Ride from the buzzy city of Berlin through Potsdam, south through the Spreewald to Saxony and the historic city of Dresden. We’ve long been searching for a trip through Germany and combining the great cities of Berlin and Dresden is a natural. Whether you stay in the luxurious hotels such as Hotel Bayrisches Haus and Hotel Zur Bleiche Resort & Spa or our Classic hotel choices including Vienna House QF in Dresden, we think you’ll love the accommodation choice and excellent dining that this region provides.
Location
Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Day 1+2
Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany
Day 3+4
Schlepzig
Schlepzig, Germany
Day 5
Burg
Burg, Germany
Day 6+7
Dresden
Dresden, Germany
Day 8+9+10
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
9 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 2 dinners
Luggage transfers
Use of a high quality performance hybrid or road bike and accessories
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Can start any day between April 1 and October 31
Custom trips also available
Custom trips also available
TOTAL DAYS
10 days / 9 nights with 7 days of cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Berlin / Dresden
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
40-60 km (25-37 miles) daily
TERRAIN
Moderate
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $3,375
Single Supplement: US $850
Luxe Accommodation: US $4,125
Single Supplement: US $1,030
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Getting There
The 10 day tour begins from Berlin and finishes in Dresden.
1
Day 1
Berlin
Bismarck and Marx, Einstein and Hitler, JFK and Bowie, they’ve all shaped – and been shaped by – Berlin, whose richly textured history confronts you at every turn. This is a city that staged a revolution, was headquartered by Nazis, bombed to bits, divided in two and finally reunited – and that was just in the 20th century! Walk along remnants of the Berlin Wall, marvel at the splendour of a Prussian palace, visit Checkpoint Charlie. Berlin is like an endlessly fascinating 3D textbook where the past is very much present wherever you go. Lonely Planet Enjoy one of the many amazing restaurants in Berlin, all a short stroll from your hotel.
2
Day 2
Berlin
You have the full day to explore Berlin and we will arrange a 1/2 walking tour with a local guide for you to discover its secrets. We will meet you at your hotel for bike fit at 6 pm so you are set to ride next day.
3
Day 3
Potsdam
Ride from the heart of Berlin (bike lanes are a convenient way to exit the city) stopping at the Charlottenburg Palace and then stop to view the famous Berlin Olympic Stadium built for the 1936 Olympics. Before long you will be riding through the Grunewald forest and across the Havel River where you can stop and admire the Schloss Cecilienhof where Churchill, Truman and Stalin met to decide the fate of post-war Germany in 1945. Arrive to Potsdam, the Unesco World Heritage town and relax at your hotel.
Cycling distance: 52km; 345 m gain
4
Day 4
Potsdam
Ride a loop through the Potsdam region, exploring lakeside cycling routes. Visit Schloss Sanssouci, with its extraordinary palaces and gardens of the former residence of Frederick II.
Cycling distance: 45 km; 260 m gain
5
Day 5
Schlepzig
This is your chance for a century ride (but if you wish to ride less, we can shuttle you half-way). The riding is flat to rolling passing a multitude of lakes and through market towns. Schlepzig is in a region called Spreewald and the resort we stay in here is set in the Spreewald Bioreserve.
Cycling distance: 48km; 315m gain or 100 km; 570 m gain
6
Day 6
Burg
Continue south through Spreewald region through Lubben and Lubbenau. You’ll have the chance to explore one of the quiet waterways by river punt and then in the village of Burg, known for thermal baths, enjoy some spa time. Dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in town or at your hotel.
Cycling Distance: 44 km; 160 m gain
7
Day 7
Burg
Ride a loop through the Spreewald region on popular bike routes along canals and through forest. We have two routes for you to choose between. Or you can relax at your hotel spa and take a day off.
Cycling distance: 60 km; 170 m gain or 66 km; 200 m gain.
8
Day 8
Dresden
There are several options today. If you want to ride all the way from Burg to Dresden, our route is 130 km and 750 m gain. You may wish to take a shuttle as far as Senftenberg riding the last 78 km, 500 m gain or shuttle to Theindor, riding the last 45 km. Our routes pass right by the famous Schloss Moritzburg castle which King Augustus used as a hunting lodge and for royal vacations. Spend the afternoon visiting the many sites of Dresden. We have arranged a private guide to take you for an afternoon tour at 4 pm.
Cycling distance: 45 km; 200 m gain or 78 km; 500 m gain; or 130 km; 750 m gain.
9
Day 9
Dresden
We’ve planned your last day to be a cycling loop along the Elbe River and then some wine tasting near Radebeul. A longer loop can visit the city of Meissen with its porcelain makers. For your final night in Dresden, we provide you with lots of restaurant recommendations. Options include Lila Sosse, in an artist-decorated complex called the Kunsthofpassage a turquois building that plays water music through its drains or at Lesage, a fine restaurant in Volkswagon’s Transparent Factory where Phaeton sedans are assembled by hand.
Cycling distance: 60 km; 415 m gain.
10
Day 10
Depart at your leisure
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Hotel Q, Berlin
A trendy design hotel off the main retail street Kurfürstendamm. Contemporary rooms and suites with mod furnishings, lively member's only bar, top of the range spa, and a Thai restaurant.
Hotel Villa Monte Vino, Potsdam
A 19th-century tower set high above Potsdam and boasting epic city views. Individually styled rooms feature traditional chintz fabrics, large sash windows and antique furniture. An atmospheric gentleman's bar is the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the city. A charming stay. Alt: Remise Blumberg
Spreewald Resort Seinerzeit, Schlepzig (Luxe)
Set in the Spreewald Bioreserve, this traditional country inn with a brewery dates from 1788. Rooms are bright and cozy and some are with balconies or terraces. There is a rustic restaurant and an atmospheric brewery. (spa)
Spree Balance Kur & Wellness House, Burg
This spa hotel in a timber-framed building with modern additions has a charming international restaurant with a terrace and a bar and floor to ceiling windows, plus a spa.
Vienna House QF, Dresden
This boutique hotel hits all the marks: Great location, in the heart of the baroque old town, right next to the famous Frauenkirche church. Warm hospitality and a great Bellini bar and fine restaurant on site.
Luxe
Das Stue, Berlin
Set in a stately, 1930s neoclassical building on the edge of the Tiergarten park, this chic, upscale 5-star hotel is 13 minutes' walk from Zoo Berlin and 3 km from the Brandenburg Gate. Dining options include an acclaimed Mediterranean eatery and a chic bar with live music. There's also an indoor pool, a sauna and a spa
Hotel Bayrisches Haus, Potsdam
This Relais & Chateaux property was built in 1847 for the wife of King Frederick William IV and boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant. (pool, spa).
Spreewald Resort Seinerzeit, Schlepzig
Set in the Spreewald Bioreserve, this traditional country inn with a brewery dates from 1788. Rooms are bright and cozy and some are with balconies or terraces. There is a rustic restaurant and an atmospheric brewery. (spa)
Bleiche Resort & Spa, Burg
Zur Bleiche Resort and Spa is a five star hotel that is located in Burg. In more than ten years the "Bleiche" has grown into an estate covering a total area of 11 hectares. The resort is mostly specialised in spa relaxation.
Bulow Palais R&C, Desden
This 5- star hotel is set in a modern building with an 18th century façade, there is a fine dining restaurant, a bistro and live music bar and atrium courtyard. (Relais & Chateaux member). * Alternate hotel is the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, below.
Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, Dresden
Set in an 18th-century royal residence, amenities include a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant, a French bistro and a chic cafe, plus an old-world bar with oak paneling, and a hip restaurant made from steel and glass. There's also an indoor pool and a sauna, along with a gym and a wellness spa.
