The Whopper Tale
Holiday brief
This “Whopper” of a holiday takes us to Liege – Belgium, for a superb “autumn” holiday and the opportunity, in one “shortish” holiday (five days) to enjoy an excellent combination of travel in Belgium,
Holland and Germany. The extraordinary Wuppertalbahn and both Holland and
Belgium
’s premier steam railways are but three of the highlights as the tale unfolds. There’s also a river trip in Belgium, vintage trams in Germany, and, the rail journey
into Germany is one of Europe
’s most spectacular.
Unspoilt Ardennes magic
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Thursday – We meet at St. Pancras International late morning and catch a Eurostar to
Brussels. Just an hour or so by train from here is our base for the duration of
the holiday.
Friday – We are off to Germany today, from Liege to Cologne by Thalys or I.C.E. then by “local” trains to Wuppertal. The Wupper River and the town provide the backdrop to one
of the most unusual and spectacular railways in Europe
– The Wuppertalbahn – an overhead monorail system. Be sure that we will do this in style and provide
an unforgettable ride on this amazing
“railway”.
Saturday – Today is “Ardennes” day as we set off by train along the Meuse Valley heading for Namur and Dinant.
We continue by boat and coach through the spectacular scenery to Mariembourg
and the Three Valleys Steam Railway. Lovely views, rustic villages and Belgium
’s number one steam railway will enchant you as will the superb journey back to
Liege with
“surprise” stops en route.
Sunday – Shortly after leaving Liege by train we cross the border and reach Maastricht
in Holland. A local train takes us into the hills (Holland
’s only mountains!) and we arrive at a delightful country station called Schin op
Geul.
OUR HOTEL
Hotel Mercure, Liege
This hotel is a comfortable three-star establishment on the Boulevard de la
Sauveniere in central Liege. It boasts rooms with all the usual amenities, a
fine restaurant and cosy bar. For those who like to get out and about of an
evening, it is ideally located just a very short stroll, and equidistant,
between the cathedral and opera house districts, with their numerous
restaurants and bars.
Here we await the arrival of the Z.L.S.M. steam train from Simpelveld. The rest of the day is spent enjoying the lovely scenery aboard the train with a
break for lunch (included) and even a branch line trip into Germany (so that
’s three countries in one day) by vintage rail-bus.
Monday – An easy morning with the option to see something of Liege precedes our journey
back to London.
Departing Liege about midday will see us back in Brussels and heading home by
Eurostar, arriving about 16.00 at St Pancras to commence homeward bound
journeys.
Date & Price
Tour Ref: WT5/1
Thursday September 18th (5 days)
£549.00 based on €1.40 to the £
Price Variation
Single supplement £80.00
See booking conditions for currency
fluctuation clause
Hanging around in Wuppertal
