Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony. It was the heart of the Wettin monarchy – a bastion of culture and architectural splendor in the north-east of Germany. The city also became notorious during the Second World War as the victim of savage Allied fire-bombing raids in February of 1945, which effectively wiped the city centre off the map. This 9-hour excursion takes you from Berlin to Dresden and back, and includes a tour of the city centre and free time for you to explore on your own. You will be met by your guide (experienced in leading tours in both Berlin and Dresden) at your hotel in Berlin. You will then go from Berlin to Dresden (circa 2.5 hours). Your guide will provide a commentary of any sites of significance you pass, and also background information to prepare you for your visit to the Saxon capital.

Our first stop on your tour of Dresden’s city centre will be to explore one of the city’s architectural centerpieces. This set of palace buildings, colonnades and gardens is widely recognized as one of the most stunning set of structures in Germany.

Emerging from the Zwinger you will step out onto the beautiful Theaterplatz and take time to appreciate one of Dresden’s foremost cultural gems.

Next we head to the heart of the former Saxon monarchy to explore courtyards and interiors of this restored set of ornate palaces.

Leaving the castle complex brings us to the catholic Saxon court church, where legend has it that the heart of the legendary Saxon monarch, Augustus the Strong, still beats.

You will then make our way along the full length this dramatic mural depicting Saxon rulers through the ages, as your guide points out particular figures of interest.

Our tour of Dresden’s inner city then comes to an end at the city’s most treasured monument, painstakingly reconstructed after it was destroyed in savage Allied bombing raids at the end of WWII.

After the tour of the city you will have some time to explore more of Dresden on your own. Why not visit world-renowned porcelain manufacturer Meissen at one of their flagship stores, the Museum of Military History (widely considered the finest of its kind in Germany), or Pfunds Molkerei – self-proclaimed most beautiful dairy shop in the world? Your guide will be happy to provide more recommendations, and we are also more than happy to organise restaurant or museum/gallery reservations. At the end of the Dresden portion of the excursion you will be taken back to Berlin and your hotel.