The Saxon cities of Dresden and Leipzig are renowned for their association with great musical figures from Bach to Strauss. Dresden offers seasonal performances of Rusalka and Faust, as well as traditional Christmas Mass and services in its historic churches. Charming Leipzig then hosts a Christmas Die Zauberflöte at its Opera house.


Fri 24 Dec Afternoon arrival at Dresden airport and check in at the Hilton Hotel, located in the centre of the city, just up the road from the Frauenkirche. Welcome dinner in the hotel.

Sat 25 Dec This morning you may choose to attend one of the Christmas morning church services in Dresden, at the Frauenkirche or the Kreuzkirche. Christmas lunch will be served at the hotel, after which the afternoon will be free to prepare for the evening performance at the Semperoper.

Sun 26 Dec Morning walking tour of Dresden, which has been stunningly rebuilt since 1945. Included in the route will be the world-renowned Semperoper, the Zwinger Palace, the Catholic Hofkirche, Dresden Castle and the Taschenberg Palais. During the tour we stop for a mulled wine at the stylish Grand Café and Restaurant Coselpalais. In the afternoon we visit the Panometer Dresden, a 360˚ panorama of the city created by Yadegar Asisi and inspired by Canaletto. From the viewing platform 12m above the ground, you appear to be standing on the tower of the Catholic Court Church in 1756, where you experience a marvellous view across the city from day into night. Evening performance at the Semperoper.

Mon 27 Dec Today we transfer by coach to Leipzig. On the way visit the historic Colditz Castle. Originally built 950 years ago, Colditz became notorious as a prisoner-of-war camp for troublesome Allied officers during World War II; its most famous inmate was Winston Churchill’s nephew. Lunch is included in a local restaurant before our arrival in Leipzig, where we check in at the 4-star deluxe Radisson Blu Hotel, located opposite the opera house. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Tue 28 Dec Join your guide for a walking tour of Leipzig, where we visit the Market Square with its Old City Hall, St Thomas’ Church and St Nicholas’ Church amongst many other sights. Afternoon at leisure. Evening performance at Leipzig Opera.

Wed 29 Dec Morning at leisure for last minute shopping and sightseeing. In the afternoon transfer to Dresden airport for your homeward flight.

Flights: British Airways

Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.