Berlin, Dresden & Prague Tour 2012 

We set out from St Pancras International on a wonderful journey to Germany's vibrant capital. The first leg of our trip is by Eurostar to Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. We change trains in Brussels and travel to Cologne (Standard Class). The final leg of our journey is from Cologne to Berlin in First Class. Arriving in Berlin, we spend three nights at the centrally located 4-star superior Maritim Hotel. (E,D)

Our first full day in the German metropolis begins with a coach tour around the once-divided German capital, admiring impressive Imperial buildings and introducing the sights of the former East Berlin. Following the tour, you have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Here your options are almost endless as Berlin offers something for everyone. Within easy reach of our hotel are the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Unter den Linden avenue, which leads past the State Opera House to the soaring TV tower and World Clock. Alternatively, perhaps stroll past the shops, bars and restaurants of Kurfürstendamm in the west of the city or pay a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to recall the poignant history of the Berlin Wall. Otherwise, you could visit Tiergarten Park, one of Berlin's most beautiful open spaces. (B)

A morning coach tour past the Wannsee Lakes brings us to Potsdam, a former imperial city with some magnificent examples of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, whose entire centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the day we visit the inspirational Sanssouci Park. 'Sanssouci' means 'carefree' and the park was designed as a leisure retreat for Frederick the Great. The park is home to a number of beautiful royal buildings, including Sanssouci Palace and the magnificent New Palace, where we enjoy a guided tour. After time to explore the park and its wonderful gardens, we return to Berlin. (B,D)

We leave Berlin for the relatively short journey by rail to Dresden, one of Germany's most beautiful cities - known as the 'Florence of the Elbe'. Here we spend three nights at the Maritim Hotel. On arrival, a guided walking tour introduces the city's famous sights including the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the grand Semper Opera House, Brühl Terrace and the rebuilt and reconsecrated Church of Our Lady. (B,D)

Today we embark on a vintage steam train ride through the Saxony countryside to visit the exquisite Palace of Moritzburg, a former hunting castle of the Saxon royal family. Originally built in 1542, the castle was remodelled in the 1720s by a Saxon monarch named Augustus the Strong and sits in vast parkland containing several ponds which create a lake around the palace. After enjoying a guided tour and time to explore the stunning grounds, we return to Dresden where your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps visit the Residenz Palace, a vast structure now home to a selection of fascinating museums. (B)

Our coach excursion today is to Colditz, where we take a guided tour. Built high on a crag above the sleepy town is the castle, a Renaissance fortress that has served as a hunting lodge and a hospital in its long history. However, it is most famous for being the site of the infamous 'bad boys' camp, a maximum security prisoner of war facility during the Second World War. A constant battle of wits between the Allied officers imprisoned there and the German guards resulted in more than 300 daring escape attempts; incredibly just thirty prisoners were successful. We visit the castle's museum, which includes a variety of escape devices. Visitors can also descend to the tunnel built by French prisoners. (B,D)

Bidding Dresden goodbye, we travel by train through a picturesque region of dramatic crags, peaks and rocky gorges known as Saxon Switzerland. After travelling through the Bohemian countryside we reach the Czech Republic and Prague, the 'City of 100 Spires', a beautiful city where copper-domed churches line the banks of the River Vltava. We spend three nights here at the Andel's Hotel. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, beginning in the castle district above the city. This huge complex covers the area of seven football pitches and is Europe's largest fortification. We visit the castle itself, as well as the marvellous St Vitus' Cathedral. We stroll down to Charles Bridge to marvel at Prague's wonderfully preserved Old Town. Here our guide will introduce the atmospheric Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church. (B,D)

You are free to spend today exploring Prague at your leisure. Perhaps visit Petrin Tower, an observation tower offering tremendous views over the city. Otherwise, you may wish to discover Josefov, the Jewish District or Wenceslas Square. Alternatively, perhaps revisit the castle district - the buildings here represent virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. The 16th century Lobkowicz Palace in particular is well worth a visit. (B)

Departing from Prague we take the train back into Germany heading for the city of Nuremberg in northern Bavaria. Here we spend our final night at the Maritim Hotel, situated a short walk from the Old Town. (B,D)

We journey back to Brussels by train, where we join the connecting Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday