Prague, Dresden & Colditz Castle

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Prague - Upon arrival in Prague, meet your friendly local tour manager and travel further into the Czech capital to your hotel for check-in. Afterwards, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to explore or settle in at your own pace. 
• Day 2
  Included tour of Prague and optional Vltava river cruise - It’s your first full day in Bohemia, and after breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head out for an introduction to the Czech capital’s most impressive sites.   Your first stop this morning will be the city’s distinctly Bohemian old town, a sprawling maze of cobbled avenues that open up onto historic public squares and street markets. Here, you’ll see the city’s astronomical clock, one of the oldest in the world, which dates back to the 15th century. If you arrive on the hour, you can watch the famous clockwork show, where figures of the Apostles and other symbolic statues come to life. Admire the Gothic spires of the Týn Church and the colourful Baroque facades surrounding the square.    From here, continue on foot to the Vltava River, where you’ll find the arched Charles Bridge, another of Prague’s most famous landmarks. Lined with 30 statues of saints, this 14th-century stone bridge offers beautiful views of the city’s skyline and will lead you to Hradčany, the magnificent Castle District. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore Prague Castle, the centrepiece of the world’s largest medieval palace complex. With a combined entry ticket, you’ll see the castle’s 1,000-year history brought to life by a unique blend of Baroque, Renaissance, Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, which have evolved over the years. You’ll also see the colourful Golden Lane and St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the most elegant buildings in Czechia.  Return to the hotel where you’ll be free to spend the rest of the day as you see fit. As the sun goes down over the Czech capital, you can also join an optional river cruise along the Vltava River for a dinner with a difference and a unique perspective on the city’s waterfront. As you glide along the river, enjoy a taste of Bohemia’s regional delicacies and sunset views over the city’s skyline.  
• Day 3
  Included excursion to Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně - Get ready for a rewarding day’s exploration with breakfast at the hotel ahead of a scenic drive to the famed spa town of Karlovy Vary, nestled on the German border. Known for its geothermal spas, this delightful spot became a popular choice for German and Czech holidaymakers in the 19th century and was recently named one of UNESCO’s ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ in 2021. While here, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the town’s intricate colonnades and try its springs’ mineral waters, many of which are said to have healing properties, for yourself.   After a few hours, you’ll head to nearby Mariánské Lázně, another popular spa town which is set amongst Cheb’s serene woodland vistas. Here, you’ll find a vast assortment of Neoclassical bath houses and elegant park-side pavilions, which you’ll explore under guidance. After a brief introduction to the town, you’ll have some time to unwind amongst the town’s pretty parks. Before leaving, be sure to see the famous Singing Fountain, which plays classical music on the hour between 7am and 10pm.  
• Day 4
  Free day in Prague or optional Český Krumlov - Today will be entirely at leisure, and you’ll be free to spend it however you see fit, perhaps making the most of your hotel’s amenities or exploring Prague further under your own steam. If you’d prefer, you’ll have the chance to join an optional excursion to the ‘fairytale town’ of Český Krumlov.   Start the day with a scenic drive south, enjoying unobstructed views of vast hillside forests and serene lakes as you drive through the Czech countryside. Your first stop will be České Budějovice, the charming capital of South Bohemia. Arranged around Přemysl Otakar II Square, this city is known for its beer brewing and is the original home of Budweiser Budvar. While here, you’ll visit a local brewery for a taste of the local brands and an insight into the production process, before continuing to Český Krumlov.   Set on the winding Vltava River, this picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture and is home to some of the prettiest streets in the country. While here, soak up the brightly coloured hues of the town’s riverside buildings and gaze out over the town’s skyline from one of its 13th-century castle’s panoramic terraces.   Head back to Prague for the rest of the evening at leisure and find dinner locally. 
• Day 5
  Included visit to the Saxon Switzerland National Park and Bastei Bridge - Pack your bags this morning and enjoy a final breakfast at your Prague hotel before checking out and continuing into Saxony. On the way, you’ll stop at the Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, jagged stone stacks and dense coniferous forests. At the centre of this marvellous protected reserve is the mighty River Elbe, which carves a path from the Czechia’s Giant Mountains to the North Sea.   Upon arrival in the park, set out on foot along some of its scenic woodland trails for a taste of the untamed Saxon countryside. You’ll then continue to the Bastei, a spectacular sandstone rock formation in the heart of the park. It’s here that you’ll find the famous Bastei Bridge, a vast walkway stretching more than 70 meters through the narrow sandstone stacks, and you can soak up unobstructed views of the park’s scenery from the top.   This evening, continue to Dresden, the ‘Florence on the Elbe’, for check-in at your next hotel and settle in at leisure.  
• Day 6
  Dresden city tour and optional evening river cruise - After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be joined by an expert local guide for a tour of Dresden’s Baroque landmarks. Start at the world-famous Frauenkirche, a vast Lutheran church which has become symbolic of the city’s skyline, and head to the Theatreplatz. Here, you’ll see some of Saxony’s most impressive buildings, including the ornate Zwinger Palace, one of the finest examples of Baroque style in the world, and the magnificent Semperoper Opera House. Nearby, you’ll find Dresden Cathedral, a striking Italian Baroque landmark on the banks of the Elbe, which houses the remains of numerous Saxon kings.   This afternoon, you’ll have time at leisure to continue exploring or to relax. If you’d prefer to head back into the city, be sure to pay a visit to the city’s extravagant Green Vault Museum a visit. This emerald-hued landmark, housed in Dresden Castle, is home to Europe’s largest treasure hoard and offers up-close views of the glittering collections of riches. Alternatively, the city’s Großer Garten (Grand Garden) is the perfect choice for a scenic stroll.   This evening, an optional river cruise on the Elbe awaits and showcases the gold-domed roofs of Dresden’s Baroque treasures in a truly dramatic light. In the company of an expert captain, you’ll see the city’s landmarks shimmer in the evening light and learn about their colourful history as you sail.   
• Day 7
  Included tour of Meissen and Colditz Castle - It’s the final full day of your holiday, and you’ll have time for two more unforgettable highlights. Once you’ve had breakfast, travel by coach to Meissen, a pastel-coloured town on the banks of the Elbe, which is home to the world’s oldest porcelain factory. Across an insightful morning’s tour, you’ll soak up the colourful shopfronts, which are characteristic of Saxony, and learn about the town’s centuries-old porcelain industry with a visit to the Meissen China Museum.   You’ll then drive further west for a call at the imposing Colditz Castle, one of Germany’s oldest and most infamous fortresses. This vast Renaissance landmark is perhaps most famous for its role as a POW (prisoner of war) camp during WWII and tells the tale of some of the daring escapes made by allied prisoners. You’ll have the chance to see the castle’s vast collection of medieval artefacts and wartime antiques on a guided tour. This evening, head back to Dresden for a final evening at leisure and make the most of your last few hours in Saxony. 
• Day 8
  Return to the UK - Enjoy a final breakfast in Dresden this morning, before travelling back to Prague for your return flight to the UK.