DAY 1: UK - Berlin.
Fly to Berlin where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay.

DAY 2: Berlin (included sightseeing) - Potsdam - Berlin.
Now rediscovering the exuberance it was known for before the Cold War saw it divided by its infamous Wall, Berlin is a sparkling mix of pre-World War II architecture, modern skyscrapers and grandiose monuments. Today, acquaint yourself with its signature landmarks on our fascinating sightseeing tour by panoramic metropolitan rail, taking in the main historic and contemporary highlights of this great city. Later, there's time to explore the grand cafés and designer shops of the famous Kurfurstendamm, the city's showpiece boulevard, which was once the meeting place of Berlin's intellectuals and is graced with 19th century mansions, theatres and striking modern buildings. This afternoon, another treat lies ahead with your included excursion to Potsdam, an imperial city brimming with Baroque and Neoclassical architecture and home to majestic Sanssouci Park. Created as part of the Sanssouci Summer Palace of Frederick the Great, these vast gardens are a glorious marriage of rich lawns, fountains and woodlands peppered with extravagant temples and follies. (B, D)

DAY 3: Berlin.
A day free to delve into the sights and sounds of vibrant Berlin, perhaps touring the poignant Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which charts the story of the notorious border crossing point between East and West Berlin, and viewing the last remnants of the Berlin Wall at the Eastside Gallery, where a section is painted in spectacular graffiti art. Alternatively, why not join us on an unforgettable optional excursion to Harnekop (by coach), a top secret East German Cold War bunker complex. Set in dense forests near Berlin, this massive three-storey underground bunker was built 30 metres underground to withstand an impact as powerful as the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb and is now a haunting museum complete with original technical control system, situation room, canteen and colossal pressure-proof gates. (B)

DAY 4: Berlin - Dresden (included sightseeing).
Leave Berlin this morning as you travel first class on the train to Saxony's capital, Dresden, for a two-night stay. Known as the 'Florence of the Elbe', this lovely city is regarded as one of Germany's most beautiful and is packed with wondrous Renaissance and Baroque architecture, despite suffering major bomb damage during World War II. This afternoon, savour some of its highlights on our guided walking tour, admiring the famous Zwinger Palace, an exquisite complex of Baroque temples and pavilions, ornate Semper Opera House and magnificent domed Frauenkirche, which has been rebuilt and re-consecrated after being badly damaged in 1945. (B, D)

DAY 5: Dresden. Included Lössnitz Valley Railway excursion.
Soak up the gentle country landscapes of Saxony this morning as you travel on the historic Lössnitz Valley narrow-gauge steam railway from Radebeul to Moritzburg (standard class travel). Fondly known as the 'Lössnitz Dachsund' this charming narrow-gauge line is one of Germany's oldest and trundles through a gorgeous montage of rich pastures, glittering lakes, flower-filled meadows and lush woodlands. Once in Moritzburg, you may decide to visit the magical Palace of Moritzburg, a former Saxon royal hunting castle. Originally built in the 16th century and converted into a lodge by the Polish King, Augustus the Strong, in the 18th century, this Baroque jewel stands on an island in a lake and epitomises everyone's idea of a fairytale castle. (B)

DAY 6: Dresden - Leipzig.
A choice of ways to spend the day today with the chance to either explore the beauties of Dresden as you please or experience one of the legends of World War II on our optional visit to Colditz Castle (by coach). Perched high above the sleepy town of Colditz overlooking the River Mulde, this imposing medieval fortress was deemed perfect as a high-security prison for troublesome Allied prisoners during World War II. However, the castle quickly gained a reputation as an 'Escape Academy', as its incorrigible inmates played cat and mouse with the German guards by launching over 300 daring escape attempts from the clifftop walls. On today's tour, you'll see some of their escape devices and descend into the tunnel dug by French escapees. Later, return to Dresden and board the train for your first class journey to
Leipzig. Arrive at your hotel in the evening for an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 7: Leipzig (included sightseeing) - Berlin.
Saxony's largest city has a rich cultural, musical and merchant heritage and has risen from the ashes after heavy World War II bombardment to become one of Germany's most stylish cities. This morning, savour its vibrant atmosphere, futuristic buildings and graceful Renaissance and Baroque old quarter on our sightseeing tour, taking in its fine Gothic Thomaskirche, where Bach served as cantor, and spectacular Hauptbahnhof, Europe's largest railway terminal and one of the last 'grand' stations of the 19th century. Afterwards, there's time free to better acquaint yourself with this surprising city, perhaps doing some last-minute souvenir shopping in its art shops or tucking into a traditional Saxon meal of schnitzel or roast pork. This afternoon, return to Berlin by train (1st class travel), where you're invited to join your fellow travellers for an enjoyable optional farewell dinner. (B)

DAY 8: Berlin - UK.
Transfer to Berlin airport for your flight to the UK. (B)