Cycling the Elbe, 8 days
Germany's charming nature and rich history in the East
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Daily distance: 25-50 km Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Route profile: flat terrain |
Do you want to explore Europe's largest fortress? Or find out more about the production of 'white gold' - the famous Meissen porcelain? There are many things to see and to do along the Elbe: watch brave climbers at Saxon Switzerland's bizarre rock formations, discover Dresden and its superb baroque architecture, cycle through natural and tranquil scenery, and and and ...
Day 1, Sunday
Arrival at the airport/railway station (depending on your arrangements) and transfer to our hotel in Dessau. Time for adjusting your bike and a walk through the city. Don't wonder if you pass by peculiar looking buildings. Bauhaus architecture emerged here.
Day 2, Monday
Our first day cycling leads us through the Garden Realm of Worlitz. Peaceful nature and noble edifices form a harmonic union here. After enjoying this scenery at a picnic, we cross the Elbe and reach Wittenberg in the afternoon. Here, in 1517 Martin Luther attached his 95 theses about clerical reformation to the Palace Church's northern gate. We will get an impression of the time when he was alive via a city tour. (19 miles/30 km)
Day 3, Tuesday
Again, stress-less cycling will bring us to our today's destination, Torgau. It is counted as one of Germany's most beautiful Renaissance towns. We recommend to have an evening stroll in its beautiful old town before gathering at the restaurant for a delicious dinner. (32 miles/50 km)
Day 4, Wednesday
Today's trip to Riesa crosses an extremely peaceful and quiet area with the Elbe meandering through the countryside. We may find the time to stay at the tree park Treblitzsch. Trees and bushes from five continents give pleasure to botanically interested visitors.
In Belgern we look at a 19 feet tall Roland statue which has several myths. One says, that jealous Torgau people, who tried to steal the statue, were caught and judged to bite the statue's toe every time they visit Belgern. True or false? We will find it out. (28 miles/45 km)
Day 5, Thursday
First highlight today are several wine villages on the way. Saxon wine is probably not known everywhere but surely worth trying.
In the afternoon we visit the Royal Meissen Porcelain Museum, studying the creation of hand made porcelain in a workshop, and stay at the master's exhibition. In 1708 August the Strong, King of Saxony charged an alchemist with the production of porcelain. So the first European china was created and a manufactory was set up in Meissen thereafter. (25 miles/40 km)
Day 6, Friday
Today we get to Dresden. Major reconstructions have now restored the baroque past to its former splendour. We will undertake a city tour and learn about the kept women of Saxony's King, the reconstruction of the 1945 destroyed Church of Our Lady, the Semper Opera House, and a lot of more. Use the evening to explore the silhouette of Dresden's baroque architecture. (15 miles/25 km)
Day 7, Saturday
Alongside the Elbe we pass Pillnitz Palace. After visiting its park with its orangery from 1730 and the palm house we carry on to the National Park Saxon Switzerland. Here we savour a magnificent view over Elbe and Saxon Switzerland's rock scenery. There are also plenty of trails to discover. Or why not just observe climbers on their way to the top? (28 miles/45 km)
Since we stay in the same place overnight, you may, instead of cycling, want to spend the day in Dresden.
Day 8, Sunday
Last day of the tour. Go for a second walk through Dresden or use our inclusive airport/railway station shuttle service immediately.
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Tour dates 2009: to be scheduled please subscribe to our newsletter |
Pick up points: airports/railway stations in Dresden and Altenburg/Leipzig |
Services included:
- 7 nights in biker friendly hotels or guesthouses (double room) incl. breakfast and dinner (dinner excl. beverage)
- healthy food and refreshments will be provided along the way
- transport from and to airport/railway stations in Dresden and Leipzig/Halle
- daily luggage transportation
- 1-2 local, bilingual tour guides
- passenger van escort
- trekking bicycle with panniers
- guided tours in Dresden, Wittenberg and Meissen Porcelain Museum
- all ferry boat fees
£ 680 p.p. (€ 980 p.p.)
single room supplement: £ 130 (€ 190)
'bring your own bike' discount: £ 30 (€ 45)
Quotes in US-$ on request
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