Kiel- Gateway to the Baltic Sea
Northern Germany's historic and picturesque towns - many of them former Hanseatic cities - along with beach resports lined up like pearls on a string.
Northern Germany's historic and picturesque towns - many of them former Hanseatic cities - along with beach resports lined up like pearls on a string.
All along the German Baltic Coast you can find historic and picturesque towns and cities – many of them former Hanseatic cities – as well as beach resorts lined up like pearls on a string. There are pretty harbours, attractive light-houses, rugged cliffs and elegant promenades lined with restaurants. The Baltic is the youngest sea on earth, formed just 10,000 years ago – it has virtually no tides and the lack of movement means its waters are highly diluted by freshwater rivers, making it a rich wildlife environment. The city of Kiel is a hidden gem with a fascinating maritime history, restored architectural treasures, local culinary delights and a vibrant cultural scene – you will find the locals very warm and hospitable and keen to share the delights of their homeland.
ITINERARY
Saturday - Early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais, into the Netherlands with overnight stay at Nobis Hotel Asten. A Modern 4 star hotel with all expected facilities - bathroom, toiletries, hairdryer, tv, phone, tea tray, wifi. Lift to all floors and indoor pool. Evening dinner and breakfast included.
Sunday - Cross into Germany and head northwards past Bremen and Hamburg to Kiel on the Baltic Coast. The bags will be portered to your room and after settling in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Monday - This morning take an orientational coach tour of Kiel with a local guide who will show us the sights and tell us the stories. You will see the picturesque city centre with its medieval character including the preserved St Nicholas Church, the market square, remains of the monastery and old town hall. In the afternoon drive along the beautiful coastal landscape to the town of Laboe, located at the mouth of the Kiel Fjord. Dominating the town and unmistakable is the naval memorial tower - 85 metres tall - you will ride a lift to the top for fabulous views across the sea to Denmark. Directly in front of the tower is U995 - a preserved German U-boat sat on the beach, now a museum dedicated to the suffering and horror of World War 2. A stroll along the promenade takes you past the perfect sandy beach to the marina and fishing harbour where cafes sell traditional fresh fish dishes.
Tuesday - We visit the restored municipal fish hall in Kiel, a spectacular building built in 1910 - now restored as the Kiel Maritime Museum and briming with interest. Afterwards board a 2 hour harbour cruise and experience Kiel from the seaward side viewing the busy coming and going of cargo and passenger ships from around the world. In the afternoon drive to the famous Kiel Canal built in 1895,
at 61 miles long it links the North Sea to the Baltic and is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. From a dedicated viewing platform you can watch huge ships negotiate the massive locks that feed the canal. To finish the day we shall view the beautiful and historic Holtenau Lighthouse which overlooks the entrance to the canal on the Kiel Fjord - now a popular wedding venue.
Wednesday - A day excursion to the Free & Hanseatic City of Hamburg - Germanys largest port and one of only two city-states that retain something of their medieval independence. The old city is bounded by the harbour and the line of the old fortifications. The most attractive district is however the Speicherstadt where high brick warehouses tower over narrow canals crossed by multiple bridges - a UNESCO heritage site. There are boats cruises available around the harbour, a fascinating Portuguese Quarter, a street of half timbered houses and incredible Baroque churches. A Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour covers all the main sights with a commentary (1 hr 30 mins if you stay on).
Thursday - A day excursion to the Hanseatic city of Lubeck who's historic old centre is located on a densely built up island - it is Germany's most extensive UNESCO heritage site. Also known as the City of Seven Towers, it has the highest number of tall church towers worldwide. 80% of the old town retains it medieval appearance, despite the firestorm caused by RAF bombers during WW2, with historic buildings and narrow streets a joy to explore.
Friday - We head back through Northern Germany towards The Netherlands for overnight stay near Asten with dinner and breakfast.
Saturday - Drive through Belgium and stop for lunch in Dunkirk. On to Calais for channel crossing to Folkestone and so return to Dorset by that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Maritim Bellevue Hotel, Kiel
A modern 4 star hotel situated near the city centre while providing breathtaking views of the Kiel Fjord and Baltic Sea – it delivers a traditional Nordic ambience typical of the region. Classic bedrooms are spacious, bright and comfortable and equipped with private bathroom, free toiletries, hairdryer, fridge, safe, phone, television, and tea tray. They also provide a balcony and seating area, free wifi and are accessible by lifts. The Bellevue Restaurant provides a breakfast buffet which leaves nothing to be desired, and a wide selection of international dishes in the evening. If you love freshly tapped beer or a cocktail look no further than the Port Bar with its great view of the water. Guests have use of the indoor swimming pool and there is a sauna* and fitness area (*extra fee).
TOUR PRICE: £1159.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £260.00
Price Includes, All coach travel, 2 x overnight hotel Eindhoven, 5 nights hotel in Kiel, Half board meals, Return channel crossings, Porterage in Germany, Admission to Naval Memorial, Admission to U995 Museum, Kiel harbour cruise, Kiel Canal viewing platform, Kiel local guide.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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