Berlin, Dresden, Meissen & Colditz

Resort:	Berlin, Dresden, Meissen & Colditz
Operator:	Riviera Travel
Destination:	Europe
Price From:	£849.00

Overview

On this intriguingly varied tour, we experience two of Europe’s greatest cultural cities, Berlin and Dresden. Both have endured violent interludes in otherwise glittering histories and have now returned to their former glory at the heart of 21st- century Europe. The outpouring of joy and energy that accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall nearly 30 years ago rekindled Berlin’s legendary vibrancy, and this modern city throbs with new life while doffing its cap respectfully to the past. Iconic locations abound – from Checkpoint Charlie with its spy stories, to the magnificent avenue of Unter den Linden with its many cafes and museums. Here we also see the Brandenburg Gate and the instantly recognisable Reichstag, symbol of the new Germany. Perhaps more sedate than Berlin, Dresden is a cultural jewel reborn as a beacon of hope and peace, revelling in the renewed splendour of its architecture, opera and museums. Before the last war it was Germany’s most beautiful city thanks to its imposing Baroque buildings and many art treasures. After huge bomb damage, Dresden has been almost completely restored as part of an extraordinary restoration project spanning 60 years, – and the results are breathtaking. But there is much more to this tour than these two re-energised cities as we experience Germany’s traditional side through its rolling countryside, small towns and picturesque villages. There will also be reminders of old East Germany, including an occasional Trabant, the still sought-after car that is so associated with the period. We explore the medieval town of Meissen, where highly skilled artisans craft exquisite porcelain in the only factory in Europe where the process is still completed entirely by hand. Finally, and in complete contrast to picturesque Meissen, we visit Colditz Castle, the infamous prisoner of war camp for serial would-be escapees – inmates included the legless fighter pilot Douglas Bader. This is a tour that reveals Germany’s delightful contrasts, from its vibrant modern cities to its charming rural landscapes, and lets you experience the past, present and future of this remarkable country.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1ARRIVAL IN BERLIN

ARRIVAL IN BERLIN

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Berlin. On arrival, we transfer to either the four-star superior Hotel Maritim Berlin or the four-star superior Maritim Pro Arte for two nights.A

Brandenburg Gate

DAY 2BERLIN

BERLIN

Berlin is an incredible place. Originally two separate 14th-century towns, it has long been a city of contrasts and never more so than in its recent past, which makes it such a fascinating place to visit.

This morning we have a guided tour taking in many landmarks, including Checkpoint Charlie, a poignant symbol of the Cold War when the city was divided between East and West. Youall see the Brandenburg Gate a one of Germanyas most iconic landmarks a and the Reichstag, the parliament of the reunified Germany that is steeped in history and partially reconstructed by Norman Foster. We also take in Unter Den Linden, the cityas most famous boulevard, the imposing cathedral and of course what remains of the Berlin Wall a now a protected historical monument.

The afternoon is free for you to explore. Berlinas turbulent political past makes it such an absorbing place, but it is also an incredibly vibrant city with a character and optimism to match. It strongly rewards exploring on foot a visit the impressive Charlottenburg Palace and the legendary Olympiastadion stadium, or you may wish to take a short train ride to Potsdam and the Sanssouci Palace, home of the famous Prussian king Frederick the Great.

Checkpoint Charlie

DAY 3COLDITZ & MEISSEN

COLDITZ & MEISSEN

After breakfast we drive through gentle rolling woodland and fields into Saxony, crossing the mighty River Elbe en route to somewhere synonymous with the heroic art of escape: Colditz. The supposedly escape-proof castle towers on its clifftop, looming over the town below. Our guided tour and the related exhibition offer intriguing insights into the lives of both inmates and guards. We see escape tunnels, a home-made radio, false uniforms and other escape equipment, all ingeniously crafted from whatever materials were to hand. Much was secreted about the buildings and, like the aradio rooma, was discovered by maintenance workers after the war. Some of the most moving exhibits are postcards sent by prisoners to their children, whom they were not to see for many years.

Next we visit nearby the town of Meissen, famous for producing the first porcelain to be made outside of China. We have a remarkable tour revealing how, since 1710, highly skilled artisans have created these unique works of art. Many porcelain pieces take weeks or even months to finish, and in the museum you can enjoy many of the splendid examples from throughout the companyas existence.

We soon arrive in Dresden for two nights, at the centrally located four-star superior Hotel Steigenberger.A

Colditz

DAY 4DRESDEN

DRESDEN

Sitting majestically astride the stately waters of the River Elbe and dating from the 12th century, Dresden is a strikingly beautiful place to visit. It rose to artistic prominence during the early 18th century when August the Strong, ruler of Poland and Saxony, gathered many of Europeas best musicians, architects and artists in his capital. Its pre-eminence as a centre for art, classical music and science saw the emergence of fine Renaissance, Baroque and Classical buildings, the majority of which a though destroyed by the Allied bombings of 1945 a have been wonderfully restored in recent years, returning Dresden to its former glory. This morning we have a walking tour around these revitalised architectural gems, and in the afternoon youare free to explore as you wish. Absorb the ambience of Dresdenas many enchanting shops, seek out a cosy restaurant down one of the quaintly cobbled streets, or simply enjoy the numerous talented street musicians that keep Dresdenas musical heritage alive.

Opera House in Dresden

DAY 5RETURN FLIGHT