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Rails, Relics & Wonder:
From Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland to the International Hobby Expo in Dortmund—Featuring the Legendary German Panzer Museum and the Historic Grandeur of Cologne.
Our unforgettable adventure begins in Hamburg with a visit to the breathtaking Miniatur Wunderland—the largest model train display in the world and a true bucket-list destination for every passionate model train enthusiast. From this spectacular start, we continue our journey through Germany’s rich railway heritage, history, and scenic beauty.
Next, we travel just two hours from Hamburg to explore the renowned German Panzer Museum, widely considered one of the finest World War II museums in the world. For military historians and history lovers alike, this extraordinary collection of historic armored vehicles is an absolute must-see.
A very special highlight—and the grand finale of our railway experiences—will be our scenic private train journey from Lüneburg to Bleckede with the Lüneburg Railway Society. This remarkable organization preserves dozens of fascinating historic railway vehicles, operates approximately 20 miles of its own track, and maintains a large service facility where we will enjoy rare behind-the-scenes access and even the opportunity to interact with real locomotives.
Our group will be welcomed aboard a private vintage German DB railcar at Lüneburg station before traversing the national DB AG network and branching onto the society’s private railway for an unforgettable ride to Bleckede. There, we will tour an active maintenance workshop where full-size locomotives are being restored and repaired, followed by a relaxing walk into the charming northern German town for a warm meal of delicious traditional cuisine at a local Gasthaus.
After lunch, we return by private railcar to the Lüneburg maintenance facility to enjoy refreshments, bratwursts, and hands-on time around authentic historic trains. To conclude this extraordinary day, the society will bring out its beautifully restored 1936 Wismar railbus to carry us back to Lüneburg station—an arrival that drew an excited crowd last year and became a favorite moment for many of our guests.
The final days of our tour provide an exciting cultural and hobby-focused conclusion. We will attend the International Hobby Expo in Dortmund, where the newest innovations, models, and craftsmanship in the hobby are showcased. From there, we continue to magnificent Cologne, one of Europe’s great historic cities. Here we will stand in awe inside the towering Cologne Cathedral and explore the many remarkable sights the city has to offer.
Uniting world-class model railways, living railway heritage, compelling World War II history, iconic cities, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable cultural experiences, this extraordinary journey is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime. We warmly invite you to join us for an inspiring, immersive, and truly remarkable tour.
Departure: April 11, 2026 | Return: April 20, 2026
Land only price (per person): $3,995.00
Air Travel from Chicago:
Please note: You can choose any airport for departure. If you want we can help you with the necessary arrangements. Our end destination will be Hamburg, so can fly via Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam or any other main city in Europe.
Day 1
Saturday, April 11
Our long-awaited trip is finally here! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a comfortable transatlantic flight with a selection of the latest movies. Savor a delicious dinner accompanied by the. option of a few cocktails. As we near our destination, a delightful breakfast will be served one hour before landing, ensuring you arrive refreshed and ready for the adventure ahead. option of a few cocktails. As we near our destination, a delightful breakfast will be served one hour before landing, ensuring you arrive refreshed and ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Sunday, April 12
As we approach our destination, enjoy a delightful breakfast served one hour before landing. Once through immigration and customs, embark on your next flight to Hamburg. Upon arrival at the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to engage in personal activities. Join us for a welcoming dinner at 7:30, extending a warm reception to all. Following this, feel free to retire for the night at your leisure.
Day 3
Monday, April 13
Get ready for the pinnacle of our journey – a visit to the extraordinary Miniature Wunderland. Even if you've marveled at this fantastic layout before, the recent additions, including replicas of Rio de Janeiro, Monaco, and the Fun Fair, make it a must-see experience. The airport alone stands as one of the most captivating attractions, requiring five years of meticulous planning and construction.
The sheer scale and detail of Miniature Wunderland ensure that exploring every nook and cranny will be a delightful challenge, and we've planned a return visit tomorrow to fully appreciate this mesmerizing world. So, brace yourself for a day filled with awe-inspiring miniature landscapes, innovative craftsmanship, and the joy of discovering intricate details that bring this miniature universe to life.
Day 4
Tuesday, April 14
Leif-Erik, our repairman, is also a member of the Bleckede Kleinbahn. Thanks to his connections, he has arranged a special ride for us. “Our” train will pick us up in Lüneburg and take us to Bleckede—a nostalgic journey we experienced already last year, and I must say, it was an absolute blast.
We were picked up by a historic railcar at the DB railway station in Lüneburg and after a short ride on public track we entered the line of the Bleckede Railroad. Along the route we stopped allowing our guests to make pictures and videos of the passing train. On our way to the Elbe Harbor, we encountered 6 freight cars blocking our journey. In no time our engineer hooked up the brake line to our engine and after 20 minutes the air tanks of the freight cars were filled, and the brakes could be released, and we were able to push the cars onto a siding. On arrival in Bleckede, we will have lunch and afterwards visit the railroad repair facility, where I’m sure we’ll find some locomotives in various stages of maintenance and restoration.
Day 5
Wednesday, April 15
Today it will be an interesting excursion to the German Panzer(Tank) Museum in Munster. After about a 2-hour train ride we will arrive in Munster. The museum is just a short walk of 15 minutes from the train station. The museum displays tanks, military vehicles, weapons, small arms, uniforms, medals, decorations and military equipment from World War I to the present day. The heart of the exhibition is a collection of about 40 Bundeswehr and former East German (Nationale Volksarmee) tanks as well as 40 German tanks and other Wehrmacht vehicles from the Second World War. In addition there are tanks from the Soviet Red Army, the British Army and the United States Army from the Second World War, as well as other modern tanks such as the Israeli Merkava. There is also one Swedish tank, the Stridsvagn m/21-29, a modified German LK II. Most of the vehicles are in working order, with restoration work ongoing to render all examples functional.
Day 6
Thursday, April 16
Today, we embark on a high-speed adventure aboard the iconic German high speed ICE train, whisking us from Hamburg to Dortmund. As we traverse the scenic route, catching glimpses of Münster, Osnabrück, and Bremen, anticipation builds for the exciting show in Dortmund. 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 town cafés, the choice is yours to make the most of this leisurely afternoon.
Day 7
Friday, April 17
Our main attraction in Dortmund awaits – the Intermodellbau 2026, the world's largest trade show for model-railroading and hobbies. INTERMODELLBAU 2026 is set to host a multitude of both local and international exhibitors across eight expansive halls, showcasing a diverse array of delights, including model trains, aircraft, RC vehicles, cardboard models, dioramas, and more. Immerse yourself in this captivating experience, as the exhibition venue unfolds with offerings ranging from traditional HO model railways to cutting-edge 3D printers, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore and test these innovations on-site.
Day 8
Saturday, April 18
We’re heading back to the Intermodellbau 2026 show today—there’s just so much to see! I’m sure there were things you didn’t get to explore yesterday, so you have the opportunity to do that today. I am sure that you are interested in more than train and this show will give you the opportunity to watch remote controlled air planes, ships and even drones and many more.
Day 9
Sunday, April 19
Today we depart Dortmund and travel to the historic and charming city of Cologne. We’ll take a train from the historic station—where we’ll spend some time trainspotting—into the city’s central square, home to the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral. After visiting the cathedral, we’ll explore the surrounding area filled with shops, restaurants, breweries, cafés, and local sights. Located along the beautiful Rhine River, Cologne offers plenty to discover both in the city center and along the scenic waterfront.
Day 10
Monday, April 20
As with all great adventures, our journey must come to an end today. After an early breakfast, we will bid farewell to our temporary home and board the train back to Frankfurt Airport. From there, you’ll catch your flight home, bringing with you cherished memories of the International Hobby Expo, Miniature Wunderland, and the many incredible experiences shared throughout our exploration of Germany’s cultural and model-making wonders.
Some of our guests will extend their stay in Europe, and since you are responsible for your airline tickets, you have the flexibility to tailor the conclusion of your trip as you see fit. Safe travels, and may the joy of discovery and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts stay with you always!
Tour Price Includes:
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8 nights at great hotels with daily breakfast. [Please note: Everyone gets their own room.]
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Rail travel Dortmund-Hamburg and Hamburg- Lüneburg to Bleckede, Hamburg - Munster
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Attentive tour guides speaking English and German
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Tickets for Panzer Museum
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Tickets for Miniature Wonderland
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No extra charge for single occupancy
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Taxes and service charges for included features
Tour Price Exclusions:
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Personal expenses such as phone calls, room service, laundry, and beverages.
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Gratuities for local guides.
Please Note:
Terms & Conditions:
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An initial deposit of $1000.00 per person is required to secure your reservation, payable by Checks or Credit Cards.
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Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited seats.
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Final payment is due by March 15, 2026.
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Confirm seat availability before making payments.
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Rates are subject to change, inclusive of potential increases in taxes, government-imposed fees, and exchange rates.
Cancellations:
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Cancellation fees before March, 2026, amount to $1,000.00 per person plus any deposits lost to railroads or other facilities.
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After March 31, 2026, there will be no refund for cancellations.
Refunds:
Proof of Citizenship:
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Travelers must provide proper documentation for U.S. citizenship. Married women with maiden name documentation must supply a marriage license. Failure to possess required documents may result in denied boarding, with no refunds provided. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for document requirements. Passports must be valid until October 2026 or beyond.
Itinerary:
Responsibilities:
Reynauld’s Euro Imports, Inc. is not responsible for this tour, organized by Rey and Roman Plaszewski for European train enthusiasts' enjoyment. While they arrange services and
accommodations, they are not liable for acts, errors, omissions, injuries, inconveniences, accidents, delays, or defaults of any company, their employees, agents, or facilities. Rey
and Roman Plaszewski are not responsible for flight delays due to reasons beyond their control, including work stoppages, labor strikes, or Forces Majeure. Acceptance of this contract releases Rey and Roman Plaszewski from all such liabilities.
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2026 Tour Reservation Form
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