Elbe Paddle Steamer Trip to Pillnitz Palace & Park
Approximate Timings: 09.30 – 17.30
River Cruise
Passengers will be escorted from their hotels on foot by a Belle Trains Representative to the dock, where we depart at 10:00 on the majestic Elbe River. Admire the most beautiful sites as we run past three castles, vineyards and lovely countryside before drinking in the views of the impressive Pillnitz Palace while your boat drops anchor at 11:50.
Pillnitz Palace & Park
Passengers will enjoy a one hour thirty minute guided tour of one of the most important chinoiserie palace estates throughout Europe. Afterwards, you will have just over two hours to independently explore the palace and the striking grounds on the banks of the river, including its abundance of botanical treasures. We will return on the 16:10 paddle steamer, arriving back at 17:15. There are several restaurants and cafes on-site for lunch (not included) as well as a selection of shops.
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Price: £48.00 per person
Freital & Radebeul Railways
Travel on both these beautiful narrow gauged preserved lines.
Approximate Timings: 08.00 – 17.45
Weißeritztalbahn (Freital Railway)
The Weißeritztalbahn runs from Freital-Hainsberg to Kipsdorf in the Eastern Ore Mountains and is one of Saxony's oldest narrow-gauge railways offering a public service. The route connects three different natural regions and is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. The train plunges into the wild, romantic Rabenauer Grund valley, and continues its route along the Rote Weißeritz River and over numerous bridges. Take in the stunning views through the deep forested gorge that it follows, as well as views of the reservoirs and surrounding picturesque countryside near Dippoldswalde.
Lößnitzgrundbahn (Radebeul Railway)
Dating from around 1883, the steam-driven Lößnitzgrundbahn railway transports passengers through a fascinating and varied landscape of picturesque villages and dense forests. Leaving Radebeul Ost station, this railway travels through Radebeul and reaches the railway and tram crossing at "Weises Roß" flag stop. From there, the journey weaves through the vineyards of Hoflößnitz palace, through the romantic Lößnitzgrund valley to the stunning Schloss Moritzburg – the baroque hunting castle of August the Strong, before heading on to the town of Radeburg.
Logistics for the day: Coach pick-ups from all hotels for the 30-minute journey to the Frietal Railway. After just under three hours travelling along the Frietal – Hainsburg line to Kurort Kipsdorf and back, passengers will be transferred by coach for the 30-minute journey to Radebeul Ost station, where there will be time to purchase lunch before joining the train to Radeburg. The train arrives back at 17.00, aiming to be back at hotels by 17.30.
Price per person: £65.00 per person
Dresden Old Town Guided Walking Tour
Approximate Time: 10.30 – 12.30
On the left bank of the Elbe is Dresden's historical centre with buildings from the Renaissance, the Baroque and the 19th century. Despite being devastated in the Second World War, the Altstadt (Old Town) has kept or regained its incredible buildings. The most well-known symbol of the rebuilding of the city centre is Dresden’s Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the magnificent domed Baroque church dominates the Dresden skyline. Discover the rich culture and history of the wonder that is Dresden’s Old Town with your own personal guide.
Passengers will be escorted from their hotels on foot by a Belle Trains Representative.
Price: £15.00 per person
Trip to Meissen House & Moritzburg Castle
Approximate Timings – 09.45 – 17.15
You will be picked up by coach from your hotel and taken on the 45-minute coach journey to Meissen, where we will have a one hour thirty minute guided tour of the famous factory. The museum shows the entire evolution of Meissen porcelain from the earliest beginnings in 1710 to present day. Meissen porcelain is still created by hand employing only traditional techniques and can be seen in the demonstration workshops. There will also be time to explore Meissen historic centre and have lunch (not included).
We will then travel the 35-minute coach journey to Moritzburg Castle, where we will have a one hour guided tour of the summer residence of August the Strong – a stunning Saxon Baroque castle. With treasures to be discovered including European hunting trophies, ornate gilt leather tapestries and the Feather Room, with over a million coloured feathers. There will also be some free time to explore after the guided tour.
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Price: £60.00 per person