Dresden to Kiel
Holiday Highlights
- Rail travel across Europe and through Germany
- Paddle steamer tour on the river Elbe
- Two narrow gauge steam railways
- Sightseeing in Liepzig
- Miniatur-Wunderland
- City transport tickets
- 10 days from £1,590pp
Series 2, Episode 3 Great Continental Railway Journeys. The rail journey traverses northern Germany with sightseeing stops in the reconstructed city of Dresden, Leipzig, defined by its musical heritage, the historic charms of Braunschweig, to modern Kiel, known as the gateway to the Baltic Sea, before reaching cosmopolitan Hamburg which boasts a world famous miniature railway.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Travel by Eurostar from London, via Brussels to Cologne for an overnight stay.
Day 2
Take the train to Dresden for a 2-night stay. Your hotel will provide a local public transport ticket which is valid on buses and trams. There is a wealth of interest in this city which was badly damaged during WWII and you may also be able to take a paddle steamer tour on the river Elbe.
Day 3
Free day based in Dresden. The most famous landmark is the Frauenkirche which was in ruins for many years after the bombing in 1945. It was finally completely rebuilt after reunification and is an exact copy of the original. Within easy reach of the city there are two narrow gauge steam railways.
Day 4
Leaving Dresden after breakfast a short journey on an InterCity service will bring you to Leipzig for a 2-night stay. Again the hotel will provide a public transport ticket for the local area. The main station in Leipzig is one of the biggest and most impressive buildings in Europe and has been completely refurbished. Famous for its connection to music, Leipzig is the home of Bach, Mendelssohn and Schumann as well as the Thomas Church Choir.
Day 5
Free day based in Leipzig.
Day 6
By rail after breakfast for the short journey to Braunschweig. The city has an historical 'old town' area and has been the capital of the German state of Brunswick for 900 years since it was made so by Heinrich der Löwe (Henry the Lion). Look out for the lion statue, the symbol of the city. Overnight stay.
Day 7
Leaving after breakfast a two hour journey with a change of trains in Hannover will take you to Hamburg. Stay for 3 nights. Hamburg has a long maritime history and much historic architecture. Your city transport pass will help you explore and is valid on all modes of transport within the greater Hamburg area.
Day 8
Free day based in Hamburg with your transport pass. Make time for a visit to Hamburg's Miniatur-Wunderland which is a delight for all ages. At busy times it is advisable to pre-book to avoid the queues.
Day 9
Day trip from Hamburg to Kiel, the capital of the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. Whilst the city was badly damaged during WWII it has been largely rebuilt and its harbour remains the focal point of interest.
Day 10
An early departure by train via Cologne and Brussels will make a connection with Eurostar and get you back to St Pancras early evening.
Selected Hotels
Ibis Köln am Dom, Cologne
InterCityHotel, Dresden
InterCityHotel, Leipzig
InterCityHotel, Braunschweig
InterCityHotel, Hamburg
Please note - hotels can be subject to change
Price Includes
- Standard class travel as shown
- Hamburg, Dresden and Leipzig public transport pass
- 9 nights in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
Price per person
From £1,590 per person sharing
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