Lyon to Dresden train

Located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers in the central-west of France, Lyon is France's third-largest city, after Paris and Marseille. Lyon has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 2,000 years of history and its central role in the Renaissance. Vieux Lyon is the city's historic area, full of old buildings and a vibrant French atmosphere. Wander through the traboules, a unique architectural feature of the city; these secret passageways wind through Lyon's buildings and courtyards. Several guided tours will describe the many uses of these covered paths throughout Lyon's history: from shortcuts to the river for 4th-century residents to meeting places for 19th-century silk workers and the World War II French resistance.

Lyon is also famously hailed as the birthplace of cinema. To immerse yourself in film history, visit the Musée Cinéma et Miniature to explore old movie props, costumes, and even complete film sets from several iconic films. To experience a traditional French market, stop in Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. This indoor gourmet market offers only the finest local produce, the perfect place to sample the local cuisine.

Getting to Lyon is simple, and the lion's share of options are via ground travel. Eurolines bus services offer transport from many European cities into the Perrache train station, and many train services, including the TGV, also operate from the same station. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is only 25 km east of the city, providing both European and intercontinental flights.

Sometimes called the Florence of the North, Dresden is a magnificent city that is slowly recovering from its losses during the Second World War. As one of the most visited cities in Germany, Dresden is rich in culture and heritage; both are exemplified in the Frauenkirche, a reconstructed cathedral that serves both as the reminder of the horrors of wars and as a shining beacon of hope. If you are a fan of beautiful architectural works, don't miss out on Dresden Castle, a Baroque castle that has stood firmly and confidently for over 400 years. For fans of music and cultural activities in general, plan a special night out at the Semperoper, the premier opera house of the city.

Dresden's food scene is an eclectic mix of local specialties and international cuisines. For the best local dishes, check out Brühlscher Garten, in the heart of the Old Town quarter. Also worth visiting is Historisches Fischhaus, housed in a building dating back to the 16th century.

Bus and train service connect Dresden to other cities in Germany and the rest of Europe. If you're flying in, the Dresden airport is just a few miles from downtown.