Ride from the buzzy city of Berlin through Potsdam a Unesco Heritage Site, south through the Spreewald to Saxony and the historic city of Dresden. We’ve long been searching for a trip through Germany and combining the great cities of Berlin and Dresden is a natural.
Location
Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Day 1
Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany
Day 2+3
Schlepzig
15910 Schlepzig, Germany
Day 4
Burg
L513 3, 03096 Burg (Spreewald), Germany
Day 5
Dresden
Dresden, Germany
Day 6+7+8
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites, museums and guided walking tours
Detailed maps
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
Particulars
EVENT DATES
2023
May 9-16
Jun 6-13
Jun 13-20
Aug 29-Sep 5
Sep 6-13
Sep 14-21
2024
May 7-14
Jun 4-11
Jun 11-18
Aug 27-Sep 3
Sep 4-11
Sep 12-19
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
TRIP SIZE
4-16 participants
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights
ARRIVE / DEPART
Potsdam / Dresden
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate: See daily distance and elevation gains.
TERRAIN
Moderate
COST
Land Cost:
US $3,950 pp
Includes 7B/5L/6D
Single Supplement:
US $990
Bike Rental:
US $325
E-Bike Rental:
US $560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Getting There
Berlin is easily reached by air. Your trip finishes in Dresden and you can return to Berlin by train or fly out of Dresden.
1
Day 1
Berlin
Our trip starts from Berlin. Arrive by 4 pm and join a walking tour and then join a welcome reception and dinner.
2
Day 2
Potsdam
We depart from our hotel in Berlin and make our way to the Charlottenburg Palace and then into the former East Germany. Our cycling route will pass by by the famous Berlin Olympic Stadium built fro the 1936 Olympics, through Grunewald forest and Lake Wannsee. We will enjoy lunch near the famous Bridge of Spies, where captured spies were exchanged. Potsdam is a Unesco World Heritage town with lots to see.
Cycling distance: 50 km; 330 m gain
3
Day 3
Potsdam
Ride a loop through the Potsdam region, exploring lakeside cycling routes. Visit Schloss Sanssouci, with its extraordinary palaces and gardens of the former residence of Frederick II.
Cycling distance: 45 km; 260 m gain
4
Day 4
Schlepzig
This is your chance for a century ride (but if you wish to ride less, we can shuttle you half-way). The riding is flat to rolling passing a multitude of lakes and through market towns. Schlepzig is in a region called Spreewald and the resort we stay in here is set in the Spreewald Bioreserve.
Cycling distance: 48km; 315m gain or 100 km; 570 m gain
5
Day 5
Burg
Continue south through Spreewald region through Lubben and Lubbenau. You’ll have the chance to explore one of the quiet waterways by river punt and then in the village of Burg, known for thermal baths, enjoy some spa time. Dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in town or at your hotel.
Cycling Distance: 44 km; 160 m gain
6
Day 6
Dresden
There are several options today. If you want to ride all the way from Burg to Dresden, our route is 130 km and 750 m gain. You may wish to take a shuttle as far as Senftenberg riding the last 78 km, 500 m gain or shuttle to Theindor, riding the last 45 km. Our routes pass right by the famous Schloss Moritzburg castle which King Augustus used as a hunting lodge and for royal vacations. Spend the afternoon visiting the many sites of Dresden. We have arranged a private guide to take you for an afternoon tour at 4 pm.
Cycling distance: 45 km; 200 m gain or 78 km; 500 m gain; or 130 km; 750 m gain.
7
Day 7
Dresden
Today’s loop ride follows the Elbe River east to the Saxon capital at Meissen, famous for porcelain since the 1700’s. The charming village also boasts the Albrechtsburg Castle and a cathedral, the smallest in Europe and one of the best examples of pure Gothic architecture. Stop and taste wine at Schloss Wackerbarth and back in Dresden spend more time seeing the many sights. Our final night dinner will be at Watke Ball & Brauhaus, a lively 120 year old restaurant, ballroom and brewery on the banks of the Elbe River.
Cycling distance: 58 km; 300 m gain.
8
Day 8
Depart at your leisure
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Das Stue, Berlin
Set in a stately, 1930s neoclassical building on the edge of the Tiergarten park, this chic, upscale 5-star hotel is 13 minutes' walk from Zoo Berlin and 3 km from the Brandenburg Gate. Dining options include an acclaimed Mediterranean eatery and a chic bar with live music. There's also an indoor pool, a sauna and a spa
Hotel Bayrisches Haus, Potsdam
This Relais & Chateaux property was built in 1847 for the wife of King Frederick William IV and boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant. (pool, spa).
Spreewald Resort Sienerzeit, Schlepzig
Set in the Spreewald Bioreserve, this traditional country inn with a brewery dates from 1788. Rooms are bright and cozy and some are with balconies or terraces. There is a rustic restaurant and an atmospheric brewery. (spa)
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Bülow Palais, Dresden
This 5-star hotel is set in a modern building with an 18th century façade, there is a fine dining restaurant, a bistro and live music bar and atrium courtyard.* Alternate hotel is the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, below.
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, Dresden
Set in an 18th-century royal residence, amenities include a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant, a French bistro and a chic cafe, plus an old-world bar with oak paneling, and a hip restaurant made from steel and glass. There's also an indoor pool and a sauna, along with a gym and a wellness spa.
