2025 - Prague & Dresden

Calling all culture vultures and history buffs! Come and explore two of Europe's great historic cities with this new twin centre break. Prague, 'City of a Hundred Spires' and Dresden, 'Florence on the Elbe' - what an awesome combination! Prague is a living museum with famous sights including 14th century stone Charles Bridge, the hilltop Hradcancy Castle and the beautiful Old Town. To lose yourself in Prague's maze of narrow cobbled streets and hidden courtyards is a pure joy as you stumble upon ancient chapels, ornate baroque facades and old-fashioned bars and cafes. Dramatic Dresden on the scenic River Elbe is a magnificent city full of art and culture and it remains a dramatic symbol of human resilience.\n\nNB Due to the historic nature of the cities, this tour requires a good amount of walking and may be less suitable for people with mobility difficulties.Highlights
- 4 nights in hotels with dinner, bed & breakfast- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast- Porterage in Prague and Dresden- Welcome drink in Prague- Walking tour of Prague Castle District- Prague Castle combi ticket incl St George's Basilica, Old Palace, Golden Lane- Guided walking tour of Dresden

Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you make your way to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue to Germany to the overnight hotel in the Dortmund area. Bed & breakfast.\n\nDAY 2 - An early start takes you across the heart of Germany via the Autobahn network and into the Czech Republic and 'The City of a Hundred Spires', Prague. Check in to the 4* Hotel Royal Prague for your 2-night stay with dinner, bed & breakfast. Welcome drink on arrival.\n\nYour hotel is well located with the Križíkova tram stop and metro station right outside so you can easily start exploring the city. Take the tram to Namesti Republiky (10 mins) or the metro to Mustek station at Wencelas Square (12 mins)\n\nDAY 3 - PRAGUE - CITY OF A HUNDRED SPIRES\nComfy shoes are the order of the day as you explore this wonderful city with a local English speaking guide. Transfer into the city centre where your walking tour starts at Castle Hill. A 'combi ticket' entrance to the Castle is included which allows access to St George's Basilica, Old Palace and Golden Lane. From here, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you head down into the Old Town where you can explore all the historic landmark sights such as the Charles Bridge, Wencelas Square and Prague Castle. You may like to join the awaiting crowds in front of the Old Town Hall to watch the Astronomical Clock, maybe take a cruise on the majestic Vltava River (not included) or enjoy a cooling Czech beer. The coach will transfer you back to the hotel later this afternoon.\n\nDAY 4 - After breakfast, travel north back across the border into Germany to glorious Dresden. Meet your local guide this afternoon to discover the secrets of this revitalised city, which was so badly damaged during WW2. The restoration is phenomenal and Dresden, 'Florence on the Elbe' is once again a magnificent 'jewel', full of rococo and baroque architecture and opulent buildings, not least the astounding Frauenkirche, the Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Check into 3* Achat Hotel Dresden Altstadt later on for 2 nights' dinner, bed & breakfast.\n\nThere is a bus stop (Agentur fur Arbeit) opposite the hotel with regular departures (number 62) into the centre (approx 5-10 mins). There is also a tram stop (Budapester Strasse) approx. 10 mins walk from the hotel underneath the railway bridge. Frequent trams (no 7 direction Weixdorf)) go into the centre (Dresden Synagoge) and take approx 8 mins.\n\nDAY 5 - DRESDEN - FLORENCE ON THE ELBE\nTransfer into the city centre where you will have a full day at leisure. It's hard to believe that the city was all but wiped off the map by Allied bombings in 1945. Most of the treasures and classic art were, however, safely removed and many can be viewed in the city's rebuilt museums. The domed Frauenkirche - Dresden's most beloved symbol - literally rose from the ashes and was rebuilt from a pile of rubble between 1994 and 2005. A climb to the top of its cupola rewards the energetic with magnificent views across the city and the River Elbe. If you cross the river to the north bank, the city's silhouette from this viewpoint is quite striking with its domes, spires and towers. Also of interest is the newly re-opened Dresden Fortress, Germany's oldest fortified bastion below Bruehl's Terrace. No entrances included.\n\nDAY 6 - Depart Dresden to head west back through Germany to your final overnight in the Dortmund area. Make suitable stops en-route including (time permitting) the Möhne Dam, site of the Dambusters' attack in 1943. Overnight with bed & breakfast.\n\nDAY 7 - After breakfast, travel back through France to Calais for the return to England.Well located hotels
Hotel Royal, Prague - 2 nights\nThis 4* elegant and modern hotel is located in the Karlin district of Prague, with the Križíkova tram stop and metro station right outside for good links into the centre. The smart guestrooms are sound-proofed and feature complimentary WiFi, TV, mini-fridge, air-conditioning and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a restaurant and lobby bar as well as a small gym and sauna (additional charge). There is a lift to all floors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAchat Hotel Dresden Altstadt - 2 nights\nThis 3* modern hotel is located in a residential district not far from the city centre with good public transport connections (15 mins walk from the main railway station). Guests rooms are bright and light and feature satellite TV, free WiFi, hairdryer and desk. There is a bar and breakfast room as well as the Restaurant 'Feldschlösschen-Stammhaus', directly next to the hotel for evening meals. There is a lift.