Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony. It was the heart of the Wettin monarchy – a bastion of culture and architectural splendour 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 drives 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.
When you reach Dresden it’s time for a 2-2.5 hour walking tour of the city centre. Prepare to explore the stunning gardens, colonnades and courtyards of the Versailles-inspired Zwinger buildings, and visit the part-Renaissance, part-Baroque Semper Opera House – one of the city’s cultural gems. Stand in awe of Dresden Castle, with its fairytale towers and crenellations and visit the Saxon Court Church where, legend states, the heart of Augustus the Strong – legendary ruler of Saxony – still beats. You will also walk the length of the Procession of the Princes, a dramatic mural depicting Saxon rulers through the ages, and climb up to the dome of the Frauenkirche – Dresden’s most treasured monument, painstakingly reconstructed after it was destroyed in Allied bombing raids in WWII – and more…
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 – the 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.
