SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day: 1 Travel from the UK to Berlin

Begin your holiday by travelling to Berlin by air or by rail.

If you opt to travel by rail, you catch an early morning Eurostar from London to Brussels. After a change of trains in Brussels, carry on to Cologne, where you will change trains once more before arriving in Berlin in the evening. Check in to your hotel for 3 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 3 nights in Berlin, depart from your hotel and board a direct train to Dresden, where you will arrive in under 2 hours. You will have one full day to explore Dresden.

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 Prague by train

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel by rail from Dresden to Prague. The journey will take just over 2 hours.

After departing from Dresden, the train runs along the Elbe River (on the left-hand side of the train as you head south). Look out for river boats and the occasional paddle steamer.

The last stop in Germany is the pretty spa town of Bad Schandau and the first stop in the Czech Republic is Decin, where you can see Decin Castle. The views continue as the train runs along the Vlatava River. On the approach to Prague, you may be able to spot the Old Town cathedral towers in the distance.

Days 7 & 8: In Prague

You have two full days in Prague to take in the city’s cultural highlights. Stroll across the Charles Bridge which spans the Vltava River and links the Old Town with the Mala Strana (lesser or little town) and continue uphill towards Prague Castle, one of the city’s most popular sights. St Vitus Cathedral is near the castle and can be seen from around the city.

Also explore the historic centre where you can relax in Old Town Square, view the Astronomical Clock (dating from 1410 and the oldest working astronomical clock in the world) and stroll around Wenceslas Square. Be sure to taste traditional pork or beef and dumplings at a typical Old Town restaurant.

Prague enjoys a cultural reputation of immense stature in Europe and there are numerous opera and concert performances that can be booked. Unique to Prague is the Laterna Magika, where classical principles of non-verbal theatre mingle with dance, film images and black light theatre.

Prague’s rich cultural heritage can be experienced in visits to any number of museums in the city, including the Czech Museum of Music, Mucha Museum, Franz Kafka Museum, Antonin Dvorak Museum, Narodni Museum and City of Prague Museum. You should also experience one of its vibrant beer halls.

Day 9: Prague to Krakow by train

Leave Prague behind you and board a direct train to Krakow, departing mid-morning. This is an all-day journey, arriving into Krakow in the late afternoon. You have three nights in Krakow.

Days 10 & 11: In Krakow

Unlike other parts of Eastern Europe, Krakow escaped destruction in World War Two, which means the city has enchanting streets and buildings dating back to medieval times. The highlight of the city is the striking Wawal Castle situated on Wawel Hill, just south of the Old Town. Popular attractions to visit include the State Rooms and the Royal Private Apartments, as well as Wawel Cathedral, the coronation and burial place for Polish royalty for four centuries.

Your second day in Krakow gives you the chance to explore south of the castle, where you can find Kazimierz - the former Jewish Quarter which is home to many bars and shops. In the Old Town, explore Rynek Glówny (Main Market Square) which features a 15th century Town Hall Tower, which you can climb.

If you would like to explore further afield, why not visit Wieliczka Salt Mine or take a train to Auschwitz (Oswiecim), which takes around 1 hour 40 minutes

Day 12: Krakow to Warsaw by rail

After 3 nights in Krakow, leave the city and depart on a direct train to Warsaw, arriving in just under 2.5 hours. Check in to your hotel in Warsaw for two nights.

Day 13: In Warsaw

Warsaw is divided by the Vistula River and the majority of historic attractions are situated on the left bank of the city. Here you will find the Old Town, which was completely rebuilt after the Warsaw Uprising of 1944.

We recommend visiting King Sigismund’s Column on Castle Square as well as the Neo-Gothic cathedral of St John the Baptist. Old Town Square is lined with pretty coloured houses and typical Polish eateries. Another place of interest is the Royal Castle, a former residence of Polish royalty from the 16th to 18th centuries and rebuilt after its destruction in World War Two.

We suggest a stroll along the Vistula River and also admire the views from the top of the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also various museums of interest including the Historical Museum of Warsaw, the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising and the Chopin Museum.

Day 14: Warsaw to London by air

On the final day of your holiday, travel back to the UK by air from Warsaw.

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 £460 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.