Dresden, the Florence of the Elbe, sets the stage for a magical winter adventure. With its Baroque splendor and rich cultural heritage, the city invites you to explore iconic landmarks like the Frauenkirche, the Dresden Zwinger, and the Semperoper, each a masterpiece of art and history. Wander through the Striezelmarkt, one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, where handcrafted treasures and festive treats capture the season’s spirit. From Dresden, the enchantment continues into the Czech Republic. At Castle Melnik, ancient walls and storied wine cellars provide a warm welcome, inviting you to taste history with every sip. Next, Chateau Mcely offers an elegant retreat where castle charm meets spa serenity, and hands-on workshops turn your memories into lasting keepsakes. Prague, the city of a hundred spires, cobbled streets, and grand architecture, leads you through a tale of history and holiday wonder. Explore the festive Christmas markets, savor mulled wine and traditional treats, and enjoy magical evenings with classical concerts at the Lobkowicz Palace and scenic walks across Charles Bridge. Let the beauty of the season and the spirit of this journey fill you with warmth, wonder, and holiday joy, making this winter adventure truly unforgettable.
Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.
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The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe is a refined 4-star hotel nestled in the heart of Dresden, Germany, at the iconic Neumarkt square. With its prime location, the hotel offers stunning views of the historic Frauenkirche, one of Dresden's most famous landmarks.
Chateau Mcely, located in the picturesque village of Mcely, Czech Republic, is a 17th-century Baroque chateau that has been meticulously restored to blend historic charm with modern luxury. Originally built as a hunting lodge, it later served as the country residence for various aristocratic families. The chateau fell into disrepair during the 20th century but was revitalized and transformed into a 5-star, eco-friendly hotel.
Hotel BoHo Prague is a sophisticated 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of the capital of the Czech Republic. Just steps from Old Town Square, the hotel offers easy access to many of the city's renowned attractions, including the Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge.
Rachel is a dynamic professional with a diverse background as a tour facilitator, international development expert, and filmmaker. Her passion for exploring different cultures and histories unites these roles, as she strives to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse ways of life.
Originally from England, Rachel has called Spain home for the past decade. Her adventurous spirit shines through her impressive achievements, including summiting Kilimanjaro three times, mastering camel riding, and embarking on solo travels across South America—before even learning Spanish!
From Baroque Beauty to Bohemian Charm
In the heart of Central Europe, Germany and Czechia blend natural beauty with history. Our first stop in Dresden, poised along the Elbe River, showcases Baroque elegance against Saxony’s gentle hills.
Nearby Meissen is situated amid vineyards, renowned for its exquisite porcelain artistry. Crossing into Czechia, Bohemia’s rolling forests lead us to Prague, where medieval streets and castle views along the Vltava capture winter’s quiet magic.
Wine tasting and exclusive access to the Golden Hall at Chateau Mcely
All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner
All transportation during the trip (expect where indicated)
Accomodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels
Workshop at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
One holistic massage at Chateau Mcely
A small group experience
Expert guides and trip leaders
Departure airport transfer
Guided walking tour of Dresden
Entry to Castle Melnik
Guided tour of Old Town Prague
Visit to the Mucha Museum
Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what's offered at meals
Travel and medical insurance (required)
All personal souvenirs
Roundtrip international airfare
Arrival airport transfer
The trip officially starts on the afternoon of December 7th. If you'd like some time to relax in Dresden, you can purchase an Arrive One Day Early option in the Add-on section on our website.
You should fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) in Germany at the start of the journey. For your return, you’ll fly out from Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) in the Czech Republic.
Typically, the weather is 30°F-40°F (0°C-5°C) in both places around the holiday season. So bring some warm clothes!
We will have a Zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.
Presently, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Germany or the Czech Republic for tourism stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.
We require that everyone traveling with Girls' Guide be able to comfortably walk 3–5 miles per day unassisted, and without difficulty, can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience.
Additionally, some of the 4 and 5-star boutique or historic hotels we stay in do not have elevators and may require climbing stairs to get to your room or access other facilities in the hotel.