Cycling the Elbe, 13 days
Germany's charming nature and rich history in the East
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Daily distance: 25-50 km Duration: 13 days / 12 nights Route profile: flat terrain, includes some cycle-free days |
As extended version of the '8 days along the Elbe' tour, this trip gives you more insights into eastern Germany's rich past and lovely countryside. Cycling through Worlitz Garden Realm, being at original places of 1989's peaceful revolution in Leipzig and visiting history at Colditz Castle are only a view of its highlights.
Day 1, Monday
Arrival at airport/railway station (depending on your preferences) and transfer to our hotel in Dresden, where we stay for three nights. We recommend to spend the afternoon at Bruhl Terrace, overlooking the baroque scenery and the ships passing by.
Day 2, Tuesday
In the forenoon we undertake a tour through Dresden. We will hear stories about the kept women of Saxony's King, visit the rebuilt Church of Our Lady and the Semper Opera House. The rest of the day is open for your own activities. Dresden offers numerous possibilities for additional sightseeing, shopping or just relaxing in a café.
Day 3, Wednesday
This is our first day cycling. On our way up the Elbe we pass Pillnitz Palace with its orangery, Chinese pavilion and palm house. We taper off the day with a walk at the National Park Saxon Switzerland, savouring a magnificent view over Elbe and its surrounding rock scenery.
(28 miles/45 km)
Day 4, Thursday
Today's stage leads us to Meissen, recognisable from afar by the monumental Castle Albrechtsburg from the 16th century. Nowadays, Meissen is most famous for its 'white gold'. We visit the Porcelain Museum at the manufactory's premises, study the creation of hand made porcelain in a workshop and walk through the master's exhibition.
(15 miles/25 km)
Day 5, Friday
On our way to Strehla we pass the smallest vine production area in Germany. In Diesbar-Seusslitz, one of the villages in the heart of it, we stop at the baroque palace with its garden. (21 miles/34 km)
Day 6, Saturday
Via Belgern with its 19 feet tall Roland statue we reach Torgau. In April 1945 Russian and American soldiers met here first time to fight Nazi-Germany as allied forces.
We finish the day at Torgau's market place with its domestic architecture. The square houses a medieval pharmacy (1503) and Germany's oldest toy shop. (25 miles/40 km)
Day 7, Sunday
Although we cycle a long distance today, the flat and smooth cycle path makes it again very easy and joyful. In the afternoon we reach Wittenberg where Martin Luther in 1517 attached his theses about clerical reformation to the castle church's gate - a milestone in European history. (32 miles/50 km)
Day 8, Monday
Time to rest from our last days rides on a tour trough Wittenberg where we hear about Luther's reformation activities in the 16th century. For those who want more exercising we may organise a canoe tour at Elbe for the afternoon.
Day 9, Tuesday
Over 200 years ago Prince Leopold III created the Worlitz Garden Realm. Palaces, parks, avenues, dikes and sculptures nestle in the area so naturally that the countryside gives the impression of being a never ending park.
In the afternoon we reach Dessau. In the 1920's the Bauhaus architecture was developed here, renowned for the dictum 'form follows function'. (19 miles/30 km)
Day 10 & 11, Wednesday & Thursday
Our way to Magdeburg leads us through the Biosphere Reserve Middle Elbe. Expect to cycle through a tranquil and natural scenery. If fortunate, we will discover rare bird species, plants, amphibian and beavers too. (20 miles/32 km + 25 miles/40 km)
Day 12, Friday
Early in the morning we board our bus to Colditz Castle, which housed captured allied officers during WWII. Attempts to escape became a way of life here. In the afternoon we will visit Leipzig, famous for its trading activities and cosmopolitan people. Not only Goethe's Faust celebrated here at tavern Auerbachs Keller.
Day 13, Saturday
Looking back to 12 days of cycling, relaxing, sightseeing, … you head back home. As we hope, with many new impressions in your heart and lots of stories to tell.
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Tour dates 2008: 12th May – 24th May, 1st September – 13th September |
Pick up points: airports/railway stations in Dresden, Leipzig and Altenburg |
Services included:
- 12 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 station in Leipzig/Halle, Altenburg and Dresden
- daily luggage transportation
- 1-2 local, bilingual tour guides
- passenger van escort
- trekking bicycle with panniers
- guided tours in Dresden, Wittenberg, Leipzig, Colditz Castle and Meissen Porcelain Museum; all ferry boat fees
£ 1,110 p.p. (€ 1,590 p.p.)
single room supplement: £ 200 (€ 290)
'bring your own bike' discount: £ 45 (€ 65)
Quotes in US-$ on request
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