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DAY 1 Thursday 3 May
Our journey begins at London St Pancras
International, travelling by Eurostar to Brussels
Midi. Here we change trains for St Niklaas, where
we spend four nights at the centrally located Ibis
Hotel. This evening we visit a local brewery for
a tour and tasting of their beers before our first
dinner together in a local restaurant. (D)
DAY 2 Friday 4 May
Today we explore the now peaceful region of Ypres
and Passchendaele, which saw so much of the
front line fighting in the First World War. During the
day we visit the fascinating Hooge Crater Museum
near what became known as “Hellfire Corner”.
Later we head behind the lines to Poperinge, where
reinforcements arrived, soldiers convalesced and
equipment was stored, visiting Talbot House, an
‘Everyman’s Club’ where soldiers of all ranks could
relax away from the horrors of the front line. Visits
to two cemeteries of gargantuan proportions offer
a poignant insight into the sacrifice of a generation.
Tyne Cot is the largest commonwealth cemetery
and Langemark is the stark resting place of vast
numbers of German soldiers. After a little free
time in attractive Ypres, with its beautifully
rebuilt Cloth Hall, we have dinner together before
we end the day by paying our respects at the
moving Last Post at the Menin Gate, played
every day by the town’s volunteer fire brigade to
commemorate those who fell. (B,D)
DAY 3 Saturday 5 May
Although steam was shelved in this part of
Belgium in 1966, since the 1990s a group of
pioneers have gradually restored the lines and
abandoned railway buildings around Maldegem,
plus a number of locomotives, both steam and
diesel. What exists now is the largest collection
of steam locomotives in Flanders, which operate
on the standard gauge line to Eeklo, 10 km
away, on the former line towards Gent. In the
other direction, a shorter narrow gauge track
has been preserved on the former line towards
Bruges. During Maldegem’s World War I themed
Steam Festival it is expected to have 6 or 7 locos
in steam on both standard and narrow gauges.
After a day steaming through rural Meetjesland
we return to St Niklaas. (B,D)
DAY 4 Sunday 6 May
Today begins locally at the Dendermonde-Puurs
Railway. The society has preserved a 14km
section of line running alongside the picturesque
River Scheldt since 1977. We embark on a
specially chartered steam journey along the line
from Puurs to Baasrode, where it is possible to
visit the society’s workshops. This afternoon we
continue by train to the gorgeous city of Gent,
where we cruise the city’s waterways and enjoy a
farewell evening meal in a local restaurant. (B,D)
DAY 5 Monday 7 May
After a little free time this morning to sightsee in
St Niklaas which boasts Belgium’s largest market
square, we travel by train to Brussels Midi, where
we join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras
international. (B)
ITINERARY
HOTEL
FARE
Ibis Hotel St Niklaas
The Ibis Hotel is situated in the historic heart of St
Niklaas within walking distance of all the Market
Square and station. Its facilities include a popular
and welcoming bar. The modern rooms are
equipped with television, telephone and hairdryer.
5 days by train
From London St Pancras International
Single Room Supplement £135
4 nights’ bed, breakfast evening meal
Eurostar and rail travel to St Niklaas and return
All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Fare based upon sharing a twin-bedded en-suite room; single
rooms available for a supplement.
GUARANTEED FARE –
No currency surcharge
Extra Benefits Rewarding Your Loyalty
The vast majority of our customers are either repeat bookings
or recommendations. Recognising this, Railtrail is the only rail
holiday company with a Loyalty Rewards Scheme. For every
pound spent you will receive Loyalty Rewards Points on return
from your holiday, which can then be used as a discount on
future bookings. Loyalty Points remain valid for 3 years after
your return from your holiday. And should you recommend
Railtrail to someone not already on our database, then when
they travel on their first tour your Railtrail Rewards Loyalty
account will also be credited with the same number of points
they receive.
£699
(B) = Breakfast included, (D) = Dinner included
To book visit:
www.railtrail.co.ukor telephone:
01538 382323
Standard Railtrail Tours Ltd. booking conditions apply to this tour, as detailed in our Escorted Holidays by Train brochure; copies available upon request.
Important Note:
Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place we do reserve the right to make substitutions
should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason. Your acceptance of this is a condition of your booking.
Maldegem Steam Festival