Spreewald Forest, Potsdam & Berlin
Driving north from Prague we cross into former East Germany to spend two nights in the Spreewald Forest, declared by UNESCO an area of outstanding beauty. Here we can choose to cycle and walk well-marked trails or perhaps canoe through the remarkable network of rivers and canals. Taking a train we arrive in Potsdam, the old royal capital of the Hohenzollern dynasty and often described as a 'Prussian Versailles'. Berlin is only a short train ride away and a visit to the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie exhibition is a must.

Land of German History, Myth & Magic
After time to relax in peaceful Rheinsberg exploring the lakeside schloss (palace) our next stop is Saxony-Anhalt, a land steeped in German history, myth and magic. We visit the 1,000 year-old fairy tale town of Quedlinburg with over 800 well-preserved half-timbered houses and also take a scenic steam train ride into the Upper Harz National Park to Brocken peak (1142m). Next we traverse witch-country to Leipzig and enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Colditz castle before arriving at Pirna, our base in Saxony on the River Elbe.

Elbe Cruise & Bizarre Rock Formations
From Pirna our time is spent enjoying a variety of cultural and nature-based activities. We visit Dresden with its wealth of grand old Baroque buildings surrounding Theatre Square and take time to appreciate the imposing fortress of Konigstein before enjoying a unique cruise by paddle steamer along the Elbe valley. The Saxon countryside is simply stunning and best explored by foot - bizarre sandstone rock formations and wild canyons typify the scenery of Saxonian Switzerland N. Park. Finally, our journey ends with a guided walking tour of Prague.close