Day 1 - Depart the UK travelling via your preferred short sea crossing to your overnight stay in Belgium
Day 2 - Hamlin
Continue the journey
to the Harz Mountains via the picturesque town of Hamlin where in the 14th
century, according to legend, a Pied Piper rid the town of rats. The pedestrianised
shopping centre has plenty of restaurants and cafés and during your
stay look out for bread in the shape of little rats in the bakeries. The towns’ past
wealth is reflected with an abundance of rich, ornate and colourful half- timbered
town houses. To assist the visitor discover its treasures, you are guided around
the town following white rats painted on the road. Continue to Wolfshagen near
Goslar for a welcome drink and evening meal at the Berghotel.
Day 3 - Okerstau
Lake
An enjoyable local tour beginning with a short, guided walk of the local
area and a light soup followed by a visit to the picturesque Okerstau Lake,
which includes a boat cruise with coffee and cake. (Driver’s rest
day, own coach not required).
Day 4 - Goslar
Begin the day with a morning visit
to Goslar. Where we’ve
included a guided walking tour of this historic imperial town with its wonderful
medieval ambience. Enjoy some free time before continuing with a guided coach
tour of the Harz region culminating in a stop in a local café for afternoon
coffee and cake.
Day 5 - The Fairytale Road - Hann Münden and Kassel
In the
morning you enjoy a visit to medieval Hann Münden, with more than 700
lovingly restored half-timbered buildings dating back six centuries, perhaps
more than any other European town. Dominated by Weser Renaissance buildings,
towers and historical city walls it is also almost completely surrounded by
water, where the Werra, Fulda and Weser rivers converge. Continue to Kassel
and drive to the summit of the Wilhelmshone Mountain Park crowned by the statue
of Hercules from where you have wonderful views of Kassel and beyond. At 2.30
pm (Wednesdays) there’s the opportunity
to view a magnificent one hour display of water art as a torrent of water cascades
down to an aqueduct, culminating in a brilliant 150 foot fountain in front
of the Wilhelmshone Palace. Another worthwhile option is to visit the Brothers
Grimm Museum and learn more about their timeless fairytales.
Day 6 - Wernigerode & the
Narrow Gauge Railway
Today is a fabulous excursion into the Harz Mountains,
starting with a visit to Wernigerode, a town of historical flair and unique
buildings. Located in the main market place is the magnificent Town Hall, a
jewel of medieval half-timber construction. Other beautiful buildings include
the "Teichmule", nowadays called the "Leaning House of
Wernigerode" and the Oberpfarrkirchof of the St Silvester Church where
the ancient beech trees and charming houses date from the Renaissance period.
Then take the narrow gauge steam railway through stunning forest scenery as
the train winds its way to the 1142 metre summit of the 'Brocken', the highest
mountain of the Harz range. Return to the hotel for a farewell buffet dinner
followed by entertainment.
Day 7 - Sadly it’s time to depart the hotel and travel to your overnight stay in Belgium.
Day 8 - Complete the journey to the UK.