BY RAIL
HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY RAIL TOUR
9 nights / 10 days From £ 2,185 per person
Berlin
BERLIN • DRESDEN • MUNICH • COLOGNE
This rail tour offers an insight into Germany’ s rich diversity. Berlin resounds with historical events and is rich in museums, whilst Dresden is a haven for culture lovers. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, has a regal past, whereas Cologne has echoes of Roman and mediaeval history as the oldest city in Germany.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY ONE Travel from London to Berlin by train Begin your Highlights of Germany rail touring holiday by travelling from London to Brussels by Eurostar on an early morning departure. With a change of trains in Brussels, continue to Berlin, changing once more in Cologne. You arrive in Berlin just after 7 p. m. and check-in to your hotel for three nights.
DAYS TWO TO THREE 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 re-united Germany. Its rich history means that there is a vast amount to discover. Major attractions include the Reichstag, 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, and at the head of the long boulevard, Unter den Linden( named after the rows of linden trees planted almost 400 years ago). Your second day in Berlin gives you ample time to explore another important cultural place of interest such as 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 and the Museum of Islamic Art as well as Neues Museum which hosts Egyptian and prehistoric items. Apart from all of the museums that the city has to offer, Berlin is also home to one of the oldest zoos in Germany situated in Tiergarten park. Take a stroll by the Landwehr Canal which is seven miles in length which will take you through some 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 sq. kms.
DAY FOUR Berlin to Dresden by train After 3 nights in Berlin, you take a direct train to Dresden where you arrive in under 2 hours. You stay in Dresden for two nights.
DAY FIVE In Dresden Spend your time in Dresden exploring the 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 Sqaure 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 visually stunning and is the main venue for Dresden’ s Saxon State Orchestra. Another architectural gem to visit is the Zwinger Palace. This palace is built in baroque style after the Palace of Versailles and combines architecture, sculpture and painting. Dresden is known for its porcelain and a national collection can be found in the Zwinger.
DAY SIX Dresden to Munich by train Today you travel from Dresden to Munich. After breakfast, board a train from Dresden reaching Munich 5 hours later with an easy change of trains in Halle. You will be in Munich for two nights.
DAY SEVEN In Munich Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is situated within sight of the Alps. Munich is an elegant and beautiful, affluent German city with well-preserved historic buildings, palaces, gardens, imposing monuments and churches. At the heart of the city is the Marienplatz, home to the Old and New Town Halls( watch the famous Glockenspiel). Nearby is the Viktualienmarkt and the Frauenkirche as well as the Michaelskirche, which is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps. From the centre the city fans out into boulevards, parks, gardens and imposing museums, including the famous Alte Pinakothek and
92 To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk