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Discover Berlin & Dresden

Escorted Tour

This tour is a perfect introduction to Germany’s tumultuous history, with visits to two major cities – Berlin and Dresden – plus Colditz and Meissen.

Germany has gone through multiple transformations over the last century, and never is this more apparent than in Berlin, a city that was once carved in two but now thrives as a modern metropolis. On our tour, we’ll visit iconic locations, including Checkpoint Charlie, Unter den Linden, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.

We’ll also visit nearby Colditz Castle, the infamous prisoner of war camp that was supposedly ‘escape-proof’ and held inmates such as the legless fighter pilot Douglas Bader.

Next, in the medieval town of Meissen, we’ll take a guided tour of a porcelain studio. Meissen is famous for producing porcelain since 1710, and it’s still a revered art form.

We finish in Dresden, a city with cobbled streets, cosy cafes abound and beautiful buildings which were artfully restored after the Allied bombings of 1945.

This tour is a must for anybody interested in Germany’s history, from the medieval to the relatively modern.

At a glance

  • 4 nights in four-star accommodation
  • Return flights & transfers
  • 4 included experiences
  • Bed & breakfast
  • Expert Riviera Tour Manager looking after you throughout
  • Checked luggage
  • All additional taxes
  • Average group size of 22 guests
  • Welcome drink
  • 2 local guides on most guided tours

Offers

Whether you’re an organised club, a society or even just a group of friends, arranging your group holiday or cruise has never been easier than with Riviera Travel.

Any group of 8 or more people travelling together can book through our dedicated Groups Department. If you’re a larger group we can look at operating your preferred holiday as a private one for just your members only. Smaller groups can travel together on any of our regular tours with other like-minded Riviera guests.

Find out more about our groups offers

Your itinerary

Route map depicting locations on Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz tour
Day
1

Arrival in Berlin

Fly to Berlin and transfer to our hotel for a two-night stay.

Day
2

Berlin

Tour Germany's capital, Berlin, enjoy time to explore in the afternoon, finishing with dinner atop the Reichstag building.

Illuminated Reichstag building, glass dome modern monument with spiral walkways to the top
Guided tour of Berlin
Free afternoon in Berlin
Dinner on top of the famous Reichstag building

Berlin is probably one of the most famous cities in Europe, and for good reason. In our small group, we’ll explore some of its many iconic sites on our morning guided tour, including Checkpoint Charlie, a historic landmark that serves as a poignant reminder of the Cold War which divided the city into East and West Berlin, separated by the famous Berlin Wall.  

Our tour will also take us to see the Brandenburg Gate, an imposing neoclassical monument from the 18th century, and then continue onto the Reichstag building. The Reichstag, a historic government building in reunified Germany, was originally constructed in the late 19th century as the parliament for Nazi Germany. After a fire in 1933, it was restored in the 1960s for exhibitions and events and later redesigned for parliamentary use, partially reconstructed by Norman Foster.

Naturally, we’ll be stopping at Unter den Linden, the long, tree-lined boulevard that leads up to the impressive Brandenberg gate, the grand Berlin Cathedral, and the remains of the Berlin Wall, which is a protected historical monument and – in parts – a piece of art with its permanent murals. 

Free afternoon in Berlin

Berlin is one of those cities that’s perfect for strolling around and exploring with no real agenda. You can find a café or biergarten to sit and relax in and watch the world pass by, or keep the sightseeing going with visits to Charlottenburg Palace and the legendary Olympiastadion stadium.

Dinner on top of the Reichstag

For an experience that is truly unique to Berlin, this evening we'll dine in the world's only public restaurant that's located inside an active parliament building. As the sun sets and night falls over the German capital, we'll head to the top of the imposing Reichstag where we'll dine at the Käfer restaurant next to its famous glass dome. Enjoy a seasonally inspired menu and take in panoramic views of the Eastern part of the cityscape at night.

Afterwards, head back to your Berlin hotel for a good night’s sleep ahead of tomorrow’s adventures.  

Day
3

Colditz & Meissen

Visit the supposedly ‘inescapable’ Colditz Castle, then continue to Meissen to learn about Europe’s oldest porcelain production.

Colourful Marktplatz in Meissen town square, Germany
Visit to Colditz
Guided tour of Meissen porcelain studio

Stay at Maritim Dresden or Hotel Steigenberger de Saxe

Colditz

We will depart from the lively city of Berlin and venture into the charming landscapes of Saxony, where we’ll cross the majestic River Elbe before arriving at the impressive Colditz Castle. This historic stronghold, constructed in the 12th century, was transformed during World War II into a notorious camp for prisoners of war. Famous for its reputation as "escape-proof," Colditz held Allied soldiers who had made previous attempts to flee from other detention facilities. Once you arrive, you'll have a chance to tour the castle and engage with its interactive displays, which vividly recount the extraordinary tales of escapes and the courage of those imprisoned within its historic walls. 

Meissen

Next, we embark on a tour of Meissen, a lovely town in Saxony known for its beautiful porcelain. The town's association with porcelain dates back to 1710 when the first European kiln was established, marking the beginning of porcelain production on the continent – a craft that had remained a closely guarded Chinese secret until then. Although porcelain had been made and traded globally for centuries, this was the pivotal moment it was first produced in Europe. We will take part in an insightful guided tour of a local porcelain workshop, where we will delve into the intriguing history and elaborate techniques employed by artisans in crafting these exquisite pieces. The local museum showcases extraordinary items from various eras, providing insight into the skill and dedication involved in each masterpiece—some of which require months of meticulous work to complete!

After our tour we'll drive to Dresden where we’ll stay for two nights at a centrally located hotel. 

Day
4

Dresden

Enjoy a guided tour of Dresden, a cultural and architectural treasure trove, then explore at leisure.

Guided walking tour of Dresden
Free afternoon in Dresden

Dresden has a long and royal history, as it was used by the kings of Saxony as their capital. As such, it has some fine examples of architecture through the centuries.

Although established in the 12th century, this river-side city rose to artistic prominence during the early 18th century when August the Strong, ruler of Poland and Saxony, gathered many of Europe’s best musicians, architects and artists in his capital.

Its pre-eminence as a centre for art, classical music and science saw the emergence of fine Renaissance, Baroque and Classical buildings, the majority of which – though destroyed by the Allied bombings of 1945 – have been wonderfully restored in recent years, returning Dresden to its former glory.

Our morning walking tour showcases the best of Dresden’s restored architecture as you learn about its history and culture, giving you the perfect background for a free afternoon to spend as you wish.

Free afternoon

This afternoon, the city is your oyster. Absorb the ambience of Dresden’s many enchanting shops, seek out a cosy restaurant down one of the quaintly cobbled streets, or simply enjoy the numerous talented street musicians that keep Dresden’s musical heritage alive.

Day
5

Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Hand-picked hotels

Exterior of the Marriott Courtyard, Berlin City Centre in Berlin, Germany

Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Centre

Berlin, Germany

4 stars

Chosen as the perfect base to explore Berlin’s sights.

Exterior of Hotel Steigenberger de Saxe in Dresden, Germany

Hotel Steigenberger de Saxe

Dresden, Germany

4 stars

Chosen for its prime central location and elegant, uncomplicated hospitality.

Maritim Dresden

Dresden, Germany

4 stars

Chosen for its superb central location and piano bar with live music.

Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz

Berlin, Germany

4 stars

Situated in the centre of the city, the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz is the highest hotel in Berlin.

Extras & upgrades

Opt for a convenient door-to-door service with transport from your home to your choice of regional airport or train station, available as an added optional with every holiday. This can be added to your booking after you've booked online by giving our reservations team a call, or when you're booking over the phone.

Travel connections

All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.

AirportHotel location Transfer time 
Berlin Brandenburg AirportBerlin 45 mins
Berlin Brandenburg AirportDresden2 hrs

FAQs

The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are available at the relevant supplement. The price includes:

  • Return flights
  • Four nights accommodation in four-star superior hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • All touring as mentioned
  • All local accommodation taxes
  • Transfers to and from the hotels
  • The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager
  • Average group size of 22 guests  
  • Welcome drink  
  • 2 local guides on most guided tours 

UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Germany however must have a valid passport. 

For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany/entry-requirements.

We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.

  • Currency: Euro
  • Flight time:  Approx. 1 hr 50 mins
  • Language: German
  • Time zone: GMT+1
  • Country: Germany

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found on our Passengers with Reduced Mobility FAQs page.

The deposit for this holiday is £250pp, then the remaining balance of the holiday is due a minimum of 90 days before you depart.

In this itinerary, the order of Berlin and Dresden may be reversed; however, the listed experiences remain unchanged.

holiday summary

Escorted Tour


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  • Signature Tour
Tour style Date Departs Departing from Accommodation Price from Call to action
Signature Tour
08 04 2026 12:30
  • Outbound:
    Date:
    08 04 2026
    Travelling with:
    Ryanair
    From:
    Manchester Airport
    Departure:
    12:30
    To:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Arrival:
    15:25
    Class:
    Flight - A - 20kg
  • Inbound:
    Date:
    12 04 2026
    Travelling with:
    Ryanair
    From:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Departure:
    18:30
    To:
    Manchester Airport
    Arrival:
    19:30
    Class:
    Flight - A - 20kg
Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Center 4* £1,419 pp Book now
Outbound:
Date:
08 04 2026
Travelling with:
Ryanair
From:
Manchester Airport
Departure:
12:30
To:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Arrival:
15:25
Class:
Flight - A - 20kg
Inbound:
Date:
12 04 2026
Travelling with:
Ryanair
From:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Departure:
18:30
To:
Manchester Airport
Arrival:
19:30
Class:
Flight - A - 20kg
Signature Tour
12 05 2026 11:00
  • Outbound:
    Date:
    12 05 2026
    Travelling with:
    BA - British Airways
    From:
    London Heathrow Airport
    Departure:
    11:00
    To:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Arrival:
    13:55
    Class:
    BA - Groups
  • Inbound:
    Date:
    16 05 2026
    Travelling with:
    BA - British Airways
    From:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Departure:
    12:30
    To:
    London Heathrow Airport
    Arrival:
    13:35
    Class:
    BA - Groups
Steigenberger Hotel De Saxe Dresden 4* Superior £1,469 pp Book now
Outbound:
Date:
12 05 2026
Travelling with:
BA - British Airways
From:
London Heathrow Airport
Departure:
11:00
To:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Arrival:
13:55
Class:
BA - Groups
Inbound:
Date:
16 05 2026
Travelling with:
BA - British Airways
From:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Departure:
12:30
To:
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival:
13:35
Class:
BA - Groups
Signature Tour
17 06 2026 06:40
  • Outbound:
    Date:
    17 06 2026
    Travelling with:
    Easyjet
    From:
    London Gatwick Airport
    Departure:
    06:40
    To:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Arrival:
    09:35
    Class:
    Flight - A - 23kg
  • Inbound:
    Date:
    21 06 2026
    Travelling with:
    Easyjet
    From:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Departure:
    17:40
    To:
    London Gatwick Airport
    Arrival:
    18:40
    Class:
    Flight - A - 23kg
Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Center 4* £1,449 pp Book now
Outbound:
Date:
17 06 2026
Travelling with:
Easyjet
From:
London Gatwick Airport
Departure:
06:40
To:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Arrival:
09:35
Class:
Flight - A - 23kg
Inbound:
Date:
21 06 2026
Travelling with:
Easyjet
From:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Departure:
17:40
To:
London Gatwick Airport
Arrival:
18:40
Class:
Flight - A - 23kg
Signature Tour
08 07 2026 12:30
  • Outbound:
    Date:
    08 07 2026
    Travelling with:
    Ryanair
    From:
    Manchester Airport
    Departure:
    12:30
    To:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Arrival:
    15:25
    Class:
    Flight - A - 20kg
  • Inbound:
    Date:
    12 07 2026
    Travelling with:
    Ryanair
    From:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Departure:
    18:30
    To:
    Manchester Airport
    Arrival:
    19:30
    Class:
    Flight - A - 20kg
Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Center 4* £1,499 pp Book now
Outbound:
Date:
08 07 2026
Travelling with:
Ryanair
From:
Manchester Airport
Departure:
12:30
To:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Arrival:
15:25
Class:
Flight - A - 20kg
Inbound:
Date:
12 07 2026
Travelling with:
Ryanair
From:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Departure:
18:30
To:
Manchester Airport
Arrival:
19:30
Class:
Flight - A - 20kg
Signature Tour
31 08 2026 07:00
  • Outbound:
    Date:
    31 08 2026
    Travelling with:
    Easyjet
    From:
    Birmingham Airport
    Departure:
    07:00
    To:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Arrival:
    09:45
    Class:
    Flight - A - 23kg
  • Inbound:
    Date:
    04 09 2026
    Travelling with:
    Easyjet
    From:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Departure:
    11:35
    To:
    Birmingham Airport
    Arrival:
    12:30
    Class:
    Flight - A - 23kg
Steigenberger Hotel De Saxe Dresden 4* Superior £1,439 pp Book now
Outbound:
Date:
31 08 2026
Travelling with:
Easyjet
From:
Birmingham Airport
Departure:
07:00
To:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Arrival:
09:45
Class:
Flight - A - 23kg
Inbound:
Date:
04 09 2026
Travelling with:
Easyjet
From:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Departure:
11:35
To:
Birmingham Airport
Arrival:
12:30
Class:
Flight - A - 23kg
Signature Tour
11 09 2026 10:35
  • Outbound:
    Date:
    11 09 2026
    Travelling with:
    BA - British Airways
    From:
    London Heathrow Airport
    Departure:
    10:35
    To:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Arrival:
    13:30
    Class:
    BA - Groups
  • Inbound:
    Date:
    15 09 2026
    Travelling with:
    BA - British Airways
    From:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Departure:
    14:55
    To:
    London Heathrow Airport
    Arrival:
    15:55
    Class:
    BA - Groups
Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Center 4* £1,439 pp Book now
Outbound:
Date:
11 09 2026
Travelling with:
BA - British Airways
From:
London Heathrow Airport
Departure:
10:35
To:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Arrival:
13:30
Class:
BA - Groups
Inbound:
Date:
15 09 2026
Travelling with:
BA - British Airways
From:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Departure:
14:55
To:
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival:
15:55
Class:
BA - Groups
Signature Tour
08 10 2026 15:05
  • Outbound:
    Date:
    08 10 2026
    Travelling with:
    Ryanair
    From:
    Manchester Airport
    Departure:
    15:05
    To:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Arrival:
    18:00
    Class:
    Flight - A - 20kg
  • Inbound:
    Date:
    12 10 2026
    Travelling with:
    Ryanair
    From:
    Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
    Departure:
    18:25
    To:
    Manchester Airport
    Arrival:
    19:25
    Class:
    Flight - A - 20kg
Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Center 4* £1,439 pp Book now
Outbound:
Date:
08 10 2026
Travelling with:
Ryanair
From:
Manchester Airport
Departure:
15:05
To:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Arrival:
18:00
Class:
Flight - A - 20kg
Inbound:
Date:
12 10 2026
Travelling with:
Ryanair
From:
Berlin Brandenburg International Airport
Departure:
18:25
To:
Manchester Airport
Arrival:
19:25
Class:
Flight - A - 20kg

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