Amsterdam is an amazing city – with the infamous liberalized society which manifests in a thriving and open red light district, wacky baccy bars nestled next to diamond shops and the Heineken beer factory offering tours of the original brewery and all you can drink lager at the end.
However there is also something for the train enthusiast. A short day trip to a scenic village outside of Amsterdam including a steam train trip and boat ride.
The trip is from Hoorn to Medemblik. You get there from Amsterdam Central station by going to Hoorn, a journey that takes 32 minutes on a 4 car double deck train.
Once in Hoorn you can transfer to the steam train and journey to Medemblik which takes 77 minutes. There you can stroll around or continue onwards by ferry.
For more read this account, and visit this site for local tourist information.
This amazing 10 train trip through Italy Germany and Austria will surely leave an impression on any rail fan’s mind.
Here are some of the highlights:
Monday, May 8: Munich-Verona (L, D)
Meet in the main station for the departure of a Eurocity train direct to Verona, Italy. We will travel via Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass and Bolzano and through the magnificent Dolomites. Have a three-course lunch in the restaurant car while taking in what the Thomas Cook Timetable calls one of Europe’s most scenic routes…
Thursday, May 11: Venice–Naples (B, L, D)
This morning we leave early to depart on the Italian Intercity tain, giving us a peek at Bologna’s Centrale Station where we change to Eurostar Italia 9429. Again, we will be whisked across the beautiful countryside to Napoli, situated on a bay Mount Vesiuvius as the backdrop. Lunch included on the train. We’ll have a city tour upon arrival.
Monday, May 15: Acireale (B, L)
Today we take a picnic with us for our Catania Light Railway (FCE) trip around Mount Etna—largest and highest volcano in Europe—and enjoy a private tour of Taormina with our local guide. The FCE is a private, diesel narrow-gauge line. And Taormina is a classic little Italian town known for its natural beauty.
Sunday, May 21: Florence–Milan (B)
Today we take our last Eurostar Italia train to Milan Centrale Station, one of the grand stations of Europe, opened in 1931.
Monday, May 22: Milan (B, D)
Today, we connect by train to nearby Genova, birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Our destination is the Genova-Casella Railway, a private electric, narrow-gauge line that climbs from 307 feet above sea level in Genova, to 1,336 feet at Casella, traveling through 13 tunnels and offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Genova.
More information about the rail tour can be found here.