Historic Eastern Germany By Rail
Day by Day
| Day | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | BERLIN, GERMANY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to see some of Berlin. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. |
| 2 | BERLIN. Now rediscovering the exuberance it was known for before the Cold War saw it divided by its infamous Wall, Berlin is a sparkling mix of pre-World War II architecture, modern skyscrapers, and grandiose monuments. Today, get acquainted with its signature landmarks on the fascinating sightseeing tour by panoramic metropolitan rail (standard class), taking in the main historic and contemporary highlights of this great city. Later, time to explore on your own the grand cafes and designer shops of the famous Kurfurstendamm, the city's showpiece boulevard that was once the meeting place of Berlin's intellectuals and is graced with 19th-century mansions, theatres, and striking modern buildings. This afternoon, enjoy an included excursion to Potsdam, an imperial city brimming with baroque and neoclassical architecture and home to majestic Sanssouci Park. Created as part of Frederick the Great's Sanssouci Summer Palace, these vast gardens are a glorious marriage of rich lawns, fountains, and woodlands peppered with extravagant temples and follies. (B,D) |
| 3 | BERLIN. A day free to delve into the sights and sounds of vibrant Berlin! Perhaps tour the poignant Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which charts the story of the notorious border crossing point between East and West Berlin, or view the last remnants of the Berlin Wall at the Eastside Gallery, where a section is painted in spectacular graffiti art. Alternatively, why not join an unforgettable optional excursion to Harnekop (by motorcoach), a top secret East German Cold War bunker complex. Set in dense forests near Berlin, this massive three-story underground bunker was built 98 feet underground to withstand an impact as powerful as the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb. It is now a museum complete with original technical control system, situation room, canteen, and colossal pressureproof gates. (B) |
| 4 | BERLIN - DRESDEN. Leave Berlin this morning as you travel first-class on the train to Saxony's capital, Dresden. Known as the "Florence of the Elbe", this lovely city is regarded as one of Germany's most beautiful and is packed with wondrous renaissance and baroque architecture, despite suffering major bomb damage during World War II. This afternoon, savor some of its highlights on a guided walking tour, admiring the famous Zwinger Palace, an exquisite complex of baroque temples and pavilions, ornate Semper Opera House, and magnificent domed Frauenkirche, which has been rebuilt and reconsecrated after being badly damaged in 1945. (B,D) |
| 5 | DRESDEN. INCLUDED LOSSNITZ VALLEY RAILWAY EXCURSION. Soak up the gentle country landscapes of Saxony this morning as you travel on the historic Lossnitz Valley narrow-gauge steam railway from Radebeul to Moritzburg (standard class). Fondly known as the "Lossnitz Dachsund", this charming narrow gauge line is one of Germany's oldest, trundling through a gorgeous montage of rich pastures, glittering lakes, flower-filled meadows, and lush woodlands. Once in Moritzburg, you may decide to visit the magical palace of Moritzburg, a former Saxon royal hunting castle. Originally built in the 16th century and converted into a lodge by Poland?s King Augustus the Strong in the 18th century, this baroque jewel stands on an island in a lake and epitomizes a fairytale castle. (B) |
| 6 | DRESDEN - LEIPZIG. A choice of ways to spend the day today with the chance to either explore the beauties of Dresden as you please or experience one of the legends of World War II on the optional visit to Colditz Castle (by motorcoach). Perched high above the sleepy town of Colditz and overlooking the River Mulde, this imposing medieval fortress was deemed the perfect high-security prison for troublesome Allied prisoners during World War II. However, the castle quickly gained a reputation as an "Escape Academy" as incorrigible inmates played cat and mouse with German guards, launching over 300 daring escape attempts from the clifftop walls. On today's tour you'll see some of their ingenious escape devices and descend into the tunnel dug by French escapees. Later, return to Dresden and board your train to Leipzig (first-class) for an overnight stay. (B,D) |
| 7 | LEIPZIG - BERLIN. Saxony's largest city, Leipzig has a rich cultural, musical, and merchant heritage and has risen from the ashes after heavy World War II bombardment to become one of Germany's most stylish cities. This morning, savour its vibrant atmosphere, futuristic buildings, and graceful renaissance and baroque old quarter on the sightseeing tour. Take in its fine gothic Thomaskirche, where Bach served as cantor, and the spectacular Hauptbahnhof, Europe's largest railway terminal and one of the last "grand" stations of the 19th century. Afterwards, there's free time to get better acquainted with this surprising city, perhaps doing some last-minute souvenir shopping in its art shops. This afternoon, return to Berlin by train (first-class). Later, maybe join your fellow travelers at an enjoyable optional farewell dinner. (B) |
| 8 | BERLIN. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
