An Active Adventure to Berlin, Dresden, Prague, and the Saxon Switzerland

Stare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.

The New Museum was opened in 1859 to relieve pressure on the over-crowded Old Museum. The three exhibition floors were decorated by leading Classical painters, with a focal point being a grand staircase winding up all three stories. Exhibits include the archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum of Pre- and Early History, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The 3300-year-old bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is the showstopper.

Climb 270 steps to the top of this massive 19th century cathedral for a unique panoramic view of the city.

Berlin Cathedral, nestled on Museum Island, epitomizes German neo-Renaissance grandeur with its striking dome. Built from 1894 to 1905 and restored post-World War II, its lavish interior, stained glass, and notable pipe organ draw visitors. Beyond a place of worship, it houses the former imperial ruling family's, the Hohenzollern, crypt, revealing the dynastic past of Germany.

Relive the past in one of the world's premier museums of archealogy and ancient art. You can step into enormous ancient structures, wholly reconstructed.

The museum is a jaw-dropping feast of classical sculpture and monumental architecture from Greece, Rome, Babylon and the Middle East divided into three parts. Highlights include the radiant-blue Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus and the Caliph's Palace of Mshatta.

Stare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.

The New Museum was opened in 1859 to relieve pressure on the over-crowded Old Museum. The three exhibition floors were decorated by leading Classical painters, with a focal point being a grand staircase winding up all three stories. Exhibits include the archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum of Pre- and Early History, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The 3300-year-old bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is the showstopper.

Journey by boat into an enchanting river gorge.

Located just over the Czech border in the so-called Bohemian Switzerland, the gorge is a sandstone canyon formed over 100 million years ago. Venturing within is like entering a fairy tale. You'll squeeze between narrow gaps in the cliff faces, beneath bizarre rock formations and stone pillars. Eventually the way becomes too wild and narrow even for a small boat, and you can continue exploring on foot.

See the largest stone archway in all of Europe.

The hundred-thousand-year-old sandstone rock formation in the Bohemian Switzerland cannot be crossed but can be visited up close. In fact, one of the best view points of the national park is located directly beneath the arch. As you navigate the trails leading to the archway, you'll enjoy many amazing panoramic views and observe the startling variety of rock formations which rise out of the mountain tops. 

Visit a colossal fortress perched on a clifftop overlooking the River Elbe.

Sitting atop a nearly 1000 feet tall (247m) sandstone table mountain, the Königstein Fortress began as castle in the early 1200’s. In the 1500’s the fortifications were expanded to make it impregnable. But just as no one could break-in, no one could break out, and thus the fortress was eventually transformed into a state prison, which held politically important prisoners until the early 1900s. You’ll have two ways of reaching the fortress. The easy way; taking the “Fortress Express” bus to the top, or the old-fashioned way; hiking to the top. 

Cross a bridge which soars across Europe's deepest river canyon.

The famous stone bridge "Bastei" is the must see in Saxon Switzerland. As you seek out the best photo spots, the sandstone towers and the Neurathen castle ruins will create an atmosphere of medieval fantasy. You'll gaze down at the river Elbe canyon and a surreally beautiful landscape.

Admire priceless treasures and gobsmacking architecture as you wander the corridors of this palace turned museum.

Flanked by statues of muscled warriors reflecting the might of Dresden's rulers, the Residenzschloss (or Royal Palace) is now a large museum complex housing Europe’s largest collection of treasures (the Green Vault) as well as imposing collections of coins, works on paper, weapons, and Ottoman art. Destroyed in WWII, it was not until 1985 that the communist regime finally began reconstruction and returned the famed Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault) to the palace. It's a regular Ali Baba's cave of priceless silver, gold, diamond, ivory and mother-of-pearl craftsmanship that is one of the most outstanding treasuries on the planet.

Tour one of Europe's most lavish opera houses.

Originally built in 1841, the hall was rebuilt by the original architect after a fire in 1869. Having been given a second chance, he did an even better job. Unfortunately, it had to rebuilt again after WWII, however it is now restored in all its glory, and with more modern stage equipment to boot. It's home to the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world’s oldest orchestras. It was also the venue of Wagner premieres for Tannhäuser, Rienzi and The Flying Dutchman, making the Semper a household name. You can admire the beauty of its reconstructed interior during an English speaking guided tour, which starts daily at 3pm. As there is only one daily English tour, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Take the elevator to peer into the breathtaking dome of Dresden's most beautiful and famous church, and to look out upon surrounding city.

This outstanding baroque Lutheran church was completely rebuilt after Germany’s reunification from the rubble that had deliberately been left on site as a reminder of the war. Go inside to admire its impressive interior or take an elevator to get an unforgettable view of the cupola, as well as the Old Town and the Elbe River. The church was built both as a symbol of Protestant self-assertion and Dresden's municipal wealth, and was so magnificent that it soon became a fixture on the European grand tour.

Visit the palatial Albertinum and experience an outstanding collection of 19th and 20th century art.

The palatial Albertinum is a museum housing works by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Edgar Degas, as well as a Sculpture Collection - the main hall is worth a look without even purchasing a ticket and viewing the artworks on display. The Galerie Neue Meister spans the genres from the Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich to Modernists like Otto Dix, whose triptych, War, is a searing indictment of his time in the trenches during WWI. 

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

See a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.

The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.

Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.

The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country. 

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

Discover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.

Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.

See the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe and also one of Prague's earliest Gothic buildings.

When built it was Prague’s newest synagogue, but over time became its oldest – hence the “Old-New”. A beautiful ark holds the Torah and legend says its attic is the hiding place of the legendary clay Golem.

Take an unforgettable visit to one of Europe's largest medieval Jewish cemeteries.

As the Jewish Ghetto was quite cramped, there was no room to expand the cemetery. Unable to acquire further land, and not wishing to dishonor ancestors through the demolition of existing graves, Prague's Jews buried their loved ones in multiple levels. Gravestones are packed in tightly and in some areas the burials reach 12 layers!

Discover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.

Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.