Dresden-Elbland Highlights

DACH1818 Reunion Event

• Thursday, September 4: Individual arrival to Dresden
  
  Arrive at the hotel. Check-in after 3:00 pm.
  
  18:30h: Meet at a welcome buffet dinner at your Gewandhaus Hotel
• Friday, September 5: Dresden and Pillnitz Castle
  
  Start the day at 9:30h, with a guided walking tour through baroque Dresden (the guides will come to the hotel foyer).
  
  11:30h: Following the walking tour, you have two program options:
  
  Option 1: Explore Dresden on own account:
  
  11:30h: Visit one of the many museums, such as the New Green Vault and Historic Green Vault at the Residence Castle, the Albertinum, the Zwinger including the famous Old Masters Picture Gallery as well as the Sculpture Collection or Porcelain Collection. A list of museums and their addresses will be provided in advance. Enjoy lunch at one of restaurants
  
  17:00h: Experience the classical concert ‘Italian Dreams’ by the Dresden Residence Concerts in the Zwinger Wall Pavilion (please note: advance sign up will be required)
  
  Option 2: Boat Roundtrip on the Elbe River to Pillnitz Castle (the summer residence of Saxon Kings):
  
  11:30h: Your Guided Walking Tour takes you to the pier. The leisurely boat ride allows you to appreciate Dresden from the water. There will be a welcome drink, and the option to purchase lunch on board. 13:50h: Arrival in Pillnitz, guided tour through the ancient Pillnitz Schloss Park 16:10h: Return to Dresden by boat, arriving around 17:15h.
  
  Note: The boat arrives in Dresden at 1715 hrs, thus taking part in the "Italian Dreams" concert will not be possible.
  
  19:30h: All meet up for Dinner at Platzhirsch Restaurant for a light 2-course menu to round off the day.
• Saturday, September 6: Meissen and Bieberstein Castle
  
  You will visit the wine and porcelain city of Meissen, the ‘cradle of Saxony’, which goes back more than 1000 years, and features a magnificent Cathedral.
  
  Your Meissen visit will be followed by a 20km bus ride south, to Bieberstein Castle (www.schloss-bieberstein.de), where all will gather for the annual festive dinner, preceded by the DACH1818 Roundtable. Caio & Maritta Bieberstein Koch-Weser will be your hosts.
  
  Your schedule: 9:00h: Transfer to Meissen, by coach (the bus remains at your disposal all day)
  
  10:00h: Visit Europe’s oldest Porcelain Manufactory
  
  12:00h: half-hour Organ Concert at Meissen Cathedral
  
  12:30h: a light Lunch at Domkeller Meissen (the oldest restaurant in town, founded around 1470)
  
  14:00h: Guided walking tour through the historic center of Meissen
  
  15:30h: Bus transfer to Bieberstein Castle (as you get there, take a breath and prepare for the evening). If you wish to change clothes after the excursion to Meissen, you can do so at Bieberstein Castle.
  
  17:00h: The DACH1818 Roundtable
  
  18:30h onwards: annual festive dinner, with a display of regional musical talent, enjoyable food & Saxon wine, and interesting guest speakers.
  
  21:30h: Return to Gewandhaus Hotel by coach
• Sunday, September 7: Individual departure
  
  Individual departure from Dresden. Check-out by 12:00h noon.