We depart St Pancras International to Brussels by Eurostar in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal and drinks served at our seats. On arrival in Brussels we change trains for a journey through Cologne (Standard Class) along Germany's high-speed line to Berlin (First Class). We spend three nights at the centrally located 4-star superior Maritim Hotel. (E,D)

This morning we enjoy a coach tour around the once-divided German capital, admiring impressive Imperial buildings and introducing the sights of the former East Berlin. You are then free to explore Berlin at your leisure. Within easy-reach of our hotel are the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Unter den Linden avenue, which leads past the State Opera House to the soaring TV tower and World Clock. Alternatively, you can stroll past the shops, bars and restaurants of Kurfürstendamm in the west of the city or pay a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to recall the poignant history of the Berlin Wall. (B)

A morning coach tour past the Wannsee Lakes brings us to Potsdam, a former imperial city with some magnificent examples of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. During the day we visit Frederick the Great's inspirational Sanssouci Park, which features acres of wonderful gardens and palaces. We also enjoy a visit to the park's grandiose New Palace before returning to Berlin. (B,D)

We leave Berlin for the relatively short journey by rail to Dresden, known as the 'Florence of the Elbe', and one of Germany's most beautiful cities. Here we spend three nights at the Maritim Hotel. On arrival, a guided walking tour introduces the city's famous sights including the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the rebuilt and reconsecrated Church of Our Lady. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a vintage steam train ride through the Saxony countryside to visit the exquisite Palace of Moritzburg, a former hunting castle of the Saxon royal family. Originally built in 1542, the castle was remodelled in the 1720s by a Saxon monarch named Augustus the Strong and sits in vast parkland containing several ponds which create a lake around the palace. (B)

Our coach excursion today is to Colditz, where we take a guided tour. Perched above the sleepy town is the castle and site of the infamous 'bad boys' camp, known for its role as a maximum security prisoner of war camp during the Second World War. A constant battle of wits between the Allied officers imprisoned there and the German guards resulted in more than 300 daring escape attempts. We visit the castle's museum, which includes a variety of escape devices. Visitors can also descend to the tunnel built by French prisoners. (B,D)

Bidding Dresden goodbye, we travel by train through a picturesque region of rocky gorges known as Saxon Switzerland. After travelling through the Bohemian countryside we reach Prague, the 'City of 100 Spires', where we spend three nights at the Mövenpick Hotel. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, beginning in the castle district above the city and visiting St Vitas' Cathedral. We then stroll down to Charles Bridge to marvel at Prague's wonderfully preserved Old Town, where our guide will introduce the atmospheric Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church. (B,D)

You are free to spend today exploring Prague at your leisure. Perhaps stroll along Charles Bridge to revisit the Old Town or discover Josefov, the Jewish District, or Wenceslas Square. (B)

Departing from Prague we take the train back into Germany heading for the city of Nuremberg in northern Bavaria. Here we spend our final night at the Maritim Hotel, situated a short walk from the Old Town. (B,D)

We journey back to Brussels, where we join the connecting Eurostar to St Pancras International. We enjoy a light meal and drinks before our arrival. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday