Accessible tours in Saxony

Start your Saxony trip in Dresden, often called "Florence on the Elbe" and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. On a guided tour through the historic city centre, you will see the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the Dresden Zwinger and the Royal Palace and learn how the old town once rose from the ruins of of World War II. Next, explore the treasures of the Dresden State Art Collections in the Royal Palace, Dresden Zwinger or the Albertinum.

To wrap up your day, cross the Augustus Bridge to Dresden‘s Neustadt neighbourhood. This baroque district was planned and built from scratch in the 18th century. Enjoy stunning views of Dresden‘s skyline across the Elbe River and check out the many independent arts and crafts shops and fashion boutiques. You could also pick and choose a restaurant where food is served in one of the neighbourhood‘s picturesque baroque courtyards.

It is impossible to explore Dresden in one day only. The capital of Saxony is unlike any other city in German as it stretches over 18 miles along the Elbe River. Many of the houses date back to before World War II, and contrary to what is often assumed, around two thirds of the buildings had not been destroyed. Some of the most beautiful houses can be found on the banks of the river and on the hills behind it. UNESCO once called this ensemble the "perfect harmony between architecture and nature".

A particularly nice way to discover the area is hopping on one of the historic paddle steamers and taking a trip from Dresden to Pillnitz and back to the city centre. On the way, enjoy the winding river and all the palaces, mansions, farmhouses, vineyards and meadows that pass by on the banks. Tip: Get off at Pillnitz to visit the former Chinese-style summer palace of the Saxon kings, complete with its beautiful parks and gardens.

On the third day of our Dresden itinerary, we explore some more of the city’s unique attractions, such as Panometer Dresden: This 19th century gas storage tank is now home to huge panoramic picture installations, e.g., showing Dresden's city centre in the baroque era or after the destruction of World War II in 1945. Take a look at what used to be the most unusual car factory in the world, the so-called "Transparent Factory", where Volkswagen manufactured electric cars.

The last stop of the day is the Military History Museum of the German Armed Forces. The spectacular building was designed by the renowned U.S. architect Daniel Libeskind. But not just the outside is special here. Unlike other military museums, this one focuses on the effects of war on people.

You will spend the first three days in Dresden (see above).

Moritzburg Castle, rebuilt splendidly from a hunting lodge, was used by the Saxon kings. The magnificent building of the castle itself is located on an artificial island in a small lake. Photography buffs love Moritzburg Castle for its almost perfect symmetry. The interior is known for its leather wall coverings and the “Feather Room“, which is decorated with millions of bird feathers.

Next, head to Meissen, Saxony’s oldest town and home to the famous Meissen State Porcelain Manufactory. We definitely recommend a guided tour to see the artistry behind the beautiful Meissen products! Further must-sees are the gothic cathedral and Albrechtsburg Palace, the oldest residential castle in Germany, high up on a hill above town.

As Meissen is right in the middle of Saxony’s wine region you should also take some time and try the local wines. Tip: Schloss Wackerbarth in nearby Radebeul is the region’s most famous wine growing estate, known for its sparkling wine which you can learn all about on a tour. Icing on the cake is a delicious meal in the on-site restaurant against the estate‘s charming baroque backdrop.

Today, you will get to know one of Europe’s most enchanting sceneries in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, featuring dramatic rock formations and table mountains. Your first stop: the Bastei rock formation, one of Germany‘s most popular sight. Next, how about lunch at the panorama restaurant here for spectacular views over the Elbe valley?

We then continue through charming little towns like Hohnstein and Bad Schandau, where you cross the river. You’ll be able to see your next destination, Königstein Fortress, from afar as it sits high above the river and is, in fact, Europe's highest fortress and has never been conquered. Get all the insights on a fortress tour and enjoy a stunning 360-degree view over the national park.

The day ends in Pirna, als known as the gateway to Saxon Switzerland. This charming small town still looks as it does in the paintings of the famous 18th-century artist Canaletto. We recommend visiting beautiful St. Mary's Church, followed by dinner in one of Pirna‘s historic restaurants.

In Dresden, Meissen and Saxon Switzerland (see above).

Leipzig, your next stop, is very different to Dresden. The city offers a diverse range of sights and, as Germany‘s oldest trade fair city, has always had close connections with the rest of the world. It is not surprising then that the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 which brought down the wall dividing Germany originated in Leipzig's St Niclas Church. Don’t miss this historic church with its unique interior design.

If there is one thing that makes Leipzig stand out, it is its unique musical history. Follow the Leipzig Music Trail (approx. 3 miles), which marks key spots such as the birthplace of Richard Wagner, the former homes of Mendelssohn and Schumann, the Grassi Museum with Leipzig University’s the Musical Instrument Museum, the Bach Museum and the composer's grave in St Thomas' Church.

Next, we recommend some shopping in the city’s beautiful historic arcades or its impressive main station which is also a sight in itself. Last but not least, Leipzig is home to one of the most famous restaurants worldwide: Enjoy a meal at the historic “Auerbachs Keller“, just like Luther and Goethe did centuries ago.

Görlitz on the Neisse River might well be called one of Germany’s most beautiful towns. In recent years, even Hollywood became aware of that and Oscar winning movies like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" have been shot here. A guided tour takes you to all the key film locations. At the same time, you will get unique insights into architectural history as a good 4000 buildings in Görlitz are listed. Cross the Neisse over the "Old Town Bridge" and you will enter Poland - the town of Zgorzelec is also worth a visit.

About halfway between Görlitz and Dresden lies the medieval town of Bautzen. The upper section of the town sits on a mighty granite rock and the lower one is down by the Spree River. Bautzen is a major hub of Sorbian culture and the best way to get to know the language and traditions of this local Slavic minority is to visit the Sorbian Museum or the "Wjelbik" restaurant. And don’t leave town without trying the special mustard that Bautzen is famous for.