Steam train trips

Now we all know that the British Rail system has gone from bad to worse especially, and this is amazing, since privatisation. Fares have been increasing above inflation every year, services keep getting cut and even train operating companies go bankrupt. However, one piece of light amongst all this gloom is this great guide to getting cheap train tickets in the UK. Well recommended!

The steam train will start its journey from the railway station Jesenice and pass the Alpine jewels of Bled and Bohinjska Bistrica on its way towards the final destination the town Kanal in the valley of the river Soča.

At the railway station in Kanal we will get off the train and continue our way on buses – accompanied by tour guides we will drive along the river Soča past the villages Anhovo and Plave to the wine-growing region at the Slovene-Italian border – Goriška Brda. In this picturesque area we will enjoy the views of beautiful small villages, vineyards and fruit gardens.

On our way to Dobrovo, the centre of Goriška Brda, we will make a short stop in the village Gonjače and climb up a 23 m (75.5 ft) belvedere tower, where the whole region of Goriška Brda will be seen from. With some luck with the weather, the neighbouring regions of the Vipava valley, the plateau of Kras, Friuli in Italy, the Italian Dolomites and the Julian Alps can be clearly seen from there.

Afterwards our journey will continue past the medieval village of Šmartno into the centre of the region, Dobrovo. Because we’ll have been “on the road” for quite a while by then, it will already be lunch time. Some entertainment, suitable for children and adults, will be arranged after lunch.

Before our return to the Soča valley we will also visit the largest wine cellar in the region and there you’ll be able to buy some of the prominent wines of Goriška Brda. Returning to Nova Gorica, the centre of the western part of Slovenia, laying right at the Slovene-Italian border and start our railway journey back towards the region of Gorenjska.

More info: http://www.abc-tourism.si/steam-train/

Amsterdam is an amazing city – with the infamous liberalized society which manifests in a thriving and open red light district, wacky baccy bars nestled next to diamond shops and the Heineken beer factory offering tours of the original brewery and all you can drink lager at the end.

However there is also something for the train enthusiast. A short day trip to a scenic village outside of Amsterdam including a steam train trip and boat ride.

The trip is from Hoorn to Medemblik. You get there from Amsterdam Central station by going to Hoorn, a journey that takes 32 minutes on a 4 car double deck train.

Once in Hoorn you can transfer to the steam train and journey to Medemblik which takes 77 minutes. There you can stroll around or continue onwards by ferry.

For more read this account, and visit this site for local tourist information.

This amazing 10 train trip through Italy Germany and Austria will surely leave an impression on any rail fan’s mind.

Here are some of the highlights:

Monday, May 8: Munich-Verona (L, D)
Meet in the main station for the departure of a Eurocity train direct to Verona, Italy. We will travel via Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass and Bolzano and through the magnificent Dolomites. Have a three-course lunch in the restaurant car while taking in what the Thomas Cook Timetable calls one of Europe’s most scenic routes…

Thursday, May 11: Venice–Naples (B, L, D)
This morning we leave early to depart on the Italian Intercity tain, giving us a peek at Bologna’s Centrale Station where we change to Eurostar Italia 9429. Again, we will be whisked across the beautiful countryside to Napoli, situated on a bay Mount Vesiuvius as the backdrop. Lunch included on the train. We’ll have a city tour upon arrival.

Monday, May 15: Acireale (B, L)
Today we take a picnic with us for our Catania Light Railway (FCE) trip around Mount Etna—largest and highest volcano in Europe—and enjoy a private tour of Taormina with our local guide. The FCE is a private, diesel narrow-gauge line. And Taormina is a classic little Italian town known for its natural beauty.

Sunday, May 21: Florence–Milan (B)
Today we take our last Eurostar Italia train to Milan Centrale Station, one of the grand stations of Europe, opened in 1931.

Monday, May 22: Milan (B, D)
Today, we connect by train to nearby Genova, birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Our destination is the Genova-Casella Railway, a private electric, narrow-gauge line that climbs from 307 feet above sea level in Genova, to 1,336 feet at Casella, traveling through 13 tunnels and offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Genova.

More information about the rail tour can be found here.

Vienna has been rated one of the best cities in the world to live in with its rich array of culture, sights and history.

Steam fans also have a railway museum located just outside the city (suburban train (S-Bahn) line S1. Get off at Silberwald, (not Strasshof!) station.) which features many different types of steam trains from all ages of Austria’s transport history.

This company offers railway tours of Austria including the Vienna museum.

Some features are:

10 nights’ accommodation
Lunch on outward bound Eurostar to Brussels and dinner on return

First class rail travel throughout (vintage accommodation on the steam trains is Second class)