DAY 1 - From your chosen joining point your feeder vehicle will take you to the designated interchange point where your holiday begins. After joining your holiday coach, you make your way to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue to Germany to the overnight hotel in the Dortmund area. Bed & breakfast.
DAY 2 - An early start takes you across the heart of Germany via the Autobahn network and into the Czech Republic and 'The City of a Hundred Spires', Prague. Check in for your 2-night stay with dinner, bed & breakfast. Welcome drink on arrival. Your centrally located hotel means you can easily start exploring all parts of the city with the Florenc tram and metro stops right opposite the hotel.
DAY 3 - PRAGUE - CITY OF A HUNDRED SPIRES
Spend the day exploring this wonderful city with a local English speaking guide. Take in all the historic landmark sights (mostly on foot) such as the Charles Bridge, Wencelas Square and Prague Castle. A 'combi ticket' entrance to the Castle is included which allows access to St George's Basilica, Old Palace and Golden Lane. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure when you could join the awaiting crowds in front of the Old Town Hall to watch the Astronomical Clock, maybe take a cruise on the majestic Vltava River (not included) or enjoy a cooling Czech beer.
DAY 4 - After breakfast, travel north back across the border into Germany to glorious Dresden. Meet your local guide this afternoon to discover the secrets of this revitalised city, which was so badly damaged during WW2. The restoration is phenomenal and Dresden, 'Florence on the Elbe' is once again a magnificent 'jewel', full of rococo and baroque architecture and opulent buildings, not least the astounding Frauenkirche, the Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Check into your centrally located hotel later on with a welcome drink on arrival for 2-nights' dinner, bed & breakfast.
DAY 5 - DRESDEN - FLORENCE ON THE ELBE
You will have a full day at leisure in Dresden. It's hard to believe that the city was all but wiped off the map by Allied bombings in 1945. Most of the treasures and classic art were, however, safely removed and many can be viewed in the city's rebuilt museums. The domed Frauenkirche - Dresden's most beloved symbol - literally rose from the ashes and was rebuilt from a pile of rubble between 1994 and 2005. A climb to the top of its cupola rewards the energetic with magnificent views across the city and the River Elbe. If you cross the river to the north bank, the city's silhouette from this viewpoint is quite striking with its domes, spires and towers. Also of interest is the newly re-opened Dresden Fortress, Germany's oldest fortified bastion below Bruehl's Terrace. No entrances included.
DAY 6 - Depart Dresden to head west back through Germany to your final overnight in the Dortmund area. Make suitable stops en-route including the Möhne Dam, site of the Dambusters' attack in 1943. Overnight with bed & breakfast.
DAY 7 - After breakfast, travel back through France to Calais for the return to England.