Art Nouveau from Dresden to Prague

Step into the golden age of artistic innovation, where elegant lines, intricate ornamentation, and the spirit of modernity transformed cities into living galleries. This eight-day cultural journey through Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz and Prague traces the evolution of Art Nouveau—known locally as Jugendstil and Secession—into a bold new aesthetic language.

From the garden villas of Dresden and the expressive façades of Leipzig to the rare treasures of Chemnitz and the grandeur of Prague’s Municipal House, uncover the artistic ideals that reshaped Central Europe. With expert guidance from Professor Anne Anderson, explore exquisite architecture, remarkable museums, and off-the-beaten-path gems.

ITINERARY 

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Berlin, then transfer to Dresden
Fly from London to Berlin and transfer to our hotel in Dresden. After settling in, enjoy a welcome drink followed by an engaging introductory lecture from Professor Anne Anderson: “Jugendstil/Secession: New Art for the Modern Age”. Dinner with wine is included this evening.

Day 2: Art Nouveau in Dresden
This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the Galerie Neue Meister, home to one of Germany’s most important collections of 19th and 20th-century art. After a break for lunch (own expense), Anne leads a walking tour through Dresden’s Art Nouveau quarter, taking in decorative façades, villas, and elegant streetscapes. We conclude with a guided visit to the twin-towered Christuskirche Strehlen. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant, with wine included.

Day 3: Day Trip to Leipzig
We begin with a guided tour of the striking Stadtbad Leipzig, an early 20th-century bathhouse rich in Jugendstil details. Our architectural tour continues with Anne, taking in the Krochhaus, Hansa Haus, and Specks Hof, before an internal visit to the café of the remarkable Riquethaus, where we enjoy coffee and a traditional Lerche pastry. After lunch (at leisure), visit the Grassi Museum of Applied Arts to see its celebrated exhibition From Art Nouveau to the Present, followed by a visit to the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations) for an optional climb to its observation deck.

Day 4: Day trip to Chemnitz
Today we visit Villa Esche, one of Germany’s finest examples of Jugendstil architecture. In the afternoon, explore the city’s vibrant modern art collections at Kunstsammlungen am Theaterplatz and the Museum Gunzenhauser, showcasing works by the Expressionists and New Objectivity artists. Anne’s evening lecture explores “Secession across the Austro-Hungarian Empire”.

Day 5: Hellerau and Transfer to Prague
We begin the day with a guided tour of Hellerau, Germany’s first garden city and a pioneering centre of early modern design (visit subject to confirmation). Alternatively, the Kunstgewerbemuseum Dresden will be visited. We then travel south to Prague, stopping for lunch (at own expense) en route or on arrival. This afternoon’s walking tour introduces the grand Art Nouveau buildings of Wenceslas Square and the riverfront Masaryk Embankment. After checking into our hotel, enjoy a welcome drink and Anne’s third lecture: “Prague: From the Secession to Modernism”. Dinner with wine included.

Day 6: Art Nouveau Masterpieces in Prague
Our day begins at the majestic Municipal House, a landmark of Czech Art Nouveau, followed by a (subject to availability) visit to the nearby Hotel Central. After lunch (at leisure), we explore the life and work of Prague’s most famous Art Nouveau artist at the Mucha Museum, and conclude at the dramatic Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, a symbol of early modern Czech religious architecture.

Day 7: Prague’s Modernist Villas
This morning we visit the Trade Fair Palace, home of the National Collection of Modern Art, and continue to the expressive Villa Bílek, residence of sculptor František Bílek. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the striking Villa Rothmayer, a rare gem of interwar domestic architecture

Day 8: Departure
Free time to explore Prague at your own pace before our group transfer to the airport and flight back to London.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Tour Grading: Please note this tour has been graded as moderate with lots of time spent on foot, and standing time for viewing attractions. Please visit the mobility page of our website for further information or call our team to discuss any mobility issues prior to booking.  

INCLUDED

• Flight from London Heathrow to Berlin, and returning from Prague to London Heathrow
• Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel, Dresden, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Embassy Hotel, Prague, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink and two dinners with wine
• Two lectures at the hotel
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees
• Anne Anderson and tour manager throughout
  
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - £350
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel, Dresden
Set on the banks of the River Elbe, this stylish 4-star hotel offers peaceful gardens, an indoor pool, and modern comforts in a historic building just a short walk from the Old Town.

Hotel Website

Embassy Hotel, Prague
A beautifully restored Neo-Renaissance building with Art Deco interiors, located close to the city centre. The Embassy offers characterful rooms, a bar, and easy access to Prague’s key landmarks.

Hotel Website