Cologne and Berlin
- 6 Days
- From £749
- Germany
- London to Cologne by Eurostar and German ICE
- Cologne: Gothic landmarks, Rhine cruises and joie de vivre
- Direct train from Cologne to Berlin
- Berlin: Architecture, history and a dynamic cultural vibe
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 5 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Travel to Brussels by Eurostar and then make an easy connection on to the Cologne bound ICE train service. Once you arrive in Cologne, make your way to the MGallery Mondial am Dom Hotel (or similar), within easy walking distance of both the station and the city’s famous gothic cathedral. You will have a 2-night stay here.
Settle in at your hotel and then head into Cologne’s Old Town area for an evening meal, perhaps at one of the city’s traditional beer halls.
You have a full day to discover the sights of Cologne. Apart from the landmark cathedral (which amongst other things is believed to house the remains of the Three Magi), you can also visit one of the city’s museums and galleries or perhaps enjoy a cruise along the River Rhine.
You might also like to take the cable way that stretches across the Rhine from Cologne Zoo to the Rheinpark and indulge in a spa treatment at the Claudius Therme baths.
Take a modern and comfortable InterCity Express (ICE) train from Cologne across the north of the country to the capital Berlin. Look out for the enormous Volkswagen factory as you pass through Wolfsburg, and then feel the speed as you join a high-speed section of track for the final sprint towards Berlin. This journey takes around four and a half hours.
On arrival at Berlin’s grand Hauptbahnhof (main station), make your way to the Mercure Hotel & Residenz Berlin Checkpoint Charlie (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Spend two days exploring Berlin’s best-known sights including the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, the Reichstag (German parliament), the Tiergarten park and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Why not take in the fascinating German History Museum, or the DDR Museum, which chronicles life in East Germany? In the evening, head for the many bars and restaurants around Hackescher Markt or the glamorous Kurfurstendamm, known as ‘the Champs Élysées of Berlin’.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel this morning before checking out and making your way back to the main station for your return journey to London, via Cologne and Brussels.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: If you would like to extend your holiday or simply break your journey back to London, why not make a stop in another German destination? Hannover, Erfurt and Fulda are all options with a direct rail connection to Berlin. Call us for details and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Berlin
This modern hotel is located in the heart of Berlin, within easy walking distance of Checkpoint Charlie and the Gedarmenmarkt. Spacious and comfortable bedrooms all feature soundproof windows, a minibar and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel’s restaurant and bar boasts an outdoor terrace.
Upgrade your accommodation
Cologne
Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Berlin
The Hotel Adlon was built in 1907 and has been famous for its luxurious accommodation and fantastic location next to the Brandenburg Gate ever since. The Adlon Kempinski boasts a Neo-Classical style indoor pool, a spa and an 800 sqm gym. There is also a two Michelin starred restaurant and a shopping arcade.
