for a stay of 2 nights.

Day 2   Three Valleys Steam Railway

A fascinating insight into Charleroi with time for lunch before we take the train to Mariembourg. Our first captivating steam train excursion starts with a visit to the engine shed of the Three Valleys Steam Railway, before we board for our return journey to Treignes. En-route we pass through the beautifully restored station in the village of Olloy Sur Viroin. We visit the museum in Treigne where a fascinating insight on the industrial and railway history of Belgium is on display, along with a collection ‘from times gone by’. Free time in Treignes before our return steam journey to Mariembourg.

Day 3   Chemin de Fer du Bocq

Departing at lunchtime, we travel to our next destination by train, taking time en route for an amazing excursion on the Chemin de fer du Bocq. Travelling via Namur for this famous railway, we board at Ciney and take a truly memorable return journey following the famous Luxembourg to Brabant line. There is time on board to relax and enjoy the delightful Ardenne scenery. As we travel, the train makes a spectacular descent down into the valley of the Bocq. We Journey over a stone viaduct before travelling through the small town of Senenne. As we continue, the line twists and turns until we arrive at Dorinne-Durnal. Returning to Ciney we connect with our train to Luxembourg for a 3 nights stay.

Day 4   'Train 1900' steam charter

Today we have time to relax in Luxembourg before we take the local train to Petange, home of the Train 1900, where we depart on our own private steam charter for a return journey to Fond-de-Gras. This little tourist train, the only one in the Duchy of Luxembourg, makes its journey up and around hills using restored steam engines and carriages from the period when the Chiers Valley was busy with ironworks and mines. We stop at Fond-de-Gras for a depot visit before continuing to Bois de Rodange. On our return we connect with a local train back to Luxembourg.

Day 5   At Leisure in Luxembourg

A day at leisure to either relax amongst the atmospheric cafes and bars of the city squares, visit the museums, admire the art nouveau architecture or take the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas with your Benelux Pass.

Day 6   South Limburg Railway

This morning we depart by train to Maastricht, via Liège. On arrival we check in to our hotel close to the station before returning to board the train to Valkenburg. Here we ride the 29km long ZLSM – the South Limburg Railway, possibly the best preserved railway in Holland. We travel by steam train to Simpleveld and continue on to Kerkrade, before returning to Valkenburg for the train back to Maastricht.

Day 7   At Leisure in Maastricht

A day at leisure to explore the charming historical town of Maastricht. The narrow cobbled streets are picturesque to wander around, stopping perhaps in one of the many cafés or restaurants. There are interesting museums to explore or you can visit the photogenic Bisschopsmolen, the oldest working watermill in the Netherlands. Your Benelux Pass is still valid for those who want to travel further afield.

Day 8   To Utrecht

Time for a leisurely breakfast before making our way to the station for the train to Utrecht. Afternoon guided tour of the Utrecht Railway Museum with lunch included.

Day 9   Hoorn-Medemblick Railway

We Journey today by main line train to Hoorn for a ride on the historical steam train to Medemblik. This is followed by a vintage boat trip on the Ijsselmeer to Enkhuizen. Lunch included on the boat. During the mid-17th century the Dutch overseas trade with the East Indies was at the peak of its power and you may wish to remain in Enkhuizen for a while to explore this interesting historical port. Return by train to Utrecht.

Day 10   Journey Home

Morning departure by train from Utrecht to Brussels connecting with the Eurostar service to St Pancras, arriving mid afternoon.