SPRING STEAM IN THE HARZ Five days of steam photo action using three Mallet class locos

Transcription

1 SPRING STEAM IN THE HARZ Five days of steam photo action using three Mallet class locos Wednesday, 30 th March Tuesday, 5 th April, 2016 Outline Itinerary & General Information We are delighted to offer the chance of five days of steam action on the famous Harz railway system in Germany in spring 2016 using the line s iconic Mallet locomotives. Working in conjunction with the longestablished and well-respected company Ian Allan, who have been synonymous with transport tours and publishing for over fifty years, we are able to offer an all-inclusive and hassle-free package to cover five days of photography, flights, transfers and accommodation - all you have to do is turn up and take the pictures! Participants will have the full security of Ian Allan s ABTA and ATOL bonding for overseas trips, giving complete peace of mind for those taking part in the tour. HSB has the longest network of narrow gauge lines in Germany, at 87 miles in total. Many of the routes it encompasses are steeply-graded and scenic, and the system attracts visiting photographers and enthusiasts from across the world. We will fly out to Berlin, Germany on Wednesday 30 th March There are two departure points for convenience, from either London or Birmingham. We will then have a road transfer from Berlin to Wernigerode and will start our photography on Thursday 31 st March. We will be based in Wernigerode for the first two nights and final night of the trip and in Quedlinburg on the other three nights. OUTLINE ITINERARY WEDNESDAY, 30 th MARCH Flights to Berlin from either London Heathrow or Birmingham Airports. Proposed schedules:- Ex. London Heathrow (T5) / Berlin Tegel BA :55/13:45 Ex. Birmingham / Berlin Tegel BE :55/13:40 (schedule to be confirmed) Upon arrival at Berlin s Tegel Airport transfer by private motorcoach to Wernigerode. Check-in at the hotel Altora for a stay of two nights on a bed and breakfast basis Harz Mountains Outline Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 7

2 THURSDAY, 31 st MARCH on vintage train comprised of greenliveried stock. Wernigerode ~ Drei Annen Hohne ~ Eland ~ Drei Annen Hohne ~ Brocken ~ Wernigerode. After seeing the first steam departure of the day from Wernigerode, our charter train will work between Wernigerode and Eland station in the morning, then between Drei Annen Hohne and the summit of the Brocken in the afternoon before returning to Wernigerode, where we have requested a guided tour of the locomotive depot and works. FRIDAY, 1 st APRIL Breakfast in the hotel and check-out on red and cream stock. Wernigerode ~ Drei Annen Hohne ~ Eland ~ Drei Annen Hohne ~ Eisfelder Talmuhle ~ Stiege ~ Quedlinburg After seeing the first steam departure of the day, we will board our charter train, today headed by Mallet No We will work initially as far as Eland, then run round and return to Drei Annen Hohne where we have requested a double departure with the service train leaving for the Brocken; we will also be able to photograph the steam departure for Eisfelder Talmuhle. After a short break for lunch, we will head for Eisfelder ourselves, taking in locations on the route from Drei Annen Hohne ~ Eland ~ Benneckenstein ~ Eisfelder Talmuhle, plus false departures from Eisfelder. Our train will then transfer us to Quedlinburg via Stiege and Alexisbad, arriving in Quedlinburg at 19:00 hours. On arrival in Quedlinburg we will check-in at the Acron Hotel for three-nights on a bed and breakfast basis. SATURDAY, 2 nd APRIL on red and cream stock. Quedlinburg ~ Alexisbad ~ Stiege ~ Alexisbad ~ Quedlinburg. A very full day of photography. We transfer from Quedlinburg on the 08:30 departure and pick up our charter train at Gernrode, working our way along the Selketalbahn, taking in a variety of photographic locations. We expect to include both double and single departures from Alexisbad and work onto the Hasselfelde branch (loco facing Hasselfelde) before returning to Stiege and from there to Quedlinburg in the early evening Harz Mountains Outline Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 7

3 SUNDAY, 3 rd APRIL on red and cream stock Quedlinburg ~ Alexisbad ~ Stiege ~ Alexisbad ~ Quedlinburg. Another very full day of photography. We again transfer from Quedlinburg to Gernrode on the 08:30 departure before joining our train, today headed by exindustrial Mallet No , working our way along the line as far as Stiege. We again hope for double and single departures from Alexisbad and those who know this stretch of line will be fully aware of the photographic potential of this section. We will return to Quedlinburg at 19:00 hours. MONDAY, 4 th APRIL on red and cream stock. Quedlinburg ~ Alexisbad ~ Stiege ~ Hasselfelde ~ Stiege ~ Eisfelder Talmuhle ~ Drei Annen Hohne* ~ Wernigerode. * an opportunity for an additional trip up the Brocken (not as part of the charter train) for those who would like to do so, please pay at the booking office at Drei Annen Hohne on the day. Steam out of Quedlinburg, with run-pasts on the section to Gernrode, then round the loop at Stiege and to Hasselfelde to get us in position to do the shots on the Hasselfelde branch (loco facing Stiege) with the church and town in the background, and on the section to Birkenmoor and Eisfelder Talmuhle, plus false departures from Eisfelder before our train takes us back to Wernigerode via Drei Annen Hohne. Early evening check-in once again at the Altora Hotel, Wernigerode for one-night on a bed and breakfast basis. TUESDAY, 5 th APRIL Breakfast in the hotel followed by a prompt departure from Wernigerode by private motorcoach transfer to Berlin s Tegel Airport. Return flights to either London Heathrow or Birmingham. Proposed schedules:- Ex. Berlin Tegel / London Heathrow (T5) BA :30/15:30 Ex. Berlin Tegel / Birmingham BE :20/15:20 (schedule to be confirmed) Our programme obviously envisages a great deal of train travel over much of the HSB system. Rather than go for transfers by road once we are in the Harz, we have arranged our transfers (plus luggage) by rail to give us more metre-gauge mileage! The itinerary envisages us being at the correct locations for photography when the light is potentially at its best. As well as using our own knowledge of the system, we have taken advice from local photographers to give us the best possible chance of obtaining high quality photographs. We cannot, of course, guarantee the weather, only that we will be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of favourable lighting conditions. We have deliberately scheduled the trip to include a weekend to assist those who are still working with leave Harz Mountains Outline Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 7

4 The price includes:- return flights from the United Kingdom (Heathrow or Birmingham) to Berlin, return coach transfers from Berlin to Wernigerode, five days of photographic charters including transfers by rail within the HSB system and six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. We have opted for the bed and breakfast option to allow our participants the choice of dining at our hotels in the evening or visiting other restaurants in Wernigerode and Quedlinburg. Hotels used are three star and all have ensuite facilities. It will be possible to book either a single room, a twin room sharing or a double room for those travelling with their wives or partners. It is marginally more expensive for the single room option, but regular travellers will be aware of this. We have chosen what we feel is the most cost-effective option on flights, with two departure points, from Birmingham International and from London Heathrow. The two groups will meet at Berlin and be transferred onwards by road to Wernigerode together. Please ensure that your Passport and European Health Card are in order and in date in good time prior to departure. It is marginally more expensive to fly from Birmingham than from London, as different airlines operate services from each location. TOUR: COST PER PERSON from Departing London Heathrow: Single occupancy Sharing a twin room Sharing a double room 1, , , Departing Birmingham International: Single occupancy Sharing a twin room Sharing a double room 1, , , We know that a number of you may like to bring your wives or partners with you and they may be less keen on railway activities than you! Therefore, we are offering a special rate for those accompanying participants but not taking part as photographers to include travel and accommodation but not the photography element of the trip, though they are of course very welcome to travel with us on the trains throughout if they would like to do so. We hope this will be of use to at least some members of our party. TOUR: COST PER PERSON from Non-photographing partners rate Departing London Heathrow: Sharing a twin or double room Non-photographing partners rate Departing Birmingham International: Sharing a twin or double room We are delighted to be able to offer this attractive yet cost-effective photographic tour and look forward to a number of you joining us in Germany in spring We are aiming for a relaxed and enjoyable trip with some quality photo opportunities along the way! Harz Mountains Outline Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 7

5 GENERAL INFORMATION Payment A deposit of per person is required at time of booking. If you have booked the full charter participation, a further per person is required by 31 st October, 2015 and the remaining balance* by 29 th January, Non-photographing partners need only pay the deposit of at time of booking and the remaining balance by 29 th January, Please note that reminders of the payment dates will not be sent. *Exact amount will vary according to your specific booking. Passports and Visas (EU nationals) Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this. The German authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014 (other nationals should check with the German consulate). EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Germany. You may also refer to the World Travel Guide website: for general information on passports, visas and health requirements. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consular Advice The FCO's consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. For up-to-date passport, visa and security information, we suggest you visit In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides both a web site and an Information Line, telephone: This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). Baggage Regulations British Airways Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: British Airways will transport 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29½in x 25½in), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 23kg (50lb). FlyBe Departing from Birmingham International Airport Checked Baggage: Your FlyBe flight will be booked to include 1 piece of checked baggage per person with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lb). Restrictions remain in place for the carriage of liquids, gels, and creams in hand baggage for all passengers departing from and transferring through all EU airports. Some other airports around the world operate their own restrictions. Customers are advised to check before they travel. Limited quantities of liquids (individual containers must not exceed 100ml or 3½ fl oz), are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain liquids such as shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search. These may be purchased airside Harz Mountains Outline Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 7

6 Hand baggage can also include electronic equipment such as mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. All equipment which contain batteries must be fully charged, e.g., mobile phone and cameras. Any that are not fully charged will be taken by airport security staff and returned to you when you next pass through the airport. Should you be detained for questioning and miss your flight, neither TimeLine Events nor Ian Allan Travel can be held responsible. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit can also be included. At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note: you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Meals Breakfast each day at the hotels in Wernigerode and Quedlinburg is included in the tour price. Health Requirements There are no known mandatory or recommended precautions for visiting Germany. Climate and Dress The average temperature in the Harz region during March/April is 0 c and the ground is likely to be snow-covered. We therefore recommend you take warm (layers) of waterproof clothing and thick soled walking shoes or boots with a heavy tread. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, Ian Allan Travel Ltd are able to offer competitive and comprehensive insurance cover. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary; however, airlines may change these times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way or the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing nonrefundable or non-changeable tickets. Neither TimeLine Events nor Ian Allan Travel can be held responsible for any changes to flight times and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call Ian Allan Travel on for the latest special offers available. Long Term Car Parking at Heathrow & Birmingham Airports From your home or overnight hotel, simply drive to the terminal, to the Drop Off and Pick-Up point as indicated on your confirmation and hand your car over to the waiting driver who will then take it to an off-airport, secure, car park. On your return, the driver and your car will be waiting for you in the same location. Simple and very convenient Harz Mountains Outline Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 7

7 Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. Ian Allan Travel Ltd cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. * * * Harz Mountains Outline Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 7