Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz
Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz
Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz
5 Days Starting and ending in Berlin, Germany
Visiting: Berlin, Colditz, Meissen, Dresden
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 50
Physical rating:
Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.
Age range:
9-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$1068 (USD) including Flights from the UKTourhub Members Discount - Sign In
Tour 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-Â century Europe. The outpouring of joy and energy that accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall over 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.
This tour can operate in reverse staying first in Dresden for two nights followed by two nights in Berlin. You will experience the same tours and visits.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Centre or Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Berlin. On arrival, we transfer to either the four-star Marriott Courtyard or the four-star superior Maritim Pro Arte for two nights.Â
Day 2 : Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Centre or Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. You’ll see the Brandenburg Gate – one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks – 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 city’s most famous boulevard, the imposing cathedral and of course what remains of the Berlin Wall – now a protected historical monument.
The afternoon is free for you to explore. Berlin’s 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 by foot – 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.
Day 3 : Colditz & Meissen
Location: Colditz, Meissen, Dresden
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Maritim Dresden or Hotel Steigenberger de Saxe
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 ‘radio room’, 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 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 company’s existence.
We soon arrive in Dresden for two nights, at the centrally located four-star superior Hotel Steigenberger. On some tour dates we'll stay at the four-star superior Maritim Hotel situated on the banks of the River Elbe.
Day 4 : Dresden
Location: Dresden
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Maritim Dresden or Hotel Steigenberger de Saxe
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Europe’s 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 – though destroyed by the Allied bombings of 1945 – 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 you’re free to explore as you wish. Absorb the ambience of Dresden’s 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 Dresden’s musical heritage alive.
Day 5 : Return Home
Location: Dresden
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights in 4-star superior accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Fully Guided
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
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International Travel
Return flights
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Meals
Daily breakfast
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All local accommodation taxes
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Transfers to and from the hotels
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All touring as mentioned
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are flights included in this tour?
Return flights
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure..
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Wednesday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Monday - Friday
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Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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