Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz

Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz

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tourhub | Riviera Travel | Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz | BD
tourhub | Riviera Travel | Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz | BD tourhub | Riviera Travel | Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz | BD

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tourhub | Riviera Travel | Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz | BD
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5 Days
From

$1062

Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz

5 Days Starting and ending in Berlin, Germany

Visiting: Berlin, Colditz, Meissen, Dresden

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

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:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History

From:
$1062 (USD) including Flights from the UK

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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- 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

  • Tour of Berlin, home to Norman Foster’s Reichstag, ‘Check Point Charlie’, the DDR (former East Germany) Museum, and some of the world’s finest archaeological and fine art museums

  • Walking tour of Dresden, ‘Florence of the Elbe’, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, formerly the capital of the Kings of Saxony

  • Visit Meissen and take a guided tour of the world-famous porcelain studio

  • Guided tour of Colditz Castle of Second World War prisoner of war fame – with entrance fees included

Itinerary

Expand All
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. 

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

  • Accommodation

    4 nights in 4-star superior accommodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Fully Guided

    The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager

  • International Travel

    Return flights

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast

  • All local accommodation taxes

  • Transfers to and from the hotels

  • All touring as mentioned

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    We are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure..

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Return flights

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • 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

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • 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

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Joan Yarker (Google Reviewer)  

My first cruise and I...

23-Sep-2023

My first cruise and I couldn’t have done better than my recent Seine River cruise. Carmen the tour organiser was excellent and always willing to go the extra mile to sort out any problems. The crew were amazing , friendly and helpful, the captain was great when explaining the controls on the bridge. Everything was very clean, food truly delicious and the pianist a delight and I was able to indulge my passion for dancing. My fellow guests were a delight and I made many new friends. Thank you Riviera

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024
$1186 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Sunday

Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
$1149 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Friday

Nov 04, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024
$1062 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$1236 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 26, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$1421 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Tuesday

May 02, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$1248 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Friday

May 12, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$1570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Tuesday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$1570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Wednesday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$1421 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Friday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$1310 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$1570 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Tuesday

Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$1248 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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