SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel from London to Berlin by train

Begin your rail holiday by travelling from London to Brussels by Eurostar, on an early morning departure.

With a change of trains in Brussels, continue to Berlin, changing once more in Cologne. You will arrive in Berlin just after 7 pm and check in to your hotel for three nights.

Days 2 & 3: In Berlin

You have two days to explore Berlin at your leisure. Berlin has a fascinating history stretching back hundreds of years, although it is really for its more recent history that it is best known. Berlin has been at the epicentre of two World Wars and the Cold War in the course of the 20th century, and is now the capital of a reunited Germany. Its rich history means that there is a vast amount to discover.

Major attractions include the Reichstag, the German Parliament which was built in the 19th century and destroyed in 1933, and the Brandenburg Gate which was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. This magnificent city gate is located at the head of the long Unter den Linden boulevard, named after the rows of linden trees planted almost 400 years ago. Another important cultural place of interest is Museum Island, where 5 museums are located. These include the Pergamon Museum which houses 3 separate collections; the Museum of Antiquities (from Greece and Rome); the Museum of Near Eastern Antiquities; the Museum of Islamic Art and the Neues Museum which hosts Egyptian and prehistoric items.

Apart from all the museums that the city has to offer, Berlin is also home to one of the oldest zoos in Germany, situated in Tiergarten Park. Why not take a stroll by the Landwehr Canal, which is seven miles in length and will take you through many of the cities sights including Kreuzberg’s café-lined embankments and part of Tiergarten Park. Berlin is a very large city and covers an area of just under 900 square kms.

Day 4: Berlin to Dresden by train

After 3 nights in Berlin, you take a direct train to Dresden where you arrive in under 2 hours. You will stay in Dresden for two nights.

Day 5: In Dresden

Spend your time in Dresden exploring the many palaces and historical buildings that the city has to offer. Dresden has a prominent creative scene and is often hailed as the most attractive city in Germany.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Frauenkirche and Neumarkt Square is a must. The Frauenkirche was rebuilt after World War Two and has become a symbol of reconciliation. A fine example of well preserved Renaissance architecture is the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace) situated in the historic town centre. Semper Opera House is also visually stunning and is the main venue for Dresden’s Saxon State Orchestra.

Another architectural gem is the Zwinger Palace. This palace is built in the Baroque style like the Palace of Versailles and combines magnificent architecture, sculpture and paintings. Dresden is known for its porcelain and a national collection can be found in the palace.

Day 6: Dresden to Munich by train

Today you travel from Dresden to Munich.

After breakfast, board a train from Dresden that will reach Munich 5 hours later, with an easy change of trains in Halle. You will stay in Munich for two nights.

Day: 7 In Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is situated within sight of the Alps. It is an elegant, beautiful and affluent German city with well preserved historic buildings, palaces, gardens, imposing monuments and churches.

At the heart of the city is the Marienplatz, home to the old and new Town Halls (you can watch the famous Glockenspiel). Nearby is the Viktualienmarkt and the Frauenkirche, as well as the Michaelskirche which is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.

From the centre the city fans out into boulevards, parks, gardens and imposing museums, including the famous Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek. The Residenz palace is a feast of architectural styles combining Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classicism. There are 130 rooms filled with rich furniture, paintings and tapestries. The English Garden is one of the largest urban gardens in the world and offers restaurants, a teahouse and beer gardens.

Further afield you find Baroque palaces such as Nymphenburg, BMW headquarters and the Olympic Park from 1972. Munich is also home to popular cultural festivals including the Oktoberfest and Fasching. If you want to venture out of Munich, why not take a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (reachable by train in approximately 2 hours).

Day 8: Munich to Cologne by train

After breakfast in Munich, a direct train will take you to Cologne in just over 4 hours. Stay in Cologne for two nights.

Day 9: In Cologne

You have a full day to explore Cologne at your leisure. Cologne is an important cultural and economic city, straddling the River Rhine. Dating from Roman times, it was also a thriving centre in the Middle Ages - from Charlemagne onwards.

The landmark of the city is the Gothic Cathedral dating from 1248 and housing the Shrine of the Three Kings. Nearby are remnants of the city’s medieval past, with the Rathaus dating from the 12th century and reconstructed houses in the Old Town. The Roman-Germanic Museum is located near the cathedral and explains the history of the city, from Palaeolithic times until the Middle Ages. It contains precious articles in gold, glass and other treasures.

Cologne is home to numerous museums and galleries, as well as being an important musical centre, with several orchestras. It produces its own beer and is famous for its ‘Eau de Cologne’ perfume. It celebrates a joyful carnival each year before Lent, where everyone wears red and white striped shirts. Cologne is also renowned for its wonderful Christmas markets.

Day 10: Cologne to London by train

Depart from Cologne just before lunch time and travel to Brussels, where you change trains. Check in for your Eurostar train in Brussels, which will take you back to London, arriving in the evening.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes second class rail travel, with supplement for first class and standard premier on Eurostar of about £460 per person.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.