Excursions on the Oder and the Baltic Sea

Departing from Melnik, you will take a day trip to Dresden, "the Florence of the Elbe" (driving time ~2h). Full-day excursion to Dresden, a fantastic city known as the “Florence of the Elbe.” A relatively recent city with Slavic origin, Dresden became the capital of the Margravate of Meissen in the 13th century and the seat of the Dukes of Saxony in the 15th century. Dresden offers a wide variety of attractions, including magnificent promenades on the bank of the Elbe, fascinating museums, monuments, and charming details. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, join us for a guided tour of the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Saxon Dukes and Electors and the Kings of Saxony. Today, we can revel in the splendor of its architecture and its collections, including the historic Green Vault, which contains the largest collection of treasures in Europe. Transfer back to Prague (driving time ~2h)

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Guided tour of Lübeck. Known as the “Queen of the Hanseatic League,” Lübeck was founded in 1143 by Adolf II, Count of Schauenburg and Holstein. UNESCO lists the city as a World Heritage Site because of its aristocratic homes and numerous red-brick Gothic monuments. Founded on the banks of the Trave River, the historic center is home to a unique collection of monuments from different eras—namely the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. We’ll discover the Holsten Gate leading to the old city center, Lübeck’s most well-known landmark and a symbol of the power once possessed by this former Hanseatic city; St. Mary’s Church, an absolute Gothic gem; and the castle monastery. We’ll wrap up our excursion by visiting a tea room where we’ll enjoy some delicious marzipan, a local specialty.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Join us for an excursion to Konopiste Castle. Located in an idyllic setting, this 13th-century fortress—entirely renovated in the 18th century—was the Habsburg's hunting lodge. In addition to its sumptuously decorated apartments, the castle is home to an impressive collection of medieval weapons and armor that once belonged to Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The castle was his last abode prior to his assassination in Sarajevo in 1914.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.