The Culture of Cities - A Cultural Odyssey, 9-18 May 2011

For a report of the Tour, please see Cultural Odyssey Report

INSPIRATION

For too many people the twelve years 1933- 1945 still represent the sum total of their knowledge of and interest in Germany: they see a thousand years through the narrow lens of twelve - of less than 1%. It is as if the music of Bach, the muse of Goethe and the philosophy of Kant had never been. To such partiality is this Tour an antidote: despite the awful destruction wrought in World War II, the historic cities of the German Länder, in today's Federal Republic, remain the showcase of a great central European Culture to which its planners can only say: KOMM DOCH MIT!

OVERVIEW

Together with a number of practicing planners and well-informed historians, the Dresden Trust accordingly presents a selective but comprehensive tour of nine cities to provide an insight into one of the most important facets of German culture, namely its cities - their palaces and churches, their overall visual effect. Its central purpose is to show British visitors something of today's city culture and - against the deep perspective of time - the achievements, often fi ne if occasionally indifferent, of city and state authorities since the war. The hope is that learning and relaxation, culture and companionship will combine to produce a life-changing, indeed an unforgettable experience.

The journey begins in Frankfurt-on-Main, where the historic city - scene of the first all-German essay in representative government 1848/1849 - after first producing a mini Manhattan, is now seeking to recover something of its historic past. It continues through picturesque, if somewhat unevenly restored, Würzburg to Nuremberg where the ravages of war have given way to imaginative, historically appropriate rebuilding.

After a brief stop-over in Bamberg, one of Germany's loveliest and least war-damaged cities, it proceeds - via Coburg, the long time residence of Queen Victoria's youngest grandson - to the romantic medieval trading city of Erfurt. Through Weimar, the city of Goethe and Schiller, it moves on to Leipzig and thereafter to Dresden, the capital city of Saxony where an interesting combination of modernist and traditional rebuilding has risen from the ashes. At the fi nal, festive dinner, Professor Jurgen Paul, whose knowledge of all these cities and more is unmatched, will attempt to draw the threads together.

The tour concludes with a last morning of free time to take in memories of the city of Dresden prior to fl ying back with BA from Berlin Tegel to London Heathrow.

Late amendments to the programme may become necessary - though will be avoided to the greatest possible extent. If introduced they would in no way effect the overall plan and purpose of the Tour.

For a detailed itinerary, please see the Tour Brochure

Monday 9 May	Frankfurt-Am-Main
Tuesday 10 May	Frankfurt - Würzburg
Wednesday 11 May	Würzburg - Nuremeurg
Thursday 12 May	Nuremberg
Friday 13 May	Nuremberg - Bamberg - Coburg - Erfurt
Saturday 14 May	Erfurt and Weimar
Sunday 15 May	Leipzig - Dresden
Monday 16 May	Dresden
Tuesday 17 May	Dresden
Wednesday 18 May	Dresden - Berlin - London

DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS/ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TRAVEL

Travel by air will be with British Airways from London Heathrow to Frankfurt am Main and from Berlin Tegel airport to London Heathrow (should BA prices be altered a supplement might become payable). Within Germany fi rst-class coach travel will be provided by Firma Kreisel and others. All participants are advised to take out individual travel - and health - insurance.

ACCOMMODATION

This will be provided in 3 or 4 star hotels offering twin or double-bedded rooms. Single rooms can be provided for an additional extra charge of £140 - £250 - covering part of - or the whole of the Tour.

Breakfast and either luncheon or an evening meal is in all cases included - in effect half board: meals for which clients must themselves pay are marked with an asterisk (*).

GUIDANCE

A CMD representative will be available from Frankfurt to Erfurt and in Dresden. Qualifi ed and experienced historians, architects and city planners will provide informed commentary throughout. Frequent periods are allowed for private exploration and for relaxation.

LANGUAGES

Most sessions will be in English and for those in which the language will have to be German (these are marked **) translation facilities will be provided.

COST

Depending on the place of joining and the need - or not of hotel accommodation in Dresden the cost of the tour will vary between £1,000 and £1,350 (see Booking Form) plus a surcharge for any single room accommodation required. The price of the full tour includes flights, coaches, hotels (half board) tour guides and speakers, museums, the Altstadtforum in Frankfurt and similarly in Nuremberg and the Elbe cruise (Pillnitz-Dresden).

A 10% deposit is payable at the time of booking: in the event of cancellation on or before 18 February 2011 this will however be reimbursed. The full cost of the Tour must be paid on or before 9 March 2011 and the booking is thereafter non-returnable.

For a detailed itinerary, please see the Tour Brochure

For a report of the Tour, please see Cultural Odyssey Report