SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel from London to Berlin by train

Begin your independent rail tour of the former cities of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) by travelling from London to Brussels by Eurostar, on an early morning departure.

After changing trains in Brussels, continue to Berlin, changing once more in Cologne. You arrive in Berlin just after 7pm and check in to your hotel for three nights.

Days 2 & 3: In Berlin

You have two days to explore Berlin at your leisure. Berlin has a fascinating history stretching back hundreds of years, although it is really for its more recent history that it is best known. Berlin has been at the epicentre of two World Wars and the Cold War in the course of the 20th century, and is now the capital of a reunited Germany. Its rich history means that there is a vast amount to discover.

Major attractions include the Reichstag, the German Parliament which was built in the 19th century and destroyed in 1933, and the Brandenburg Gate which was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. This magnificent city gate is located at the head of the long Unter den Linden boulevard, named after the rows of linden trees planted almost 400 years ago. Another important cultural place of interest is Museum Island, where 5 museums are located. These include the Pergamon Museum which houses 3 separate collections; the Museum of Antiquities (from Greece and Rome); the Museum of Near Eastern Antiquities; the Museum of Islamic Art and the Neues Museum which hosts Egyptian and prehistoric items.

Apart from all the museums that the city has to offer, Berlin is also home to one of the oldest zoos in Germany, situated in Tiergarten Park. Why not take a stroll by the Landwehr Canal, which is seven miles in length and will take you through many of the cities sights including Kreuzberg’s café-lined embankments and part of Tiergarten Park. Berlin is a very large city and covers an area of just under 900 square kms.

Day 4: Berlin to Dresden by train

After three nights in Berlin take a direct train to Dresden, where you arrive in under 2 hours. You stay in Dresden for two nights.

Day 5: In Dresden

Spend your time in Dresden exploring the many palaces and historical buildings that the city has to offer. Dresden has a prominent creative scene and is often hailed as the most attractive city in Germany.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Frauenkirche and Neumarkt Square is a must. The Frauenkirche was rebuilt after World War Two and has become a symbol of reconciliation. A fine example of well preserved Renaissance architecture is the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace) situated in the historic town centre. Semper Opera House is also visually stunning and is the main venue for Dresden’s Saxon State Orchestra.

Another architectural gem is the Zwinger Palace. This palace is built in the Baroque style like the Palace of Versailles and combines magnificent architecture, sculpture and paintings. Dresden is known for its porcelain and a national collection can be found in the palace.

Day 6: Dresden to Leipzig by train

Today you travel from Dresden to Leipzig. This journey takes just over an hour and trains run regularly, so you can choose to either spend the morning in Dresden or take an earlier train and have more time in Leipzig.

Check in to your hotel in Leipzig where you will spend the next two nights.

Day 7: In Leipzig

You have a full day to take in the sights in Leipzig.

For those interested in history, the two churches should be your first port of call. St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) was built in the 12th century and is perhaps best known for being the site of the peaceful demonstrations which helped to bring about the fall of the Berlin Wall. St Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) was built a century earlier and has a significant history, as the famous composer Bach was the church’s choirmaster for almost thirty years and Martin Luther preached here 1539.

North-east of St Thomas Church is the ‘Markt’, the historical market square which is dominated by the Old City Hall (Rathaus), widely considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the country. Today the Rathaus is home to a museum filled with artefacts and pictures from Leipzig’s history. Slightly further out of the centre is the Battle of the Nations monument, completed in 1913 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Napoleon’s defeat at this battle. The viewing platform offers incredible views, but there is no elevator so this may be difficult for those with mobility difficulties.

Spend the rest of your day wandering around the old shopping arcades of Mädler Passage and Naschmarkt with their coveted courtyards, or perhaps visit one of Leipzig’s fascinating museums, including Mendelssohn House, the Coffe Baum coffee house and museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Day 8: Leipzig to Weimar by train

Take a direct train from Leipzig to Weimar, departing around quarter past 10 and arriving just before midday. You will spend two nights in Weimar.

Day 9: In Weimar

The historic town of Weimar has played host to numerous legendary personalities, now immortalised in the many monuments and museums throughout the centre.

For lovers of literature, the Goethe House and National Museum will be one of the most interesting attractions. Goethe lived here from 1782 until his death in 1832, and the house today is filled with his precious collection of art and his well-stocked library, as well as the National Museum on the upper floor.

The Duchess Anna Amalia Library and Schiller’s House also give an insight into the history of this literary hub. The Library contains an unrivalled collection of classic literature, whilst Schiller’s House contains a museum displaying a collection of materials pertaining to his life and works. It is recommended to book tickets in advance for the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, as this is a very popular attraction.

The Castle Museum with its collection of art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance Period is a must-see for art lovers – the stunning interiors themselves are well worth a visit.

On the edge of Weimar is the 18th century Schloss Belvedere. This museum was originally a summer pleasure palace and today contains an impressive collection of 18th century porcelain, furniture and artwork. The English-styled garden in which it is located offers a pleasant stroll when the weather is good.

Day 10: Weimar to Erfurt by train

The journey from Weimar to Erfurt takes only 20 minutes, so can be done at a time of your choosing.

Upon arrival in Erfurt, check in to your hotel for two nights .

Day 11: In Erfurt

Erfurt is filled with beautiful buildings which pay testament to its fascinating history. Perhaps start your day by visiting the food market which takes place in the morning from Monday to Saturday in Domplatz, the largest square in the city. Here you can buy traditional German food such as sausages, cheeses and honey, as well as some exotic delicacies.

Overlooking this square is the Gothic Erfurt Cathedral. The Cathedral itself was built mostly in the 14th and 15th centuries, but there has been a religious building here since St Boniface founded a church in 742 AD. The medieval art inside the cathedral is almost all original, from its tracery windows to the Wolfram candelabra dating from around the 12th century.

Right in the centre of the city is the Zitadelle Petersberg, the best preserved Baroque city fortress in Central Europe. Founded in 1665, this site was turned into a tourist attraction after Germany’s reunification and now offers amazing views of the city from its parapet wall.

Other historical buildings of interest include the Augustinerkloster, where Martin Luther became a monk and stayed between 1505 and 1511, and the Old Synagogue, which is the best preserved medieval synagogue in Europe. The Angermuseum, housed in a beautiful Baroque building, features an extensive range of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Day 12: Erfurt to London by train

Depart by train from Erfurt to Brussels at about quarter past 8 in the morning, changing trains in Frankfurt.

In Brussels check in for the Eurostar which will take you back to London, arriving in St Pancras in the evening.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes second class rail travel, with supplement for first class and standard premier on Eurostar of about £380 per person.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.