Berlin, Dresden & Prague

We meet at our exclusive Departure Office in St Pancras, before boarding the Eurostar to Brussels. Here we change trains and travel by high-speed rail to Cologne. The final leg of our journey takes us to Berlin, where we spend three nights at the 4-Star NH Berlin Kurfurstendamm Hotel.

Day 2 is our first full day in Germany's capital 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 plenty of time to explore at your own pace and the opportunities are nearly endless.

Within easy reach is 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 in the west of the city, or pay a visit to Checkpoint Charlie and the engrossing history of the Berlin Wall.

• Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast

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 center 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. The following day, we leave Berlin for the 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 NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt. On arrival, a guided walking tour introduces the city's famous sights including the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the grand Semper Opera House, and the rebuilt and reconsecrated Church of Our Lady.

• Day 3 - Breakfast
• Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner

Today we embark on a vintage steam train ride through Saxony's countryside to visit the enchanting town of Mortizburg, home to Moritzburg Palace. Later in the afternoon, we take a coach excursion to Colditz for a tour of the iconic Castle, one of the most feared Second World War POW camps in Germany.

• Breakfast

Bidding Dresden farewell, we travel by train through a picturesque region of dramatic crags, peaks and rocky gorges known as Saxon Switzerland. After traveling through the Bohemian countryside, we reach the Czech Republic and Prague, the 'City of 100 Spires'. The next day we enjoy a guided tour of the city, featuring the impervious and indomitable Hradčany District before enjoying a cruise on the Vltava. As we sail this famous river, we get a fantastic view of the city's buildings. Day 8 is at leisure for you to continue exploring under your own steam. Perhaps you'd like to visit the popular Prague Zoo?

Alternatively, you could see the Lesser Quarter, one of Prague's most historic quarters. Other options include the Petrin Tower, an observation tower offering tremendous views over the city, you may also like to return to the Castle District - the buildings here representing virtually every architectural style of the last millennium and are one of Prague's most famous draws. Whatever it is you wish to see, Prague is one of Europe's most popular and varied destinations.

Gourmet restaurants, cocktail bars and trendy cafés are easy to find. If you are looking for something more authentic, you can feast on pork and dumplings washed down with beer in a traditional pub.

Many of Prague's main sites are just a short journey away and trams and public transport are available throughout the city. Day passes may be purchased for the extensive tram, bus and metro network. You can take a leisurely stroll along the Vltava River, or possibly cruise gently through the city, the most relaxing way to see the sights.

• Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 7 - Breakfast
• Day 8 - Breakfast

Departing from Prague we travel by coach back into Germany heading for Nuremberg. Here we spend our final night at the Maritim Hotel, situated a short walk from the city's Old Town and close to the stunning Cathedral building. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell meal together at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We journey back via Cologne to Brussels. In the Belgian capital we connect with the Eurostar to London.

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Meal (First Class only)