More Tramways of Germany

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Brussels

We start our tour by taking a mid-morning Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels then onwards to Cologne for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Onwards to Hannover

Morning ICE direct to Hannover where we stay at the IntercityHotel located close to the main station. The afternoon is free to explore using your InterRail Pass or the public transport ticket supplied. Kassel is only an hour away by regular ICE and has a unique light rail system. (Tram tickets in Kassel are not included in the holiday).

Day 3 – Bremen

Today we travel to Bremen, a Hanseatic city rich in culture and history, for a day of riding its extensive tram network.

Day 4 – Braunschweig

A short rail journey takes us to Braunschweig where we spend the day exploring its 5-line network. Braunschweig is the second largest city in Lower Saxony and is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Germany.

Day 5 – Hannover

Hannover boasts an extensive standard gauge tram network, part of which is underground. We explore it at leisure whilst taking in the sights of the city. This afternoon there will be an optional escorted excursion to the Hannover Tram Museum. With over 100 vehicles, many of which have been restored by the Museum members themselves, there will be lots to see.

Day 6 – Hannover to Berlin

This morning we will continue on to Berlin, Germany’s majestic capital, where we have a 4-night stay. Once we arrive in Berlin we will have a free afternoon to familiarise ourselves with the city and its transport networks.

Day 7 – Berlin

Today we will visit the only narrow gauge tram line in Berlin, the Schöneiche-Rüersdorfer Strassenbahn. We will also visit the wonderfully rural Wolderdorfer Strassenbahn. The afternoon is free for you to further explore Berlin and its tram network.

Day 8 – Frankfurt an der Oder

Today we have a special treat in store, a chartered ride on a historic tram car through the streets of Frankfurt an der Oder. We will have the chance to ride one of six tram cars that have been painstakingly preserved by the Historic Tram Frankfurt Association. The rest of the day is free to explore Frankfurt's tram network at leisure.

Day 9 – Cottbus

Today we visit Cottbus to explore as much of its 4-line network as we can. You may wish to visit the historic old town with its medieval gates, towers and baroque town houses.

Day 10 – Berlin to Erfurt

Departing Berlin, we travel to Erfurt where we will stay for 4 nights. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Erfurt and its tram networks. Today this network represents the evolution of the city's original tramway which, outside of the city centre, travels on track with its own right-of-way. The metre gauge network is made up of six lines, and has a total route length of 45.2km making it one of Germany's more moderate-sized networks.

Day 11 – Jena

Today we visit the metre gauge system in Jena to explore its 5-line network. Known as the City of Science it is not surprising that the city boasts several exceptional museums, most notably the Optical and Schott Glass Museums. The city also has a vibrant old town with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 12 – Erfurt

A day at leisure today to further explore Erfurt’s tram network. The capital of the Thuringia region, with its preserved architecture and fascinating sites such as the Cathedral of St Mary, Church of St Severus and Merchant’s Bridge, will not disappoint.

Day 13 – Leipzig

A short journey by ICE to Leipzig where we will visit the Historical Tram Museum. There will be plenty of time to view the comprehensive collection of 21 Historic Rail Cars, 17 Sidecars, 2 Trolleybuses and much more! Spend the afternoon at leisure in Leipzig to explore the tram network and take in the sights.

Day 14 – Erfurt to Frankfurt

After breakfast we make our way back across Germany as far as Frankfurt, where we will break our journey home. We are due to arrive in Frankfurt mid-afternoon, allowing for time to sightsee before dinner.

Day 15 – Homeward Bound

We depart Frankfurt on a direct morning service to Brussels Midi, from there we will take an afternoon Eurostar to London St Pancras arriving late afternoon.