On this trip, you will discover Berlin off the beaten tracks. Explore the changeable history of the city as it is revealed in architectural and cultural sites and get to know the everyday life of the city’s inhabitants. A train ride will bring you to Leipzig, the town where Johann Sebastian Bach became famous and the peaceful revolution of 1989 began. Nowadays, it is a vibrant university town and site of important cultural events. The next stop will be Dresden, the former royal residence and contemporary regional capital on the banks of the river Elbe. You will visit the historic city centre, the well-known church “Frauenkirche” and the impressive Semper opera. A day trip will bring you to Königstein in the hills of the Saxon Swiss. On another day you will travel to idyllic Meißen. The small town has been one of the oldest royal residences and is known for its production of pottery. While exploring these pearls of Eastern Germany you will also have the opportunity to enjoy local leisure activities, such as taking a bath in one of the famous lakes close to Leipzig, having a barbecue, or tasting beer in the brewery of Dresden.
Agenda
Day 1: Arrival in Berlin: Welcome to Germany!
Arrival by plane to Berlin and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will go for a stroll through the local district and enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant. Dinner included
Day 2: Guided city tour and Eastern Berlin
On this day, you will visit important sights of the German capital and discover interesting details off the touristic tracks. In the morning you will get to know the German parliament Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and the famous street “Unter den Linden”. In the afternoon, you will walk through the Eastern part of the city and visit some historical sites of German post-war division such as the Palace of Tears (former border control point between Eastern and Western Berlin). We will end the sightseeing programme within the areal of Häckesche Höfe, where you will get to know details about the city´s Jewish history and get an impression of the modern living concept of this special quarter. Breakfast and dinner included
Day 3: Visit of Tempelhof and train ride to Leipzig
Today you will get to know the stunning project Tempelhofer Freiheit. A citizen project that turned the former airport "Tempelhof" into a very impressing historical but still quite unknown touristical sight. Built in 1923 Tempelhof was one of the first German airports and became a strategic point during Second World War and the post-war period when it was used by the American Airforce and became the point where the famous Berlin air lift was organized from, during the soviet blockade. In the afternoon, you will get to Leipzig by high-speed train and discover the city’s sights in the early evening hours. Afterwards, enjoy your dinner in a nice restaurant within the city centre. Breakfast and dinner included. Distance travelled by train: 170 km
Day 4: Leipzig: City, Bach museum and lakeside
In the morning, you will continue your city tour through Leipzig. At the Bach Museum, an exciting and interactive exhibition will familiarise you with details of the life and oeuvre of Germany’s famous composer. In the afternoon, you will take the local train and go for one of the city´s beautiful lakes. At the lake, we will arrange a barbecue. Enjoy a typical German summer evening outdoor! Breakfast and dinner included
Day 5: Dresden: Frauenkirche, Dresden Fortress
The Saxon capital at the banks of the river Elbe is an architectonical treasure located in picturesque natural surroundings. After a short train ride, you will discover the city sights. In the restored church Frauenkirche, a contemporary landmark for peace and reconciliation, you will be able to listen to a short organ recital and learn about the special history of the church. In the afternoon, you will get to know the reputable Semper Opera house. In the evening, we will meet for dinner and have a stroll through the multi-cultural district Dresden-Neustadt. Breakfast and lunch included. Distance travelled by train: 110 km
Day 6: Königstein Fortress and Saxon Swiss
The surroundings of Dresden are characterized not only by river landscapes, but also by impressive sand stone rocks and several castles and fortresses set up by the former Saxon kings. The Königstein Fortress is located on a big sand stone rock just above the meandering Elbe. If you wish, you can take the challenge and walk up the hill through the summer woods on historic castle service roads. If you prefer the comfortable way, you may take the Castle Express and join the group on the top of the rock. After having a picnic at the castle´s gardens, you will join a guided tour through the castle. Afterwards, you will walk down the hill and drive back to Dresden. Breakfast and picnic included
Day 7: Meißen: Porcelain factory
On this day, you will make an excursion to nearby Meißen. After walking through the small town, you will visit the famous porcelain factory. A guided tour will explain you the production process and will enable you to get a tactile impression of production and some of the porcelain art works. In the afternoon, you will return to Dresden and take the train back to Berlin. In Berlin, we will have a farewell dinner in a nearby restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Distance travelled by train: 190 km.
Day 8: Good bye Germany!
Today it´s already time to say good-bye to Berlin and Germany. After breakfast, you will get a transfer to Berlin airport. Breakfast included
Tour Impressions
Important Information
1. 1. Trip classification (maximum = 4)
Culture: 4, Nature: 3, Physical condition: 2-3The trip to Berlin and Saxony highlights three of the most important cities of Eastern Germany. The programme will have a cultural emphasis but also incorporates some excursions into nature and several leisure activities. Between cities, you will travel by train. A good physical fitness is required for fully enjoying the journey.
2. 2. Date
We will offer this trip arrangement within our programme "a la carte travel" for small groups.
If you are interested to book this trip together with friends, family or colleagues, don't hesitate to contact us in order to fix dates and details. Recommended season: spring and summer. Minimum number of participants: 10.
3. 3. Prices per Person 2019
Sharing a double room: 1229€
If you need sighted a companion (1:2): 434€
Single room supplement: 135€
If there is a suitable roommate for you, we offer the possibility to share a double room.
Included in the price are:
- 7 nights in good hotels in the city centre of Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden
- Half-board as indicated in the programme (breakfast and lunch or dinner), including dinners in restaurants selected especially for you by the tour guides
- 2 English speaking tour de sens guides throughout the whole trip
- Transport by trains and high-speed trains
- Airport transfers
- Taxi transfer
- City tour in Berlin
- Visit of the Reichstag, the Palace of Tears and the Tempelhofer Freiheit
- Guided city tour in Leipzig, visit of the Bach Museum
- Barbecue at the lake in Leipzig
- Guided city tour in Dresden: visit of the Frauenkirche and the underground fortress
- Visit to the Saxon Swiss, walking tour and visit of the castle Königstein
Visit of Meißen and the porcelain factory
Not included:
- Journey or flight to Berlin. Please feel free to ask for assistance when booking a flight to Berlin (Please check our travel information).
Guide dogs:
Please contact us if you consider bringing your guide dog.
The schedule may be subject to change in case of adverse weather conditions, cancellations by the partner organisations, or other unexpected incidents.