Cycling the River Elbe, Wittenberg to Dresden

Day 1, Sunday: Transfer to Wittenberg, heart of the Reformation

Arrival at an airport or railway station nearby and transfer to our hotel in Wittenberg. Here, in 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 theses against indulgences on the Castle Church's door, sparking the beginning of the Reformation. For us, it marks the point where we will begin cycling tomorrow.
To pass your first afternoon, why not take a look inside the House of History, where GDR room furnishings are on display, or walk past the medieval houses between the central market and the Castle Church.

Day 2, Monday: Marvellous Worlitz Garden Realm

Our first day of cycling leads us to the Worlitz Garden Realm. It is one of continental Europe’s largest English parks. Peaceful nature and noble edifices form a harmonic union here. After enjoying the scenery and a picnic, we cross the Elbe and return to Wittenberg on the other side. A guided tour through the old town concludes the day. (26 miles/42 km, picnic included)

Day 3, Tuesday: Renaissance architecture in Torgau

Another stress-free cycle ride on quiet cycle paths will bring us to Torgau today. The town is considered to be one of Germany's most beautiful Renaissance towns, as many buildings from the era are still standing. (41 miles/65 km, picnic included)
Despite the high mileage today, a gentle tailwind will ease you along nicely. As with most of this tour, we cycle with the wind - up the river.

Day 4, Wednesday: Torgau city tour & an old saga

We will start this day with a guided walk around Torgau, learning about the ‘impossible’ staircase at Hartenfels Castle and, of course, the meeting of U.S. and Soviet forces in April 1945.
Before midday, we will be back on our bicycles following the Elbe as it continues to meander through peaceful countryside. In Belgern we will pass by a 19-foot ‘Roland’ statue, perhaps watching as people bite into the statue’s toe. There is an old legend that orders certain people to do this. Do you dare learn the truth? (30 miles/49 km, picnic included)

Day 5, Thursday: Royal Meissen porcelain & Saxon wine

Although today’s cycle leg in the morning is rather short, the afternoon will be packed with things to do in Meissen: We will start with a guided walk through Meissen’s well-preserved old town, taking us up to Albrechtsburg castle high above the city.
Here, in 1708 August the Strong, the Elector of Saxony, ordered an alchemist to produce porcelain. As a result, the first European china was created, with a manufactory later being set up inside the castle. This manufactory has moved elsewhere in the meantime, but it still produces renowned luxury goods made of porcelain. You will have the option to visit a demonstration workshop and the masters’ exhibition. If you aren’t into china, then the castle, the cathedral and the local wine producers can’t wait to be discovered. (21 miles/33 km, picnic included)

Day 6, Friday: Cycling from Saxon Switzerland to Pillnitz Palace to Dresden

After a transfer to Saxon Switzerland National Park, you will savour the view across the park’s striking scenery. Bizarre rock formations impressed painters and writers long before the first tourists set foot in the area.
From here we will now be cycling down the river. On our way to Dresden we pass Pillnitz Palace. Its garden is home to a camellia tree which, when in bloom, has more than 35,000 blossoms. (21 miles/34 km, picnic included)

Day 7, Saturday: Transfer to your airport/train station of departure

Although it is at the end of the tour, Dresden – with its rich baroque architecture, numerous museums and vibrant cultural scene – is easily a holiday destination in itself. If you do decide to extend your stay here, make sure you visit the reconstructed Church of Our Lady, the Semper Opera and the Zwinger palace.