Inside Track Logo

Germany Dresden Steam Railway Holiday

PE featured

Paddling in the Elbe

A steamy adventure in Saxony

Holiday date: Wednesday, 14th June 2023
Europe
Germany
9 days for  £1769 per person
£3538 for two people sharing
Single supplement £280
Tour reference: PE9/1
Price, based on 1.05 Euro to the £. (see Booking Conditions for currency fluctuation clause)

Dresden is the home of the world’s largest fleet of operating paddle steamers, hence the title of this holiday. Join us in Saxony for a perfect blend of steam, scenery and sophistication!

Holiday Highlights

Cruise aboard original paddle steamers through stunning scenery
Steam abounds on several local tourist railways
Classic architecture to admire such as the world renowned Frauenkirche
By Eurostar, Thalys, ICE and regional trains to Dresden
Modern and historic trams in town and country settings
Enjoy “hanging around” in Wuppertal!

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 - Wednesday

We’re off - from London on the lunchtime Eurostar travelling to Cologne for an overnight stay close to the station and cathedral.

Day 2 - Thursday

We rail clean across Germany today using both regional and modern express trains (ICE). The best bit of this journey is the scenic Rhine route between Bonn and Mainz passing castles and vineyards in the morning sunshine. It is slower than the high-speed route we go home on but well worth doing. We’ll arrive in Dresden late afternoon, check in, and then head off into the city by tram for a familiarization jaunt.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Friday

Staying local to Dresden we kick things off this morning with a paddle down the river to nearby Meissen aboard an historic steamer (if our boat is the destinations namesake it dates from 1885). Time here to wander the streets, perhaps buy some breakables, and lunch, before we return to the city for an informative guided walking tour and the excellent transport museum.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Saturday

Lots more “local” stuff today with steam in the park, trams, and funicular railways. Our afternoon is spent with the Lossnitzgrundbahn. This railway operates steam trains on a lovely rural route that starts in a wooded valley before trundling past fragrant marshes, farms and villages.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Sunday

On the Czech/Polish border to the east of Dresden is a small town called Zittau. From here a steam railway runs out into the countryside and climbs up to an authentic junction station in the forest. Here the line splits and continues uphill to two resort villages nestled in the mountains and we will, of course, travel the whole system. It is a great photographic spot as well - the double departure must not be missed, and the bonus of an included lunch in one of our favourite restaurants will enhance the whole experience.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 6 - Monday

After many years since some devastating floods the “local” steam railway is once again running its full length between Freital-Hainsberg and Kipsdorf. Whilst we have other treats in store today we concentrate on the Weisseritztalbahn - what a wow! Glorious steam train journeys along a stunning gorge and past a serene lake – this, it has been said, is the most exciting steam railway experience in all of Saxony.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Tuesday

A classic Inside Track day explores the Elbe and Saxon Switzerland – an area of dramatic rocky outcrops. We go out on the north bank via Pillnitz Castle to Bastei, an incredible viewpoint perched 1000ft above the Elbe, overlooking the craggy landscape. Later in the day we return to Dresden with the longest, and most enjoyable, paddle steamer cruise from Bad Schandau, near the Czech border, through all this lovely landscape, back to Dresden – this “paddle” is the pick of the bunch!

Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Wednesday

We leave Dresden behind and travel by rail across Germany to Wuppertal. Here, after checking into our hotel there is opportunity for a ride on the famous Schwebebahn. This is a (modernised) 120 year old suspension railway that runs for over 8 miles between Vohwinkel and Oberbarmen, hanging 40 ft above the River Wupper. It’s great fun and a great way of seeing the city.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Thursday

Alas, it is time to head for home. We track back across to Brussels via Cologne and board the Eurostar back to London arriving late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Railways

Coming soon!

Our Hotel(s)

4 Star

Pullman Newa Hotel, Dresden

One of Dresden’s top hotels, we stay in the four star Pullman Newa on Pragerstrasse, the pedestrianized thoroughfare that links the main station (2 mins walk) with the historic centre (10 mins). This is a truly top-notch modern hotel with luxurious rooms, cocktail bar, and a fine restaurant, serving an excellent buffet breakfast.

Features and Facilities

Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Cable / satellite TV
Safe
Soundproof rooms
Refrigerator
Walk-in shower
Room service
Telephone
Laptop safe
Hair dryer

What's included

Transport

All heritage railway rides
All public transport journeys, in standard class accommodation
Private coach transfers throughout the holiday

Entertainment

All entrances
Detailed itinerary/information pack
Services of courier throughout

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis

Treats

One included lunch

What's not included

Travel to/from the holiday start point
Personal holiday insurance
Porterage
Other meals
© Copyright 2018-2022 - Inside Track. All rights reserved