Tour of the Harz Mountains, Germany

The Harz Mountains are the highest mountain range in northern Germany and are arguably the most stunning. Our tour gives you the chance to take a trip on the narrow-gauge Brocken Railway, which takes you on a scenic journey up into the mountains through spruce woodland and narrow valleys towards the summit of Brocken, the highest peak of the Harz Mountains. The steam railway was first opened over one hundred years ago for military purposes during the Cold War, however now it is available for members of the public to experience its splendour.

Day 1 - To Hahnenklee We leave London by Eurostar to Brussels, where we change for the onward service via Cologne to Hanover. A short coach transfer then takes us to the Harz Mountain resort of Hahnenklee. We stay at the 3* Ramada Treff Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten for six nights and enjoy dinner together this evening.

Day 2 - Goslar We travel by coach to Goslar, a historic city which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, which is home to 1,500 buildings dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. After the tour, you have some spare time to continue exploring. You can perhaps walk through the beautiful Old Town, past its half-timbered buildings. The magnificent Imperial Palace (payable locally) dating back to the 11th century is unmissable.

Day 3 - At leisure in Hahnenklee Today you can explore the scenic mountain resort of Hahnenklee at your leisure. Perhaps take one of the delightful signposted walks that originate in the town. The Liebesbank trail is about 4 miles (6km) long, and takes in vibrant mountain meadows, reservoirs and traditional woodland on a gentle ascent of the Bocksberg Mountain.

Day 4 - The Brocken Railway We take a coach to Wernigerode, where we board a steam-hauled train for a trip on the Brocken Railway. First opened in 1898, the narrow-gauge line was only open to the military during the Cold War, but re-opened to the public in 1991. The route takes us through the stunning scenery of the Upper Harz National Park to the peak of Brocken, the Harz region's highest mountain.

Day 5 - Quedlinburg & Selketal Railway Our excursion today is to the beautifully preserved town of Quedlinburg. With hundreds of half-timbered buildings, this alluring town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a delight to explore. You have some time to meander through the centre and perhaps visit the hilltop Collegiate Church, or the spectacular 10th century castle, before enjoying a journey on the Selketal Railway. The narrow-gauge railway is operated by steam and diesel engines, and takes us through the breathtaking scenery of the Harz Mountains.

Days 6-7 - At leisure & to London Enjoy leisurely day in Hahnenklee. Unwind using the hotel's facilities and maybe visit the village's Stave Church. On where we join the train via Cologne to Brussels. Here we connect with the Eurostar service back to St Pancras International. Day 7 we take a coach to Hanover.