Spring in Belgium and Luxembourg

This tour combines the charm of steam railways, the fascinating history of Waterloo with the seaside scenery of Belgium’s coastal tramway, relaxing river cruises and the ambience of historic cities in the Low Countries.

• Stay in the historic cities of Liege, Luxembourg and Bruges at centrally located hotels, enjoying their unique ambiance and beautiful architecture.
• Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Waterloo and see the famed hilltop Lion statue there, after visiting the unique Pairi Daiza steam railway at one of Europe’s most splendid zoological gardens.
• Experience wonderful steam train journeys in idyllic landscapes at the Three Valleys Railway in Belgium, at the Train 1900 heritage railway in Luxembourg and at the Maldegem to Eeklo steam railway in Flanders.
• Relax on the Belgian seaside and ride the famed Kusttram, the longest tramway in the world. See the historic Channel end of World War I’s Western Front at Nieuport.

Thursday 13 May

By train from London to Liege

Travel from London St Pancras by Eurostar plus to Brussels-Midi, where you change onto an SNCB Intercity service to Liege-Guillemins railway station. Steeped in history and impressive architecture ,Liege has been nicknamed the city of a Hundred Steeples. It is a fast-evolving, vibrant blend of past and present. As part of launching a brand-new 12 km long tramway in April 2025, the city has completely transformed, making its attractive urban spaces, beautiful riverside esplanade and rich culture easily accessible. You will receive a complimentary tram ticket to allow you easy access to the sites and attractions during your stay. After checking into your hotel, you have a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)

Friday 14 May

Steam at the Pairi Daiza Zoological Gardens in Brugelette and Lion of Waterloo Battlefield Monument

Today, one of Belgium’s newest steam attractions awaits us at the stunning Pairi Daiza Zoological Gardens, set in the picturesque countryside outside Brussels. At the heart of the park is a recently custom-built 600 mm narrow-gauge circular railway, extending for more than 2 km and forming an integral part of the zoo’s layout. Our steam journey will provide wonderful views of the beautifully landscaped grounds, lakes and the magnificent animals along the route. In addition to riding the railway behind its eclectic collection of historic tank engines, there will be opportunities for linesiding and photography, as well as plenty of time to explore the zoo and enjoy its remarkable wildlife. After our steam experience, we travel onward to the Lion of Waterloo and see the historic battlefield, scene of the famous 1815 battle. Later in the afternoon, the private coach returns to Liege. (B)

Saturday 15 May

Steam in Wallonia at Mariembourg

Today, travel deep into the wooded countryside of southern Belgium to experience one of the region’s historic heritage railways. You have a scenic drive from Liege directly to Mariembourgi, where you board the delightful Chemin de fer à vapeur des Trois Vallées. One of the oldest heritage railways in the Low Countries, the railway operates a nostalgic steam service through the Three Valleys along a 14 km (9 mile) route. Enjoy a full return journey, including opportunities for photography along the way, from the comfort of your reserved carriage. At the terminus in Treignes you may visit the impressive railway museum, which hosts one of the largest and most impressive steam locomotive collections in the Low Countries. After the return to Mariembourg by steam tain, you return to Liege, where you will have free time to explore the city at leisure in the evening. (B)

Sunday 16 May

Railways, tramways, scenic funiculars and leisure in beautiful Luxembourg

In the morning you take a direct InterCity train for a two hour journey through eastern Belgium to Luxembourg. On arrival, check into your centrally located hotel near the station. The remainder of the day is at leisure, if preferred your Tour Manager will lead an introductory walk through the historic Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Luxembourg’s historic centre combines impressive churches, cobbled streets, dramatic bridges and lofty viaducts. Among the city’s highlights are the remains of its medieval castle and fortifications, dating back to 963, the Adolphe Bridge, Place d’Armes, Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean. Beyond the historic centre, discover peaceful riverside gardens, international shopping and Luxembourg’s varied culinary scene. The city also has an extensive modern public transport network, including its tramway and urban funicular. Public transport is free throughout Luxembourg, allowing you to explore easily by tram, bus and CFL trains in Standard Class across the national railway network. (B)

Monday 17 May

Steam at the Train 1900 in Luxembourg

Travel by CFL regional train to Pétange for a private steam charter on Luxembourg’s historic Train 1900 railway. Enjoy a scenic ride through winding countryside to Fond-de-Gras, a former iron-mining site rich in industrial heritage and photography opportunities. After visiting the steam shed, return by private steam train to Pétange, then continue to Luxembourg for dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 18 May

In Bruges

Late morning, depart Luxembourg by direct international InterCity train to Brussels, where you change for the short onward journey to Bruges, the beautiful medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage site. On arrival, check into your hotel before setting out to explore the historic city at leisure. With its canals, medieval streets and remarkable Flemish architecture, Bruges offers an opportunity to experience the heritage of Flanders at its finest. The city is also renowned for its art, historic squares and varied culinary scene, with plenty of restaurants and cafés to discover during your stay. (B)

Wednesday 19 May

A day on Belgium’s coastal tramway

From Bruges, take a local train to Oostende on Belgium’s North Sea coast. Here, the shoreline combines sandy beaches, historic towns and coastal villages, linked by the famous Kusttram, one of the world’s longest tram routes. The Kusttram runs along the coast between Knokke-Heist and De Panne, with the historic town of Nieuwpoort among its highlights. The region holds significant First World War history, with Nieuwpoort marking the northern end of the Western Front. Enjoy a complimentary rover ticket to explore the coast by Kusttram before returning to Bruges by train in the late afternoon. (B)

Thursday 20 May

Steam at the Maldegem to Eeklo Heritage Railway in Flanders

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Bruges’ medieval streets, stunning buildings and picturesque canals. Later, travel by vintage heritage bus to the Maldegem Steam Centre near the Dutch border. Home to a collection of preserved tank engines the centre is one of the notable heritage railway destinations in the Low countries. Here two steam locomotives will be in operation especially for our group. Enjoy a steam-hauled journey through the Flemish countryside, with photography opportunities, followed by a visit to the locomotive museum. A bonus ride on the narrow-gauge railway provides more steam action, photo stops and run-pasts. The centre is maintained by dedicated volunteers preserving Belgium’s railway heritage. Return to Bruges by vintage bus in the late afternoon, before joining your fellow travellers for a final dinner. (B D)

Friday 21 May

Bruges at leisure and return to London

You have the morning at leisure to make the most of beautiful Bruges, before travelling by an SNCB InterCity service to Brussels-Midi, where you return to London St Pancras by Eurostar high-speed train. (B)