Day 1
You are leaving from your home airport to Frankfurt Germany. Your final destination is Berlin, so there might be even a direct flight for you like leaving from Newark.
Day 2
Arriving in Berlin and checking into our hotel. At 7:30 pm we meet for dinner and after that calling it a night.
Day 3
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is much more than a railway station—it's one of the largest and most fascinating rail hubs in Europe.
A Brief History
The station opened in 2006 shortly before the FIFA World Cup. It was built on the site of the former Lehrter Bahnhof, which opened in 1871. After German reunification, Berlin needed a modern central station to connect the formerly divided rail networks of East and West Berlin.
The result was an engineering masterpiece of glass and steel costing roughly €1 billion.
Two Railways Cross Each Other
Unlike most stations, Berlin Hauptbahnhof has tracks on multiple levels:
Upper level: East-West trains
Lower level: North-South trains
The two railway corridors cross at right angles, creating a spectacular multi-level view that railway enthusiasts love. From several observation points inside the station, you can watch trains moving on different levels simultaneously.
The station features:
You may also see services to:
This constant mix of traffic means there is always something interesting happening.
Best Railfan Viewing Spots
Day 4
Unfortunately, the famous Berlin layout LOXX moved to Leer, but no despair there is enough to see in Berlin for the train enthusiasts. We are visiting the German Technic Museum.\
If you are looking for high-quality layout work and railroad history, the German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum) opened a completely revised, massive permanent exhibition titled "Railway: Revolution and Everyday Life."The Vibe: Located in historic 1874 locomotive roundhouses, it leans more toward a museum experience rather than a commercial tourist attraction. What you’ll see: Alongside 40 original full-sized rail vehicles, it features a world-class collection of incredibly intricate, historical railway models built mostly to a 1:5 scale.
Day 5
The best way to explore a big city like Berlin is by a Hop On Hop Off bus. We will go on the Red Route which takes about 2 hours but will include all important landmarks. You can get off at a place what interests you and after exploring hop on the next bus. About every 20 minutes there will be a new bus.
Day 6
It is time to leave Berlin behind us. We are boarding our high speed train and in not even 2 hours we will arrive in Dresden. Once we've settled into our hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to savor at your own pace. Whether you opt for indulgent shopping sprees or simply relish a serene moment with a delightful coffee and a slice of cake at one of the charming waterfront cafés, the choice is yours to make the most of this leisurely afternoon.
Day 7
Our first destination around Dresden is the Kirnitzschtalbahn. We take the S-Bahn from Dresden to Bad Schandau where we board a marvelously restored Streetcar from 1908. It will bring us to its end point the Lichtenhainer waterfall. There we will have a light lunch or coffee till we travel back to Bad Schandau which is a beautiful little town itself. Late afternoon we will return to Dresden.
Day 8
It is time to explore The Bastei a breathtaking rock formation located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, towering nearly 200 meters (650 feet) above the Elbe River and just a short distance from Dresden. Carved by water erosion over a million years ago, these jagged sandstone pinnacles have captivated visitors for over two centuries, even serving as a major inspiration for Romantic-era painters like Caspar David Friedrich. The crown jewel of the formation is the iconic Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke), a striking, medieval-style stone structure built in 1851 that seamlessly spans a 40-meter-deep ravine to connect the jagged towers. Standing on the bridge or its surrounding observation platforms offers visitors sweeping, unforgettable panoramic views of the Elbe Valley, the rolling hills of the Saxonian Alps, and the rugged ruins of the medieval Neurathen rock castle. On our way back we will also visit
Festung Königstein (Königstein Fortress), known as the "Bastion of the Saxon Switzerland," is one of the largest and most imposing hilltop fortifications in Europe. Perched atop a massive, 9.5-hectare sandstone plateau towering 240 meters (nearly 800 feet) above the Elbe River, this remarkable military complex boasts over 800 years of history. It features Germany's deepest well—plunging an impressive 152.5 meters (500 feet) into the rock—and holds a legendary reputation for never being conquered in battle due to its sheer scale and formidable defense systems. Over the centuries, the fortress evolved from a medieval castle into a secure state prison, a refuge for the Saxon royal family during times of war, and a safe house for priceless art treasures. Today, it serves as a premier open-air museum, offering visitors stunning, panoramic views of the rugged Elbe Sandstone Mountains and a fascinating glimpse into centuries of military architecture and history. After this the bus will bring us back to Dresden
Day 9
This is one of our absolute highlights. The narrow gauge steam ride on the Weißeritztalbahn. Our S-Bahn will bring us to Freital-Hainsberg where we board our steam train. The Weißeritztalbahn is Germany’s oldest regularly operating narrow-gauge railway, running on a 750mm track that winds through the picturesque landscape of Saxony. Starting from Freital-Hainsberg, just outside Dresden, the steam-powered train embarks on a scenic journey through the rugged Rabenauer Grund valley, tracing the path of the Red Weißeritz River and passing by the impressive Malter Dam before reaching the town of Kipsdorf in the Ore Mountains. Renowned for its beautifully restored historic locomotives and rolling stock, the railway offers passengers a nostalgic, atmospheric travel experience that evokes the golden age of rail. It stands as a marvel of engineering and determination, having been meticulously rebuilt and restored to full operation after suffering catastrophic damage during the historic floods of 2002.
Day 10
Dresden also has a Hop On Hop Off service which will use so see all the important attractions of this city. Dresden, often called the "Florence on the Elbe," is a stunning blend of masterfully reconstructed Baroque architecture and a vibrant, modern cultural scene. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or a fan of scenic river views, the city is packed with incredible sights split neatly across the Elbe River.
The Historic Altstadt (Old Town)The Old Town is home to Dresden’s most iconic, monumental landmarks, almost all of which are within easy walking distance of one another:Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady): An architectural marvel and a symbol of reconciliation. Rebuilt using original salvaged stones decades after its destruction in WWII, its massive sandstone dome dominates the city skyline.The Zwinger Palace: A spectacular late-Baroque complex featuring manicured gardens, fountains, and galleries. It houses world-class collections, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery (home to Raphael’s Sistine Madonna).Semperoper (Semper Opera House): Located at Theaterplatz, this is one of the most beautiful and acoustically acclaimed opera houses in the world.Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes): A breathtaking 100-meter-long outdoor mural made of 25,000 Meissen porcelain tiles, depicting the history of Saxony's rulers.Brühl's Terrace: Nicknamed the "Balcony of Europe," this elevated promenade along the Elbe offers panoramic views of the river, the historic steamboats, and the grand architecture lining the banks.
In the evening I planned to have dinner on one of the historic paddle boats.
Day 11
it is time to fly back home. From Dresden airport you can reach many of the main European hubs where you can board your plane for your home destination.
Please note that the items listed under "Tour Price does not include" are designed to provide you with flexibility and the freedom to personalize your experience according to your preferences. Our focus is to ensure your comfort, convenience, and enjoyment throughout the tour, and we are readily available to assist you with any additional requirements or information you may need.
For departures from other cities, please contact Roman Plaszewski at Reynauld's Euro-Imports, Inc.
An initial deposit of $900.00 per person is required to secure the reservation. We accept Checks or Credit Cards. Seats are limited, so reservations will be made on a first-come-first-serve basis. Final payment must be made by July 21, 2025. Please contact us before you send any payments, so we can make sure that there are still seats available. Rates are subject to change including but not limited to increases in applicable taxes, government-imposed fees, and exchange rates..
All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations fees before July 21, 2025 will be $800.00 per person plus any deposits lost to railroads or any other facilities! Cancellation fees between August 01and August 31 will be $1500.00 plus any deposits lost to railroads or any other facilities!
After August 31, 2025 there will be no refund for cancellations.
No refunds will be made for unused portion of the tour after travel begins.
It is the traveler’s responsibility to provide proper documentation of proof of U.S. citizenship. Married women traveling with documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license. Failure to possess the required documentation may result in denied boarding. No refunds will be made if passengers are denied boarding. For non-U.S. citizens, please contact the appropriate destination embassy or consulate for the correct document requirements. Your passport must be valid till March 2024 or longer.
Every effort will be made to operate the program as per the scheduled itinerary. Due to local conditions or circumstances, we reserve the right to adjust or alter the itinerary.
Reynauld’s Euro Imports, Inc. is not in any way responsible for this tour. Rey and Roman Plaszewski arranged this tour for the enjoyment of European train enthusiasts. Rey and Roman Plaszewski are responsible for arranging the services and accommodations offered hereunder, except in the absence of negligence on their part; Rey nor Roman Plaszewski are not responsible for any act, error, omission, injury to person or property, inconvenience, accident, delay or default of any company and/or their employees, agents, or servants, or facilities in connection with these. It is expressly understood that Rey and Roman Plaszewski are not responsible for any delays for any flight or non-operation of any flight hereunder due to any reasons beyond their control, including work stoppages, labor strikes, or Forces Majeure and shall have no liability of any nature whatsoever relating to flight delays, including (but not limited to) liability for damage related to shortened vacation time, inconvenience or hardship, additional expenses or any other form of damage. By accepting this contract, you hereby relieve Rey and Roman Plaszewski of all such liabilities.