The Harz Mountains

Meet at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Brussels. Continue to Hanover by rail, and then make your way to Wernigerode. The town is picturesquely situated on the northern slopes of the Harz Mountains, with the Holtemme River flowing right through it. Due to its natural beauty and preserved medieval centre, many affectionately refer to Wernigerode as the 'pearl of the Harz'.

• Dinner

Today a guided tour introduces you to the best of Wernigerode. You'll see the enchanting Wernigerode Castle set high above the town on a forested hill, a romantic Baroque wonder. After discovering the town's rich history on your tour, enjoy some time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take a stroll through the Altstadt, or Old Town, where gorgeous half-timbered buildings line the streets, lending a fairytale touch to the area. The town hall, known as the Rathaus, is a must-see, with traditional bay windows, striking towers and pretty stained-glass finishes. For a touch of local heritage, head to the Harzmuseum where there's a collection of fossils, rocks and minerals from the nearby Harz Mountains, as well as interesting exhibits about the town and a display of beautiful artworks.

• Breakfast

Visit Goslar for a guided tour. The historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to thousands of fascinating buildings dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The pride of Goslar is the Kaiserpfalz, also known as the Imperial Palace of Goslar, the largest Romanesque palace in Europe. This afternoon is free. You might like to visit the Marktplatz. The Martkbrunnen fountain here is exceptionally old - its lower basin is from the 12th century and was the largest piece of bronze cast anywhere at that time. On the south side of the market square is the arcaded Kaiserworth guildhall, dating back to 1484 and decorated with statues of Holy Roman Emperors. You could sample some classic German cuisine in one of the squares cafés - maybe try traditional schnitzel with a glass of cold local beer.

• Breakfast

Step back in time today, taking a steam-hauled train trip on the Brocken Railway to the summit of Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. Admire the striking scenery as the engine slowly climbs to the top, rising high above Upper Harz National Park and showcasing a landscape of pretty forests and rushing streams. You arrive at Brockenbahnhof, the highest narrow-gauge railway station in Germany. The fantastic vantage point at the summit allows for some glorious views across the mountains below, and you have time to appreciate them.

• Breakfast

Your excursion today unveils the beautifully preserved town of Quedlinburg. On arrival, you enjoy a guided tour of this old German town. With its cobbled streets and hundreds of half-timbered buildings, the alluring town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance towns in Europe. The town has a wealth of history and culture, combined with a modern flair and fabulous examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Quedlinburg Abbey, one of the town's greatest landmarks, towers over the town with its twin spires and terracotta roofs. After your tour, you're free to make your own discoveries.

• Breakfast, Dinner

You take a coach to Hanover, where you join the train to Brussels, via Cologne. Here, you join the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.

• Breakfast