Travelzoo: Dresden & Northern Germany

From £849 per person // 8 days
Take in some of Germany's most famous river cities on this 7-night holiday, featuring stops in Frankfurt, Dresden & Düsseldorf, with the opportunity to enjoy day trips to Saxon Switzerland and historic Cologne.

Travelzoo: Dresden & Northern Germany

From £849 per person // 8 days
  • 8
  • £ £849
The Essentials
  • Travel on a Saturday from London
  • EXCLUSIVE Travelzoo Holiday
  • Enjoy stays in Frankfurt am Main, Dresden and Düsseldorf
  • Take the train to Saxon Switzerland from Dresden
  • Choose a day trip to Cologne or Wuppertal, with its famous suspension railway
Tailor make your holiday
  • Decide when you would like to travel
  • Adapt the route to suit your plans
  • Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
  • Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
What's included
  • FREE rail connections from your local station (on the same day as your outbound journey)
  • All rail journeys, with a FREE UPGRADE to first class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 7 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Independent day trips to Saxon Switzerland and Cologne or Wuppertal
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

 

PLEASE NOTE: This holiday is only available for Friday departures between 19 December, 2025 and 27 March, 2026

Suggested Itinerary

Travelzoo: Dresden & Northern Germany
DAY 1 - YOUR LOCAL STATION TO FRANKFURT

Board a late-morning Eurostar from London to Brussels, where you change onto a connecting German ICE train within the same station, crossing into Germany and delivering you into Frankfurt in time for dinner. Check in to the Avani Frankfurt City for a 2-night stay.

DAY 2 - FRANKFURT

Spend a full day exploring Frankfurt’s blend of historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers. A great place to start is in the Römerberg, a lovely square bordered by the Römer building complex which has been home to the city’s administrators since the 15th century.

You might like to visit the nearby Frankfurt Cathedral before strolling to the banks of the Main river. Enjoy panoramic views from the 56-storey Main Tower, then browse upscale shops and cafés on the Zeil Boulevard area before dinner in the lovely New Old Town.

DAY 3 - FRANKFURT TO DRESDEN

A direct ICE service from Frankfurt to Dresden takes about 4 hours 20 minutes, offering a smooth and efficient journey on a sleek, modern train. Large windows frame changing landscapes, while the quiet, well-designed carriages ensure a comfortable ride.

Arrive mid-afternoon into Dresden and check in for a 3-night stay at the NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt (or similar)

DAYS 4 & 5 - DRESDEN & SAXON SWITZERLAND

Enjoy a full day discovering Dresden’s remarkable architecture. Explore the restored Frauenkirche and wander through the Neumarkt before visiting the Zwinger Palace with its celebrated collections. Stroll along the Brühl’s Terrace for views of the Elbe, then visit the Royal Palace museums. Later, cross to the Neustadt for cafés, galleries, and a relaxed riverside walk to round off the day.

On your second day, you can take a day trip by train into the scenic Elbe Valley. Known as Saxon Switzerland, the area is a striking landscape of sandstone cliffs, deep forests, and winding river views. If you like, you can even cross the border into the Czech Republic, visiting the small town of Hřensko.

DAY 6 - DRESDEN TO DUSSELDORF

Your journey today from Dresden to Düsseldorf begins with a comfortable RailJet service to Berlin, arriving at the city’s main station. An hour’s pause allows time to navigate the station, pick up refreshments, or simply observe the station’s impressive glass architecture. Continue with a direct ICE service for the 4-hour journey west, arriving smoothly into Düsseldorf’ in time for dinner.

Your accommodation here is at the Carathotel Düsseldorf City (or similar).

DAY 7 - DUSSELDORF

Spend the day exploring Düsseldorf’s elegant riverside setting. Wander the Altstadt’s historic lanes, visit the Rhine embankment promenade, and browse the boutiques of Königsallee. Art lovers can stop at the Kunstpalast or K20. Alternatively, take a short rail trip to Cologne to admire the celebrated Dom cathedral, or travel to Wuppertal to experience the distinctive Schwebebahn hanging railway before returning to Düsseldorf for a relaxed evening.

DAY 8 - DUSSELDORF TO YOUR UK STATION

Board a morning ICE train direct to Amsterdam. You have time for a wander around the local canals nearby, and even a light lunch, before heading back to Centraal station. Catch a direct Eurostar back to London, and onwards to your home station that same evening.

Typical hotels on this itinerary

Travelzoo: Dresden & Northern Germany
Frankfurt
Avani Frankfurt City

Located in the centre of Frankfurt, the Avani Frankfurt City offers easy access to the city’s main attractions. All bedrooms are furnished in a contemporary style with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, a choice of pillows and a Nespresso coffee maker with capsules. There is also a restaurant with an international menu, a lobby bar and a spa area with a steam bath, sauna and gym.

 

 

Dresden
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt

This 4-star hotel lies on the Altmarkt Square in Dresden’s Old Town, offering modern air-conditioned rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a gym with a roof terrace.  The bright and spacious rooms feature classic décor with dark wood interiors and floors. All rooms also feature hypoallergenic bedding and wooden flooring.

Düsseldorf
carathotel Düsseldorf City

The carathotel Düsseldorf City is situated in the centre of Düsseldorf, within easy walking distance of the famous Königsallee shopping street. Bedrooms are air-conditioned with a private bathroom, desk, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi internet access. Guests can also enjoy a coffee at the on site café or a work out at the nearby John Reed fitness studio. The hotel has a 24-hour reception desk.

 

 

Upgrade your accommodation

Travelzoo: Dresden & Northern Germany
Frankfurt
Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof

Established in 1876, Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof is conveniently situated in the financial district of Frankfurt, close to the main station. The bedrooms are furnished in an elegant style with flat-screen TV, air-conditioning and luxury toiletries. There are a choice of restaurants on-site as well as a bar where you can enjoy afternoon tea or an evening drink and an indulgent spa.

Dresden
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Bülow Palais

Located in Dresden’s Baroque district, this elegant hotel offers spacious accommodation and luxurious facilities. Guests can enjoy fresh fruit and daily newspapers served to their rooms, which come with all the facilities you would expect from a 5* hotel. There is also a choice of restaurants along with a bar area and cigar lounge. The modern spa area includes a gym and three saunas, which overlook the rooftops of the city.

 

 

From £849 Enquire Now
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From £849 per person

Friday Departures 29 December, 2025 – 27 March 2026

These prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements will apply for sole occupancy. It is based on First Class rail travel and includes seat reservations as necessary. It is based on the best fares on the trains. If you travel during a peak period, particularly at short notice, then supplements may apply.

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