Classic Germany

Classic Germany

9 days from £689

A wonderful chance to discover the stunning sights and cities that make up the former East Germany. Once hidden away from tourists behind the 'Iron Curtain', these historic places are a joy to explore and include the beauifully restored Dresden, the lively reunited capital Berlin and historic Erfut, at the very heart of Germany.

Holiday highlights
• Fascinating cosmopolitan Berlin
• Charming Leipzig, birthpace of Wagner
• Colditz Castle
• Beautifully restored Dresden
• Historic Erfurt

Optional excursions
• Berlin by night
• Potsdam & Park Sanssouci
• Guided city tour of Weimar
• Dresden guided city tour

Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 UK to Antwerp - To Belgium for our overnight stay.
Day 2 Antwerp to Berlin - We head east, to arrive in cosmopolitan Berlin for three nights at the 4* Park Inn Alexanderplatz Hotel, which is centrally located and within easy reach of all the main attractions.
Day 3 Berlin - A guided city tour in the morning introduces you to some of the main sights, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Kurfürstendamm, the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie.
Day 4 Berlin - A free day to explore further at your leisure, or you can join the optional excursion to Potsdam, summer residence of the Prussian royal family and its collection of beautiful palaces, parks and gardens. The highlight is undoubtedly the Park Sanssouci, Frederick the Great's retreat, with its castle overlooking the city, Orangery and perfectly landscaped gardens.
Day 5 Berlin to Dresden - This journey takes us to Leipzig, best known as home to St Thomas Church where Bach was choirmaster and as the city where peaceful mass demonstrations ultimately led to the reunification of Germany. We then travel to Colditz Castle, set high on a clifftop and renowned for its role as a maximum security prisoner of war camp during World War II, before arriving in Dresden for two nights at the 3* Ramada Resident Hotel.
Day 6 Dresden - A morning optional guided tour is available of this rebuilt city packed with historical buildings and classical architecture and known as the "Baroque Florence". Not to be missed are thw Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House and the Residenzschloss, close to the banks of the River Elbe. Much of the city was damaged by bombs during World War II, but meticulous restoration has resulted in the wonderful city you see today, the jewel of which is the Church of Our Lady, which lay in rubble for over 45 years, but whose huge dome now once again dominates the city's skyline, acting as a symbol for peace and international co-operation.
Day 7 Dresden to Kassel - Heading west we visit historical Erfurt, a delightful old city at the very centre of Germany, and the capital of the Thuringia region. We then continue to the Kassel area for a night at the 4* Ramada Hotel. 
Day 8 Kassel to Antwerp - We travel first to the beautiful Mohne Dam, target of the World War II Dambusters raid, then into Belgium for dinner at our overnight hotel.
Day 9 Antwerp to UK - Calais, Dover, then home.

Whats included
• 8 nights room & breakfast, 7 dinners
• Touring itinerary as described
• Grand Tourer coach travel