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Sightseeing by Steam in Northern Europe

This year we explore Northern Europe's steam railways in three separate escorted tours that journey by rail through Germany, Belgium and the Baltics and mark some historic moments en route.

Eine Kleine Dampfmusik - 16 Days from £1,840pp
Departs 27 May & 16 Sept 2015

Climbing to the Brocken

Germany has so much to offer the rail traveller from its efficient train and tram system to the many steam operated narrow gauge lines both in the West and former East. 2015 marks the 25th Anniversary of German Unification so this is a great year to fully explore and appreciate the country's railway heritage and modern transport network. Our escorted tour Eine Kleine Damfpmusik brings together the best that Germany has to offer the rail traveller and enthusiast with overnight stays in attractive towns where everyone (including non-rail enthusiasts) will find much of interest. We travel across Europe by train and visit Bonn, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Rostock and the stunning Harz Mountains en route. The Harz Mountains offer a beautiful backdrop to the world famous steam railway Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) and Wernigerode is a wonderful base to sample the culture, history and traditions of former East Germany and the country as a whole before the Cold War. Other highlights during this tour include journeys on the Vulcan Express, Wutachtalbahn, Kandertalbahn, Molli Bahn and the Rasender Roland Railways and visits to the Nuremberg & Neuenmarkt-Wirsberg Railway Museums.

Belgian Transport Extravaganza & Waterloo - 10 Days from £1,195pp
Departs 13 June 2015

Chemin de Fer a Vapeur des Trois Vallees © C Didier Mosseray

For such a small country Belgium has lots to offer the steam and rail enthusiast and this tour makes the most of the nation's railway and transport heritage as well as taking time to mark a major event in the country's history. June 2015 marks the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and on day 7 of this tour we enjoy a full day's excursion to the battlefield at Waterloo, visiting the famous Lion's Mount, the museum and the inn where the Duke of Wellington based his HQ prior to battle. This excursion adds an extra dimension to a tour that seeks to explore Belgium's steam and transport heritage and includes journeys on the wonderful Maldegem and Mariembourg steam networks. We spend a day travelling on the world's longest single tram line between Knokke and De Panne, a 68km journey. We also visit the Canal du Centre to view its sloping lock and journey by boat through some of its amazing boat lifts. Our hotels are centrally located in Ghent, Charleroi and Brussels near the station to allow easy access to public transport where you can use your Belgian rail pass for unlimited travel on 'free' days out.

Steaming Around the Baltic - 15 Days from £2,395pp
Departs 26 June 2015

Mollibahn © MBB Molli GmbH

As the title of this tour suggests, the journey takes you by steam over land and sea around the Baltic from Finland through Sweden, Denmark and Germany. With visits to six steam railways, stays in vibrant capital cities and some spectacular coastal scenery, this is a tour not to be missed. We ride the rarely visited Jokioinen Railway in Finland, Sweden's outstanding Lennakatten Railway from Uppsala, enjoy a full day circular trip by steam train and steamboat on the Östra Södermanlands Railway and S/S Mariefred, journey on the charming Bandholm Railway on the island of Falster and no tour to the Baltic would be complete without travelling on the popular Molli and Rasender Roland Steam Railways. There is also time to visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress in Helsinki, one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world and the Royal Domain of Drottingholm in Stockholm. You will also take one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world from Turku to Stockholm.

Please contact us direct at info@ffestiniogtravel.co.uk or call 01766 772030 to talk through details of the tours which can also be viewed in full on our website at www.ffestiniogtravel.com

Yours sincerely

Maria Cook
General Manager

Ffestiniog Travel, First Floor, Unit 6, Snowdonia Business Park, PENRHYNDEUDRAETH, LL48 6LD